September 2008 • Volume 8, Issue 106

Get Happy With It!www.peoplespressnews.com

By the People . . . For the People Serving Central Connecticut

Blue Hills Orchard in Bloom - Watercolor by Peg Robison

I took a wonderful picture early one morning a couple of weeks ago and entitled it Promise of a glorious day. The sun was starting to come up behindthe clouds and I had to run quickly to get the camera to capture this true kodak moment. Eileen Hunter

The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra!

Young musicians,e-mail to audition today!

meridenartstrust@yahoo.com

Wallingford Flower& Gift Shoppe

190 Center Street. 203.265.1514

My Buddy, Lazan By George Arndt

When my brother was four years old, I was an adventurous young lad of seven years.He would always be in my way…tagging along wherever I would go, and pestering meto let him do what I was doing. Dad had named him Edward Lazan, but we just calledhim Lazan. And then one day, just before he turned five, he was adopted by a couplefrom Ohio. I was able to visit with him only once, shortly after he left our home.

Silently, the years slowly tiptoed by. And then, in 1982 after 32 years, I was able towrap my arms around my brother, hug him, shake his hand, and say, "Boy, it's been a long time since I last saw you." Yeah, what else is there to say at a timelike that.

Over the past 26 years he has come to my house for a visit…numerous times, indeed.

We've done a lot of things together over the years, gone to various places, visited rela-tives and friends…many a good times, for sure. When he visited me this past July, we paid a visit to our favorite seafood restau-rant…aaaah, that's the ticket.

When we got back to my house, while I was in the process of parking the car, hetook hold of the sun visor and tried to re-position it the way it had been…then, SNAP. Ithought I heard a wary voice say, "Ooops" He just sat there holding that sun visor in hishand looking at me, and with a sigh he said, "I'm sorry."

For an instant, a blink of an eye, I went back through time to the day he was wavinggoodbye, and whispering, "I'm sorry, but I have to go away for awhile." I just lookedover at him sitting there holding that doggone old sun visor, and with a smile said, "Hey, you're my brother…I forgive you."

Page 2 September 2008

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Events taking place at the YMCA Open House: * Ronald McDonald Show- “Get up and get movingShow”* Sand Art* Many Family Games* Fishing and more!PLUS a Drawing for a free year family membership. Sign up for amembership from September 1-13th & receive no joiner’s fee.

Events taking place at Family Day located at Doolittle Park

* Big Daddy Racing* Inflatable Games

* Fantasy Faces by Ruth* Storytelling and games sponsored by the Wallingford Public Library* Educational Information by the Conservation Commission and Wlfd. Land and Trust.* Amber Alert by Wallingford Rotary* Emergency Vehicles* Curious Creatures* Family Games* D.J. Music by Jock in the Box Entertainment* Live Music by the Blue Agaves and more!

Page 3 September 2008

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The deadline for our Oct. issueis Sept. 27th for all Stories,Events, Photos and MORE!

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To Advertise in The People’s Press call 203.235.9333.Summer Traditions and TransitionsBy Eileen Cahill HortonLooking back over the past 21 years of being a parent, I can't help but reflect on the differences between past summersand the present.

Time changes so much, yet some things remain the same. Planning for summer vacation used to involve schedulingtime for friends and family for bar-b-ques, going to fairs, trips to the beach or neighborhood waffle ball games in thebackyard. The summer seemed like endless days of swimming, hiking, biking, basketball, camps, ice cream and yes,trips to the library to stock up on books to while away the inevitable rainy days. How wonderful it seemed.

I thought these days of togetherness would last forever, but then came the pre-teen years when I found myself dri-ving the children to their friends' houses for pool parties and actually dropping them off and leaving them there! Afterthe initial fears of something terrible happening to them subsided, (yes, I was that Mom who had to meet the supervis-ing adult and make sure they knew the kids allergies and emergency numbers), my thoughts started turning to thefuture and the changes in attitudes that I knew were around the corner. This "free time" wasn't very liberating as therewas always more scheduling to do since the kids were becoming more independent as the summers passed.

When they became teenagers, I loved watching their social skills develop as they became more involved with othersand less with me. It was exciting and rewarding to watch them use the lessons I taught them in their dealings with oth-ers. After surviving driving lessons and the driver's tests, my pride in their abilities was equal to the realization thatanother momentous change was occurring. Now I had young adults who were not real keen about staying home andbaking cookies with their mom. There was a big world outside of the backyard that they needed to explore.

Although much less time was spent together as a family, it became very important to stay connected as proms andgraduations too precedent. We shared some extremely exciting and happy moments through those years. The joy ofwatching your children develop into responsible and caring adults was a new and enlightening experience for me.

Although our time together is very limited now due to jobs and social obligations, the spirit of fun and love is stillwith us. Our family has grown over the years to include many of the childrens' friends who are just like family, soninstead of empty nest summers, there are more activities involving everyone. This summer has seen my youngestmove to her own apartment and my son become the "man" of the house.

Yes, many things have changed, but I just received a text message from one of the children that said, "I love youMom and I love our family". What more can I say? Life is still great!

Simple tips to conserve energyMike Gannon

Most people are trying to save a little energy these days, both for the good of the planet and for their wallets.Here are a few simple tips, though they may take a little courage in spots:(1) Ask at your coffee shop, if you don't brew your own, and especially if it's locally run, if you can leave a mug thereand save a paper cup a day from that. One coffee shop lets me do this.(2) Ask yourself, or your friend or son-in-law, if it's possible to use the drive-up as little as possible. Certainly peoplewith small children in the car, and certainly in really inclement weather, it makes sense. On most days, and with mostpeople, however, it could save a lot in the long run if we got out of our cars and got our coffee and/or breakfast orcashed check done inside. I see lots of one- person cars idling in the line daily at McDonald's, and it's painful to see,especially if there are ten or eleven cars that are waiting. In a month or year, just this one habit can effect a lot of gaso-line saved.(3) Check at home to see that lights get turned off when rooms are not being used. It didn't used to make a big differ-ence, but with electric bills climbing….(4) Speaking of electric bills, Wallingford now has a way for residents to support something other than wealthy middle-easterners with their energy dollars. We can contact the Electric division and indicate a willingness to pay just a littlemore and encourage the development of alternative energy sources, such as wind or solar. (It doesn't have to be a bigsacrifice, but it can be important.)(5) This one takes courage. Once in a while at the YMCA, when I am cleaning up after a workout, I see someone whois still letting the water run at full bore while shaving. When I'm up to it, I try to kiddingly jog the person into realizingthat it's pretty wasteful to do this. Almost every time the person realizes that he doesn't need to use as much water asthis to get the job done.Good luck and thanks for reading this.

AN INVITATION TO ARTISANS, CRAFT PEOPLE AND SCULPTORSFOR CELEBRATE WALLINGFORD 2008Wallingford Center, Inc. is inviting artists to participate in Celebrate Wallingford 2008 which will take place the week-end of October 4th and 5th. The 22nd annual street festival will be located at Fishbein Park and surrounding neighbor-hood in downtown Wallingford. Celebrate Wallingford 2008 applicants will be juried by a select group of professionalartisans to provide the public with the finest and highest quality art and crafts. For information and applications callWallingford Center, Inc, 203-284-1807 or by email wallingfordcenter@sbcglobal.net.

Page 4 September 2008

What is the Meriden Early Childhood Blueprint?VisionAll children will come to school ready, willing and able to succeed.

MissionThe Meriden Blueprint creates a comprehensive plan to promote learning for our young children and families. TheBlueprint engages our diverse community to build upon our current strengths to improve health, safety and learn-ing from children from birth to eight years old.

How did the Blueprint start in Meriden, and who is involved?A team of Meriden parents and community leaders was convened in January 2008 by Meriden Children First andthe Meriden School Readiness Council with support from a grant from the Governor's Early Childhood Cabinetand the Graustein Memorial Fund. Meriden's Blueprint Leadership Work Group is representative of the majorinstitutions, parents and others who live and work in our community and share an interest to improve the lives ofyoung children.

Why is this project important?Did you know that more than 50 babies will be born in Meriden over the next month? They will join more than7,000 other young Meriden children, infant to eight years of age. What does the future hold for them? And are weas a community ready for them?

How is the Blueprint work being done?We have identified three areas of interest, including Family Involvement and Economic Success, Early ChildhoodEducation, and Health.

The leadership Work Group and consultants have been collecting information to better understand what is affect-ing families in Meriden and how our early childhood system works. Some of the work performed:* Analyzed existing needs, including updating the 2007 well-being report by Children First.* Collected available information in all four areas from a variety of Federal, State and local sources.* Made an inventory of Meriden early childhood services in the three areas, including a fiscal scan to determine resources devoted to early childhood.* Interviewed hundreds of stakeholders to gain additional perspectives, including results of focus groups and sur-veys.

What's Next?With input from a May 29th community meeting attended by more than 70 people, the Leadership Work Groupwill work over the summer to write a plan of action.

The final Blueprint will be unveiled at an Early Childhood Summit planned for Wednesday, September 24th at 6pmat John Barry Elementary school. Local and state elected leaders will be asked to endorse the Blueprint and towork with the community to make early childhood priorities come to life. If you would like more informationabout this project of would like to become more involved, visit www.meridenchildrenfirst.org or contact David atMeriden Children First, 203.630.3566 or email dwradcliffe@juno.com.

PROGRAMS GALORE AND MORE @ WPL!Wallingford Public Library has had quite a summer! The July circulation figureswere up 33% from last year and all records were broken on July 7th when over1800 people visited the library. We hope everyone was able to participate in oneof our summer reading programs and a safe and happy summer was enjoyed byall.

Leaving summer behind won't be too hard once you explore the manySeptember happenings at the library. First of all, Saturdays are back! Our newFall hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Go online and check out our newly designed website:http://www.wallingford.lioninc.org/. You will still be able to search our catalogand find some great links from this site. In addition, link to the calendar of eventsand keep current on all our events.

And speaking of events, September is chocked full of great programs. Our children's department will continue its popular Mother Goose programs,

Itty Bitty Babies, preschool and bilingual drop-in storytimes in addition to somespecial programming. Call the Children's Library at 284-6418 for more informa-tion.

After a Rock and Roll summer, the Teen Department is going full steamahead with more special events and regularly scheduled programs. The ever pop-ular Ninteno Wii will continue to be featured in a Guitar Hero Tournament onSeptember 10th. Like graphic novels? Try our Anime Night: Ranna ½ on the16th. The library's Teen Club and Mother Daughter Book Group will be back onthe schedule too. Call the library and ask Jen Nash, Wallingford Public Library'stop teen librarian for more information.

Adults too will find September to be an exciting time at the library. Our fea-tured author on September 18th is a special appearance by Sichan Siv, formerUnited States Ambassador to the United Nations and author of the recently pub-lished, Golden Bones: An Extraordinary Journey from Hell in Cambodia to aNew Life in America. Mr. Siv's memoir is a moving account of his life inCambodia and his daring escape from the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge to arefugee camp in Thailand. From Thailand Mr. Siv came to Wallingford, CT wherehe was welcomed by a local family. A truly inspiring story of hard work, hope,and perseverance; Mr. Siv will share his life experiences and discuss his newbook. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the conclusionof his presentation.

Here at the library we know that sometimes we need help to become inspiredand the flux of our lives may seem out of balance. Sound familiar? Many peopleare turning to a "life coach" to help them through life's transitions. Curious aboutwhat that means? What is a life coach anyway? Come to our "What is a LifeCoach and Do I Need One?" program on September 11 at 7:00 p.m. and meetKaren Caplan, MSW, CEC. Ms. Kaplan will define and explore ways to achievethe ultimate goal of a balanced life lived in alignment with one's deepest values,and with a powerful sense of clarity, purpose, and fulfillment.

A popular topic that warrants programming is healthy living and fortunatelythe library has been able to establish a partnership with Masonicare to once againbring the ever popular "Lunch and Learn" series back to the library. In addition,MidState Medical Center has offered to participate with the library and offerevening programs on select health topics. Watch for more information on both!

Not just back to school, the month of September is in the throes of HurricaneSeason and the library has renowned meteorologist, Art Horn coming to presentHurricane: the ultimate storm. Join us on September 25th at 6:30 p.m. and findout why these storms happen; is climate change affecting their frequency andpower? Don't miss out on this informative and enlightening program.

The library is a great place to explore new ideas and learn new things.Whether it's learning how to use computers or how to program computers, land-scape your backyard or build a new home, the library offers an array of materialsand programs to assist you in your quest for knowledge. Come and visit us, weare your information network and we are eager to serve you! All library pro-grams are free and open to the public. Due to space constraints, some programsmay require advance registration, please contact the library at 203-265-6754 formore information.

CITY OF MERIDEN EVENTSMERIDEN ELKS SOCCER SHOOTThe Meriden Elks Lodge #35 will present the local Meriden "Soccer Shoot" onSunday, September 7th at Baldwin Pond Park. Registration for this free eventgets underway at 12:00PM with the competition to follow at 12:30PM. Boys &girls ages 13 & under are invited to test their ability in such soccer skills as kick-ing, dribbling, & throwing. All participants will receive shirts & refreshments.Dribbling & throwing winners will receive medals, and goal shooting winnerswill get trophies and the right to participate in the district championship. PUNT, PASS, & KICK COMPETITIONBoys & girls ages 8-15 are invited to test their football skills at the local Meridencompetition of the 2008 NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass, & Kick Program. This free eventwill be held at Falcon Field on Monday, September 15th. Registration/warm-upswill be from 5:00-5:15PM with the competition to begin at 5:15PM. Entrantsmust wear sneakers and have a parent/guardian complete a waiver form to be eli-gible for advancement. All participants will receive certificates and winners willqualify for the state championship in October. WASHINGTON PARK JUNIOR DRUM CORPSThe Washington Park Junior Drum Corps is looking for new members ages 10 &older. No experience is necessary and instruments are provided. There are open-ings for fifes, bells, trumpets, baritones, color guard, and drums. Members learnto play an instrument, read music, march in parades, and take part in competi-tions. Meetings are at John Barry School on Wednesday nights from 6:30-9:00PM during the school year and at the SMVFD during the summer. Allrecruits, experienced or not, are welcome. Stop in Wednesday night or call 294-1430. MERIDEN SKATEPARKThe Meriden Skatepark, located on the corner of Coe Avenue & Hamilton Street,has the following hours of operation(weather permitting):

School Days 2:00PM-DuskNon-School Days 11:00AM-Dusk

CASTLE CRAIGThe vehicle access road to Castle Craig is open daily from 10:00AM-4:45PM,weather permitting, through October 31st. The entrance to the road is locatedunder the eastern Interstate 691 overpass in Hubbard Park.

If people are coming to work excited . . . if they're making mistakes freely andfearlessly . . . if they're having fun . . . if they're concentrating doing things,rather than preparing reports and going to meetings - then somewhere you haveleaders. - Robert Townsend

We know nothing about motivation. All we can do is write books about it.

Page 5 September 2008

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What I did this Summer…Kimberley Linstruth-BeckomI have been doing editing work on a book that is due out some time later this year or early next, called "The Guardiansof the Dragons". It is a fantasy novel that is written by Vincent Brock, a new and upcoming author who lives here inConnecticut. He has been writing fantasy for a little over fifteen years now and is looking forward to publishing hisfirst novel. I have a bit about Vincent's book on my blog (myspace) and will eventually post an interview with theauthor on there as well. All details can be found on my website. www.kimberleylinstruth-beckom.com

What did I do this summer - and what is The Miracle Place?By Ernie Larsen

When I saw this question I thought well, you know, the usual stuff, planted a garden, hosted a party for my son'swedding rehearsal, and the next day witnessed my son exchange vows with a wonderful woman; had the upstairs bath-room remodeled, went for cataract removal surgery, visited friends on the Cape, traveled to the Connecticut shore tovisit my daughter and her family at their rental cottage, went out to dinner a few times, did some shopping at the outletsand company stores, read a few novels, not as many as my wife…..I reckon the usual stuff. Pretty much things you dowhen the weather gets warm every year, well except for the wedding, which was a couple of years in the planning; theother stuff could happen anytime.

I got to thinking and while talking with my brother and other friends, started recollecting what we, as children, didduring the summer. The number one thing I remember growing up is we PLAYED OUTSIDE!

Then I saw an article in AARP magazine about what was done by children Then & Now - Here are a few compar-isons:THEN - eating wild berries in the woods - NOW - eating lunchables on a play dateTHEN - climbing trees - NOW - allergy testsTHEN - stickball/Wiffle ball - NOW - XboxTHEN - 'be home by dark' - NOW - 'answer you cell phone when I call'THEN - summer camp - NOW - fat campTHEN - skinned knees - NOW - carpal tunnelTHEN - jumping on a trampoline - NOW what's a trampoline?

Gets you thinking, right? I see a lot of kids around the city park where my office is located, playing basketball, anda variation of a baseball game on the tennis courts and just plain old riding bikes, skateboarding and hanging around.Also, I know that many parents today, unlike when I was growing up, are both employed outside of the home making itnecessary for them, pretty much, to plan their children's summer activities. Well, for the most part that is, there of plen-ty of kids, I'm sure, who are left to their own devices and that is another story. It starts in April or so, parents calling theParks Department office asking about summer activities, camps, programs and I'm sure when they finish with us they'reon the horn to the Boy's and Girl's Club, the YMCA etc. It's got to be tough for some people in this day and age tomake sure their children are involved in activities that are worthwhile and offer a safe environment. Not that I'm onefor rigid planning, our children went to the Y camp, Girl Scout camp, but for the most part hung around with the neigh-bor children. Sort of like what my wife and I did during our summers in the 'hood'.

Seeing the boys and girls in the park everyday is what jogged my memory, or what's left of it, into retro mode, whatDID we do during summer school vacation? Well, for one, bicycles were involved and we rode everywhere, even to theWest side of town, uncharted territory for us from the mysterious East, Atkins Street/Converse Avenue/Baldwin pondarea. One particular summer what tickled our interest in the West side and took up a good part of our school vacation,was our neighbor, Mrs. Steele. She owned the house next door and her grandson was one of our buddies, he playedhockey with us at Baldwin's pond in the winter but lived further over East and used to come and visit his grandmotherand us on Atkins Street, he was a couple of years older, but still enough of a kid to hang around with us. Anyway,we found out from him that his grandmother was being taken over West to pray at a spot where the blessed VirginMary had (allegedly) appeared, or it could have been Jesus, not sure of that, but whomever it was, it called for a trip onthe old Columbia's. Now these bikes were not very sophisticated, one-speed, with a New Departure coaster brake. So,off we went, not really sure of the route but somehow we got to 'upper' Coe Avenue to the spot we now dubbed "TheMiracle Place". Back in those days, we had no helmets, water bottles, cell phones, IPods, PDA's and for the most partwent out in the morning and had to be home for dinner. Lunch was pretty much an option, but it seemed we werealways around the house at lunchtime; it really was an informal check in before we went out for the rest of the day, sowe never really missed a meal. Getting back to the Miracle Place, it kept us busy during that summer vacation, some-times we rode over every day, then two or three times a week, once a week and then the fascination vanished. I remem-ber a couple of years after it was 'discovered' we trekked over and lo and behold, The Miracle Place was moved acrossthe street. A developer had started to build apartments on the corner of Coe Avenue and Centennial to house the bur-geoning population of the 'SilverCity'. Someone told us they gra-ciously agreed to relocate what someconsidered hallowed ground acrossthe road. It's still there now, as amatter of fact there are two sites andthe house adjacent, I've been told, isowned by a religious group. Justtravel up Coe Avenue, crossCentennial at the light and look tothe left after the first couple of hous-es directly across from the apart-ments. You'll often see people therepraying, I guess it's still a MiraclePlace to some.

During our numerous visits to thearea, we never saw anything but acouple of big rocks - no apparitions,sightings, revelations except the timeJan U. got light headed and stomachsick smoking a cigar he nicked fromhis father. All in all, The MiraclePlace provided us with a summer'sworth of activity. And best of all,nobody got hurt!

Nowadays, kids are less apt tohave adventures and stuff to do aswe did - values and interests now areso complex - some children reallydon't know how to make their ownfun, it's sad but a sign of the times -of course - some children have morefreedom and are more street wisethan others, but the world as it istoday with some of the 'wackaoo-dles' on the loose you can't be toocareful. However, I'm glad that thisquestion was put forward, it gave mea chance to recollect and share somepast history of our unique City withthe readers, hope it jogs people'smemories back to their youth, Iknow it did for me.

Striving for excellence motivatesyou; striving for perfection is

demoralizing. - Harriet Braiker

Certified Life Coach, Karen Caplan PresentsWho Needs a Life Coach? at Wallingford Public LibraryThursday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m., the Wallingford Public Library will

present a program by certified life coach, Karen Caplan, MSW, CEC, on whata life coach does and what a life coach might do for you. With over 20 yearsexperience as a psychotherapist, Karen currently specializes in coaching indi-viduals who are in transition, either by choice or circumstance. Life coachingprovides individuals with the tools to identify their individual potential andmake the necessary changes in their lives to achieve that potential. "The ulti-mate goal is a balanced life lived in alignment with one's deepest values, anda powerful sense of clarity, purpose and fulfillment," says Caplan when askedto sum up her focus in providing life coaching services. During the course ofher hour long program, Caplan will address issues that inhibit personalgrowth and present alternative ways of thinking to encourage positive change.

Please join us in the Collins Meeting Room for this free program.Seating is limited, reserve your seat today. Please contact the library at 265-6754 to make your reservation.

They build too low who build beneath the skies

Page 6 September 2008

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AT THE HEART OF IT ALL!!What a fitting title for this article! The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center (ACCC) is in the heart of so many and is locat-ed in the heart of Meriden. We are known as the heart of the Community with so many that utilize our space andattend our events. The ACCC is here for everyone to enjoy and to share. Throughout the years many programs,exhibits, and events have attracted thousands to the Center, have you been one of them and if not, why? We want yourinput and suggestions for programming and events. Let us know what you would like to see and what you would liketo attend. Since the ACCC began we have been able to finish our lower level by painting, tiling the floor, installingarts/crafts sink & cabinets, and installing a catering kitchen. We have also installed a wireless microphone & PAspeaker system with radio/CD player. Now that the Center has three completed levels for use we would like to finduses for them all. The lower level has a community room, arts & crafts room, and catering kitchen. The main levelhas a glass floor, marble fireplaces, and coatroom. The beautiful Rotunda is our upstairs room that has a stage andcapacity for about 80 to 90 theater style. Outside improvements include the new Rosa Ponselle Garden & performancestage. All these improvements have been made to enhance the ability to do more events and to be able to make theCenter more marketable. Did you know you can have your own special event at the Center? The ACCC is availablefor rentals as well as the garden area. In order to be able to continue to provide artistic and cultural programming at lit-tle or no charge we rent the Center. All proceeds go back into the running of the Center and our programs and events.We have hosted many weddings, receptions, fundraisers, business meetings , holiday parties, family parties and manymore over the last 8 years and are hoping to continue hosting those types of events in the future. The Center is fundedprimarily by rentals, memberships, fundraisers, grants, and donations. This fall we are going out to area businesses toask for their support in sponsoring programs at the Center. If anyone has a business or knows of a business that wouldlike to sponsor something at the Center, let us know. Partnerships are important to the success of the Cultural Centerand this summer we have forged a wonderful new collaboration with the Hartt School Guitar and 20/20 departments inHartford. The school is a part of the University of Hartford and is Conncecticut's Julliard. There are 5 performancesscheduled to take place between October and April. We are bringing the best of the best musical students to the City ofMeriden and hope that you all will come and enjoy. Don't forget that we will only be as good as our community makesus. Are you a member, would you like to be? The ACCC sponsors groups such at the Augusta Curtis Concert Band,The Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, and The Summer Youth Musical Theater Camp just to name a fewThe Center is here for all, right in the Heart of Meriden. The website is a great way to keep up with what is going on"At the Augusta" so check it out at www.curtisculturalcenter.org or give us a call at 203-639-2856. Anyone wanting toinstruct classes, join a committee, use the Center give us a call we need groups or individuals with their hearts in thearts!!

Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town Golden "K"of Meriden againpresents its' semi-annual PANCAKE BREAKFAST.This will be held at the First Baptist Church, 460 Broad Street, Meriden on Saturday, September 20th from 7 to 10am.The menu includes pancakes with maple syrup, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, biscuits and croissants with butterand jam - juice, coffee, and tea. Cooked and served by the members of Golden "K", it has become famous for the deli-cious home-made cuisine. Also featured is a silent auction raffle with many beautiful and useful prizes. This is theirmajor fund raising effort of the season in their mission to support and donate to local charities. The tickets are $7 perperson - call a member to purchase and make a reservation.The club meets for lunch at Sans Souci Restaurant every Wednesday throughout the year, with an educational andenjoyable speaker invited from the community. Composed of 28 members, mostly seniors, all of whom loyally support

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the club and its' objectives with energy and enthusiasm. Their activities rangefrom community volunteering, to supporting children's scholarship andcampership.The Tri-Town Golden "K" Club is a member of Kiwanis International.Guiding the club this season are the following officers (plus an active Boardof Directors):Joanne Leahy, PresidentJean King, First Vice PresidentTom Freeman, Second Vice PresidentAnne Schaefer, TreasurerDorothy Carter, Recording Secretary

MAYOR'S CORNER WALLINGFORDDear Friends:Ah, September is upon us with shorter days and cooler nights. "Good sleeping"weather is a term often heard. Much better than the heat of August. It does begina debate which has occupied a place in conversation for probably thousands ofyears.

Two travelers became embroiled in a debate at a small inn. According to writtenaccounts, one fellow, late at night, loudly proclaimed that it was better to sleep withthe window open because fresh air did wonders for your health. The other fellowwas just as obstinate that the night air was cool and would make a person sick. Theargument was accompanied by the noise of window opening and closing. Otherguests did not appreciate the subject of the debate, the decibel level in which it wasexpressed, or the banging of the window in its frame. The inn keeper had to askthe two fellows to quiet down at midnight, and three more times after that. Yes,even John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were caught up in the good sleepingweather debate. September is here. Is everybody in good voice? Let the debate begin!Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

MAYOR'S CORNER MERIDENIt's hard to believe that summer has almost passed us by and fall is upon us. What abusy summer in Meriden - grand openings of the One Stop Employment Center onWest Main St., the official opening of the Season's Credit Union in the newly devel-oped "green" center on East Main St, two events at the grassy Hub site -Neighborhood Block Party and the Health Fair. This year's National Night Outevent at City Park under the direction of Lt. Sal Nesci and NeighborhoodAssociation President Dave Swedock was a record breaking success pulling togeth-er community residents, the Meriden police department, faith communities andlocal civic organizations to promote and celebrate safe streets and neighborhoods.

We are finally making progress on Colony Street with the long overdue demoli-tion of the Wilcox building to make room for much needed downtown parking andsome promising plans for 19 Colony St. which has been an eyesore for over adecade.

I will be continuing the Mayor's Forum on Government Channel 14. This broad-cast will highlight and showcase individuals and organizations that have made a

positive contribution to the Meriden community. We will be taping the "Mayor's Mic" twice a month and the showswill air just before the City Council Meetings on Channel 14. As part of the "Mayor's Mic", we will also featureMeriden city officials who will report on timely and interesting city initiatives, activities and events happening inMeriden.

We expect a busy fall as our city plan of conservation and development will receive a thorough review by the publicand council committees. This plan will chart the future land use of Meriden.

The new Falcon Field complex will officially open on Wednesday September 10th. The first game at this new state-of-art facility is a Maloney High School game on September 11th and Platt High School will play their first game ofthe season on Friday September 12th. More upcoming events include a dedication and unveiling ceremony for thenew street signs honoring Albert Owens. This event will be held in the Library parking lot on September 12 at 5p.m.I am looking forward to honoring a man who spent a lifetime of unselfish devotion to better the lives of others. I hopeto see you there.

This year's Back to School Expo was an enormous success this year. Over 1100 book bags were distributed toElementary and Middle School students. Thank you to Beat the Street, the Meriden Wallingford NAACP, the MeridenRotary Club, and everyone who made this event possible. Without your help many of our children would not have theopportunity to begin the school year outfitted with a new book-bag filled with school supplies.

And finally, please remember "Safety First" as school opens the week of August 25 in Meriden. Parents, grandpar-ents, and caregivers, please talk to your children about safety especially when walking and biking to school as well asschool bus safety. Meriden is fortunate to have an organization lead by Gwen Samuels that works with the MeridenPublic schools to educate Meriden's children about safe walking and bicycling within the community, and to and fromschool. You can contact Gwen at www.meridenkidsafe.org with any questions or concerns.All the best. Mike Rohde - Mayor of Meriden

ADULTCIVIC EDUCATION CLASS SEPTEMBER 10 ATMERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARYKnowledge is power! Join us at 6:30 pm on September 10 at the Meriden Public Library and get to know more

about how the state and federal governments affect our daily lives. Volunteer attorneys will facilitate a two-hour work-shop in which participants will engage in discussions of real-life legal scenarios and small group activities. The materi-al will come alive for participants as they immediately see its impact on their daily lives. Issues such as wiretapping,the death penalty, the right to die, and eminent domain will be discussed. This enrichment program is sponsored by theConnecticut Bar Association.

This program is free and all are invited. Contact the Meriden Public Library Community Services Department at

Page 7 September 2008

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We have never doubted him and neither will you!

(203) 630-6349, email us atcomsvc@hotmail.com or visit ourwebsite at www.meridenlibrary.organd click on Adult events to sign upfor the program.

PLAY SCRABBLEAT

MERIDEN PUBLICLIBRARY

The Meriden Public Library will behosting sessions in the fall for peo-ple to come and play Scrabble.Come alone or with a friend to learnor practice the game. The Scrabblesessions will be held on Mondays at2:00 pm in the Friends Room on thefollowing dates: September 8 September 22October 6 October 20 November 3 November 17December 1 December 15Contact the Community ServicesDepartment at 630-6349 if you havequestions.

I've always felt it was not up toanyone else to make me give mybest. - Akeem Olajuwon

Sandman Gallery Music on the Patio forSeptember39 W. Main St. Meriden, Ct. 06450All Friday Musical events are free on the patio rain or shine. Sit under theawning or out on the grass or bring a blanket and spread out on the lawn.Refreshments are available at the café. If there are any questions please con-tact Steve at 686-0000

September 5 Dennis Grady sings a smooth Gospel sound with additionalappearance by Michael Johnson and the Spoken Word during the break.

September 12 Always a crowd favorite, Jazz the Ripper brings its killerJazz sound to the patio.

September 19 The gallery is pleased to bring to the Patio for the first timethe rocking sound of Arlene "WoW" Tessman. Popular in the Middletown andshoreline clubs Arlene will keep you looking for more.

September 26 Carlos and Roy round out the September lineup with theirunique sound of soft and hard hitting popular tunes.

Visit us on the Web for information on the October 3rd music performanceafter the Downtown Brew Fest. www.sandmangallery.com

The best morale exist when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it's usually lousy.

- Dwight D. EisenhowerIf you would lift me up you must be on higher ground. -

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Page 8 September 2008

PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Neverknown to fail. Oh most beautiful power ofMt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor ofHeaven, Blessed Mother of the Son ofGod, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in mynecessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me andshow me that you are my mother. Oh HolyMary, Mother of God, Queen of Heavenand earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-sity. (Make your request). There are nonethat can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,conceived without sin, pray for us whohave recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).Say this prayer for three consecutive daysand then you must publish it and it will begranted to you. Grateful Thanks. J.E.B.

PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Neverknown to fail. Oh most beautiful power ofMt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor ofHeaven, Blessed Mother of the Son ofGod, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in mynecessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me andshow me that you are my mother. Oh HolyMary, Mother of God, Queen of Heavenand earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-sity. (Make your request). There are nonethat can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,conceived without sin, pray for us whohave recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).Say this prayer for three consecutive daysand then you must publish it and it will begranted to you. Grateful Thanks. S.B.

The deadline for thenext issue of ThePeople’s Press is Sept.26th for all submis-sions, stories, news andmore.

Email to: dawn@peoplespressnews.comCall 203.235.933 if youhave any questions.

What I did this Summer…Linda Nordgren

WE WENT TO WALT DISNEY WORLD IN FLORIDA. WHILE DOWN THERE WE ALSOWENT TO SEAWORLD. UNFORTUNATELY, THE WEATHER WAS NOT VERY COOPERA-TIVE WHILE WE WERE THERE. NO LITTLE, SHORT SHOWERS! WE DID MANAGE TODO MOST OF WHAT WE WANTED TO DO AND SEE. THE FLIGHT WAS GOOD BOTHWAYS, MANAGED TO TAKE SOME REALLY NEAT PICTURES OF SOME WEIRD LOOK-INGCLOUDS FROM THE PLANE WINDOW! WE HAD A GROUP OF 14 ALL TRAVELINGTOGETHER. WE RENTED 2 HOMES TO STAY IN THAT WERE GORGEOUS WITHINGROUND POOL, GAME ROOM,COMPLETELY FURNISHED AND ONLY ABOUT 20MINS. FROM DISNEYWORLD AND MY FAVORITE CHARACTER-MICKEY MOUSE! IHAVE BEEN AN ADVID COLLECTOR OF MICKEY ITEMS FOR MANY YEARS, NEVERSEEM TO OUTGROW THAT PART OF MY GROWING UP. LIKETHEY SAY,"IT ALL STARTED WITH A MOUSE"

I AM SO GLAD I WAS ABLE TO BE WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER, JUSTINE ON HERVERY FIRST TRIP TO FLORIDA ABOUT 8 YEARS AGO. IT WAS ALSO BOTH HER ANDMY FIRST TIME ON AN AIRPLANE! I WILL NEVER OUTGROWN THE "MAGIC" AT DIS-NEYWORLD! EVERYBODY SHOULD RELIVE THEIR CHILDHOOD BY VISITING THERE.IT WAS ALSO GOOD TO GET BACK HOME TO OUR PETS WHO WERE EAGERLY WAIT-ING AT THE DOOR WHEN WE CAME IN. ONLY ABOUT 15 MINS. FROM DISNEYWORLD.

WWhhaatt II ddiidd tthhiiss SSuummmmeerr……Carole Golitko

Bob & I (Golitko) have been at the Wallingford Gardeners market every sat. making breakfastsandwiches. We did food demonstrations for 4 years & by request began breakfast. If you have not

come down to the Green to be a part of this finely tuned operation you must. Our closing date isSept 13th.We have grandchildren close by & spend time in the pool with them. This is Bob's lastsummer to work he's retiring & everyone is thrilled for him. We enjoy our home & friends fromWallingford what could be better.

What I did this Summer…Hunting for Pirate Treasure. - The Gopoian Family

Summer at the Lake House:Mary Fazzino

I went to my lake house by myself (my husband stayed home) and I had a dinner with the"girls" next door, bought kitchen cabinets without arguing (my husband stayed home), went swim-ming with the neighbor lady on my noodle in the lake without having to get out and fix dinner (myhusband stayed home) watched entire TV programs without channel switching (my husband stayedhome), and for once, thoroughly enjoyed the quiet of the lake (my husband stayed home). I real-ized life is really going by too quickly, summer is now gone and my husband is back (but that'sOK, I enjoy his company, most of the time).

PS Humor is important in life!

Watch your thoughts; they become words.Watch your words; they become actions.Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

- Frank Outlaw

Page 9 September 2008

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The National Superkids Soapbox Derby took place in Akron Ohio on FridayJuly 25, 2008 with the final 6 racers racing for the top six places (onSaturday July 26, 2008). They along with the All-American SoapboxDerby Racers.

There were approx. 48 racers racing on Friday from all over the USA, itwas an amazing time for everyone involved. This event allows childrenwith special needs to truly participate and enjoy this great sport.

Rebekah Pavlick from Meriden took fourth place overall in the races,here she is with her trophy with is almost as big as she is. Rebekah and herbest friend Amanda Estridge of Wallingford (they were truly in the spirit ofthe race).

David Gordon (not pictures) from North Haven took third place (his tro-phy was even bigger), boy was he happy.

Rebekah would like to thank everyone involved plus her sponsor(Meriden Rotary Club) and a special Thank You to Kevin Curry for all hishard work and devotion to the Soapbox Derby circuit.

Way to go Rebekah!

Store Hours: Thursday-Friday 10-6 Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4Consignment Hours: Thursday-Friday 10-5 Sat 10-4 Sun 11-3

YOUR DREAM..... OUR MISSION The motto of the Arc of Meriden-Wallingford.

The Arc of Meriden-Wallingford began over 55 years ago by a group of parents who had children with disabilities.Over the 55 years, we have been providing quality services for those with special needs. Today our agency provides variable services such as employement options, school to work transition, day serviceopportunities, residential alternatives, recreational programs, individualized services, and advocacy. These services willenable individuals who are developmentally disabled the opportunity to reach their highest potential. With just a littleextra help they can live on their own, attend college, have a job in the community, give back to their communitythrough volunteerism, have fun, and just live life to the fullest. The Arc of Meriden-Wallingford strives to help individuals access avenues of life that most of us take for granted.Without our assistance, many would never know these options exist.

As a non-profit, we rely on fundraising to assist us with the rising costs in our economy. Every year we plan onemajor fundraiser for the agency, and this year it is a Motorcycle Poker Run.

The event will take place on September 13th at 200 Research Parkway in Meriden. Registration will run from 10amto 11:30am and riders will receive a mapped route of stops. The event will end in the same location with a picnic for allparticipants. The picnic will begin about 3pm and include food, beer, wine, and a live Neal Young tribute band. Thecost for the ride is $30.00 for the driver and $20.00 for a passenger. If you do not ride, and want to assist in making thisevent a success, you can join us at the picnic for $15.00. For more information or ways to contribute, contact Fran Pagano at 237.9975

Meriden Humane Society's Annual Tag SaleLori Peck, Dedicated Volunteer

Its that time of year again. It's time for our annual tag sale. Where one mans junk, is another mans treasure. Best ofall, all proceeds benefit the animals. So, if you've got the urge to purge some of those things cluttering up the house oryard, please donate them to our tag sale. We are accepting donations until Friday, Sept. 12th, for the tag sale, whichwill be held Sat. Sept. 13th & Sun. Sept. 14th. I'm sure there will be something for everyone. We will also have a BakeSale table and Hotdogs for purchase, if you're hungry.

While you're there, please come visit our animals. All of our animals are special to us, but some of them require alittle extra T.L.C. , which the right home can provide. If you met one of these animals, I'm sure they'd steal your heart.

Flurry, a beautiful 4 yr. old female white cat, was found on the side of the road with blunt force trauma to her face.She had to have her bottom jaw reconstructed and can only eat wet food. She has been a staff favorite since we rescuedher, a little shy, but so sweet.

Delilah is a 3 yr. old sweet, shy tabby, who was found in Hamden and brought to our shelter. She has tested positiveto FIV, but is just as healthy and deserving of a good home as any other.

Russell Crow, a male 3 yr. old white/tabby, that is also FIV positive, was taken in due to an eviction. He's a hand-some, gentle cat and has many years of loving.

Marge is a spunky senior, diagnosed with hyper-active thyroid, which is easily maintained with mixing a pill a dayin her wet food. She's a calico cutie!

Sophie is a chow/shepard mix, about 5-7 years old and was rescued in Meriden.She's like a fluffy teddybear, but needs you to go slow and let her get to know you.

All of these animals and many more have each had some kind of hardship or sad story. You could give them a lov-ing home for the rest of their lives. Even the FIV cats can live long healthy full lives. Remember they have nine!

The Meriden Humane Society is also selling shopping passes for Macy's Shop for a Cause, which will be on Sept.20th. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at the shelter. This allows you to receive a 10-20% discount all day andall proceeds from the tickets go to the M.H.S. We will also have a table set up from 1- 4 at the Meriden Macy's.

If you would like to view our animals online our website is www.meridenhs.petfinder.org or contact us by calling(203)238-3650. Our facility is located at 311 Murdock Ave. in Meriden. See you at the shelter!

Meriden SchoolReadinessAre you looking for affordable qual-ity preschool programming for your3 or 4 year old? Look no further.School Readiness offers full-timeand part-time care in several childcare centers throughout Meriden.

Family weekly fees are calculat-ed using a sliding fee scale, based onfamily size and gross annual income.The weekly family fee may bereduced if the family has more thanone child that needs child care ser-vices.

School Readiness is for childrenbetween the ages of 3 and 5 who areMeriden residents. For more infor-mation, contact Jessica Stewart,School Readiness Facilitator at 203-630-4236.

Did You Know?There are many potential sources forwater leaks in the basement or utilityarea of a home. But have you con-sidered the central air conditioningsystem? These units feature adrainage system that allows conden-sation to flow out of the unit's col-lection pan and into a sewer, floordrain, sump pump pit, or to anotherarea recommended by your localbuilding codes. If the drain isn'tfunctioning properly, you have thepotential for a few gallons of stand-ing water to accumulate in andaround the central air conditioningsystem. That poses the problem ofproperty damage and presents abreeding ground for bacteria andother microorganisms, which canaffect air quality. Consult a trainedheating/cooling specialist for con-densate drain questions.

The best morale exist when younever hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it,it's usually lousy. - Dwight D. Eisenhower

BEGINNER KNITTING CLASSES ATMERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARYHave you ever wanted to know how to knit? If so, join us on Tuesday,September 16, October 14, and November 18 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at theMeriden Public Library. Instructor Mary Ann Reyes will show you how to getstarted and knit a simple project. You will need to bring your own supplies -one pair of size US 8 knitting needles 10 or 14 inch lengths and a skein ofRedheart Super Saver yarn, worsted weight, any ounce or color.

Ms. Reyes is a resident of Meriden and has been knitting since the age of 8.She enjoys sharing this timeless craft with others and hopes you will join herfor a fun evening. Class size is limited. Contact the Community ServicesDepartment at 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or go to our webpagewww.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a place.

Draw a crazy picture Write a nutty poem Sing a mumble-gumble song Whistlethrough your comb Do a loony-goony dance 'Cross the kitchen floor Put some-thing silly in the world That ain't been there before. - Shel Silverstien

Page 10 September 2008

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Body Temple FitnessTerrace Johnson is owner and operator of Body Temple Fitness in Meriden. Having been interested in physical fitnessand personal health since his youth, Terry has been a certified personal trainer for eight years. Terry began as a facilitytrainer. He then moved on to do free lance and in-home training. Being guided by the Creator, Terry opened his ownpersonal training studio. Body Temple Fitness is the first and only fitness and nutrition studio in Meriden. He alsoprovides in-home training for individuals who prefer it. Due to the success of his clients and overwhelming referrals,Terry has added four certified personal trainers to the Body Temple Fitness family. Body Temple Fitness has incorpo-rated an apprenticeship program for three of its up-and-coming trainers.

With the support of Shelly, his wife of 13 years, Terry's vision of providing the residents of Meriden and surroundingareas with fitness and nutrition training has become a reality. Terry's passion for assisting clients to reach their personalbest health has enabled individuals to increase their quality of life: mind, body, and soul. He stresses the importanceof taking care of one's body, which is the temple of God. Being very involved in his local church, Terry often offersfitness training to members of his congregation and other churches throughout the community of Meriden. CALL USYOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT WEIGHT.

Terry has trained over 100 clients with a large variety of goals ranging from losing weight, to increasing tone andflexibility, building muscle, and simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Clients desiring to improve their fitness abilityand nutrition will find the wide range of available activities motivating. Terry's clients have benefited from the use oftreadmills, circuit machines, free weights, kick boxing, and core balance movements to achieve their personal goals.Many clients also seek assistance with their rehabilitation after surgeries or injuries. Terry provides training to clients ofall ages and will be beginning a program in September for youth and their families. The goal of this program is toequip them to live a healthy and productive life. Terry strongly believes in the effectiveness of personalized exerciseand nutrition programs tailored to each individual. All of his clients' programs are modeled after this principle.

Body Temple Fitness is not a gym. It is an individualized personal training studio where clients work one on onewith a trainer in a private, professional setting for all ages and budgets. Whether your goals are weight management,body sculpting or body building, Body Temple Fitness provides each client with the motivation, instruction, guidanceand coaching that is required to build confidence to not only achieve your goals, but allow you to maintain them forlife.

For more information about programs, pricing, hours and services, please visit our website: www.bodytemplefitness.us or call (203) 213-6369 to receive a free fitness evaluation ($65 value).

100th Anniversary of the Evangelical & Reformed United Church of ChristIn 1908, the Grand Canyon National Monument was created to become a National Park. New York City passed a law,the Sullivan Ordinance, making it illegal for women to smoke in public- only to be vetoed by the mayor. The WrightBrothers patented their aircraft. Women competed in modern Olympics for the first time. The first Model T Ford built.U.S. presidential candidate Republican William Howard Taft defeats William Jennings Bryan, Democratic candidate inhis third and final nomination. Mother's Day is observed for the first time. The Evangelical and Reformed Church wascreated in Wallingford, Connecticut.

One hundred eight people poured their heart and soul into establishing a church that to this day, one hundred yearslater, is still rich in spirit and tradition.

On January 19, 1908, a group of Hungarian immigrants responded to an offer from the mother church of theReformed tradition in Hungary to send them a missionary, the Pastor Istvan Borsos, who was given an annual subsidyof $500.00 to supplement his salary. This was the beginning of an independent Hungarian Reformed Church.

The church was partially financed by its parishioners, who were asked to donate $.25 per individual and $.35 perfamily, each month. Many of the members worked in factories during the winter, but during the spring, they worked onfarms.

On September 7, 1908 the church building was completed. The cost was $4,158. In 1913 a parsonage was built at acost of $3,500.

In 1917, the news came from the mother church in Hungary that it could no longer afford to financially support thechurch. The State of Connecticut discouraged a Hungarian church due to the fact that Hungary was at war with theUnited States. A group of dedicated and devoted parishioners worked tirelessly to raise money to keep the church alive.In 1921, a decision was made to join the Reformed Church of the United States of America.

In 1965, while the sanctuary was undergoing new construction to enlarge it, the wooden frame collapsed, therebyruining the structure of the church. A new church was built in 1966.

Desiring to be more connected to its Hungarian roots, the church decided to join the Evangelical and ReformedChurch, which in 1957 came together to create the newly formed denomination, The United Church of Christ.

At one point, the church had 100 children enrolled in Sunday School. There were more children than space allowed,so the garage was converted into a Sunday School classroom! The choir consisted of a mulitude of talented musicians,so much so that a record was made of some of their music.

Until 1989 weekly services were offered both in Hungarian and English.Currently, a Hungarian service is offered once a month. A SpanishCongregation, Alpha & Omega, meets twice a week in the church.

On October 12, 2008 at 4:00PM the church will hold a worship service cel-ebrating the anniversary of the church. At 5:00 there will be a dinner held atthe Hungarain Club. The event will be catered by Brothers Restaurant.Hungarian specialty dishes will also be served. The cost will be $40.00.Reservations must be made to the church by September 15. We will be puttingtogether a booklet which will contain memorials. A full page will cost$100.00, one half a page, $50.00 and a third of a page, $35.00. Please mailcheck to The E&R, UCC, 105 South Cherry Street, Wallingford, CT 06492.For more information, please call 203-269-4827.

FFiinndd tthhiiss iinn 1100 aaddss tthhiiss iissssuuee aanndd bbee eenntteerreedd ttoo wwiinn!!

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Fill out the Form completely and send it to:The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459Yalesville, CT 06492Attention: Holiday ContestIf your entry is correct you will be entered into our drawing! This isa 3 issue contest. You may enter 1x per issue. Deadline for all entriesis December 15, 2008. All subscribers to www.peoplespressnews.comare automatically entered when making a submission. Sign up today!

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Page 11 September 2008

Page 12 September 2008

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LAST CALL FOR THE GARDENERS MARKETThe Wallingford Garden Club and Wallingford Center Inc presents the

2008 Gardener’s Market Saturday mornings 9:00-12:00 now to Sept 13that the Railroad Station Green, routes 5 and 150. Offered are locally grownfruit and veggies, flowers, plants, unique crafts, baked item and food.Gardening advice and plant clinic are available.

Check the website at www.wallingfordgardenersmarket.com. for detailedinformation.Brand New Vendors are: Produce: Pete Hazelwood with eggs and pumpkinsCrafts: Beverly Bassoli of Moments In Images has notecards and framedphotos; Doris Findlay has decoupage pictures and cards; Cheryl and JoeFlorentino have sweet breads; Lorna Palazzi has silk flower arrangementsand hand painted wood objects

Come for Breakfast with Carole and Bob Golitko who will be serving spe-cial sandwiches with locally produced and grown ingredients. Check theother baked goods vendors for their specialties: Florentinos with sweetbreads; Larry Macri from Bittersweet Bakery; Mary Ann Simmons withmini pies, breads, jams; Bettina Vossbrinck with pies and breads; DavidWalker from Goldilocks Deli with stuffed breads and pastries; ErnieTrumpold with herb breads. Specialty Foods: Roberta Whalen of GourmetCupboard, Donna Passaro of Coffee And…, Diana Hotchkiss of TastefullySimple, Josie Eschweiler of Pampered Chef and Lisa LaPlante ofTupperware.

We are run by volunteers from Wallingford Center Inc and WallingfordGarden Club. Picture: jams/jellies by Mary Ann SimmonsPhoto by Liz Landow

Your News!Keeping You Healthy: Meriden Health Department September EventsTotal Cholesterol ScreeningsSeptember 15 and 25, from 1:00-3:00 both days. Screenings are held at 165 Miller Street. The cost is $10.00, andincludes the screening and cholesterol tracking card. Call 630-4234 to make your appointmentStress Management and Your Heart HealthTuesday, September 16, 2008, from 6:00-7:00pm at the Meriden Public Library, located at 105 Miller Street. Mary BethRolan, from Midstate Medical Center, will be the presenter. A free stress ball will be given to all attendees. Healthysnacks will be available. This event is free and open to the public; call Lea Crown, Community Health Educator, at 630-4238 to RSVP.Meriden Family Day 2008Saturday, September 20, 2008, at the Quinnipiac River walking trail (at the corner of Oregon Road and Route 70 inSouth Meriden) from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The event is sponsored by the Meriden Health Department, Meriden LinearTrails Committee, and the Meriden Kids Walk Safe Coalition. Families will enjoy a scenic walk down the paved walk-ing trail. Pedometers and walking logs will be distributed to families and bicycle safety bells to children who arrive on abicycle (first come, first serve). Fresh fruit and bottled water will also be available to enjoy. Call 630-4238 for moreinformation.Healthy Cooking DemoThe Center for Successful Aging and MidState's LaPlanche Clinic invite you to attend a Healthy Cooking Demo onSeptember 23, 2008 from 10:30-11:30am in the mezzanine of the Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Center, located at22 West Main Street in Meriden. Laura Fault will be the presenter. This presentation is free and open to the public. Formore information please call Rita Kowalchik at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4222.

NNAATTUURREE AASS AA MMIIRRRROORR CALENDULABright golden blossomsSmile and wave us a greetingWaiting for Autumn.

The Calendula (English Marigold) is a hardy annual whose bright orangeor yellow flowers turn to follow the sun as it moves through the day. Forthis reason, it has been called "husbandman's dial". In the language offlowers, calendula means "winning grace". Throughout the centuries it hasbeen brewed into teas and made into lotions for skin irritations. The rootwas even used as a love potion. Today the flowers are sometimes used insoups and salads. The pungent scent of the plant is favored for its ability todiscourage insects from the garden. For this reason, the calendula and vari-ous varieties of marigolds are often planted as borders of gardens.

In the summer and early autumn we admire the bright glowing beds ofthe Marigold family with their richness of color, fragrance and form. Therewill be the low-growing French marigolds with ruffled red-gold petals, theScotch marigolds and large Calendulas of orange and yellow flattenedpetals, and the lemony-yellow puffs of the tall African marigolds. There is also the Marsh marigold that grows in themarshy soil of bog gardens and whose petals once were used for dying yarn.

The family of marigolds in their diversity is like our family and community who have a wide diversity of gifts andtalents. When we each use our God-given talents for the benefit and growth of our community and the world, it willbloom, and God's grace will be found in abundance. We, like the Calendula, may be known as 'wining grace'; hardy,long blooming and of benefit to mankind.Dorothy Gonick - August 22, 2008

Temporary Food Service Permit RequirementsPlease be advised that if your organization serves/sells food to the general public, you must obtain a Temporary FoodService Permit at least 10 days BEFORE the scheduled event as per the Code of the Town of Wallingford, Chapter 122.No home-cooked food is

The only exceptions are events held at licensed food establishments, stand alone bake sales, church pot-lucks, foodprovided is from a licensed caterer or events at private facilities NOT open to the general public. If you advertise yourevent and do not specifically state "members only" then it is deemed open to the public.

Please complete the enclosed application and return it PRIOR to your scheduled event. The Health Department mustreview and approve all temporary food events. Based on the type of food prepared, an inspection will be conducted.Proper food handling and cooking are essential to preventing a foodborne illness.

Please call 294-2065 if you have any questions. Respectfully,Eloise Hazelwood, RS, MPHWallingford Director of Health

Page 13 September 2008

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Your News!Wallingford Park & Recreation News and EventsOur Fall 2008 Brochure and Program Guide was recently mailed to your home. We hope you take advantage of themany programs we offer to all of you. To view the brochure online go tohttp://www.town.wallingford.ct.us/WLFDPRFall08.pdf.

Message from the DirectorLooking ahead to the fall, our program calendar is full of benefits waiting for you and your family to discover!

The superb after school fine art and crafts program makes a return this fall to all 8 elementary schools. RashmiTalpade, our Fine Arts Coordinator and her staff once again have an excellent fine arts program for your children toenjoy right at the school they attend.

The Health Fitness program has added some new trendy programs with high impact Zumba and low impact BellyDance both great at providing you with an innovative way to get fit!

Family Day Sept. 13th will prove to be a wonderful time spent with the family. Join us at Doolittle Park the Newlocation! The day will include family activities both interactive and fun co-sponsored by Youth and Social Services andthe YMCA. The Blue Agaves will headline the day's musical entertainment.

Help beautify our town parks and take part in the First Annual Park Serve Day. Our parks are important to residents.I know people are extremely busy all year round but to give a few hours would be beneficial and greatly appreciated byall who utilize the parks. On Sunday Oct. 5th starting at 8am join us at Community Lake Park and Linear Trail for amorning of planting, pruning, raking and cleaning with the hopes that this project will continue to be a worthwhileannual event in caring for our green spaces and spread to other park locations.

Park planning and improvements are always going on and in various stages. Finally, I hope your visits to the David Doherty Center have been positive experiences. Our staff works hard in pro-

viding you with quality programming. Our office is always open for suggestions and ideas. The entire Parks & Recreation Staff wishes you a joyous and fun filled fall and holiday season.

John Gawlak CPRPDirector of Wallingford Parks & Recreation

Programs and Leisure Activities for YouthHip House Dance SeriesThe most popular middle school program is back for the 2008-09 school season. To ensure that you are able to attendall of the dances, you must purchase a photo ID pass. NEW FOR 2008-09 Dances…..KEEP YOUR PASS FROM THE2007-08 SEASON AND WHEN YOU REGISTER WE WILL PLACE A 2008-09 STICKER ON YOUR ID. The dancepass allows you entry to the dance. No passes will be sold in the schools or on the day of the dance. Photo ID's went onsale June 1st for $25.00. As of July 1st, all dance passes are $40.00. We encouraged everyone to take advantage of thediscounted price.For the safety of participants entering the dance, YOU MUST PRESENT PHOTO ID WHEN ENTERING DANCE.PARTICIPANTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER WITH OUT DANCE PASS.IF PASS IS LOST, A $5 REPLACEMENT FEE IS CHARGED FOR A REPLACEMENT PASS. NOPASSES OR REPLACEMENT PASSES SOLD ON DAY OF DANCE.HIP HOUSE DANCE SCHEDULEBack to School Bash - September 12Halloween Havoc - October 24Jingle Ball - December 12Jump Off - January 23Valentine's Day Vibe - February 20Spring Fest - April 17Last Blast - May 224263.300 Kids off Road TriathlonThis fun-filled day includes swimming, biking, and running for kids ranging from ages 7-14. Each participant willreceive a T-shirt as a souvenir. There will be two distances for the event.Ages 7-10 participate in a 50 meter swim in the pool, 1.2 mile mountain bike, and .5 mile run on trails and fields. Ages11-14 complete the distances of 100 meter swim, 2.2 mountain bike, and .75 mile run. All participants will be requiredto ride fat tire bikes (tires should grip loose gravel) and wear a bicycle helmet. The course will be monitored and closedto traffic. All finishers will receive a medal for their efforts. Finishing places will not be awarded and the event will notbe timed. Kids will need to bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles (suggested), bike helmet-mandatory for participation, abike and running shoes. Refreshments and a free raffle will follow the event!Participants will be separated in different heats by age: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 3-14 When: Sunday September 7th at 9:00am Location: Choate Rosemary Hall Fee: $20 Sign up soon - space is limited!

VoyagersEATING YOUR WAY "TROO" BROOKLYNSaturday September 20th Bus Departs Recreation Department at 7:45am Returns 6:30pm Fee $59 Great Food in four neighborhoods….all in one fun day! Knowledgeable area guide leads coach bus through each neigh-borhood to shop and sample your favorites. The four stops include: Atlantic Avenue for delicious MiddleEastern……Malko Karkanni Brothers, Damascus Bakery, Sahadi's Importing Company…..stuffed spinach and meat piepastries, specialty coffees, cheeses, fruits, nuts, olive oils. Cobble Hill…. Italian food Heaven……Mastellone's Deli,Court Street Pastries, Caputo's Bakery, traditional pastries, cheesecakes, cookies, homemade Italian sausage, fresh pasta.Sunset Park - Brooklyn's Own Chinatown….exotic fruits, veggies, fish, rices, oriental herbs, pork and duck. BoroughPark at 16th Ave…….Swartz's Appetizer, Korn's Kosher Bakery, Hungarian Catering: appetizers dips, herrings, breads,pastries, sweet kugels. IMPORTANT: TOUR DIRECTOR WILL SHARE TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS AT EACH NEIGHBORHOOD. FOODCOSTS NOT INCLUDED. EACH PERSON PAYS FOR OWN PURCHASES. PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGEDTO BRING CONTAINERS OR COOLERS TO STORE PURCHASED ITEMS.

Special EventsFamily Day at NEW LOCATION!!!!! Doolittle Park Saturday, September 13th, 2008 11:00-3:00pmDogtober Festival Saturday October 18th2008 1:00-3:00pmatDoolittle ParkDoggie Lovers Unite. Join us for a fun filled afternoon of doggie activities. Paws n' Effect of Hamden will set up anagility course to allow dogs to practice their jumps, tunnel runs and various talents. Also local dog obedience experts,trainers, dog bakeries, vets, pet stores, pet spas and more will be available for questions and purchases. This event willnot be judged however; - participants are welcomed to dress their dogs in their favorite costumes. All dogs not partici-pating in the agility and Frisbee event must be leashed. A Goblin Gathering- Friday October 24, 2008 6:45P.M. A gathering for all Wallingford Goblins! Gather in front of the Wallingford Town Hall for an evening of fun activities,disc jockey, monster mash music and ghoulish games by "Jock in the Box," pre-bagged candy, cider and donuts.Activities to include art projects, glow necklaces for the first 500 children and more. This event is sponsored by theWallingford Public Celebrations Committee and the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Dept.First Annual Park Serve Day Our parks are important to residents. I know people are extremely busy all year round but to give a few hours would bebeneficial and greatly appreciated by all who utilize the parks. On Sunday Oct. 5th starting at 8am join us atCommunity Lake Park and Linear Trail for a morning of planting, pruning, raking and cleaning with the hopes that thisproject will continue to be a worthwhile annual event in caring for our green spaces and spread to other park locations.

Page 14 September 2008

The Kids Press!Send in a Story!Send in a Picture!Send in a Poem!Send in a Drawing!

Send to:The People’s PressKids Press P.O. Box 4459Yalesville CT 06492sierra@peoplespressnews.com

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Kids Coloring ContestSend in yours for your chance to win a great

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Name:________________________________ Address_____________________________________Age:______The deadline for entries is September 23rd. Please be aware that this is a random drawing. We believe that as long asyou try you are a winner and that you have a chance to win.Send your entry to:The People’s PressP.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492

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Page 15 September 2008

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Memories of Summer FunBy: Maggie Griffin - your famous Realtor - before she was a Realtor

When Andy of People's Press asked me to write an article about my Summer Fun, I thought to myself this is a sign,he asked me to write an article on 3rd year anniversary of my Father's Passing. So I feel in my heart to write aboutevents of Summer Memories growing up dedicated to My Father in his memory. Therefore, what would the best wayto describe Summer Fun this year is incorporate it into Summer Memories.

Sometimes Summer Fun doesn't always mean that you have to take a vacation to have fun. What it means is beingtogether and simply doing what families and friends love to do best. In my case, joking laughing and being with fami-ly.

I have to honestly admit, having teenagers now, I came to realize the apple does not fall far from my family treewhen it comes to "fun". And in the family of which I was raised, being the youngest of 6 children "more fun" alwayshappened in the summer.

So I am going to take my Summer Memories that does reflect my two apples from my family tree because what Iam about to write happened in the summers of the past. So many things are fond memories, but I am going to give apicture of a few.Growing up as the 6th child in the DellaRocco Family:

My Oldest Brother - he learned to drive in the summer time back in the 70's. But he just could not determine whento hit the brakes. One day, my Father bought my mother a new car. So he asked my brother to get in the car, drive itup the driveway behind his car. Then suddenly it happened - boom! My Father picks up the phone, calls my motherand tells my mother he has good news and bad news. The good news is her new car is in the driveway. The bad newsis her son just totaled it.

Back in the 80's, my brother started to lose his hair. Again, it started falling out in the summer. So he decided tobuy a hair piece. Now, this I thought was strange, but I had to do it. Every night he would take his hair piece off hishead and put in on a Styrofoam head. And every night I went in his room and took his hair piece and put it on theDog's head. How he would get so mad. So then I stopped because I got yelled at. Until one day, while in the car withmy Mother, sitting in the front, my brother in the back and the dog in the way back of this buick station wagon, the dogstarted to take his nose and lift my brother's hair piece. My brother accused me of telling the dog to do that, but whathe didn't realize is the dog wore it so much, he thought it was his.

Back to the the 70's - My Sister, the oldest one - My Mother was sick one day, so this sister of mine made lasagnafor dinner. Before I continue, she was the type that was never hungry, she would just pick and it always had to be offof my plate. Anyway, she made this dinner to help my mom. But something suddenly was wrong. As she served itto everyone, we all suddenly became full. Then my Dad said how the lasagna was really good, so good it was the firsttime he ate so little and felt so full. Not understanding, I blurted out "I didn't do it!". But later that night, thatMcDonald's Happy Meal was the best meal I ever ate and I was happy.

Brother # 2 - he is very special for many reasons. We always got along. He was the one that would race me inswimming in the pool, taught me how to dance to the song Grease Lightning from the movie Grease, really protectedme. He calls me "babe" because I am the baby of the family, and he gave out the rules.

Older sister #2 - Everything to her was her hair. God forbid if we touched her hair. She was so vein. Until one dayshe took a walk on a warm day and a bird messed on her hair. She ran home so fast, I had to take a picture, it wasworth being framed!

Sister # 3 - She decided to take a class to learn life saving in a pool. I still cannot figure out how she passed thatclass because when she practiced saving a life in the water, she nearly choked me. Then she would tell me there was awasp on my head when in the pool. Of course I would panic, but there was never a wasp, she just wanted to hit myhead. This is where what comes around goes around. One day there really was a wasp, but it was on her head. Shesaid to me "yeah right". So I said "ok, don't believe me". She got stung and itched for weeks.

But I have to admit, we did things together as a family and playing jokes. The jokes was all a part of the fun, nomatter where we were, home or on vacation, the jokes and pranks just was a natural thing in my family.

Then we all grew up, had kids of our own and as I said before, the apples don't fall far from the trees. I think it isnature's way of saying "this is what you get for not behaving when you were a kid". To my two teenagers - I am going to tell you the same thing my Dad told me. I was once your age and I am the mas-ter of the pranks. But remember one thing, FAMILY stands for "Father And Mother I Love You". You can choose yourfriends, but you can't choose your family.

My Mom is the Best Cook in the World. Thank God I made copies of her famous recipes (that she kept in theuntouchable draw of the dining room hutch and had to make copies without her knowing before I moved out over 20years ago.)

From youngest (me) to oldest. - I am the youngest and I will leave it at that.Annie - I am sorry I use to cut the hair off your Barbie dolls. I wanted to be a hair dresser back then.Jo Jo - I still will never forgive you for what you did to my wild life treasury kit.Mary Lou - Some day you will make the best lasagna in the world. I wish you all the best when you marry your

third husband as well.Sal - You know I love you. I love you so much, you were the best body guard a sister can have, and the best broth-

er in the world. I always will be proud of you when you were in the spot light of the Special Olympics. That's MyBrother!!

Dom - I like you hair now, it's shiny, round and the color of your skin. And I didn't convince the dog to take yourhair piece. But I did train the bird to land on your head. I wanted you to have scalp therapy and trained Tweety to dothis for you out of love.

Mom - I love you. 78 years old and has more energy then an energizer battery, and she drives a sports car. Mom isdedicated to people in general. She always knew when to tell us "Don't tell your father what you did, you'll give him aheart attack." So she is a life saver because her advise saved our lives on many occasions and even my Dad's.

Dad - I miss you always, You were the master of all. When you said you hope my kids do to me what I did to you,that was NO JOKE!

I have a bunch of nieces and nephews and I am a great-aunt too. My family roots are that of the DellaRocco ,DeLucia , Valentino, Longabardi, Pappa, Fusco families and More - the list goes on. I learned as a child The Italian after dinner Mint is a piece of garlic. I can't believe I actually believed that for years.And I am full blooded Italian. And those pool parties with the extended family members, the family was so large,there was never a dull moment and there didn't have to be a reason to have a summer fun party. I guess that is why Ilike to have gatherings once and a while, even without reason, togetherness is a gift and laughter relieves the soul.That's just how it was and still is today.

My Dad, Dom DellaRocco, loved throwing a party. He was a Police and Fire Commissioner and Political Figure inhis day when raising us kids. I have to admit, a man of his statue kept my driving record clean. Especially when myDad let me drive home the day I got my driver's license on my 16th birthday many years ago, and I turned right, rightonto the sidewalk (again in a summer month). He took it upon himself to revoke my license for 4 months and he drovethe rest of the way home.

Memories begin every second that passes in every season, everyday. Summer Memories were and still at the best. My Children are passing on my legacy, we always have fun. With a daughter going into her Junior year of High

School, I see myself in her, I call her Paris Hilton because she wears those big white sun glasses laying on her solar raftin the pool until my son flips the raft over. With my son going in his last year of Middle School, let's just say I am on a first name basis with the principles of hisschool and I honestly feel they have my number on speed dial. He is a real live Yankee Doodle Dandy, born on the 4thof July and he certainly earned the title "fire cracker". I am a Proud Parent no matter what they do, unconditionally. They are my life bringing me the gift of every fun mem-ory in all four seasons of every year.

Enjoy the rest of the warm weather. Remember School is Now in Session. Please drive safe and go the speed limit. Andy of People's Press - you are the best!

Regards to all ad to all enjoy the rest of the summer.Maggie Griffin

Brian David Ash Fire Memorial Fire Prevention Fund

This September 5th, 6th and 7th The Brian David Ash Fire Memorial FirePrevention Fund will hold its twenty-second fundraiser at Stop & Shop on EastMain Street in Meriden. The fund was created in memory of our son Brian,who perished in a house fire twenty-five years ago. We decided to establish afund in his name to promote fire safety education. We had learned that wecouldn't just give money to the fire department, because it would have to gointo the city's general fund, and probably wouldn't find its way to their budget.

On Friday, October 14, 1983 my heart was ripped right from my chest. Myson, Brian, age 7, had died in a fire. In a single moment, I went from being thefarther of a bright and beautiful child to childless. My wife Roberta and I hadno local families, and we were in total despair. We did in deed have to takethe long journey through the valley of grief. As I look back from the edge ofthe brighter side, I realize it is possible for life to go on.

In the beginning, Brian was in my thoughts every waking moment. Today,only things that would remind me of him bring me to think of him. Since hisloss, we have had a daughter, Elizabeth, who is now twenty-three. As a fami-ly, we speak of him often, but our life continues today as we are now, and notdwelling in the past. It almost seems callous, but it is true, life does go on.

Shortly after our loss, my most difficult question was, do your have anykids or how many children do you have? Oh, what a great chance to dumpyour grief on someone else's shoulders. Of course if you don't mention thechild you lost you would be guilty of denying their existence on this earth.How do I answer that question twenty- five years later? That depends on whoasked and why. It's usually small talk from someone who really doesn't knowyou. As a driving instructor, my students frequently ask me if I have children.I do tell them I have a daughter who is a college student. This is very relevantto my relationship with students. I generally will not mention the child I lostyears before they were born because it's not relevant, and my relationship withthem doesn't need emotions.

So much has changed over the past quarter century that I am not the sameperson I was when I lost Brian. Life does go on, and I have to live out the oneI have now, even with the fond memories of the past. I look to the futurewhen my daughter graduates from college, enters the career of her choice, getsmarried, and gives me grandchildren I can spoil and send back home with her.Don't worry, I will tell my grandchildren about the uncle they never met.Michael G. Ash

If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for

the endless immensity of the sea. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Page 16 September 2008

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Haircuts and more to benefit charityIt's that time of year again, where all of Jennifer's House of Hair's employee's participate in the annual Cut-A-Thon.The Cut-A-Thon is our annual charity event, in which we raise money for local organizations in need of support. Welook to the community for help, whether it is with items to raffle off at the event or just spreading the word. This yearhas been very hard for people, and we feel that it is important for communities to come together and to not give up ongiving. The salon has given us the avenue to be in contact with people that we know can help and will try to make adifference. This year Jennifer's House of Hair has selected a couple of organizations to donate to. Here's the low-downon all the charities:Our Companions:Our Companions is a nonprofit organization that believes no pet should ever be homeless. Every pet is a beautiful,blessed creature that deserves life and love.

Yet, in Connecticut, healthy pets are destroyed every day. Some animals facing euthanasia have behavior problemsthat are easily corrected. Others have health issues that can be resolved in a caring home. Most just need the right treat-ment and a loving human companion.

The staff, animal experts, and volunteers at Our Companions believe there's a proper home for nearly every pet.We're working to create homes for the state's most abused, most neglected, most needy pets. Today we offer dog train-ing classes, one-to-one pet consultations, community education, and many other services.

To find out more about this organization and how you can help, visit the web www.OurCompanions.org Scholarship Fund for Meriden High Schools:

Jennifer's House of Hair is setting up scholarship funds for Platt, Maloney and Wilcox High schools. This scholar-ship will be awarded to the "B student". Someone who is very hardworking, apart of a club or sport, may or may nothave a job, and not financially ready for college. You can say its a little help from the community.Chrysalis for Meriden/Wallingford:

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc provides a safe emergency shelter and services to women and their childrenwho must flee their own homes because of domestic violence. The Chrysalis can house up to fifteen women and chil-dren in a confidential location for up to sixty days. During this time, a woman has the opportunity to plan her nextmove without the fear of abuse.

The staff at the Chrysalis provides daily one-on-one counseling sessions and works with the woman on short andlong term goal setting. Weekly support groups are held with trained facilitators, and peer-counseling, anger manage-ment, and self-esteem development are critical issues that the staff work on daily with the women and children. Mission Statement:

The Mission of Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis is to offer safety and alternatives to violence to women and children,to validate their worth by promoting a philosophy which empowers women and children to take control of their lives bymaking their own choices and decisions WITHOUT the fear of abuse.

Jennifer's House of Hair is hosting their 4th annual Cut-A-Thon to benefit the Meriden/Wallingford Chrysalis forWomen and Children, and Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary. Jennifer's House of Hair will also set up ascholarship fund for Platt, Maloney, and Wilcox High Schools. The event will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2008from 9:00a.m to 3:00p.m at the salon, which is located at 437 Broad Street, Meriden. Wash and Cuts will be $15; 15Minute Chair Massages $15, Mini Manicures $10, and Mini Pedicures $15. All services will be available on a firstcome, first serve basis with a sign up sheet available. While you wait everyone is welcome to enjoy the festivities.There will be a DJ, Food, Refreshments, Animals, Face Painting, Raffles and much more. It will be a great familyevent! All money collected will be donated 100% to the chosen organizations.

If you are interested in donating refreshments, have any items you wish to raffle off, or if you just any questionsplease call the salon at 203.235.3166.

Get a haircut and help a great cause!

Tradition Golf Club - Ladies 18 hole league - Tournament ResultsCongratulations to the 2008 Tradition Golf Club at Wallingford, Women's Club Champions! Club Champion - MaryBachinsky Second - Traci Canavan 1st Flight Champion - Carol Welch Second - Mary Lou Calamita2nd Flight Champion - Claire Brunetti

Dolphin fall swim clinics September 15-October 9, 2008Pre-Team ClinicThis clinic is designed to provide an introduction to the swim team experi-ence. Swimmers currently in swim lesson levels Ray, Starfish, guppy & min-now: this is the clinic for you. Coaches will introduce competitive swimmingstrokes as well as starts and turns. This clinic is for the enthusiastic waterlover who can continuously swim 25 yards of the pool.M or th 4:45-5:30pmFamily member $25 youth member $35 program member $50Strokes &Turns ClinicThis clinic is designed for swimmers with some swim team experience ineither Purple 1 or Purple 2 or swim lessons levels Fish and above. Coacheswill break down each of the 4 competitive strokes in order to improve effi-ciency and technique. Swimmers will be placed in appropriate groups fortheir skill level.M & w 4:15-5:30pm T & th 4:15-5:30pmFamily member $60 youth member $70 program member $115Advanced Endurance Pre-Season this clinic is designed for competitive swimmers who want to be ready forcompetition before the season begins. Clinic will concentrate on endurance,technique, starts, turns and other essentials. Great for the h.s. swimmer andusa swimmers. All current Dolphin junior and senior swimmers are encour-aged to register. Other interested swimmers should contact the Dolphin coach-ing staff for proper clinic placement. T w th 7:15-8:30pmFamily member $70 youth member $80 program member $150203 269 4497 x 30 or www.wallingforddolphins.org

Nothing is as real as a dream. The world can change around you, butyour dream will not.

Responsibilities need not erase it. Duties need not obscure it. Because the dream is within you, no one can take it away.

- Unknown

Page 17 September 2008

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Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care Welcomes New Staff Sister Suzanne Gross, FSE, Administrator, Franciscan Home Care and

Hospice Care, is pleased to announce that Marie Laffin, RN, has assumedthe position of Clinical Director, and Ellie Embler, RN, Nursing Supervisor.Both Marie and Ellie have held positions in home health care for a numberof years. Marie is a resident of Wallingford and Ellie lives in Berlin.

Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, Meriden, is a licensed homehealth care and hospice care agency serving 30 towns in Connecticut.Services include: Nursing Care, Wound Care, Hospice Care, MedicalSocial Services, Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapies, HomeHealth Aides and Homemakers/Companions.

Your News!NIGHTS IN THE CITYSpend Two Evenings With Good Friends For Good CausesThursday, October 2 and Friday, October 3, 2008Downtown Meriden, 50 West Main Street, Meriden, CT (Next to the Police & Courthouse Complex) RAIN or Shine!

For the third year in a row, the City of Meriden, Valencia Liquors, Drust Family Shop-Rite, the Lions Club andRotary Club of Meriden, and The Meriden Arts Council come together for two fabulous evenings of fun, food, wine,beer and fine art. Other participating sponsors include: Meriden Civitan, Meriden Unison, Tri-Town Golden Kiwanis,Meriden Masons and Ivers & Associates Advertising.MAIN & VINE: Thursday, October 2 o 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.Kicking off the festival on Thursday night will be a Wine Tasting sponsored by Valencia Liquors. Along with The DrustFamily Shop-Rite, who caters the event with gourmet samplings, the evening helps to support multiple local charitiesthrough ticket sales sold by multiple non-profit organizations. With over 25 Imported and domestic wines to try, and aFREE complimentary wine glass to take home, you will also be entertained by a live band the will perform during theevening. What if you don't like wine? There will be 12 beers to sample if that is your preference. This is a 21 years orolder event and photo ID or Driver's License must be on hand for age verification.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at door. Contact your favorite Meriden Charity or Non-Profit Organization or logon to www.valencialiquor.com. You can also call 203-235-4825 or purchase tickets at Valencia Liquor, 1231 E. MainSt., Meriden, CT in Lowe's Plaza. This is a great way to help the charity of your choice while having a great time sam-pling some great wines, good food and enjoying live music.THE MAIN ARTERY: Thursday, October 2 o 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.Meriden's Main Street Celebration of the ArtsSponsored by The Meriden Arts Council, this year's Fine Art Show will take place within the gates of Main & Vine.What better way to view artwork by our local artists than to enjoy this visual gala while listening to live music andsampling good wines and gourmet food! This is a juried art show that will surely be a feast for the eyes. The arts arealive and thriving in Meriden and artists from Gallery 53 and Sandman Gallery will be participating in this year's event.Landscapes, portraits, still-life paintings, and others will be presented in both traditional and contemporary styles. FromOils and Pastels to Watercolors and Sculptures, it will be an event not to be missed. Representatives will be on handfrom The Meriden Arts Council to talk to anyone who might be interested in joining the group in order to further pro-mote the arts in Meriden.

With the purchase of a ticket to Main & Vine, you are able to view the art exhibit free of charge. For more informa-tion about the show you can log on to info@meridenartscouncil.org or call Lynn at 203-235-6270 after 6 pm.THE 9th ANNUAL SILVER CITY BREWFEST: Friday, October 3 o 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.This Rotary Charitable Event is a great way to spend some an evening while helping The Meriden YMCA. You will beable to sample over 25 international and micro-brews all why enjoying FREE hamburgers, hotdogs and live music! Ifyou don't like beer, there will be a selection of 25 wines to sample. Again, you must be 21 years or older to attend and adriver's license/photo ID will be required.

Included in the evening's events will be a COOKOFF competition of some of our local restaurants and chefs. Therestaurants will be making soups, chowders or chili's to compete against other restaurants. The winner will receive atrophy and recognition in the local newspaper. The best part is that you get to sample the dishes and cast your vote foryour favorite fare.

The proceeds from this year's Silver City Brewfest will be used to enhance our aquatic department. The aquaticdepartment provides a wide variety of programs for all ages including; water aerobics, swim lessons, lifeguard and CPRtraining, swim teams and adaptive aquatics. The proceeds will help to provide necessary tools and equipment to ensurethe best environment to teach our children, youth, teens and adults.

The Meriden YMCA is open to all regardless of race, creed, gender, or financial status. Membership in our YMCArepresents a commitment to its philosophy and mission. Founded in 1876, the emphasis of membership continues to beone of developing the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. The Meriden YMCA seeks to become a "master link" inour community, connecting needs to resources, people to programs, possibilities to potentials and to enhance the qualityof life for all people who live and work here.Tickets are $20 per person or $25 the day of the event and can be purchased at: Valencia Liquor, 1231 E. Main St.,Meriden, in the new Lowe's Plaza Zorba's Restaurant, East Main Street, Meriden PiesOns Restaurant, Colony Street,Downtown Meriden Sandman Gallery, West Main Street, Meriden

THAT WEEK!!!The week between Christmas of 2006 and New Year's Day, 2007, was outstanding for the problems it brought.

On Christmas Eve the oven blew up. I was only heating up some bagel slices at a low temperature, but pouf!, up itwent. A busy week, we did not even have time to consider whether to replace the stove or have the oven fixed.

A few days later the hot water tank gave out, although we didn't realize it until a few days after that. We did notremember if we owned the tank or rented it from the United Illuminating Company.

What happened in the bathroom was almost unbelievable. About a dozen tiles jumped off the shower wall into thebathtub! Some in the family thought we'd have to have a new bathroom installed at a cost of several thousand dollars.

It gets worse. The hole in the kitchen ceiling began to leak steadily. I had purchased a beautiful cut glass bowl at achurch rummage sale for a dollar and we placed that on the table directly below the hole. It was a week of many visi-tors, so I was glad to use that lovely bowl instead of a pail.

I laughed out loud and spoke to the Lord. "It will be interesting to see how You're going to solve all these prob-lems," I said. "I know I can't fix any of them."

A call to the UI assured us that we rented the hot water tank and a new one would be sent out and installed that veryday. They were as good as their word and a few hours later we had hot water again. And that was on New Year's Day.

Ray, God bless him tackled the tiles in the bathroom, cleaning up all the rough edges of old dried-up glue on theceramic tiles. He was not well, getting ready to start dialysis in a few weeks, so he could only clean a few each day.But he worked at it faithfully and soon proved what my grandmother used to say: "Do a little each day and eventuallythe job will get done." A neighbor provided a patch of wallboard and some glue and Ray was ale to restore the showerwall back to its original usefulness and beauty. Well, almost - it is 60 years old.

Our daughter Robin and son-in-law John, who are our next-door neighbors, went to Vermont for a New Year's Evecelebration with friends, spending the night there. As they were leaving for home on New Year's Day, their hostsasked, "Do you know anyone who needs a stove?" They just happened to have John's truck with them, as a precautionfor bad weather, so they loaded the stove onto the truck and headed home. By that afternoon we had a new-to-us stovethat fit perfectly into the space the old stove vacated and was exactly the same cream color as the hood above it. Theoven door is black glass, exactly the same as the front of our dishwasher.

There's more. A neighbor came to the door and offered to fix the leak in the kitchen ceiling. He went home to gethis ladder and then proceeded to climb up to the second floor bedroom and close the window that had not been shuttightly enough. That slight opening had created a path for rain and snow to somehow make its way to the addition tothe kitchen. We no longer need the use of a pail or a crystal bowl or anything!

When God answers prayer, He does it all and He does it right!From One Woman's Journal By Audrey C. Linke

Exhibits Open At Easel Works Easel Works is pleased to announce the opening of two exhibits at their 2 Quinnipiac St. Studio & Gallery. Flower Whimsey - Watercolors by artist Ernest Trumpold shows the lighter side of the world of flowers and takes theviewer away from the intricate details of each bloom and on a journey into the beauty in simplicity. Paintings will beexhibited August 25th. through October 5th.

"On The Edge Of Reality" - by artist Ramon Jimenez, amazing graffiti art that is controversial, thought-provokingand on the edge. This exhibit truly shows the effects of the world around us. Show runs through October 5th.

Brenda

Page 18 September 2008

October 4th -- 11AM - 7PMFishbein Park at the railway station green

Entertainment provided by:DeNovo / Noon - 3PMEight to the Bar / 3:30PM - 6:30PM"Taste of Wallingford" food courtJuried Arts & Crafts show and saleActivities for children & teens / Petting Zoo & Pony Rides 1PM - 4PM Civic & Non-profit GroupsPolice, Fire, Public Utilities demonstations / "Touch A Truck"

Uptown on South Main Street:CT Street Rod Assoc. Car Show / 2PM - 5PM

October 5th -- 11AM - 6PMFishbein Park at the railway station green

Entertainment provided by:Moxie / Noon - 2PMThe Whiskey River Band / 3PM - 6PM"Taste of Wallingford" food courtJuried Arts & Crafts show and saleActivities for children & teens / Petting Zoo & Pony Rides 1PM - 4PM Civic & Non-profit GroupsPolice, Fire, Public Utilities demonstations / "Touch A Truck"

Join us and have a great time Celebrating Wallingford!

Come and Celebrate Wallingford!

MY YOUTHFUL DAYS FISHINGBY Francis W. Lappert

I was twelve yrs. old andmy young brother was tenwhen our father told us tocatch a can of night crawlersand he would take us bull-head fishing at MeremereReservoir. We did so and herigged up several tarred droplines, as he didn't have anyfishing poles. We took offand walked to the north endof the reservoir, as this washis favorite spot to catch amess of bullheads. We fol-lowed a path down the westside until he came to hisfavorite spot. Each of ourlines was about sixty feetlong with a two-ounce sinkeron the end to help us throwit out. Our father who wasan expert with the line caught the first fish, a nice one about twelve inches long. After dealingwith several tangled lines my brother and I got the hang of it and managed to get several fish,

added to what our father caught we quit when we had a dozen. Our mother fried them up the nextday for supper. After a few more trips with him he let us go by ourselves. At that time Meremerehad a great quantity of smallmouth bass. We asked our older brother who was an expert fishermanwhat would be the best bail to catch them. He told us small green frogs or crayfish. He said thebest place to catch the frogs was in the swamp for their food. The crayfish we could get in thereservoir by lifting up flat stones along the shore. We both supplied our family with many a fishdinner. I've got to mention the fact that the park seemed to be a breeding ground for the copper-head snakes. We killed many of them even where the swimming pool now stands.

Quite a few years later, when fishing by myself on the west side of the reservoir among thehuge rocks on the shore, I had a dozen small frogs in my bail pail. I had just landed a nice twopound bass and was reaching for the pail in back of me for another frog to bait the hook My handfroze in mid air for there in back of the pail was a large copperhead. I reached for a nearby rockbut he saw me move and slithered down among the rocks. Needless to say I got away from therefast. The area between Hubbard Park and the south end of the reservoir seemed to hold most ofthe snakes. I have never encountered a rattle snake in all my hiking in these woods but my sisterRose killed a forty two inch rattler while walking in the woods near the half-way house we callFair View. It had eight buttons.

I recall in later years someone introduced large mouth bass and also pickerel to Meremere reser-voir. The fishing improved tremendously. I once caught a seven pound twelve ounce bass on ablack jitterbug plug fishing at night.

I would like to mention also that Peregrine Falcons used to nest on the crags on the west side ofthe reservoir and once saw one carrying a large snake in its talons back to its nest on the cliff.There also used to be the Red-tail hawks that were always trying to get one of our chickens in thebackyard, but our father chased them away with his twelve-gauge shotgun.

A final note: Meriden has five water supply reservoirs, two of them teeming with fish,Meremere and Broad Brook. It's tragic not one of them is available to local fishermen.

WallingfordHybrid Passenger Car

and High MileageVehicle Exemption

Pursuant to Ordinance 556, the Townof Wallingford has enacted a HybridPassenger Car and High MileageVehicle exemption in the amount ofa $5000 assessment reduction. Theordinance shall be effective com-mencing with the October 1, 2008Grand List and shall terminate onJuly 1, 2010.

A. Hybrid Passenger Car - A newpassenger motor vehicle purchasedon or after October 1, 2004, andprior to October 1, 2008, that has aUnited Stated EnvironmentalProtection Agency estimated high-way gasoline mileage rating of atleast forty miles per gallon thatdraws acceleration energy from twoonboard sources of stored energy,which are both an internal combus-tion or heat engine which uses com-bustible fuel and a rechargeableenergy storage system that is certi-fied to meet or exceed the tier II bin5 low emission vehicle classification.ORB. High Mileage Motor Vehicle - Anew passenger motor vehicle pur-chased on or after January 1, 2008,and prior to July 1, 2010 that has aUnited States EnvironmentalProtection Agency estimated city orhighway gasoline mileage rating ofat least 40 miles per gallon.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. A one-time application must befiled in the town Assessor's Officefor every hybrid or high mileagevehicle. A new application isrequired for every newly acquiredvehicle.

2. Applicant must provide owner-ship and purchase date documenta-tion for the vehicle. (motorcycles and scooters are not eligible).

3. Applicant should provide docu-mentation with the application sup-porting the claim that the subject

4. Vehicle qualifies for the exemp-tion. The Environmental ProtectionAgency hosts a web sitewww.fueleconomy.gov where youmay access this information.

5. For the regular motor vehicleGrand List an application must befiled on or before December 31st Following the assessment date forwhich the exemption is requested.

6. For the supplemental motor vehi-cle Grand List an application mustbe filed within 30 (thirty) days Of the purchase of the vehicle.

7. Failure to file an applicationwithin the required filing period willresult in a forfeiture of the Exemption for the applicable GrandList year.

Page 19 September 2008

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MUSINGS……..by Ernie LarsenThink about it……………..I subscribe to a weekly news magazine aptly named The Week; if you arefamiliar with Time, Newsweek, it is that type of publication. However it isvastly different in its content as it accepts very limited advertising; it takes itscontent from worldwide news and wire services, newspapers and offers sec-tions written by staff.

It always has stories, snippets and facts that you will not see elsewhere. Anissue, dated June 27, 2008 had a sidebar on the main stories page which I'mgoing to quote verbatim:

When 18-year old Lukasz Zbylut arrived in New York 5 years ago, he bare-ly spoke English. But he's obviously a quick learner: He finished high schoolthis year with an A+ average, served as editor of his school newspaper andfounded the debate team. This spring, Zbylut was accepted by 18 colleges,including seven in the Ivy League. He's decided to attend Harvard. "I applied toall these great colleges thinking, Why not? "he said. "I took a shot in the darkand apparently, I hit the jackpot"

Why is it that eastern Europeans, Asians and children of Asian or childrenof middle-eastern and other foreign born ethnic groups do so well in our educa-tional system? In this case, with no available details, we don't know if his par-ents pushed or should I say encouraged him, or does he just have a natural abil-ity to learn.

Stories of this type surface at this time of year, the end of the school yearwith all those HS seniors heading off for the ivy covered halls of university.Remembering just a couple of months ago, the Scripps-Howard spelling beewas being televised and here was visual proof of who were the best spellers.Out of the 12 finalists, 8 were non-Caucasian; not being sure if these 8 wereborn in the US to parents from other lands or came here at an early age, no onecan make any accurate prediction why they excel in spelling and I'm sure otheracademics in which they participate.

People say that happens in other places, well not really, on a personal note,friends of mine have two adopted Korean children, both of whom were in thetop ten of their HS graduating class and accepted at prestigious universitieswith generous scholarships. They are not biological siblings, yet they justseemed to 'get it'. Their parents were involved in their education, not to anydegree that would be called excessive or hovering, the children knew they hadto study, were encouraged to become involved in extracurricular activities andthat they did. One has graduated and is very gainfully employed, the otherdoing very well and will also be entering the work force in a couple of yearsand will surely become an asset to society.

Every time I see a story like this or think about these two children whom Iknow personally, it gets me wondering; and this time enough to share mythoughts with readers of this publication. Someone who is in the 'States for amere 5 years, starting out knowing limited English, excelling academically andnow has to reject college acceptances which others would welcome with openarms.

Look at the reality show 'Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader', where normalfolks (mostly working class adults) fail miserably in the academic arena against10 and 11 year old students, quite embarrassing, I'd say.

Is our academic system to blame? Hard to say, yet I bet that these smartchildren have a lot of parental support, giving them certain goals to achieve, orpossibly these whiz kids take it on themselves to make their own mark, as Imentioned, you never know. As for being smarter than Miss Jones favorite 5thgrade student who early on in the show had to convince a 30 year old sheriff'sdeputy that Hawaii was not on the east coast of the United States; this is thepoint I stopped watching the show - come on, this was pathetic, embarrassing.Yet it is commonplace, I just heard some statistics about a college geographycourse, these students did not have a clue as to where places were in their ownstate, much less the United States or, heaven forbid, the World.

Perhaps there should be a "reality show" with a bit more substance than thelot that is currently out there, hosted by people like Lukasz or maybe a group ofspelling bee winners; or the top students in high school graduating classes; letthem share some of their secrets of mastering our language, their study habits,their 'secret' to learning; something along the lines of "How to be as smart asMe"

Think about it!

INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVERS NEED VOLUNTEERSInterfaith Volunteers Caregivers of Greater New Haven needs volunteers to be afriendly visitor to an elderly resident, or help shop for or with an elder.Volunteers also transport people to and from medical appointments or providefor respite care for families needing support as they care for a loved one. Allthat is required is a loving heart and two or four hours a week. A two hourtraining event will provide you with the information and basic skills to make adifference in someone's life. The next training events are September 18th 6:30-8:30 P.M. at the Hamden Senior Center, 2901 Dixwell Ave, Hamden,September 21st 2-4 P.M. Center Church on-the-Green, 311 Temple Street, New

Haven and September 25th 10 A.M.-12 Noon at Woodbridge Human Services(Senior Center) 11 Meetinghouse Lane, Woodbridge. Please call Interfaith at230-8994 for information or to register for one of the training events.

Winter ConcertThe Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords( a 90 member community vocal group)will resume their weekly rehearsals in preparation for their Winter Concert tobe held on Sunday afternoon December 7, 2008. They will begin on Tuesday,September 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rev. Msgr. M. Davitt Fox Parish Center, St.Francis Church, Elm St., Middletown. Gina Fredericks, of Middlefield, is themusical director and Joyce Ghent, of Portland is the founder and chairperson.We are looking to add to our Bass and Tenor sections but all voices will beaccepted. If you want to lift your spirits share your love of music, be part of a"family", and contribute to the community, then we extend a warm welcome tojoin us. Please call 860-342-3120 for more information. No auditions are nec-essary, you do not have to be a hospital employee and new members fromCentral and Southern CT will be accepted until September 16th.

Page 20 September 2008

SPECIAL $50 SYNAGOGUE MEMBERSHIP

Temple B'nai Abraham, a Conservative, Egalitarian congregation,announces a special membership rate for new Temple members. The membership will run until June 2009. High Holiday ticketsincluded in the membership. Offer is open to singles and families.The Temple offers a wide range of programs:Innovative ReligiousSchool (Pre-K through bar/bat Mitzvah)* Shabbat * Holiday andFestival Services * Yahrzeit Minyanim* Jr. Congregation * AdultEducation * Social Action * Cultural and Social Events andCongregational DinnersThis offer is not open to current or past members.

Call (203) 235-2581 for more information.The Temple is located at 127 East Main St., Meriden.

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What I did this Summer.By Lisa A. DiMichele

Most of the summer, like many others, I worked with weekends to enjoy. Recently, my family and I went on a tripup to Damariscotta, Maine and stayed at Lake Pemaquid campground for a week. I can tell you it is beautiful up there.The lake is crystal clear and clean filled with beautiful fish of different sizes, shapes and color. It had lily pads withbeautiful white lillies growing on them and the daily visits from the group of ducks that came to visit us each day. Werented a 3-bedroom house on the other side of the lake across from the main campground in which we had access to allthe amenities it provided, such as the large pool, 4 Jacuzzi's, mini golf, skateboard park, basketball courts, horseshoepits, playgrounds and many different boats. They also had a general store, arcade and entertainment nightly.

There are 7 of us that includes 3 boys and 2 girls ages 16 to 6. The beautiful thing about being up at LakePemaquid in that house was everyone had space and there was a variety of things to do for all ages. The 16 year oldboys were always fishing while the 12, 11 and 6 year olds were splashing in the lake right off the private dock off theback of the house. The house faced the lake with all large picture glass windows in the large kitchen, living room andmaster bedroom that gave you the most spectacular views each and every day.

My favorite memory of that vacation was the afternoon I laid on the hammock on the back deck swaying side toside, relaxing while the beautiful breeze from the lake breezed over me. It was peaceful and quiet and I was alonewhen all of a sudden to my surprise a magnificent American Bald Eagle flew right over me and swooped over the lakelooking for fish. I was in such awe and called everyone to see. I have never seen a bald eagle that close in flight and itwas beautiful. The eagle was sighted by my oldest son again that week. We felt blessed to be surrounded with suchbeautiful country and wildlife.

The nights were cool, requiring jackets and we enjoyed ourselves around a campfire on the lake toasting marsh-mellows and making smores. Yummy! The night sky was dark filled with bright twinkling stars as the moon rose andreflected over the lake. You can hear all the night creatures as they come alive.

The best part of my summer was being surrounded by my beautiful family with smiling faces, hugs and laughter aswe enjoyed and appreciated God's beautiful country.

Gil Simmons to Host American Red Cross DinnerThe American Red Cross announced today that its annual dinner benefit will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton inMeriden on Friday, September 26, 2008, at 6 p.m. Gil Simmons, News Channel 8 Meteorologist, will serve asHonorary Chairman.

"I am thankful to be involved with a group that makes such a difference on a global and a local level. I appreciateworking with such great people who impact so many lives in a positive way. I am honored to host the dinner for sucha fine organization." said Simmons.

Simmons will host a "Dancing with the Stars"-themed audience interaction dinner produced by Sound SpectrumEntertainment. As in the hit TV series, six professional dancers will team with guests who will get a lesson in salsa,disco, hip-hop and other dance styles. Simmons will also present the branch's Board of Directors' Awards ofAppreciation to the event's sponsors: CYTEC, Lane Construction Corporation, RDM Financial Group, Record Journal,Wadsworth Investment Company, Inc. and Wal-Mart.

In addition, a silent auction and a 50/50 cash drawing will be held. Tickets are $60 per person and include a three-course dinner. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross. For tickets and information, please contact theWallingford office at (203) 265-6721. The Wallingford/Meriden Branch of the American Red Cross is a regional office of the South Central ConnecticutChapter, serving the towns of Cheshire, Meriden, North Branford, North Haven and Wallingford. The American RedCross is a humanitarian organization led by 650 local volunteers. Our mission is to provide relief to victims of disasterand to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Some thoughts from Kimberly…Kimberley Linstruth-BeckomGas prices have sky rocketed for everyone and this is starting to make people think twice about how they are spending

their dollars, this includes businesses and industries. One industry in particular that is looking to make a drastic changein the near future is the traditional publishing industry.

For many years, in fact, since the Great Depression, publishers would print up hundreds or in some cases, thousandsof books by an author, some known and some unknown, in hopes of selling them to retailers like Barnes and Noble orBorders. These retail stores would order the books and put them on their shelves in hopes of selling them to con-sumers who read. If the titles did not sell on the store shelves, the retailers had the opportunity to sell the unsold booksback to the publisher so the retailer could recoup lost sales. The publisher in turn would try and sell these unsoldbooks to other retailers who carry books. This plan sounds great in theory, but what about in real life?

Well, it isn't working very well in real life at the moment, "The returns are actually down right insane." stated theCEO of Barnes and Noble and this is making people in the industry see this practice of returns as costly becauseapproximately 25% of books sent out, will be returned, that's a 1 out of 4 book ratio. The amount of daily ordersplaced is, for one warehouse, 15,000 titles. So, costly, it is, starting from the sale of the book to the retailer, to trans-porting the books, to the processing of the return, transporting the book back, to finally selling it to another retailer,which in some cases, may be the same one that returned the book in the first place. This for obvious reasons is a wasteof books, time, gas, and payroll, which really boils down to a waste of money. We also shouldn't forget how badlythis effects the environment with unneeded transports, as well as the fact that these books were a tree or two once upona time.

Too add fuel to this fire (pardon the pun), some books in earlier days were actually burned because they weren't in agood enough condition to be resold. Some warehouses would use these books as a way of heating their buildings dur-ing the cold winter months. Thankfully, they are sent off to be pulped today and then probably reborn into yet anotherbook title that may find its fate the same.

With all of the cost factors to consider, it's no wonder that the publishing industry wants some things to change, buthow to change, is not so clear cut. Some of the leaders in the industry want to go as drastic as producing less copies ofa particular title. And yet, others want to cut out returns all together.

Both of these ideas, though practical, may wind up hurting the actual author with sales, and that may be in all hon-esty, the best case scenario for well-known authors. The unknowns may not get a second look if the editors have tolook at production and sales as factors before they okay a new proposal.

With these factors in mind, some people are looking to print on demand (POD) as an alternative, but with sales onlybeing one tenth of one percent here in the US; it is highly unlikely that that will spark a huge amount of interest here.It is, however, popular enough in the UK for bookstores to consider a pilot program called "Espresso Book Machine"(EMB). This machine will print up books while the customer waits in the store. If it is a successful pilot, the UK islooking to have 60 or so of these EMB machines in bookstores around the United Kingdom.

Something else that may be considered a great idea is the world's first pocket reader called the Readius. This will beout some time next year as "the Cadillac" of electronic pocket devices that can download e-books for the consumer toread on the go. Thomas vander Zijden who is the Vice President of marketing is very optimistic of its launch in theUS, and we shall see.

I think, given the economy, that it is still really too soon to tell if any of this will have an impact on the readers oftoday. Readers have access to so much more than just Borders. Yes there is POD and e-books, but there are also a lotof writer's groups popping up on the internet too. I think reading has changed since the Great Depression and whateverthe traditional publishers can do to catch up with that will only benefit everyone involved.Author, Publisher, and Founder of Writers With Chronic DiseaseKimberley Linstruth-Beckomwww.kimberleylinstruth-beckom.comWhenever I see an old lady slip and fall on a wet sidewalk, my first instinct is to laugh. But then I think, what if

I was an ant, and she fell on me. Then it wouldn't seem quite so funny. - Jack Handey

7th Annual Soy Unica! Soy Latina! Mother-Daughter Community CelebrationOctober 18, 2008 at Washington Middle School

The 7th Annual Soy Unica! Soy Latina! Community celebration hosted bythe Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council and sponsored by CoxCommunications is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2008 at WashingtonMiddle School in Meriden from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This year this excitingevent will bring keynote speaker Elizabeth Torres: 20 year-old poet, painterand motivational speaker from Roselle Park, New Jersey. Elizabeth has beenwriting poetry since the age of five. She has six published books and threeaudio recordings. Elizabeth has experienced a lifetime's worth of internation-al travel, speaking engagements, and art showings all highlighting her abilitiesto speak, create, and develop new motivational concepts.

This Mother/Daughter event is for girls ages 9-14 and offers workshops,prizes, and food all free of charge. The program helps girls and their moth-ers/caregivers to communicate and have a healthy relationship. We are alsolooking for financial support of this wonderful program. If you as a businessor individual would like to support this important event, please contactChristelle Aube at the Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council203-294-3591. Every little bit helps!

The Book SellerThe Book Seller, a cozy new book shop located in the Library's lower level,features used books, CDs, DVDs, etc. in excellent condition. Stop by for avisit and browse the shelves for a novel to read, gifts for the kids, or a new

CD to play on your way home.Regular hours are Monday and Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and

4:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Page 21 September 2008

Emerson & Cally Grandchildren of youth chair Carole Golitko. Perennials& annuals planted as a project for The Wallingford Garden Club.These guysare good gardeners. Submitted Carole Golitko

Beautifying the Shelter

The Meriden High School Committee Class of 43 (Rhoda Huwitz andHelena Perino Ingraham) shown above working hard on the 65th Reunionwhich will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at the Sans SouciRestaurant located at 2003 Berlin Turnpike in Meriden. Invitations andreservations forms have been mailed to all classmates. Returns have to byreceived by September 15th. The Reunion Committee is trying to locate thefollowing classmates: Irence Banaszewski Wollschlager, Robert Barnhard,Arthur Beniot, Irene Buchko Matyas, Phyllis Cawthray Rice, Jane ColleArmstrong, Dorothy Cooper Gregory, Gloria Darin Dubuc, June DennisonSchripritt, Dorothy Dickinson Johnson, Mary France Reynolds, ElizabethKubek Bellemore, Robert Leary, Eleanor Luft Wade, Dolores MartancikPusanz, Jeannette Petit, Rudolph Ravasio, William Roberts, Anna RolfAnderson, Virginia Spear, Bernice Sundberg Nurczyk, Jane Wendover,Jeanne Bergeron Ferreri, Max Dybic, Muriel Greenhouse Zimmer andElliott LaMontagne. Any information as to current address or phone num-ber - please call David Wodatch at 203-237-0880.

Meriden High - Class of 1943

"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective"by Gregory M. Simpson

The number one reason why someone donates to a charity is simple. It's because he or she is asked. So, I'm asking.According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are 48 municipal shelters, 15 private shelters, and

another 145 non-sheltered animal welfare groups in Connecticut. They all have one thing in common. They all coulduse your support.

Americans love their companion animals. For 2007, Americans were expected to spend 48.7 billion dollars on them,according to Packaged Facts, a consumer research company. This exceeds the gross national product of about 120nations. Yet there are thousands more animals awaiting homes in Connecticut's animal shelters.

A donation to a shelter of unrestricted funds is always appreciated as it allows an animal welfare group to spend asneeds arise. Restricted funds, such as for spay/neuter, are also gratefully accepted, as an estimated 80% of the kittensborn annually come from feral and stray cats. Another way to contribute is to remember a shelter in one's will andestate planning.

The greatest gift of all is to give of oneself. Volunteers see their efforts as labors of love and the opportunities tovolunteer are as varied as one's talents, interests, and available time. Animal welfare groups need adoption counselorsand volunteers for animal care, rescue, dog walking, cat socialization, transportation, and grooming. Volunteers arealso needed for fund raising, such as grant writing, soliciting at stores, and organizing events. Also helpful are officetasks such as phone work, keyboarding, filing, web-site maintenance and correspondence. Animal shelters will train onthese responsibilities. Or organize your own tag sale or bake sale to benefit a shelter. Foster homes are always neededand invaluable, especially for non-sheltered animal welfare groups. Regardless of what you choose, become a dedicat-ed volunteer who commits to consistently and competently fulfill a responsibility.

Public education is another vital role. Perhaps your contribution can be to educate through the media. Write a letterto the editor, an Op. Ed. piece, or a magazine or newspaper article. Place your name on an e-mail list to be alerted forlegislative or other advocacy. Appear on radio or television, organize a petition drive, or help publish a shelter'snewsletter.

Set a good example for youth. Research has shown that young Americans will volunteer if they have a parent whodoes. Seeing respected peers volunteer is also motivating for teenagers.

If you would like to donate something tangible to an animal shelter, consider the following: dog and cat food ortreats, cat litter, blankets, towels, cat and dog toys or bedding, dog collars and leashes, latex gloves, kitten milk replace-ment (KMR), and heating pads. For a shelter's laundry and cleaning needs, consider giving laundry detergent, bleach,fabric softener, paper towels, garbage bags, tissues, laundry baskets, hampers, disinfectant spray, and dryer sheets. Ashelter's office could use postage stamps, envelopes, copy paper, and other stationery supplies.

True concern for animals needs to be demonstrated through commitments of time and donations. Volunteer workand contributions are at the core of charity work for animals. Shelters could not survive without both.

In the 1700s, Connecticut's Noah Webster defined a volunteer as a person who enters any service of his own freewill. So, I'm asking. The animals in shelters all want the same things that each of us wants - to love and be loved,have a home, and live a life without pain and misery. They do not ask for much, but give unconditional love in return.Will you please help a Connecticut animal shelter through volunteering or making a contribution today? Homeless ani-mals are waiting. To find a shelter or rescue organization near you, visit petfinder.com or pets911.com. Thank you inadvance for whatever support you can provide.For the animals,Gregory M. SimpsonGregory Simpson's animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for severalConnecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Currently aBoard member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat loversin the U.S. He is also a member of the Cat Writers' Association.

You laugh at me because I'm different, I laugh at you because you're all the same. - Unknown

Happy 10th Birthday Sierra! You are the sweetest girl in the whole worldand we know this will be your best year yet. Love, Mom, Dad, Joshua andShaunessy.

Celebrations of Life and Home

Exhibition The Arts and Crafts Association/Gallery 53 will be hosting an exhibition forartists Bruce Raven and Chris Ivers September 6th - 26th. The opening recep-tion will be held on Saturday, September 6th from 2:00 to 4:00PM and is opento the public.

The Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden/Gallery 53 has been servingthe community for over 100 years, it is a non-profit organization, committedto promoting and encouraging appreciation of the arts by means of education-al programs, exhibits, workshops and lectures. The Gallery is open Tuesdaythrough Friday, 12-4 pm, and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 pm. Events are free andample parking space is available across the street. The Gallery is easy toreach from I-91 and I-84. Visit our website: www.gallery53.org or call (203) 235-5347 for directions.

Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, butamong those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh - W. H. Auden

Page 22 September 2008

Find out if your childhas a vision problemthat will impact his

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Celebrations ofLife & Home

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY TOMY BUD, HUNTER!!!!

LOVE YOU LOTS,MITCH

Wallingford Senior Center NewsSEPTEMBER IS . . . . National Biscuit Month, National Jazz Month, National Coupon Month, Mold AwarenessMonth, AND, Senior Center Month! Sponsored by the National Institute of Senior Centers, the theme of this year'scelebration is "Senior Centers Work!" The Wallingford Senior Center works to keep our members active, healthy,informed, and happy Our senior center works!VARIETY SHOW on Thursday, September 18, 7 PM - A night of great local entertainment is in store for you onSeptember 18. Our show this year features song, dance, magic, comedy, and more, provided by town officials (guesswho), members of the community, and senior center members too! Tickets are $5.00 per person and the proceeds willbenefit Holiday for Giving. Don't miss out - buy your tickets today!A TASTE OF RETIREMENT LIVING on Wednesday, September 24, 10 AM-12 PM - Join us for a special programfeaturing the culinary skills of local retirement and assisted living facilities' dining services. Brunch items will beavailable for your tasting delight. In addition to the great food, representatives will share information about the servicesand amenities each community offers. Information, food, and door prizes await you! Register today by calling 265-7753.CLASS REGISTRATION WEEK of September 8-12, 2008 - Registration for all classes is on a first come, firstserved basis. Sign up between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, September 8-12. Present your SeniorCenter ID card when registering to get the membership rate. Special note:Computer Class registration will be held September 9, 9:30-11:30 AM, and September 10, 1:00-3:00 PM.ASK YOURSELF: DO I . . . use my arms to get out of a chair? . . . have difficulty reaching up into my kitchen cabi-nets? . . . struggle with grocery bags? . . . notice that my balance isn't what it used to be? If you answered yes to justone of these questions, you probably could benefit from one or more exercise classes. Our fitness programs aredesigned to help you engage in your daily activities by strengthening your bones and muscles, increasing your flexibil-ity, energy and endurance, and improving your balance. Sign up for the fitness classes that are right for you.IDENTITY THEFT: DON'T BE A VICTIM on Monday, September 8, 1:30 p.m.- Following a press conferencegiven by the CT Department of Consumer Protection at the Senior Center on September 8, at 1:00 p.m., CommissionerJerry Farrell, Jr. will offer a short program on identity theft. Learn how your identity can be stolen and how you canprotect yourself and your assets. Shredding your unneeded junk mail, documents, and personal papers is essential!SHRED IT DAY on Saturday, September 13, 9:00 a.m.--1:00 p.m. - The CT Department of Consumer Protection andShred-It are teaming up to host September Shred 2008. Bring up to three (3) large boxes or heavy duty trash bags ofyour unneeded personal papers to be shredded to the blue and white Shred-It truck at the Senior Center between 9:00a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This free service is offered on a first come, first-served basis.DIGITAL TV: WILL YOU BE READY? On Wednesday, October 8, 10:30 AM - Are you uncertain about the newfederal law concerning the February 17, 2009 switch to digital television broadcasting and how it will affect you? Aspeaker from the Federal Communication Commission will give a presentation on why the switch is being made, whatwe can expect and how we can prepare for the transition to digital television broadcasting. He will be available toanswer your questions and address issues you may have. Sign up at the front desk to attend.TURN YOUR HOME EQUITY INTO CASH on Wednesday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. - If you are 62+, you canturn your equity in your home into cash with monthly or lump sum payments to meet unexpected medical expenses, tomeet long-term care needs, or to make home improvements. You do not need to repay the loan as long as you live inthe house and keep the taxes and insurance current. You can never owe more than your home's value. Hear more atthis FREE seminar. Please register by calling 265-7753.CELL PHONE TRAINING on Monday, September 15, 1:00-3:00 PM - Here is your chance to learn all about cellphones. Representatives from the local AT&T Mobility Store will teach you all the basics of using a cell phone (anymake or model). Topics will include: making and receiving calls; voice mail; storing numbers in the address book;speed dial; and more. There will be hands-on demonstrations and one-on-one instructional support. Bring your owncell phone or use one of the practice phones. Come with your questions to this free program that will also featurehandouts and give-a-ways.SOCIAL SERVICESCONNECTICUT ENERGYASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CEAP)WHAT? Money to heat your residence if you heat with oil, kerosene, electric, or gas.WHO? People whose income and assets fall within the guidelines.HOW? FOR OIL HEAT ONLY: Call 235-0278 starting Monday, September 15, 2008 for an appointment. (Gas andelectric can call beginning in December.)WHEN? November 1, 2008 is the first day fuel deliveries will be paid by the CT Energy Assistance Program.Struggling to Pay Monthly Bills?BENEFITS SCREENING Tuesday, September 16, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noonRSVP of South Central CT will offer free benefits screenings to individuals age 60 and older to determine benefits eli-gibility. Benefits QuickLINK is private, free, and confidential! Supporting documents not required, but please bringthe following information with you to the screening: 1. Monthly income (social security, pension, dividends and interest.2. Monthly expenses (heating, fuel, gas, electricity, water, telephone, rent or mortgage payments and medicalexpenses not covered by health insurance.)3. Asset information (savings, estimated value of home and car, life insurance benefits.)4. List of all current prescriptions.Pre-registration required for Benefits Screenings by calling 265-7753.CONNECTICUT'S NEW AFFORDABLE CHARTER OAK HEALTH PLAN"For the first time, Connecticut residents who are not able to get health insurance through their jobs now have accessto decent, affordable coverage," said Governor Rell on July 1. The new Charter Oak Health Plan is affordable healthcoverage geared to Connecticut residents employed by small businesses, people between jobs, young graduates, earlyretirees and people too young for Medicare. Monthly premium and annual deductible depends on household income.Individual premiums range from $75 to $259 and annual deductibles range from $150 to $900.Get details at 1-877-772-8625 or visit Charter Oak'swebsite at www.charteroakhealthplan.com. ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIESWhere can you go to get $70-$75 worth of food for $30? The answer is Angel Food Ministries, based out of GoodNews Christian Church in Wallingford. This great program has been a huge success in helping families "make endsmeet" all over the country. Angel Food Ministries offers restaurant grade food without meeting income qualificationsor completing applications. Food Stamps are accepted. Look for menus and information at the senior center on theMember Interest Table.DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR INDEPENDENCEDo you have a loved one in need of socialization and guidance throughout the day?The Daily Activities for Independence Program is a small, structured environment designed for Wallingford residents,age 60 and over, who may be experiencing memory loss, physical and social difficulties. With appropriate support,these individuals can continue to be highly active and independent. D.A.I. provides the following:*Recreation *Nutrition *Exercise *Companionship *Health Services *TransportationClients must be able to participate in activities and self-administer medications. Those who are prone to wandering,anti-social, or violent behavior will be referred to other programs. The program operates Monday through Friday, 9:15a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Transportation is provided for Wallingford residents. If you would like to learn more about theD.A.I. program, contact Melinda Welch, D.A.I. Coordinator at 203.265.7753 Ext. 205. Space is limited.HOW DO I GET THERE?- A revised edition of the "How Do I Get There?" Transportation Guide is now available.Call 265-7753 for a free copy, or stop by.

Call for Meriden Area Artists...The Main ARTery, Meriden's Main Street Celebrations of the arts sponsored by the Meriden Arts Council. Fine ArtShow & Sale Thursday, October 2, 2008 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Meriden Courthouse Plaza. Along with aWine Tasting hosted by Valencia Liquor and a Gourmet Chef Demonstration/Food Tasting sponsored by The DrustFamily Shop-Rite. For a prospectus or more information, please contact Lynn Fisher at 203-235-6270 or info@meri-denartscouncil.org. Open to all Meriden Fine Artists working in the mediums of Oils,Watercolors, Gouache, EggTempera, Pastels/Oil Pastels, Textile/Fabric, Photography, Sculpture, Graphics (charcoal, etching, woodcuts, silkscreen,intaglio, original illustration in traditional mediums such as ink or graphite, etc.).Work may be traditional or non-objec-tive. Entries must be artist's own work. Deadline for entries is September 1, 2008.

Seniors Have Dreams Too, IncOn Saturday, September 13, 2008 a bottle and can drive will be held to benefit the non-profit foundation Seniors HaveDreams Too, Inc. The drive will be held at M&M Redemption Center on Route 68 (Church Street) in Wallingfordfrom 9 A,M. to 1 P.M.Thank you, Sally F. Smith President

The People’s Press - Get Happy With It!www.peoplespressnews.com

Page 23 September 2008

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East Haven$324,900. Mint ranch on prvt. corner lot. Finished LL including anadditional 600 SF w/FR, Fr. Pl. & 4th BR. Gleaming HW Flrs, newappl included. Nothing to do but unpack & move in. Prvt. fenced-inyd w/pool & gazebo. Truly a must see. Loriann X303.

New Haven$269,900. Well maintained 2 Fam on NH/EH Line. Each unit has 3BR's, updated kit & bths. HW flrs, newer furnaces & CA, repl.Wndws., 2 car gar, sep util. Low maint. Perfect for owner occ. Orinvestor. Chuck Scalesse 203-988-2594.

North Haven$424,900 Location, Location! Entertainer's delight. Priced right! Openflr plan, stunning 600 sf remodeled kitchen w/fpl & granite tops leadsto new patio, pool. New bath, new septic, finished LL w/possible MBRor in-law set-up. Public water. No updating needed. Dom Tata 203-214-8049.

North Haven$299,900. 2 full baths, newly remodeled cape style home nestled onless than ½ acre w/trec decking and hot tub. What a beaut!!. MaggieGriffin 203-668-9162

East Haven$289,900. A great home with 10 yrs of history. With all the updates and largerms and lots of storage. Come see what this house has for you. 2 staircasesleads to an open den area and 3 BR, Lg. FR on LL. 3 car gar with el., andwork stations. So much more. Barbara 203 804-6142

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MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTERThe Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membershipis free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver'slicense 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 isoffered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!

Move & Soothe with Dr. Susan Sandel will resume on Tuesday, September 9 at 12:30 PM on the lower level of theSenior Center. This creative movement, exercise and relaxation program has been quite popular in the past and wehope that interested people will attend to welcome Susan back for the next quarterly session of Move & Soothe at theSenior Center!

On Wednesday, September 10 at 10:30 AM Meriden Center will sponsor a "Home Safety Tips" program in the firstfloor meeting room at the Senior Center. The speaker will focus on steps you can take to make your home and yardsafer to avoid falls, accidents and other mishaps. Attend this free program to learn valuable safety tips to protect your-self and continue living at home as long as possible! Light refreshments will be served. To register call Victoria atMeriden Center, a division of Genesis Health Care, at 238-2645.

The next program sponsored by the Meriden Triad to help protect Meriden seniors from fraud, scams and othercrimes will be "Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft" with Tina Gabriel, Director of Crimes Investigations forCorporate Security at People's United Bank in Bridgeport. According to Ms. Gabriel, during 2006 more than 670,000cases of fraud and identity theft were reported in the United States. The most common frauds were credit card fraud(25%), phone or utilities fraud (16%), bank fraud (16%) and employment fraud (14%). The average victim loses$5,900 and spends 600 hours recovering from the crime, often over a period of years. Learn how to avoid being a vic-tim of fraud and identity theft by attending this program on Wednesday, October 8 at 10:30 AM in the first floor meet-ing room at the Senior Center. The program is sponsored by the Meriden Triad. Sergeant Darrin McKay is Chairmanof this local partnership between the Meriden Police Department and the Senior Center to help prevent crimes againstthe elderly. Refreshments will be served.

The Connecticut AARP Tax-Aide program is seeking volunteers to provide one-on-one help in the preparation ofincome tax returns. Computer literate volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Tax Counseling for theElderly is a free, confidential service run by volunteers who prepare Federal and Connecticut tax returns. The serviceis offered by appointment on the mezzanine level of the Senior Center on Wednesdays from February to April eachyear. If you would like to join the Meriden AARP Income Tax Team to help in this rewarding volunteer work, pleasecall Meriden Tax-Aide Coordinator Frank Spinelli at 237-6978.

Sign-ups are now being accepted for the next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center onWednesday, November 5 and Friday, November 7 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Class participants will learn defensivedriving techniques, new traffic laws and much more in this 8-hour course. Successful completion of the classroomcourse also entitles you to a discount on your automobile insurance premiums. The course fee is $10 and reservationscan be made in the front office or by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066.

The Meriden Public Library Bookmobile will visit the Senior Center again on Thursday, September 4 from 10:00 -11:30 AM in our front mini-bus parking area. The Bookmobile carries a variety of books including large print, bestsellers and books in Spanish so please take this opportunity to see what the Bookmobile has to offer for you!

There is still time to sign-up for the $300 economic stimulus checks ($600 for a married couple) being distributedthis year. If you had more than $3000 in Social Security benefits in 2007, not including SSI, and have not filed an IRS1040A tax return to receive your stimulus check please see me in the office and I will be glad to complete your taxreturn on my computer. The deadline to sign-up for the stimulus payment is October 15.

The deadline for elderly and disabled people to sign-up for the State of Connecticut Rent Relief Program isSeptember 15. The program gives eligible renters money back on their 2007 rent and utilities. For more informationor to arrange for us to visit a homebound applicant, please inquire in the front office or call the Senior Center at 237-0066.John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director

October Art Festival "Art On The Wall" & Art Walk

Easel Works invites you to join in the fun at their 14th anniversary celebration of "Art On The Wall" & "Art Walk,Saturday, October 4th, 2008, 10:00am to 6pm in Wallingfords Historic Center Street Cemetery. Art work by EaselWorks adults and young artists will be displayed along the pathways throughout the cemetery. Hands-On art projecttables will offer the opportunity for all to put their creative talents to work. Some of this years offerings: ButtonChristmas Tree Ornament, Hand Decorated Herb Pouches, The Silver Pinecone & Its Legend, Spiced Pinecones,Wind Lanterns, Hanging Power Symbols and a few added suprises.

Guests Artists will also display their works. These special tables will include: Digital Art by Charles Jones, Mixed Media by Nelson Ford, Mixed Media by Lauri Mack, Mixed Media by Marion Gravel, MixedMedia by Ernest Trumpold, Mixed Media by Brenda Trumpold

A Special Exhibit of Pencil Drawings and Watercolors commemorating the 325th anniversary of the HistoricWallingford Center Street Cemetery will also be displayed. There is no charge for projectstables. They are courtesy of EaselWorks and the Easel Works ArtCommittee.

AttentionRetirees!

It's almost that time of the yearagain…BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!Being retired, this probably doesn'taffect you that much. But back toschool time also means that theSenior Buddy Readers program isbeginning to sign up volunteers forthe 2008-2009 school years. "Whatis Senior Buddy Readers," you ask?It is an intergenerational literacyprogram where retirees volunteer tohelp first and second gradersimprove their reading skills. Lastyear, Senior Buddy Readers cele-brated its sixth year, with seventytwo volunteers helping over twohundred children in five Meridenelementary schools. So if you are aretiree who has one hour a week toshare with a child, don't you thinkit's time to volunteer as a SeniorBuddy Reader? For more informa-tion or to sign up, please contactDavid Radcliffe, Director ofMeriden Children First Initiativelocated at the Meriden PublicLibrary (203) 630-3566. Or you cancheck out the Senior Buddy Readerslink at Children First's websitewww.meridenchildrenfirst.org. Makea difference in the life of achild…become a Senior BuddyReader!

Page 24 September 2008

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Pick Your Own Apples and Pears Now!

and take your pick from the freshestveggies and more at our farm store.

Open Tuesday-Friday 12pm-6pm Sat-Sun 10am-5pm Closed Mon.

Platt High School Graduates Unite for Music and Charitable Giving in firstannual "Music for a Summer's Night Gala"The Immanuel Lutheran Church in Meriden was the site for the first annu-

al "Music for a Summer's Night Gala" on August 16, 2008.Presented by the Q. Walter Peabody Foundation and the Meriden

ArtsTrust, Inc., the evening began with a lovely appetizer reception andaccompaniment by Ms. Elisha Bettencourt on harp. Ms. Bettencourt is asecond-year member of the Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra, anda student of Susan Knapp Thomas, harpist with the Hartford Symphony.Ms. Bettencourt also provided music for the post-concert dessert reception.

Mr. Christopher Wm. White, Vice President of the Peabody Foundationwas the organizer of the musical program. Mr. White is a doctoral studentin Music Theory at Yale University, and a graduate of Platt High School.The Q. Walter Peabody Foundation is a charitable project of several gradu-ates of Platt High School in Meriden ; the foundation currently adminis-trates the Zack Weston Memorial Scholarship.

Mrs. Katrina S. Axelrod, President of the Meriden ArtsTrust Board ofDirectors and Administrator for the Central Connecticut Civic YouthOrchestra, served as administrator for the event.Students from the Yale University, UConn and Syracuse University Music

Departments entertained with a wide-ranging program of music, utilizingthe Immanuel Lutheran Church's beautiful organ, piano and acoustics.

Mr. Jon Garcia, a Platt High School graduate and now a sophomore in theUCONN Music Department, provided an unaccompanied piece in theClassical repertoire.

The very effective Jazz set was headed by Mr. Will Valenti, a MusicStudent at the University of Syracuse, NY, also a Platt Graduate.The Broadway genre was well represented in Edmund Bagnell's renditions

of "Moon River" from Breakfast at Tiffany's and "Those Magic Changes"from Grease.Wonderful vocalists sang music ranging from from an early English sacred

a cappella quartet to a Schumann Lied to jazz standards, such as FatsWaller's classic "Ain't Misbehavin' " and Johnnie Mercer's "FallingLeaves".

Please see the music program below for the full range of exquisite musi-cal offerings of the Music for a Summer's Night Gala". * indicates Platt High School graduate.1) Praeludium in C, BuxWV 137 -----------Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)La Verbe -------------------------------------------- Olivier Messian 1908-1992"Dialogue" from Ave Maris Stella--------Nicholas De Grigny (1672-1703)Christopher Wm. White, organist*2) "Fantansie Brilliante" ------------------------------J. B. Arban (1825-1889)Jon Garcia, Trumpet*3) "Ave Verum Corpus" ------------------------William Byrd c. (1534-1623)"Ave Maria"------------------------- ---------Josquin de Prez c.(1450-1521)Esteli Gomez, SopranoEsther Morgan-Ellis, AltoNoah Horn, TenorChris White, Bass4) "Variations sur un theme de Clement Janequin" -------Jehan Ariste Alain(1911-1940)"Finale" from Symphony VI -------Louis Victor Jules Vierne (1870-1937)Noah Horn, Organist5) Fugue in A Minor , BWV 543 ---------------------- J. S., Bach, (1685-1750)Noah Horn and Josiah Armes, Organ6) Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76 No. 7 ----Johannes Brahms 1833-1897)Capriccio in C major, Op. 76 no. 8 --------------------------------- BrahmsChris Brody, Pianist7) "Ganymede" -------------------------------------Franz Schubert (1787-1828)Esteli Gomez, Soprano8) "Moon River"----------------------Lyrics by Johnnie Mercer (1909-1976)Music by Henry Mancini (1924-1994)"Those Magic Changes" from Grease---------------------Jim Jacobs (1942- )Warren Casey (1935-1988)Edmund Bagnell, Tenor9) "Ain't Misbehavin'" ---------------------------------Fats Waller (1904-1943)"Autumn Leaves" -------------------------------Joseph Kosma (1905-1969)Lyrics by Johnnie Mercer"Lullaby of Birdland" -------------Music by Sir George Shearing (1919-)Lyrics by George David Weiss (1921-)Esteli Gomez, VoiceWill Valenti, Trumpet*Alissa Wendelschaffer, Piano

The second annual "Music for a Summer's Night Gala" fund raising con-cert is planned for late Spring, 2009, when the Q.W. Peabody Foundationand the ArtsTrust will again raise money for a continuing Music and ArtsScholarship program as well as funds for "Orchestra Summer", a mutualprogram of the Peabody and Meriden ArtsTrust, to provide a summer Musicexperience for the area's young instrumentalists.

Musicians may inquire about playing opportunities and Sponsors mayinquire about participating in the second "Music for a Summer's NightGala" by sending e-mail to: meridenartstrust@yahoo.com with "Summer'sNight Gala" in the title of the e-mail or call Mrs.Axelrod at (203) 235-7445,Meriden ArtsTrust, Inc., for more information.

Special thanks go to Pastor Peter and Mrs. Sally Beaver of the ImmanuelLutheran Church for their gracious welcome and indispensable productionassistance!

Thanks for Sponsorships go to: The Branding Company, Prentis PrintingSolutions, Edible Arrangements, and Stop & Shop of West Meriden.

Your News!

PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Neverknown to fail. Oh most beautiful power ofMt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor ofHeaven, Blessed Mother of the Son ofGod, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in mynecessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me andshow me that you are my mother. Oh HolyMary, Mother of God, Queen of Heavenand earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-sity. (Make your request). There are nonethat can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,conceived without sin, pray for us whohave recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).Say this prayer for three consecutive daysand then you must publish it and it will begranted to you. Grateful Thanks. C.J.

PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Neverknown to fail. Oh most beautiful power ofMt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor ofHeaven, Blessed Mother of the Son ofGod, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in mynecessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me andshow me that you are my mother. Oh HolyMary, Mother of God, Queen of Heavenand earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-sity. (Make your request). There are nonethat can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,conceived without sin, pray for us whohave recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).Say this prayer for three consecutive daysand then you must publish it and it will begranted to you. Grateful Thanks. S.B.

To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens CommunityNewspaper, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at

203.235.9333

Page 25 September 2008

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CHIPPER AND CHELSEA

By Sil PattersonA whimper and one small bark came from Chipper as he looked out the window.. Cathy opened the front door as

Paul stepped out of his red Taurus and Chipper ran to him and then circled the 100 feet of the front lawn with awhirling force over and over again. It was delightful to see such an exhibition of love and joy. Eight years have passedsince Paul found this dog and his welcome is always the same.

It was springtime in the year 2000. Paul and Tom set up their tools in New Britain for a cellular tower survey whenthey heard a small bark. The sounds of a highway with heavy traffic muffled the dog's call but Paul looked up the bankand pointed to a pile of chips. Tom joined him as he ran up the hill to pick up a scrawny young dog. Chips of woodstuck to his feet: "Chipper," Paul spoke to the dog, "Where did you come from? How long have you been here?" Bothboys were moved by the dog's friendliness. They placed him in the truck away from the busy highway.

As Tom petted the dog he noticed Chipper's ribs were protruding. "He must be starving." Paul found a plastic con-tainer, poured some water from the cooler and opened a can of sardines, and that's all it took to become Chipper's bestfriend.

Neither of the boys could take the dog to their apartments. So Paul thought of his Mom who already had Chelsea, aspringer spaniel, and a fenced in back yard. "We'll find the owners soon, don't worry . No-one would let this wonderfuldog stay lost." he exclaimed. But no-one responded to the lost and found ads and Chipper stayed.

Dr. St. Claire at Meriden Animal Hospital gave Chipper a complete physical but postponed the usual immunizationsand treatments for a few months since Paul had no idea of the dog's past medical history. "He looks like a GermanShepard mixed with beagle hound and from his bone structure, I guess he's about five months old." Dr. Joseph St. Clairecalled to his son, Dr. James (St. Claire) and both of them agreed. "He's a little shaky but appears healthy. Feed him thesame dog food you give Chelsea (Natural Choice) and let me see him again in two weeks. By then those prominentribs will be well covered." This was true, and never again did Chipper appear under weight.

Chelsea was different. She acted out! Unlike Chipper, she was a thoroughbred Springer spaniel, papers and all, andCathy paid $1000 for her. Cathy and Tanya kept her in their home from the time she was seven weeks old until theywent on a Carnival cruise in April, 1998. Chelsea was four months old when Mom and Dad took over her care.

Chelsea had rages. She couldn't sit still in the car when a bicyclist or a large truck went by-she would run from onewindow to the other barking. Dad placed a cage in the car to stop the dog's bad habit but Chelsea never seemed at easewhen riding. The TV was literally attacked when any fast moving thing went across the screen-horses, cars, runners.Whenever Mom or Dad sat in the reclining chair and pressed the lever to raise the foot stool, Chelsea jumped like a star-tled stallion into the air and had to be stopped from attacking them. Worst of all, she bit when excited or controlled. Asa puppy some of this behavior seemed tolerable but Chelsea didn't respond to discipline as she grew older.

Perhaps Chelsea knew that her new master was ill and she didn't like it.. Dad became much weaker by January 1999from melanoma; everyone who visited left in sadness. "Come on Chelsea," he would say, "Lie next to me." Chelseawould jump up on the couch with him and cuddle next to his feet. Perhaps, it would have been easier on such a sensi-tive animal if she could talk it over with someone, but instead, she witnessed Dad's decline until he went to Hospice inJuly, and died one month later.

Eight months later, Chipper moved in. Chelsea and Chipper liked each other. They played in the backyard, lovedtheir walks together with Mom, Paul or Cathy, loved to swim together and even ate off separate plates without fighting.Each dog slept independently in cages next to each other and often napped on the living room rug close together.

Chipper had a sweet nature but Chelsea continued to be aggressive and neurotic. Chipper followed Chelsea's leader-ship but seemed to understand when the "alpha" dog, Chelsea, became too aggressive. Chelsea was spayed when shewas eight months old and Chipper was neutered before his first birthday. The years went by and Chelsea continued toreact to noise, such as the sound when raising the base of the lounging chair. She yelped and often lunged toward thechair and anyone in her way. Chipper interrupted these actions by prancing around Chelsea and astonished us byattempting intercourse. However, Chelsea never changed.

Cathy and Mom always searched for advice in helping their beautiful pet, Chelsea, to live with them without turmoil.In her first year of life, she attended beginner obedience classes. Her playful nips became serious bites and she couldnot be trusted to be left alone with the grandchildren. When Cathy or Mom attempted to stop her from adverse behavioror remove ticks, she turned on them.

In the year, 2002, three interventions were attempted. Chelsea's first four years were chaotic and both Mom andCathy thought this could change. A young woman from ABC Obedience Training in Guilford came to the house fourtimes and walked both dogs, advising Mom to use a gentle leader collar on each dog that would correct the dogs'pulling, She asked that Mom try the clicker, a tool to give the dog more confidence. Many of her suggestions changedthe actions of Cathy and Mom. No longer would they allow the dogs on any of the comfortable chairs in the house.The trainer asked that Chipper join a group of dogs for an evening social but she didn't want Chelsea there.

During this time a friend advised the family to see Dr. Harlan Gustafson who specialized in dog behavior. This vet-erinarian agreed with the advice of ABC Obedience Training but suggested that Chelsea might benefit from medication.Mom couldn't get over how Chelsea reacted to this man. The dog allowed him to give her a complete physical andnever showed any aggression. "Dr. Gustafson was truly a dog whisperer," Mom said later to Paul and Cathy, However,the thought of medicating Chelsea did not appeal to the family.

Two months later Chelsea turned on Mom when she pulled a stick from her mouth. The bite on Mom's hand becameinfected. Just a short time before this Cathy needed an emergency room visit for a painfully deep bite on her hand.One day Chipper and Chelsea encountered a Labrador retriever on their daily walk and it was all Cathy could do to pullChelsea off the retriever. None of the advice they received stopped Chelsea from biting.

One last try: a trip to Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts. Chelsea hidunder the chair as Leslie Anderson, assistant to Dr. Moon, tried to assess her. Leslie diagnosed Chelsea as having domi-nance aggression with a strong fear component. Leslie mailed her report to Mom along with a detailed list of instruc-tions that she and Dr. Moon had collaborated on. Mom and Cathy followed through on most of the suggestions but haddifficulty in declaring one word commands. They purchased a basket muzzle and used it frequently; they let petgroomers keep Chelsea clean and brushed; they avoided bones and raw hide and continued to keep both dogs off highfurniture; they tried a long leash and gentle leader collar in the house to change the dog's aggression toward visitors andnoise; the easiest advice was to let Chelsea run for 30 minutes because she and Chipper ran like gazelles in the woods.

There was not enough money to build a separate pen to keep Chelsea away from children until a year later. Quentin,a teenager, witnessed his grandmother's dog, Chelsea, dig furiously and yelp without stopping that first short time inthe new pen. "That dog is crazy," he said. When Chelsea again took a nip at Grandma, both Gram (Mom) and Cathytook Chelsea to Meriden Animal Hospital where the veterinarians all agreed that Chelsea should be put to sleep (September 13, 2003).

Mom, Cathy and Chipper grieved over the loss of Chelsea. Even now, five years later, Chipper runs to his cagewhen he sees anyone in the family sit on the recliner in the living room. Every time he walks around the block with Mom or Cathy he looks for the Labrador retriever andpulls on his leash when he sees her. There is a big difference: Chipper reacts to the commands of his masters; he seemsto be at peace in this world . Chelsea never was!

Absentee Ballots Available!

Attention WallingfordResidents who will not be

here for the elections! Remember to apply for yourAbsentee Ballot for the upcoming Presidential Election!Waiting until the last minutemay result in your vote notcounting! Come into theWallingford Town Clerk’s Officeto apply. We are locatedin the Wallingford TownHall, Room 108, 45 SouthMain Street.

Call 203.294.2145

While this summer featured family vacations, camps for kids and trips toLake Compounce for many 10 year old girls, there was one very specialtime had by 14 special young women. The Wallingford Girls Fast PitchSoftball 10 year old All-Star team advanced to the State of Connecticutfinals where they beat Waterford South by the score of 9-2 to secure thefinal banner in their impressive three banner run. The girls managed to winDistrict 5, Section 1 and the ultimate goal....the State Final...! They went12-0 through the Little League tournament. Congratulations Girls...!

Team members include the following...Players - Mikaeyla Daddio, Shannon Bissell, Samantha Forster, Meghan

Gavin, Emily Gersz, Ashley Haskell, Nicole Kiernan, Rebecca Marks,Melissa Pereira, Kimberlyn Petit, Sara Pisanelli, Katlin Reed, MakaylaRicci, Rebecca Souza.Coaches - Dan Daddio, Michelle Ricci, Mark Bissell

Wallingford has a State Champion...

True TreasuresBy Diana Lewis

Chapter 3Jake did bang on the wagon at 5:00 the next morning.

Jonathan moaned when he heard it. He woke up still holdingElizabeth. He kissed her and she woke up.

"Time to get up, Sweetheart. Time's a wasting." he said gen-tly. Elizabeth moaned.

"I'd rather sleep," she answered turning over. Jonathangrabbed his clothes and started getting dressed."I don't think you could sleep in a jostling wagon, because that'sthe way it would be when we get started." he laughed. She justlooked at him and started to sit up.

"I'll start the fire and go feed the horses then we'll be back forbreakfast." he left the wagon. She watched him. She sat there fora minute or two and then sighed. Then she reached for the dressshe had put out the night before to wear that day.

Elizabeth has the coffee made when Jonathan came back."Don't cook breakfast for us yet. We won't be moving today.

The Carters lost one of their horses and we going out to helpfind it. I hope to be back before dinner." he took the cup of cof-fee she handed him."Can't you eat first?" she asked.

"We want to get out and find it and get back. We'll see yousoon.." He reached over and kissed her and turned and left. Shewatched him until she couldn't see him no more. Then sheturned back to the fire and made her own breakfast.

Jonathan and the men did not return until almost dinner time.They did find the horses but one of them they had to shootbecause it had a broken leg. The Carters had to consolidate theirwagons and only take one wagon. Mrs. Carter cried because shehad to leave her grandmother's dresser behind. There was noway they could fit it with everything else they did need to take.Elizabeth felt bad for her and wished they had room to take it forher but they didn't. Both their wagons were full too.

Elizabeth tried to keep herself busy so she wouldn't thinkabout their son. She went to help some of the other mothers whohad young ones. It gave her something to do. She even had smalltalk with Rebecca Chambers and met her husband, Henry. Theyinvited her over to their wagon that evening but Elizabeth polite-ly refused making some excuse that Jonathan had to work onharnesses that were fraying. They invited them to come anytime.Elizabeth said she would talk to her husband and let them know.But deep down she wasn't sure she wanted to meet with them.

The next day they were on the trail again. The wagon masterwanted to put in a few more miles in that day to make up forsome that they lost yesterday so they would be traveling untildust that day. It was a long dusty day for all. They were ready tostop when they finally did. Elizabeth quickly fixed supper andcleaned everything up and they retired for the night. She did notdream that night, she was so tired.The next morning she woke up but she felt like she hadn't sleptat all, even though she knew she had. She fixed a hurried break-fast so they could get an earlier start. They traveled about anhour and one of the wagons lost a wheel and they had to stop.The wagon master wasn't too happy about the delay and told Mr.Fontaine to hurry up and fix it so they could get on the trailagain. But the wheel wasn't fixable and the family had to doublewith other families and they had to leave the wagon behind.They took the necessities like food and what clothing that theycould but everything else had to be left behind. The Fontaineshad six children ranging from six to sixteen. Some were sentwith some of the other families and Elizabeth took two of thesmaller children and Mrs. Fontaine in her wagon and Jake took acouple of the older boys with him in their other wagon. Jonathan

and Mr. Fontaine slept in blankets outside of the wagon, whilethe other children slept with other families.

Elizabeth and Emily Fontaine kept busy with the children dur-ing the day. Elizabeth enjoyed Emily's company and theybecame close friends.

Each evening after supper, Emily gathered all her childrenand some of the other children on the train and told them BibleStories or read Scripture to them. One evening while I was fin-ishing up the dishes, Emily was gathering the children togetherand her young daughter, Sarah asked, "Mama, can MissElizabeth join us for the stories tonight?" Emily looked atElizabeth and she shyly looked away."Well, Sarah, you could ask her if you want to?" she said.

"Miss Elizabeth, could you join us for our stories tonight?"she asked sweetly. Elizabeth just stood there. She really didn'twant to be involved in this. She liked Emily but she felt cor-nered. She quickly thought of an answer that wouldn't hurt thechild. Finally she answered the child.

"Maybe another night, Sarah. I'm kind of busy tonight." Shehoped she didn't hurt the child by saying that," You promise,Miss Elizabeth?" she asked. Emily touched the child's arm as ifto say not to pursuit it."I promise some night I will, okay?" Elizabeth answered. Sarahsmiled. Elizabeth went back to finished the dishes from supper.She poured the hot water into this dish pan that she had boilingon the fire, and adding some cold into it to cool it down. She hadlet the water on the fire a little longer than she intended. Emilywas reading from Romans that night.

"For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternallife," she read.

"Mommy," asked Martha, Emily's oldest daughter of 11,"What does wages mean?"

"Well, here "wages' means punishment for our sins." sheanswered..

"So we could die because of our sins?" she asked."Yes, but listen to the rest of the verse, 'but the gift of God is

eternal life.'"

"So how do we get eternal life and what is eternal life?" sheasked. The other children were very attentive."Eternal life is spending eternity with Jesus and in His glory, andwe get this eternal life by accepting Jesus as our personal Saviorand receiving His forgiveness for our sins." She turned to anoth-er verse in the Bible and read the verse.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive usour sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteous."

"What does confess mean, Mommy?" asked Sadie, Emily's 9year old..

"It means that if we tell Jesus that we are sinners He will for-give us and cleanse us anything that is wrong that we do."answered Emily.

"What is sin, Miss Emily?" asked one of the other childrenthat joined them that night. It was one of the Colby girls.Elizabeth and Emily had met Martha Colby when they werewalking.

"Sin is anything we do wrong," answered Emily"Like what?" asked her 6 year old son, John."Well, it could be disobeying your parents, lying, stealing,

anything like that.""You mean, Jesus doesn't like us to disobey our parents?"

asked Sarah."That's right," answered Emily. "Is there any other ques-

tions?" The kids were quiet. She could tell that some of themwere thinking about what she had said.

Elizabeth was just finishing the dishes. She was half listeningto Emily and the children. She tried to shove it all from her

mind. She put the dishes away for the night. Emily was dismiss-ing the children for bed. She tucked in the two that stayed inElizabeth's wagon first and listened to their prayers, which wasthe nightly routine and then she went to the other wagons to dothe same to her other children. She came back about forty-fiveminutes later. She looked more tired than she did earlier.Elizabeth was saying good night to Jonathan and Emily's hus-band, Matthew. She said good night to Emily when she arrived.

"I'll be in in a minute," she told Elizabeth. Elizabeth smiledand climbed into the wagon. Emily said good night to her hus-band and climbed into the wagon. Elizabeth had just finishedchanging into her nightgown and was folding her dress. Shegrabbed her bag and put the dress into it and brought anotherone out for the next day, while Emily changed. They were tryingto be quiet so they wouldn't wake the children.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Emily asked Elizabeth. Elizabethlooked at her in surprise. It was hard to see with the little lamplight they had.

"Sure.......I guess so," answered Elizabeth timidly."I think I'm expecting another child," she said quietly.

Elizabeth looked at her. She knew it would be hard for her onthe trail carrying a child.

"That's wonderful. I think," answered Elizabeth."I know I have heard of women who have lost babies on the

trail, but I am confident that God will take of it.""Does Matthew know?" asked Elizabeth."Not yet. I haven't had time to tell him. I may tell him tomor-

row if we can get some time together alone.""I know that is hard the way things are right now.""Yes, but we will manage with God's help. We better get

some sleep," she turned over and went to sleep. But Elizabethdidn't go right to sleep. She kept thinking about Emily had saidand read from the Bible.. She finally drifted off to sleep and hada dream. She dreamed that she was in front of this bright lightand a man came out from the light in a white robe and he washolding the hand of her son and He asked her if she wouldrepent of her sins and come clean before Him. She woke with astart and sat up. It woke Emily too.

"Are you alright?" she asked, concerned. Elizabeth wasbreathing hard. She looked at the wind up clock setting on thesuitcase. It read 3:30. She reached for her clothes and starteddressing. She had to get out of there.

"Elizabeth, what's the matter?" asked Emily."Nothing, I just need some air," she quickly answered. She

didn't want to discuss the dream with her or anyone for that mat-ter. She was quickly dressed and quietly climbed out of thewagon. She found Jonathan and Matthew just rising too.Elizabeth looked pale.

"Beth, are you alright? You look pale," asked Jonathan."How can you tell in the dark?" she snapped, really not mean-

ing to. "What's wrong?" he asked gently taking her into his arms.

She fell into them. She was shaking and his warmest calmed hersome.

"It's okay, I'll be fine after I eat something" she answered, notwanting to discuss the dream. Emily came out of the wagonthen.

"Elizabeth, are you okay?" she asked. Elizabeth slipped fromJonathan's embrace and went to start the fire for breakfast.

"I'm fine," she answered all to quickly. Emily looked atJonathan and Matthew with concerned eyes.

"Why don't you let me cook the breakfast?" asked Emily."We can both cook the breakfast if you like," answered

Elizabeth. She really didn't want help but she didn't want to dis-cuss anything else with anyone, especially not the dream.

Scientists are complaining that the new Dinosaur movie shows dinosaurs withlemurs, who didn't evolve for another million years. They're afraid the moviewill give kids a mistaken impression. What about the fact that the dinosaursare singing and dancing?- Jay Leno

You grow up the day you have your first real laugh - at yourself. - EthelBarrymore

Page 26 September 2008

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Dear Housewives - Central Connecticut's Know It All GalsDear Readers,Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer serviceissues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our can-did advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail orphone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue.

Hope you all enjoyed your summer. Back to school is here, we hope you areall ready. - June and FloraDear Housewives, My husband likes to watch the news while we eat dinner

but I think the violent and bad news is not something our kids should hear.What do you think? We have decided to do what you say. No news is goodnews in MeridenJUNE: Dear News, I think dinner time should be about the family talking to each other about their day and not aboutcatching the news. Much of what is on the news is bad and scary to little kids. You didn't say the age of your kids butI think you should turn off the television and turn on the conversation. Bon appetite.FLORA: I agree 100% with June. Table time is talking time for any age. I would avoid the news with young ones at

all times. They over sensationalize stories and can and will frighten them. TV off. You can go around the table and askwhat the best part of the day was.Dear Housewives, I hate when people wear shoes in my house. When my mother in -law comes to visit she wears

them all the time. I have a baby that crawls on the floor. How can I tactfully ask her to take off the shoes?got no soul in MeridenFLORA: Just say to her: "I feel uncomfortable asking you this but, would you mind taking off your shoes when youcome over? I can buy you a special Grandma Slippers for when you come by or we can shop for a pair together."Having the slippers will make it more special. I hope she respects your request.JUNE: I too have little ones on the floor and do not like the shoe in the house idea. People, when you are out one day,remember to look down and see what you are standing in. I bet you wouldn't touch the floor when you are out so whybring those germs onto your carpet and floors? Studies have confirmed that we bring in much bacteria on our shoes.Kindly tell your mother in law that you don't want shoes in the house due to the danger to her grandchild. It is a pref-erence like not allowing smoking in your home. Also, buy some cheap slippers for people to wear around your house.Dear Housewives, My hairdresser opened her own shop last year. I was brought up that you do not tip the salon

owner. Is that still the case. It costs a fortune for the wash, cut and color and to add 15-20% more is breakingthe bank some months. To Tip or not To Tip, that is the QuestionFlora: We must have been brought up in the same family because I was told not to tip the owner too. I would probably

tip though. If you feel close enough, ask her if it is customary. June? This is a tough one...JUNE: I can't believe we got this question because I am having the same issue now. I returned to a hairdresser I went

to when she worked somewhere and now she is the owner. I don't tip though. I feel funny because I am used to tip-ping but that is what I thought the general rule is. Of course, you can tip if you want but I feel they get the profits andmake the salary they give themselves whereas the hairdressers that work for them get a low base pay and people makeup the difference with tips. I would not tip unless you want to if it is the owner. JUNE: What is the deal with the whole tipping thing anyway? Why is the consumer on the spot to "help" pay thesalary of waiters/waitresses, hairdressers and so on. Why don't the restaurant owners pay the waiters a proper and notlet us help them pay their workers. For a family to go out to dinner it is expensive enough and to add 20% really hurts. Enjoy back to school kids and especially parents.

IT MAY BE TIME TO HAVE THE TOUGH TALK WITH AN ELDERLY PARENT

Sometimes We Need to Ask for the KeysFor most of us, our parents were always there when we needed them. They fed us. They clothed us. And they tried toteach us everything they knew - including driving.But as recent headlines in Santa Monica, California show, there can be deadly consequences to continuing to drivewhen it's no longer feasible. Statistics show that younger drivers, from 16 of 24, still have by far the most crashes ofany age group, but the problem of drivers with poor eyesight and slow reflexes is just going to get worse. In 1995, 1 ofevery 11 drivers in the United States was over 65. By 2020, 1 of every 5 drivers will be over 65, according to theNational Institute on Aging. So how to take away your parents' car keys without them resenting having their indepen-dence taken away? Comfort Keepers offers these tips:o Build a case. If you feel safe doing so and haven't done so in a long while, take a drive with your parent, whereyou're the passenger, and get a sense for whether your intuition is right or not. It may turn out that your parent is a saferdriver than you suspected; but if your hunch bears out, you'll have at least one reference point to go to, when you haveyour discussion. If driving with a parent isn't feasible, talk to likeminded relatives, who may have anecdotes of nearmisses and fender-benders that shouldn't have happened.o Steer the conversation towards recent headlines-national or local-that involve an elderly driver as the cause of theaccident. Get a sense of what your parent thinks. You might want to ask when they plan on giving up driving. You mayget an answer like, "Oh, in five or 10 years," which will help you know what you're up against. Or your shrewd parentmight know exactly what you're up to. Either way, the conversation has been started.o The guilt factor. Don't be afraid to use it-ask your parents how they will feel if they end up on the news for injuring apedestrian.o Be gentle but firm; try not to be insulting or confrontational. If you make your parents angry or hurt, which may beimpossible to avoid, they're more likely to stubbornly cling to the idea that they should be on the road.o Rely on experts. Realize that it may be difficult for your parents to agree with you. Suggest that they visit their doctoror ophthalmologist to get an assessment on their reflexes or eyesight. Give them material from publications about olderdrivers. For instance, you can get this one for free, "Drivers 55-Plus: TestYour Own Performance," AAA Foundation," by writing 1440 New York Ave. N.W., Suite 201,Washington, D.C. 20005.

17th Annual Oktoberfest Slated For Sept. 27 & 28 At Quassy The 17th Annual Oktoberfest Celebration Sept. 27 & 28 at QuassyAmusement Park, Route 64 here, will feature entertainment and great eth-nic food as the lakeside facility starts to wind down its 100th season.

Oktoberfest will be held noon to 6 p.m. at the Fieldside Pavilion withGerman music, food and dancing both days. Admission to the park andOktoberfest are free. Parking is $5 per vehicle (buses $35).Quassy’s rides operate both days from noon to 6 p.m. The complete 17thAnnual Oktoberfest Celebration schedule is as follows:Saturday, Sept. 27Amusement rides operate noon to 6 p.m.“Fire House Polka Band” performing Oktoberfest music in the pavilionstarting at 12:30 p.m.“Harugari Junior Schuhplatters” youth dancers of Hamden, Conn., per-forming in the pavilion starting at 1 p.m.Sunday, Sept. 28Amusement rides operate noon to 6 p.m.“The Fire House Polka Band” featuring accordionist Erik-Hans Vagen per-forming Oktoberfest music in the pavilion starting at 12:30 p.m.“Alpenland Tanzer Dancers” of West Haven, Conn., performing in thepavilion starting at 1 p.m.

Your News

When he reached the New World, Cortez burned his ships. As a result hiscrew was well motivated. - The Hunt For Red October

o Most importantly, offer solutions to giving up the car, like volunteering totake your parent to church every Sunday or to the bookstore on Saturdaymornings. And since you can't always be there, consider turning to a profes-sional caregiver and companion service. Your parent might not be thatdepressed about relinquishing the car keys, and might even be relieved, toknow that when you're not available, around the clock, there are companieslike Comfort Keepers, which specialize in providing in-home care for theelderly with companion-caregivers. Bonded and insured, a Comfort Keeperscaregiver can provide a variety of services from light housekeeping and mealpreparation to grocery shopping or even taking your parent to a doctor'sappointment.

Did You Know?As homeowners across the country scramble to find ways to save on risingenergy costs, ceiling fans could be a homeowner's best friend when it comesto cutting costs during the cooler months of the year. HVAC systems are oftenthe culprit in rising utility bills, so supplementing central heating usage with aceiling fan can save substantial amounts of money while also keeping peoplewarm. The ceiling fan blade rotation can be changed to direct warmer airdown where homeowners need it, and also circulate warm air throughout thehouse. That allows homeowners to lower the heating thermostat.

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Due to space - messages are limited to the 2 lines above.Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _If you would like the photo returned to you, please enclose a self addressed stamped envelope! We do not publishthe last names of any photo submissions. Send to:The People’s Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492

DDeeaaddll iinnee ffoorr oouurr OOccttoobbeerr iissssuuee iiss SSeepptteemmbbeerr 2233rrdd..

FFoorr SSppeecciiaall DDaayyss,, BBiirrtthhddaayyss aanndd HHooll iiddaayyss

FFFFrrrreeeeeeee PPPPhhhhoooottttoooo FFFFoooorrrrmmmmCelebrations ofLife and Home

WelcomeDominic Joseph CivitelliBorn 8/20/04 7lbs. 19.5”

Jeanine & GeorgeGrandparents:

George & Phyllis Civitelli and Fred& Christina Pucci

It’s Free. It always has been!Now is the time to book Ruth for all of

your Autumn Parties and Events!

Bobbie's Bevy of BeautiesIn less than four weeks autumn will be arriving and it can bring some verypleasant days with it. But then comes that nasty season which as much as Idespise some love it. Where did spring and summer go? Seems like the kidshave been out of school for only a week or two. Here in Meriden the publicschools begin classes on Wednesday, August 27th. Our youngest grand-daughter Izzy-Bella enters kindergarten at Ben Franklin, her sister Abby 7thgrade at Lincoln and sister Emmy "MeO" begins her first year at Platt on her14th birthday. Wishing them a successful year.

My flower beds are still pretty much in bloom. The turtle heads are juststarting to open up. Almost any place that sells plants have the autumnfavorite chrysanthemum in stock now. Mine probably won't give a showydisplay until the end of September. The butterfly bushes are full of very fra-grant blossoms. And along with the blooms are the many beautiful butterflies.The hummingbirds are also fond of this flower as well as my Echinacea,(Cone Flower), and thrive on my black and blue salvia. There are many kindsof salvia. Annual as well as perennial. This is an annual and one of myfavorites. Has grown to at least three feet. Produces many small, narrowflowers on each stem. The buds are black and turn to a royal blue when fullyopen. There aren't too many plants that are blue in color. Give them a try

next year I'm sure you'll be very pleased with them. The autumn joy sedum is starting to turn red. Not as many dahliasthis year. Guess some of the older tubers have had their time. Will buy some new ones next spring.

Many complaints about the veggies this season. So late in ripening. And a lot of them died out before they didmuch producing. Out of six or seven cucumber plants Jimmy would get a picking of over four hundred cukes. Thisyear maybe a hundred plus. He planted mostly Roma tomatoes. A few big boy and cherry. They all did very well.Any of you who read my articles know my love for the tomato. They finally turned red and I've been eating them likethey are going out of style. But I've noticed I haven't gotten any hugs from Jimmy since I've been consuming this par-ticular vegetable. I asked him why and he told me he was afraid to squeeze me because I would turn into tomato juice.That might just happen with the amount I've devoured.

We have a great front lawn man. Carl sometimes alone or with one of his adult sons help with the mowing andtrimming. But for some unbeknownst reason one of my white and purple trumpet lily plants gets hacked off along withthe weeds by them. I do have many of this particular flower so they do get replaced. This is not a particular favorite of

Jimmy's so needless to say this doesn't bother him in the least. You do have tokeep them under control or you will have fields of them. Of course then youwouldn't need to mow your lawn. After a few lessons of show and tell I thinkCarl and his sons have finally come to recognize the lily for what it is, a "flower"and not a weed. Other than this little quirk of the family…they are top notch.

Including a photo of one of our old wood burning stoves sitting in one of mygarden beds with pots of begonias resting on top.Will close for now.Flowerecerely yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien

P.S. Love always and best wishes to our oldest granddaughter Emmy "MeO"who turned 14 on August 27th. We're so proud of all the awards you havereceived. During your four years at Platt we're sure there will be more comingyour way. Good Luck! Grammie Bobbie and Gump Jimmy

P.S.S Happy 26th wedding anniversary to my brother Ted and sister in-lawLinda on August 28th. Love Bobbie and Jimmy

A Summer EndsBy Carol CarbuttiA chill lingers in the morning air and that same chill returns as the daylight retreats earlier than the day beforeA quick glance of colored leaves on certain trees, getting a head start on the fall seasonAnticipation on children's faces as they ponder their new school experience and decide on their wardrobeThis summer rushes by, leaving flashes of moments and experiences that echo precious memoriesThe family picnic with children playing and laughing, friends talking and smiling, sister's, brother's and cousin's catch-ing upThe outdoor cafes, long warm walks on neighborhood streets, fairs and festivals and weekend mystery tripsThe sandy beaches that capture your days, also remind you of your childlike pursuit of pure funFresh harvested luscious fruits and vegetables lure you to eat well and search for the best recipes and restaurantsPeople outside everywhere moving in a slower rhythm, smiling more and communicatingSummer slips away so quickly but nature softens the blow by the slow unveiling of the promises and colors of fallThe knowledge that summer will return excites my sense of being and promotes my desire to plan for next years festiv-ities

Puns IntendedSubmitted by Stacey Miller1. Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremonywasn't much, but the reception was excellent.2. A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, 'I'll serve you, butdon't start anything.'3. Two peanuts walk into a bar, and one was a salted.4. A dyslexic man walks into a bra.5. A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm, and says: 'Abeer please, and one for the road.'6. Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other: 'Does this tastefunny to you?'7. 'Doc, I can't stop singing 'The Green, Green Grass of Home.'

'That sounds like Tom Jones Syndrome.' 'Is it common?' ¡Well, 'It's Not Unusual.'

8. Two cows are standing next to each other in a field. Daisy says to Dolly, 'Iwas artificially inseminated this morning.' 'I don't believe you,' says Dolly.'It's true; no bull!' exclaims Daisy.9. An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing tolook at either.10. Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.11. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day, but I couldn't findany.12. A man woke up in a hospital after a serious accident. He shouted, 'Doctor,doctor, I can't feel my legs!' The doctor replied, 'I know you can't - I've cutoff your arms!'13. I went to a seafood disco last week...and pulled a mussel.14. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.15. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says,'Dam!'16. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft.Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak andheat it too.17. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel, and were standing in thelobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, themanager came out of the office, and asked them to disperse. 'But why,' theyasked, as they moved off. 'Because,' he said, 'I can't stand chess-nuts boastingin an open foyer.'18. A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes toa family in Egypt, and is named 'Ahmal.' The other goes to a family in Spain;they name him 'Juan.' Years later, Juan sends a picture of himselfto his birth mother. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that shewishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. Her husband responds, 'They're twins!If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal.'19. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot most of the time, whichproduced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little,which made him rather frail and with his odd diet, he suffered from badbreath. This made him a super-calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.

To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens CommunityNewspaper, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at203.235.9333 or email him atandy@peoplespressnews.com. Experience the power ofpositive for the readers and writers you will sponsor aswell as the return on your investment. Check out thepaper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com!

Wallingford student meets Gov. RellChristopher Bevins of Wallingford met Gov. M. Jodi Rell when she visitedQuinnipiac University Aug. 8, 2008, to observe students filming a shortfilm in high definition on the final day of the Connecticut Film IndustryTraining Program. Bevins was a student in the month-long program forConnecticut residents who want to learn basic film production and pursueentry-level freelance work. Bevins is a junior majoring in communicationsat Quinnipiac.

Your News!

Barbara's Bountiful Bouquetby Barbara Sherburne

Hi, everyone. I feel like this was kind of an odd year for the garden. We had such divergent temperatures, so cold inMay, very hot the first part of June, then lots of rain and cooler temps, and August has been the most surprising of allwith temperatures dropping into the 60s and sometimes the 50s overnight. I do not remember any August being likethis. Tomatoes like hot weather, so although I picked my first ones on July 11th, it did kind of wind up being againmid-August before they were really flourishing. I have tons right now, and I am still ahead of many other gardenerswho still have green tomatoes. It seems that my mismarked six-packs of tomatoes are almost all yellow, nonacidictomatoes, and they are almost sweet tasting. They are very good, but I do miss my cherry tomatoes. I have been givinglots and lots of vegetables away to my friends and neighbors, who do appreciate it. I have more basil than I know whatto do with, but that is basically the case every year. I decided to give a bunch of it to a young fellow who owns a pizzarestaurant next door to where I work. He was so grateful that to my amazement he brought me a vegetarian pizza to theconvenience store I work at with some of my basil on it. Boy, that was good!

Out of six artichoke plants, one actually produced artichokes, seven. I had no idea when to pick them, and I think Iwaited too long because the outer skin is pulling back, and that is not how artichokes look in the store. They just werenot very big, so I kept thinking I should wait a little longer until they grew larger. Hmmm. I'll see what happens nextyear as they are supposed to be perennials. I have seen no artichokes at the Community Garden even though I remem-ber one fellow saying he was going to plant them from seed when we had a garden meeting in March. Maybe the seedsdidn't take. I got my artichoke six-pack at Cheshire Nursery on Route 10, and maybe that's the only place that carriesthem. I know I have never seen them before anywhere else

Although I did have miniature corn plants again this year, quite unbelievably they did produce corn, roughly half thesize of an ear you would buy in a store. I picked quite a lot of them, ate some, gave some away, and still had a lot togo, and it was about that time that the raccoons got wind of my crop, and they had a field day. But that's okay. I believein sharing.

My cucumbers fizzled out at the Community Garden in early August, and it was about that time that they started togrow here at home on the trellis. Go figure that one out. I just picked two today, August 26th. I got very little producefrom the zucchini or the yellow squash here, but I still have lots of blossoms. I don't know if they will produce anythingmore at this point. Cleomes popped out from nowhere here at home too, what an odd little invasive flower, and I had topluck many of them out too, and then three sunflowers popped up from nowhere as well. They are not giant ones, butlittle ones, and I did not plant cleomes or sunflowers here this year. So whoever said that they are annuals, well, notreally. And one little marigold flower bloomed outside of my garden area here at home, just an few inches from theedge of the garden, about seven feet away from marigolds I planted, and I was like, "What?" You just never know.

Back to the Community Garden, my marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, lilies, and Black-Eyed Susans are doing well.What I personally get a bit discouraged with every year is how many people prepare their plot, plant things, and thenrealize you have to weed and water, and disappear. Many plots are all seven-foot tall weeds now, including one thatabuts me. I am constantly keeping their weeds at bay because I don't want them in my garden. I am not sure what peo-ple are thinking when they first plant a garden, but if you are not prepared to do a lot of work, it is kind of useless tostart a garden. And then there are the gardens that are attended to for part of the summer, and yet now I see things rot-ting and not being picked, particularly tomatoes and peppers, and then I see zucchini and squash that get to be the sizeof a baseball bat and no one is there to pick them. I don't get that.

I have already started to do the haying down process for the season at the Community Garden. I feel this season isgoing to come to a close sooner than usual due to these rather chilly overnight lows. I doubt the basil or marigolds willlast as long as they normally do. Okay, I have the blahs because I hate to see this season end. I love to garden and lovethe summer, and it seems to come and go so quickly. There really will not be much more to report in the next issue as Ithink I will just be putting the garden to rest. I'll see what happens. But for all of you who have gardens or who enjoyreading about mine, I wish you a very good September. I always call this time of year "The rush to Christmas." I kindof coined that phrase a long time ago, but time itself seems to speed up at this point in the year, and the next thing youknow, Halloween has come and gone, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. Maybe it's a sign of getting older. Not sureabout that, but time has continued to fly more steadily as the years have been running by. Oh, my, but I don't like to seesummer go.

Barbara Sherburnebarndt49@yahoo.com

MidState Medical Center's Cancer Survivors' Day to be held at Hubbard Park

The Cancer Center at MidState Medical Center announces its annual Cancer Survivors' Day to beheld on Sunday, September 14, 2008, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This year the event will be at Meriden'shistoric Hubbard Park near the band shell. The event has grown tremendously since its inception,and MidState is fortunate to have a new location that provides ample open space for the 150-plusattendees and their families who will join in the carnival-themed celebrations this year.

Cancer Survivors' Day is a family-oriented event complete with all the offerings you'd find at acarnival-face painting, balloon animals, caricature drawings, refreshments and more. Survivors caneven treat themselves to a relaxing chair massage. Music will be featured by hospital staff members,with opening performances by survivor and local Meriden musician, Joe Cadena.

While Cancer Survivors' Day is a national event commonly celebrated the first Sunday in June,MidState chose to celebrate the day in September to set it apart from all of the fundraising eventsthat take place during that month, including Race for the Cure and Relay for Life.

Staff at the Cancer Center wanted the day to have only one focus: "This is a celebration of life,"said Kathy Clements, MidState's Breast Care Coordinator.

The day is truly one designated to celebrate and honor the lives of so many individuals who areliving with the physical and emotional challenges associated with cancer. To complement the carni-val theme, the Cancer Center is using the tagline, "Survivorship: The Ride of Your Life" to signifythe ups and downs of the cancer experience.

Cancer Survivors' Day was initiated in 1993 when MidState was known as Veterans' MemorialMedical Center. It wasn't until 2003 that the event returned annually thanks to Kathy and MidState'sOncology Social Worker, Diane Lafferty.

Kathy commented on the way Cancer Survivors' Day has grown since its inception saying, "In2003, we had 40 people in the cafeteria. In 2006, we had 150 people. Last year we had close to200."

Many people living with cancer come out to hear the inspirational messages delivered by theday's guest speakers. Both cancer survivors and caregivers, as well as Cancer Center physicians andstaff take part.

"Caregivers are especially encouraged to attend," said Lafferty. Their tremendous support andadvocacy for the patient are great contributors to the healing process, and they, too, should take partin the celebration of life.

For more information or to register for Cancer Survivors' Day, please contact the Cancer Centerat MidState, 203-694-8353. Registration is preferred.

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, 'Press on,' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race

- Calvin Coolidge

AQUAPHOBIC? AFRAID TO LEARN TO SWIM BUT REALLY WANT TO? THINKYOU'RE TOO OLD TO LEARN TO SWIM? NOT SURE IF YOU CANAFFORD SWIM LESSONS?

The Wallingford Family YMCA with the support of the United Way ofMeriden/Wallingford has just the class for you!

This class is for adults age 18-99 (or even 100!) who have never learned toswim or have had a bad experience with swimming. The 14 week class willmeet every Monday night from 6:30-7:15PM beginning Sept. 8th 2008. It willbe limited to five students with one instructor and will meet in our more pri-vate therapy pool. Students will work on the skills in the American Red CrossLevel 1 curriculum and will receive individual attention to meet and overcometheir specific concerns and fears. Each student will receive a pair of goggles tohelp them feel more comfortable in the water.The cost of this program is $5 for the 14 week session. A simple scholarshipapplication must be completed in order to assure that those in financial needare accepted into the program. This form can be picked up at the YMCA ormailed to interested adults. It can also be printed from the YMCA web sitewww.wallingfordymca.org.

We know from State of Connecticut statistics and from articles in our localpapers that adults drown here at unacceptably high rates. The abundance ofwater sports here in Connecticut makes learning to swim essential. This oppor-tunity to learn something that not only is fun and an aerobic activity, but alsolife saving, is now available thanks to the United Way. Don't miss out! Calltoday to have information mailed to you. 203 269 4497 x 20 PamVanderWeele, Wallingford Family YMCA Aquatics Director.

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. That iswhere they should be. Now put the foundation under them. - Henry DavidThoreau

Page 29 September 2008

Page 30 September 2008

This edition of “The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, YourViews” serves the needs of the communities of Wallingford and Meriden,Connecticut. For safety reasons we do not publish the last name ofartists/writers under the age of 15. 5% of all annual net proceeds aredonated in kind or in financial donation to local charities and organiza-tions.This newspaper is not affiliated with any other newspaper.

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Celebrations of Life and Home

Don't Wait - Vaccinate!Meriden Health Department Immunization Program

As our attention turns to getting our children ready to go back-to-school, the Meriden Health Department'sImmunization Program would like to remind parents and guardians about making sure their child is up-to-date on theirvaccinations.

Children get vaccines (or "shots") not only keep them healthy, but to keep other children healthy as well. Vaccinesprotect children from diseases that could make them very sick. In fact, by keeping children up-to-date on their shotsbefore age 2, we can protect them against 14 different diseases!

The Meriden Health Department's Immunization Program can help parents and guardians make sure their child isup-to-date on his/her vaccines. Through a program called CIRTS (Connecticut Immunization Registry and TrackingSystem), we keep a record of your preschool-aged child's shots ever if you move away or change doctors. We can alsogive you a copy of your child's vaccine records if needed. Remember these tips:" Talk to your child's doctor to make sure their shots are up-to-date and that all doses were given." See if you can combine shots - this means less pain for your child, and less hassle for you!" Never skip shots! Your child needs protection now." Make up missed shots. Talk to your doctor if your child has missed a shot." Keep a record of your child's shots. Bring it with you every time your child goes to the doctor.For more information on the Meriden Health Department's Immunization Program please call Ana Guajardo,Immunization Action Plan Coordinator, at 630-4251.Love them. Protect them. Immunize them.

"THE BASICS OF EBAY SELLING" CLASS AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Meriden Public Library will host "The Basics of eBay Selling" a two-part class by Cheryl Adamo on Saturday,September 27 and October 4 at 1:30 pm in the Griffin Room. In the class, you will learn how to set up an eBay andPaypal account, create a listing for your item you are selling, how to monitor the sale, and what to do after you havesold your item. There is a limit of 20 people for the class. To reserve a seat, contact the Community ServicesDepartment at (203) 630-6349, email us at comsvc@hotmail.com or visit our website at www.meridenlibrary.org andclick on "Adult events" to sign up.

Cheryl Adam started to sell on eBay in January 2004. In three months she and her husband obtained Powersellerstatus. Cheryl became an eBay Education Specialist in July 2004 and can teach you everything she knows to help youbecome an eBay user and Powerseller.

FENG SHUI PROGAM SEPTEMBER 17 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARYJoin us at the Meriden Public Library on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:00 pm in the Griffin Room for "FeelingFantastic with Feng Shui" presented by Ned Farrell, certified Feng Shui consultant. With a little Feng Shui help, wecan work with our surroundings to make ourselves feel better, feel happier, accomplish more, live with less stress, evenbecome wealthier!

The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email us atcomsvc@hotmail.com or visit our website at www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.

To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens CommunityNewspaper, The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at

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Page 31 September 2008

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CleaningComplete Residential & Commercial ExcavationsSeptic Systems, Cleaned, Installed & RepairedWater & Sewer Connections - Installed & RepairedScreened Topsoil & Grading

Call 2203.269.0135

Lower your monthly expenses!

Paul Martin of Allied Funding GroupLicensed Mortgage Broker CT Department of Banking

My network of trusted, high quality lendersgives you a better loan and better savings atthe speed and service you deserve!

Rates are great and I offer you personalconsultations to help find the right waybased on YOUR NEEDS!

* Mortgages* Purchases* Refinance

* Debt Consolidation* Home Equity Lines of Credit

* FHA Loans* Reverse Mortgages

“We’ll beat the bank”

1-888-852-5626www.alliedfundinggroup.net

"Hey Nonno, Now can we cooloff with some Italian Ice. I willl take Strawberry!"

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-6; Saturday 7-4; Sun. 7-2 238-0159 • 212 West Main Street, Meriden

Congratulations to Katie, Mackenzie, Jessica and Sierra on bridging to Juniors in Girl Scouts.

Page 32 September 2008

1107 Havover Avenue, South Meriden203.634.9811

Limit one coupon per customer. No other couponsor discounts apply. Coupon must be submitted for

this offer. Coupon expires 9/30/08

The Bronze Wash

$2.00 OFF!!Regular Price - $8.00

Includes: Exterior Wash and Towel Dry

AMAZING SAVINGS!

Limit one coupon per customer. No other couponsor discounts apply. Coupon must be submitted for

this offer. Coupon expires 9/30/08

The Gold Wash

$2.00 OFF!!Regular Price - $14.00 Includes:

Exterior Wash, Under Carriage Wash, Wheel Brite, SealerWax, Triple Foam and Towel Dry

HUGE SAVINGS!

Limit one coupon per customer. No other couponsor discounts apply. Coupon must be submitted for

this offer. Coupon expires 9/30/08

The Silver Wash

$2.00 OFF!!Regular Price - $9.00

Includes: Exterior Wash, Under Carriage Wash and Towel Dry

INCREDIBLE SAVINGS!

Limit one coupon per customer. No other couponsor discounts apply. Coupon must be submitted for

this offer. Coupon expires 9/30/08

The Wheel Deal

$2.00 OFF!!Regular Price - $11.00

Includes: Exterior Wash, Under Carriage Wash, WheelBrite, Sealer Wax and Towel Dry

FANTASTIC SAVINGS!

Limit one coupon per customer. No other couponsor discounts apply. Coupon must be submitted for

this offer. Coupon expires 9/30/08

Interior-Exterior Detail

$5.00 OFF!!Includes:

Vacuum, Vinyl Cleaning, Shampoo Carpets and Window Cleaning

CAN’T BEAT THESAVINGS!

Limit one coupon per customer. No other couponsor discounts apply. Coupon must be submitted for

this offer. Coupon expires 9/30/08

Bumper to Bumper Detail

$15.00 OFF!!Includes: Exterior Wash, Wax, Vacuum, Vinyl Cleaning,

Shampoo Carpets and Window Cleaning! Monday -Friday Only

THE WORKS AT THIS PRICE?

MM EE RR II DD EE NN FF EE EE DDFARM • GARDEN • PET SUPPLIES

Y O U A L W A Y S S A V E M O R EE V E N W I T H O U T C O U P O N S A T

846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden 237-4414

CEDAR MULCH, 3CF, 3 FOR Only $10.98

RED OR BLACKCEDAR MULCH,

3CF, 3 FOR $12.99

MIRACLE-GROPOTTING MIX

2CF - $9.99

SCOTTS SEEDING SOIL

1.5CF - $4.99

LIFE-STAGESLAMB & RICE

DOG FOOD 40LB - $26.99

PRACTICAL PETDOG FOOD

40LB - $16.99

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 9/30/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer.Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 9/30/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer.Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 9/30/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer.Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 9/30/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer.Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 9/30/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer.Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 9/30/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer.Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.