the people's press april 2009 issue

April 2009 • Volume 9, Issue 114

Get Happy With It!www.peoplespressnews.com

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

Wallingford Flower& Gift Shoppe

190 Center Street. 203.265.1514

M a k e A N o t e T o J o i n U s !The CentralConnecticut Civic YouthOrchestra!

Young musicians,e-mail or call to [email protected] * (203) 235-7445

BUY A LARGE PIZZA - GET A 2L SODA FREE*Four Corners

Specializing inPizza * Grinders

Seafood * Italian Dinners1076 Hanover Ave., Meriden

238-2717WITH THIS AD. COUPON EXPIRES 4/30/09

The Meriden Daffodil Festival is almost here! It blooms on April 25 and 26th! The photo above was taken by Ernie Larsen. Look for the story and information on the Festival on 3!

Bobbie’s Bevy of Beauties!Believe it or not I wrote this first paragraph on November 1, 2008. Maybe I thought it would helppush this coming miserable winter season along.

Every time I shoved my periscope up through the frozen ground sleet and snow seemed to beeverywhere. And those terrible howling winds along with those very cold temperatures. Wouldhave preferred my return to be in April instead of March. But my hiatus was interrupted by twopeople and a dog. So here I am again.

I didn't realize Andy was so anxious for me to begin my articles for The People's Press until Ireturned from my annual hibernation. There he was looking down at me after he, Jimmy andLitlBit uncovered me from my bed of peat moss under the park bench at the end of the back yard.He could have said he was happy to see me but instead said "get up and start writing." AlsoJimmy was very glad. His daily chores had come to an end. I was here to begin them once again.LitlBit kept licking my face so thrilled because I returned knowing that now he would have fourvery long walks daily instead of the short ones with his daddy. Then he would lay on the deck inthe sun for awhile. If a very cloudy or cold day instead he would come into the house right awayand play with Jimmy and his stuffed toys. When LitlBit was ready for his nap he would jup upinto his daddy's lap in the recliner. He does prefer his to mommies's because it's so much bigger.Then the two of them would snooze away a good part of the day.

Well enough of the going ons during my hibernation. Anyone who doesn't read my monthlyarticles from April-November would think I have lost it. Could be.

There's that fun chore of cleaning up the yard from the mess the winter months leave. Ofcourse you could pay someone to help or do it for you instead. Sounds like a good idea. Finally

some flowers. The crocus showing a very colorful display. Even a few daffodils in full bloom.Shortly the rest of the spring bulbed flowers will be following suit. Wait until there's a certainty ofno more frost. If the weather cooperates probably toward the end of March or beginning of April.Then cut back your grass plants. And the butterfly bush cut down to two or three feet.

And I'm hoping by the next issue it will be warm enough so my next door neighbor Pam will beable to have her yearly bed of pansies planted. She has such a gorgeous display. It's too bad theycan't stay in bloom until the fall. Think they are one of the prettiest and most colorful of the annu-als. Have a few purple myrtle vine flowers and some Johnny-jump-ups greeting spring.

Well that's about it from my first article. But I do have a couple of P.S.s.Flowercerely yours,Bobbie G. VosgienP.S. Happy birthday wishes to our only grandson Kevin Jr. who lives in New Hampshire who willturn 23 on April 17th. Love always, Grammie and Grampie

Grammie Bobbie apologizes to our youngest granddaughter Izzy-Bella for stating in the Marchissue that she was 5 on January 3rd instead of being 6 years old. My head must have been onbackwards when I wrote that. Gump Jimmy and I are very proud of you being only in kindgartenand two days a week she goes to second grade for a reading class. Keep up the good work.

I would also like to mention that Izzy-Bella attends Benjamin Franklin Elementary School. Ourson, oldest daughter and youngest daughter, (her mother), were all students there. It's been anassociation of 46 years. And a very good one.

April 2009

Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry

CCCCOOLLOONNYY OOOO PPTTIICCIIAANNSSOO pppp tttt oooo mmmm eeee tttt rrrr iiii ssss tttt ssss&60 Church St. (Rt. 68)

Wallingford 203-265-2205

Co

lon

y O

pti

cia

ns

Th

e C

om

ple

te O

pti

cal

Ex

pe

rie

nce

!

Having trouble seeing where you are going?

We Offer: Eye Exams/Medical Treatment of Eye Disease Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff * Great Selection of Eyeware including Designer

Names * Contact Lens Specialists with large inventory. Most Major Insurances Accepted

BB OO OO KK aa nn aa pp pp oo ii nn tt mm ee nn tt tt oo dd aa yy !!

Good to the last bite!

Hours: Mon-Tues.- 7-6; Saturday 7-4; Sun. 7-2

Happy Birthday Baby GirlWe couldn't be prouder of you

Can't believe your quince has finally arrivedGood Luck and have a great time at the Aquaturf.

We Love you with all of our HeartsMom, Dad, Robert and Frankie.

Happy Birthday!

Happy 6th Birthday Shaunessy! We hope you had a great time with all ofyour family and friends. Love, Mommy and Daddy

Happy BirthdayGettysburg - A history lover's dream!!

By Matt Reynolds

In this historic year in United States history ( inauguration of Barack Obama ) I can think of no better way to cele-brate it than a visit to Gettysburg, PA..

I recently had the pleasure of accompanying my brother and his family on a weekend trip there. The place absolutelyoozes history everywhere you go and has so many battlefield memorials that you can't get to everything in one longweekend. The Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the best of it's kind in the world and includes the restoredCyclorama. The Cyclorama is a panoramic painting exquisitely and painstakingly restored to more than it's originalglory. It shows in all it's glory Pickett's historic charge and " The high water mark of the Confederacy. " Never againwould the South threaten the North on it's own soil. This was the brilliant General Robert E. Lee's last real offensiveagainst the Northern Army of the Potomac led by the newly christened General George Meade.

We hired a Gettysburg National Park Battlefield Guide to drive us around the battlefields and convey his extensiveknowledge to us. It was well worth the time and effort.He showed us where the Connecticut soldiers fought and their memorial monuments. We also visited the grand open-ing of "The David Will's House and Museum" where Abraham Lincoln slept the night before his famous "GettysburgAddress" and also put the finishing touches on it!

The highlight of our trip was a post breakfast walk of the route that the Confederate General Pickett's division tookduring their historic charge!! We saw where the most intensive fighting took place. Our trip was complete when wevisited the Union memorials on top of "Little Round Top" and "Big Round Top".

If you love history do yourself a favor and VISIT THIS PLACE!!!!!

Little Round Top

Pickett's Charge Looking back toward the Confederate Line at Seminary Ridge from the Union Line on Cemetary Ridge

April 2009

April 2009

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

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Phone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

AD #1: __________________AD #2:_________________

AD #3:___________________AD #4:_________________

AD #5:___________________AD #6:_________________

AD #7: __________________AD #8:_________________

AD #9: _________________AD #10:_________________Limit One Entry Per Person Per Issue.. Members of DNA, LLC and Relations are not eligible to play.Drawing will be held May 5, 2009. Winner will be notified by phone and agrees to have photo andname published. Winner must pick up prizes from participating businesses.

Fill out the Form completely and send it to:The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459Yalesville, CT 06492Attention: Mother’s Day ContestIf your entry is correct you will be entered into our drawing!Deadline for all entries is April 23, 2009. All subscribers towww.peoplespressnews.com are automatically entered when makinga submission. Sign up today!

There are 3 ways to enter this contest.1. Fill out this contest form

2. Send in a story/submission3. Send in a Mother’s Day Photo Wish.

Mother’s DDay CContestEnter tto wwin MMom aa 11 nnight RRelax-AAway aat

275 Research Parkway, Meriden (203) 238-2380

We know yourneeds. Nope, we'renot mind readers.We just pay atten-tion. Hotel Services:Room Service Business Center ExerciseRoom/Facilities Golf Course Nearby Indoor Heated Pool

The newly-renovated Four Points by Sheraton Meriden. With a central location at the crossroads of Connecticut, we’re in the middle of one of the fastest growing industrial parks inthe state. Quinnipiac University, Yale University, Weslyan University, Gouveia Vineyards, and the Chevrolet (Oakdale) Theater are all a short drive away.

Talk about cozy. Come and relax in our comfortable guest rooms featuring the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Beds.Or hang out in our newly-opened Yogi’s All American Grill & Sports Bar. Catch the game on one of 14 large or plasma screen TVs. Personal table speakers will make sure you

don’t miss a minute of the action. Gather your friends and family and join in the NTN Trivia while enjoying a tasty treat from the family-friendly menu.

April 2009

Mom - enough with the ears! Happy Easter. Mimi and Poppi

Enough Already.....

MAYOR'S CORNER WALLINGFORDDear Friends:April is the month of Earth Day which is celebratedon April 22nd. Earth Day was first celebrated inl970, the year the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency was established. What once began as a dayof national recognition of environmental concernshas evolved into a world wide campaign to protectour environment. One way you can protect ourenvironment is to follow the slogan: Reduce,Reuse, RecycleReduce - Many residents are finding it easy toreduce the amount of electricity they use by replac-ing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluores-cent light bulbs. Recycle - A composter will recycle your yard and food wastes into nutrientrich soil. Wallingford residents may take advantage of an EARTH DAYSPECIAL Composter Sale to be held on April 18, from 8 a.m. - Noon.Come to the Town Hall Carriage House (off Prince Street) with a CHECKfor $20 made payable to "CRRA". Only checks will be accepted. Limitedquantities are available. A composter will be on display during April on the2nd Floor of the Town Hall. If you have any questions, please call ProgramPlanning at 203-294-2061.Reuse - Another great way to help protect the environment is by reusingproducts. Save the date of May 16, 2009 for an Electronics Recycling Dayto be held at North Haven Middle School from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. This freeevent is open to RESIDENTS of Cheshire, Hamden, Meriden, North Havenand Wallingford (no commercial electronics accepted). Residents may bring:computers (including monitors, keyboards, cabling and mice), printers, tele-phones, TVs, VCRs, copiers, fax machines, radios, stereos, camcorders andmicrowave ovens.

Through everyone's efforts at home and throughout our community, wecan help to reduce the environmental impacts which will affect our quality oflife now and in the future.

Remember: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

SCC Honors Sheehan Scholar LeadersMark T. Sheehan seniors Lisa Cheung and Stephanie DuBois were presentedwith the Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Leader Award at a recep-tion held on March 30. In order to qualify for this honor, a student mustdemonstrate academic excellence, be a leader in the community, and moreimportantly, serve as a model to others.

Lisa is a dynamic young woman who constantly challenges herself acade-mically. This is demonstrated through the enrichment activities in which sheparticipates. These have included the Choate Summer Program; Star Talk:Discover Chinese Summer Academic Program; Yale Saturday Seminar; andBristol Myers Squibb Summer Science Program. Lisa also has a great desireto give of herself to help others. She is a peer advocate, a member ofStudents Against Destructive Decisions, and a recipient of the President'sVolunteer Service Award. In addition, she is involved in school clubs and theathletic program. Lisa plans to attend Brown University where she willmajor in engineering.

Stephanie is a young woman of intelligence and character. Her compas-sion toward her fellow students and the community sets her apart from herpeers. She volunteers at the Ned Conley Open, the school's Red Cross BloodDrives, and her church's Sunday School program. She is also a peer tutor.In addition, Stephanie involves herself in both extracurricular and inter-scholastic activities, serving in a leadership role for many of the organiza-tions in which she participates. She was named to the CHSCA AcademicAll-State 2008 Field Hockey Team and is a contributor to Visions, Sheehan'sliterary arts magazine. Stephanie is considering a major in psychology,English or medicine.

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 8:30 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!

The Senior Center will host a program on "Reverse Mortgages: Financing Retirement and Long-Term Care" onWednesday, April 8 at 10:30 AM with Steve Lamoreaux from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. According to Steve, yourhome is a financial asset, not just a place to live, and you can access some of your home equity without incurring amonthly repayment. You can tap some of the appreciated value built up in your house to better afford to live, pay bills,entertain, travel or save for future expenses. To learn more about how a Reverse Mortgage might be able to help you,plan to attend this free, no cost or obligation program on Wednesday, April 8 at 10:30 in the first floor meeting room atthe Senior Center.

On Tuesday, April 14 we invite you to bring your grandchildren/great grandchildren to the Senior Center for a musicsing-a-long with Jill Riggles, lunch and bingo in a special "Grandchildren Day" during school vacation week. Karlaand her staff will prepare a $2 lunch of hot dogs, chips, corn, pickles and dessert for school age children under 18.Please sign-up at the desk in Willene's Place. After lunch there will be a free bingo open to anyone, including the kids,with $5 gift cards to McDonald's as prizes. Please invite your grandchildren/great grandchildren and join us for thisspecial intergenerational event on April 14!

The Senior Center will recognize our volunteers in a Volunteer Recognition Program on Wednesday, April 15 at11:15 AM in Willene's Place. The 2009 "Volunteers of the Year" will be announced to honor the members who haveexemplified outstanding volunteer service to the Senior Center. Each volunteer will also receive a gift as a token ofour appreciation and we thank all of our Senior Center volunteers for your help all year long!

We will sponsor another six (6) week Creative Writing Class starting on Wednesday, April 22 at 1:00 PM withSusan Sandel, Ph.D. No prior writing experience necessary, for those who do write the class will provide tips forbecoming more spontaneous. Classes will be held from Wednesday, April 22 to Wednesday, May 27 from 1:00 to 2:15PM. People interested in taking this free Creative Writing Class are asked to sign-up in the Senior Center Office orcall us at 237-0066.

The Senior Center will host a Community Forum for Cancer Survivors on Wednesday, April 22 from 1:00 - 2:30PM. A free deli lunch will be provided by Paul's Market and a free raffle drawing will be held. The meeting will helpcancer professionals learn how to improve their services to meet your needs. Co-sponsored by the Meriden HealthDepartment and limited to the first 20 people who sign-up in the Senior Center front office or call 237-0066. Yourinput is very important and will help determine future programs and services.

I would like to thank everyone who generously contributed to help me raise $330 for the 2009 Walk for Warmth onMarch 7. Contributors included AARP Chapter 2954, Military Whist players, Diana Naimo, Joan Hesse, Helen Rossi,Lillian Semolic, Dorothy Ritchie, June Salay, Susan Crowther, Vicki Hettrick, Henrietta Sulik, Rich & Joan Hamel,Ann Cherney, Becky Racine, Ed Cortright, Ruth Kahn, Wendy Ortiz, Ron DeJohn, Ruth Kusek, Edith & Joe Manley,Gloria Despres, Ruth Fink, Fran Daly, Norman Landsburg and Kay Janiga. Thank you for your care and concern forpeople in need in the City of Meriden.John F. Hogarth-Senior Center Director

Meriden Rotary Club Golf TournamentThe 12th Annual Corporate Classic Golf Tournament sponsored by the Meriden Rotary Foundation is scheduled forTuesday, May 12, 2009 at Hunters' Golf Course in Meriden The premier event includes 18 holes of golf with lunchbefore a shotgun start, cocktail reception, dinner, gift pack, personalized program, auction, and prizes.

The Meriden Rotary Club has used the money raised from the tournaments, as well as its other events, to support ini-tiatives in the Meriden community, including: Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) for elementary schools,Noah's Ark of Hope, Inc. for a barrier free playground, Project Dictionary for all 3rd graders in Meriden schools, SoapBox Derby, Beat the Street, Spirit of Giving, Rotary Career Center at the Meriden Public Library, Meriden Boys andGirls Club library, Citizenship awards for high school students, Rotary computer center at Girls Inc, and youth leader-ship.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfers are also encouraged to sign up. For information, visit the MeridenRotary Club website at www.meridenrotary.org and contact Tournament Director Pam White by calling 203-238-7028or email [email protected].

April 2009

It’s New - It’s Page 6 For Anniversaries , Promotions,Engagements, Odd Stories,Weddings and more! Email [email protected]

For Anniversaries , Promotions,Engagements, Odd Stories,Weddings and more! Email [email protected]

Enjoy only the best with your family this

April Vacation!

Spring Break - Great Rate!

April 9 - 18, 2009 - Celebrate Spring with a Great Spring Break Rate! Only $59! That's more then 1/2 off the standard rate! Have fun Swimmingand relaxing at the Four Points! Your rate includes a $10 Food Vouchure toYogi's! Plus - Stay on the last night of Spring Break April 18th and you canenjoy Bingo at 6 PM, and the Game and Party Room from 7 PM - 10 PM Group rate available until April 18, 2009. Subject to availability.

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON IS PROUD TO SPONSOR PAGE 6

They were spotted...Last Saturday, spotted at a cocktail table at Yogi's All American Grill & SportsBar were two couples celebrating their 18th wedding anniversay! Local DJ Harry Gambardella and his wife Janice, along with Quinto and TammyDiMattia.

The Four had met 18 years ago as they were boarding the same honeymooncruise! Quinto and Tammy noticed Harry's Bag from the travel agency thatsaid "MERIDEN" , and the two couples chatted in line. They proceeded toget together a few times on the cruise and exchanged numbers so they couldget together when back home in Meriden.

Over the years, the couples have remained friends, and they uncovered someinteresting coincidences. There weddings took place on the same day at theexact same time! (During the Gambardella's ceremony, a family member ofthe DiMattia's walked into the wrong church...saw Janice and realized his mis-take!) Not only did they book the same cruise for their honeymoon, but theyused the same travel agent!

Now 18 years later, the foursome remain good friends. Each couple are par-ents to two children; Brooke and Nick Gambardella and Michael and JasonDiMattia. Harry and Janice are the Godparents of Jason.

Congratulations to all on 18 Happy years of Marriage and 18 years of friend-ship!

Army Pvt. Erin C. Lamb has graduated from Basic Combat Training atFt. Jackson, Columbia, SC. She is the daughter of Valerie Lamb ofWallingford and Kevin Lamb of Hamden.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drilland ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, mili-tary justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values andtraditions. Additional training included development of basic combatskills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of vari-ous weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Lamb graduated in 2008 from Mark T. Sheehan High School,Wallingford.

WALLINGFORD CPA EARNS EXCLUSIVE CREDENTIAL AS FINANCIAL FORENSICS EXPERT

David J. Grindle, certified public accountant (CPA) and a manager atKonowitz, Kahn & Company, PC., has fulfilled the requirements andqualifications as prescribed by the American Institute of CertifiedPublic Accountants (AICPA) to hold and use the certification Certifiedin Financial Forensics (CFF).

Mr. Grindle, a Wallingford resident, is also a Certified FraudExaminer (CFE) as granted by the Association of Certified FraudExaminers. He is a specialist in the detection and deterrence of a widevariety of white-collar crimes, ranging from discovering employees orexecutives who misappropriate company assets to assisting investorswho are defrauded in the course of commercial transactions.

The CFF credential is exclusively granted by the AICPA to applicantsin good standing who hold a valid state CPA certificate, with a mini-mum of five years of accounting practice experience. The candidatemust complete a CFF application and meet the 100-point requirementand also sign a declaration of intent to comply with its recertificationrequirements.A graduate of Quinnipiac University, Mr. Grindle has 20 years of

experience as a CPA and over 5 years investigating and exposingaccounting fraud. He is frequently asked to speak at universities and colleges to students of accounting and law and tovarious business groups throughout the state.

Konowitz, Kahn & Company, P.C. is a leading provider of accounting and business advisory services includingaccounting, auditing, tax, wealth management, business valuations, trust and estate accounting, forensic and litigationsupport, family office services, and cost segregation. The firm has been serving closely held mid-market businesses indiverse industries locally and globally since 1936 and operates out of offices in North Haven and Middlebury.

Wallingford Education Foundation Announces The 2009 Distinguished AlumniSix Were HonoredThe Wallingford Education Foundation honored six alumni of the Wallingford school system at its fifth annual

Distinguished Alumni Dinner. The honorees are:

- Robert and Lorraine Devaney - he is the retired postmaster in Wallingford with a long list of community activities,and she is chair of the Wallingford Public Celebrations Committee- Jerry Farrell, Jr. - an attorney, Wallingford Town Council and Republican Town Committee member, currentlyConnecticut's Commissioner of Consumer Protection- Kathleen Murphy - president of Personal Investing, a unit of Fidelity Investments, the largest mutual fund companyin the U.S. and former CEO of ING's U.S. Wealth Management- Jon-Paul Venoit - president of Masonicare at Ashlar Village and current Chair of the Quinnipiac Chamber ofCommerce- Elizabeth Verna - principal with Verna Properties, LLC in Wallingford

The announcement was made by David Baker, Chairman of the Foundation. To date, twenty-five Wallingford alum-ni have been honored. "It's a very meaningful evening, not only to the recipients of the award, but to their families,former teachers, colleagues and friends," says Baker. Superintendent of schools, Dale Wilson, notes, "The WallingfordSchool System has produced extraordinary graduates who have gone on to all kinds of professional and communityachievements."

The Wallingford Education Foundation is committed to enhancing public education opportunities for town stu-dents that help prepare them to meet the challenges of a changing global society. It raises funds to underwrite majorprojects as well as mini-grants for special teacher-initiated projects which fall outside the scope of the school budget.

The dinner was held on March 20th.

They were spotted...This couple was spotted celebrating an anniversary which theyrefused to disclose the number. At least they smiled Obviously nonames are necessary as they are well known. Happy Anniversary!

April 2009

SSTTOONNEE WWAALLLL BBOOUUNNDDAARRIIEESS,,LLLLCCSURVEYING & MAPPING

PPAAUULL BBUUCCKKLLEEYY RREEYYNNOOLLDDSSPROFESSIONAL LLAND SSURVEYOR

** Boundary SSurveys

** Historical DDeed RResearch

** Construction LLayouts

** Specialized MMapping

A Land Surveyor Dedicated To Fulfilling The Needs Of The Property Owner

203-889-8564P.O. BOX 4256 YALESVILLE, CT 06492

Good fences make goodneighbors...Surveys from

Stone Wall Boundaries, LLCmake even better ones.

Governors Budget Targets your Public HealthWe are all acutely aware of financial difficulties faced by many of our family members, neighbors and friends. We alsorecognize governmental financial constraints and the need to evaluate spending. Under the Governor's proposal, statefunding for public health would no longer be provided to 77 municipalities, including Wallingford, Southington andMeriden. And funding for the remaining municipalities would be drastically cut. Now is the time to be heard. Contactyour state legislators. We can not afford to cut programs that help ensure your health and safety. Prevention IS moreaffordable then a visit to the emergency room. Under the Governor's proposal, everyone should think twice-about the safety of the food you eatabout the safety of the water you drinkabout the safety of your child's daycareabout the safety of the public pool and public bathing areas you swim inabout the uncontrolled spread of a disease outbreak in your communityabout the new and emerging infections that will go undetectedabout potential groundwater contamination from failing septic systems

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure. Your public health and safety is worth more then the current$1.18/per capita. Eliminating it will cost much more.Eloise Hazelwood, RS, MPH - Director of Health - Town of Wallingford

Connecticut OutdoorsBy Paul NarducciThomas Spinning Lures Celebrates 60 YearsAs I sit down to write this article I am already wondering off thinking ofopening day and the trout I hope to catch. For me trout fishing is completelydifferent and the fish themselves are with out a doubt some of the most beau-tiful and intriguing fish around. There are fond memories forever etched inmy mind of the rainbow that got away and the ones that didn't. Trout fishingis something I truly love to do and wish I was able to do more of. As wehead into April and the opening day of fishing (April 18) I can only think ofone thing, Thomas Spinning Lures. I say this because I have caught so manywonderful and exciting fish on these lures. Thomas Spinning Lures was oneof my original sponsors and continues to sponsor us today.

Thomas Spinning Lures is celebrating 60 years of being an incredible lurecompany with an outstanding history. Richard Shubert, the original ownerstarted making lures in 1948. He moved his company in 1958 to Hawley,Pennsylvania and they still occupy the same buildings today. For me I really appreciated the loyalty of the companyand the history this creates. In 1985 Mr. Shubert retired and the company was purchased by Peter Ridd. I have workedwith Thomas Lures since the beginning of my show in 1994. They have sponsored local fishing derbies we have beeninvolved with and continue to see the importance of getting the youth of today involved in the great outdoors. They aretruly a fantastic company with a great understanding of the importance of giving back to the community and theyoungsters in it. Peter Ridd employs about ten people and produces nearly half-million lures yearly. He continues touse Mr. Shubert's original designs and shapes but has added more color patterns and selections to meet today's fisher-man's needs. For 60 years they have offered American made fishing lures at reasonable prices. I recently spoke to Peterfor about 45 minutes and was inspired to write this article after talking with him about his company and the history ofit. This is truly a great American story. After sharing some fishing stories it was great to drift back in time and talkabout the fish we've caught and the lures we used. Some of my favorite lures they make are the e.p.spinn, buoyant,rough rider, Colorado, Double spinn and the Special Spinn. Some lures you may not be familiar with that work greatfor trout are the Little Tiger, Eel, Fighting Fish and the Speedy Shiner. Whether you spend your day trout fishing fromshore or trolling these lures will offer you an excellent opportunity to catch some wonderful trout. Some areas you maywant to try this year for trout are Wharton Brook, Black Pond, Quinnipiac River, Salmon River and of course BashanLake. Thomas Spinning Lures is a great success story of a small company that continues to thrive even in the harshestof times. They have and will continue to offer all fisherman the opportunity to fish with lures that truly catch fish of allkinds. If you have any questions you can log onto www.thomaslures.com or email them at [email protected]

As always Paul, Tony, Frank, Joe and Jonathan would like to wish everyone the best of luck and good fishing !

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATIONThe Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club is now taking Summer Camp registrations. Camp starts on June 29, 2009 and endsAugust 21, 2009. The camp runs eight one week sessions starting at 8 AM and ending at 5 PM each day. Call forinformation at 203-269-7525 or stop by Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club 72 Grand Street, Wallingford, CT and pick upapplications. Limited Spaces.

WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA PRE-SENTS JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAM

OVER APRIL VACATIONThis program is for swimmers ages 11-14. Topics covered will be personalsurvival skills, rescue skills and an introduction to lifeguarding. Class willmeet Monday-Thursday, April 20-23 from 4-5:15PM. Community fee is $60.Call 203 269 4497 to register. For more information ask for Keith Cargan.Come learn and have fun!

SOUTHINGTON CLASS OF 1984 25THREUNON 11/28/09 - AQUA TURF CLUB

Please contact Gina Ferracci Pellegrino [email protected] formore information.

April 2009

*Smoked and HotKielbasa* Pierogies* Kellies* Summer Sausage* AmericanBreakfast Sausage

* Italian Sausage -Mild, Sweet and Hot* Horseradish* Golomki* Old Style DriedItalian Sausage& More.

262 Elm St., Meriden 237-3488

Filipek’s KielbasaFor Easter Day or Any Day!

We offer everything for a perfect meal!Message: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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 nneexxtt iissssuuee iiss AApprr ii ll 2255tthh..Send to: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459 Yalesville, CT 06492

Attention Celebrations and Mother’s Day Photos

MMootthheerr’’ss DDaayy &&CCEELLEEBBRRAATTIIOONNSS

FFFFrrrreeeeeeee PPPPhhhhoooottttoooo FFFFoooorrrrmmmmHappy

Mothers Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to the sweetestMom in the whole wide world!

I know your day is going to be veryspecial for you since you are sthe

best!Love, Karrie and John

Don’t forget to send Mom a special wish!

Avanti Bonus Contest

50.00

It’s easy to enter. Senda photo wish in any ofthe next 3 issues andyou will be entered intothe contest. You mayalso send 1 photo wishfor each of the issuescovering the contestMay, June and July2009. The drawing willbe held on July 6th andthe prize will be presented on July 10th.Winner agrees to be photographed attime of prize presentation.

AVANTIRestaurant & Lounge

34 River Road * South Meriden203-4440-99990

Congratulations Brian and Tanya on your engagement! Love, the Fam!

Engaged!

GET READY FOR SWIM SUIT SEASON!

LOSE WEIGHT..FEEL GREAT!All Natural Nutrition!

For Information call Kathy CarrollIndependent Personal Wellness Coach

888-493-1069

Celebrate National Infant Immunization Week!National Infant Immunization Week 2009 will be honored the week of April 25-May 2. In recognition of the week, theMeriden Health Department will be distributing free gift bags with books, immunization information and other good-ies to daycares and moms in the well-child and W.I.C. (Women, Infants, and Children) clinic starting Monday April27. Gift bags are available on a first come, first serve basis.

In addition, activities are scheduled from 9am-12pm throughout the week, including story time (April 27) and craftprojects (April 28 and 30) at the Meriden Health Department.

National Infant Immunization Week is an annual observance to promote the benefits and safety of immunizationsand to focus on the importance of immunizing infants against vaccine-preventable diseases by age two. Immunizationsare one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against 14 diseases before age two, the timewhen infants and young children are most vulnerable to infectious diseases.

As of January 1998, all children born in Connecticut were enrolled in a confidential immunization tracking programcalled CIRTS. If parents have questions regarding their child's immunization record or vaccine safety, they can contactAna Guajardo, Immunization Coordinator, at 630-4251.

The Meriden Health Department offers immunization services to Meriden children Monday-Friday from 9 am-4pm. Vaccines are free for Meriden children birth through high school. Children not from Meriden (ages birth to 6)are vaccinated for free; children not from Meriden ages 7 to 19 are charged $20.00 per injection. For immunizationappointments please call 630-4234.

ALLERGY PROGRAM APRIL 29 AT MERIDEN LIBRARYMeriden Public Library is pleased to host Dr. Denise Kearney on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 pm in the Griffin Roomfor a program on "Spring Allergies." The audience will be encouraged to ask questions during the program.

Dr. Kearney joined the Center for Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology located in Waterbury and Cheshire, CT inAugust, 2006 after completing a subspecialty fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at the University of SouthFlorida, College of Medicine. She received her medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern MedicalSchool and completed an internal medicine internship and residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx,New York. She is board certified in allergy and immunology and internal medicine, and she is a member of theAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, andImmunology, the Connecticut Allergy Society, the New England Allergy Society, and serves on the editorial board ofthe publication Connecticut Medicine. Dr. Kearney is an attending physician at both Waterbury and St. Mary's hospi-tals, and serves as an outpatient consultant for Midstate Medical Center in the Cheshire allergy office. Dr. Kearney, aCheshire native, is especially interested in women's medical issues, particularly bone health, nutrition and Easternmedicine. In her free time, Dr. Kearney enjoys practicing yoga, swimming, gardening, and reading.The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 to reserve aseat.

The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will be hosting its3rd Annual "Oldies Dance" and dinner

The Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club will be hosting its 3rd Annual "Oldies Dance"and dinner on May 2nd, starting at 6:00 pm at the Elk's Lodge in Wallingford.All the proceeds from the Dinner Dance will benefit programs at the UlbrichBoys & Girls Club.

The dance will include a cash bar, a buffet dinner prepared by the "WishingWell" and dancing with music provide by "Local Motion". Featuring musicfrom the 50's and 60's and door prizes given out throughout the evening.

Tickets are $25.00 per person and must be purchased in advance. There are alimited number of tickets, so do not wait until the last moment to buy yours.For information or reservations, call the Ulbrich Boys & Girls Club at (203)269-7535 or go online at www.bgcawallingford.org.

April 2009

SS ee aa rr cc hh aa ll ll hh oo mm ee ss ff oo rr ss aa ll ee ii nn CC TT @@w w w . G u e r r a R e a l t o r s . c o m

Call Toll Free [email protected]

East Haven$239,900 Great starter in excellent condition. Lg. country kit.,formal LR w/fireplace, den off kit, HW floors, new furnace &roof. Priv. yard w/screened patio. 2 sep. garages offers spacefor business, storage, collector. Nice family area. Chuck X 302

New Haven$145,000 Enjoy water views from this 1 BR condo with C/A,patio, MBR with walk-in closet, security system. Close toshopping and minutes from Yale. Jean X 306.

East Haven$225,000 Cosey Beach is only a walk from this 6 rm remod. home.Welcoming LR w/wood floors, classic DR, E.I. kit. Private parking,entertaining yard & more. Maggie Griffin X307

East Haven$244,900 Gorgeous 2 BR Townhouse in impeccable condition indesirable Morgan Pt. area. Gleaming HW flrs in LR/DR combo. LRw/gas FP and SGD to Exp deck w/awning. Large MBR, formal DR,CAIR. 1 car gar rear of complex. Call Chuck X302

West Haven$119,900 Great for starter, or downsizing. Condo alternative! Lovelyranch style, 1 BR home features LR, DR/Poss FR or can be used assecond BR, large EIK, laundry room w/washer/dryer hookups & more. Carol X310

Maggie's CornerBy: Maggie GriffinDefinition of CourageCour´age Pronunciation: kur´ãj; 48 - Webster Dictionary:n.1. The heart; spirit; temper; disposition. So priketh hem nature in here corages. - Chaucer.My lord, cheer up your spirits; our foes are nigh,and this soft courage makes your followers faint. - Shak.2. Heart; inclination; desire; will. I'd such a courage to do him good. - Shak.3. That quality of mind which enables one to encounter danger and difficultieswith firmness, or without fear, or fainting of heart; valor; boldness; resolution. The king-becoming graces . . . Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,I have no relish of them. - Shak.Courage that grows from constitution often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it. - Addison.v. t.To inspire with courage; to encourage.

As all of us can see, COURAGE is defined in several ways in the Dictionary. However, depending on circum-stances, it takes courage to get through the most hardest times. I myself feel courage is defined as not having fear toface a challenge, but peace of mind to remember that All it takes is a dream and Courage to make it happen.

When I look up into the sky, I think about Heaven. When I see tides of the water at a calm, I think about peace.When my feet walk land, I kneel & thank GOD for a new day. After God says to me, through the sound of silence;"You Are Welcome" , I realize through silence, GOD and his Angels can talk to us in their own way. I am given thecourage to take 12 more steps along the shore at the beach, where the water tides meet the sand, as far as I can reach.Then when I get my feet wet, I do not mind at all; because It reminds me I am still here standing tall.

As I spoke to Dr. William A. Petit, Jr., Dr. Petit touched my heart when he defined the meaning of courage. In hisown words; - "I suspect that there are many definitions - like the one that my youngest daughter had on her FaceBookpage, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world.- M. Gandhi. I start and then stop and then re-start nearlyeveryday since July 23, 2007. I hope that courage is not the lack of fear - but the ability to move forward in spite ofyour fears. In moving forward you then can do as Gandhi suggested and try to be the change." - Dr. William A. Petit,Jr.

Through so many humanitarian efforts and beliefs, it takes courage to help one another too. That is where the wordENCOURAGE comes in. If we can Encourage someone, no matter what it is, we are actually giving the gift ofCourage, a gift that they know will empower their hearts, minds and souls.

We are living in a world of unjustifiable meaning, But how can anything be justified, explained or understood.Many say they "understand", but do they? It takes COURAGE to understand. It takes COURAGE to justify the unjus-tifiable. It takes COURAGE to explain how we truly feel inside when we are faced with the unexpected.

In today's society, we live by routine. But it is ok to break our routine once and a while and take the moment to lis-ten to the words that silence gives to us. If for one day, everyone can take the time and listen to the silence, they willhear that time well spent by their choice, will bring an Attitude of Love.

Life presents us with challenges, detours, and stumbling blocks as we live each and every day. Wherever there's anobstacle, that we must rise above, COURAGE helps us overcome it with an Attitude of Love.

Sometimes we may feel ourselves misguided and fully "out of sync". But when we have courage; courage makesus think. I myself have come across falls and reasons that make me cry. I've come across people who will make nega-tive remarks to someone about me, where in the end they are sorry while I watch them cry.

But Courage brings to us a fresh new day, a chance for a new beginning, better then the day before. Every day is anew experience, but there is one thing to keep in mind. By having the gift of COURAGE, we can make a difference tomany, no matter if the trials, trivias and unexpected are Big or Small.*This Column is in Dedication to Dr. William A. Petit, Jr.If you have any questions or requests of Maggie - please email them to [email protected]

Come To the Writing TableWritten by Carol Carbutti of Comfort Keepers of WallingfordA writing group had invited me to their weekly writing session at an assisted living facility and I found myself excitedabout the possibilities. I had no idea what to expect but I hoped the experience would challenge my creative juices. Mynumerous journals and collections of creative pieces that I've laboriously saved through the years were in boxes andbags everywhere. I attempted to rummage through them to choose what I might bring to the group to share. As I droveup to this well appointed comfortable looking building, I fantasized about meeting a small group of elderly people whomay not be too happy about an outsider attending their inner circle. I knew that a writing group sets up a trust withintheir fellow members and I wondered how I would fit in. The large group comfortably encircled a table in a library sit-ting room. They were just beginning the process of passing a copy of their latest writing around the table to eachwriter. When everyone had the paper in hand , the writer happily shared the idea or muse that prompted the creation oftheir piece. I was introduced and kindly accepted by being handed the latest presenter's paper. As the soft spoken elder-ly woman read her beautiful poem on the arrival of autumn, I was inspired by the powerful and colorful image her con-cise well appointed words had created in my mind. She was asked to read it again and many of us listened the secondtime with our eyes closed and smiles slowly curling our lips. We responded to the images , thoughts, and feelings thepoem elicited from us and that sharing extended a magical band around us. We compared those images to each othersand found a common ground. The writing wand passed gently to each member of the group, who were given greatrespect for their writing attempts Our creative fancy was tickled that day and when we all had completed our journeyaround the table, we were assured we would be welcomed by this group of comrads next week.

Seniors need to exercise their minds and spirit often in order to participate in the healthy aging process. Search yoursenior resources such as libraries, senior centers, assisted living facilities, adult education , community colleges, on-line, and friends for writing groups to join. Another possibility would be to organize a writing group of your own.Whatever creative venture you seek to participate in , it will help to keep you young, thinking and interacting.

Spring 2009 Golf Leagues of WallingfordThe Spring 2009 Golf Leagues of Wallingford start on Thursday, April 16. The AM golf league runs for 10 weeks end-ing on June 18. Starting times begin at 9AM. The PM league runs for 16 weeks ending on July 30. Starting timesbegin at 4:15PM. The nine-hole, coed, adult golf leagues, held at the Tradition Golf Club at Wallingford, highlight funspecial events with prizes and an awards gathering at the end of both leagues. The leagues have no set foursomesencouraging new playing partners each week. Organizational meetings will take place on Thursday, April 9 at 9AM for the AM league and 4:15PM for the PM at the Tradition Golf Club. Fees for the leagues include green fees, carts andprizes. The fee for the AM league is $235 for residents, $240 for non-residents, $120 for Tradition Season Pass hold-ers. The fee for the PM league is $370 for residents, $375 for non-residents, $190 for Tradition Season pass holders. Enrollment is limited to the first 36 golfers. For more information please call Elaine Doherty at 203. 265.7349

Easter Plant SaleSponsored by Lincoln Middle School PTSLTulips Daffodils Hyacinths, Easter Lilies, Colored Lilies, Hydrangea, Azaleas, MumsSaturday April 11th 2009 8:00 am - 12:00 noon

I conceive that the land belongs to a vast family of which many are dead, few are living, and countless numbersare still unborn. ~A Chieftan from Nigeria

April 2009

Childhood Lead PoisoningA Resource for Child Care Providers

What Can I Do To Prevent Lead PoisoningOf Children In My Care?

Child care facilities (in the home or center) must obtain and maintaina day care license.Licensed facilities must be in compliance with Lead Poisoning andPrevention laws.

Where Is Lead Found?Lead paint may be found in doors, doorframes, window areas, porches,fences, and stairs.Soil and dust can become contaminated with lead.Some ethnic and home remedies and imported cosmetics may contain lead.

Does Nutrition Impact Lead Absorption?Lead fools the body into thinking it is iron, calcium, or zinc.So offer children foods high in iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin C.Lead is absorbed more quickly on an empty stomach.

How Can I Advise Parents?Have children tested for lead poisoning at 1 and 2 years of age.Feed children healthy dietsKeep children away from potentially leaded environments-athome and at play.

For more information contact the WallingfordHealth Department, 294-2065.

CT DPH, Day Care Licensing 860-509-8045CT DPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Program 860-509- 7745

Programs and Events from Wallingford Public LibraryAdventure, nostalgia, health, entertainment, education and a superb collection of popular fiction, nonfiction, referencematerials, newspapers and magazines await you at the Wallingford Public Library this month. All of our programs arefree and open to the public. Please contact the library for more information: 203-365-6754 orwww.wallingford.lioninc.orgExplore Peru: Amazon and the Andes, on Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room. Whether you are an armchair traveler or you've got your bags packed and ready to go, don't miss this month's travel pro-gram. Guest speaker Javier Chung is a native Peruvian who has been a tour organizer of adventure, eco-tours, and spe-cialty travel to Latin America. Join us for a presentation on traveling to the Amazon and the Andes: what to expect andhow to budget and schedule the trip of a lifetime! Wallingford 1930's: A Look back through the Camera: Saturday, April 11th at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room

A DVD presentation of an original 16mm film featuring Wallingford residents and local businesses such as JonesAuto Sales, First National Bank, Wallingford Bank and Trust, Jack's Texaco, Rose's Bus Service and local schools andchurches. Maybe you or your loved ones are captured on film! Come and see if you can identify the people and placesfrom Wallingford's past!HEALTH PROGRAMSLunch & Learn: Got Balance? Tuesday, April 7th at 11:30 a.m. in the Community RoomMasonicare and the Wallingford Public Library present: Got Balance? with Marc Risigo, Senior Occupational Therapist,Masonic Health Center. Join us for a complimentary light lunch and learn how a serious fall can negatively impact func-tion, confidence, and quality-of-life. Information on fall prevention, including simple balance strategies, will be dis-cussed. Please make your reservation by contacting the Library. Dessert and a Doc with MidState Medical Center:Staying Abreast of Your Breast Cancer Risk, Tuesday, April 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room

Kathy Clements, RN and Rajani Nadkarni, MD present an important program on women's health. Are you at risk forbreast cancer? Would you know if you were? Dr. Nadkarni and Kathy Clements will discuss the hereditary factors thatput women at risk for breast cancer. They will give an overview of MidState's Risk Assessment Clinics, which helpidentify high-risk women in the Community, thus enabling them to take steps toward prevention. Please contact theLibrary to register. Refreshments will be served.Special Collection of Art Books for Sale The Wallingford Public Library Association will sponsor a special book sale featuring items donated from the estate ofBetti A. McLaughlin on Saturday, April 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the library's Collins Meeting Room. Bookson art, artists, creating art, children's art projects, photography, poetry, entertainment and movies, classics, laminatedprints and more will be for sale. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Wallingford Public Library. For more infor-mation please contact the library, 203-265-6754.

SPRING BREAK PROGRAMS AT THE WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARYFor more information or to register for programs stop byor call the Children's Library at: 284-6436.T-Bone Monday April 20th 7:00p.m.Join us for a fun evening of music with T-Bone. Learnall about recycling, through music and fun activities, andwhy it's so important. T-Bone's performances are full ofenergy and participatory "full contact entertainment" thatwill have you clapping and singing along with the music.T-Bone has a great line-up of songs that illustrate theimportance of recycling and he will show us what amaz-ing things you can make from recycled trash. This pro-gram is being funded by the Wallingford RecyclingCommittee. No tickets or registration needed, just bringyour dancing feet. Kamishibai Stories with Dianne ClouetWednesday, April 22 7:00p.m.Join us as we welcome Dianne Clouet who will share theart of Kamishibai storytelling with families. Kamishibaiis a special form of Japanese storytelling told throughwords and art. Dianne Clouet is an elementary schoolteacher from Vermont who will introduce this very spe-cial art form to elementary school age children. Kids ingrades K-5 and their parents are welcome to join us atthe library for an evening of Japanese storytelling. Thisis a registered program."Trash into Treasures" with Doreen ZabackThursday, April 23rd 1:30p.m.Families with elementary school age children are invitedto a special program on recycling with Doreen Zaback,Resource Recovery Coordinator for the town ofWallingford. Ms. Zaback will talk about what can berecycled and why it is so important. A special craft activ-ity will follow the program as kids will turn "trash intotreasures" by recycling every day objects during this craftproject. This is a registered program.SPRING STORYTIME UPDATE:Our Spring storytime schedule has been extendedthrough the week of May 18. ITTY BITTY BABIESThursday, March 26th-April 16th at 1:30p.m.Thursday, April 23rd-May 21st at 10:30a.m.MOTHER GOOSERegistered: Monday, March 23rd-May 18th (there will be no Mother Goose on Monday, March 30th or Monday April 27th) at 1:30p.m.Drop-in: Tuesday, March 24th-May 19th (there will be no Mother Goose on Tuesday, March 31st) at 6:30p.m.Wednesday, March 25th-May 20th at 10:00a.m. PRESCHOOL STORYTIMETuesday, March 24th-May 19th at 10:00a.m.Wednesday, March 25th-May 20th at 1:30p.m.Thursday, March 26th-May 21st at 6:30p.m.

VOLUNTEERSWALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA is looking for VOL-UNTEERS for our annual April vacation Be Water Safeprogram. Volunteers need to be available April 20-24theither in the morning 8:45AM-noon, or in the evening6:15-7:45PM. Volunteers must be 13 years old, comfort-able in the water and have come in and completed a vol-unteer application. This is a great way to help your com-munity and earn community service hours! Call PamVanderWeele 203 269 4497 x 20 for more information.

Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names thestreets after them. ~Bill Vaughn, quoted in Jon Winokur, The PortableCurmudgeon, 1987

April 2009

COMFORT KEEPERSWALLINGFORD

Carol Carbutti - Owner157 So. Orchard St., Wallingford

203-697-1030

[email protected]

We are an in-home, non-medical, care giver staffing agency with heart. Wehelp people maintain independent lives in the comfort of their own homes orwherever our loving caregivers are needed.* Constant Communication * Free in home assessments* Our professional standards set us apart * Emergency Response Systems available* Companion, Homemaking and Personal Care * Memory Care Programs available* Respite Care * Transportation services

All caregivers are employees who are screened, bonded and insured for your peaceof mind.

Let our compassionate caregivers help you or your family member.

North Haven Garden Club Special Event: May MarketThe North Haven Garden Club will have the Annual May Market Saturday, May 9, 2009 9:00-12:00 on the North Haven Town Green. In case of rain,the event will be held at the North Haven Congregational Church CarrollHall. The May Market features perennial plants, herbs, garden treasures,Neal Peckham's geraniums grown at the North Haven Middle SchoolGreenhouse student gardeners.as well as having local artisans on site. MayMarket Chairperson is Roberta Hillinski.

North Haven Garden Club is a member of The Federated Garden Clubsof Connecticut, Inc and National Garden Clubs, Inc. Photo by Ellie Tessmer ?Bleeding Heart'

May Market

The Washington Middle School PT held a “Kiss-A-Goat” fundraiser forStudents and Teachers. Show above are the three lucky winners from leftto right are Ms. Zak (Music), Mr. Maratea (6th Grade Math), Ms. McCluskey. Fun was held by all. The goats of honor were May and June. Mr.Maratea is shown below puckering up

Kiss A Goat????

Nancy Ballek was the featured speaker at the March 10th meeting of theWallingford Garden Club.

Ballek’s family has owned a farm in East Haddam since the 1660’s. TheBallek Garden Center is at the heart of the farm and she came to the meet-ing with great ideas on gardening in h armony with nature. She shared ideason companion plantings and garden plants that will attract buttterflies andhummingbirds.

Some of Ballek’s favorite plants included hellebores, or Christmas cactus,jasmine and daphne, a verbena scented shrub. More favorites of this avidgardener were heuchera and tiarella, companion plants that will thrivebecause deer don’t enjoy them but butterflies and hummingbirds are attract-ed to their flowers.

Ballek encouraged gardeners to plant herbas as companion plants to flow-ers because the herbs will repel insects. For instance, lavendar is a goodcompanion to rose bushes because insects and deer do not enjoy lavendar.

Ballek also suggested that more gardeners plant edibles into their flowergardens and everyone should try to grow lettuce because the average headof lettuce travels 2,500 miles to the grocery store.

Ballek also presented a slide show of what she termee ‘great gardens’ ofConnecticut as well as favorites that she has vistied in New York,Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and British Columbia. She encouraged every-one to grow their own great garden not only for your own enjoyment butalso for your children and grandchildren to enjoy.

Vital Garden Information

SAVE THE DATE - Meriden YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY April 18thOn Saturday, April 18, the Meriden YMCA invites the Meriden community to participate inYMCA Healthy Kids® Day, the nation's largest health day for children and families. YMCAHealthy Kids Day includes fun, engaging and creative activities for children and families and pro-motes year-long wellness and healthy living.

The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Streetin Meriden. The event is free and open to the public. Activities will include fitness classes anddemonstrations for kids such as Zumba Kids and karate, face painting, free Amber Alert ID cards,and much more.

For more information call the Meriden YMCA at 235-6386 or visit www.meridenymca.org

COME & ENJOY FREE CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS AT THE MERI-DEN PUBLIC LIBRARY DURING SCHOOL VACATION WEEK.On Monday, April 13th at 11:00 AM. we will be presenting "Circus Suitcase". A program that

blends circus games, improvisation, storytelling, puppetry and music. Watch as Jake Weinsteinunwraps one circus surprise after another to discover more and more fun. This program is open tochildren of all ages. FREE tickets are available in the Children's Library.

On Tuesday, April 14th at 11:00 AM. Meet author Teresa Butler and listen to her read her book"Simon Says", a book about sharing. You will also be able to purchase books. This program isopen to children ages 4 & up.Attention Tweens: A movie based on Stephanie Meyer's series will be showing at 2:00 PM. on

Tuesday, April 14th. Come and enjoy this newly released movie on our big screen with surroundsound. Bring a clear drink and we will provide the popcorn.For more information call the Meriden Public Library Children's Room at (203) 630-6347.

Ben Franklin before School ProgramMeriden Family Resource Center is now accepting registrations for the 2009-2010 Before School

Program at Ben Franklin School. This program is open to children in Kindergarten through Grade5. We offer a sliding scale and sibling discounts. We provide homework assistance, reading timeand quiet games or activities from 7:00am until 8:30am. This program is offered to Ben Franklinstudents only. To register or for more information, please call 238-2316.

WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUBTO HOST ALUMNAE TEA TO CELEBRATE

55th ANNIVERSARYDo you remember wearing your best dress, hat, and gloves to a Wallingford Junior Woman's Clubevent? It's time to put them on again to celebrate WJWC's 55th Anniversary.WJWC alumnae are invited to attend a 55th Anniversary Tea hosted by WJWC and theWallingford Public Library on April 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the library's community room.There will be a brief presentation, and scrapbooks, past presidents' press books, and awards will beon display. The WJWC silver tea service will be used and light refreshments will be served.

Attendees are asked to bring theirfavorite tea cup.Past Juniors are especially encour-aged to attend as current memberslook forward to renewing friendshipswith the women who have been sucha large part of the club's rich history.Women who are interested in learn-ing more about WJWC are encour-aged to attend. The tea is free andopen to the public.

For more information or to reply,please contact Gloria Horbaty, 55thAnniversary Tea Chairwoman, at269-5909.

The Wallingford Junior Woman'sClub (WJWC) is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and a memberof the Connecticut Junior Women,Inc. www.cjw.org. WJWC wasincorporated in 1954 and promoteseducational, philanthropic, communi-ty service work and provides itsmembers with opportunities for per-sonal enrichment, leadership andsocial interaction. WJWC projectsinclude the annual TownwideSpelling Bee; the Children's GameArea at Celebrate Wallingford; co-sponsoring Candidate's Forum withthe League of Women Voters; adopt-ing a local family during the holi-days; and providing rehearsal snacksfor the Wallingford SymphonyOrchestra. In addition, WJWC hasparticipated in and donated to severalstate projects overseen by CJW,including the current state project,Covenant to Care for Children, Inc.,which provides direct assistance toConnecticut children who areneglected, abused or at-risk. AnyWallingford woman age 18 or olderwho is interested in learning moreabout Wallingford Juniors may callKathy Schave at 949-1638.

April 2009

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

Voted #1Bakery!

Come to Marianna’s for allof your favorites!

Hot Cross BunsRice, Wheat & Ham Pies

Easter BreadBabkas

Place Your Order TodayOpen Easter 7am-1pm

Barbara Bruce wins five awards at the Fedearated Garden Club FlowerShow. Barbara is the vice-president of the Wallingford Garden Club andshe won 4 first place awards and a second place award for her displays atthe annual Fllwer Show held by The Federated Garden Clubs OfConnecticut, Inc..

Bruce won first prize, a blue ribbon, for a capsule table deasign, a oneplace setting tabled with appropriate design. She took second place, a redribbon, for an Alfresco buffet table, a six person buffet table she decoratedwith red dishes, a red and white table cloth and a red and green flowerarrangement. She also received three first place blue ribbons for horticul-ture branches she entered, a Norway spruce, a blue prince holly, and a goldthread cypress.

She is show above with a first place ribbon for this one place setting tabledesign she created for the Federated garden Clubs of Connecticut’s FlowerShow in Hartford.

Garden Club Winner

"MERIDEN'S TRAPROCK RIDGELANDS: LANDSCAPES OF NATIONALSIGNIFICANCE" APRIL 28 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARYMeriden Public Library will be hosting the slide presentation and lecture "Meriden's Traprock Ridgelands: Landscapes

of National Significance" by Dr. Peter LeTourneau on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:30 pm in the Griffin Room. The traprock ridges attain their most spectacular expression in the Meriden area where magnificent cliffs tower over

the lowlands and drop precipitously down to steep talus slopes and wind-riffled lakes and ponds. Once protected byvirtue of their steep slopes and poor agricultural soils, the ridges are increasingly impacted by residential and commer-cial development, utilities infrastructure, and quarrying. The ridgelands are important natural resources, providingopen space, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and critical water supplies. Functioning as "sky islands", thetraprock ridges preserve critical natural areas in the densely populated Connecticut Valley.

In many ways, the Traprock Ridgelands have never been better managed, but at the same time increasing pressuresfrom land development and earth materials industries threaten to further fragment and reduce the integrity of, what isarguably, southern New England's most important green corridor. The Traprock Ridgelands are, by any measure, land-scapes of national significance, deserving of a coordinated effort to preserve and protect these vanishing resources.

The program is free and all are invited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 to reserve aseat.

LENTEN THOUGHTSLent is often thought of as a time of darkness. Perhaps we should see it as a period where God's Light shines on ourdark ways-letting it illuminate those habits that need reforming and letting His light and Love help us to re-form ourthoughts, deeds and desires. A time to resist telling God what we want Him to do and ask Him to shine His light andlove to re-form our hearts and clear away the dark areas. 1 Corinthians 2: 11…16

Often God uses nature to speak to us and we can take inspiration from qualities of the world around us. An exampleis the rose:

The rose rises above its thorny branch to bloom in splendor of beauty and fragrance and has become the symbol oflove. Just as Christ poured forth divine Love while crowned with thorns, may we rise above the thorny times in ourlives with a heart of love and be thankful that thorn bushes can bear roses. - Dorothy Gonick

Veterans Pension Benefit Program Offers Aid for In-Home CareSubmitted by Carol Carbutti, Owner of Comfort Keepers of WallingfordToo many times seniors will forego recommended care because the expense is more than the senior can manage. Forsome, though, there may be an untapped funding source that can create the resources needed to fund in-home care. Ifyou or family member is a veteran, or the surviving spouse of a veteran, you or they may be eligible for fundingthrough the Aid & Attendance special pension. If the veteran served 90 consecutive days of active military duty with atleast one day during a U.S. declared war, the veteran or spouse is already partially qualified for the program if they are65 years or older.

The Aid & Attendance special pension is an often-over-looked VA pension benefit. This pension addresses theneeds of veterans or their surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of someone to assist them with eating,bathing, dressing or other needs (activities of daily living). Often another member of the family is providing this caregiving and their daily and hourly efforts can be paid for by this benefit.Encourage your friends and family members who meet the initial criteria to contact the nearest county VeteransAdministration office or my Comfort Keepers Office at 203-697-1030 for more information on this program. Once allpaperwork is submitted, approved, and the veteran or spouse begins receiving benefits, Comfort Keepers can providethe level of in-home care that has allowed so many to live comfortably in the privacy of their own homes. This processis time consuming and may take months to complete but a retroactive check will be sent if you are approved.Determining if you or a loved one is eligible for this added monthly income for the rest of your life is a very worth-while effort on your part.

Number 9 - Connecticut's Premier Beatles Tribute Band Upcoming Event5/9/09 - Sat - Smokin' With Chris Restaurant - Southington, CT - 8:30-11:30pm

Tradition Golf Club - Ladies Saturday 18 hole league Opening Day Saturday, April 25, 2009 - Interested in a guaranteed tee time every Saturday morning? Want to meetfellow lady golfers and enjoy the outdoors and camaraderie? Join us on Saturday, April 25 at 9:00, at the TraditionsClub House, 37 Harrison Rd., Wlfd for a brief meeting and a complimentary continental breakfast. For those interested- there will be game play after the meeting - 4 best ball tournament. Contact Traci Canavan at 203-481-4927 or [email protected] if you are interested.

Easter Dinner: GENEROSITY Makes It Happen"Turkey, ham, and all the trimmings will be enjoyed be everyone at the annual holiday Easter dinner, noon to 2:00 PM,Easter Sunday, at the First Congregational Church, 23 South Main St., Wallingford. The dinner, sponsored by Parents& Kids Foundation, Inc. and the church, is free and open to all who want to spend the day with others. Transportationwill be provided to those needing rides. Meals and visits will also be delivered to the homebound.

These dinners happen every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and are fully dependent on donations of food, timeand money to be successful. In addition to the dinner at the church, meals and visits are also delivered to the home-bound and others in Wallingford, Cheshire and Meriden, unable to participate in the dinner at the church.

At each holiday, we "adopt" children and adults with AIDS, some folks who are differently abled, those who arealone, nursing home residents without family and other entire families as we learn of their particular circumstances.We provide them with food, clothes and gifts as we are able. We write cards and send letters to cheer people. It isincredible to be part of this effort and to see all the good that comes when people give and share.

As this effort has become so large, it is necessary for us to collect food and other items as early as possible. We arein need of everything. Individuals and businesses that would like to volunteer their time, talents, food, gifts, money orservices are encouraged to call Nancy Freyberg at Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc., 284-8299. Together we make itbetter for everyone!

11th Annual Walk for Autism and 3rd Annual Run for AutismMay 3rd. at Choate Rosemary Hall Wallingford, CT

The CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center, (ASRC), is hosting their 11th Annual Walk for Autism, and 3rd AnnualRun for Autism on Sunday, May 3rd. Both events will take place on the Choate Rosemary Hall Campus inWallingford, CT.

ASRC is a family run, non profit organization that serves individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their familymembers, and the professionals who work with them.

The organization was established 15 years ago due to lack of services for children and adults on the autism spec-trum. Today, ASRC offers programs such as support groups for parents, teens, and adults, educational workshops forprofessionals, workshops for teens and adults on the autism spectrum, recreational and socialization programs for chil-dren, teens and adults, mentoring and transitional programs. ASRC has been an integral force behind advocating forservices for those with ASD.

Autism is a neurological disorder. Ten years ago 1 in every 10,000 individuals were diagnosed with an autism spec-trum disorder. Today, it is 1 in every 150. There is no known cause, and no cure. Services that address the needs ofthe autism community are crucial, and are limited at this time.

Come join us at the Walk and post picnic, preceded by a 5K Run. High School students can gain community servicehours by participating in the Run. For additional information about our Walk/Run you can go to www.asrcwalk.kin-tera.org or Call 203 265-7717.

Sheehan World Language DepartmentThe Sheehan World Language Department is very proud to select ChristinaCraig as its Spotlight Student. Christina is a very conscientious and dedicatedstudent. She is currently enrolled in Italian II and her passion for the languageis demonstrated in both her enthusiasm and ambition to improve her skills out-side of the classroom. Her personal commitment to the study of Italian hasallowed her to rapidly increase both her oral and written expression. Christinahas recently expressed an interest in assisting other students of Italian withtheir studies which, once again, exhibits her desire to go above and beyondwhat is expected of her.

April 2009

1273 Queen Street,Southington860-747-8833

www.ShirleysList.com

QIVANA, YOGA, Bikes, QUADS, Golf, KAYAKS

Netw

orking, Wellness, SC

OO

TERS

, Barter, S

ki, Tai Chi

Fitness, TOYS, “Green Products, Bus. Co-Op“Liv

e” M

usic

,Fis

hing

, B

OA

TS,

Dru

mm

ing,

SH

ED

S

Shirley BloetheAlways have,

always will!

Lynn Fisher, Staci Roy and Kristina Kosnoff, three members of the Board of Directors of the Meriden Arts Council (MAC) attended a statewide local arts agency peer-to-peer conference, “Achieving Cultural Leadership”, that was held at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center in Meriden on Tuesday March 24th. Representatives of 25 Local Arts Agencies from all over the state were brought together by John Cusano of the Ct Commission on Culture and Tourism (CCT) for a session of brainstorming, and to devise methods and approaches to advance their capacity to deliver cultural leadership. Some of the topics discussed were “Building Audiences”, “Working with little or no staff”, “Creative Economy” and “Using today’s Technology”. In order to break up the day and remind everyone why they got involved in the arts, Shakesperience Productions, Inc, put on two brief audience participation skits. The day ended with a reflective reading of Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” by Alfred Mueller from the Meriden Poetry Society.

The CCT Local Arts Agency (LAA) Cultural Leadership grant program supports LAAs as local / regional allies of the Commission. Through this program, CCT is developing a network of committed LAAs who are helping to develop a statewide culture & tourism infrastructure to more effectively serve Connecticut’s citizens. Participation in the LAAprogram has enabled MAC to create and maintain their online regional arts and cultural event calendar. This year they plan to focus on building an online directory of artists and organizations, which can be a valuable community resource.

Meriden Arts Council

31st Annual Meriden Daffodil Festivalby Ernie LarsenI'm starting to write this on the first day of spring, well let me tell you, I hope the weather gets a lot warmer beforeMeriden's premier event, the Meriden Daffodil Festival. It's about 30F outside right now and could go as low as 20F orless tonight, brrrrr……..well, it did get pretty chilly last night but yesterday, Saturday the 21st was really nice, sunny,but still only in the 40's; what I call the New Englander's bible, well some of us anyway, the Old Farmer's Almanac,pegged it right when it predicted cloudy and cool weather for today. I thought I'd just check ahead - for April 25-30(the Festival is on April 25 and 26th) the fabled yellow covered tome is predicting sunny and warm weather. Sure hopeso, it'll be a good thing for everyone, the 30 plus non-profit food vendors from the area many who use the Silver ForkFood tent as their major fundraiser for the year, the talented crafters from all over the eastern seaboard displaying theirunique creations, be it a hand made Adirondack chair or some local honey or a pair of knitted baby booties, maybe aclever sign for the front lawn or a new mirror for the bathroom, well whatever it is these crafter never cease to amazeme with their cleverness. Then their the thousands who come to either participate or just enjoy watching Daffodils onParade the annual marching extravaganza through the park; and of course those who make it a yearly pilgrimage forthe music, three stages of continuous entertainment with an entree to please every musical palate. And I'd be remiss notmentioning the Business Expo on the tennis courts sponsored by Meriden's exuberant Chamber of Commerce, high-lighting local companies and firms starting on Friday and wrapping up on Sunday. And, oh yes, the children, Theater ofthe Trees, kid's free entertainment Saturday and Sunday and the ever popular amusement rides. All this among the600,001 blooming daffodils in historic Hubbard Park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic places. All ofthese events benefit from good weather and if the O.F.A. prediction holds, this years event will be second to nonebased on what the Daffodil Committee has been planning for long before the beginning of the New Year.

And this year especially, people deserve some good times, with all that's been going on with the economy, financialfirm hi-jinks, along with being held hostage almost every week with a snowstorm, it's time for a break; the DaffodilFestival offers just that, a respite from the real world, if only for a few hours and for the most part it offers many freeevents. The entertainment, parade, Business Expo have no admission and there is free parking and shuttle servicedirectly to the heart of Hubbard Park so you can start having fun as soon as you arrive; when you disembark from theshuttle and start walking into the Festival proper you'll be serenaded by one of the talented bands playing their heartsout on the Jeff Crooms Welcome Stage and there's plenty more from where that came from. Remember for completelistings of entertainment head for your computer and www.daffodilfest.com for the most up to date information on theFestival, this interactive site has tons of information and is updated continuously to keep everyone abreast of latestDaffodil Festival - no computer, give the Department of Recreation a call, (203) 630-4259.

So let's review where and when, in less than 30 days the first events of "Daffodil Week" commence. On SaturdayApril 18 the Daffodil Festival committee hosts Connecticut's Largest Tag Sale under the Festival tent: over 100 vendorsdisplaying and offering their treasures for sale. The same day, the 18th, a fishing derby for children takes place atMirror Lake, tentatively scheduled from 10: AM until noon - youngsters are encouraged to bring their own tackle,although a very limited number of rods will be available as well as bait - there is no charge to participate and prizeswill be awarded, you don't even have to catch a fish to win a prize. For sports fans, the weekend of Saturday andSunday April 18 and 19 is designated 'Sports Weekend' in Hubbard Park. Meriden's own Beat the Street boxing clubhosts a series of amateur boxing matches; there is a nominal admission fee for this event with all proceeds turned backto the club to encourage the sport. On Sunday the action kicks off with the 8th Annual Meriden Rotary Club 5K RoadRace. And maintaining tradition, the Festival reverts back to its roots hosting the selection of Little Miss Daffodil andher Honor Escort, Wednesday evening April 22nd. The Business Expo begins with a business to business opening onFriday the 24th and the annual springtime extravaganza, the 31st annual Meriden Daffodil Festival, a party so big ittakes two weekends to make it all happen, opens at 10:00 AM on April 25th. Shuttle buses begin at 9:00 AM from alllocations.

This year, the Festival is truly a Meriden and Connecticut homegrown event; all the musical entertainment has eithera Meriden or Connecticut connection, from Meriden's own inimitable troubadour Frank Critelli to local talent gonenationwide, the Alternate Routes; The Bad Reps, a trio of politicos featuring Speaker of the Ct. House ofRepresentatives, Chris Donovan, looking to enhance their image through music, with three stages of continuous musicit will be difficult to choose which group to enjoy; the ever popular Manchurians on the band shell stage or the crowdpleasing Zydeco Hogs in the food tent or one of the newcomers, Bird and Boys on the Welcome Stage. For you salsalovers, Jesus Pagan will rock the house in the Silver Fork Food tent while one of my favorites, with their loyal follow-ing, The River Street Band takes the band shell stage. This year the festival is getting greener; a troop of local BoyScouts will collect all recyclable cans and bottles and maintain the cleaning of tables in the Silver Fork Food Tent - thetroop will realize the profits of turning in the cans/bottles for their deposit value and importantly receive a lesson incommunity involvement through this major volunteer effort. And again this year, food vendors are encouraged to usebiodegradable food service items - with one of the major food suppliers expanding the availability of same to make thisa truly environmentally friendly event.

And that's not all on Saturday evening when the sun sets over East peak, a spectacular fireworks display lights thesky over Castle Craig. This exhibit draws ooohs and aaahs from those in the park and other spots in Meriden. For thosein the surrounding towns, this display is visible from Southington, Cheshire, and Berlin. And on Sunday, theFestival continues, a fun-filled weekend in historic Hubbard Park.

So, are you ready to party? This winter was really a doozy - get out to the Festival, check out the crafts,enjoy some of that great fair food and just relax and listen to the music amidst the 600,001 daffodils in historicHubbard Park. Come on out, join your family, friends and neighbors; enjoy a day having fun, forget aboutwhat's been going on for a few hours.

The Committee has planned activities that will entertain, sustain and amaze. A weekend filled with food,flowers, fireworks and fun. Hope to see you at Meriden's premier event, the Meriden Daffodil Festival, April 25and 26th 2009, in historic Hubbard Park. Saturday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PMFor more information www.daffodilfest.com or the Meriden Parks and Recreation (203) 630-4259.

22ND ANNUAL "DAFFODILS ON PARADE"The 22nd Annual "Daffodils on Parade" will take place on Saturday, April 25th at 11:30AM. The parade is oneof the main features of the 31st Annual Meriden Daffodil Festival, which takes place on Saturday, April 25th(10:00AM-9:00PM) and Sunday, April 26th(10:00AM-5:00PM) at beautiful Hubbard Park. The theme of thisyear's parade is "The Music in Me," and participants will be singing & dancing from the start at Castle Drive,down West Main Street, into Hubbard Park and around Mirror Lake.

"Daffodils on Parade" has been very fortunate over the years to have the creative participation of the centralConnecticut community, and this year will be no exception. Numerous local businesses, civic groups, and com-munity organizations will be ready to go. Marching bands, highlighted by representative units from the fourMeriden secondary schools, will be tuned up and looking to entertain. Dignitaries such as Little Miss Daffodil& Honor Escort, veterans' groups, honor guards, beauty queens, and many local politicians will be decked out inspiffy attire. The usual parade notables like jugglers & clowns will also be in attendance, as well as specialappearances from Spiderman, Captain America, and Ronald McDonald.

What really makes the parade unique are the many floats gracing the route and the tremendous enthusiasmdisplayed by the hundreds of student marchers. Floats require a great deal of effort to design, build, and utilize,but they truly are sights to behold. The festival committee is extremely grateful to the schools & communitygroups that will invest the time necessary to create them. The committee is equally grateful to our public &parochial school administrators, teachers, parents, and students who inject such liveliness into the event. Therewill be plenty of both floats & school groups to see this year.

As exciting as the parade will be, there is still one thing missing - YOU! The thousands of spectators liningthe route are the final piece of the parade puzzle. If you have ever watched a previous one, thank you. Yourpresence provides an appreciation to the participants. If you have never seen one, why not make 2009 the yearto do it? You will not only understand "why everybody loves a parade," but also how fortunate it is to live insuch a community-minded place.

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

Easter Flower/Plant SaleThe Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department will be having an EasterFlower/Plant Sale at the Firehouse at: 143 Hope Hill Road, Yalesville. FridayApril 10 from 12-6PM ~ Saturday April 11 from 8AM-6PM ~ SundayApril12 from 8AM-12PM

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

at 203.235.9333 or email him at [email protected]. Experience the power ofpositive for the readers and writers you will sponsor aswell as the return on your investment. Check out the

paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com!

April 2009

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 [email protected]

4/30/09 4/30/09 4/30/09

Is Proud to SponsorThe Kids Press

Now is the time to book Ruth for all ofyour Spring and Summer Parties & Events.

SPRINGBy: Brandon DiMicheleThe sun beating down making flowers come up. Showers falling down to cure the thirst of those flowers. The birdsreturning from the south to create nests. This is what spring is all about. Spring is nestled between the two seasons'winter (with the brutally cold snow) and summer (with the brutal sun temperatures). Spring is where the bees go on ahunting spree for pollen. It is where caterpillars come out from the cocoons to live a life as a butterfly. That is whathappens when you wake up on the first day of spring.

Hey Kids - send in your pictures, drawingsor stories for our May issue and you maywin a cool book. The deadline is April 25th.Don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day so you cansend a special greeting to her too!

April 2009

"Rhine Discovery" - River Cruise - October 4-12

105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516

Email: [email protected] www.kingtravelways.com

7 nights on the deluxe river vessel"River Countess" Discovering the richheritage of the Main & Rhine RiversFrom Nuremberg to Basel.VisitingBamberg, Wurzburg, Miltenberg,Aschaffenburg, Rudesheim, Heidelberg,Strasbourg. Includes all meals, comple-mentary wines with dinner, shore excur-sions, use of bicycles , transfers. Offeredby King Travelways together with UConnHuskees' Alumni Call for brochure:

Connecticut Gymnastics Academy20 North Plains Ind. Rd. Unit 11 in Wallingford 203.269.7464

Connecticut Gymnastics AcademySummer Camp

Camp ScheduleWeek 1 July 6th-10thWeek 2 July 13th-17thWeek 3 July 20th-24thEarly drop-off and late pick-up available.

The bestSummer campfor your child

aged 5 and up.Camp Hours arefrom 9am-3pm

InstructionGymnasticsSwimming

Arts and CraftsGamesMovies

Inflatable FunField TripsWater Fun

and much more.

The Wallingford Family YMCA Dolphin swim team finished off their high-ly successful 2008/2009 season with a strong showing at the New EnglandYMCA Swimming Championships held March 21st & 22nd in Boston,MA. The Dolphins finished in 20th place out of 80 teams under head coachKeith Cargan, and garnered 2 New England Champions in the process; JoshBjornberg (boys 13-14 100 Breaststroke), and Holly Driscoll (girls 11-12100 Breaststroke). Several other Dolphin swimmers managed top ten fin-ishes in their events, including Brittany Driscoll, Robert Driscoll, DaraMalone, Kayla Merrill, and Kyle Neri. The Dolphins sent a contingent of34 swimmers, 17 of whom were individual meet qualifiers. Over the courseof the 2008/2009 season, 23 individual team records were broken.

What You Need To Know

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 ourcandid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it inthe next issue. - June and FloraDear Housewives, I recently went into a chain coffee/donut establishmentand the server was not rude but was not friendly. She was young andstood there staring off into the distance while we were making our deci-sion. No, smile, no small talk. I will not go back there But how does thishappen? Why are clerks not giving the customer service we deserve? MeridenJUNE: Customer service is at an all time low these days when it matters most. Stores are closing their doors every-day and the employees are not helping to keep them open by using good customer service. Managers need to trainthem in good customer service, hire only people with people skills and monitor them. People should do a service tothe owner by letting them know before boycotting the store. FLORA: By not going back, you are standing by your principles but writing or calling the manager/owner would bemore pro-active.Dear Housewives, Should you take a child to a funeral? If they are young they won't really know what is goingon and older kids may learn to deal with death by seeing the process. What do you think? MeridenJUNE: I think it depends on the situation. I think kids should not go unless it is an immediate family member.Many kids, especially little ones, will not have the etiquette or patience to sit through the service. They can disrupt themourning. If your child is over the age of ten they may be able to be respectful and quiet.FLORA: When my grandmother died six years ago, I had 4 and a almost 3 year old; they did not go to the wake orthe funeral. But, their distant cousins were there and they were 5 years old. At first I thought it strange. But their moth-er quietly explained the process. They even went up to my Grandmother's casket. I was impressed with the way theirmother handled it.

I would think it's easier for a child to attend a church funeral than a wake. But if you start them young and explainthe death process on their level, they will have a better understanding. But, there is always the but.... But, if your childhas behavioral issues and is not disciplined, leave them home with a sitter.

A great movie to watch is "My Girl" with Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Aykroid. This film deals with death from achild's perspective and is very well done.

If you do take your child to a wake, you must prepare them for what they will see there ahead of time.JUNE: Hi Flora, Spring is finally here. I am reading a few good books so I will review them next month. Time tostart cleaning out the flower beds. FLORA: Hi June, yes, spring is here and it feels terrific. I am reading "The Shack" by Wm. Paul Young. A review willfollow next month.

Lufberry Park in the SpringBy Priscilla ReynoldsThis year, 2009, is very reluctant to show any signs of spring. Lufberry Park is located on the west side of Wallingfordoff Cheshire Road. Chipper and I love to climb the hill there and look over Ashlar Village and take in the hills ofMeriden. The date is March 25, 2009: we are alone; no other dogs, no other hikers, no cars parked near the fenced inbase ball field.

Broken down trees and briar bushes bar our way on the west trail but Chipper, joyously, runs in and around theprickers and devastation. I concentrate on finding new life on this fifth day of spring after a long frigid winter. Andyes, there is! The wonderful warmth of the SUN is sufficient: more light, less wind, finally the promise of Spring.

We pass under three bridges of large broken trees. The beginning of the red trail has three trees bending low andtogether--one more catastrophe of Nature about to happen but I can't believe that we are in danger on such a beautifulday. There were darker days when I viewed the standing bare trunks of trees with some trepidation. Huge monstersseemed to reach out for us, as they did in the movie, "The Wizard of Oz" when Dorothy, the tin man, the scarecrowand the Lion (and Toto) escaped from the terrifying trees marching across the screen. My eyesight fails me at timesand I can imagine many exciting things. Looking up from the newly constructed kiosk, I turned to Chipper, "Is that abear?" It turned out to be a form of fungus or tumor on the tree.

Back to the red trail: we approach two lovely evergreens, Holly busheswith pointed strong leaves, a pleasant sight against the snows of the past win-ter, and a contrast now against the stubborn browns and broken limbs. Threeornaments hang off one of these trees, a perpetual "Charlie Brown" Christmastree. One of these ornaments has been hanging there at least six years.

We start climbing the steep part of our journey. Jagged igneous rocks arescattered on the slope. We turn off the trail to a plateau, another lookouttoward the west. Someone has made a fireplace made of huge rocks and evi-dence of camping out surrounds the area. At one time the view encompassedmore woods--now, new homes toward the west detract from the solitude, butthe ever-changing sunset on a fair day never disappoints you.

We follow the path again toward the summit. We pass two giant pine treeswith silver-white bark and bristles of green brush against the sky. I look downand see a trunk of a tree caught in another pine tree perpendicular to theground. I walk under it--a broom handle away. We have reached the fencethat separates the park from land belonging to the Masonic Home, and fromthe summit we look East and Southeast over Ashlar Village and the lovelyMeriden Mountains.

Throughout the woods in the distance we spot small trees with goldencoins attached. (I remember my Mom reading me stories about golden leavedtrees.) These are the Blessed Beech trees. When closer to them the leavesappear pale and oblong, strongly attached to irregular branches The Blue jays,often dubbed troublemakers in the bird world, are credited with carrying theseeds of these lovely trees throughout the woods. One full-grown beech treestands at the edge of the white trail overlooking a field. Its smooth, gray barkmakes it much more huggable than other trees. Its thin bark also makes thistree vulnerable to disease. On our beloved Beech tree are engravings frommany ignorant humans. We humans must learn to count our blessings, notdestroy them.

Many years ago some group labeled several of the trees on the white path.The labels are difficult to read now; the devastation has claimed trees withlabels too. But it was remarkable that these? boys (now, men) could distin-guish a red Oak from a white Oak, a red Maple from a white Maple. Pignuthickory trees, black and white Birch, Witchhazel, white Ash, Tulip tree andblack Cherry are also labeled trees. This endeavor as well as the recent build-ing of the kiosk, the wooden bench near the beech tree and the marked pathsare commendable and a real gift to me and other outdoor lovers.

The warmth and light from the sun on March 25, 2009 is a promise of NewGrowth and Hope for the Future.

(More research is needed to honor those who have gifted Lufberry Parkand also to give an accurate history of the Lufberry family. I hope to dothis in the future.)

To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine, ThePeople's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him at

[email protected]. Experience the power of positive for the read-ers and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your investment.

Check out the paper in its many forms at www.peoplespressnews.com!

April 2009

ACROSS1. During the vernal equinox thishappens in the Northern Hemisphere.12. A partner for Pa14. Person engaged in buying, sell-ing, bartering, swapping, etc.15. A respite from work17. All the vowels except "Y"18. Did over the facing on fabric19. State agency that issues driver'slicenses, vehicle registrations, etc.20. Rip, shred.22. Country with its own govern-ment .24. Father.25. Groups of cattle.26. Male offspring.27. Greaser.29. Android.31. Blemish.32. Remove liquid.34. Four main points on a compass.36. Question.37. Residue produced from incom-plete burning of carbon based materi-als.38. Her book "Beloved" won the1988 Pulitzer Prize (initials).40. A French person's friend.41. Person who consumes food.43. A place or state of supreme hap-piness.45. Famous Spanish cellist and con-ductor "________ Casals".47. Spanish word for "this".49. To disfigure, deface or scar.50. A road, course, or way for travel(abbr.)51. "Hit the _______ on the head".52. To shrink, bend, or crouch, espe-cially in fear of danger.54. What ever this female wants, shegets.55. One more the nine.56. Competed for; contended59. Affirmative response from asailor60. Barbie's boyfriend63. Bismarck is the capital of thisstate (abbr.)64. To be in agreement or harmony.65. "Art ______" was a populararchitectural style of the period 1925-1940.66. A town in Diksmuide, a part ofBelgium.67. A British nobleman68. Popular deli sandwich is "Ham___ _____"

DOWN 1. Three word phrase indicating "adeclaration of the truth of some-thing".2. Dominates; overrules3. A surprise attack4. Response heard during a weddingceremony5. Castrate; spay6. Actor who played Superman inthe 1950's TV series (initials).7. Civil rights activist murdered in1963 in Jackson Mississippi.8. "My ____ Sal".9. Four word phrase meaning"something added to make a thingbetter or more desirable"10. Name of the Darling's familydog in the story "Peter Pan"11. Brand of felt hat with a broadbrim and high crown, often seen inTexas12. Jefferson City is the capital ofthe state (abbr.)13. Of unknown name; nameless(abbr.)16. A mentally defective person withan exceptional skill or talent.18. Actor, Gary Burghoff, portrayedthis company clerk in the TV series,MASH21. A hospital department (abbr.)23. "Right ___ !!"25. Chop; hack28. Large body of water inMiddlefield near the border ofMeriden.29. Providence is the capital of thisstate (abbr.)30. Brand of sugar substitute in yel-low colored packet32. Female deer33. "Right back ___ you."35. A sudden, urgent occurrence

requiring immediate action37. Small rock39. "___ , myself and I".42. First name of the notorious gang-ster who was nicknamed "Scarface".44. (See 40 across)46. "One ___ a time."48. A small sour dark purple fruit ofthe Allegheny plum bush53. Finish57. Frozen H2O58. A buck's partner.59. Fruit drink61. Prefix used with friendly to indi-cate environmentally acceptable62. Negative prefix65. CBS late night show host (ini-tials)

People’s Press Crossword by Ruth Gordon Look for the answers in this issue.

Children gather around Speaker of the House Chris Donovan at the March18, 2009, Early Childhood Advocacy Day in Hartford. The event wasattended by more than 300 people - including a busload from Meriden'sEaster Seals/Head Start program and representatives from MeridenChildren First and the Meriden School Readiness Council.

Kids Making A Difference!

Meriden Senior Center Community ForumThe Meriden Senior Center will be the site of a forum held by the Connecticut Cancer Partnership and the ConnecticutDepartment of Public Health on April 22, 2009, from 1:00-2:30pm.

The Partnership is looking for individuals over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with cancer to participate thediscussion, which will focus on past and present needs related to someone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer.Information gathered from the discussion will help determine where to focus future cancer-related resources, services,and programs. This is a chance to share your thoughts and concerns; your input is very important!

Pre-registration is required, call the Senior Center at 237-0066 to sign-up. The discussion is limited to the first 20people to sign-up; free lunch is provided and there will be a raffle drawing. This forum is being co-sponsored by theMeriden Health Department.

MANY WAYS TO BECOME WATER SAFE THIS SUMMER!The Wallingford Family YMCA is offering a number of opportunities this spring that will make your summer more funand a lot safer!

Junior Lifeguard Program; If you are between 11 and 14 and already know how to swim this is for you. Come to theY April 20-23rd and be introduced to water rescue skills and learn what it takes to become a lifeguard. Learn survivalskills for yourself and others in a water emergency. And have fun!

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course- begins March 30. You must be 15 and able to swim 300 yardscompetently. Interested retirees are welcome. This certification will qualify you for lifeguard jobs. At the completionof the course you will have learned CPR/FPR + AED + O2 as well as lifeguarding and first aid skills. You must suc-cessfully complete both a written and a practical exam to become certified.

American Red Cross Basic Water Rescue course. This is a perfect 4 hour class for parents with backyard pools,Scout leaders, and water sports enthusiasts. Teens are welcome. The class includes hands on water rescue practice aswell as classroom discussions. There is a written exam to receive a 3 year certification.

Be Water Safe! This United Way program will run April 20-24th over spring vacation for Wallingford school stu-dents. This program cost $5 for each student and is open for 4 year olds through 6th graders. Registration informationwill be coming home through the Wallingford schools, if you do not receive one and would like a registration form,please call 203 269 4497 x 20 to have one sent to you. The half hour sessions are being offered both in the morningand the evening. There are class limits, so please register early!

Be Water Safe with Huggies! This year we are adding a Parent & Child program for parents with children ages 1-3years old. A parent must accompany the child in the water. This will run at 6:30-7PM April 20-24th. Support from theHuggies Corporation enables us to offer this class for $5 as well.

Don't wait to get ready for summer fun- in the pool, the lake or the ocean. Be pro- active- learn water safety skillsnow to keep you and your family safer this year. Call Pam VanderWeele for more information and to register. 203 2694497 x 20. www.wallingfordymca.org

Understanding AutismA fund-raising event to bring about awareness for the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorder - Autism.

April is Autism Awareness month and you can help us to change the face of Autism with drinks, food, music andfun!

The even will be held at Rosie's Café on Camp Street in Meriden on Thursday, April 16th from 6pm-10pm.All tips go to "The Autism Society of America."

31st Annual Meriden Daffodil Festival Special eventsSATURDAY APRIL 18, 2009 FISHING DERBY AT MIRROR LAKE 10AM UNTIL 11:30PM

Earth Day Special for Wallingford ResidentsSaturday, April 18 8:00 AM - 10 AMYOU CAN OWN ONE SOILMAKER COMPOSTERTURN YOUR YARD AND FOOD WASTES INTO NUTRIENT RICH SOIL$20 CHECK ONLY (payable to CRRA)LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLEQuestions? Call Program Planning at 203-294-2061

There's so much pollution in the air now that if it weren't for our lungsthere'd be no place to put it all. ~Robert Orben

The derby is open to anyone age 15and under. Children are encouragedto bring their own rods or use therods (a limited number of rods willbe available for use). Live bait willbe available. Prizes will be given for heaviest fish& longest fish.All participants will have the oppor-tunity to win raffle prizes at theconclusion of the derby.REFRESHMENTS FOR PUR-CHASE WILL BE AVAILABLE ATTHE PARK

SATURDAY APRIL 18, 2009A SPRING BOXING EXTRAVA-GANZAUnder the Tennis Court TentPresented by Beat the StreetCommunity Center, Inc.First Bout Starts at 1:00PMAdmission: Adults $15.00 Students $7.00 Age 6 and Under FREE Tickets Available at the DoorLook for updated and additionalinformation atwww.daffodilfest.com

April 2009

* Auto * Home * Business * LifeJohn J. Kovacs Insurance Agency

208 Center Street, WallingfordOffice: (203) 269-2500

Life Insurance underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company Nationwide Mutual InsuranceCompany and affiliated Companies Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220

There’s nothing like a warm swim on a cold day - don’t ya think?

Random Shot

Do You Freecycle?By Tia KozarThis year for Earth Day (April 22nd), do something different. Help the community, the environment and maybe evenyourself by joining the Freecycle Network online.

Freecycle is an online network where people can give away old or unwanted items instead of throwing them away.The Freecycle.org website is similar to shopping or selling on Ebay or Craig's list, except every item posted is 100%free. The Freecycle website's mission statement is: "Freecycle is a non-profit organization whose main goal is toreduce waste, save precious resources, and ease burden on landfills."

It's easy; all you have to do is sign up, put up a listing for the items you want to give away and if someone in yourarea is looking for that, they can come pick it up. Almost anything goes: Items can be new or used, working or not.Freecycle members have offered everything from clothing and toys to furniture, dishwashers, plants, and camping gear.

Need parts for a broken appliance? Or maybe props for the school play? Check out the local Freecycle listings orpost a request of your own. You never know what you will find. When a CT Girl Scout troop was looking for a tent fora camping trip, they got responses from several Freecycle members offering not only several tents, but rowboats, fire-wood, camp chairs and sleeping bags!

Recent area Freecycle listings include a Coleman outdoor gas fireplace, a pet carrier, and vegetable steamer andcrockpot in Wallingford. And Meriden Freecyclers have offered curtains, children's toys, books, and a king sized bedand triple dresser. For more information on these listings or to find more in our area, go to the Meriden Freecycle net-work's website: http://www.freecycle.org/group/United%20States/Connecticut/Meriden or visit www.freecycle.org forother CT area Freecycle networks.

Freecycle is a great way to help others in the community while keeping your items out of landfills. The FreecycleNetwork Worldwide has reported that its members are keeping 55 tons of goods out of landfills each day! So, beforeyou throw your old things out, make a change and make a difference in community and the environment, and log on toFreecycle.org.

SPOTLIGHT ON SHEEHAN HIGH STUDENTSSCASA Honors Sheehan SeniorsSheehan seniors, Kimberly Grzesik and Kevin Gilhuly, were recently selected as recipients of the South Central Area

Superintendents Association (SCASA) Award for 2009. This award is presented to students who embody the missionof their school and are deeply committed to community and humanitarian service. Both students will be honored at anawards luncheon this Friday.Kimberly Grzesik recognizes the value of giving back to her community. Since her freshman year, Kim has accumu-

lated over 200 hours of volunteer work. She is a member of Peer Advocates and serves as a role model to youngerchildren. She also demonstrates leadership through her involvement with Rainbow Girls, an organization affiliatedwith the Masons, and she has traveled to Australia and Europe as a People to People Student Ambassador. A memberof National Honor Society and a CAPT Scholar, Kim is also involved in extracurricular activities at the school. She isan officer for Students Against Destructive Decisions and is President of the Anime Club. In addition, throughout highschool Kim has been a member of the Wallingford Girls Softball League.

With over 900 hours of volunteer work, giving back to the community has become a way of life for Kevin Gilhuly.He serves as a "big brother" to an elementary student through Big Brothers Big Sisters and enjoys spending qualitytime with this youngster. He has also taught CCD at Out Lady of Fatima Church in grades 10 through 12 and hasserved as a Meriden Police Explorer since his sophomore year. Kevin has been a member of Sheehan's outdoor andindoor Track Teams throughout high school, and he demonstrates leadership as captain of the outdoor team. His lead-ership skills have further developed through his roles as President of the Senior Class, Vice President of Key Club andin serving as an officer for Students Against Destructive Decisions. Kevin has also participated on the Tools ForSchools Committee as a student representative.

The Sheehan faculty is very proud of these students' commitment to school and community service.

WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB ANNOUNCES2nd ANNUAL TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT - TRUCKS WANTED

The Wallingford Junior Woman's Club will sponsor its 2nd Annual Touch-a-Truck on May 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. atthe Chevrolet Theatre, and trucks are needed. This is a hands-on activity for children and parents to experience theirfavorite big trucks up close by climbing into the driver's seat, honking the horn, and pretending to steer.

WJWC invites local truck owners to provide trucks for display and touching. Truck owners must provide a currentcertificate of insurance, a truck attendant at all times, and a truck that may be touched and/or sat in. Truck owners maydistribute family-friendly promotional materials with WJWC approval.For more information, please call Kathryn Speeg, WJWC Touch-a-Truck Committee Co-Chairwoman, at 203-284-5826.

The Wallingford Junior Woman's Club (WJWC) is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization, and a member of theConnecticut Junior Women, Inc. www.cjw.org. WJWC was incorporated in 1954 and is a non-profit organization thatpromotes educational, philanthropic, community service work and provides its members with opportunities for person-al enrichment, leadership and social interaction. WJWC projects include the Townwide Spelling Bee and Children'sArea at Celebrate Wallingford, and partnerships with the League of Women Voters of Wallingford & Cheshire,Wallingford Symphony Orchestra, Wallingford Emergency Shelter, and American Red Cross. In addition, WJWC hasparticipated in and donated to several state projects overseen by CJW, including the current state project, Covenant toCare for Children, Inc., which provides direct assistance to Connecticut children who are neglected, abused or at-risk.

For more information about WJWC, call Mimi LaFrance, Membership Chairwoman, at 284-8544

Mystery Tour, Connecticut's favorite Beatles tribute bandYou won't believe your ears when you hear Mystery Tour, Connecticut's favorite Beatles tribute band. Step right up tothe Augusta Curtis Cultural Center on Saturday April 18th to experience the musicalexcitement of the 60's as "The Mystery Tour" show unfolds.This cabaret style event benefits the Meriden ArtsCouncil's annual Education Awards, in which we give monetary awards to high schoolseniors planning to continue their education in the arts. Tickets are just $20.00. Tickets will be available from anyMAC board member or at J.C. Music, 529 West Main Street, Meriden; Friends of the Library, 25West Main Street, Meriden; Gallery 53, 53 Colony Street, Meriden; Pies Ons Pizzeria, 21 Colony Street, Meriden;Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, Meriden; Prudential Connecticut Realty,1243 South Broad Street, Wallingford and Wallingford Center Inc, 261 Center St. Wallingford. Seating is limited, wesuggest purchasing tickets in advance. Call Kris at 203-535-9059 or e-mail to [email protected].

OpenHouse for Prospective VolunteersMidState Medical Center is hosting an open house for prospective volunteers who want to learn more about what opportunities are available at the hospital. Details are below:MidState Medical Center-Volunteer Open House Thursday, April 16, 20099 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Horwitz Conference Center, Conference Room I Light refreshments will be served.~Meet and talk with MidState volunteers~Observe volunteers in action~Tour the hospitalLearn how you can become part of the exciting world of healthcare volunteers. For more information, call 203-694-8275.Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to our-selves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle, 1855

Meriden Daffodil Festival Crafts By The LakeSaturday April 25, 2009 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM and Sunday April 26, 200910:00 AM - 5:00 PM Every year there are thousands of festivals in NorthAmerica where artists, artisans, and craftspeople display and sell their work.The 31st Annual Meriden Daffodil Festival with over 600,001 daffodilsblooming is the site of "New England's Most Beautiful Craft Fair!" As ajuried craft fair, the Meriden Daffodil Festival selects it's exhibitors for theirquality and uniqueness. This years festival will have over 80 craftspeople pre-senting the highest quality fine art and crafts at this ever popular 2 day event.

April 2009

ROCK OUT! HAVE FUN!PLAY DRUMS!

DRUM LESSONSAttention Parents I give your

child focus & confidenceStudents are welcome from beginner to advanced byJon Peckman, author of the nationally renownedbook “Picture Yourself Drumming.” Lessons areheld conviently in the center of Wallingford.

Call 203.537.4112 or visitwww.myspace.com/jonpeckman

Happy 77th Birthday Grandma! We know this is going to be your best yearyet. Love all of your many grandchildren.

Happy Birthday Grandma Wallingford Park and Recreation News and Events0200.400 Hip House Middle School DancesRemaining Dance Schedule for the 2008-2009 Hip House Dance Series is as follows… Dance ID's must be present toenter the dances. No student is allowed to enter the dance after 7:45pm. Dance passes are still on sale at Rec. Dept.Spring Break Out - April 17thThe Last Blast - May 22nd**Replacement Dance Passes can be purchased if original is lost. Fee is $50041.200 Spring Stingerso Ages 6-11Come join your friends in this very popular program over April break. We will be hopping on the bus this spring andwe will be going on various trips each day. This will be a fun filled week for all participants ages 6-11. Trip schedule isnot available at time of print.Program Date: April 20 - 24 8:30am - 4:30pmFee: $180 per child. Guaranteed T-Shirt for everyone registered by Wednesday April 8th.9060.200 WESTPOINTDRESSPARADE- WESTPOINT, NYSaturday May 2nd Bus Departs: Rec. Dept. 7:00am Returns: 6:30pm Fee: $79 West Point Academy invites you to view the famous Dress Parade conducted with great pomp and circumstance on theparade grounds. The cadets will march in full uniform, in cadence with the military music, presenting arms in unison.Lunch will be at The Chalet on the Hudson in Cold Spring for their delicious buffet. Wonderful assortment of salads,hot and cold entrees, dessert and beverage. Guided tour of West Point highlights: Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, HudsonRiver lookout. Time will be spent at the Visitor's Center Shop. A current photo ID is required for all passengers / visi-tors over the age of 16 to present at the gates the day of the trip. If mailing in registration, please list drivers licensenumber and state issued on registration form.3035.200 Ant Bee'sBug Classo For 3-5yrs. Without Parent If your children love bugs, this is the class for them. There will be crafts, stories and activities around the world ofbugs.Thursdays April 30th for 6 weeksFee: $40 Location: Exit 9 Instructor: Terese Biega3200.200 Under the Sea o 3-5yrs Without Parent We will explore and learn about the different varieties of shells and fish through storybooks and crafts.Thursdays April 30th for 6 weeksFee: $40 Location: Exit 9 Instructor: Terese Biega***Children enrolled in both Ant Bee's and Under the Sea pay only $704476.200 Start Smart Golfo Ages 5-6 w/parentThis country wide program is for children ages 5-7 who have never played golf. This program utilizes the SNAGCoaching System, unique patented system that moves parent and child groups through four stations. This class is morethan par for the course. Many laughs and fun to be had by both parent and child.When: Mondays 5:00 - 5:45pm April 27th for 6 weeksFee: $45 Location: Gym 1Instructor: Kenny Michaels, Recreation Program Specialist8707.204 Edible Creations - Mothers DayWe will be decorating a hat made out of solid white chocolate and adhering fondant flowers to the hats. After the flow-ers are attached, ribbons are also added. This very special mothers day creation will be sure to warm any mothersheart.When: Saturday May 2nd 11:00am - 12:00pm for one dayFee: $12 per person ($6 materials fee made payable to instructor day of class)Location: Exit 7 Instructor: Sherry Rimkoski and Debbie Terrusa8424.200 Garden Crafts WorkshopCome paint and decorate a variety of fun garden crafts which you can use or give as Mother's Day gifts. A 9x12Vermont garden slate will be painted, stenciled and stamped to hang on a rawhide cord. Perfect for your At WallingfordParks and Recreation Department backyard or garden house décor. We'll paint a waist garden apron and gardeninggloves for a fun useful set. We'll also paint a terracotta garden marker too! Have a creative and relaxing evening wel-coming spring!When: Friday April 24th 6:30 - 9pm One NightFee: $25 ($17 material fee made payable to instructor night of class)Location: Exit 7 Instructor: Kim Larkin, Crafts Supervisor8480.220 Children's Mother's Day Workshop o Grades 2 - 5Let's make some special crafts for Mom / grandma / auntie! We will paint a lovely shadowbox and fill it with thingsthat remind us of mom. We'll also have a card making station with creative supplies too. A great keepsake for yourfavorite female!When: Sunday May 3rd 1:30 - 3:30pm One DayFee: $25 ($7 material feel made payable to instructor day of class)Location: Exit 7 Instructor: Kim Larkin, Crafts SupervisorDigital Camera - Site For Sore Eyes EventThis event is a scavenger hunt with a twist. Participants will be required to provide their own DIGITAL Camera. Nofilm cameras will be permitted. Each group/family will be given a list of items which will require them to locate asmany items as possible within a certain amount of time. Each group will then take a group photo with that item. Uponcompletion the group must return to the Rec. Dept. to have their photo's judged. Prizes to be awarded to first 3 finish-ers with completed list. Date: Friday April 24, 2009 Time: 6:30p.m.-9:00p.m.Location: Wallingford Parks and Recreation Dept.Fee: $10.00 per group or familyPre-Registration: Is required - maximum of 75 groups or families will be allowed to register. Registration Deadline isApril 17, 2009.

Register at 6 Fairfield Blvd. in Wallingford Telephone: 203-294-2120 for any questions.

Relay for Life fundraiser PiesOns Pizzeria, 21 Colony Street, Meriden, will sponsor a Relay for Life fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. onThursday, April 23rd. Ten percent of total receipts will be donated to the Southington Care Center Relay for Life Team.Eat-In, Delivery or Order out. Call (203) 235-1221.

The deadline for the May 2009 issue of THE PEOPLES PRESS is April 25th for all submissions. Don't forget tosend your Mother's Day Photo Wish - look for the form in this issue. Email your stories, news, celebrations andphotos to [email protected]. Sign up to be a subscriber with www.peoplespressnews.com forupdates, reminders and special offers.

April 2009

Many Annuity Owners Lose MoneyDo youMakeThese

Mistakes?I can show

you hownot to.Christopher W. Porter

Porter Financial Strategies

Many Annuity owners lose over 50% of their annuity's valuewhen it pays off. It's true-and I can provide you a bookletwhich will show you how you may be able to avoid this mis-take entitled,

"Annuity Owner Mistakes"The booklet is absolutely free

and shows you how topreserve your annuity.

To get your complementary copy that could help protect your funds, simply call our message service at1-800-774-4964 (Toll Free - 24 hours) and leave yourname and address and the booklet will be mailed to youimmediately.

As a courtesy, we will plan on giving you a call toconfirm your booklet was received. Any questions canbe answered at that time. No selling.

Do You Know the Signsof a Heart Attack?

* Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of thechest. It can last more than a few minutes, or go away and comes back.Sometimes women do not have pain in the chest; they may feel pressure inthe back between the shoulder blades.* Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or stomach.Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.* Other signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheaded-ness, or having sudden "flu-like" symptoms.

If you or anyone you know is showing these signs, CALL 9-1-1 right away!

For more information on heart health, please call the Meriden HealthDepartment's Community Heatlh Education office at 630-4238

Happy 5th Birthday, Kevin Leo! We love you, cowboy! Love, Mommy &Daddy xoxoxo

Happy Birthday

Brothers Carting LLC.

Roll Off ContainersDumpstersHousehold PickupCleanups

203-265-1555

To advertise with Wallingford and Meridens Community NewsMagazine,The People's Press - Call Andy Reynolds at 203.235.9333 or email him [email protected]. Experience the power of positive for thereaders and writers you will sponsor as well as the return on your invest-

ment. Check out the paper in its many forms atwww.peoplespressnews.com!

HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORESPRING IS HERE! REMEMBER HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE WHEN YOU ARE DOING YOUR SPRINGCLEANING AND HAVE ITEMS YOU NO LONGER NEED AND WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE STORE.WE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHRYSALIS FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.YOUR DONATIONS OF ITEMS IN GOOD,CLEAN,WORKING CONDITION ARE ALWAYS IN NEED.ITEMS WE ARE ESPECIALLY IN NEED OF ARE: FURNITURE(NO RIPS,STAINS PLEASE)APPLIANCES(MUST BE IN WORKING CONDITION)- WASHING MACHINES, DRYERS, REFRIGERATORS,PORTABLE DISHWASHERS, SM. FREEZERS,STOVES ELECTRONICS-CABLE READY T.V.S, STEREOS,RADIOS, GAME SYSTEMS,COMPUTER SETS OUTSIDE PLAY ITEMS-BIKES,RIDE ON TOYS,PLAYHOUS-ES,PLASTIC WADING POOLS,WAGONS,YARD GAMES BABY ITEMS-UMBRELLA STROLLERS,PACK &PLAYS,HIGH CHAIRS,CRIBS,BOOSTER SEATS GARDEN HAND TOOLS,STATUES SMALL APPLIANCES-MICROWAVES,TOASTERS,BLENDERS,MIXERS,IRONS

PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR DONATIONS HELP OTHERS IN NEED IN THE COMMUNITY. WE WILLGLADLY PICK UP LARGE ITEMS OR LARGE DONATIONS OF THE ABOVE ITEMS AT NO CHARGELOCALLY.

WITH YOUR HELP THE STORE RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND WEWOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THAT HAVE SHOWN THEIR SUPPORT BY DONATING OR PURCHASINGITEMS SO THAT THE STORE CAN CONTINUE TO HELP OTHERS, WE COULD NOT OF OFFERED SOMUCH HELP TO NOT ONLY THE CHRYSALIS BUT TO THE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE CON-TACTED US TO HELP PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY WHICH HAVE HAD AN UNFORTUNATE EVENT HAP-PEN TO THEM & NEEDED HELP. HELPING HANDS THRIFT STORE HAS NEVER TURNED ANYONE AWAYWITHOUT HELP WHEN THEY HAVE PROOF OF BEING IN NEED OF ITEMS WE HAVE AVAILABLE IF ANITEM IS NOT NEEDED BY THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF THE CHRYSALIS. DONATIONS NOT NEED-ED RIGHT AWAY ARE UP FOR SALE TO HELP COVER THE STORES EXPENSES SO WE CAN CONTINUEHELPING OTHERS. WE DO NOT RECEIVE ANY GRANTS OR OTHER FORM OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT ANDHAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH SO MANY OFFERING HELP THROUGH THEIR DONATIONS & SERVICES.WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE MANY LOYAL CUSTOMERS & DONORS THAT WE HAVE COME TOKNOWN OVER THE LAST YEAR & HOPE TO GET TO KNOW MANY MORE IN THE FUTURE.THE NEED FOR HELP IN THE COMMUNITY IS GREAT AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER HELP ASMUCH AS POSSIBLE TO EASE THAT NEED. ALL THAT DONATE AND MAKE PURCHASES SHOULD FEELGOOD KNOWING THEY ARE HELPING OTHERS.

WE WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK CHRIS CERRITO WHO HAS ALLOWED US TOLEASE THE BUILDING AS HE SUPPORTS OUR GOAL OF HELPING OTHERS AS WELL AS THE BUSINESS-ES LOCALLY THAT HAVE OFFERED THEIR SUPPORT TO THE CHRYSALIS AND THE STORE, ANDY ATTHE PEOPLES PRESS FOR GETTING OUR ADS PUBLISHED,R-J FOR THEIR STORIES ABOUT THE STORE& ITS CAUSE,THE MANY CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE BROUGHT IN COFFEE,TREATS FOR THE STAFF, THECHRYSALIS FOR ALLOWING US TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THEM AS WELL AS THE GENERAL PUBLICBY DONATING & PURCHASING ITEMS-THANK YOU ALL WE COULD NOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

PLEASE REMEMBER EVERY WED. IS BAG DAY-FILL A PLASTIC BAG WE PROVIDE FOR ONLY $2.00OF SHIRTS,BLOUSES,TOPS,SWEATERS,PANTS,SHORTS,EVERYDAY DRESSES,SKIRTS(NO SUITS,GOWNS,COATS,ACCESSORIES OR OTHER STORE MERCHANDISE)

FILL AS MANY AS YOU LIKE AT THIS GREAT LOW BARGAIN PRICE. MANY ITEMS ARE NEW,FAMOUSNAME BRANDS!

CHECK OUT OUR TWO FLOORS OF MERCHANDISE AND LOOK FOR OUR UNADVERTISED SPECIALSAT THE STORE.

WE ARE OPEN TUES.- SAT. 9A.M.- 5P.M. WE ACCEPT CASH,DEBIT,M.C. & VISAWE OFFER DELIVERY FOR FURN.OR APPLIANCES PURCHASED AT THE STORE FOR A LOW FEE IN

THE LOCAL AREA ONLY TO THE FIRST,SECOND FLOORS UNLESS AN ELEVATOR IS AVAILABLE FOROUR USE. WE HAVE MANY EASTER ITEMS SO STOP IN AND GET YOUR BARGAINS!

WE ARE LOCATED AT 22 NO. TURNPIKE ROAD IN WALLINGFORD. OUR PHONE NUMBER IS (203)284-0300

DAFFODIL TAG SALE CONNECTICUT'S LARGEST!Saturday, April 18, 2009 Under the Festival TentHubbard Park, West Main Street, Meriden, CT9:00 AM to 2:00 PM rain or shineGo to www.daffodilfest.com to obtain and download form to participate.Join friends & neighbors; get rid of that old dresser, lawn mower, Sonny's comic collection, Grandma's old CrockPot..... you know, the stuff you "are going to use someday"...or come by to browse & buy at the area's largest tagsale...and while you're at it, take a stroll through historic Hubbard Park among the 600,001 blooming daffodils...

For only $20.00 you can rent a 10'x10' single space that includes 1 table under the Festival tent. For only $40.00 youcan rent a double space 10'x20' with 2 tables. Additional tables may be rented for $10.00 each. Set-up is at 7:00AM -with all items to be removed by 3:00PM (No Exceptions) Household Items Only REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE

April 2009

Yo u r E y e s M a t t e r T o U s !(203) 265-1541 58 Center St., Wallingford

wallingfordoptical.com

WWaalllliinnggffoorrdd OOppttiiccaallDiane MintichLicensed Optician,A.B.O. & N.C.L.E.Certified

James ComeauLicensed Optician,A.B.O. & N.C.L.E.Certified

Eye exams provided by an Independent Doctor of Optometry

Corporate SpecialPlace a lunch order of $50.00 or more at Rosa’s, and the per-son who picks up, shall receive a $5.00 credit toward theirmeal.* No coupon needed. Pass it around the office andEveryone Gets a Free Lunch! Visit us at rosasdeli.com fordetails and offer. *No cash value. Does not include taxes or any additionalcharges. $5.00 will be deducted from total at time of check out. May only be used onceaday, per company.

Rachel Birmingham - I love you so much. Happy Easter 2009. Love, Mom

Happy Easter

The guitar students from the Hartt School, University of Hartford will pre-sent a free concert on Monday April 20, 2009 Augusta Curtis CulturalCenter in Meriden beginning at 7:00 PM. The concert will feature guitarquartets by Australian composer, Philip Houghton and Japanese composer,Shingo Fujii. There will also be solo and ensemble works by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, deFossa, and Berkley.

A Free Concert

Ready for Spring? By Shirley Bloethe - Pass It On SportsIt's spring.... and there are so many great choices for outdoor fun.....Bike riding, canoeing, walking, rollerblading,kayaking, golf, soccer, baseball, basketball, scuba, waterskiing, swimming, picnics, hiking, fishing, camping, garden-ing, and more...it's almost impossible to list 'em all!!!

Safety issues should be addressed initially in making decisions about what type of play to participate in, and if chil-dren are included. If the event is centered around children, be sure to address any safety issues before beginning.Some sports require mouth guards, special shoes (cleats), protective headwear and other protective equipment such aswrist, knee & elbow pads and helmets for rollerblading.

For all types of water sports and activities, life preservers and flotation devices are always recommended. If an adultor child cannot swim it is very important to purchase a preserver that will keep their head above water should they berendered unconscious or fall in unexpectedly. There are many choices in life vests and some are specific to particularwater sports such as jet ski's, boating, canoeing or kayaking.

When choosing gear or equipment for another sport, be sure the user is familiar with how to wear it and getting theright fit. Ask in the store where you are purchasing the items for guidance on proper fit and size.

When purchasing a bike for a child, be sure to get the right size. Don't buy it so the child can "grow" into it. It willbe difficult to learn to balance and you may end up with a child who will never ride if they have a bad experience ini-tially. If you live in a hilly area, get a bike rack for your car, and bring all the bikes and family to level areas, parks ora bike trail made especially for rollerblading, bicycling and walking without cars nearby. There are maps available intowns and the state that show where all the "rails to trails" locations are and many of them are now being connected toeach other.Another fairly inexpensive option for many teens and adults of all ages is a kayak or canoe. They can be purchased

new for less than $250 and be used for many years. Many people choose kayaks instead of canoes because of ease ofuse and weight factors. Most recreational kayaks and canoes can be easily handled with almost no instruction. Canoesare typically a bit longer and heavier unless you purchase more expensive lightweight styles. Canoes offer storage and moving about space in them. Most recently, manufacturers are making fishing kayaks foranglers that offer all the advantages of a lightweight boat with storage without the disadvantages of larger heaviercanoes or boats. All these things can be done by a recreational canoe/ kayaker with a little planning and informationabout the location they will be paddling in.

There are many options for kayaks that make even the beginner look like a regular user. There are kayaks that arefor all types of general recreational use in both a sit-in style and sit-on-top design.They each have advantages and drawbacks depending on your intended use.A sit-on-top kayak is a wonderful choice if you do not need storage on your boat. They can be used in rivers, oceans,

back bays, lakes, and most bodies of water except very fast white water conditions (of which there is very little inConnecticut). Many elderly persons who have never kayaked before are choosing this style for exercise and recre-ational use, and teens like them because they can play around with them in the water and they can't sink it even if it isused like a surfboard.Some of the advantages of a Sit-On-Top Kayak:*ease of entry (no cockpit to wiggle into) *cannot sink, (they are self bailing) * should you want to take a swim while in transit, you can easily climb back into your kayak again and continue pad-dling. *adjustable lay down option on seatback--sunbathe for a while *built in foot braces*built in flotation *very stable for beginners-difficult to tip over*lightweight-easy to transport smaller units especially (34lbs)Disadvantages are:*no storage compartments *no protection from elements (cold weather, rain, sun, etc)While sit-in style kayaks can be used in rivers, oceans, back bays, lakes, and most bodies of water except very fastwhite water conditions as well, sometimes storage capacity is desired.The advantages of sit-in kayaks are:*storage capacity (one or two compartments) *some have dry storage compartments*protection from cold weather, rain, or sun *ability to use year round with a skirt (optional accessories)*lightweight-easy to transport smaller units (34lbs) *drain plug to empty water in hull*comfortable seating *built in adjustable foot braces on most models *built in flotationDisadvantages are:* no ability to exit and enter easily unless on shore-will fill up with water and have to be brought to land to emptyboat out (it will usually not sink) *heavy to move about if left upright and it rains (cockpit covers are available)*less stable than wider models

The kayak information in this article are specific to the Pelican models I am most familiar with and are general innature to most kayaks by other manufacturers, however there are features that vary greatly depending on the company.If you have not considered kayaks because of the old shows on TV that depict an Eskimo roll and white water styles,you might want to check out the new styles that don't tip over easily and can be used everywhere---recreationalKayaks !!!

If you are thinking of trying golf, many people start with a lesson at a golf resort or club to see if they enjoy it. Youcan then purchase a starter set appropriate for your sex and size. There are children's, junior, ladies and men's sets. Aused starter set with a bag can cost anywhere from $50- $150. If you fall in love with the sport, a full set new, willcost from $125 to hundreds of dollars. A used full set will usually run under $200 with a golf bag. I would suggest areasonably priced set initially and in a couple of years you can then upgrade if you want something in the higher endmarket. The starter set consists of four irons (3,5,7,9) and a putter along with a driver (the "1" wood ). A full setincludes the irons (3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and a PW--pitching wedge) and the putter and three "woods" ( the "1" wood common-ly called the driver, a "3" wood and a "5" wood).Golf shoes, balls and other accessories can all be bought used andnew.

So, think outdoors, and think of all the interesting activities and fun you can have with the whole family and/orwith your friends. Whatever your choices for recreation, remember to think safety first and enjoy the spring and sum-mer....See you soon.

New! Massage Therapy at the Meriden YMCAThe YMCA is now offering Massage Therapy. Enjoy the benefits of a 30minute chair or a 60 minute table massage from one of our licensed massagetherapists. Massage therapy offers relaxation, pain relief, lower blood pres-sure, stress relief, an improved immune system, and it aids in the recovery ofyour muscles. The YMCA also offers Reflexology. Prices are $35 for a halfhour or $60 per hour for members, and $45 per half hour and $80 per hour fornonmembers. Call 235-6386 x18 today to schedule your appointment

April 2009

Celebrating 130 Years in Business!

We Ship Nationwide!! We accept VISA, M/C, AMEX, DISCOVERCome Visit us at 80 S. Vine Street, Meriden * (203) 235-2541 X-153Directions: South Vine Street is located between Hunter’s Ambulance

& McDonald’s off of West Main St Holiday Business Hours 3/23/09-4/5/09: Mon, Tues, Wed 9-5pm Thurs

& Fri 9-7pm Sat 9-3pm Sun 9-2pm Week of Easter Hours: 4/6/09-4/11/09 Mon thru Fri 9-7pm Sat 9-5pm

Hurry!!! 50% off of all Organic Chocolatethrougout April ONLY!

Easter Specialties:Fresh Made FudgeBeautiful Easter BasketsEaster NoveltiesPecan BarkSugar Free NoveltiesChocolate Easter Eggs

Gifts & Much, MuchMore

Stop in to fill outyour chance for a free$50.00 Easter Basket

(Minimum $10 purchase to enter)

5% Off $25.00 Purchase

10% Off $50.00 Purchase

With this coupon. Expires 4/20/09 With this coupon. Expires 4/20/09

Discover the Village of SouthMeriden’s Best Kept Secret!

AVANTIServing delicious Southern and Nothern ItalianCuisine. Open for Lunch and Dinner with food

available to go! We also offer banquets and catering. Discover the secret of great taste at

AVANTIRestaurant & Lounge

34 River Road * South Meriden203-4440-99990

Taste The Difference!

Richard Birmingham - I love you so much. Happy Easter 2009. Love, Mom

Happy EasterHARBINGERS OF SPRING FOLLOW LONG HARD WINTER

By Phyllis S. DonovanI don't know anyone who doesn't greet the arrival of spring with a huge sigh of relief after surviving yet another longhard winter.

The downside of having winter snows finally melt away, however, is the revelation of all the damage and detritusthat has lain, up to now, buried and thankfully unobserved, beneath snowbanks along the sides of the roads.We have never seen such absolute destruction in our neighborhood as was wreaked throughout our neighborhood bysnowplows this year. I'm not talking about an occasional curb dug into when a driver misjudged the side of a road. I'mtalking about nearly every other property sporting great chunks of curb ripped up and tossed onto front lawns as well aswide muddy swaths cut into the lawns themselves. Most of the damage happened during one storm near the end of theseason. It looked like a demolition derby had rampaged through the neighborhood! Luckily, my husband had the fore-sight to place a row of flexible red driveway markers all along the front edge of our property to warn the plows away.Our curb, as a result, stayed intact but the widow lady next door suffered great damage to her front yard and who'sgoing to fix that?

Recently we read in the newspaper that plow drivers (at least in Southington) are assigned to specific routes andthose same drivers, when winter ends, are charged with going back along those routes, accessing any damage theycaused and repairing that damage. If that's how things operate in Meriden, it looks like the guy (or guys) assigned toour neighborhood have assured themselves an entire summer of repair work.

Another revelation each spring is the trash that has accumulated along our streets and highways. In neighborhoods,people are pretty good about picking up stuff dropped or tossed in front of their houses. But have you driven alongResearch Parkway recently? We drive that route often bringing outgoing mail down to the big district Post Office justover the Wallingford line. (Letters mailed in the outdoor boxes there are delivered anywhere in Connecticut the verynext day which is super service.)

All along the length of this largely commercial but still rural strip, the bushes and grassy areas are festooned withdiscarded plastic, paper and assorted fast food junk tossed from cars and blown to the edges of the road. Right now,with everything flattened by winter, the trash is most noticeable. We always wish a scout troop or other youth groupwould adopt that stretch of highway and devote a weekend to cleaning it up. Eventually, the reeds, grasses and brushalong the way will grow up around the mess and it won't be so noticeable as it molders there. Meanwhile, we despair atthe slovenliness of people who drive by there and just toss out debris to desecrate this otherwise attractive strip.

Happily, we've noticed that the pair of swan who frequent a small pond along our daily route have once again set uphousekeeping in the reeds at the far side of the water. Every spring Mama Swan returns to the same spot to sit faithfullyon her nest over there. Last year she hatched three little brown cygnets which she and her mate guarded faithfully allsummer, swimming in rank on both sides of the babies until the little ones grew big, turned white and moved on. Nowthe parents are back, hopefully to start another family for us to watch grow.

On the same morning in mid-March that the drifts of purple crocuses blossomed in front of our house, I witnessed aritual which was clearly a certain sign of the arrival of spring.

I was having breakfast at the time and looking out at the usual birdie comings and going on our back deck. It wasstill a little early for the arrival of the little birds -- the goldfinches, titmice and chickadees -- paying their morning visit.The only ones out there were two mourning doves sitting complacently side by side on the deck railing.

As I watched, the larger of the two started pecking at his feathers, transforming his usual sleek appearance into amessy mass of spiky tufts that made him look at least half again his usual size. While he was doing this, his partnerturned her back on him and pretended she was unaware of his transformation.

When she finally took a peek at him, she obviously liked what she saw and started snuggling up to him. She movedover right next to him on the railing and he would indifferently back away a little. She'd try to snuggle again and he'dmove away. After three or four of these snuggle moves, she reached over and pecked his chest a couple of times, wag-ging her tail up and down in agitation. Eventually they touched beaks together and she turned her back to him, rufflingher tail feathers as she went. Overcome by desire, he pounced on her back, wings spread and had his way with her.

Thus sated, he backed off and sat in stunned silence while she coolly gazed off in the opposite direction from wherehe sat. I figured that brief encounter was the end of it, but no, as soon as his ruffled feathers sleeked back down intoplace, he started plucking them up again and repeated the whole process. Better than National Geographic!

After the second go-around, the little lady flew off, soon followed by her smitten suitor. So yes, in spring, birds do it,I imagine bees do it, and lately squirrels have been chasing each other in pairs through our back woods and round andround the trunk of the huge old maple tree that grows in our neighbor's yard just across the fence from our bird feederswhich they love.

Spring is especially welcome this year. I've been just about supporting Greenbackers with my purchases of huge bagsof sunflower seeds, cakes of suet and bags of the thistle seed the finches love. Those finches can empty a large cylinderfeeder in less than a week with the entire flock perched all at once at every opening of the feeder. My payback for thatcomes within a month or so when they start turning yellow. It's like having a backyard of canaries flying around.

I know that some robins stay north all winter, our grandchildren in Ridgefield counted a flock of 14 on their lawn notlong ago. But I never see them. So when I spy the first robin in our neighborhood each spring, I'm always thrilled. Ofcourse, it would help if this year he hadn't chosen to risk life and limb by slowly flying low right in the path of my caras I was driving up our hill as if to say "Look at me! Look at me!"

We had hoped to get down to Florida this past winter to visit our numerous friends who have relocated there, butthere was always some reason we couldn't get together on a two-week period in our busy lives when neither of us had acommitment.

So here it is spring, we never went to Florida and now it is too late to even consider it. Why would we want to gosouth now anyways when it's starting to warm up around here and things are happening? Spring is always my favoritetime of year and I'd hate to miss a single day of it.

Not that we could really complain about the winter we've just come through. I think it was probably one of the pret-tiest winters we've had in years. With the snow remaining on the ground for most of the entire season, we had morethan our share of bright sunny days with blue skies that made us feel happy to be New Englanders. My Canadiangrandfather always said that winters were healthier when the ground was covered (with snow, that is.) I believe he wasright. We survived this past winter without even a head cold (after last year being really floored by an awful flu thatpetered off into violent vertigo attacks.) So here we are going into a lovely stretch of warm spring days and lovingevery moment of it. Spring is its own reward and we'll never forget it!

City of Meriden Photo Contest WinnersMeriden Junior Girl Scout Troop 66070 proudly announces the winners of the City of Meriden Photo Contest that bene-fited 1711 Solomon Goffe House and the Meriden Humane Society.1st Place Michelle Hansen, Maloney High School Student2nd Place Christian Adamik, Maloney High School Student3rd Place Katie Filippides, Ben Franklin Student

A traveling exhibit featuring the beautiful photographs of all entries will be held at the Sandman Gallery, 39 WestMain Street, Meriden. Dates to be determined and publicized. Traveling next to Gallery 53, 53 Colony Street, Meriden.Dates to be determined and publicized.

A reception honoring the photographers will be held at the Meriden Public Library (date to be determined andannounced- all entrants will be notified by phone and email). There will be a collection for donations to the 1711Solomon Goffe House and the Meriden Humane Society during that event.

The Junior Girl Scouts had a fun time judging the photographs. Emily, a 5th grader at Israel Putnam said: "It wasfun to put together the photo contest and to help out the Solomon Goffe House and the Meriden Humane Society."Jessica, a 4th grader at the school agreed by adding: "helping out the Solomon Goffe House and the Humane Societywas an important part of it." Destiny, a 5th grader at Putnam shared that "the photos we so beautiful and outstanding"!The Troop agreed that they would like to do this again next year. The Girl Scout Troop would like to thank Mrs. JessicaSperry, Fine Arts Department Chair of Maloney High School for encouraging some of her talented photography stu-dents to partake in the contest. The entries were amazingly beautiful. Maloney High School has some very creative andtalented students. You will see proof of that if you visit the Traveling Exhibit or the Reception, which all citizens areinvited to.The Girls Scouts also want to thank Lisa Nosal of Frame and Art in Wallingford for her generous donation oftime and talent in matting a few of the photo submissions. The donation box along with the Wish Lists is still up at theMeriden Public Library if you are interested in donating to either organization. We appreciate your generosity.

April 2009

Family Owned... Family Friendly Since 1954Find Out Why by Stopping Down Today!

369 Cook Ave., Meriden235-2561

Rousseau’sAuto Repair

Complete Auto Repair

You’ll get a chargefrom our service!

Always growing to serve your needs....

SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPSCOLLECTIBLES

STAMPS • COVERS • COINS • TOKENSPAPER MONEY • POSTCARDS • HOBBY SUPPLIES

Discover what your collection is worth!41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451

(203) 235-7634

One lucky kitty and a gutsy young lady!(Submitted by Barbara Sherburne on behalf of Mama Gin)

I have your email in front of me, and just have to laugh at those big fat cats having fun like little kittens.When we had cats on the farm or in Brookfield some years later, a friend gave us two tigers, and they played like

that as kittens. They slept curled up together on the lawn tractor seat. One day one of them disappeared. Quite a longtime later, probably a month, he came home, but he had been in a fight and had an infection on his chest.

I went to a large discount store we had in Brookfield, Ohio, at that time, and asked them for ether, an anesthetic. Ofcourse they wanted to know what I wanted it for, and I told them. I think I had to sign a paper, but they let me have asmall amount.

When I got home, I put the cat on a long counter surface in our bathroom and cleaned him up, especially the areawhich was infected, and cut the hair as close as possible around the injury. Ready with fine fishing line filament and asewing needle and lots of alcohol to disinfect, I then used a tea strainer covered by a 3x3 gauze pad and dripped theether onto the tea strainer, which I held over the kitty's nose. When he was asleep, I sewed him up, being careful to justkeep him only slightly under. When he would begin to move, I would just drip enough ether to keep him relaxed.Anyway, it was successful.

I made him a jacket out of one of Don's socks to keep him from licking or scratching at the wound. Just before thisall happened, I had graduated from the Licensed Practical Nursing School in Salem, Ohio, and had been present when achild was having a tonsillectomy, and that is the way they put the little boy to sleep.

Well yesterday we had a program here which was a married couple who played harmonicas. They were just fantasticand played for more than an hour, with talking and joking in between. They are call the "Hot Shots."[Virginia Althouse lives at Copeland Oaks in Sebring, Ohio, and will turn 93 on June 12th. She is affectionatelycalled Mama Gin as she is the adoptive mother of my biological brother Ed, who was given up for adoption notlong after my sister and I were.]

We're all in this Together: Surviving Job Loss during these Tough Economic Times

By Jennifer JenkinsAn idea for an article popped into my head yesterday (March 24, 2009) - "We're all in this together: Surviving job lossduring these tough economic times." It's funny that others, including the President stated the same phrase: "We're allin this together," hours later, in his televised address to the nation. I guess what the metaphysicians say is true, that weare all connected on some cosmic level and that what affects one person ultimately affects another.

If you watch or hear the news these days, you realize that a number of people have been let go from their jobs andare feeling anxious about their current situation. I want to say first and foremost: You are not alone and that you willsurvive. I know from my own personal experiences that tough times do make you stronger and that when you are feel-ing extremely low that that is the time to tell yourself: "I must not quit. This situation is only temporary. By the graceof God, I will survive this, be better off for it, and appreciate all the blessings I have."

From personal experience and wisdom, I can also stress the importance of keeping yourself busy after losing a job.It's one thing to give your self a few days to nurture yourself; it's another to give up and become a permanent couchpotato. A wise thing to do is to keep a routine. Get up early, as if you were going to work. Shower, dress and havebreakfast. And, then hit the road. Go to the library or some other productive place where you can work on your jobsearch. I have discovered that there are a number of libraries in this beautiful State of Connecticut that are rich inresources, from computers and free access to the internet to job hunting and computer training workshops. Of course,among other things, nearly all of them have career resource books to loan out. All you need is a library card.

Keeping yourself up to date on the latest job and career trends is also important. I learn quite a lot from listening toTory Johnson, the employment specialist featured on ABC's Good Morning America. One of the things she oftenstresses is doing productive things while unemployed, such as volunteer work, which impresses potential employers.You never know unless you try. Perhaps, the volunteer work, as she indicated this past week, can lead to a job.

A positive attitude is also important. You would be amazed by how others will judge you when you change yourdemeanor. When one exhibits a positive attitude, one tends to walk and speak with confidence. Put yourself in anemployer's shoes. Would you want to hire someone with a glum demeanor? I think not. Remember, they want to hiresomeone who is going to make a positive contribution to their company.

Ok. Perhaps, you're not feeling very positive right now. Fake it. Say positive affirmations to yourself until you feeland exude positive vibes. By changing your thoughts, you do change your life. It may take time, but with disciplineand attention to your thoughts, you will create a positive change in your life. Think of this process as maintaining ahealthy garden. You never want to let weeds take control. Consider negative thoughts as weeds and your mind as thespace where you grow your garden. Remember -- To have any healthy vibrant garden you must nurture and tend to itin order to reap a fruitful harvest. Do the same with your thoughts and you will ultimately reap abundant blessings aswell.

Take time to nurture yourself. You don't have visit a spa and spend a lot of money. Whatever gives your soul peace,from taking a bubble bath to a lovely walk in the park, is fine. Remember taking time to take care of yourself is ulti-mately going to help you stay centered, which is extremely important in terms of your job search. You want to walkinto an interview feeling calm and centered, not anxious and scattered.

Also, stay connected to people in your life. For all you know, they are probably in need of someone like you forsupport as well. Speaking of support, how about starting a support group of people you know who are also out ofwork. Uniting during these difficult times helps people become more empowered. And, remember, "We are all in thistogether," and together we will muster through these challenging times and be the better off for it.

AT THE HEART OF IT ALL!By: Staci M. Roy, Executive Director of the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center (ACCC)In these tough economic times we are trying to offer many programs and events at the Center that are affordable oreven free and that may help to take you away from it all for a just a bit right in your own community. In April wewill be hosting a multitude of events for all ages to enjoy:

Valerie Bubon, a teacher of Opera will be presenting "Mozart's Magic Flute" for ages 8 to 80 on Wednesday, April15th at 1:30, admission is $5.00 and children under 12 are free. This is a video presentation and will be a wonderfulway to get some culture with your child during their school vacation.

The Augusta Curtis Concert Band (ACCB) will be doing a benefit concert for the Center on Sunday, April 19th inHubbard Park on the tennis courts under a large tent at 3:30pm. Admission will be $5.00 and all proceeds go to benefitthe Center and the Band. The band is made up of about 42 musicians ranging in age from 13 to 80 and at all skill lev-els of playing. Most of the band members come from Meriden, but other communities are represented as well. ACCBwill be playing many familiar concert band tunes to entertain audiences of all ages. We are also looking for a sponsorfor this event, if interested please call 203-639-2856 or e-mail us [email protected].

Monday, April 20th at 7:00pm we will be featuring the Hartt School of Music's Classical Guitar Department. Theseguitarists are some of the best to have ever played before our audiences. These students have master the guitar and arebringing a new level of entertainment to the Meriden area. This program is also donation of choice and worth so muchmore.

The Hartt School of Music is to Connecticut what Julliard is to New York and how lucky we are to have them per-forming at our Center not only once but twice this month. On Sunday, April 26th at 3pm the 20/20 Performance groupwill be doing a classical performance that will feature the best string players of the school. These students have to tryout not only to get into Hartt, but also to get into the 20/20/ program. Admission is donation of choice.

Meriden's Arts & Cultural Center is At the Heart of it all and we are hoping you will attend on of our many events.The Center is also hosting events call Nits Out at the Augusta usually on a Friday or Saturday evening at 8pm featuringlive entertainment and cabaret style. We provide ice, mixers, and water and good fun. Bring your food, friends, anddrinks and enjoy an inexpensive evening out, tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The next Niter Out willbe Friday, May 8th featuring Daniel Taylor, a young musician from Maine. Daniel sold out the last time he was withus, so get you tickets soon! The Center is here for everyone to enjoy and use. Please help us to serve you by attendingan event, becoming a member, making a donation becoming a volunteer, or using us for your next special events. Formore information or to see what is coming up At the Augusta go to www.curtiscutluralcenter.org. Keep your hearts inthe arts and The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center at the Heart of it all!!

LAOH EASTER PLANT SALEFRIDAY, APRIL 10TH 3-7 SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH 11-3 @ THE AOHHALL 71 MELVILLE AVE.MERIDEN. PLEASE CALL EILEEN @ 500-0287 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PRE-ORDER. [THE LAOH IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO THE ENRICH-MENT OF MERIDEN AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES]

April 2009

A Tradition that Suits you...There is something special about DiFranco’s.Maybe it’s the service. Maybe it’s the quality.Maybe it’s the fact that we are family owned

and your satisfaction always comes first.

Prom Tuxedo RentalsNow at DiFranco’sCome to DiFranco’s

• Great variety of 3 button & 2 button suits• 46 years of expert tailoring• The NEWEST in Spring Sport Coats have arrived - Vast

Assortment• All Silk Blend Camp Shirts - Relax in Style

We will help you match & coordinate a Beautiful Outfit

78 Center St., Wallingford269-2555

Thursday: 9:30 to 6:30Friday: 9:30 to 5 :30; Sat: 9:30 to 4:00

Closed Sunday - Wednesday

DiFranco’s

Treat Yourself At DiFranco’s

We Carryeverythingfor the big

guy inyour life!Up to 6x

CALLING ALL WOMEN!Be a part of the Curves/Avon Fitness Study: Thelargest fitness study for women EVER! SIGNUP NOW - LIMIT 50 WOMEN PER CLUB!

YOU WILL RECEIVE:*A Start and Finish Fitness Evaluation*30 Days FREE on CurvesComplete.com - thecomplete solution to managing your weight.*Supervised Training from a Curves Trainer.

30 Days for $30.00Work out 3 Times a Week for 4 Weeks!*

*Certain Restrictions & Conditions Apply. See store for details

/477 South Broad Street in Meriden

203-235-3648

We are pleased to announce that we will be having our annual golf tourna-ment on Friday, May 15, 2009, at the Tradition Golf Club in Wallingford.Please visit the updated Spirit of CJ Foundation website at http://www.spiritofcj.org for information on this year's golf tournament toincluding photos from past tournaments, photos of CJ, and newsarticles/press releases.

For more information or to sign up please call 203-284-1445 or [email protected].

What You Need To Know

"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective"by Gregory M. SimpsonThe voiceless need your voice. Have you ever considered becoming an advocate for animals? Perhaps you neverthought that as one person you could make a difference. Find your inspiration. Years ago, I was inspired by thewords of a ten-year-old girl which were stenciled on the Earth Pavilion's wall at Florida's EPCOT Center. They read,"I may be only one person but I can be one person who makes a difference."

Radio personality, Paul Harvey, queried, "Ever occur to you why some of us can be this much concerned with ani-mal suffering? Because government is not. Why not? Animals don't vote." Since people are the ones who vote, youneed to be a voice for the voiceless.

There are exceptions, of course, of those people in government who do care about animals. One man said in the1800s, "I am in favour of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being." His namewas Abraham Lincoln. Unfortunately, today's typical politician is no Abraham Lincoln, so you need to be the voicefor the voiceless.

Animal advocates before you have included luminaries like humanitarian, Albert Schweitzer, who reasoned, "Ethicsin our Western world has hitherto been largely limited to the relations of man to man. But that is a limited ethics. Weneed a boundless ethics which will include the animals also."

So, what can one person do? Plenty. Start by being well-informed. Read. Resources come in many forms - news-papers, magazines, books, web-sites. One recommended newspaper is Animal People. Great books abound andinclude The Extended Circle: A Common Place Book of Animal Rights, edited by Jon Wynne-Tyson. Two classics areAnimal Liberation by Peter Singer and The Case for Animal Rights by Tom Regan. Other superb books include: ManKind? by Cleveland Amory, In the Company of Animals by James Serpell, Dominion by Matthew Scully, AnimalRights & Human Morality by Bernard Rollin and Rattling the Cage by Steven Wise.

Once you have explored areas of possible animal advocacy, choose one that interests you and join an advocacygroup. For example, if protection of feral cats is your interest, there are local groups in Connecticut which specializein helping feral cats, such as Catales (Middletown), Animal Alliance Welfare League (New Britain), MEOW(Litchfield), and Greater New Haven Cat Project (New Haven). On the national level, there is Alley Cat Allies.

To be more widespread in your advocacy, consider joining the statewide Animal Welfare Federation of Connecticut(AWFCT). On a national level, you may want to explore membership in such organizations as the American Societyfor the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Animal Rights Network, or Friends of Animals, to name just a few.Many organizations have e-mail lists to alert you when to make contact with legislators about pending legislation.

Be prolific. Write letters to the editor. Editors especially like to print letters which take issue with something onthe editorial page, i.e., another letter, an editorial, or an op. ed. piece. Second best are responses to news columns.Although animal issues can be emotional topics, don't be overemotional in your writing. Animal advocates arealready frequently viewed as being all emotion and no logic. Present new and factual data. Provide sources.Reinforce a professional demeanor by citing your credentials, if relevant. If you have a related advanced degree, listit. If you have a pertinent title, use it. If you have an animal group affiliation, mention it. Lacking expert status, con-sider using supporting quotations.

Know the list of your local, state and federal legislators. Contact them about animal issues. The best method ofcontact is in person, followed by letter or post card, then e-mails and phone calls. These contacts are critical and yourlegislator views each contact as representing a wider constituency. Learn which legislators or candidates are pro-ani-mal and vote accordingly. The good news is that the current Connecticut federal congressional delegation is staunchlypro-animal. Their voting record is published regularly by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Whenthere is a matter before city hall or the state legislature that affects animals, be there to provide testimony. If that istoo intimidating, then be there to support those who do.

Donate your time and money. Organizations need both volunteers and funds to do animal advocacy work. Manyrun on shoestring budgets. Research which groups pay exorbitant executive salaries as opposed to those that paymodest salaries or operate with volunteers. This information can be obtained through the publication Animal People.Join protest marches. Get involved. As anthropologist, Margaret Mead, said, "Never doubt that a small group ofthoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Above all, stay focused on the words of one of the greatest change agents of all time, Gandhi, who said, "Whateveryou do may seem insignificant, but it is most important that you do it." Let this be your inspiration. Be a voice forthe voiceless.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 catlovers in the U.S. He is also a member of the Cat Writers' Association.

MidState Medical Center--April programsApril 21, 10:45 am North Haven Senior Center

The News on Pneumonia --Risk fac-tors, symptoms, treatment and thevaccine.Presented by Usman Ramzan, MDCall 239-5432 to register.

April 21, 6:30 pm WallingfordPublic LibraryDessert and a Dock: Staying Abreastof Your Breast Cancer RiskAre you at risk for breast cancer?Discover the hereditary link tobreast cancer, learn about genetictesting, and find out how MidState'sRisk Assessment Clinics can helpidentify high risk women in thecommunity.Presented by Kathy Clements, RN-ONC and Rajani Nadkarni, MD Call 265-6754 to register.

April 29, 10 am WallingfordSenior CenterThe Loss of Balance--If you sufferfrom dizziness, come learn aboutyour symptoms and what treatmentis available for vertigo and otherrelated conditions. Presenter BobRusignuolo Call 265-7753 to regis-ter.

The deadline for our May issue isApril 25th for all stories, photos,news, events and more. Email [email protected].

A living planet is a much more complex metaphor for deity than just a biggerfather with a bigger fist. If an omniscient, all-powerful Dad ignores yourprayers, it's taken personally. Hear only silence long enough, and you startwondering about his power. His fairness. His very existence. But if a worldmother doesn't reply, Her excuse is simple. She never claimed conceitedomnipotence. She has countless others clinging to her apron strings, includ-ing myriad species unable to speak for themselves. To Her elder offspringShe says - go raid the fridge. Go play outside. Go get a job. Or, better yet,lend me a hand. I have no time for idle whining. ~David Brin

April 2009

ACT NOW Hunting and Fishing

License Fees May Increase

There is a chance that the fees forHunting and Fishing Licenses may goup. Better to be safe than sorry andsave some money - pick up yourlicense today at the current rate. Topurchase a license stop by Room 108in the Wallingford Town Hall locatedat 45 South Main Street. We areopen Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.If you have any questions please call203.294.2145.

EASEL WORKSCreative Art Studio & Gallery

294-1548294-15482 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford

Register NOW for Springand Summer Classes.

Ask about our SummerKids Creative Art Camp &Summer Nature Art Camp

Easel Works offersArt Classes * Adult * Kinderart

and Young Artist

SSeerrvv ii cc iinngg TTrraaaannssmmii ss ss iioonnss SS iinnccee 11995522669944 OOlldd CCoolloonnyy RRdd..

220033--223377--44337799

Wallingford Senior Center News and EventsOur monthly newsletter can be read in its entirety the first of each month on our website at www.wlfdseniorctr.comMEDICARE & SOCIAL SECURITY ISSUES on Monday, April 13, 1:00 PMCongresswoman Rosa DeLauro's staff and representatives from the Social Security Administration and Centers forMedicare and Medicaid Services will be present to discuss Social Security issues and answer your questions. This isyour chance to provide input and also to get your own questions addressed. Please sign up to attend.8TH ANNUAL SHOWCASE OF ART on April 30, May 1 & 2, 2009

We invite you to display your artwork, handcrafts, and original creations at the Wallingford Senior Center's 8th AnnualShowcase of Art & Talent which will be held in conjunction with the Jordan Abeshouse Memorial Student Art ShowThursday through Saturday, April 30-May 2. Even if you have exhibited in past shows and do not have any new art-work, we still want you to participate. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the public to view your works of art! Sign up by April 17, to participate.ART SHOWThursday, April 30, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday, May 1, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PMSaturday, May 2, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PMFeaturing the artwork of members of the Wallingford Senior Center and students of the Wallingford Public SchoolSystemOVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS on Tuesday, April 14, 2:00 PM

Are you overwhelmed by all of the medications in the pharmacy aisles? Come join us for a presentation on over-the-counter drugs by Doctor of Pharmacy candidates from the University of Connecticut. Bring your questions! Pleaseregister to attend.50 GREAT THINGS ABOUT GETTING OLD on Thursday, April 16, 5:00-6:00 PM

As Bette Davis once said, "Getting old is not for sissies." Beverly Kidder of the Agency on Aging of South CentralConnecticut will help us look at the lighter side of getting older. Beverly will show us that age comes with some perksand that we can (and should) laugh at ourselves sometimes. Register in advance if you plan to attend.LOSS OF BALANCE: WHEN DIZZINESS BECOMES A PROBLEM

Wednesday, April 29, 10:00 AMMore than fifty percent of adults will suffer from dizziness or balance problems in their lifetime. Correcting your bal-ance can reduce the likelihood of falls, the leading cause of injury among adults over age 65. Come learn the signs andsymptoms, tests, diagnoses, and current treatments available for balance problems. This program is sponsored byMidState Medical Center's Balance and Hearing Institute. Please register to attend.LORETTA LAROCHE: THE JOY OF STRESS on Monday, April 20, 1:30 PM

Need a good laugh? Loretta LaRoche's "The Joy of Stress" is just what the doctor ordered! In this video presentation,humorist and stress management specialist Loretta LaRoche will show us how to combat stress with humor, wisdomand patience.COMPUTER CLASS REGISTRATIONThursday, April 9, 1:00 - 3:00 PM and Tuesday, April 14, 9:30 - 11:30 AMDIABETIC COOKING DEMONSTRATION on Wednesday, April 22, 10:00-11:30 AMLearn nutritional food preparation without sacrificing taste at a Diabetic Cooking Demonstration presented by a regis-tered nutritionist. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and to sample the food! Space is limited, so sign upearly. This program is sponsored by ConnectiCare and Better Living Now and Abbott Labs.

SOCIAL SERVICESNO-CHARGE DENTAL SERVICESThe Connecticut "Mission of Mercy", a dental clinic for people of all ages in Connecticut will be held: Friday, April17, and Saturday, April 18, from 5:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., at the Yale University Athletic Center, 70 Tower Parkway.Appointments CANNOT be made in advance. Dentists will be available to provide x-rays, fillings and extractions atNO CHARGE. This is offered once a year by the State of Connecticut.FUEL ASSISTANCEMarch 16 was the last date for authorizations and deliveries for deliverable fuel. Applications are still being acceptedfor all forms of fuel and, if approved, deliveries made after November 1 and before March 16 may be paid through theConnecticut Energy Assistance Program. Anyone who may be eligible is encouraged to apply. For additional informa-tion or to schedule an appointment please call 265 7753.CONNPACE PROGRAMConnPACE is a state-funded prescription drug program. Each year the income limit guidelines are adjusted. InJanuary 2009, the changes are as follows. $25,100 for a single person and $33,800 for a coupleBeneficiaries who have ConnPACE must select a Medicare Part D plan. ConnPACE will still allow beneficiaries toselect the Medicare D plan of their choice. There are no asset limits. Anyone who meets these guidelines is encour-aged to apply. For an appointment or additional information, please call Eileen Flynn, SW, at 265 7753.VETERANS SERVICES on Wednesday, April 28, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.George Messier, Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Wallingford will be available to answer questions and assistwith benefit information. An appointment is required. Please call 265 7753.WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? INTERFAITH VOLUNTEERS CAREGIVERS TRAININGTuesday, April 21,1:00-3:00 p.m.Do you have some time and would like to make a difference in a person's life? Many seniors have no family in thearea and are unable to get to doctors or shopping without someone to provide transportation. Other seniors living aloneare isolated and would appreciate someone to visit and provide some socialization. You could make a big difference insomeone's life just by offering a few hours to meet some of these needs. A training session is being provided byBarbara Barlok from Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers on Tuesday, April 21. Please consider attending by registering at265 7533.

Spring II Session Registration at the Meriden YMCAThe Meriden YMCA's Spring II Session begins April 20th and continues until June 6th. Full members may registerbeginning April 6th. Program members may begin registering April 11th. The Meriden YMCA offers pre-school T-ball, swim lessons, swim team, gymnastics, racquetball lessons/league, karate, youth and adult golf lessons, adaptivesports, middle school strength training, hatha yoga, power yoga, pilates, aqua aerobics, South Meriden Teen Center, andthe cardiac rehabilitation program. In addition the Y now offers Massage Therapy for members and nonmembers. Formore information please call (203) 235-6386. About the Meriden YMCASince1866 the Meriden YMCA has helped its members build a healthy spirit, mind, and body. The Meriden YMCA islocated at 110 West Main Street in Meriden.

New Publications on Meriden SchoolsMeriden Children First announces the publication of two new resources.One is the 2009 Guide to the Meriden School Budget. This piece clearly explains the budget-setting process and whatgoes into creating a budget for the Meriden school system. Important information to have in this tough economic cli-mate. The other report is called 'Meriden Schools: Keys to Success'. It describes the strategies used by eight Meridenelementary schools in which proficiency levels in reading and math have been maintained or increased over the pastthree years. Three of these schools have achieved 'safe harbor' status, a gold star in the world of national educationstandards. Note that these gains are more than double than the State of Connecticut. Both reports can be downloaded atwww.meridenchildrenfirst.org. Copies are also available at the Meriden Public Library and Meriden Childen First, 105Miller Street. For more information contact 630-3566.

10th Annual Meriden Rotary Club Daff. Festival 5K Road Race & Kids' Fun RunThe event will be held Sunday, April 19th 10am at Hubbard Park in Meriden. For more information contact Cliff at203.537.2728 or by email at [email protected].

April 2009

COMMERCIAL * RESIDENTIAL * INDUSTRIAL

ELECTRICAL SERVICES* New and Existing Construction* Service Upgrade Repair* Phone and TV Wiring* Fire Damage Repairs* 45’ Bucket Truck Service* Emergency Service“No Job too Big or Too Small”

Fully Insured and Licensed CT Lic. #104727

The deadline for our Mayissue is April 25th! Don’t forgetto send a story or photo about

Mom for Mother’s Day!If you have an upcoming eventin the months ahead send it in -

it would be our honor to helpyou AND we will send out each

week’s events in our weeklyemail newsletter to our on-line

subscribers to give you evenmore exposure. Sign up - it’s

free! Go to www.peoplespressnews.com

and click subsribe!There are several ways to submit:

Email: [email protected]: www.peoplespressnews.com Mail: The People’s Press

P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492For Advertising call

203.235.9333The People’s Press is now available to down-load in PDF form. Save it, Read it and Printit. We are always finding new ways to serveyour needs because YOU matter most to us!

People’s Press Crossword April 2009Answers. Puzzle by Ruth Gordon.

Deadline for the next issue is April 25, 2009

Enter To Win A Book Collection

2009 City of Meriden Easter Egg Hunt Hubbard Park Bandshell Saturday, April 11th Ages - Birth to Three 10:00am Four to five 10:30am Six & Seven 11:00am Eight to ten 11:30am Children are asked to bring a basket or bag to collect candy. Adult assistancewill be permitted for birth to three year olds only!!! Event will be held rainor shine

These ads are free to anyone looking for employees.This is a service to our readers who are looking for work.Look for even more in next issue. If you have a jobopening and would like to place an ad email me [email protected] or call 203.235.9333. Ifyou would like them posted on our website asap - theyare also free.

Staff Physical Therapist positionsopen in the following locations:WatertownAvonGrotonNew LondonWillimanticTollandBridgeportSheltonMonroeNewtownAll these positions are for a sports medicine facilityortho outpatient. Excellent growth potential / bene-fits with sign on bonus.

I also have 3 Physical Therapist positions in rehabhome care with locations in East Lyme area,Norwalk / Brookfield area, as well as GreaterHartford area.

Excellent benefits with sign on bonus as well asmonthly retention bonus.

3 Occupational Therapist home care positionslocated in Brookfield, Norwalk and Danielson.Excellent benefits / sign on bonus as well asmonthly retention bonus.Contact Julie Greywww.tggstaffing.com203/[email protected]

Appraiser Needed:Experienced Residential Appraiser wanted for busyappraisal office. Appraiser has to be able to handle

eight to ten assignments per week. Completedreports must be sent in a timely manner. Appraisermust be able to cover many counties ofConnecticut. Our appraisers are expected to haveexcellent verbal and written communication skills.Email resumes and samples of work [email protected] . Thank you for your business.Carol Carbutti/Office ManagerRCI Property Appraisal Co.155 S. Orchard StreetWallingford, CT 06492203.265.5525 - tel203.265.3050 - [email protected]

CNA/ Caregivers P/T & F/TCaring individuals needed for seniors who want tostay in their own home. Non-medical dutiesinclude but not limited to:Personal Care TransportationIncontinent Care Laundry Meal Preparation Medication RemindersRespite Care Errands etc.Please respond via e-mail to [email protected]

Behavioral Health & SubstanceAbuse Treatment - Rushford Center Inc. is one of the leading, not-for-profit behavioral healthcare providers inConnecticut, dedicated to meeting the substanceabuse and behavioral health needs of children,adults and families. We offer our staff a flexiblework schedule, as well as a competitive salary.Interested applicants should view open positions &apply directly at www.RUSHFORD.org No walk-in's please. EOE-AA

New Help Wanted Ads

Wallingford SpringClean Up ScheduleThe Department of Public Workswill begin the Spring Clean Up onMonday, April 20, 2009, for publicstreets in all sections of Wallingford. Residents are asked to place anymaterials curbside no later thanSunday, April 19, 2009. Only brush,wood and leaves will be collected.These materials must meet the fol-lowing guidelines:Branches and twigs only. No branchmore than four feet long or six inch-es in diameter will be accepted.Brush must be tied separately insmall bundles. Dimensional lumber, such as two-by-four-inch lumber or plywood,may not exceed four feet in length orwidth. Wood must be tied separatelyin small bundles. Absolutely nowood containing creosote will bepicked up. Leaves must be in paper yard wastebags. No brush, twigs, debris orplastic bags will be accepted.Masking tape only is acceptable toseal bags. Items placed at the curb must belight enough for one man to put in atruck. This will be a one-time collection.The Department of Public Workswill not return to a street that hasalready been visited for the collec-tion. Those residents who miss thepick up may take their leaves andbrush to the Compost Area at theRecycling Center on John Street.Information: 203 294-2105.

I would feel more optimisticabout a bright future for manif he spent less time provingthat he can outwit Nature andmore time tasting her sweet-ness and respecting her seniori-ty. ~Elwyn Brooks White,Essays of E.B. White, 1977

April 2009

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.

Publishers: Andrew& Dawn [email protected]

Managing Editor Dawn A. [email protected]

Copy Editor Dawn A. [email protected]

Advertising Andy Reynolds [email protected]

Web Site Web Solutions, LLCWriters YOU WRITE IT....WE PRINT IT!!!

“The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your Views”publications are published by:

DNA, LLCP.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492

[email protected] • Phone (203) 235-9333

Advertising (203) 235-9333 • Fax Number (203) 294.8808The People's Press,Your Town, Your News, Your Views and all versions

or portions of said name are ©Copyright DNA,LLC. 1999-2009 All Text,Logos, Images and other content in print, web or in any way or form are©Copyright DNA, LLC 1999-2009 All Rights Reserved

The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher andDNA, LLC. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisements orsubmissions. All items contained herein, including advertisements or portionsthereof, may not be reproduced in any way, shape or form without the writtenconsent of the publisher. All submissions whether by mail, fax, email or anyother means become the property of The People’s Press and DNA, LLC andmay be used in any media it so chooses. By submitting to this paper you agreeto these terms and release The People’s Press and DNA, LLC from any finan-cial obligations or notifications for any future use of any of said submissions.

The People’s Press will make every effort to see that all advertising copy iscorrectly printed. The publisher assumes no responsibility for typographicalerrors in advertising, advertising inadvertently left out; but will gladly reprint,without charge, that part of an advertisement is which any error may haveoccurred, provided that a claim is made within five days of publication. Thepublisher takes no responsibility for statements or claims made in any adver-tisement. Any copy or images designed or developed by The People’s Press are©Copyright DNA,LLC and may not be used in any other medium. All RightsReserved By advertising within The People’s Press, you agree to these terms.

Get Ready to...Jumble, Rummage & Tag!

Corner of Church Street (Rt. 68) & New Place St.

No matter what the name of theSale, it will be on sale at Yalesville

United Methodist Church! Come Ramble and Save!

Friday, April 24th4pm - 7pm

Saturday, April 25th 9am - 2pm

Supper served on Friday and Lunch onSaturday cooked by our Master Chefs!

The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East MainStreet, Meriden will be hosting the following eventsin the month of April:Mozart's Magic Flute"Mozart's Magic Flute" for kids of all ages 8 to 80'swill be Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 1:30pm. Programto be presented by Valerie Bubon, lecturer and teacherof Exploring Opera. At 1:30, a pre-performance talkwill be given and the opera will begin at 2:00 on thebig screen. Admission is $5.00 for adults and childrenunder 12 free.BENEFIT CONCERT BY THE AUGUSTA CUR-TIS CONCERT BANDThe Augusta Curtis Concert Band will be performingon Sunday, April 19th at 3:30 pm on the tennis courtsunder the tent at Hubbard Park, West Main Street,Meriden. More details to follow, save the date and sup-port Meriden's Arts & Cultural Center. This event ispart of the Pre-Daffodil Festival weekends events in

Hubbard Park.Classical Guitar Program"Classical Guitar Program " Music From Around theWorld " presented by Hartt School of Music onMonday April 20th at 7:00pm. Program to beannounced. Admission is donation of choice.

HARTT School of Music 20/20 Program ConcertHARTT School of Music 20/20 Program Concert willbe held Sunday, April 26th at 3pm. Program to beannounced and admission is donation of choice. Theseare the top string students of the Hartt School of Musicthat will be performing various works of art. Comeenjoy a program filled with a varied selection of quintet& quartet pieces.

For more information on any of the events listed orto get more information call 203-639-2856 or go towebsite www.curtisculturalcenter.org

Upcoming Events at The Augustis Curtis Cultural Center!

UNICOONAROOBy Dorothy Adair GonickAt the edge of a wide spreading meadow, in the shelter of theCatalpa grove, mother Raccoon busily stitched the big catalpaleaves into party hats. Above, catalpa beans hung like fringe fromthe branches. She had a pile of the beans nearby, ready for juicysnacking. Her two baby raccoons were playing hide-and-seek withtheir friend Joey, while Joey's mother, Roo Kangaroo, kept watchto see that none strayed. The breezes ruffled their fur as they leapedand played around the meadow. Jumping in and out of MamaRoo's pouch playing peek-a-boo was a new game for the baby rac-coons, and they loved it.

The wind was blowing the wispy clouds into a big swirly mass,known as 'mare's tails', which blew down around their heads anddropped Eunice the unicorn down among them. She pranced grace-fully all around the group. Excited cries from everyone welcomedher to their party. Mother raccoon gave each a party hat to wear,and Eunice's fitted right over her special horn and began glowing a bright blue, much to their amazement.

As they were munching the Catalpa beans, the breezes suddenly became strong and grew into an angry wind-blackand furious and whirled upon the party. Mamma Roo quickly tucked the little ones into her pouch; Eunice orderedMother Raccoon and Mama Roo to climb on her back and to hold on tightly to her mane as she was afraid the windwould blow them away. The wind swirled around the group, picking them up and twirling them high in the air, fasterand faster as it spun higher and higher into the sky. The friends huddled tightly together, clinging fast, hearts pound-ing with fright, the babies crying for their mothers. Suddenly, the wind ceased, dropping them in a tangled heap backinto the catalpa grove.

They lay sprawled in that tangled heap and tried to get free of one another, but it was impossible. They had clungtogether so tightly that each was squashed into the others, and finally when able to stand, they saw that they had meld-ed into one new creature. A Unicoonaroo!

Mother raccoon looked all around, calling for her babies. The three youngsters pushed their way up in Mama Roo'spouch and peeked out, calling, "Mama! Mama!" There on their heads were pointy unicorn horns where the party hatshad been. Mother Raccoon's party hat had also become a horn, but what had happened to Joey's mama? Her pouchwas still around them, but where was the rest of Mama Roo? And their friend Eunice was not all there either, and hertail had raccoon stripes all along it. They had truly become a magical animal. Today, if you look carefully, and arevery quiet, you might find Unicoonaroo in that special catalpa grove, munching catalpa beans. You might even beinvited to come and party.

Meriden Health Department - Keeping You Healthy in AprilWomen's Total Cholesterol ScreeningFree total cholesterol screenings are available to women who live in Meriden. A screening will be held on April 30from 1:30-3:30pm. Screenings are held at the Meriden Health Department, 165 Miller Street.

Normal total cholesterol levels are under 200. If your total screening comes back over 200, we will recommend thatyou see your doctor for a follow-up test, which will tell you how much "good" and "bad" cholesterol is in your body.The Community Health Educator will contact you by phone approximately 1 week to 10 days after your total screen-ing to see what measures you took or are going to take to lower your cholesterol.

Appointments for the screening are required, and are first come, first serve. Call 630-4234 to make your appoint-ment. Screenings are funded by a women's healthy heart grant through the Connecticut Department of Public Health.Free Community PresentationsDiabetes and Your Heart Health - April 1, from 6-7pm at the Meriden Public Library. Kathy Wietrak from MidStateMedical Center's Diabetes Center will be the presenter. Diabetic-friendly snacks will be served.Healthy Eating on the Go - April 21, from 6:00-7:00pm at the Meriden Public Library. Learn how to make healthychoices while eating outside of the home. Healthy snacks will be served, and free fast food nutrition guides will bedistributed.Call the Community Health Education office at 630-4238 for more information and to RSVP for theseevents.Meriden Public Library Children's Library Is Pleased To Announce ANew Museum Pass.Through the generous donations by The Friends of the Meriden Public Library we have a variety of museum passes

available with reduced rates or free admission. Our newest addition is "The Mystic Seaport Pass". This pass allows afamily in FREE for the day. Museum passes circulate through the Children's Library and Reference Desk. As you planyour vacations check out our website for our list of passes and activities or call the Meriden Public Library Children'sLibrary at (203) 630-6347.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTWALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA & UNITED WAY OF WALLINGFORD/MERIDEN BE WATER SAFE PROGRAM A 1 WEEK PROGRAM APRIL 20-24, 2009 Morning and evening lessontimes - WATER SAFETY AND SWIM LESSONS FOR CHILDREN AGES 4THROUGH 6TH GRADE. FOR NON SWIMMERS AND BEGINNER SWIMMERS. $5 PER CHILDCALL FOR DETAILS- 203 269 4497 Come in to register. Also a Huggies Corporation funded program for parents and children ages 1-3years old. Will run April 20-24 from 6:30PM -7PM each day. $5 per parent &child pair

April 2009

203.269.0135

Complete Residential & Commercial ExcavationsSeptic Systems, Cleaned, Installed & Repaired

Water & Sewer Connections - Installed & RepairedScreened Topsoil & Grading

April Showers bring May Flowers

so does our TOPSOIL& you’ll dig our service.

Windsurfers or Kitesurfers in Table Bay with the view of Table Mountainand Cape Town, South Africa in the background. Thanks Jill for sharing!

From South Africa

Meriden Public Library Children's Library celebrated "The Very HungryCaterpillar" 40th Birthday with stories, songs, crafts, and a snack. We also unveiled our new "Very Hungry Caterpillar" table which will nowmake its home in the children's play area.

Come visit the Meriden Public Library Children's Room and see our newtable along with many other new toys to play with.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Do ya think they are trying to tell me something????? Photo by Eileen Hunter

Daffodils in bloom at Hubbard Park - Photo by Ernie Larsen

The deadline for the May 2009 issue of THE PEOPLESPRESS is April 25th for all submissions. Don't forgetto send your Mother's Day Photo Wish - look for theform in this issue. Email your stories, news, celebra-tions and photos to [email protected].

Sign up to be a subscriber with www.peoplespressnews.com for updates,

reminders and special offers.

April 2009

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 4/30/09

The Bronze Wash

$2.00 OFF!!Regular Price - $8.00

Includes: Exterior Wash and Towel Dry

AMAZING SAVINGS!



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!



The Silver Wash


Includes: Exterior Wash, Under Carriage Wash and Towel Dry

INCREDIBLE SAVINGS!



The Wheel Deal


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

FANTASTIC SAVINGS!



Interior-Exterior Detail

$5.00 OFF!!Includes:

Vacuum, Vinyl Cleaning, Shampoo Carpets and Window Cleaning

CAN’T BEAT THESAVINGS!



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

846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden 237-4414

CEDAR MULCH

3CF - 3 FOR $11.97$35.91 per Yard

RED OR BLACKCEDAR MULCH

3CF - 3 FOR $13.47$40.41 per Yard

CLEARANCE SPECIALS ON CAGES, BEDS AND MANY MOREITEMS! COME IN A TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE

ONE TIME SPECIALS!

G R E AT S AV I N G S O N S C O T T S 4 S T E P V A L U E P R O G R A M !

N O W I S T H E T I M E T O S AV E !

$46.99 5,000 SF $125.99 15,000 SF

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 4/30/09 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with anyother offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 4/30/09 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with anyother offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

*With this Coupon. All specials expire 4/30/09 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details.

the people's press april 2009 issue

Documents

n o t e t o j o i n

cold day

colorful display

jimmy andlitlbit

winter months

annual hibernation

cold temperatures

finallysome flowers