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April 2008 • Volume 8, Issue 102

Food For Thought...

By Mr. Ernie Larsen
FOOD is a large part of our lives, wars have been fought over food, not
sure which ones, but knowing some of the other silly reasons for war,
I'm sure it has happened. Entire countries have been affected negatively
by food, the Irish potato famine for example; and there are always third
world countries in need of some type of food. Governments routinely
use food as a tool in diplomacy. Huh? You ask - how about all those
State dinners presidents give for visiting dignitaries and Queen
Elizabeth is always feeding someone on a lavish basis. Then there are
the diplomatic breakfast meetings, when the Secretary of State goes to
Monorokaslovakia on a peace mission, with everybody dressed up in
their Sunday best, hey, when's the last time you put on a suit and tie for
breakfast? And there is always food involved in all these trip that politi-
cian's take, so you see, food really is more than just a meal.

Back when I was growing up, my family had dinner at the table every
night. There were 5 of us, Mom was a stay at home, not like today
when many Mom's have to work; we lived with my grandfather's in his
house; he and my father were both carpenters and at the end of the day
they were hungry as were my brother and I after a tough day of school
and the essential after school activities, playing with our buddies, we
worked up quite an appetite making gigs (4 wheeled conveyances, poor
man's soap box racers), playing hockey at Baldwin's Pond or just riding
our bikes and doing other goofy stuff. We never went home after school
and planted ourselves in front of the TV - we made our own fun. Oh
yes, homework was de rigueur, after dinner. We had to be called in for
dinner and like I said, it was a daily ritual. How many people now sit
down at the same time every night to a home cooked/prepared meal?
Not that many I guess - I just watched a public service announcement
on the tube exhorting people to put aside one day a week to have a
family meal, everyone in the family, at the same table, no TV blasting,
no cell phones, no laptops, just the family and some good old conversa-
tion. When I was married Mom invited us over once a week or so and
when the children arrived we continued the tradition. Now, we switch
off with my daughter occasionally as schedules permit, she'll have us
over and we reciprocate. And now that we are empty nesters we share
food prep and eat at the table a couple of nights a week - the other
nights we do what I've coined as 'al fresco' watching the news on TV
whilst having our meal. We do talk a lot more at the table; talk is good!
So, I suggest everyone who reads this and does not have a sit down
meal at least once a week try it out. You may like it - if you don't,
nobody's going to know. It really is a nice change of pace.

My mother, her sisters and one of my uncles used to let me help, well,
sort of, cook when I was young, I probably was mostly in the way, but
did learn and remembered a lot. We lived on the second floor above my
Mom's mother and father and some of their 9 children were always at
the house helping out, so I pitched in and that was the first place that
piqued my interest and fascination with food and its preparation.

To say I like to cook is an understatement! I'm an experimenter, I

watch the Food Channel much too much, collect cookbooks, own over
40 on every type of cuisine and have contributed to several myself; I'm
obsessed with clipping recipes from magazines. As a matter of fact, I
just started my own "Ern's Favorite Recipes" notebook with some of
those I've tried and many to be tried. I also culled out a bunch that I
deemed would never make it to the stove/oven/grill. As I write, right
next to me on the desk is a recipe for a coffee cake I'm bringing for the
Easter brunch at my sister-in-laws. Continued on Page 4

Earth Day is April 22: Go Green!

Take Pride Meriden, an anti-litter committee chaired by
Patricia Lynes, would like to remind residents that "going
green" is easier than you think. Below are simple things
we can all do every day to make our community a healthi-
er and greener place to live.
1. Reduce! Simplify your life as much as possible. Only
keep belongings that you use/enjoy on a regular basis. By
making the effort to reduce what you own, you will natu-
rally purchase less/create less waste in the future.
2. Reuse! Reuse plastic shopping bags, or better yet, pur-
chase some canvas bags to carry groceries and other
items home from the store. If you do use plastic shopping
bags, return them to the grocery store to be recycled.
3. Recycle! It takes over 500 years for a plastic bottle to
decompose. Recycle your plastics, paper, and cardboard.
Curbside recycling guidelines for Meriden can be found on
the City's website, www.cityofmeriden.org. And, please,
don't litter.
4. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's). Wait
until your current bulbs burn out before you switch. CFL
bulbs burn for about 5,000 hours, compared to just over
1,000 hours for traditional bulbs. That's not only good for
our environment, but for your wallet, too.
5. Avoid the Daily Waste of Fast Food and Shopping.
Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering
food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils,
straws, etc. (ask in advance), buy ice cream in a cone
instead of a cup, buy products with the least amount of
packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make
a difference!
6. Take a hike. Consider walking, biking, taking the bus, or
carpooling whenever possible. Consolidating trips saves on
gas, which - warning - could make your wallet a little
heavier!
Page 2 April 2008

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What you need to know!

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* Open Air Country Farm Wallingford resident Joe Manchetti participates in Munch Madness, the
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 Page 3 April 2008

Dear Housewives…Central Connecticut's Know It All Gals
Dear Readers,
Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer
service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will
give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The
Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question and
we will answer it in the next issue.
Happy Springtime!!! June and Flora
Dear Housewives,
What can you do when you have 3 kids who are sick and you and
your wife are sick too?"
Homebound
FLORA: Wow, reader. I hope by the time this gets printed that you
and your family are recovered. What to do when the family is sick all
depends on what type of 'sick' you all are. If it's colds and you are all miserable with runny noses, coughs and aches
and pains, the grownups need to alternate and tend to the flock. If it is vomiting and diarrhea, call for help from some-
one who may be willing to nurse you all to health. Someone who will make sure that you are all getting enough fluids.
I am not sure who my 'someone' would be, but hopefully we all have a 'someone'.
Flora Nightingale suggests that as soon as you can to crack the windows (yes, even in the winter), wash bedding
and all towels in the kitchen and bath and the pj's or clothes that the patients are wearing.
JUNE: I am not sure I have a 'someone' on this one either. That is a tall order. Anyway, we did have this issue once
(thank goodness only once) when we only had two of our three children. Mr. June and I had the flu (mine out all over
and his achy and stomach pain) we had a five year old sick and a two year old with a cold. I don't know how we did it
but they took care of themselves for the day. Mr. June struggled to get up and make their meals (I really couldn't) and
we let them watch television all day. We had no choice. Plugged 'em in and checked on them the best we could. It
was awful. So, the moral of the story is sometimes television is our friend. Good luck.
Dear Housewives,
My Mom is in her seventies and she never wants to do anything. She sits at home and complains. We visit and offer to
take her on short excursions, but nothing seems to break her from her complaining ways. Any suggestions? Around a
Complainer and not liking it in central CT
JUNE: Yes, but it wouldn't be a popular answer. Okay, I guess I can come up with something a bit more helpful. For
one thing, you can't change someone after seventy something years. The complaining will not stop. You could try and
get her to go to those groups for older people so she could do activities and meet people her own age. She may com-
plain at first but may end up liking the peer contact.
FLORA: The only thing I can think of is to visit regularly but not too long if she is complaining. Do not feed the com-
Annual Plant Sale and Conservation Newsletter
The Southwest Conservation District will be having the Annual Shrub and
Perennial Plant Sale April 25th and 26th at Lockwood Farm in Hamden.
Extra plants will be available. Check out the Bird and Butterfly Display
Garden and Native Trees/Shrubs on the grounds nearby. Available are:
Evergreen bare root seedlings, native as well as ornamental shrubs and trees,
and perennials. Plants to be featured are: variegated, fragrant, compact and/or
suitable for bird and butterfly gardens. Volunteer UCONN Certified Master
Gardeners as well as North Haven and Wallingford Garden Club members will
be on hand to assist the customers on site.
Pre order forms are available from SWCD office at 900 Northrop Rd Suite A
in Wallingford CT 06492. 203-269-7509.
Call for a Newsletter and order form. Email address:
swcd43@sbcglobal.net.
The Spring Plant Sale Newsletter will be on the District's website at
www.conservect.org.
North Haven Garden Club Meeting on Containers
The North Haven Garden Club will meet on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 7:00
pm at the North Haven Congregational Church Hall on 28 Church Street.
The program is open to the public at 7:30 with a $4.00 donation at the door.
The program will be "Prize-Winning Containers" with Henry Eggert of Van
Wilgens Garden Center in Branford. Henry will demonstrate containers for
spring, summer and fall planting using a variety of perennials and annual
plants. He will also bring some new plants for 2008.
Refreshments will be served after the program with Roz Gambardella, Martha
Shea and Lynda O'Donnell.
The table arrangement will be by Fran Enright. Members: Remember the
Federated Garden Club Annual Meeting on April 16th at the Aqua Turf with
floral designer Sherry Sanelli.
Indoors or out, no one relaxes in March, that month of wind and taxes,
the wind will presently disappear, the taxes last us all the year. ~Ogden
Nash
Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment. ~Ellis Peters

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plaining. Without it seeming obvious, show her the bright side of situations. She could have been a homebody and a
complainer when she was younger but it seems more obvious now as she is getting older. Sometimes as people age,
they may get depressed. She may be, so if there seems to be drastic changes or unusual behavior, contact her physician. No matter where you want
Make her favorite dinner and bring it over! to go...King TravelWays
Housewife Chit Chat: will treat you like Royalty
Hi Flora, it is nice to get a bit of nicer weather lately. Hope you are enjoying spring so far. Not happy about the new without Royal Prices.
library hours in Meriden. It is hard to believe that when I take my kids to the library they are closed. It is the library
for Pete's sake. Anyway, I did get a book called "Life is Still Good" about Maloney's football coach and guidance Call Today to let us plan a
counselor who died of brain cancer. He happened to be my guidance counselor in high school. You probably knew vacation that you will
him as well. Anyway, the author Bryant Carpenter wrote an excellent book. It was very easy to read and very sad. I always remember fondly.
am going to read something very frivolous next. I will keep you posted.
105 Hanover Street in Meriden
Hi June, I will read "Life is Still good" after the next two on my list. I am reading "The Book of Names" and then I 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516
have to read: 'Suite Française,' by Irène Némirovsky. The later is a story about France in the early 40's when the Email: ktwinc@aol.com
Germans invade. It was suggested by a book loving friend of mine. She gave it to me for my birthday. www.kingtravelways.com
We have been jumping rope on the new spring days. Its been fun. Thank goodness for Kegal exercises!
JUNE: Did you just say what I thought you said? Oh yes you did.
Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft
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Page 4 April 2008
Food For Thought Continued from Page 1 for this years' fair pretty soon, hey, never too early to start.
I remember back in the early 1970's going to a food show in Hartford to see Chef Tell Erhardt, the TV cooking guru of Just this past month we both entered a chili cook-off at the Meriden AOH, my
the day, give a demonstration - that's when I started my cookbook collection. It was my first autographed cookbook and daughter walked off with 2nd place as determined by the judges and won the
I just had the chance to peruse it again when I heard of Tell's passing. People's Choice Award and no one knew it was turkey chili! I got to drive us
I've also taken cooking classes at The Silo in New Milford, CT along with my daughter and my best friend. And of late, to and from the event, my entry was good, but she whipped me. Hers was
participated in a few classes at the Drust Family Shop-Rite, right here in Meriden, anyone with limited time should extra Yum-O. Well, I'm about done for now, I think I'll continue this cooking
look into these classes, 3 hours on a weeknight and @$20.00 a bargain-and don't worry about missing dinner, you get theme in my next musing, I've got a lot more to say.
to consume the food you've created) My granddaughter, who is 5 years old and a cooking class veteran, having taken I've got Chef Tell's cookbook next to my dictionary and keyboard and am
her 1st class last fall at a Williams-Sonoma in West Farms Mall and just last month one at Shop-Rite, a special class for looking at his inscription to me, I'd like to leave you with his inimitable, sig-
children, she absolute loved the experience. nature goodbye; "I See You".
In the mid-1950's, I belonged to Troop 31, Boy Scouts of America, sponsored by the long departed New Departure In Memory of Grandma Nevelos, Uncle Steve Nevelos, Peg Larsen
Corporation. One of my best friends and mentors in the troop was Ted Lisczcak. He and I formed a bond; we hung (Gramma, the original) and Friedman Paul Erhardt, "Chef Tell" - 11/4/43 -
around at the weekly meetings and I sort of trailed him around at summer camp, Camp Terramungus on Lake 10/27/07 With grateful acknowledgement to Auntie Honey, (Mary) Albrycht.
Pocatopoug in East Hampton. He was 3 or 4 years older than me, but never fluffed me off, just accepted me as a peer.
When we were at camp, my buddy Ted and I used to lollygag around the camp kitchen, he was a counselor, so he had a Meriden "Clean-Sweep Day" - April 19, 2008
bit of 'pull' with the higher ups and seeing he also liked to cook, we were both intrigued by the method of cooking for a Meriden residents, businesses, and organizations are invited to participate in
crowd. I'm not sure how many people "Cookie" the cook was preparing meals for, but it sure was a show to see all that "Clean-Sweep Day", a litter clean-up event that will take place from
food, go from the raw product to a meal sitting on a plate or tray. 10:00am-12:00pm on Saturday, April 19.
And when we were in Meriden, on weekends, we either spent the day hiking and plinking with his .22 rifle out by A clean-up "pep rally" will be held at 9:00am at City Hall, 142 East Main
Mount Higby and then coming back to my house or his to make some food. My parents usually headed up to their Street. At the pep-rally, participants will be able to sign-in and pick up clean-
place or to visit friends in New Hampshire so we most often cooked at my house. Ted taught me how to make many up supplies (bags and disposable gloves), safety information, and a map of
things, but he was a genius when it came to French fries. One of our favorite meals was hamburgers and fries, Ted used suggested clean-up areas. After the clean-up, teams are invited back to City
to melt Crisco and put it into a spray bottle and sprayed the cut potatoes, let them dry and pan fry them in vegetable oil. Hall for some healthy snacks.
They were good, but better when we used my Mother's cast iron skillet - this was a classic old pan and with all that his Clean-up efforts will focus on the area surrounding Cook Avenue, Olive
Mom cooked was perfectly seasoned, maybe it was just wishful thinking, we both thought the fries and burgers from Street, Pratt Street, Grove Street, and up to Broad Street. A map of the clean-
her pan were the best. up area will be available on the Meriden Health Department's website,
So then I used to watch my Mother prepare food, her style was mainly what is now called 'comfort food' or in reality www.meridenhealth.com. Participants are also encouraged to clean-up areas
what my Father liked to eat. The menu was certainly eclectic, cube steaks, meatloaf, stuffed peppers, pancakes/sausage, surrounding their own neighborhoods. No bulky waste will be picked up this
creamed tuna with peas over toast, the same dish with salmon (YUK!), heavily spiced hamburgers, Hungarian style, we day. This event is being sponsored by Take Pride Meriden, an anti-litter com-
called them 'snichnies' I'm sure that spelling is incorrect and it may have been a totally made up word, you never know mittee chaired by Patricia Lynes. All those interested in participating in the
with a Hungarian. Another dish or meal if you can call it that was corn meal mush served with butter and syrup, now in clean-up are encouraged to pre-register by calling 630-4238.
another form it's called polenta and somewhat of a staple to Italians. After graduating high school, my 'career path' led
me to enlist in the US Army; after becoming a 'trained killer' I was sent off to Germany to warm up the Cold War. My People’s Press Crossword Puzzle
cooking opportunities were limited until the guy who ran the snack bar in the "OPS" building shipped out, a buddy and
I saw the opportunity for some extra cash and for me a chance to hone my short order cooking skills. We took over the By Ruth Gordon - Look for answer grid in this issue.
operation - for a few hours a week and supplemented our meager Army salaries with some cash money. We modified ACROSS 72. Extra things
and expanded the menu from mainly cold sandwiches adding soups/chili and hot sandwiches; one of the favorites of the 1. A thickness or layer; a unit of yarn 73. Special event held at Hubbard Park in
guys was a creation of mine, grilled cheese, onion and Canadian bacon. I remember this was one of our highest priced 4. Musical group featured in People's Meriden on April 26 & 27, 2008
Press March 2008 On-line Reader's Poll DOWN
items at 50 cents. Burgers were 35 cents and hot dogs 20 cents. On Fridays, when not eating meat was still 'big' with 11. An enthusiastic devotee, follower, or 1. A member of this group (see 4 Across)
the Catholics, we always had some type of fish, one of our more popular non-meat dishes a big 'fav' - tuna melts! One admirer 2. Host of NBC's Tonight Show
of my additions to the recipe was finely chopped celery and onion with a dash of paprika - yummy! We did that for 13. Prefix with dynamic 3. Period of time (abbr.)
about a year and a half, split about 35-50 dollars a week, not bad when take home pay for a month was $120 or there- 15. 1969 album that included "Come 5. Not difficult
Together" and "Carry That Weight" (see 4 6. Stomach muscles
abouts. For this they expected us to defend our country and give our lives if necessary, boy am I glad it was the Cold Across) 7. A type of lung disease (abbr.)
War! 17. International peace group with head- 8. A member of this group (see 4 Across)
Enough politics, I've always had the urge to cook, explore different methods, my wife still recounts the time my quarters in N.Y. 9. "Keep your ____ on the ball."
brother and I were hosting a barbecue at my parent's house, before we were married and I was making a potato salad 18. Leader of the "The Untouchables" 10. Not a Jr.
20. Compass direction 11. Impartial; above board
for the first time, never seeing how my Mother mixed it, I dug right in with two hands, oh well, none of the guests were 21. "Ticket to ______", song from 1965 12. Totaled
any worse for wear, by the way, now I use a sturdy spoon to make one of my favorite salads. That was the first time my album (see 4 Across) 14. Dollar bills
future wife and her family experienced my cooking, I guess they liked it, well she did at least, we were married a year 23. "Sergeant Pepper's _________ Hearts 16. A citrus fruit
or so later. We lived in a rented house after own marriage and often occasionally hosted dinners - I remember when her Club Band" (see 4 Across) 19. A large North American deer
25. Not out 22. An approximate judgment or calcula-
sisters were over for dinner one evening, after they left they told friends that Mary and Ernie served stuffed gourds. 26. Concerns; attends to tion
Yep, stuffed peppers were on the menu and her sisters coming from a family where meat and potatoes were a staple, 27. "_____ me no questions and I'll tell you 24. A negative vote
this was quite radical. no lies….." 26. To put an end to; discontinue
I've come a long way since then, the potato salad incident not withstanding. We used to host an annual Christmas 29. Foreboding; premonition 28. "Don't put all your _______ in one bas-
30. He fires people on NBC TV's reality ket."
party - (40/50 guests) - with all home made hors d'oeuvre and munchies, it finally got out of hand, the cleaning up at 3 show, "The Apprentice" (initials) 31. (see 38 Across)
in the morning (mainly my wife) and a lot of other issues, we ended that tradition after a few years. I still make a lot of 31. Location Lucy was in with the dia- 32. A country located between the Sea of
food gifts around the holidays. I believe these are more meaningful than a gift card and it's not a lot of bother, well, not monds? (see 4 Across) Japan and the Yellow Sea which by 1948
for me. 33. An alcoholic liquor made by distilling was divided into two separate governments.
grain mash with juniper berries 34. Two of the three letters in the chorus of
My daughter used to hang around when I or my wife was cooking and she also picked up some tips from my 35. Mature; develop; ripen Old McDonald had a farm
Mother. She now is an excellent cook in her own right and experiments extensively, sometimes much to the chagrin of 37. "I Want ____ Hold Your Hand" (see 4 36. One of the Great Lakes
her husband who is a bit of a plain eater. To make up for that, my granddaughter has developed a palate for good food Across) 38. Tear apart
and is a bit of a gourmand. Her favorite cuisine of the moment is Mexican, although she tries a lot of varied foods; all 38. Drummer (see 4 Across) 39. "___ _____ said the blind man."
41. One who exploits 40. LRL - MSM - __ __ __ - OUO - PVP
this at the ripe old age of 5. You should have seen her enjoying the corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day at the 42. Craftsmen; creators (complete the sequence)
AOH, just before her debut as a step-dancer. When she visits a restaurant she orders tap water with a slice of lemon, 44. A single unit 41. To unfasten and open
most of the time the wait person is taken aback and asks her mother is that what she really wants? And with me, we are 45. An investment account with interest 43. Grave; burial place
a team aptly labeled Big Chef, Little Chef. We recently made a fruit salad from a recipe she obtained from her cooking being tax-deferred until retirement (Abbr.) 46. To strike with great force; to push firmly
47. Uncover again 48. Biblical pronoun
class with Chef Ed at Shop-Rite. 48. A protuberance on the udder of a cow 50. Against or opposed to
My daughter and I, in the last 5 or so years or so have gotten into food competitions, mainly the Durham Fair. The 49. A male sheep 51. "________ __ Dull Moment", a 1972
country fair was brought into existence so farmers, well back then that's who populated these events, could compete 51. A famous ark builder album by rock musician Rod Stewart
with each other as to who had the best cow, biggest pumpkin, whose apple pie tasted best, whose corn grew the highest 52. "Can You Take ____ Back", from A 54. A small insect that feeds by sucking
Hard Day's Night, by McCartney (see 4 sap from plants, a.k.a. plant louse
and whose vegetables were the most appetizing, you get the scenario. Nowadays, many of the fairs in Connecticut Across) 55. Baby talk for father
maintain the competitions of their roots where folks have the chance to pit their specialties against others to see whose, 53. 1996 novel by Rebecca Wells, "Divine 56. In debt to
in the judge's eyes, are deemed the best. My daughter, when she was in elementary school, entered a no cook jam in the Secrets of the ___...................." 58. A poetic name for Ireland
Durham Fair, which she made under my Mother's tutelage and won a blue ribbon in the adult category. So she was one 55. "Love Me ____", from 1962 "Please 59. Disrespectful back talk
Please Me" album (see 4 Across) 60. " to know him ___ to love him"
up on me when we started to compete, our competition is basically against each other when we started. Now, after a 57. (See 73 Across) 61. A sliding, hinged, or detachable flat
few blues, reds and yellow ribbons under our belts, we're taking on all comers; good friends entered last year, can never 62. In golf the number of strokes as a stan- part of a table top
get their names straight, and both won first place ribbons - so our work is cut out for us this fall. We enter the home dard for a specific hole 63. Part of a fishing rod
baking division, plenty of categories to pique our interest. I do well in the cookie bars and brownie categories, my 64. Wonderment 65. Finish
66. Lift up 68. A negative vote
daughter in cookies and we both make pretty decent banana bread. So, much to my wife's chagrin, I'll start test baking 67. "________ the Menace" (cartoon & TV 70. Boxing term (abbr.)
sitcom character) 71. A note on the singing scale
69. "Go fly ___ ______!"

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 Mother’s Day Contest
Page 5 April 2008

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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 in
the 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.

2 7 5 R e s e a r c h P a r k w a y, M e r i d e n ( 2 0 3 ) 2 3 8 - 2 3 8 0
There are 3 ways to enter this contest.
1. Fill out this contest form
2. Send in a story/submission
3. Send in a Mother’s Day Photo Wish.
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this issue and be Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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If your entry is correct you will be entered into our drawing! Limit One Entry Per Person Per Issue.. Members of DNA, LLC and Relations are not eligible to play.
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Page 6 April 2008
"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective"
by Gregory M. Simpson
Occasionally someone will ask me where I get ideas for this column. Some are long held views,
e.g., that cats should be indoor only companions and that it is inhumane to declaw. Other columns
come from personal experiences such as soliciting in front of a department store or working at a
shelter.
So it was that my wife and I were walking down an especially crowded Fifth Avenue in mid-
town Manhattan two days before New Year's Eve when we witnessed a remarkable sight.
A homeless man was sitting on a milk crate with his head resting on his chest. Next to him was
a cat! The gray and white feline sat quietly and seemingly contentedly, on a towel next to dishes
of water and dry food. We were stunned! Thousands were passing by, including occasional indi-
viduals walking dogs. Yet the cat sat stoically without any sort of tether, without as much as a
twitch of its tail.
We had seen cats in Manhattan before, of course, but generally in places like outside a
Chinatown grocery store or sitting in a bookstore window. We know from our own lives filled
with felines that cats are amazing creatures. My wife's favorite cat rides in a bicycle basket with-
out being tied in as my wife bicycles around our neighborhood. Our cat, Lucky, previously a stray,
decided he wanted to join our household one winter night, so he wrapped his two front legs around
my leg and wouldn't let go. But we had never witnessed anything like this cat on Fifth Avenue, not
far from where Audrey Hepburn immortalized the character, Holly Golightly, in Breakfast at
Tiffany's, when she, too, befriended a homeless cat.
Our conversation with the homeless man was brief as my wife petted his special feline compan-
ion. After saying "God bless you" for the dollars we left in his tin can, he added, "Most amazing
cat I've ever seen."
"Take good care of him," we encouraged, for lack of anything more profound to say, but also
reflective of our worry that they would both be okay.
"I will," he said confidently.
And then we were past them in the bustling crowd.
A couple hours later, as the sun was setting, we were making our way back to Grand Central
Terminal on the opposite side of Fifth Avenue. Looking across the street, we could see through the
throng of shoppers and sightseers that the man and the cat were still in the same spot, accepting
donations which would bring them sustenance.
Although the man and the cat seemed settled in their routine, my wife and I continued to worry.
How would they both survive in the winter cold? Where would they go at night? What shelter
could be found for both a man and a cat? Would the two become separated? We found no answers
to these questions, of course.
"How could a homeless man take care of a cat?" my wife asked me.
"I don't know, but what I do know is that cat wouldn't stay if there wasn't a bond of love, commit-
ment and companionship between them."
We had but briefly touched the lives of these two homeless souls, from two different species,
one called human and the other called feline. We will always remember the man and his compan-
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ion cat. It is clear that these two beings have a bond of love such as Corinthians defines: "Love is
patient, love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." We wish
them both well in their life's travels together.
For the animals,
Gregory M. Simpson
Gregory Simpson's animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership
for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national
Friends of Animals. Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by
CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S. He is also a member of the
Cat Writers' Association.
Mayor's Corner - Wallingford
Dear Friends:
April is the month of Earth Day which is celebrated on
April 22. The United States Environmental Protection
Agency was established in 1970, the year of our first Earth
Day celebration. During the past 38 years much has been
accomplished to protect our environment. What once
began as a day of national recognition of environmental
concerns has evolved into a world wide campaign to pro-
tect our environment.
Wallingford will also be celebrating Earth Day. On
April 26th we will have an EARTH DAY SPECIAL with
"soil maker composters" for sale at the Town Hall Carriage
House from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. The unit will turn your
yard and food wastes into nutrient rich soil. The com-
posters are priced at $20, payable by check only. There are
limited quantities available. The composters will be on
display during April on the second floor of the Town Hall.
lf you have any questions please call Program Planning at 294-2061.
Another great way to help protect the environment is by reusing products rather than disposing
by burning or burying. Save the date of June 7th for an Electronic Recycling Day in Wallingford
to be held at Sheehan High School. Items for recycling include televisions, computers, printers,
copiers, key boards, cabling, cell phones, stereos and I pods.
Through everyone's efforts at home and throughout our community, we can help to reduce the
environmental impacts which will affect our quality of life now and in the future.
Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson, Jr.
Mayor
Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of
the instruments,
 Page 7 April 2008

CITY OF MERIDEN EVENTS "HOW TO REACH YOUR FINANCIAL DREAMS AND

SPRING VACATION WEEK CAMP GOALS" APRIL 30 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Recreation Division's "Spring Vacation Week Camp" will meet from 9:15AM-3:00PM at Israel Putnam School The Meriden Public Library will host the program "How to reach your finan-
from April 14th-18th. It features games, puzzles, educational sessions/videos, and arts & crafts in addition to hiking, cial dreams and goals" presented by Lia Ursini Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30
swimming, movies, & arcade field trips. Boys & girls currently in grades K-5 are eligible to attend. Beginning April p.m. in the Griffin Room. Ms. Ursini, a Primerica representative, will discuss
7th, interested participants can register at the Parks & Recreation office. The cost is $50.00 for the week, including the the 3D's of investing, mutual funds and supplementing your current retirement
trips. Please register soon, as there are only 40 openings available for the program. plan. The seminar is free and open to the public. Contact the Community
FIRST TEE GOLF LESSONS Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or visit
The First Tee of Hartford will be conducting golf lessons for youths ages 8-14. Lessons will be held at Hunter Golf www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.
Course on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:20PM during the period of April 23rd - June 11th. Interested participants can reg-
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not
ister at the Parks & Recreation office beginning Monday, April 7th. The cost for the lessons is $10.00. Please register sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne
soon, as there are only 10 openings available for the program. Bradstreet
PITCH, HIT, & RUN COMPETITION
Youths ages 7-14 can test their baseball skills at the local Meriden competition of the national Aquafina MLB Pitch,
Hit, & Run program held on Saturday, April 12th at Ceppa Field. Registration will be from 10:00-10:15AM and the
competition follows at 10:30AM. Participants will receive refreshments and winners will receive ribbons & qualify for
the sectional championship.
PARADE REMINDERS RESTORATION & LANDSCAPE DESIGN, LLC
The 21st Annual "Daffodils on Parade" will take place on Saturday, April 26th and the 2008 Meriden Memorial Day Sheetrock Repairs * Flooring Repairs & Sod & Shrub Removal, Hedge Trimming &
Parade will take place on Saturday, May Installations * Power Washings * Home Shrub Pruning * Rare & Unique Trees &
24th. Groups, clubs, schools, businesses, or individuals wishing to march are asked to call the Recreation Division Cleanouts * Painting & Faux Finishes Shrubs Installed * Garden Walls & Walkways
Wallpaper Removal Ponds, Waterfalls & Streams
office at 630-4259 for entry forms. Creative
participation is always welcome! "Quality Craftsmanship and Integrity"
SUMMER ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION & INFORMATION Rodney A. Marcantonio - Owner
Registration for Summer Tennis Lessons and the four Meriden Nature Camp sessions will begin on Monday, April 7th. 860-550-2831
Information on the 2008 Summer Playground Program & the Spike It! Volleyball Camp can also be obtained.
INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM Fully Insured Lic./Reg. #0619619 Free Estimates
The 2007-2008 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS pool at the following days & times:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM. Daily Celebrations of
updates are available on Recreation Activity Line(630-4279). Life & Home
All interested participants must possess a valid 2008 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation
office, passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office Happy 4th Birthday,
in-person and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass. Kevin Leo!
30TH ANNUAL MERIDEN DAFFODIL FESTIVAL
The 30th Annual Meriden Daffodil Festival will take place on Saturday, April 26th from 10:00AM-9:00PM and on Love Mommy & Daddy
Sunday, April 27th from 10:00AM-5:00PM at Hubbard Park. The festival features amusement rides, continuous musi- XOXOXO
cal entertainment, a parade, a craft fair, fireworks, a road race, special events, demonstrations, over 30 different food
vendors, and 600,000 daffodils! Some of the prominent pre-festival & festival events include:
Celebrations of
4/19 -Kids' Fishing Derby(10AM-12PM), Tag Sale(9:00AM-2:00PM) Life & Home
4/20 -Rotary Club 5K Road Race(10:00AM)
4/23 -Little Miss Daffodil crowning(6:30PM) Happy Birthday, Genie!
We've had 11 great years with
4/26 -Silver Fork Food Tent(10:00AM-7:00PM), 21st Annual "Daffodils on Parade"(11:30AM), Children's
you & look forward to many
"Theater of the Trees" area(1:30-5:30PM) , Headliner performance: Eric Burdon (4:00PM) Fireworks display(8:30PM) more! You're a true gentleman.
4/27 -Silver Fork Food Tent(10:00-5:00PM), Castle Craig shuttle(12:00-3:00PM) Children's "Theater of the Trees" Love, Mommy, Daddy, V & your
area(12:00-5:00PM) canine siblings
For more festival information, please call 630-4259. xoxoxoxo

Bobbie's Bevy of Beauties Celebrations of

I knew my time of hibernation would be coming to an end Life & Home
before very long. So I peeked out and took a look around.
There was almost no snow but the cold, rain and horrific winds Eric and Lauren,
made my decision to return to the land of slumber once again. YOU are the highlight
At least for a short while. But it was not to be. Some very loud of our life!
noises disrupted my sleeping. As I've mentioned before Andy,
the owner of the People's Press, who lives only two houses away Love,
was the culprit. He was bellowing "Bobbie, Get up! Get up! Grandpa Joe &
Spring is here and some of the bulbed flowers are in bloom. It's Grandma Dee Dee
time for ;you to begin your first article." So I signaled Jimmy to
uncover my bed of peat moss and give me a hand back up into
the world I left over four months ago. So here I am. Our long BALLOON FIESTA IN ALBUQUERQUE!
haired dachshund LitlBit, was there to greet me with a wet slop- Santa Fe, Durango, and Mesa
py kiss. And in doggie language told me how much he missed Verde COLLETTE VACATIONS
me and how happy he was to see me again. has a lovely tour to the SouthWest
Not much one can do with the gardening bit yet, but clean up during the time of the annual bal-
any debris left over from last year. If the bitter cold weather has
loon festival in Albuquerque – an
ended, and I hope it has, then the grass plant can be cut all the
extravaganza of hot air ballooning
way down. Also the butterfly bush leaving it two to three feet
high. as hundreds of colorful and imagi-
Danny who lives across the street from us has become a native balloons sail into the skys.
daddy. He is now the owner of two beautiful golden retriever Call Today..There is so much more
puppies. The sister is Goldie and her brother is named Boone. They were born Jan 5, 2008. Eleven pups were in the 105 Hanover Street in Meriden
litter. I brought LitlBit over to welcome them to the neighborhood. Even though they are very young, so very affec- 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516
tionate and friendly and somewhat larger than him that when their playfulness gets a bit overwhelming LitlBit runs Email: ktwinc@aol.com
back to his mommie for protection. I imagine in another few months they'll have grown to quite a good size. www.kingtravelways.com
Looking outside everything is so drab and colorless. Maybe by the next issue sunny, warm weather, green grass,
budded trees and a few more flowers will have bloomed. Till then.
Flowercerely yours, Bobbie G. Vosgien Celebrate Spring With Something New...
P.S. Love always and best wishes to our only grandson, Kevin Jr. who lives in New Hampshire on his 22nd birthday
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Page 8 April 2008

Barbara's Bountiful Bouquet Wallingford Senior Center News and Events

It won't be long now before I will have something to really write about. The
Wallingford Community Garden had its two sign-up meetings on March 12th
and 15th at the Parks and Rec. It is always fun to see familiar faces after so
many months and to hear fellow gardeners talking about their plans for the
coming season. One fellow said he is going to plant artichokes this year!
Wow. That is something I have never even thought about planting, and I have
never seen artichokes in anyone's garden either. It will be interesting to see if
he is successful in his endeavor. We had our pictures taken this year for spe-
cial badges we are to carry with us at the Community Garden. Mine came out
dreadfully, just like my driver's license photo. We have several people on a
waiting list this year, so it appears as though we will be utilizing all the plots
this year. I sure hope so. There are always some who sign up, possibly plant a
few things, and then abandon the garden for the rest of the summer. These
gardens become a sea of weeds in no time flat, and then those weeds start
encroaching upon other people's gardens. We also began a small perennial
garden last year in front of the gardens, and we have more work to do on that
this spring.
The Community Garden was conceived back in 1975, believe it or not, but
it wasn't until 1980 that the garden was first utilized by the citizens of
Wallingford, which is located at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park off of
East Center Street. So the CG is now in its 28th year! Although I have lived
in Wallingford since 1982, I only became aware of the garden about nine
years ago. I wish I had known about it earlier because I love to garden - love,
love, love it! Can a tomato and mayo sandwich be far off?, she asked wistful-
ly. - Barbara Sherburne - barndt49@yahoo.com
Mayor's Corner Meriden
Dear Friends,
As baseballs and softballs begin
to fly, I know spring is right around the
corner. I have been eagerly waiting for
the warm weather to arrive.
Congratulations to the Maloney High
School Boys Basketball Team on winning
Meriden's first ever State Basketball
Championship. The players and coaches
did a fantastic job and all of Meriden is
proud of you and your efforts. It was
exciting to see so many Meriden resi-
dents at the Gampell Pavilion cheering on
our squad. Thank you for supporting our
schools and our city.
I also had an opportunity to attend "High School Musical". What a
fine performance by some talented students. It was one of the best and most
enjoyable musicals I have seen in a very long time. Thank you for a fun
night out! I would also like to thank all the staff and parent volunteers who
gave their time and talents to make sure the show was a big success.
On Saturday mornings, our daughter Bria takes swim lessons at the
Meriden YMCA. It is encouraging to see so many young families participat-
ing with their children and supporting our local YMCA. Despite what I tell
Amy, I really do enjoy going in the water with Bria and seeing the excitement
on her face as she splashes water at me and everyone else in the class. At 23
months, the goal is to get her used to the water and to start moving her arms
and kicking her legs. We're trying….
This past Saturday, after swim lessons, Bria and I went to the Easter
The Wallingford Senior Center will be open on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. beginning April 10, 2008.
After 4:00 p.m., enjoy casual activities (cards, billiards, ping pong, virtual bowling, TV, reading, socializing with
friends), supper at Lake View Café, as well as some special events.
GIANT TAG SALE on Saturday, April 19, 9:00 - 1:00
Our Computer Learning Center will sponsor a giant indoor tag sale on Saturday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bring
your family and friends to check out all the great bargains! Refreshments will be available for purchase. (Reminder to
those who have reserved a table: Set-up will take place Friday, April 18, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.) Donations wanted: We will
gladly accept your unwanted items in good, clean condition to sell at the tag sale. Donations may be brought to the
Senior Center beginning April 7.
COMPUTER CLASS REGISTRATION on April 10 & April 21
Our Computer Learning Center registrar will be available Thursday, April 10, and Monday, April 21, from 9:30 to 11:30
a.m. to assist you with registering for a computer class. Please refer to the class schedule printed in the March newslet-
ter, or call the senior center for information.
COMPUTER TEACHERS NEEDED
If you are computer-savvy and would enjoy teaching other adults to learn computer skills, please stop by our Computer
Learning Center for information on becoming a volunteer instructor! Join our team of more than twenty volunteers
who maintain our computer lab and teach all the courses. You'll be glad you did!
FILE OF LIFE FOR YOUR VEHICLE on Tuesday, April 22, 2:00 p.m.
The File of Life for Your Vehicle program is sponsored by the Wallingford Police Department and your Senior Center.
This program provides your emergency and medical information to first responders (police, EMTs) in the event of an
accident or other emergency while you are in your vehicle. Anyone interested in taking advantage of this free safety
program is invited to the Senior Center on April 22, at 2:00 p.m. Bring your list of medications, doctors' names and
phone numbers, and names and numbers of your emergency contacts in order to complete the data packet that will be
placed in your vehicle's glove compartment. All information is private and for your eyes only.
The following FOUR programs are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About MIDSTATE MEDICAL CENTER
Wednesday, April 16, 10:30 a.m.
Welcome Lucille Janatka, President and CEO of MidState Medical Center, to our Senior Center. MidState Medical
Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The hospital has a rich history of service dating back to the 1800's
and continues to grow. Come hear about recently approved expansion plans for the Emergency Department and inpa-
tient beds, and learn about MidState's complete range of medical programs and services. A question and answer session
will follow. Call to make your reservation at 265-7753.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About MASONIC HEALTHCARE CENTER
Wednesday, April 30, 10:00 a.m.
Did you know you can get round-the-clock admission and medical attention for a variety of health related issues in the
Acute Care Unit at Masonic Healthcare Center in Wallingford? Colleen Goglia, RN, Director of Admissions, will give
details of how seniors (not limited to Masons) can be admitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Colleen will also
talk about admission procedures to long-term care, Alzheimer's care, and short-term rehabilitation. Call 265-7753 to
register for this workshop.
HOME SAFETY PROGRAM on Thursday, April 17, 10:30 a.m.
Is your home a hazard to your health? Come learn about common hazards found in the home that can be responsible
for falls and other potentially serious accidents, and more importantly, learn easy and helpful hints to avoid these haz-
ards. This program is sponsored by Skyview Center of Wallingford and Genesis Health Care. Please sign up if you
plan to attend.
LYME DISEASE - GET THE FACTS on Tuesday, April 29, 10:30 a.m.
Learn what you need to know about Lyme Disease: the signs; symptoms; treatments; how you contract it; and how you
can avoid it! This program, which will feature a slide presentation, is sponsored by the Wallingford Health Department.
Please sign up if you plant to attend.
2008 COED GOLF LEAGUE
A nine-hole, co-ed golf league with fun, special events within the ten weeks of play begins May 6 at the Miner Hills
Golf Course in Middletown. The league has no set foursomes, encouraging new partners each week. The fee for the
ten weeks of play, which includes a cookout on the last week, is $151 for Senior Center members and $156 for non-
members. Registration for members begins April 1. Non-members may register as of April 8. A meeting for all golfers
will be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 9:30 a.m., at the Senior Center.
RED HAT 10TH ANNIVERSARY
Wednesday, April 23, 1:00 p.m.
The Red Hat Society is celebrating its tenth anniversary in April. To commemorate the "Decade of Sparkle", the

HELP WANTED
Egg Hunt at Hubbard Park. I want to
thank Chris Bourdon and the Parks
Staff for organizing this free activity
OFFICE MANAGER for kids. While Bria did not pick up
that many candy eggs, she did enjoy,
for Literacy and was not afraid, seeing the Easter
Bunny. It was a terrific crowd and
Volunteers office in another event that made me proud to
Meriden Library. 1-5 call Meriden home.
In closing, Good Luck to
pm Monday-Friday. all our softball and baseball players
and coaches. Hapy Spring!
Send resume to Thank you for all your support.
Sincerely,
info@lvagnh.org. Mark D. Benigni
EOE Mayor
Crimson Cuties will host a special event on April 23. Invitations have been extended to our Red Hat sisters in North
Haven, Cheshire, and Meriden. A buffet luncheon will be served at 1:00 p.m. followed by a special program at 2:00
p.m. Tickets, which are on sale for any Red Hat member for $10.00, must be purchased by April 17.
ATTENTION READING ENTHUSIASTS!
If you have ever thought about joining a Book Club or want to learn more about what a Book Club is, please join us on
Thursday, April 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library/Lounge. We will discuss and then choose books that will be placed on
the reading list and plan our Book Club meeting dates. Your suggestions and input are needed to make this Book Club
interesting and fun. Please come prepared with topics of books you think would be of interest. If you have any ques-
tions, please contact Stephanie Ferrall, Program Coordinator.
AARP SAFE DRIVER COURSES on May 5 & 7, 9:00 - 1:00
Update your knowledge of the rules of the road; learn how to adjust for changes in vision and hearing; develop strate-
gies to drive more safely; and qualify for an insurance discount at the AARP Driver Safety Course scheduled for
Monday and Wednesday, May 5 & 7. (The next course at the Senior Center will be June 2 & 4.) The fee for this eight-
hour course is $10.00 which must be paid when you register. Make checks payable to "AARP." Cash will not be
accepted.
SOCIAL SERVICES
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP: MEETING THE CHALLENGE
Friday, April 18 - 10:15 a.m.

I ROPRACTO Michele Tarantino, Occupational Therapist at Masonic Healthcare Center, will lead a discussion on the challenges of:

CH SINCE 1981 R
recognizing faces; seeing colors; and, managing money. Share stories of your problem solving experiences and learn
new ways to tackle solutions from your fellow support group members. Call 265-7753 to register.
IRS REBATE
The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 provides for payments to many low income people who do not normally file an
income tax return. WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: File a 2007 IRS Form 1040A and report at least $3,000 in qualifying
DR. STANLEY HARRIS income on the form, including your Social Security benefits. The IRS has released a special version of the Form 1040A
that highlights the simple, specific sections of the return that need to be completed. The senior center distributes 1040A
forms and sample forms, or download forms and get answers to rebate questions at: www.irs.gov.
Misalignment of the Spine causes ATTENTION ! CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES
Pain, Stress and Dis-ease. Submit DELIVERABLE fuel bills to New Opportunities of Greater Meriden by: MAY 30
Chiropractic Aligns LAST CHANCE TO APPLY IS MAY 1, 2008
? Call for help with heating bills! ?
the S pine and removes The Wallingford Senior Center assists people, aged 60+, apply for help to pay oil and utility bills. Income limits are
$28,767/single person and $37,619/two people. Asset limits also apply. Call Social Worker Marie Cunha to ask about
the interference! eligibility for energy assistance. Applications are scheduled by appointment only by calling 265-7753.
INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVERS:

TRY CHIROPRACTIC!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN WALLINGFORD
"Caring and Sharing is what Volunteering is all About." Gas mileage reimbursement is available to our volunteers.
Please call Social Worker Marie Cunha for details.
Most Insurance Plans Accepted. HOMEOWNER TAX RELIEF PROGRAM and
826 East Center St. Wallingford PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL FOR THE ELDERLY
WHEN: February 1 through May 15, 2008
Next to Dairy Mart WHERE: Assessor's Office - Town Hall

265-2171 Please call 294-2001 for more information.

From Meriden I-91S to Exit 14, take right, 1 mile Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms,
and the year assumes its gay attire. ~Virgil
 Page 9 April 2008
The deadline for applications this year is April 15th.
Quassy Opens 100th Season On April 26 Applications are to be submitted to the fund trustees via the Meriden Board
Quassy Amusement Park will be celebrating "100 Years Of Fun" as the landmark facility opens April 26 for its centen- of Education or in care of the:
nial season. Marine Corps League, Silver City Det. #45
"This is a milestone for any business, but especially for a family- Women's Auxiliary
owned park," noted George Frantzis II, a Quassy co-owner. "Not 20 Clinton Street
only is Quassy celebrating its centennial this year, but this also marks Meriden, CT 06450-4517
the 71st year of family ownership as my grandfather and two partners If I can be of further service in this matt4er, please call me or write. (203)
purchased the property in 1937. There are only a handful of family- 272-6560 or tduhig@cox.net.
owned amusement parks remaining in the United States." Yours truly, Tom Duhig
April 26 and 27 will feature $30 Carload Weekend, a tradition at It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind
Quassy as it supports the Greater Waterbury Campership Fund to blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.
help send underprivileged children to summer camp. For the $30 ~Charles Dickens
fee up to 10 persons in a vehicle will receive an all-day ride pass with the $5 parking charge included. The park oper-
ates noon to 6 p.m. both days.
Egg Hunt And Entertainment
JR’s Enterprises
Sunday, April 27 will be capped off at 3 p.m. with the park's annual egg hunt for children. Candy for the event is “ You Load, We Haul!”
being provided by Price Chopper.
"Curious George" from Houghton Mifflin books will meet and greet kids at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. both days as Includes Drop-Off and Pick-Up!
part of Quassy's annual reading incentive program, and the comedy/magic of Jim Sisti & Sandy will be presented at the
Vacation Village Resorts Lakeside Theatre.
Quassy Amusement Park is recognized as one of 11 remaining "trolley parks" in the nation by the National
Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA). Before The Great Depression of 1929 there were more than 1,000
such properties in the United States.
The park has grown in recent years under the ownership of the Frantzis and Anderson families to maintain its identity
in the local area and also become a vacation destination.
Old And New
Offering a blend of its historic roots plus new state-of-the-art attractions, Quassy caters mainly to families with pre-
teenagers.
"Saturation Station," an interactive family water play area, debuted in 2003 at the lakeside and was an immediate hit
with patrons. The gigantic jungle gym of sorts incorporates a selection of cascading fountains, water cannons, slides
( 2 0 3 ) 2 94 - 9 0 57
and a huge tipping bucket at its center. In 2006 the park added to large "Tunnel Twister" waterslides to complement the
existing waterpark attraction. 10 & 12 Yard Mini
"'Saturation Station' was an overnight success for the park," said Eric Anderson, a Quassy co-owner. It (waterpark ele-
ment) was something park guests and our corporate groups had been requesting, so we filled that void by building a
first-class attraction."
Roll-Off Dumpsters!
More than 20 kiddy and family rides are located throughout the amusement park, including the "Yo-Yo" super swing,
Ideal Use for Homeowners and Special Yard Clean-Ups!
"Music Fest" and classic steel "Monster" roller coaster. Two kiddylands feature a selection of rides for the tots, includ- Ask About Our “Metal Only” Dumpsters!
ing the "Little Dipper" roller coaster that has been thrilling youngsters for more than 50 years.

W! Present this Ad At
Quassy also has a redemption arcade, midway games, novelty food stands, restaurant, entertainment and special
events.
WO
For more information, visit www.quassy.com or call 1-800-FOR-PARK.
Quassy is open weekends through early June and then daily through Labor Day. Quassy Beach and "Saturation
Dumpster Delivery
and Save $10.00 Off
Station" open for the summer season on Memorial Day Weekend. Group outings for schools, corporations and scouts -
as well as family birthday parties - may be booked by calling the park office at 203-758-2913.

Meriden Family Resource Center Organizes 3rd Annual "Concert for a Cure"
Our Already Low Base Price!
Fundraiser to Benefit Research for Children with Juvenile Diabetes Owned and Operated by Walt Sawallich, Jr., Who
Offers 20 Years of Experience of Serving YOU!
Meriden's Family Resource Center will be having its 3rd annual fundraiser, Concert for a Cure, for juvenile diabetes
research on Friday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at John Barry School's Gymnasium. Cathy Battista, Director is proud to be
holding this event once again. "Education and research go hand in hand in fighting this or any other disease. Families
need support and hope, which is what we try to offer. We are grateful for the support that comes from our local commu-
nity each year. Together we can move one step closer to a cure," Battista says.
Headlining at the concert is T-Bone, a CT-based children's performer, who has been performing for young children
since 1972. He lights up his audience with the energy of a runaway freight train, as he encourages children to join in
clapping, singing and dancing along. This year's concert promises to be a hit, with T-Bone's "full contact" entertain-
ment. Many businesses in the community will be donating raffle items with all proceeds going to the Hamden chapter
of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
JDRF is the number one nonprofit, nongovernmental funder of type 1 diabetes research worldwide and their mission
is constant: to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Since its founding
in 1970 by parents of children with diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1 billion to type 1 diabetes research. More
than 80% of their expenditures go directly to research and education about research.
It hits close to home for Krista Pringle, Site Coordinator for John Barry's Family Resource Center, whose son has
juvenile diabetes. Pringle commented, "JDRF makes living with my son's diagnosis a little easier. They work so hard to
improve the quality of life for those that are living with diabetes." When a child is diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, a
JDRF ambassador visits the home of the child with a Bag of Hope, which includes pamphlets and products, as well as
Rufus the diabetes bear. Pringle adds, "The research that they are funding will be the reason a cure is found, and in the
meantime, they provide us with knowledge and power to live well everyday."
The event is open to the public. Tickets are on sale for $5 per person, with children under 1 year of age being free.
To purchase tickets or send a donation, mail your check (payable to Meriden Family Resource Center) to FRC, 124
Columbia Street, Meriden, CT 06451 or call 203-237-4743.

SHONECK SCHOLARSHIP FUND TO MAKE THREE $1,000.00 AWARDS IN 2008

The John R. Shoneck Scholarship Fund of the Marine Corp[s League, Silver City Detachment #45 has increased the $4.00 Buy a X-Large
1 Topping
$5.00
Off Off
awards available from three (3) $500 scholarship awards to three(3) $1,000.00 awards for graduating high school
seniors. Two of the scholarships will be available to a senior in any high school whose parents derived from, reside, or Pizza and Get
work in the city of Meriden and a descendant or relative of a man or woman who served in the Armed Forces of the
a FREE order
United States. A copy of the qualifying relative's DD-214 (Proof of Honorable Discharge) must accompany the applica-
tion to receive these special considerations. Any 2 of 6 Wings Any 2
The third "Open" Scholarchip award will be given to any graduating high school seniors whose parents derived from,
reside or work in the city of Meriden. The number of each type of scho9larship award is determined annually by the Large and a 2 Litre
Soda! Only
X-Large
Board of Trustees.
The awards will be made to applicants who display scholastic achievement, potential for success in their chosen field
of study, outstanding character and citizenship, a record of service to their school and community, and financial need.
Pizzas
With this Coupon. Can’t be used
$17.95 & Tax
With this Coupon. Can’t be used
Pizzas
With this Coupon. Can’t be used
with any other coupon. Expires with any other coupon. Expires with any other coupon. Expires
Applications for these awards are available in area high school guidance offices. The names of the awardees will be 4/30/08 4/30/08 4/30/08

FREE DELIVERY
announced on or about June 2, 2008.
The scholarship awards are granted annually to perpetuate the memory of U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant
John R. Shoneck, a Meriden, CT native, who was declared "MISSING IN ACTION" in Vietnam when his aircraft failed
to return from an Air/Sea rescue mission over the Tonkin Gulf in North Vietnam on October 18, 1966.
The two restricted scholarship awardees must meet the above criteria, be intent on continuing their education at an
accredited college and who are also related to a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States or its 843 West Main in Meriden
(203)639-8941
allies. A copy of ;the relative's "DD-214 (proof of honorable discharge) must accompany their application.
A brief essay must accompany all applications on the applicants' knowledge of any of America's Wars as it relates to
them, their parents or other relatives, and any effect or influence on them.
Page 10 April 2008
THINK YOU CAN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Think Again.
Have you ever thought about volunteering somewhere in town, but maybe you
could not make up your mind where to go that fits your schedule? Or perhaps
you may have pondered the idea of service to your community, but you did not
know how or where to start your search for a local non-profit organization. The
Volunteer Center of the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford exists to help
people just like you who are interested in making a difference in our communi-
ty. The Volunteer Center is the "hub" for anything and everything volunteer-
related in Meriden and Wallingford, and works as a facilitator between prospec-
tive volunteers and the many local agencies who need their help.
Do you have a particular skill that you would like to use to help out a local
non-profit agency? Do you like painting, art, music, sports, photography, read-
ing, working with children, or gardening? Many of the agencies right here in
our town are in dire need of specialty skills (plumbers, carpenters, accountants,
attorneys, painters, etc.) and could greatly benefit from any time you could
offer. Think outside of job titles: Are you really good at organizing? Do you
have exceptional computer skills? Our 26th President Teddy Roosevelt once
said simply yet eloquently, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you
are."
Start today by calling The Volunteer Center at (203) 235-4403, or send me an
email: sarah@unitedwaymw.org. All we need is a little basic information: Do
you want to volunteer on a particular day, for one day only? Would you like to
become involved in coordinating an event for an agency, or participate as a
Board Member? Are you looking to find a somewhat steady volunteer opportu-
nity, perhaps one hour a week, or one afternoon a month? Contact us and we
would be delighted to help you find the opportunity you are looking for! As
Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "Everybody can be great because anybody
can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You only need a
heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."
ATTENTION: The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Annual
Food Drive will be Saturday, May 10. The United Way of Meriden and
Wallingford proudly supports the annual NALC food drive sponsored by the
U.S. Postal Service. Postal workers will be collecting non-perishable food
items left at mailboxes, and volunteers are desperately needed on that day to
help bring the donations to local food pantries in both Meriden and Wallingford.
Please contact The Volunteer Center (203) 235-4403 and let us know ASAP if
you are interested in helping out on the day of the NALC Food Drive.
Preparing Children for a Multicultural World
Meriden Family Resource Center in collaboration with the Meriden School
Readiness Council is offering a workshop entitled Preparing Children for a
Multicultural World: How to Raise a Non-racist, Non-sexist child. It will be
held on Wednesday, May 7 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at Ben Franklin Elementary
School, 426 West Main St., Meriden. This exciting workshop will be presented
by Dr. William Howe, Ed.D. who is the Education Consultant for Multicultural
Education & Gender Equity for the Connecticut State Department of Education.
It is free and open to parents, teachers and childcare providers. Continuing
Education Units will be awarded, as needed as well as certificates of atten-
dance. A light dinner will be provided. Advance registration is required as seat-
ing is limited. Call 238-2316 to register.
J o h n A LW AY S O F F E R S t h e b e s t i n
S e r v i c e & I S A LW AY S H o n e s t !
We have never doubted him and neither will you!
* Auto * Home * Business * Life
John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency
208 Center Street, Wallingford
Office: (203) 269-2500
Life Insurance underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company and affiliated Companies Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220
World of Words featuring Spanish Culture at Wallingford Public Library
Connecticut Center for the Book's tenth annual World of Words (WOW) initiative will run through the month of April
at public libraries throughout the state. The purpose of this program is to learn about Connecticut's literary and cultural
roots while exploring our ethnic similarities and differences through exhibitions, author events, films and videos,
hands-on workshops, storytelling, lectures, book discussions and displays, games, literary readings promoted as
"Telling Passages," music and dance programs, and culinary offerings.
Throughout the month of April the Wallingford Public Library will showcase the culture and influences of Spain with
a variety of free programs. All of the programs have been developed in junction with the Connecticut Center for the
Book's "World of Words" 2008 celebration.
On April 9th, the Library will host the Spanish Community of Wallingford's (SCOW) Dancers. This dance program
features both adults and children performing traditional folk dances in traditional costumes native to Mexico and influ-
enced by Spain. The program will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Library's Community Room.
On April 11th at 7:00 p.m., the Library will host "Telling Passages," a presentation of Spanish literature and poetry by
Choate Rosemary Hall faculty and students. This free program for teens and adults features the works of Juan Ramon
Jimenez, Miguel de Cervantes, and Federico Garcia Lorca.
La Cocina Deliciosa: The Spanish influenced cuisine of Efrain Nieves, proprietor and chef of Wallingford's own Tata's
Restaurant will be demonstrated at the library on Wednesday, April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Seating is limited and registra-
tion is required.
On Wednesday, April 30th, musician Christopher Ladd will present a free classical Spanish guitar concert for all ages.
Ladd, praised for his remarkable talent and richness of sound, is known nationally as one of the most promising young
classical guitarists.
All events are free and open to the public, however seating is limited and registration is required. Please call the
Library at 203-265-6754 for more information and to sign up for any or all of these programs.
"TRACKS, TRAILS AND TREASURES" APRIL 23 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC
LIBRARY
MERIDEN - Come along and experience the "Spirit of the Old West" in the program "Tracks, Trails and Treasures"
presented by Chuck Oakes at the Meriden Public Library on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Griffin Room.
Mr. Oakes will share his photographs and stones of haunted saloons, abandoned mining camps and ghost towns as
he explores our historic West.
The program is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at
203) 630-6349, email comsvc@hotmail.com or visit www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a
seat.
A GOAT TALE
By Dorothy Gonick
I have fond childhood memories of living on our farm in Redding,
Iowa and of how our Dad, Earl, could be depended on to find enter-
prising solutions to whatever problems arose.
I recall that in the early 1930's, our baby brother John developed an
allergy to cow's milk. So in addition to a barn full of milk cows, we
acquired a Nanny goat. She quickly became a pet, and our 10-year
old sister Margaret became the unofficial milkmaid as she formed a
special bond with 'Nanny'.
All went well while on our farm. But traveling the 100 miles to visit
relatives who lived in Des Moines, presented the problem of fresh
milk for John. Dad's resourcefulness came into play as he attached a
platform on the back of the 1928 Chevy. On this he fastened a crate
with slatted sides, put in straw for bedding, and then in went Nanny!
We kids kept watching out the back window of the car to see if
Nanny was comfortable. She seemed to find it safer to just 'bed
down' and munch on the straw that surrounded her, rather than be
tumbled as we drove along.
Nanny gave much amusement to our cousins and their friends in Des
Moines that came over to pet her. One boy tried to feed her a tin can
because he'd heard that goats ate them and was very surprised when
she quickly butted him away. The kids liked to watch Margaret sit on
the one-legged milk stool, position the pail, and proceed to milk
Nanny. One boy begged to try milking, but Nanny kept her eye on
him and seemed ready to kick, so Margaret offered her some fresh sweet grass to eat while petting her and the boy
tried his best, but had no luck getting milk from her.
Our car with 'Nanny' in the crate on the back had caused stares from bystanders as we drove into the city. Once when
we stopped at a corner, a man approached Dad and said, "Now I've seen everything. Traveling with a goat!-Why just
last week a car went by with a washing machine fastened on the back!" Dad had a good laugh as he said, "I'll bet that
was my brother Fred, he's a washing machine salesman." The man just shook his head and walked on.
BEAT THE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER PRESENTS "CASTLE CRAIG CHAMPIONSHIPS"
ON SATURDAY, APRIL 19TH AT HUBBARD PARK IN MERIDEN, CONNECTICUT. THIS EVENT WILL
BE HELD RAIN OR SHINE. FIRST BOUT IS AT 1:00 P.M. DONATIONS ARE $15 FOR ADULTS, STU-
DENTS $7 AND CHILDREN UNDER 6 ARE FREE.
IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSOR-
SHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS EVENT, PLEASE CALL LARRY PELLETIER AT 203-686-1639 OR
BEATTSCCINC@SNET.NET
BEAT THE STREET OFFERS CHILDREN AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE NOT ONLY IN ORGA-
NIZED ATHLETIC PROGRAMS, BUT OFFERS MEMEBERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR
SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL SKILLS.
BEAT THE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER IS A REGISTERED 501c(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
LOCATED AT 121 SOUTH COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT. COME AND VISIT!
YOUR GIFT OF TIME . . . . .
Your gift of time is a precious commodity to the frail elderly. Sharing your time, even if it's only one hour here and
there with a friendly visit, escort to a medical appointment or grocery shopping is mutually rewarding for the recipient
of service and the volunteer. Please call Marie Cunha at the Wallingford Senior Center and say you want to be an
Interfaith Volunteer Care Giver. The next time our telephone rings with a request from someone in desperate need of a
ride to a medical appointment, we will be able to tell the caller we know a caring volunteer who can help. Cost of
gasoline can be reimbursed. Waiting for your call at 265-7753.
Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. ~Doug Larson
 Page 11 April 2008
The sun was warm but the wind was chill. Desperately Seeking Foster Homes
You know how it is with an April day. Lori Peck, Senior Volunteer
~Robert Frost With kitten season around the corner, we are already receiving many adoption applications. This will ensure homes
for many of the kittens and possibly some of the young, beautiful mother cats, but once again our adult and senior cats
To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than
will be overlooked.What we desperately need are foster homes for our wonderfully, sweet older cats. They are not
to be hopelessly in love with spring. ~George Santayana
happy sharing their surroundings in the main cat room, with so many feline roommates. Some of them have their own
cages, but we don't want them spending their lives in a cage.
What You Need To Know This is where you come in. You know who you are! You're the one's with the big hearts, like us. If you can provide
the love and the home, until we can find them a permanent family, you will be doing them such a great justice. The
Saint Joseph School is proud to staff and volunteers at the MHS try to spend time with all of the animals, but they all need some "one on one" time, in
announce that Mya Rios, a 6th grade a home environment.
student, has been notified that her Some of our cats in need of foster homes are Big Mama (8), Marge (9), Rotini (10), Angel (8), Sheba (9), Linus (9),
poster for the AAA Annual Traffic Tubby (7), Oates (8) and Verizon. Please come visit them at the Meriden Humane Society at 311 Murdock Ave. or go
Safety Poster Contest is a local win- online to our website at www.meridenhs.petfinder.org to view our animals.
ner and her poster has been forward- We are also looking for experienced adult homes, for foster/permanent care for some of our smaller dogs like Cujo,
ed to the Regional Competition. Milo and Francine. You can read their stories on our website also.
Posters from Noah Corey, Julia Donations of canned cat food (no fish please), Purina cat chow (blue bag), Purina kitten chow, Alpo canned food for
Eldridge, and Amy Sullo were dogs, towels, blankets, Lysol spray or wipes, laudry detergent, dryer sheets, Simple Green cleaner and monetary dona-
awarded Honorable Mention. The contest is organized by the Connecticut tions are always happily accepted. The MHS is run solely on donations from the public and our adoption fees. As
Motor Club (AAA) and the posters are used in the annual AAA calendar. always, you can reach us by calling (203)238-3650 or visiting our website. See you at the Shelter!
Participation in the contest was encouraged by Mrs. Paula Smith, the Saint
Joseph School art teacher. Meriden Health Department to Conduct Community Health Assessment
Students in grades kindergarten through 8 participate in several art As part of the Meriden Health Department's mission to improve the overall health and wellbeing of Meriden residents,
competitions and projects throughout the school year. The grade 6 art an adult community health needs assessment will be conducted the week of April 7 - 11, 2008.
program includes "Paws For A Cause", a project of making banks fash- The Center for Research and Public Policy, under the guidance of the Health Department, will be randomly calling
ioned like animals' paws where monies are raised for the Meriden Humane Meriden residents to complete a short survey on a variety of health and wellness topics. Phone calls will be made
Society. The students recently awarded a check for $480.00 to the Humane between 5:00 and 9:00pm, Monday through Friday. All surveys will be anonymous.
Society, which represented funds raised from donations made at area busi- Community health assessments provide information about the health status of community residents. Last done in
nesses to the "paws." 1999, new assessment will aid the Meriden Health Department in setting priorities for future policies, programs, and
The students are to be congratulated for their fine work, and we wish services.
Mya well as her poster moves toward the National Competition for the "Findings from the Meriden community needs assessment will provide important information that can be used to
AAA Annual Traffic Safety Poster Contest. improve the community health of our city. I encourage everyone who receives a phone call to take a few minutes to
answer the questions for the benefit of our entire community," says Beth Vumbaco, Director of Health and Human
Services.
What You Need To Know If you have any questions about the community health assessment, please call the Meriden Health Department's
Wallingford, CT Gets a Visit from Community Health Education office at 630-4238.
Actor/Writer/Director - Matthew
Quinn Martin at Dag "HOW MONEY WORKS" SEMINAR APRIL 16 AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Hammarskjold Middle School MERIDEN - The Meriden Public Library will host the program "How Money Works," a financial seminar presented
It was a very special visit in by Lia Ursini on Wednesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Griffin Room. Ms. Ursini a Primerica representative, will
Wallingford, CT!! discuss paying off debt, how life insurance policies work, and what happens when Social Security is not enough. The
Maggie Griffin of Guerra Realtors seminar is free and open to the public. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email
pictured with Her Cousin, Matthew comsvc@hotmail.com or visit www.meridenlibrary.org and click on "Adult events" to reserve a seat.
Quinn Martin (actor/writer/director)
and Maggie's son, Tommy Griffin
Today, my cousin presented to the 7th grade, Team 2, students at Dag
Hammarskjold Middle School in Wallingford, a career as an
actor/writer/director. Our morning began upon Matthew's arrival by train
from New York to New Haven , CT, filling up at Dunkin Donuts.
Following, Matthew re-visited Wallingford, a once upon a time home
town of his, and the Middle School he attended in the 1980's. The students
were completely surprised by his visit. In Matt's presentation, he showed a
clip of one of the movies he wrote called "Sling Shot" to the students and
gave them all a valuable insight of the importance of why students of
today's generation need to remain focus on Language Arts, Drama class
and other courses schools teach. The basic point to this lecture is an exam-
ple that when all efforts are made at a young age, it will polish oral, written
and professional skills of any career choice these students choose as the
move into the world of careers.
Page 12 April 2008

Shrimp Scampi GOING GREEN DOESN'T HAVE TO COST A LOT OF GREEN

2 lbs. large shrimp
Salt and freshly ground pepper Let's face it, there is a lot of talk about "going green" today. It's a great thing to care about the environment that we
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil live in and to care about plants, animals, and other people in the process of taking care of our Earth. Everybody seems
1 tbsp. minced garlic to want to get on this band-wagon, including every business that sells us products today. There are green cars, appli-
¼ to ½ tsp. red pepper flakes ances, makeup, clothing, and the list goes on. I'm all for these products being out there to help with our awareness,
¼ cup dry white wine however, to me, "going green" means wasting less. I also don't want to waste some perfectly good products that work
¼ cup butter, cut up along with my money, if I can save the Earth with what I already have, by conserving. This article will give you seven
2 green onions, sliced ways to help the environment by "going green" without costing a lot of green.
2 tbsp. chopped flat leaf parsley I am a stay-at-home mom that was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and arthritis. It is hard for me to work a conven-
1 pound linguine, angel hair or pasta of choice tional job, so I need to be on a strict budget when it comes to food, clothing, transportation, and even frills like furni-
ture and appliances. I don't have a lot, if any money to "play" with so I do what I can in and around the house by
Peel and devein shrimp. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add reusing things, buying less, and conserving.
shrimp and cook, stirring frequently, until shrimp are just opaque and pink, One of the biggest things that I can do for the environment is to use my car less. This may be hard for some people
about 2 minutes. Transfer to platter and keep warm. Add garlic and red pep- in rural areas, but I live in a well established town with lots of shopping centers that are in walking distance. If I need,
per flakes to skillet and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add wine and heat until say a gallon of milk, I will not use my car to get that milk, I'll use my legs. This cuts down on CO2 emissions, my gas
reduced to one tablespoon. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, one piece bill for the week, and I even get the extra bonus of exercise in the process.
at a time. Return shrimp to skillet with green onions and parsley. Season The next big thing I conserve on is electricity. Lights can give off a lot of heat and can also use a lot of energy just
with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Serve over cooked pasta. by being on. I personally will not use a lot of light in the summer because the house gets hotter from the bulbs. Sure, I
YOUR # 1 UNDER THE SUN WITH could go out and buy those expensive alternative florescent bulbs that are supposed to be better, but I see little point in
wasting what I already have since it still works. I just use them less now. I also unplug everything that is not in use
like my cell phone charger, mini food processor, toaster, and any other small appliance you can think of in order to save
on electricity and help the environment.
I use less water by washing large loads of laundry, washing the dishes per meal, instead of per dish, and taking short-
er showers. Using less water is an important thing for all of us to think about since our water supply as a whole is get-
ting less due to contamination and less rainfall. I find that waiting to do a load of dishes or laundry is helping us save
the environment because I use less water this way. We live in an apartment, so I do not have grass to water, but I do
have indoor plants that need water. I save on watering by filling a watering can with water per week instead of water-
ing per day. This not only controls water intake, but it also helps the plants. By keeping the water in a container
overnight, the chlorine dissipates, and becomes healthier for indoor houseplants to drink.
Using fragrance-free products or "green" cleaning products also helps the environment by emitting less toxic fumes
into the air. There are many people who have allergies in today's day and age, my family is among the allergy-prone
people. Using products that contain no fragrance, helps out with this. I buy laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and even
bar soap that contain no fragrance to help with our skin irritants. I also use cleaning products that contain little fumes
F R E E E S T I M AT E S to help with our allergy related asthma. Products like white vinegar and water, baking soda, and even trademark prod-
ucts like Murphy's Oil Soap, and Borax have little fumes to breath in and work just as good as any other product out in
the market today that's used to clean your house.
You can save the environment by using your dryer and dishwasher less too. Letting your clothes and dishes air dry
saves on your energy bills and helps the environment. Air drying your dishes is also better for you because it is harder
for bacteria to live on the dish if it's dried by the air. Some molds and bacteria love heat and can multiply quite fast in
hot temperatures. Allowing some time for the air to get at your dishwasher and your dishes, will eliminate this poten-
tial threat.
Recycling is a word that has been around for a while and most people know how to throw out their garbage today
because this term is used so often, but some people forget the other meaning of recycling, which is to try and reuse
what you have, or give it to someone else who can. For instance, that old tee-shirt that doesn't fit could be converted
into a shopping bag to use at the store in place of their plastic counterpart. You can stitch up the bottom of the shirt by
sewing it or using iron-on tape and then cut out the sleeves to make your handles. The tee-shirt can also be used as a
dust rag or even a sponge for washing your floor, car, or even the family dog. You can use old pasta sauce jars as stor-
age containers for nuts, bolts, nails, beauty products, or even food and cooking herbs. And how about that laundry
detergent bottle or coffee can being turned into a piggy bank for the kids or even a pot for a plant. An egg carton can
be transformed into an organizer for ornaments or even craft accessories. There are many different things that we have
in our possession that could be used for something else with a little creativity and this helps out the environment by
keeping it out of a land fill. Another popular recycling craze is called free cycle. This is a group of people in your
community that will give away clothing, furniture, toys, and even coupons to others for free. These groups are popping
up on the internet in online communities like Yahoo! Groups, AOL, and even MSN. They are passionate people who
are dedicated to keeping good products out of a landfill. I personally belong to such a group and I think it's a great
idea.
This is just a short list of what can be done to "go green" without spending a lot of green. But if each and everyone
of us did something small to "go green", we'd all be doing something big while saving and conserving for our planet.
And that's really what "going green" is all about.

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Page 14 April 2008

Memorial Day is not about Hamburgs and Hot Dogs!

It’s about those who have served and those who serve.

Tribute

Tribute Photo Form Dear Readers, it is our great honor to offer you the
We Support You! opportunity to recognize those who have preserved
our freedom. We invite you to share a story about
yourself, a loved one, a friend or someone you
Your Message would have liked to have known that served for all
of us. You may also send in a photo tribute. As
always, this is free and you may use the forms on
this page. The deadline for all of your submis-
Forever Grateful
sions is April 23rd. Thank you for helping us
bring out the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Sincerely, Dawn, Andy & all of your friends at The
Your Message People’s Press

Honor those who served and

Message:
___________________________
those who serve.
___________________________
___________________________ Tribute Story Submission Form
___________________________ I give full permission to The People’s Press to publish my submission.
Deadline for this Special Issue is April 23rd, 2008
Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Name _______________________________ Address ______________________________________
Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ City _______________________________ Phone ___________________________ Age _________
Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
If you would like the photo returned to you, please enclose a self Signed ____________________________________________ Date ___________________________
addressed stamped envelope!
We do our best to have your submissions placed in the next edition, however, in order to be fair to all our
D e a d l i n e f o r o u r Tr i b u t e I s s u e i s A p r i l 2 3 r d . artists, it may appear in a later edition. Only submissions with a self addressed, stamped envelope will be
returned. If you would like a photo returned, please include a self addressed, stamped envelope. All submis-
Send to: The People’s Press P.O. Box 4459 sions whether by mail, fax, email or any other means become the property of The People’s Press and may be
used in any media it chooses now or in the future. By submitting to this paper you agree to these terms.
Yalesville, CT 06492
Send to: The People’s Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville, CT 06492 Attention Tribute Issue
Attention Tribute Issue
 Page 15 April 2008
NACHO SALAD bottom of dish with one can of rolls. Bake 5 minutes. Remove TACO SOUP
1 lb. ground beef, browned, seasoned with cumin (cool) from oven. Brown ground beef with onion, drain. Combine
1 head of lettuce, chopped Manwich with beef/onion mixture. Cover layer of rolls with 1 lb. ground chuck
1 tomato, chopped Manwich mixture, layer shredded cheese over it. Top with other 1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 onion, chopped can of crescent rolls. Brush top with a little milk. Bake 20 or so 1 pkg. ranch dressing mix
1 8 oz. bag of shredded cheddar cheese minutes until golden brown. Let sit a few minutes before cutting 1 can Ro-Tel
1 bag of Doritos, crunched into squares. 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 container of ranch dressing CHILI CORNBREAD STUFFING STUFF 1 can black beans, drained
Serve immediately. If you bring to a party, just put all ingredi- Preheat oven to 400 1 can kidney beans, drained
ents in separate baggies and mix right before serving. 1 can pinto beans, drained
Eileen Slate Stove Top Cornbread Stuffing 1 can corn, drained
Middletown, NJ 1 1/2 cup hot water 1/2 cup (or so) chopped onion
This is a not so spicy one but easy and tasty. I use either ground 1 to 1 1/2 lb. ground beef 1 can beer
beef or ground turkey breast in this, depending on what I have in chopped onion cayenne pepper to taste
the freezer. 1 can undrained kidney beans chili powder to taste
1 8 oz. tomato sauce cumin to taste
SLOPPY JOE SQUARES 1 cup Taco Bell Thick & Chunky Salsa
1 lb. lean ground beef 1 cup shredded cheddar Brown ground chuck in large soup pot, drain fat. Follow taco
2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rolls seasoning directions (add mixture to ground chuck, add however
1 can Manwich Mix hot water with stuffing mix in bowl just to moisten, and set much water it calls for, stir). Add everything else. Stir well, sim-
a little chopped onion aside. Brown ground beef and onion, add tomato sauce, kidney mer for a little while.
2 cups shredded cheddar beans, salsa. Put in 2 qt. casserole. Put cheese on top. Put stuff-
ing/water mixture on top. Bake for 25 or 30 minutes, 400 Peggy Linhorst
Preheat to 375. Spray bottom of 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Line degrees. Missouri

Experience The Difference of Downtown Wallingford

Sign Up Now For Easelworks Art Classes * Adult *
Kinderart and Young Artist
Kid’s Summer Camp 2008 Call for Details
on a camp your child will love.

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2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford

Your Day.

Your Vision.

Our Promise.
Central Connecticuts Bridal Florists Since 1950
Wallingford Flower and Gift Shoppe
190 Center Street, Wallingford 203.265.1514
Page 16 April 2008
Bargains Galore! Supporters are rummaging through attics, creating
gift baskets and scouring for tickets and certificates - all to raise funds for
Chorale Connecticut concert performances. Join us on April 12, 2008 at Nest
Egg Auction Gallery, 3 Research Parkway, Meriden, 5:30pm preview -
6:30pm auction. - No admission, great food, wine and lighthearted laughter!
Our Seventh Annual Auction will be led by Colonel Carl Brechlin,
Auctioneer, owner and operator of the Nest Egg Auction Gallery. Items that
will be auctioned are: attic finds, sports and theater tickets, getaway vaca-
tions, original arts and crafts, jewelry, gift certificates, food delicacies, gift
baskets of many choices (massage, gardening, pets, coffee, tea etc.). There
are usually over 150 items to bid on, and that's where the fun begins. Carl
has a wonderful way of leading an auction. Come and bid, walk home with
bargains while supporting Chorale Connecticut. We welcome your donates
items for auction; please contact Steve Rittenhouse 203 379-0805 or email
AJALandSTEVE@msn.com. Save this date! On May 17th at 7:30 PM,
Chorale's Artistic Director, Dorothy Barnhart of Southington will be directing
an orchestra, professional soloists from Connecticut Opera and the Chorale
as they perform Mendelssohn's Gloria and Magnificat. The Concert will be
held at the First Congregational Church on Colony Street in Meriden. This
will be an extraordinary concert!
For general information about the Chorale visit our website at choralect.org or
you may call President Holly Wishart 203 237-5684.
Just can’t get enough...
of that Marianna’s Cake!
Hours: Tuesday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2
Stop by and see Ruth at the Meriden Daffodil
Festival - See her in action!
Celebrate Earth Day!
Earth day is everyday! But what does that mean really? Earth Day was first celebrated in April 1970 as a way to draw
attention to the fact that we were polluting the earth and using its resources without any thought of future generations.
In fact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established at the same time period as result of visual pollu-
tants. It didn't require a PhD to see the water in the river and streams was running brown and was no longer "fish-able
or swim-able" or that the blue sky was suddenly gray with smog. The first Earth Day celebration was intended as a
peaceful demonstration to let the politicians know that the public understood and were deeply concerned over the dete-
rioration of our environment and the mindless dissipation of our resources.
The response was overwhelming, from DC to California, millions of people turned out to show their support and left
a permanent impact on the politics of America. The Earth Day movement thrust the issue of environmental quality and
resource conservation into the political dialogue of the Nation. It showed the political and opinion leadership of the
country that the people cared, that they were ready for political action, that the politicians had better get ready, too. In
short, Earth Day launched the Environmental decade with a bang. (EPA.gov)
Earth Day celebrations are planned every year and involve river or trail clean-ups and educational "Lunch and
Learn" programs. The Clean Water Act of 1972 has greatly impacted our water. As an adjunct at SCSU, I have student
research a body of water that was previously polluted and present an overview of the history, clean-up activities and
current uses of the water system. I have very few students select the same water system. So what does that mean? It
means that we have an abundant of rivers/lake that were polluted but are now swim-able or fishable. It also means we
truly have come along way with recognizing our faults and taking action to reclaim our environment.
There are several local organizations very active in area of environmental issues. The QRWA is a wonderful local
organization concerned with the condition of the Quinnipiac River. I had the enjoyment of joining them one year a
canoe trip through North Haven. It was an awesome experience to see the nesting boxes along the water way and to
learn about continued efforts to restore the river. There is also the River Alliance Organization focused on the
Housatonic River, the Save the Sound Organization and the CT Fund for the Environment, all of which provide educa-
tional and active clean-up efforts. Come out to the Wallingford Health Dept "Lunch and Learn" at the Wallingford
Library on April 8th to hear more.
So what can you do? Recycle! Did you know that paper is #1 item in our landfills? What a waste of a limited
resource, land! Teach your children not to litter, I can't tell you how many times I see someone throw a wrapper or a
cigarette butt out of a car window. My nephews (now all grown with kids of there own), tell stories how I made them
pick-up litter on the street because they threw a candy wrapper while we were taking one of our many walks (of course
they affectionately refer to our walks as "death marches").
Fun Earth Day Facts: It takes 2 gallons of water to brush your teeth if you leave the water running. SO turn off the
water and you'll save both water lower your water bill. Did you know it takes about 20 gallons of water to wash dishes
by hand but only 10 gallons when you use a dishwasher (full load of coarse)? The first US census was in 1790 and
was taken by U.S. marshals on horseback and counted 3.9 million people. Census 2000 counted more than 281 million
people. Population increase equates to decreased land and natural resources. So walk more, drive less and you'll help
to reduce auto emissions/smog, fuel usage and get healthier in the process. Now THAT'S a good by-product!
Enjoy spring and take the time to enjoy all that Earth has to offer, together we can Mother Mother Earth.
Eloise Hudd - Wallingford Health Dept.
Cancer care is only a click away
The Cancer Center at MidState now has its own unique URL on the web. By visiting the new site, you'll find detailed
information on early cancer detection and diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and patient and family support pro-
grams. Best of all, everything you need to know can be found in this one convenient location. We are proud of our
Cancer Center and its ability to offer our patients comprehensive cancer care close to home. Read about our integrated,
patient-focused approach and our efforts in prevention, education, and outreach. Visit us today at
www.midstatecancercenter.com.
Robert Pagini took this picture on Mt. Higby facing west over the City of Meriden. It was on the morning after an ice
event with fog draped over the valley. A very dramatic photo with the colors of fall still visible.
Only the best from a company you know and trust!
Screened Mulch & Best
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Water & Sewer Connections - Installed & Repaired
Screened Topsoil & Grading
Call 203.269.0135
 Page 17 April 2008
Page 24 March 2008
Send in a Story! Send to:

The Kids Press!

Send in a Picture! The People’s Press
Send in a Poem! Kids Press P.O. Box 4459
Send in a Drawing! Yalesville CT 06492
sierra@peoplespressnews.com
Are there any heroes
Congratulations to Last Issue’s Contest Winners!
anymore?
Alayna of Meriden Alissa of Meriden
My nine-year-old Noah of Wallingford Lisa of Meriden
daughter Sierra, who Mark of Meriden Jazmin of Meriden
started this section, Kevin of Cheshire Lydia of Wallingford
asked me that the Brian of Waterbury Jessica of Meriden
other day. I was Amanda of Wallingford
shocked but under- Caitlin of Meriden All winners have been contact-
Skylar of Wallingford ed already to pick-up their
stood why she did. Johanna of Wallingford prizes at our Official Prize
Do you have a hero? Cassidy of Wallingford Pick-Up Station, Pralines of
Do we have heroes Connor of Wallingford Wallingford.
anymore? The answer Laura Anne of Meriden
most definitely is YES! Shania of Meriden Please be sure to enter this
Chloe of Meriden month’s coloring card contest
Do you know the
Caroline of Wallingford just for Mom!
best kind of hero? It's
those who are silent
but whose actions
make a difference
every day in your lives
and others. It's your
parents, your teachers
and those who want to
help you in every way
they can without look-
ing for recognition.
There are so many
more too. Again, they
silently do what's best
for all of us by volun-
teering to help others.
Silence is better than
shouting "I did this!"
or "I did that!"
because a hero does
not need to do that.
But do you know
the biggest hero of all?
- it's YOU! You are
learning, growing and
making a difference
every day. Heroes Is Proud to Sponsor
also know when they The Kids Press
are down, they
should talk to the
ones that they help;
their parents, teachers
and friends. You
make a huge differ-
ence EVERY day in so
many people's lives, so
always remember that
and look to the future
as an adventure.
So take a look
around you and you
will see so many
heroes in your life.
First and foremost is
you, and then all of
those around you.
You and they make
the world so much
better every day and
you just have to look
and you will see them
all. Always remember
that you are a hero
too. But shhhh, I
promise I won't tell
anyone. It will be our
little secret. 4/31/08 4/31/08 4/31/08
Page 18 April 2008
Page 24 March 2008
Send in a Story! Send to:

The Kids Press!

Send in a Picture! The People’s Press
Send in a Poem! Kids Press P.O. Box 4459
Send in a Drawing! Yalesville CT 06492
sierra@peoplespressnews.com
The deadline for the next issue of The Kids Press is
April 23rd. Don’t forget to send a special story, photo
wish or poem to Mom and be sure to enter the contest
below! Sierra

A wonderful drawing by Katelyn Gallo
Draw a Picture and Write a Message to Mom
Below and Be Entered to Win 1 of 20 Prizes!
Hi Sierra,
My name is Courtney and we just adopted a new lit-
tle dog. His name is Fluffer Nutter and he is just the
cutest little thing. I always wanted a dog and my
mom surprised me the day after Valentine's Day with
the dog. We love him very much and he is now part
of our family- our cat Buster even likes him.
Courtney

Write a Message to Mom: B

_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________

Your Name:_______________________________________________
Your
Address:___________________________________________________
Your Phone Number:______________________
We don’t like to judge anyone’s coloring because as long as you try - you
are a winner!!! So, we will pick out 20 rabbits from the hat for the prize
winners! Send in your entry by March 20th for your chance to win!
Love, Sierra R. P.S. I can’t enter and neither can any of my relatives! Send
to The People’s Press Kids Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
 Page 19 April 2008
I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always
MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope
The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 55 and over. Membership and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth? ~Edward
is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM by presenting a driver's Giobbi
license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon enti- Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. ~Rainer
tling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is
Maria Rilke
offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center! *
The Senior Center will sponsor a ten (10) week Creative Writing Class starting on Wednesday, April 23 at 1:00 PM. Upcoming Events at The Augustis Curtis Cultural Center!
Dr. Susan Sandel, Ph.D. will lead the group in weekly "Tell Your Story" sessions designed to free the participants' 6th Annual Meriden Land Trust & ACCC Presentation
minds and hands from inhibitions that prevent them from telling their stories! No prior writing experience necessary, Tuesday, April 08, 2008 7:00 pm
for those who do write the class will provide tips for becoming more spontaneous. A booklet of the participants' writ- "Connecticut's Changing Landscapes"........Free Admission
ings will be compiled at the conclusion of the class. Classes will be held at the Meriden Senior Center from
Wednesday, April 23 to Wednesday, June 25 from 1:00 to 2:15 PM. The program will have two main goals; first, to
- CT Forester Robert Rock will be presenter......More info to follow.......Contact
encourage people to put their thoughts and ideas on paper and to express themselves effectively using the written word Bill Revil at mlt@meridenlandtrust.com
________________________________________
and, secondly, to produce the booklet at the end of the ten week class to validate the experience and provide tangible Lace Exhibit and Demonstration
evidence of the successful outcome of the program. People interested in taking this free Creative Writing Class are Sunday, April 13, 2008 - 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
asked to sign-up in the Senior Center Office or by calling 237-0066.
Free hearing aid assistance will be offered on Tuesday, April 8 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 noon. Hearing Aid Specialist
The history, study, collection, and making of hand-made lace, and the people
Nick Wills from Miracle Ear at the Meriden Square will provide free hearing tests, ear examinations, hearing aid clean- who make it. Hands-on learning to make bobbin, tatted, knitted, and crocheted
ing and checks, general assistance and answer any questions you may have about your hearing aid. This service will be lace. Free admission.
________________________________________
offered on a first come, first served basis in an office on the first floor of the Senior Center. Travel Series...At the Augusta "India"
On Wednesday, May 7 the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut will host its 22nd Annual Centenarian Sunday, April 13, 2008 2pm
Luncheon to honor and celebrate area residents age 100 years old or older. The gala program will be held at the Jewish #3 in series is "India" presented by Dick Boynton....Donation $5.00
Community Center in Woodbridge from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and will include the luncheon, entertainment and recog-
nition of all of the centenarians in attendance. The Centenarians Luncheon is free of charge for centenarians and an
- 3rd of 4 in series, monthly the second Sunday of the Month through May.
escort and in past years more than 20 centenarians have attended this special event! For further information or to regis- May will be "Venice" also by Dick Boynton.....
ter call Janiss at AASCC at (203) 785-8533. ________________________________________
The Kiwanis Hi-Liters directed by Richard Fontanella will put on their 56th annual variety show at the Senior Center Meriden Soap Box Derby Display
on Monday, May 5 at 7:00 PM. This year's show features 18 young performers in a two-hour song and dance extrava- Wednesday, May 07, 2008 Call for times...
ganza! Production numbers this year include "Entertainers on Parade" and "Dancing the Rumba". Free tickets for the Display Wednesday May 7th through Saturday Morning May 10th......
Hi-Liters Show will be available starting Monday, April 7 in the Senior Center front office. Don't miss the 2008 - All cars will be on display for the upcoming Soap Box Derby on Saturday
Kiwanis Hi-Liters 56th Anniversary Show! May 10th. Please call for viewing times...Drivers reception on Thursday
Reverse Mortgage Specialist Jessica Penfield from BCI Financial Mortgage Corporation in Cheshire will offer a evening.
Reverse Mortgage presentation at the Senior Center on Wednesday, April 9 at 10:30 AM. Topics to be discussed ________________________________________
include learning the basics of a reverse mortgage, how a reverse mortgage works, uses for a reverse mortgage, common
misconceptions and some case examples of how BCI Financial customers have benefited from having a reverse mort-
Grace like Rain, 2nd Annual Lady's Fellowship Tea Faith Center Church
gage. A reverse mortgage can be a good way for a homeowner to tap into the equity they have built up in their home, Saturday, May 10, 2008 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
to pay for repairs, vacations, medical expenses, a new car or any number of other expenses requiring some extra Tickets $15.00 Adults and $10.00-girls 12 and under. For more information cal
income. This no cost or obligation program will be held in the first floor meeting room at the Senior Center and 203-237-2456. - Ladies wear your gloves and hats. This is a wonderful way to
refreshments will be served. People planning to attend this program are asked to sign-up at the Senior Center or call spend the Mother's Day weekend. There will be great music, great fellowship
237-0066. and gifts galore.
The Senior Center will recognize our volunteers in a Volunteer Recognition Program on Wednesday, April 16 at
11:15 AM in Willene's Place. The 2008 "Volunteers of the Year" will be announced to honor the members who have
exemplified outstanding volunteer service to the Senior Center. Each volunteer will also receive a gift as a token of our
appreciation and we thank all of our Senior Center volunteers for your help all year long!
For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter
available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.

Yesterday the twig was brown and

bare;
To-day the glint of green is there; KENYA UNDER CANVAS
Tomorrow will be leaflets spare; We are so happy that Kenya has
I know no thing so wondrous fair, been restored to law and order
No miracle so strangely rare. after their national elections in
I wonder what will next be there! December. . Many travelers from
~L.H. Bailey all over the world continued to
travel to Kenya, and the National
Parks and the beautiful animals
The naked earth is warm with
and terrain are wating for you!
Spring,
And with green grass and bursting
SEPTEMBER 4-15, 2008
105 Hanover Street in Meriden
Spring flowers
trees
Leans to the sun's kiss glorying, 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516
Email: ktwinc@aol.com
make people blossom!
And quivers in the sunny breeze.
~Julian Grenfell www.kingtravelways.com

In the spring I have counted one Mother’s Day Contest!

hundred and thirty-six different
kinds of weather inside of four and
twenty hours. ~Mark Twain
All stories, poems, photos,
art, recipes etc. sent by
dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com
are automatically entered or
send by mail with the form
below. Share today!

Lush roses, exotic orchids, glossy tulips and hydrangea are some of
the most beautiful fresh flowers available to florists… and this lavish
and upscale bouquet features them all, in a range of brilliant colors
including vibrant hot pink, lavender and chartreuse. Simply spectacular.

Deadline for the next issue is April 23, 2008 Hot pink and lavender roses, pink and green hydrangea, green cym-
bidium orchids and viburnum, and purple tulips are delivered in a glass
PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never cylinder vase lined with aspidistra leaves.

Rose Flowers
known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of

and Gifts
God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot- Gifts, Gourmet Baskets and of course our
tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-
sity. (Make your request). There are none famous Flowers
that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,
conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,
232 West Main Street in Meriden
I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days
203-235-5759 www.roseflowersgifts.com
and then you must publish it and it will be
granted to you. Grateful Thanks. S.K.
Delivery to all of Central Connecticut
Page 20 April 2008
WALLINGFORD COMPOST CENTER
RESIDENT PROGRAM
157 John Street
Brush - less than 6 inches in diameter and four feet in length. Use the desig-
nated bin.
Leaves - Use the designated bin. No plastic bags.
Christmas Trees - Cleaned of all ornamentation.
RULES
NO plastic bags!
NO lumber or treated, painted or rotted wood!
NO grass clippings!
NO other items such as garden waste, garbage, metal, concrete, tires, card-
board, rocks, logs, stumps, etc.!
Get Ready to...
Jumble, Rummage & Tag!
No matter what the name of the
Sale, it will be on sale at Yalesville
United Methodist Church!
Come Ramble and Save!
Friday, April 18th
4pm - 7pm
Saturday, April 19th
9am - 2pm
Refreshments and Baked Goods
available by our Master Chefs!
Corner of Church Street (Rt. 68) & New Place St.
Maggie Griffin and The Griffin Team just got better...
Maggie Griffin and The Griffin Team just got better for all real estate con-
sumers because they have proven the care they have for the sellers and buy-
ers they represent.
Maggie Griffin, Team Leader and The Griffin Homes Team has moved
their location and affiliation to Guerra Realtors, LLC in East Haven CT.
Maggie and her team are very excited that they affiliated under a well
known broker, John Guerra, in an office of where Maggie first started her
career in Real Estate several years ago, under John Guerra's Management,
when it was the former Beazley Co., Realtors.
Maggie believes in the tradition of real Real Estate Services and aggressive
marketing that includes intranet exposure and paper ads. With that, being a
part of a familiar name along with other agents from the beginning of her
career also affiliated with Guerra Realtors, LLC, is an opportunity that she
and her team couldn't refuse and all their clients are excited about The
Griffin Team's move to Guerra Realtors, LLC.
Guerra Realtors, LLC cover all towns in the Counties of New Haven,
Middlesex, Shoreline, Central CT and more.
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who puts the seller and buyer first, saving them time and money, in the tra-
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The Griffin Team is Maggie Griffin, Jean Lake, Paula Senna and Dawn
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What is Passover?
by Joan Goodman
I love the month of April. To me April means spring, warmer days, crocuses, and daffodils. Everything starts growing
and we break free of winter's icy grip. It also means celebrating Passover, which tells the story of the Exodus, when,
with God's help, the Children of Israel broke free from their bondage as Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. The holiday lasts for
eight days and begins this year at sunset on Saturday, April 19th.
What's the story?
Here's the short version. Pharaoh ordered all Jewish baby boys to be killed. Moses' mother put him in a basket and
placed the basket among the reeds in the Nile river. Pharaoh's daughter found the baby and adopted him. As a man,
Moses was chosen by God to confront Pharaoh and demand the Israelites' freedom. When Pharaoh refused, ten terrible
plagues befell the Egyptians. After the tenth plague - Death of the Firstborn - when Pharaoh's own son died, he let the
slaves go. Moses led his people to the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea). Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army in pursuit.
Moses raised his staff and God parted the Sea of Reeds. The Israelites escaped to freedom. Pharoah's army followed.
The walls of water closed and they were drowned.
What do you do to celebrate?
The holiday primarily centers around the home although there are services at the synagogue. At Temple B'nai Abraham
Passover services begin on Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 a.m. with a service for the first born (because the first born of
the Hebrews were spared the 10th plague), and on April 20th,21st, 26th, and 27th at 9:30 a.m. The Yizkor service
(prayer service for those who have died) will be included in the April 27th service.
The traditions have to do with getting the house ready, what you can eat, having a festive meal, and telling the story.
What is matzah? Why do you eat it instead of bread?
Before the holiday, we clean the kitchen to get rid of all of the chametz (bread and products with leavening). The rea-
son for the removal of chametz is because the bible commands us to have no chametz in our homes during the holiday.
The other reason we eat matzah is that the Jewish people did not have time to let bread rise when they were escaping
from Egypt. They carried their dough with them - the result was a flat cracker called matzah.
What is a seder?
On the first and second nights of Passover family and friends gather at home for a seder. Seder means "order." A
Haggadah is read, which tells the story of the Exodus. The story and the foods that are eaten follow a certain order that
are outlined in the Haggadah. Participants are supposed to "recline" or relax as they eat which symbolizes freedom and
independence. A special seder plate is used to hold the symbolic foods which include:
1. maror (bitter herbs) - usually horseradish, to represent the bitterness of slavery
2. karpas (a green vegetable) - cucumber, parsley, or some other vegetable in
season served as an appetizer, a tradition dating to the first and second
centuries
3. charoset (a mixture of apples, nuts, cinnamon, and wine) - representing the
mortar used in making bricks to build the pyramids
4. zeroa (roasted shankbone or neck of poultry) - symbolic of the Paschal lamb
offered as a sacrifice in the days of the Temple in Jerusalem
5. baytza (a roasted hard-boiled egg) - symbolic of regular sacrifices brought to
theTemple, and a symbol of mourning after the two Temples were destroyed.
A festive meal is held during the seder with all kinds of delicious foods. Also during the seder we drink four cups of
wine or grape juice. One of the interpretations of why there are four cups is that there are four phrases God uses when
he promises to free the Israelites: "I will bring you out of Egypt." " I will deliver you from their bondage." "I will
redeem you with an outstretched arm." "I will take you to Me for a people." (See the Book of Exodus 6:6-7) We also
place a cup on the table for the prophet Elijah. Some Jews believe that when Elijah returns it will be a time of peace,
harmony, and understanding among all nations.
As part of the seder, we recite the ten plagues that God brought upon the Pharaoh and his people. The ten plagues are
blood (water turned red), frogs, lice, wild animals, cattle disease, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and death of the first
born. As we recite each plague we remove a drop of wine from our cups. Wine is considered a symbol of joy. We
decrease our joy because the plagues caused suffering. And we explain to the children that you should never rejoice
when someone suffers (just as God reprimanded the angels when they rejoiced when the Israelites made it safely
through the Sea of Reeds, but the Egyptian soldiers perished.).
At many seders there is a lot of questioning and discussion about the story's meaning today, about freedom from
oppression, and modern day plagues and what can be done about them. The point is to tell the story until we almost
feel that were there in ancient Egypt!
What do the kids do?
Children have special roles. The youngest child asks four questions about what makes this night different and why. At
some seders the kids get involved by telling about the plagues. For example they might add red food coloring to water,
put stickers on their face for boils, wear sunglasses for darkness, etc. At the Hebrew School at Temple B'nai Abraham
my son went to a Sesame Street model seder where you could bring your favorite character. It was a lot of fun. It's a
way to teach the children the story and keep them interested.
Another way the children are involved is the search for the afikomen. This is a piece of matzah either hidden by the
adults and the kids find it, or the kids hide it and the adults must guess where it is. The afikomen is served as desert and
the meal cannot end without it. The children win prizes. One friend of mine said the kids tried hiding it in grandpa's
pants - that didn't work out too well. (ha!ha!) The seder ends with lots of singing.
So, when you are in the supermarket and see boxes of matzah or if you see coworkers eating "big crackers" instead of
bread, now you know what's going on and what another culture is about.
For more information please see The Jewish Book of Why, by Alfred J. Kolatch or Jewish Family & Life by Yosef I.
Abramowitz and Rabbi Susan Silverman.
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 Page 21 April 2008
The year's at the spring
April On-line Readers Poll And day's at the morn;
"What's your favorite food/dish and why?" Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled;
My favorite food is my Dad's Corned Beef and Cabbage...we all get together when he makes it. It's the best in the
The lark's on the wing;
WORLD!!!! - Marge
The snail's on the thorn;
Well, my favorite food is a running up between stuffed artichokes and chicken francaise. Can you tell I'm Italian her- God's in His heaven -
itage? Corine DeFrancesco, DeFrancesco Farm Stand, Northford,CT All's right with the world!
My favorite food is SUSHI...it's healthy and fun to eat!! I love it! - Marinelly ~Robert Browning
My favorite food is bread, still hot from the oven, with butter. Can't resist it. Dream about it. Make it. Why... well, the
yeasty smell, the warmth, the softness and of course, it is an excuse to eat butter. Care to join me? - Katrina SILVER CITY COIN & STAMPS
Elephants have always been my favorite animal. I suppose it's because they're "gentle giants".-Tamara W.
My favorite food dish is Roast Beef (medium rare), mashed potatoes and a wonderful tossed salad with garlic in
COLLECTIBLES
EVERYTHING!!! -Jackie Zima STAMPS • COVERS • COINS • TOKENS
When a person loves food as much as I do, it's a little difficult to limit the answer to one food choice that is my
favorite. I guess I would have to say boiled lobster, which is something I very rarely have because it is so expensive. I PAPER MONEY • POSTCARDS • HOBBY SUPPLIES
also love steamers and clams on the half shell, raw, with cocktail sauce, and mussels. Something I haven't had in many A GREAT GIFT SELECTION FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
years is a leg of lamb or duck a l'orange. Yum. If I were to go to an elegant restaurant, I think it would be a toss-up
between lamb with Yorkshire pudding and duck a l'orange. I can always dream, can't I? Barbara Sherburne, 41 COLONY STREET, MERIDEN, CT 06451
Wallingford.
Stuffed cabbage because Mom makes it so good! - John Kovacs
(203) 235-7634
Of course my favorite food is ice cream!! It is such a nice treat any day of the week anytime of the year!
Good luck with getting your teeth pulled! - Michelle, owner of Pralines Ice Cream in Wallingford.
Too many foods and so little time…I have to say pasta. I was inclined to say lobster because that's my favorite "spe- COMMERCIAL
* RESIDENTIAL * INDUSTRIAL
cial" food since we don't dine on it weekly, but my all around favorite is pasta. If I could only eat one food for the rest
of my life, it would be pasta. Any form is fine, but spaghetti or angel hair is the best in my book. Narrowing down a
dish is even harder, but I'll go with shrimp scampi. This is making me hungry! Have a good weekend. - Cathy
I like spare ribs. I enjoy eating the meat off the bones. - Barbara N.

My absolute favorite is Roast Beef (Medium rare), mashed potatoes (gravy), tossed salad with plenty of garlic on
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
ALL!! ~Jackie Zima~ * New and Existing Construction
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Baked stuffed lobster…yum because I love seafood. All Italian food, because I grew up on it! - Gina
Japanese food, just love it. :) Sarah's is miso soup and edamame beans. :) Probably because I ate it while I was preg-
nant with Sarah. - Heather
* Phone and TV Wiring
It took a lot of thinking because I LOVE FOOD!!! My favorite food is shrimp. Shrimp cocktail, shrip scampi, batter
fried shrimp there are so many ways to make it. That is why I love shrimp. I eat it all ways. - Tina * Fire Damage Repairs
* 45’ Bucket Truck Service
Matzo ball soup, French onion soup, lobster bisque XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
If it is done correctly it is well worth the wait The best fried gulf shrimp is from Lenny and Joes in Madison, CT
plump and fresh ever time. Very lightly battered and is well worth the price. - Keith
A few actually... Mac-N- Cheese with sharp cheddar cheese! Or a Medium porterhouse with a twice baked potato! I * Emergency Service
love cheese!!! Mom and dad's buddy always made great Mac-n Cheese! - Mark Benigni
OK, favorite food: Toast. It's a comfort thing. - Eloise
“No Job too Big or Too Small”
My favorite food is Lobster. I love the challenge behind having to crack all the shells to get to that delicious meat! -
Lisa
Peanut Butter & Jelly! - Bill
Stouffers Macaroni and Cheese and Stuffed Cabbage! - Irene

Dear Editor,
I'm writing in response to one of the questions in your Dear Housewives column, where someone wrote asking, "Why
do children expect their parents to pay for college when it is hard enough for them to save for their own retirement?"
While I'm no financial adviser, I think June and Flora did a good job at addressing it, but I feel compelled to expand on
it, as it is such an important, and misunderstood, financial concern.
I believe this idea of spending beyond our means is indicative of our spending habits in general. We have no problem Fully Insured and Licensed CT Lic. #104727
dropping $1,000 on a new computer, $200 for an iPod, $20,000 for a new car, when the five-year old one is running
fine, or waste $50 to see the latest movie. We seem to always want new and better things. Meanwhile, aside from some
small retirement accounts to which we contribute very little, we only have a couple thousand dollars in savings, we
charge our vacations, and we pay $30,000 a year for our child's college education. We are only a paycheck away from Want to save money
on GAS? Get your car
financial disaster.
Decades ago, private colleges and other institutions were way out of reach of most middleclass Americans. Most
settled for a community or state college. No way would our parents consider paying for a private college education.
Those schools were only for the well-to-do, those that could afford it; but now, it seems every college-bound kid
believes they are deserving of an expensive private college degree - regardless of whether or not they, the parents, can tuned up at Rousseau’s.
afford it. Why do parents feel guilty saying, "I'm sorry Jane, but we can't afford that school, but we can help you pay to
go to UCONN (or any other state school)"?
As an example, University of Connecticut in-state tuition is $6,800 per year. Quinnipiac University is $30,000 per
year. Add $10,000 to each for room & board. It's a no-brainer! If your annual family income is $60,000, why would
you consider spending 50% of it on your child's college? I understand the feeling of wanting to give them what you
didn't or couldn't have, but I would argue that for most professions, an Ivy League diploma isn't worth four or five
times a state school diploma.
Private colleges are for the wealthy, or those that can afford it - not for us middleclass Americans. Parents, stop pre-
tending your rich. There is nothing wrong about an education from UCONN, Southern or CCSU.
Manuel A. Santos - Meriden, CT

Home Country
Slim Randles
Only Dewey could do it. Our local disaster zone, Dewey, is one of the kindest hearted guys you ever met, but … well,
things happen when Dewey's around.
No one can forget how Dewey managed to get his dad's pickup truck stuck in the only mudhole in the county during a
three-year drought, and tongues are still wagging about him turning over the grease truck on the interstate. He's finally Family Owned
settled into being what he calls an "entre-manure," hauling truckloads of cow manure from the feedlot and dairy into Family Friendly
town and selling it for garden fertilizer. So recently we headed in to the Mule Barn truck stop for the morning coffee
and philosophy encounter only to find our resident cowboy, Steve, moaning and holding his head in his hands.
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Rousseau’s
"Dewey," he moaned. Sometimes there's a complete novel in the pronunciation of a single name.
Turns out Bob Milford out at the Diamond W put out the word locally that he could use some help with the gather and
branding. Steve and Dud both went to help, but so did Dewey. Bob didn't know what to do with Dewey, but finally put

Auto Repair
him on a gentle horse. After all, it's been two years since Dewey helped Bob with the branding and managed to vacci-
nate Dud for blackleg.
"We were doing all right and working along this ridge," says Steve, "when here comes ol' Dewey just a foggin' it and
he tells us we have to help him because he has a cow up a tree." Complete Auto Repair
Oh yeah. This is gonna be good. Family Owned... Family Friendly Since 1954
"Seems Dewey choused this old black baldy cow right off this big rock outcropping and she landed in the forks of a
tree below. He was almost hysterical. So we looked at this and Bob told Dud to go back to the truck and get the chain- Find Out Why by Stopping Down Today!
saw.
"And you should've heard Dewey begging us not to cut up the cow because it was all his fault." Steve grinned and
369 Cook Ave., Meriden
shook his head. "We just let him go on like that until we cut the tree down." 235-2561
Page 22 April 2008
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MY WALK IN THE WOODS- Part 3 of 3
By Bob Fowler
I continued on hiking alone or with other hiker friends. It wasn't the same without Texas Jack. We got along so well
together. He had become a true friend and now he was gone. Thoughts of leaving the trail myself started to enter my
mind. I pushed them aside; I was still enjoying my hike.
While hiking with Jack we would keep track of our progress. The AT ends in Baxter Park in Maine. They close the
park each year on October 15. That closing date kind of sets your schedule to finish. Jack and I were not making
exceptional time hiking north. We had to average 10.5 miles a day to get to Baxter before the closing date so we had
come up with a plan some time before he left the trail. We would continue north until we reached Harpers Ferry
Virginia. Once there we would take a break from hiking, go home for a week, than return and go to the trail's end in
Maine. Climb Katahdin to the end of the trail and start hiking south. We could than extend our hiking season if need
be. I had told my wife of this plan and she was going to drive down and pick me up.
The weather had become quite hot. We had almost a week of 90-degree weather. It was taking a toll on me and I
began to think again of giving up. I decided that when I called home on July 4 I would inform my wife of my decision
to quit. I was in a campground in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. I was just short of having completed half of the AT. I called
Donna. Her first words to me were, "Texas Jack called. He is coming back to hike. This changed everything. This good
news made me want to continue.
I called Jack. He told me that he had an uncle in New Jersey with failing health that he promised his mother he
would visit. We arranged some dates and he decided that he would drive from New Jersey to my home in Meriden and
than my wife would drive us up to Maine. I began to hike with new vigor looking forward to the return of my hiking
buddy. My wife was to meet me in Duncannon, Penn. I had a week of hiking to get there. I was looking forward to see-
ing my wife after having been away for three months. The miles just flew by. I reached Duncannon and booked a room
at the Doyle Hotel. The Doyle is right on the trail and is a famous hiker stop. It was built in 1902 by Anheuser-Bush as
a hotel and tavern to stimulate the sale of beer. It has become somewhat rundown but the rooms were cheap and so was
the beer. I spent my night there with a lot of hiker friends celebrating going home for a week to see my wife and hav-
ing Jack return.
My week home flew by spending time with my family and friends. One morning I heard a car in my driveway. It
was a red Ford Mustang convertible. It was Texas Jack. He had made the visit with his relatives in New Jersey and had
rented the car and drove to my home. We had some friends over for a party so that I could introduce Jack to them.
A friend of mine, Chuck Gardenier, wanted to hike Katahdin so he came along with us to Baxter Park. It worked
out well; my wife would not have to make the trip back alone. We drove to Millinocket Maine and got a couple of
rooms. We were told that it was important to get to the park early for the gate opening at 7:00. The next morning we
arrived at the park just after 6:00 to find a long line of cars waiting to enter. Promptly at 7:00 the gate opened and the
attendant started to issue permits for day use. When it finally got to be our turn we were asked what were we planning
to do. We told the attendant that two of us were thru-hikers and were planning to summit Katahdin. To our dismay we
were told that Katahdin Springs Campground, where the AT passed through, was full and no more cars would be per-
mitted to enter that area. I could not believe what we were being told. We had come too far to put our hike off for
another day. We needed another plan. I was lead to believe that there would be a park ranger at Katahdin Springs
Campground that would check our permit to summit. Our new plan was to get a permit to hike another area further into
the park. We would than look for the point where the AT crossed the park road. We would get out of the car and walk
into the campground as a thru-hiker hiking in would. We did as planned. We got our permit, my wife drove us into the
park, we came to the trail crossing and we got out of the car and started to follow the AT. We reached the campground.
No one stopped us. It was a beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky. The temperature was about 70.
The AT follows the Hunt Trail up Katahdin. In a little over five miles the trail climbs 4,000 feet. In a few places it is
quite steep and steel handholds have been placed into the rocks. We reached the top and touched the sign that pro-
claims the northern end of the AT the view from the top was amazing seeing nothing but wilderness in all directions.
After the taking of some pictures, a thru-hiker must, we started down reaching the campground parking lot at 5:00 to
find my wife waiting for us with cold beer. We spent another night in Millinocket. In the morning after a hardy break-
fast we drove back to the trail and said our goodbyes. My wife and Chuck headed home and Jack and I started to hike
south.
Maine was nice hiking. The trail passes many streams, lakes and ponds. It offers many opportunities to stop on a
hot day for a cooling dip. We soon began to meet hikers who had started at Springer Mountain early in the year. We
had been hiking for over a week. It was like old times again. Texas Jack and Grampie hiking the AT and enjoying it.
We were coming down a steep slope, Jack was in the lead, he had grabbed a branch for support and it gave way send-
ing Jack for quite a spill. He landed with his arm underneath him and had quite a bit of pain in his rib area. He had
cracked some ribs. We continued to hike. The next town was Monson two days away. We got to Monson and got a
room at Shaw's boarding house. It's another hiker favorite place to stop. We took a "0" day so that Jack could decide
what he was going to do. He was having a lot of pain when he had to breath hard.
Jack felt that he could hike; he had had cracked ribs before and knew there wasn't much you can do about treating
them. He decided that his best decision was to leave the trail. The folks at Shaw's could give him a ride to where he
could get a plane back to Texas. It was a sad time for both of us, me especially when Jack said "Grampie, you go along
and finish this thing for both of us." Jack rode back to the trail with me. I got out of the truck, said goodbye, with a
parting hug and with a tear in my eye I hiked away. Those parting words would dwell in my mind for the rest of my
hike.
I left hiking with some hikers I had met at Shaw's. Their pace was quite a bit slower than mine and I soon left them
behind. It was now early August. Most folks who started a thru-hike going south had already started and were far
ahead of me. Hikers who had started down south had yet to reach this point in any numbers. I would hike for long peri-
ods of time without meeting anyone. I was spending a lot of time alone, giving, me a lot of time to think about things.
To make the time go by, while walking, I would pick a subject, my wife, my kids, grandkids, work experiences, my
future and any thing else that would enter my mind. I would than try to replay my experience in my mind sort of like
watching a movie. I would do this for endless hours while walking. It would often make me think of all the things in
the "real world" that I had left behind when I decided to hike.
I had talked to my wife and we decided to meet up in Gorham, New Hampshire. It would be a good chance to visit
with her and she could bring my cold weather gear that I would need before I entered the White Mountains. I called
ahead and reserved a room at the Hikers Paradise Motel. It was a week before we would meet and the time flew by. I
had finished Maine and was now in New Hampshire. I arrived in Gorham at midday and checked into the motel. It had
been a month since I last shaved and Donna was not fond of what I looked like with a beard. I shaved, took a shower,
put on some clean cloths and went out to eat. It was only two o'clock and my wife wasn't do to arrive until around
seven or so. I walked around town a bit, talked with some other hikers staying at the motel, brought a newspaper and
retired to my room. There was a bus stop outside the motel with a bench. At about six I went out and sat on the bench
to wait. The time went by slow. I would get up and walk a ways up the street and than return. I would wait some more
and than walk in the other direction. It was hard to wait around after being on the move for so long. Cont. on Page 23

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And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
Celebrations of
Life & Home
Ashley,
you are the sunshine
of every day
and we are so proud of
YOU!
Love, Mom and Dad
What You Need To Know
Auction Items Wanted:
The First Congregational Church in
Wallingford will hold its 21st Old-
Fashioned Country Auction on
Saturday, April 12, 2008 9:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m. Your donations and partici-
pation are invited! Welcome addi-
tions to the auction are antiques and
“near antiques”- useful and or decorative; small working appliances; col-
lectibles from your childhood, WWII, Depression, and before, gently used
toys and sports equipment, tools, and other “good stuff”. Useable furniture
Items in pine, maple, lawn & porch pieces, and bric-a-brac also accepted.
No large appliances, please. Here’s a good chance to do that spring clean-
ing early, feel virtuous in new found tidiness, and help in community out-
reach. Call the church office (265-1691) for information or merchandise
pick-ups which will begin on March 29.
In the photo: 2008 Auction Co-chairman, Bruce Marquardt and youth
of the church, with a mahogany empire chest, a Currier and Ives
Print, and a pressed glass cake dish.
What You Need To Know
The Central Connecticut Civic Youth
Orchestra, (CCCYO), Veronica
Germain Music Director and
Conductor, announces that there will
be a BENEFIT CONCERT on May
4th, 2008, at the Augusta Curtis
Cultural Center, 175 East Main
Street, Meriden, from 3:00-4:30 pm.
Performing will be the Central
Connecticut State University Sinfonietta, Professor Julie Ribchinsky
Conducting. The Sinfonietta is a wonderful ensemble of CCSU's most tal-
ented music students, their professors and community musicians. This is
the second benefit the Sinfonietta has performed for the CCCYO, and the
CCCYO is most grateful. A dessert and beverage reception will follow.
Come and support the fine ensemble of 25 area young musicians of the
Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra in their fourth season!
Prospective CCCYO members should come and meet the CCCYO musi-
cians and ask questions about joining! For more information contact Mrs.
Katrina S. Axelrod, meridenartstrust@yahoo.com .
PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never
known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of
God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot- and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-
tom of my heart to secure me in my neces- tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-
sity. (Make your request). There are none sity. (Make your request). There are none
that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary, that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,
conceived without sin, pray for us who conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,
I place this prayer in your hands (3 times). I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days Say this prayer for three consecutive days
and then you must publish it and it will be and then you must publish it and it will be
granted to you. Grateful Thanks. H.R. granted to you. Grateful Thanks. C.J.
Page 23 April 2008
She didn't arrive until after eight. I was getting a little concerned. She had gotten lost and had to backtrack. I was so
glad to see her. The next day we drove to Andover Maine. I had stayed at a place called the Andover Guest House.
While there I had washed some cloths. They had clothing that you could wear while your stuff was being washed. I
had left my Swiss Army knife in the pocket of a pair of shorts that I had borrowed. After I returned to the trail I dis-
covered it missing, when I needed the can opener. As soon as I got to a phone I called and they said they had it. I told
them I would return for it in a few days. We drove to Andover to retrieve my knife and than to North Conway, New
Hampshire and spent the day doing tourist stuff. The next morning Donna drove me back to Gorham and the trail. Now
that I was getting closer to home we agreed to meet again in Hanover.
The next section of the hike would take me into the White Mountains. The weather in the Whites can turn nasty,
any time of the year. Snow has fallen every month of the year in the past. Most hikers I spoke with had traveling
through the Whites as a major concern.
The Appalachian Mountain Club maintains buildings called huts, through the mountains, where hikers can stay.
They offer a fully enclosed building with running water, bunks and meals. Thru-hikers who wish to stay at a hut and do
not want to spend the $70 fee can do what is referred to as "work for stay." The folks that run the hut will give you a
place to sleep, dinner and breakfast in exchange for doing some chores. Most huts only allow three or four hikers to do
this and they usually give the first hikers that ask to work for stay the privilege. Madison Hut was my first work for
stay experience. I arrived at the hut in early afternoon. I found the person in charged and asked him if I could work for
stay and he agreed to take me on. I was given a chore of washing pots and pans that had been used to prepare the
evening meal. I finished in less than an hour. I enjoyed my dinner, slept in a cozy bunk and had breakfast the next
morning. I left Madison to cross over Mt. Washington to that days destination, Lake Of the Clouds Hut, a distance of 7
miles. I got to the top of Mount Washington it was shrouded in clouds and the temperature was about 40 degrees. I
went into the restaurant brought some lunch and a lot of post cards that I sent to friends. They would be post marked
from the top of Mt. Washington. I headed out. Down to Lake of the Clouds Hut, arriving around 2:30. Once again I
asked to work for stay and my request was granted. For my work, myself and three other hikers were asked to defrost
two large refrigerators. We removed the contents and washed the shelving and walls inside with hot water. We took our
time and the whole job lasted for only a little over an hour. The hut was filled with paying costumers that night so none
of us got a bunk. We were given mattresses and were able to sleep on the dining room floor. The next morning was
cold and the top of the mountain was engulfed in a cloud, visibility was poor. I left the hut with three others dressed in
my cold weather clothes. The hiking was difficult on the wet rocks combined with the lack of visibility. After an hour
we descended a couple of thousand feet, we left the cloud cover into warmer weather. The rest of my hike through the
Whites was great. The weather changed to sunny days and warm temperatures. The views from Franconia Ridge were
some of the best on my whole hike.
I was starting to meet folks that I had left behind when I went to Maine. It was good to see these hikers again and
hear their stories. Quite a few of the hikers I asked about had left the trail for one reason or another. I had met a hiker
with the trail name of Dartman. Jack and I had hiked with him on and off and I hiked with him more after Jack left the
trail in Virginia. One day out of the blue he appeared on the trail before me. We were so happy to see each other that
we just sat down, right in the middle of the trail, and talked for over an hour. It was good to see him and know that he
had come this far.
Donna was going to meet me in Hanover. I would be going home to attend an engagement party that we had been
invited to. I met her at the bridge that spans the Connecticut River. Hanover, New Hampshire is about a three and a
half hour drive from home. She left right after work; picked me up, stopped for some supper and we were home before
midnight. We attended the party on Saturday. It felt very strange to be dressed up in a jacket and tie. I was able to visit
with a lot of family and friends but I could not wait to return to the AT. On Sunday Donna drove me back to the trail to
return hiking. I was now in Vermont. It always felt good to finish another state.
I probably met a couple of dozen hikers that I knew that were heading north. I was looking forward to meeting
another hiker friend. He was a young man from just outside of Boston and wore a Red Sox cap. His trail name was
Shepherd. He got that name because he hiked with a staff. I had last seen him in Duncannon, Pennsylvania and had
hiking with him for about three weeks. He and Dartman said goodbye to me at the Doyle Hotel, when my wife picked
me up. I would ask the hikers that I met if they knew where he was. Some said he was coming but one told me that he
had left the trail. Most of the shelters, motels and hostels where hikers stay have a notebook like register. In this regis-
ter hikers can leave information about the tail that they had just passed through. They could also leave messages for
other hikers, behind them, to read. I did believe that Shepherd had left the trail until I stopped at the Inn At the Long
Trail. The inn is another famous thru-hiker stop. I had stopped for lunch and was looking at a hiker register and to my
surprise Shepherd had spent the last night there. I could not believe that I didn't pass him. I had left the trail, at a cross
road, that morning and walked a half mile to a store to call home. He must have passed me then. I was sad that I
missed him but was glad that he was still hiking.
The AT travels over several ski mountains in Vermont. I camped just below the summit of Killington Peak and
hiked to the top to view an amazing sunset. I passed Pico Ski Area. Bromley ski area and Stratton. Stratton Ski Area
has a ski patrol building and a rest room on the top of the mountain that is used by thru-hikers. I got caught in a dri-
ving rainstorm as I approached the top of Stratton. I was soaked by the time I reached shelter. The ski patrol building
had electricity, heat, a cloths dryer and even an outdated black and white T.V. set. On entering I was greeted by three
other hikers who were staying the night. One was a thru-hiker going north and the other two were just out for an
overnight hike. I was able to dry my clothes and I found a nice spot to put down my sleeping bag. It was nice to have a
roof over my head when the weather was so bad outside. The T.V. didn't work very well and it was soon shut off. The
two guys that were just out for a overnight hike had many questions to ask about thru-hiking which we were more than
glad to answer for them. They both said that they wanted to thru-hike some day. The morning still brought light rain.
None of us were anxious to leave the snug building. The date was September 11, 2001. No one turned on the T.V. set.
Around nine we all headed out to continue our journeys not knowing what had transpired out in the "real world." We
hiked to the trailhead at the bottom of the mountain and I left the two guys that I had hiked down with. I carried a
small radio. I would mostly listen to it at night to get the next days weather while in my sleeping bag. Every once in a
while I would listen to it as I hiked. I had probably only done that four or five times. This day I decided to listen. I
fastened the radio to my pack strap and put the ear buds into my ears. As I walked I was trying to get some music to
listen to. I could only get talk and wasn't paying much attention to what was being said. All at once a thought raced
into my mind, I don't remember the exact words I heard but the message I got was that someone had dropped an A-
bomb on New York City. I stopped and listened, in shock, as the announcer began to go over what had happened. I was
alone in the woods. My first thought was to get to a phone and call home. I would go into Bennington. As I was hiking
down the trail to the road two couples approached me. They had no hiking gear so they were probably just out for a
walk. As they got closer I asked," Did you hear what happened in New York." One of them asked what I was talking
about. I told them about what I had heard on the radio. His reply was "What the hell you been smoking." I'm sure that
when they found out later they had different thoughts. I hitched a ride into Bennington and called home. My wife
informed me that know one we knew, as far as she knew, was involved in the tragic happening. I checked into a motel
and spent the next several hours glued to the T.V. I wondered what I should do. Continue to hike or return home. I was
now close enough to home that I could get there in a few hours. Not knowing what the future would bring I discussed
it with my wife and decided to continue.
It was after Labor Day. I would see less and less folks on the trail. As I checked trail registers I could see that there
was a group of three hikers going south in front of me. I was trying to catch up with them so that I wouldn't be alone
as often. My problem was that as soon as I closed the gap I would go home and they would pull ahead. I had finished
Vermont and was now in Massachusetts. My wife met me on the top of Mt. Greylock and I went home again. The
temptation was too great I was so close to home. I came back to the trail Sunday afternoon and hiked for a week to
return home again.
Continued on Page 24
Page 24 April 2008
"Lunch and Learn" as part of National Public Health Week
The Wallingford Health Department invites you to join us at a "Lunch and
Learn" as part of Public Health Week. Josh Friedman, Global Warming
Campaign Organizer, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, will present a
short film about global warming's impacts on Connecticut.
The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. All res-
idents are encouraged to attend, "Think Globally but Act Locally".
Tuesday, April 8th, 12:00 -1:00, Wallingford Public Library, Friends Room.
Light refreshments will be available. For more information or to RSVP,
Health Dept at 294-2065, or wlfdhealth@sbcglobal.net.
MERIDEN-ATTENTION ALL PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, & CARE
GIVERS! Meriden Public Library Children's Library will be presenting two
programs for children during the week of school vacation. On April 14 &
April 16th, don't be left out on the fun during spring vacation.
On April 14th at 6:00 pm. will be be hosting the "Joey the Magic Man".
Meriden's own Joey Jones, a 14 year old student at Platt High School will be
performing his magic to amaze us all. Pick up your "FREE" tickets in the
Children's Library. On April 16th at 11:00 to 1:00 will be be having a
Children's Carnival. Bring your children to play games & have some fun.
Sign-up required.For more information call us at (203) 630-6347.
What you need to know!
First Congregational Nursery
School was fortunate to have Life
Scout, soon to be Eagle Scout,
David Solkoske, work on his eagle
project. His project was done at
First Congregational Nursery
School and involved making our
entrance hallway and vestibule
more children friendly and invit-
ing. We are very pleased with the
work that David and his crew com-
pleted! Thanks for a job well done
and congratulations to David for
his accomplishment!!
Celebrations of Life and Home
In February, Brownie Girl Scouts of Israel Putnam Elementary School in
Meriden enjoyed and afternoon of chess. Elizabeth, a Senior Girl Scout and
senior at Maloney High School and other teens, volunteered their time to
help teach the first, second and third graders the game. The girls learned the
names of the pieces and how they move on the game board.
The days were getting shorter. The temperature was falling. Winter was on its way. I had to get serious and get my
hike finished. I still had three hundred miles to go. I would not be returning home or taking any more days off until I
finished. My plan was to do one hundred miles a week
I finally caught up with the three hikers in front of me. We would meet off and on for the remainder of my hike.
One of the trio was a young guy with the trail name of Leaps. We would spend the night together and when I would
leave camp in the morning he would still be in his sleeping bag. He would ask me where I had planed to spend the next
night and would say "I'll see you there." He always showed up. Sometimes it would be totally dark and I would already
be in my sleeping bag and in he would come. One morning while packing up my gear I could not find a pair of sandals
that I carried strapped to the back of my pack. I would wear them in camp and when I took off my boots to ford a
stream. They were old and kind of worn out and I was not concerned about losing them. I mentioned, to Leaps, that I
had lost them. He told me that he remembered seeing a pair on the trail some miles back and felt bad that he didn't pick
them up. At the time he didn't know that they belonged to me. He offered to go back and get them but I told him not to
bother for I was almost finished with my hike and wouldn't be needing them anymore. We had discussed to stop in
Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Palmerton lets hikers stay in the basement of a community building that has bunks and
showers. I arrived into town and checked in, took a shower, brought some supplies and ate supper. I walked around
town for a while, got bored so decided to go back and turn in. I expected to find Leaps there when I returned. It was
after 9 so I figured that he was not coming. I went to sleep. It was around 10:15 when I woke to a noise I heard. It was
Leaps. I asked him what had happened and how I did not expect him. To my surprise he produced my sandals. I had
hiked twenty one miles that day to reach Palmerton. He said he hiked back without his pack and the sandals were fur-
ther than he estimated. He hiked for two hours before he found them. He must have hiked about 35 miles that day. In
the morning I told him I would buy him breakfast for his deed. He had told me a story of how he ate 12 pancakes at
one sitting during his hike so at breakfast I told him to order as many as he wanted. We sat down to order. He asked the
waitress how big the pancakes were. She put up her hands to show him. He ordered twelve. The owner came to our
table and suggested that he just take six and if he was still hungry he could get more. Well, Leaps ate the six and eight
more for a total of fourteen. He had worked hard the previous day.
I was nearing my goal. I would count off the miles daily. I was able to call Donna and make the arrangements to
have her pick me up in Duncannon. I would soon be finished. I had told the hikers I was hiking with that at the end of
my hike I would buy them beer at the Doyle Hotel. One of them needed some new boots. They decided to take a "0"
day and go into a town to find a pair. I didn't think I would see them again so I wished them well and we said goodbye.
With them gone I spent my last two days on the trail without seeing a soul. My last two nights alone in a shelter gave
me more time to reflect on what I had accomplished. I felt proud that after seeing so many hikers I had met quit their
AT hike for one reason or another. I had hike 2000 miles at the age of sixty six. I felt that I was in the best shape of my
life after losing 37 pounds.
On the afternoon of October 12, 2001 I crossed the bridge over the Susquehanna River. The first blaze after crossing
was my last. I had hiking for almost seven months and now my AT hike was finished. I got a room at the Doyle Hotel.
Took a long hot shower, shaved and went out and got a haircut. My adventure was finished. I ate supper and sat in the
bar. My thoughts were of all the friends that I had made over the last six and one half months. I wanted to celebrate but
the bar was empty.
Donna was due to arrive around eleven. I ate breakfast packed up my gear and went outside to wait. I was sitting
there, just daydreaming when I herd someone call "Grampie." It was the hikers I had left behind a few days ago. They
had rented a car and drove down to see me one last time and say goodbye again. I could not buy them a beer because it
was Sunday and the bar at the Doyle didn't open until noon. We sat around and talked about once again of what lay
ahead for them.
My wife arrived. It was only 11:00. I would not be able to buy the promised beer for my hiking friends. I gave them
$20 and told them to have a "couple on me." I said my final goodbye and wished them "Happy trails", for the remain-
der of their hike.
During my hike many of my friends wanted to meet me and hike with me for a while. Most of them only wanted to
do this for the day. The problems this poses to a thru-hiker are somewhat. You have to set up a meeting and probably
loose a considerable amount of time before you satisfy their want. What I decided to do was to skip a nice section of
the AT in Connecticut and after reaching my destination in Pennsylvania invite my family and friends to join me for a
day while I officially finished hiking the AT.
After returning home I started to plan to do the final piece of the AT that I had put aside. I sent out invitations to
friends, family and members of a ski club that I belong to. We would meet near Falls Village and hike a three mile sec-
tion along the Housatonic River. At the end we would gather for a party at a parking lot along the river. The day came.
It was a beautiful early November Sunday. When I arrived, at the meeting spot, I was amazed to see so many of my
friends and family. We hiked the last miles to our designated picnic spot arriving to find more people. Everyone had
brought food. Someone had a grill cooking food. My two sisters were there. They had brought my Mom. My Three
daughters were there along with my two granddaughters. Seventy people attended. I felt very honored. We stayed and
celebrated until almost dark. For me it was the most memorable day of my whole walk in the woods. I had now hiked
every mile of the AT from Georgia to Maine.
I would e-mail and talk to Texas Jack regularly. He talked often of returning to finish hiking the AT I tried to
encourage him to do so. Jack returned to finish his hike in March of 2003. He would call me to report his progress. I
drove to the trail and hiked with him three or four times. I was there to support him and give him encouragement. That
October I drove to Monson, Maine to be there when he finished. I started to walk south, finally meeting him. Needless
to say Jack was happy to see me. He too had finished his hike on the AT.
Texas Jack and I have gotten together and hiked on the AT for a few days or a week a couple of times since than. It
always feels good to be back hiking the AT with him. We have so many memories to share.
I think of my days spent hiking the AT almost daily. My hike has become an event in my life that I will always
remember. It's hard to explain to someone who has not experienced it. It gets into your blood. You become addicted, at
least I have.
May Submission
Deadline
The deadline for submissions, news,
events and photos for our May issue is
April 23rd. Don’t forget to share some of
what you feel is important!
Don’t forget to send a Mother’s Day PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never
Tribute or Photo Wish - It’s FREE! known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of
There are several ways to submit: God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
Email: necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-
Web: www.peoplespressnews.com tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-
Fax to: 203.294.8808 sity. (Make your request). There are none
that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,
Mail: The People’s Press conceived without sin, pray for us who
have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,
P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492 I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).
Say this prayer for three consecutive days
For Advertising Deadlines call 203.464.3088! and then you must publish it and it will be
granted to you. Grateful Thanks. H.R.
 Page 25 April 2008
Chocolate (Half Moon) Cookies To Ride Across the Dusky Sky hawks and eagles,
3/4c. brown sugar 3c.flour
In moments of dreams, and reams of
thought,
Who contemplate the quarry and
plunge in dives.
CIVIL AIR PATROL
3/4c. white sugar 2tsp baking powder
3/4c. shortening 1/2tsp. salt
One might contemplate a bicycle
ride across the sky.
Flight in all its forms and variety is
lusted after,
PROGRAM APRIL 8
2 eggs 1tsp. vanilla Not unlike the popular alien and his By all that would defy the prison of AT MERIDEN
1c.sour milk w/ 1/2tsp baking soda 1c. nutmeats (optional) amazed pals, gravity, embrace air,
2 squares melted chocolate (or 4 tblsp cocoa) Seeing the gradual fading of day and In the spiritual envelopment of all LIBRARY
Drop by spoonsful on greased cookie sheet. Bake @ 350 15 or 20 min. sun, on the run, the Angels, now and to come,
Patchwork of land, crops, and edi- Beyond the effervescent, ever-eter- MERIDEN - The Meriden
Mom made these for us when we were kids. She would frost them as "Half Historical Society and the Meriden
Moons"by turning each cookie over and frosting the bottoms half white and fices lay out below, nal oases of free.
A view of common respect of wry Public Library has scheduled the pro-
half chocolate.
gram " Meriden , the Connecticut
I melt butter with vanilla and a little water then add confectioner's sugar and
beat it until smooth for the frosting. Don't make it too stiff or it won't spread Celebrations of Life and Home Civil Air Patrol and German U-Boats
easily. Just add a square or two of chocolate with the butter for the other half. in Maine " presented by Colonel
Happy Baking! Donna Frederick G. Herbert for Tuesday,
April 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Griffin
Experience the Wonders of India Room at the library.
More than 65 years ago, at a
Fly into Delhi, from there to Agra time that the U.S. military was still
and the Taj Mahal, to see this acquiring equipment and training
palace of beauty at sunrise, and
crews to fight the war, German U-
in moonlight. (the colors change
at different hours of the day and boats were sinking Bath Iron works
different seasons). Travel by train ships faster than they could be built.
to Ranthambore National Park, a A group of Meriden aviators led by
wildlife sanctuary where tigers are Major Ernest L. Markham and all
the park’s pride. members of the Connecticut Civil Air
NOVEMBER 6–19, 2008 Patrol, deployed to Maine . They
105 Hanover Street in Meriden played a significant role in the anti-
203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 German submarine warfare.
Email: ktwinc@aol.com Pond Hill School Students Raise $7935.00 for the American Heart Colonel Frederick G. Herbert, a his-
www.kingtravelways.com Association at Their 9th Annual Jump Rope For Heart Event torian for the CAP, will share his
On Friday, March 7, 2008 approximately 150 Pond Hill elementary school research on this little-heard-of group,
students topped their fundraising record by jumping rope to raise $7,935.00 its heroes and heroic missions. The
for the American Heart Association at the 9th annual Pond Hill School program is free and open to the pub-
Jump Rope for Heart held at the Johnson Athletic Center on the campus of lic but seating is limited. Please
Choate Rosemary Hall. Over the past nine years, Pond Hill students have contact the Community Services
raised a total of over $48,000 to support research and education for the Department at 630-6349, email
AHA. comsvc@hotmail.com or go to the
Pond Hill's Jump Rope For Heart is led by physical education teacher Mr. online calendar at www.meridenli-
Joe Paul with organizational help from the school's Parent-Teacher brary.org and click on "Adult events"
Organization. Over forty local businesses contributed to the evening's suc- to reserve a seat
cess through their donations of goods and raffle prizes.
Jump Rope For Heart is a national educational fund-raising program that Everything is blooming most reck-
is sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance lessly; if it were voices instead of
for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). colors, there would be an unbeliev-
This program engages elementary students in a physical activity (jump- able shrieking into the heart of the
ing rope) while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research. night. ~Rainer Maria Rilke,
Students ask friends and family for donations and receive thank-you gifts Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke
based on the dollars they raise. This educational program teaches physical
fitness and promotes the value of community service to students and their
families. It shows students that they can contribute to their community's It's spring fever. That is what the
welfare. name of it is. And when you've got
Shown in Photo: Pond Hill physical education teacher Mr. Joe Paul helps it, you want - oh, you don't quite
second graders jump over a jump stick at the school's 9th annual Jump Rope know what it is you do want, but it
just fairly makes your heart ache,
Good fences make good for Heart event, which raised $7935.00 for the American Heart Association
on March 7. you want it so! ~Mark Twain
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Page 26 April 2008
Celebrations of Life and Home
Memebers of the Central Ct Stay at Home Parents Meetup celebrated the
ninth annual National Education Association's (NEA) Read Across America
Day on March 3, 2008 with a Dr. Seuss Party. The children read Dr. Seuss'
ABC's and made thier own Dr. Seuss hats. Pictured is: Ciera, Kaleigh,
Emily, Kevin & Sofia.
For more info on the Central Ct Stay at Home Parents Meetup check us out
at: http://sahm.meetup.com/1364/about/ Come grow with us!!
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Publishers: Andrew& Dawn Reynolds
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Wallingford Park and Rec News and Events
0200.400 Hip House Middle School Dances
Remaining Dance Schedule for the 2007-2008 Hip House
Dance Series is as follows… Dance ID's must be present
to enter the dances. No student is allowed to enter the
dance after 7:45pm.
Spring Break Out - April 11th
The Last Blast - May 23rd
0175.400 party place o Ages 2-8
Let the recreation department throw your child's birthday
We provide the decorations, paper goods, party planner
and fun. $160 per party (up to 10 children ages 2 to 8) $7
each additional child. Party Location and time based on
availability.
For more information, please contact the recreation
department at 294-2120.
Party Coordinators: Jessica Lynch and Amy Pajor
Voyagers - Trips
9120.200 Little Italy Boston's Italian NorthEnd
Saturday April 12
Bus Departs Recreation Dept. 7:00am Returns: 8:00pm
Coffee Stop en route
Fee: $77
The North End, Boston's oldest neighborhood, retains its
1630's web of narrow streets lined with Italian shoppes
and markets. Italian immigrants brought their cuisine and
heritage and built the vibrant, fun neighborhood that is
today's "Little Italy". This trip includes lunch at the
famous Joe Tecce's Ristorante, serving traditional
Neopolitan Italian food for over 50 years. Menu includes:
Salad, Penne Marinara, Veal Parmigiano, Chicken
Marsala, or Baked Scrod, Italian Bread, Spumoni and
Beverage. Mangia! You will also have time for shopping
in Little Italy at the shops and markets (recommend cool-
ers or containers for the food vendors and markets).
9130.200 Cherry Blossom Festival Brooklyn's
Botanical Gardens
Sunday May 4th
Bus Departs Recreation Dept. 7:30am Returns: 6:30pm
Coffee stop en route
Fee: $55
Join us as we make our way down to the world famous
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Their annual Cherry
Blossom Festival is at the Peak blooming time at the gar-
den. Over 200 dazzling trees along the Cherry Esplanade
bloom with pink, magenta blossoms. The festival features
lots of fun and festivities, music, dance, exhibits and food
vendors. Make sure you visit the famous Japanese
Garden and many other wonderful displays.
Special Courses
Special Courses and Events
2442.200 HOOK A KID ON FISHING
The Wallingford Parks and Rec. and The Department of
Environmental Protection invite all children and adults to
"Hook a Kid on Fishing". Participants will learn strate-
gies and techniques for both salt water and fresh water
fishing. Also covered will be tackle terminology, natural
baits and how to use them, identifying fish and care of
the catch. All participants will receive an official D.E.P.
diploma upon completion of the course.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tuesdays and Thursdays May 6th, 8th, 13th
Location: Exit 1
Fee: Free/Non residents $5
Instructor: Department of Environmental Protection Staff
2020.200 CONNECTICUT BOAT & SAFETY CER-
TIFICATION COURSE
This 1-day (8 hours) course provides a diploma as partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the Connecticut
Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, which is
required to operate motorized vessels and sailboats 19 ½
and longer on CT waters. Upon successful completion of
the course the student can mail or deliver the diploma to
any State DEP office, and combined with an application
and the appropriate fee will be issued the operating
Certificate. The Certificate is a one-time, lifetime certifi-
cation.
2020.201 Session I: Saturday April 5th 8:30am- 4:30pm
2020.202 Session II: Saturday May 3rd 8:30am- 4:30pm
FEE: $55
LOCATION: exit 1
STAFF: Pro Marine Staff
Digital Camera - Site For Sore Eyes Event
This event is a scavenger hunt with a twist. Participants
will be required to provide their own DIGITAL Camera.
No film cameras will be permitted. Each group/family
will be given a list of items which will require them to
locate as many items as possible within a certain amount
of time. Each group will then take a group photo with
that item. Upon completion the group must return to the
Rec. Dept. to have their photo's judged. Prizes to be
awarded to first 3 finishers with completed list.
Date: Saturday April 26, 2008
Time: 11:00a.m. -1:00p.m.
Location: Wallingford Parks and Recreation Dept.
Fee: $10.00 per group or family
Pre-Registration: Is required - maximum of 75 groups or
families will be allowed to register. Registration Deadline
is April 23, 2008.
8500.200 PHOTO ORGANIZATION & INTRO TO
TRADITIONAL AND DIGITALSCRAPBOOKING
Do you look at your pictures stuffed into boxes, bags or
drawers and feel totally overwhelmed at the thought of
organizing it, let alone getting them into albums? Do you
have photos on your computer in digital disarray? If you
could do just one album, what pictures and memories
would be in it? Your photos are a priceless legacy. Let me
help you leave a family history, not in boxes full of mys-
tery. This class is specifically designed for people that
have always wanted to have their photos stored in safe,
simple family albums, but have struggled with the obsta-
cles of time, creative block or feeling overwhelmed. You
will be given ideas and learn some techniques to help you
get started! It is possible to sort over 2000 pictures and
memorabilia in just a few hours (yes, hours, not days)!
You will also learn how to, crop pictures, add enhance-
ments and be on your way to your first completed album!
We will also go over options for sorting the digital mess
on your computer and how you can turn those into tradi-
tional or digital scrapbook albums! Bring several packs of
pictures with you to the first class. All supplies to com-
plete a "Short Story Card" at the first class are provided
for free. This can then be added into a photo album or
framed for display on a wall. Additional supplies and
options are available from instructor.
For two weeks, Tuesday April 22nd, and April 29th 7pm-
9pm
Fee: $20
Location: Exit 7B
Staff: Heather Temple
Family Movie and Ice Cream Social at the Rec
This event will be offered to all Wallingford families. We
invite all of you to the newly resurfaced gymnasium for a
family rated movie. Feel free to bring your favorite blan-
ket, sleeping bag or chair. Ice cream to all that participate.
Date: Friday May 9, 2009
Time: 6:30p.m. 9:30p.m.
Location: Wallingford Parks and
Recreation Gymnasium
Fee: $10.00 per family
Pre-registration is required. Pre-reg-
istration deadline is Wednesday May
7th 2008.
Appropriate Uses of the
Emergency Room
The LaPlanche Clinic at the Meriden
Senior Center will be sponsoring the
following program:
Appropriate Uses of the Emergency
Room
Presented by: Fred Tilden, MD
Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Time: 10:30 * 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meriden Senior Center,
lower level
That God once loved a garden
we learn in Holy writ.
And seeing gardens in the
Spring I well can credit it.
~Winifred Mary Letts
In June as many as a dozen
species may burst their buds
on a single day. No man can
heed all of these anniversaries;
no man can ignore all of them.
~Aldo Leopold
 Page 27 April 2008

Universal Health Care

It’s the smart thing.
It’s the right thing.

It’s the right time to do it.

Become a 'Champion for Health Care'!

Together We Can Make A Difference!
Will you join with 999 others to help fix Connecticut's broken health care system?
Sign up today to become a 'Champion for Health Care' and help
achieve our 2008 goal of signing up 1000 citizens, business people Champion Sign-Up Form!
and others! Name_____________________________________
Benefits of Becoming a Champion - you will receive: Organization:_______________________________
* Action alerts' on breaking news or developments related to universal health care; Address:___________________________________
* Special invitations to key health care meetings and other events with State Phone:____________________________________
Legislators; Email:____________________________________
* Early notices on Meriden special events, presentations, and training opportunities
related to comprehensive health care reform; Invitation to Fall '08 reception The city of Meriden was the first city in
ceremony recognizing you and others who sign up as Champions; Entry into Connecticut to pass a resolution supporting
special raffles and other cool incentives for motivating others you know to become Universal Health Care. Now it is time that each of
a Health Care Champion! you takes a stand to make sure that Universal
Health Care for everyone is adopted for everyone in
Beyond becoming a Champion, let us know others ways you will Connecticut.
help the campaign for a better health care system: We need you to pledge your support by simply
___ Signing up family, friends, and co-workers as a Meriden Health care Champion. filling out this form and mailing it to Meriden
___ Writing a supportive letter to the newspaper Children First Initiative at: 105 Miller Street,
___ Attending future campaign events Meriden, CT 06450 or emailing:
___ Writing a letter and/or calling my State Legislator Marissa Cardona 815-5680 cardonm@cox.net
___ Receiving e-mail action alerts and campaign updates. Shirleen Mitchell 815-0355 shirlmitch@cox.net
Barbara Cockfield 815-5758 jaxsonian@sbcglobal.net
___ Volunteering with campaign organizers and help with passing out flyers, For more information on the campaign: www.healthcare4every1.org
assembling mailings, making phone calls, setting up for meetings) circle
preferences ***The first 50 people to sign up will be entered
___ Logging on to www.healthcare4every1.org - "Tell Your Story" to share my into a raffle and each referral will entitle you to
health care story! more chances of winning!***
Page 28 April 2008

Y O U A LWAY S S AV E M O R E
E V E N W I T H O U T C O U P O N S AT Spring Clearance Sale
MERIDEN FEED
FARM • GARDEN • PET SUPPLIES

G R E AT S AV I N G S O N S C O T T S
4 S T E P VA L U E P R O G R A M !
NOW IS THE TIME TO SAVE! Save all month long!
Our fireplace products are sold by the thousands
across the World but they are designed & created
in Wallingford & sold right at our outlet store!

What makes us different...

We INVENT and CREATE innovative products to serve
$36.99 5,000 SF you based on Elegance, Safety and Ease of Use.

$97.99 15,000 SF One of our newly created products...

You see how it looks but you can’t
see what it does.
*With this Coupon. All specials expire 4/30/08 or while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any
other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. See store for details. Stop by and be amazed!

MIRACLE GRO SCOTTS STARTER

GARDEN SOIL FERTILIZER
1CF $4.99
*With this Coupon. All specials expire 4/30/08 or
5M $13.99, 14M $32.99
*With this Coupon. All specials expire 4/30/08 or
Free Tool Set $20.00
(Select Styles -
while supplies last. Cannot be combined with

OFF
while supplies last. Cannot be combined with
any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer.
See store for details. See store for details.

A $99.00
Value!) with ANY
the purchase of PUCHASE
any Glass Door OF $100.00 OR
or Gas Log MORE!
One coupon per customer. Not Valid with any One coupon per customer. Not Valid with any
other offer. Expires 5/31/08 other offer. Expires 5/31/08
SCOTTS SEEDING MIRACLE GRO
SOIL 1.5CF POTTING MIX 2CF Factory Outlet Prices await you at our store that offers you Glass
$4.99
*With this Coupon. All specials expire 4/30/08 or
$9.99
*With this Coupon. All specials expire 4/30/08 or
Doors, Screens, Toolsets and Fireplace Accessories, Gas Logs, and
new innovative products to save you money like our Folding Panel
while supplies last. Cannot be combined with
any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer.
while supplies last. Cannot be combined with
any other offer. Limit 1 coupon per customer. to save you heat when you are not using your fireplace. No matter
See store for details.
See store for details.
what you need for your fireplace..you’ll find it! Feel free to stop by
846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden and browse.
You’ll discover elegance and affordablity!
237-4414