The People's Press Bonus Issue May 2011

The People’s Press - BONUS ISSUE 5/4/11 • Volume 11, Issue 138 - Look for the Early May issue on May 6th!

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BONUS ISSUE! Look for our Early May Issue on Friday, May 6th!

I lost my Dad 20 years ago on April 30th. My Dad, my Father, Albert Bremer.

20 years…half my life has now been spent without the mostamazing man to come into my life!

The measure of a man is often times measured by howmany lives he touched. Through the South Meriden Houserestaurant, his Church, WWII buddies, and his family, Albietouched thousands of lives with his indelible spirit, compas-sion, and kindness towards others. If you remember myFather kindly take a moment to reflect on your favoritememory or image of him today. Feel free to share below.

Miss you Dad. Gone too soon."May the road rise up to meet you;

May the wind be always at your back, the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again May God hold you in the hollow of his hand."

Love Always, Your Son Patrick Bremer

MMyy DDaadd,,MMyy FFaatthheerr,,

AAllbbeerrttBBrreemmeerr

Dad and I on Parent's Weekend 1990. The only one he would make. One of my favorite photos

Dad behind the bar at the South Meriden House about 1984.

On Osama bin LadenI know…that's a surprising headline from The People's Press

So what does his death really mean to the families of those Americans and others from allover the world including those of the Islamic faith that were killed by his orders and his orga-nization?

The attacks of Al-Qaeda were not based on race or religion but to cause fear and to gainpower.

I wonder if this will help the families of those who suffered a loss almost ten years ago onSeptember 11, 2001. I wonder if this will help the families of those who have suffered theloss of a loved one who honorably served in our armed forces. Does it relieve the pain theysuffer every day? I won't presume and have no right to presume if it does.

We all know someone who serves in the military. Many of us knew someone who wastaken away on September 11th. Sergeant Benjamin Gilman of Meriden would have turned 36on the 21st of this month. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Many Americans are celebrating in the streets over all of this but does that help? Sendinga card or a letter to a military member or his/her family is what will really make a difference.A card or a simple note is a very small gesture that will make a huge impact on an individual

or family. Let people know you won't forget those who have served or are waiting for a lovedone to come home.

If you are interested in sending a letter, it would be our honor for the People's Press to for-ward them so it reaches those you want to reach out to.

You can also help a local organization that has brought a cup of hometown to those whoserve in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. See the article on "Holy Joe's Café" on page 3.

Finally, as a decision is pending about the release of photos and videos of the body of binLaden, would it not be wise to protect our children and Americans as a whole from seeingthis? Do we want our children to be exposed to gruesome photos and videos?

The White House should create a site that at least attempts to block those underage fromseeing the photos and videos. They should also ASK those in the media to show the samecare by not having it shown on the front pages or all over the many stations, channels to dothe same. It is a naïve request I know, but it's the right thing to do. No matter what…somemedia sources will seek out the ratings or the sales by showcasing them. Shame on them inadvance for doing so.

THE PEOPLE’S PRESS Page 2 BONUS May 2011

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Page 3 BONUS May 2011

Congratulations Patrick on being the youngest ever baseball player signedwith a Major League Team. Go Get ‘Em!

CELEBRATIONS

Mayor's Corner - WallingfordDear Friends:This year Earth Day was marked on the calendar as April 22nd; however, theTown of Wallingford is celebrating throughout the month of April with a varietyof events.The Wallingford Recycling Committee held its first-ever Environmental Film

Series. Three films were shown at the Wallingford Public Library CommunityRoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Discussion will follow each film. On April4th Flow, for the Love of Water, Irene Salina's award-winning documentary wasshown; on April 13th Energy Crossroads, an award-winning documentary regard-ing problems associated with our energy consumption was aired, and on April25th The 11th Hour was featured. The film explores how we've arrived at thismoment - how we live, how we impact the earth's ecosystems, and what we cando to change our course.

The Town kicked off its new Electronic Recycling Program on April 9th.Residents may now bring used household electronics to the Recycling Center onJohn Street on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The Center is open on thosedays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have any questions regarding this program,please call Program Planning at 203-294-2061.

In addition, the Recycling Committee is sponsored a recycling art contest for Wallingford students in kindergartenthrough eighth grade. Entries were either imaginative sculptures or useful items made from recycled materials.Judging was held on April 21 with winners to be announced in the next issue..

On Saturday, April 30th Wallingford celebrated CLEAN a ROAD Day. Volunteers cleaned "needy" roads andstopped by Town Hall. for bags, gloves and/or vests. It was a great time to remove litter from our roads and grounds!

Through everyone's efforts at home, work and in our community, we can reduce negative environmental impactsand improve our Earth.Sincerely,William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor

Providing Comfort and Coffee to the TroopsHOLY JOE'S CAFÉ

Located at the First Congregational Church - Wallingford

Going for coffee these days seems asAmerican as mom, baseball and apple pie.While it might actually involve grabbing acup of whatever it is that gets us going, itsprimary purpose may be to strengthen socialties or show support for a friend in need.

Nowhere is this more evident - or moreappreciated - than among U.S. military per-sonnel taking part in the initiative known asHoly Joe's Café. Thanks to the FirstCongregational Church troops don't have togo for coffee; it's coming to them with over550 chaplains receiving coffee in locationsin Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan since begin-ning in 2006.

Holy Joe's provides soldiers a quiet placeto talk with friends, converse with chaplains or write a letter home. "Our community coffee bar has become thelifeblood of the camp," writes Chaplain Michael J. Lovett. "Your donations have had a direct impact on our operations.Your act of kindness not only meets a physical need but also strengthens our troops emotionally."

Donations of ground coffee or monetary donations can be dropped off at the church office at 23 South Main St,Wallingford, CT 06492.

For more information, please call [203] 697-1042, www.holyjoescafe.blogspot.com or [email protected].

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. ~Doug Larson

Annual May BallThe Hungarian Community Club willhold its annual May Ball on SaturdayMay 21 at 7 pm. There will be a fullcourse dinner (from chicken rouladeto beigli) and music for dancing bythe KAZ Rhythm Band. Admission is$35 for members (membership cardmust be presented!) and $40 for non-members. Call Barbara 203-269-9768, Lajos 203-530-3557, or Linda203-634-0602 or [email protected] for reservations.

If babysitting services arerequired, we must be notified inadvance and there will be a $5charge per child.

The club is located at 147 WardSt, Wallingford, CT.

Wallingford GardenClub Annual Plant Sale

If you are dreaming of lush shades ofgreen and colorful blooming plantsafter the harsh winter the WallingfordGarden Club can get your gardenstarted. On Saturday, May 7 theannual plant sale will be held at theRailroad Station Green at the inter-section of Route 5 and 150 from9:00am until 12:00pm.

On sale to the public will be plantsfrom members gardens: perennials,shrubs and annual seedlings.Information on composting will beavailable.

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

SUNDAYS IN MAY ATTHE ANDREWS HOMESTEAD

Although the city is in the process of refurbishing the Andrews Homestead,the Meriden Historical Society invites you to come to our May open house.Victoria & Co. in Rhode Island, which bought out Napier, has donated a sub-stantial amount of large, glamorous photos used for marketing their jewelry. Acollection of Napier Jewelry that reflects the company's contribution toAmerican costume jewelry will be on display. Also in the collection are cata-logs from the 60's, 70's, and 80's, as well as a large scrapbook, done in 1948,with interior and exterior photos of the factory and office, along with a pre-sentation binder from June 1953. They will be on display in the main room atthe Andrews Homestead, 424 W. Main St. (next to McDonalds in Meriden.We will be open each Sunday in May from 11am to 3pm. Admission is free,donations are always appreciated. Come visit the Homestead, share your sto-ries, and enjoy reminders of Meriden's past.

Connecticut InventsThe Wallingford Historical Society will be hosting a free program calledConnecticut Invents on Wednesday, May 18. Patrick Smith will speak andshow images illustrating Connecticut's scientific and imaginative background.The program begins at 7:30 pm at the First Baptist Church, 114 North MainSt. Refreshments provided. All are welcome.

Honor those who serve and those who have served in our Mid-May issueof The People's Press. Email [email protected]


Time is going fast!Now is the TIME to put your

own personal burst in the 2011 Wallingford Fireworks!

http://wallingfordfireworks.org/

WALLINGFORD FIREWORKSFUND FUNDRAISER

FOR THE 2011 CELEBRATIONFriday, May 6th - Wallingford FireworksConcert at Zandri's Stillwood Inn. Tickets are$10.00 per person.

Scheduled to play:Bluzberry Pi - http://www.bluzberrypi.net/

42nd Street - http://42ndstband.com/ Third Band to be announced...

To buy tickets or for more information contactJason Zandri - (203) 294-4647

[email protected] NOW AVAILABLE AT OUR WEBSITE!

Special Items for Sale! All proceeds benefit the Fund!

On April 8, 2011, the 51st Gene Casey-New Haven County Chapter of theNational Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar Athletedinner took place at the Fantasia Banquet Facility in North Haven. Thirtyhigh school scholar athletes were honored for scholarship excellence andcitizenship.

Joseph (Joey) Quilty, a senior tight end and linebacker at Platt HighSchool, was one of the scholar athletes honored at this year's banquet. Joeywas a captain of this year's football team that qualified for the state tourna-ment. He was also selected as an All-Conference Division 3 player. As withall other past/present recipients, Joey will have his name inscribed on thewall at the College Hall of Fame in South Bend, IN. Joey's brother, JustinQuilty (Class of '08), is a past recipient of this award as well. Justin is inhis third year at the University of New Haven, studying criminal justice.

In addition to the scholar athlete award, Joey was also presented with theFrancis "Midge" Moriarty Memorial Scholarship - a scholarship dedicatedto "a long time and very active foundation member." Joey attended thisyear's event with his family and Platt High School Head Football Coach,Jason Bruenn. Joey will be attending Bryant University, located inSmithfield, RI, in the fall and taking up studies in the field of ActuarialMathematics.

A special thank you goes out to Sal at Modern Formals in Meriden fortheir generous donation of Joey's tuxedo - "making our boys look the best."Also thanks go to Jason Bruenn for his guidance and leadership.

CELEBRATIONS

Join the

LocalMotionThe submission deadline for our Mid-May 2011 issue is May15th. It's always FREE to share all of your news, events, pho-tos, stories and more. Email your stories, news and events to

[email protected]. Email your photos and celebra-tions to [email protected]. If we can help in

any way please call 203-235-9333.

Our Autism Story and Our MissionIt was 2009 and my family was planning a fiftieth birthday party for me.And I thought it would be fun to have a raffle to raise money for Autism.My granddaughter Mia was diagnosed with Autism when she was two. Itwas a blow to the whole family because you feel helpless knowing thereis no cure. You want to help in any way you find with in your means. Andhaving a raffle seemed like a easy enough task. And it was and it was fun.The whole family loved doing this and it was the way we felt we couldhelp people also learn about Autism. This very complex disorder that hasentered our family and our beautiful, happy, amazing child ,Mia.

We all love Mia with all our hearts and we want everyone to know theonly thing different about a child like Mia is they see the world in a wayof their own. Without judgment, without stares. And if we can help edu-cate people about Autism children like Mia will be more understood and

easily accepted. As she and children like her do to others "accept" them for what they are and not for how they appear.Everyone needs to understand Autism comes in to every race, every sex, and every town. For this we have decided

to have a fundraiser every year to raise awareness and money for Autism. And this year we are having it as follows.The Third Annual Understanding Autism Fundraiser May 5th, Thursday, 5-9 PM Rosie's Café Camp StreetMeriden,Conn.

"Understanding Autism "is a fund-raising event to bring about awareness for the most commonly diagnosed neuro-logical disorder Autism.

This night you can help us to change the image of Autism with drinks , food, music, fun and knowledge !We will beentertained by a Live DJ with one hour of Karaoke !Provided by the one and only Pattys Energized Karaoke

There is a large raffle with great prizes!All tips and raffle donations will be donated to "Autism Speaks".Help us to change the world by bringing about a better understanding of this complicated disorder.Try to find it in your hectic day to day life to come and meet some wonderful people and enjoy a night out for a

cause at hand that needs all the attention it can receive. Please join and you will wonder how you missed out on allthis before! Thank you, Donna Theriault

City-Wide Student Art ShowThe Sandman Gallery at the Y's new Art Center is proud to be an exhibiting location for this year's City-Wide StudentArt Show. Along with Curtis Cultural Center (CCC) and Gallery 53, we will be hosting some of Meriden's finest youngartists. Follow the maturing process of the student as each location reveals a hint of what the next will reveal. Watch apattern unfold as budding youngsters start to find their artistic voice through the guidance of Meriden's dedicated artsteachers.

In hosting our local High School talent (Platt, Maloney and Wilcox) we get to show the final stage as many youngadults hone their skills in anticipation of deciding what careers to pursue. Will they be in the arts or another career? Noone knows at this stage, especially the students themselves. The only thing we can definitively say is that these art stu-dents will go into the future with a more open mind, out of the box thinkers.

If you go to only one event a year, you should make it a point to go to this one. Any future show you attend willmean so much more! By your encouragement and support the arts survive and future artists are nurtured.

Located at 14 W. Main St. the newly acquired facility stands as an ever expanding commitment by the Y to providequality programming that challenges the mind and not just the body.

The show will run from May 3rd to the 20th with a reception held at each location on May 5th from 4 to 7 p.m.Refreshments will be served.

Please come and take in the art and the atmosphere of the City Wide Student Art show and take a moment to browseour new facility.

For any questions, please contact Steve Robichaud at 203 686-0000.

Meriden Hills Baptist Church Celebrates Mortgage BurningOn Easter Sunday, a mortgage burning ceremony will beheld in conjunction with Meriden Hills Baptist Church's34th Anniversary of its Charter Member Service whichtook place on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1977. "By God'sgrace, we have been able to pay off our mortgage loan of$179,000 that we took out when we refinanced ourCharles Street facility in 2004", said Dr. Atkinson, whorecently celebrated 11 years of pastoring MHBC. "Wepaid off a 20 year mortgage in 7 years. Not only that, butwe started MidState Christian Academy in this buildingwith 32 students in 2007 and today we have 83 students."

Pastor Jack Turner founded MHBC in 1976 where thefirst service took place at the Meriden YWCA, nowknown as the Women and Families Center, on ColonyStreet, with 12 people in attendance. The following year, the church grew in attendance to 45 members and was offi-cially incorporated and formed its charter membership on Easter Sunday 1977.

Currently, the church has a membership of 120 with an average of 90 people attending the 9:45 a.m. children andadult Sunday schools; about 135 people attending the 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning worship service; and about 60 peopleattending the Sunday evening family service. About 75 people attend the Wednesday evening bible study and prayermeeting and about 20 youths from K3 to 6th grades are involved in the Master Club's program, also on Wednesdayevenings.

In 1992 the church purchased a building on Parker Avenue and sold that building when the East Main Street Stop &Shop began acquiring adjacent properties to where they are now located. The Charles Street site was purchased inMarch 1997. The building was gutted and refitted into a sanctuary with nursery and Sunday School classrooms in therear of the building.

"Now that we are debt free, and since we are using every available inch of space for MidState Christian Academy,we need to expand.", says Dr. Atkinson, adding, "We have plans submitted to the City for an addition which wouldenable us to enroll more students from the waiting list we already have. We are not going to take out another mort-gage, we are going to trust our Lord to lead us to acquire the necessary funds."

In addition, MHBC supports 20 missionaries in 19 countries. "One of our local outreach programs is the AngelFood Ministry which provides families with about $60 worth of quality, nutritious food for about $30", says Dr.Atkinson. Family Film Night is another outreach to the community during the summer months, providing free, out-door Christian films behind the church on Friday nights, weather permitting.

"We are an independent, growing church, founded on Biblical principles, and we are grateful that as a congregation,we can burn our mortgage and celebrate our 34th anniversary at the same time. God has richly blessed us." says Dr.Atkinson.

For more information about Meriden Hills Baptist Church and its programs, or MidState Christian Academy, pleasecall 203-237-0302 or go to our website, www.meridenhillsbaptist.org.

Have you seen something inspiring or positive that needs more coverage, or do you have a friend or neighborwho's done something amazing? Call us or email us. We are a little different then other papers - we MAKEGOOD NEWS happen! Isn't that the way it should be? The deadline for our Mid-May issue is the 15th. Call203-235-9333 or email [email protected]


SAVE THE DATESkin Cancer Prevention Educational Sessions

May 5th and May 17thProgram will consist of one hour educational session toincrease the awareness of the harmful effects of the sun'sultraviolet rays and to influence sun safety practices. Thissession will be immediately followed by screening usingthe American Academy of Dermatology Melanoma/SkinCancer Screening Program Guidelines. Treatment at thetime of screening is prohibited. Participants will berequired to sign an AAD form to acknowledge that thescreening is a rapid skin screening and not a complete skincare examination.

Registration required and limited to Wallingford residents18 years or older; preference will be given to those withyoung and/or adolescent children in the home. Additionalinformation will be provided at time of registration.

Contact Chris MorePublic Health Educator

Wallingford Health Dept 203-294-2065

Shared by Andy ReynoldsFor more than 30 years, Ann Nyberg has worked as a television newsanchor and reporter. She is an anchor at WTNH and is a trusted and wellrespected journalist.

She and her husband have three daughters and a Lab namedSavannah. They feel very strongly about making a positive impact in thecommunity.

In 1993, Nyberg founded the Toy Closet Program at Yale-New HavenHospital. Thousands of toys and other items are given to children of allages upon admittance to the hospital to help ease their trauma.

A lover of the arts, Nyberg is a founding Board of Trustees memberof the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Theater in OldSaybrook, Connecticut.

Anne Nyberg's Network Connecticut Anne says, "Wonderful inspiring ideas rarely happen in a vacuum. It isthrough the exchange of ideas and conversations that new things cometo life.

This is the case with "Network Connecticut." As this site goes livetoday, it's going to be a place where all in the Constitution State andbeyond can come and see what people are doing to grow small businesswhat they're doing to reinvent their lives, what they're doing for fun.You will also see the positive ways in which non-profits are enrichingthe daily lives of so many.

Until now these stories have been shared with you on my blog,AnnieMame.com Annie Mame will be back in the future in a new way,but going forward bookmark this page, the Network, NetworkConnecticut. You know kind of like Bond, James Bond. (Some of yougot that).

My message is keep it here, buy local, connect and network. I thinkwe can accomplish a lot of things that other state's will follow if wereally, really work at this."

Nyberg's website about all things brilliant and wonderful in the stateof Connecticut as she shared above and is POSITVELY WONDERFULand People's Press Approved! You can check it out at http://www.net-workconnecticut.com/. You can subscribe on the site so you don't missthe good news she shares.

Not only can you find Ann at her website but you can like AnnNyberg's Network Connecticut on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/NetworkConnecticut. She is also on Twitterat @AnnNyberg. Her email is [email protected].

More About Ann "I happen to believe the glass is half full, that there is magic in every-thing if you're open to it. I believe in doing good for others, in enlight-ening people's lives and in showing them the way.

In Connecticut there are wonderful people and places I will introduceyou to. This is a state rich in personality and in talent. I will share it allhere with you. Think of me as kind of a one-woman living breathing CTChamber of Commerce.

On the air as a TV News anchor, I have covered the Nutmeg state for25 years and it's a wonderful place to call home.

Life IS a party, and you will find it here in many ways.Favorite movies: "Auntie Mame" starring Waterbury's own, Rosalind

Russell and "Desk Set" starring Hartford's own Katharine Hepburn.Talent, talent everywhere and you're going to find it here in so many

ways, oh and expect a lot of humor too."

I am very humbled and honored to share this information about Ann.She is truly a wonderful and caring person that also was one of the fewjournalists that actually cared during a family trauma when I had thechance to first meet her. She was uniquely special as a journalist thenand still is. Check out Ann Nyberg's Network Connecticut - it is worththe click at www.networkconnecticut.com.

Trusted Journalist Ann Nyberg Promotes Sharing The Positive with Network Connecticut!

Need Help With Food?Angel Food Ministries

is Here for you!Angel Food Ministries is nowaccepting on-line food ordersthrough May 12th. To view thismonth's menu, in English or Spanish,and to place your order, go towww.angelfoodministries.com orwww.meridenhillsbaptist.org web-sites. Pick up is May 21st atMeriden Hills Baptist Church, 139Charles Street, from 8-10:00 a.m.

Each month's menu is differentand consists of fresh, frozen andpackaged food. Angel Food pur-chases the products from the nation'stop food suppliers. They do not useout-of-date food or inferior products.There is no purchase limit for boxesof Angel Food. There are no applica-tions or qualifications necessary topurchase. Food Stamps are accept-ed. Food Stamp orders must beplaced at the host site (139 CharlesSt.) no later than May 9th.

This month's Signature Box,including New York strip steaks,split chick breasts, pork chopsamong other meats, vegetables, milk,eggs and cookies provides balancednutrition and variety with enoughfood to help feed a family of four forabout a week. The Signature Box is$35.00

Call 203-237-0302 for moreinformation.

The submission deadline forour Early May 2011 issue isMay 4th!

The deadline for our Mid-May 2011 issue is May 15th.

It's always FREE to share allof your news, events, photos,stories and more.

Email your stories, news andevents to [email protected].

Don't forget yourMother's Day

Greetings! Email your photos and mes-

sage to [email protected].

If we can help in any wayplease call 203-235-9333.


Happy Spring 2011 Evan & Garrett! You 2 rule and look great too!

Happy Spring!

Comedy Night!Good Dog? Bad Dog?

Pit Bulls Are Much Maligned, but Do They Deserve The Bad Rap?By Susan Israel

Ten-month-old Rusty wagged his tail and mooched dog treats from Meriden Humane Society staff members and wasaround for quite sometime- six months- to curry favor with them before finally being adopted. The average wait forhim- and other dogs like him- to be adopted is on the average four months longer than the cuddly cocker spaniels andfeisty Jack Russell's and mixed-breeds that toddle out thedoor with their new owners. Rusty's biggest sin was beingborn a pit bull terrier. Pit bull terriers have scary street cred; a city woman was bitten late last year by a pit bull whenshe bent to rescue her small dog, which was injured severely and had to be euthanized. When potential adopters hear'pit bull', many balk.

"People want little fluffy dogs and are scared of their rep," says Marlena DiBianco, director of the Meriden HumaneSociety.

A lot of the pit bulls that wound up in Meriden Humane Society and in Animal Control were found wandering thestreets. "They're throw-away dogs," says DiBianco. "People want them, then they neglect them and leave them." Somedog owners can't afford to spay their dogs, so breed them and sell the puppies. One was selling the puppies from threedifferent litters at the same time for $600 apiece."

Irresponsible breeding kills the breed and most of the puppies end up at Meriden Humane Society or at other rescueswhen their owners tire of them. One dog was found with cigarette burns all over him. Some can't afford them during theeconomic downturn and don't make emergency provisions so dogs are found abandoned in apartments after owners areevicted. DiBianco recommends people seek help for their pets before they have to leave them behind or let them runloose in the street. Owners don't factor in the dog's requirements. A pit bull left in a cramped city apartment while hisowner works and then parties will bounce off the walls.

"Pit bulls are working dogs and need a lot of exercise and a job to do. If you let a working dog get bored, he'll eat thecouch," says DiBianco. "Some people are just not aware of how to control their dogs or don't care about their dogs. Ifthey treat their dogs that way, how do they treat their kids?"

If it's a matter of struggling to supply the dogs with food, the Humane Society can help. Once a month on Mondayand Tuesday, dog owners who are struggling financially can qualify for a month supply of dog food.

"We put them on a list and verify their IDs," says DiBianco, stressing that this is for those who really need it. Seniorsespecially benefit; some will feed their dogs before they feed themselves. Many are embarrassed, says DiBianco,

adding "those we find out about through neighborhood associations and word of mouth and wehelp them."

"Most people don't get pit bulls for the right reasons," says Mandy Makein of South Meridenwho has been a dog trainer for over 13 years and has owned pit bulls. "If not properly trained,they get frustrated and trash the house and drag their owners while walking.

Most people don't realize the necessity of training until they have their hands full." Somehave come to Makein in tears, afraid they would have to give up their dogs because they could-n't handle them, and after the dogs were trained- sometimes in classes as well as one-on-one-they became manageable. Makein also trains dogs at the Meriden Humane Society. Makein'spit bull, Jack, earned the Canine Good Citizenship Award from the American Kennel Club andearned therapy dog certification from Therapy Dogs International and served in that capacity forthe last eight years of his life. In addition, Jack was the 'Hanover Hound', performing at HanoverElementary School, and visited homes for the handicapped with Makein. "To properly train adog, start at a young age and socialize him." Makein recommends diverting strong-willed prey-driven dogs with inanimate objects. "Playing fetch or tug is play and the more you make workseem like play to a dog, the more he'll want to keep doing it."

The Humane Society requires an application, in-home check and references and adviseswhich dog will fit best with the applicant's family and lifestyle, something that doesn't happenwith a curbside sale. All dogs have the potential to bite and all dogs have the potential tobecome loyal pets. "Every one of the pit bulls here- and all but two who are in AnimalControl- I would leave with a baby without a problem," says DiBianco. "They're that good."

MADRIDSpring, 1970Our first meal in Madrid took place long after we should have dropped dead of starvation.

Citisens of Madrid stop at a bar on their way home after work, wisely have a drink and a snackto hold them until dinner.

Dinner is at 9:00 or so, after a nap. We were fortunate that our hotel opened for dinner at8:00 or 8:30. We were the only patrons there at that early hour, obviously wilting. I think theytook pity on us and opened before they regularly would.

If you thought a dining room in Madrid might be a cozy, dimly lit bistro, you couldn't bemore wrong. Every inch of ceiling was covered with lights and every one of them on. Raywondered: "When do they operate?"

We ordered a salad. The waiters brought the ingredients on a portable table and mixed thedressing according to our directions. We didn't know how to make salad dressing either so wedidn't get off to a very good start.

We ordered cold cuts and got cold slices of cold meat--some kind of roast beef. Not veryappetizing but I was hungry so ate what I could.

Ray ordered a fish and a fish is what he got--head and all! The fish lay there, staring at him,challenging him to figure out how to eat it. Ray bravely stuck his fork into its mid-section andapplied his knife to its head. The fish looked at Ray and then spoke to him! "Urgh!" it said.The fish had been cooked in olive oil and urgh was the only thing it knew how to say. Limitedvocabulary, but it spoke loud and clear.

We ordered eggs after that. Ray reasoned that they couldn't do much to an egg to ruin it, soalthough he figured wrong, the eggs were undoubtedly a better choice than whatever else wason their menus.One Woman's Journal by Audrey C. Linke


Message: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Your Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Signature: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _The best way to send a celebration is by email! However, if you prefer you can send to:The People’s Press, P.O.Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492. If you would like the photo returned to you, please enclose a self addressedstamped envelope! We do not publish the last names of of our friends who are under the age of 15 for safety rea-sons.

TThhee ddeeaaddll iinnee ffoorr oouurr MMiidd--MMaayy iissssuuee iiss MMaayy 1155tthh!!

CCCC EEEE LLLL EEEE BBBBRRRRAAAATTTT IIII OOOONNNN SSSS !!!!No matter if it’s a birthday, holiday, anniversary, wedding ,

birth announcement or just to make someone feel special ;

it’s always FREE to share your Celebrations in The People’s Press!

Read it in print and on the web at www.peoplespressnews.com

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Send a little sunshine to someone!

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On our SchoolsBy Mark D. Benigni, Ed.D.Superintendent - Meriden Public SchoolsDear Friends,As we see softballs and baseballs in the air, we know spring has finallyarrived. While we are now in the final quarter of our school year, it is impor-tant that our students continue to work hard and finish the school year strong.

On April 14th, Donna Mik and Lysette Torres were honored by the Womenand Families Center with 2011 Women in Leadership Awards. Donna washonored with the "Education Award" for her exceptional leadership of PlattHigh School. Lysette, Assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle School, washonored with a "Role Model Award" for all she has done to nurture and guideyoung men and women. The staff, students and families of the MeridenPublic Schools are all very proud of Donna and Lysette. Congratulations onyour well-deserved honors.Also on Thursday, April 14th, a Volunteer Recognition Dinner was held at thePlatt High School cafeteria. This was a chance for our school system to say"Thank You" to the hundreds of volunteers who help our schools and chil-dren. These volunteers provide thousands of hours of their time and save ourschool system a substantial amount of money. A special thank you to all thevolunteers and the following businesses that supported the event: ThurstonFoods of Wallingford, Barkers Specialty of Cheshire, M&R Frosted Foods ofWest Haven, Wades' Dairy of Bridgeport, and Mansfield Paper of WestSpringfield, MA

I would also like to congratulate Gary Maratea, Washington Middle Schoolteacher, and Platt High School on receiving competitive grants to helpimprove student learning. Mr. Maratea received $2,195 from 3M for a"Beyond Questions" clicker response system that can be incorporated with aSMART Board. Platt High School received $1,989 from the Liberty BankFoundation to purchase high-interest paperbacks to supplement the indepen-dent reading component of the READ 180 program. Thanks to 3M andLiberty Bank for their generous donations and for helping us provide the sup-port and enrichment that our students need to be most successful.

With the winter weather behind us, our last day of school is currentlyscheduled for June 20th. Thank you for all your support and enjoy the springweather! All the Best,Mark D. Benigni, Ed.D.Superintendent - Meriden Public Schools

Heart Safe CommunityThe Wallingford Health Dept. is in the process of reapplying for the Connecticut DPH Heart Safe CommunityDesignation. This effort is based on the progress this community has made establishing and promoting the potential forsaving lives of sudden cardiac arrest. The increased opportunities for CPR training, and public access to automatedexternal defibrillators (Aids) have tripled the lives saved since our original designation as a Heart Safe Community in2008.

The Wallingford Health Dept. is anxious to recertify in 2011, but we need your help. If your company has offeredCPR/AED training, and or have installed an AED, please contact the Wallingford Health Dept. at (203) 294-2065 or bye-mail at [email protected]. If you are already a partner PLEASE let us know that we have your continuedsupport, and if you have increased your CPR/AED training. If you are new to the partnership, we need you on board!!We will forward you a brief questionnaire so that you and you're company are fully recognized as being a partner inthis truly life saving effort. Please join us as we strive to make Wallingford a safer place to live.

Roberta Ash HonoredOn April 7 2011 Roberta Ash received theGreater New Haven Red Cross HeroesAward for Community Impact for her workwith the Brian David Ash Memorial FirePrevention Fundraiser. Meriden FireChief, James Trainor, nominated her forthe award. Chief Trainer indicated that hewas always inspired by the effort Robertahad taken to promote fire safety, after los-ing her son Brian in a fire. The event washeld at the Omni Hotel in New Haven.Roberta was one of ten recipients to berecognized by The Greater New HavenRed Cross. This September 9, 10 and 11will be the 25th anniversary of thefundraiser. The fundraiser started atWalbaums as a simple hot dog sale, with ahot dog and soda selling for fifty cents.Over the years, the event has grown signif-icantly, and moved to The Stop and Shop

Supermarket on East Main St. We now sell a hot dog, soda and chips for $2.00, we have added raffles, and have tables,which have many give a ways, donated to the fund. Brian died in a house fire on October 14, 1983 in home that didnot have smoke detectors, and Roberta and her husband felt the need to do something to keep others from a similartragedy.

CHORALE CONNECTICUT PRESENTS "VOICES IN PRAISE" Chorale Connecticut will present its spring concert "Voices in Praise" at 7:30 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2011. This per-formance is a significant and ambitious undertaking for Chorale Connecticut. We are proud to announce that the venuewill be Crowell Concert Hall at Wesleyan University in Middletown. The program will be a collaboration among sever-al faiths - in particular those of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. It will celebrate the universal voice of spiritual praise.The intent of this artistic collaboration is to build understanding by sharing the ways each faith expresses its spiritualpraise through the arts, specifically through music (voice & instruments), art, dance and poetry. Performing groupswill include art and dance students from the area's middle and high school population, community ethnicmusicians/performers as well as the vocalists from Chorale Connecticut. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Cantor,Dorothy Goldberg, and Aida Mansoor for their guidance and support. Please plan to join us on Saturday, May 14th. Adessert reception will follow the concert. Tickets may be purchased from Chorale members or by calling the WesleyanBox Office (860)685-3355. You may also order on line at [email protected], www.choralect.com, [email protected] or call


Roxie: I Wish They All Could Be California Dogs.Shared by Geoff Fox -our favorite Weather Guy who is now on Fox CT!

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Gina's Frugal Living in AmericaWatch a personal interview with Gina on Monday, May 9th, at 10 PM on Fox News.

By Gina JulianoHow to Save for College or Get Amazon.com Gift Cards/Cash When You DoYour Regularly Weekly ShoppingI have a philosophy about shopping and most everything else that goes some-thing like this:"If I am going to do something anyway, I might as well get something extraout of it."

Let's face it. I go to the grocery store and drug stores at least once everyweek. Sometimes, I go multiple times if there's good sale. Wouldn't it benice if I could save for college or get cash/gift cards just for doing my nor-mal, everyday shopping? Guess what? There is!

There are two ways you can accrue money while doing your everydayshopping. First is a program called Upromise.com. With UPromise, you reg-ister your store courtesy cards (I registered every one I have) and then selectthe coupons you want. I always select all the coupons because I just don'tknow if I will use them. It doesn't hurt and takes very little time. (After youclick on the coupons, make sure you hit "activate my coupons" on the rightside of the page.) The coupons automatically get downloaded onto all your

store cards and are activated when you shop. When you shop, you earn money for college. For example, say you buyBounty paper towels. If there is a .50 coupon for Bounty towels at Upromise, download the coupon and then buy papertowels. Fifty cents goes into an account for college. You can still use regular coupons as well, so it's not like you'remissing out on getting good deals. I don't have any kids in college right now, but I signed myself up. I don't have anyreal plans to go back to school, but I'm thinking my niece or nephews might be able to use this money in a few years.If you don't want to give the money to someone for college, you also have the option of transferring the money over toa savings account or requesting a check.

The second way you can save is through a new website called SavingStar.com. Like UPromise, you can register allyour grocery and drug store courtesy cards and download coupons onto them. The only difference is you can opt topurchase Amazon gift cards with your money in addition of having the money saved to your bank account. This is afabulous way to pay for some of your holiday shopping. Just buy groceries and request Amazon gift cards fromSavingsStar.

Because neither UPromise nor SavingsStar prohibits you from using paper coupons at check out, this is a win-winsituation for you and me. Not only are we limiting the money we pay for food and toiletries with paper coupons, we'resaving money for college or earning gift cards. How cool is that?

Gina Juliano is the creator of Gina's Kokopelli, a blog dedicated to all things coupon, free and cheap. You can getmore frugal tips, freebies, coupons, and great deals by visiting her blog at http://ginaskokopelli.com. Gina also teachescouponing classes and would love to be invited to your organization or business to teach a class. For more informationor to inquire about a couponing class, please email her at [email protected]. She's also happy to answer anycouponing question you may have!

The Best Easter Bunny Gift Ever.We spent Easter Sunday 1977, after church services, at my Mother-in-law's place. She lived only a full block away

from the church and we live just 1/2 mile from her place. My mother would have my sisters over for dinner and laterthat day at her place and she knew we wouldn't be coming to her house. After a HUGE dinner prepared by my mother-in-law we would go to my sister Mary's place for dessert. My wife was very much in a "family way" at that time andwas due any day. Nonetheless that did not stop us from celebrating the holiday in the fullest. We left my mother-in-laws house and went a few blocks east to my sister's place.

We were having a nice visit and some "coffee and" with my sister and her family when suddenly my wife felt arather strong "spasm", those of you who are mothers know what I mean! We decided that we best leave for home, "justin case"! Well those contractions started getting closer, we called the Obstetrician and he said when they get X minutesapart, head for the hospital. That we did and eventually drove over to the hospital which is maybe 3 or 4 miles fromhome, my only concern was that the route we would take meant that I had to cross a busy railroad track but I had a"Plan B" in the event we encountered a train. Well we got to the hospital with no problem, but just as quickly as thecontractions started, they subsided for a while so we had a looooong wait in the labor room. But Fate was not to bedenied and just after 8:00 AM, Stefanie Marie was formally introduced to her Mommy and Daddy and her Aunt Mary,at whose house we had been just a few hours before, my sister was an L.P.N. in the OB ward and she was able to be inon the delivery. April 11,1977 was a warm sunny spring day, the temperature was 85 degrees that day. Kathryn and Ihad just received the BEST Easter Gift ever.

May 10 Meeting Wallingford Garden ClubOn Tuesday, May 10 the Wallingford Garden Club will host Mary Inman, who will speak about "Pruning WoodyOrnamentals". Inman received a B.S. degree in Plant Science with a concentration in Horticulture, from RutgersUniversity. She has worked at the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station since 1986 and has assisted in thePlant Disease Information Office since 1990.

The meeting is open to the public for a donation of $5.00. It is held at the First Congregational Church at 23South Main Street. New members are always welcome, the business meeting is at 11:45 am and the speaker will talkat 1:00 pm. For information call 203-2656-4329.


ACROSS1. March 20, 201112. Ma's partner14. Someone who barter's or swapsgoods or services15. Two weeks with pay17. All the vowels except "Y"18. Reinforced again with additionalfabric to strengthen or add warmth19. Agency that issues driver'slicenses, vehicle registrations, etc.20. Pull apart or rip 22. "….. for which it stands one________ under God…."24. Its nickname is The KeystoneState (abbr.)25. Large groups of grazing animals.26. Male descendant27. Greaser.29. Fully mechanical consciencelessdevice31. Undesirable mark32. Part of a sink or bathtub34. Four points on a compass.36. Inquire 37. "his clothes were all tarnishedwith ashes and _____"38. Author of "Beloved", she won the1988 Pulitzer Prize (initials).40. Frenchman's pal41. Food consumer43. Paradise45. Spanish cellist and conductor"________ Casals".47. Spanish word for "this".49. To disfigure or scar50. A course or way for travel(abbr.)51. Fix with a pointed object52. To bend or crouch fearfully 54. What ever this female wants, shegets.55. Seven times four, plus twelve,divided by four, equals ______56. Contended for59. Sailor's affirmative response60. Barbie's male counterpart63. This state's capital is Bismarck(abbr.)64. To be in unanimity or agreement 65. Popular architectural style of1925-1940, "Art _____"66. A town in the Diksmuide sectionof Belgium.67. Actor, James ______ Jones, wasthe voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars68. Popular deli sandwich: "Ham ________"

DOWN1. Phrase indicating positive recom-mendation or product or service (3-words)2. Is victorious; overcomes

3. Surprise attack4. Response during wedding ceremo-ny5. Spay6. Actor who played Superman inthe 1950's TV series (initials).7. Civil rights activist murdered in1963 in Jackson Mississippi.8. Four qts. equal one ___9. "something added to make a thingbetter or more desirable" (4-words)10. Wendy Darling's dog in the story"Peter Pan"11. Brand of felt hat with a broadbrim and high crown, often seen inTexas12. Jefferson City is the capital ofthis state (abbr.)13. Of unknown name (abbr.)16. A mentally defective person withan exceptional skill or talent.18. Actor, Gary Burghoff's character,in the TV series, MASH21. A hosp. dept. (abbr.)23. "___ again, off again !!"25. Chop; hack28. Large body of water inMiddlefield bordering on Meriden29. This states capital is ___ (abbr.)30. Brand of sugar substitute32. Partner of a buck33. "Right back ___ you."35. An unexpected event requiring

immediate action37. Pebble or small rock39. "___ , myself and I".42. First name of gangster who wasnicknamed "Scarface".44. (See 40 across)46. "One ___ a time."48. A small sour dark purple fruit ofthe Allegheny plum bush53. Terminate57. "The ____ Man Cometh"58. A fawn's mother59. Fruit drink61. Prefix used with friendly to indi-cate environmentally acceptable62. Negative prefix65. CBS late night show host (ini-tials)

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

LocalMotionLocal Publishing!

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It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, youwant - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairlymakes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Mayor's Corner - MeridenMeriden's Little Leagues and Girl Softball Leagues are underway as thespring ritual of opening days kicked off the 2011 seasons. A big thankyou to the managers, coaches, boards of directors and parents who makeorganized baseball and softball possible for Meriden's children. All theball fields are in good shape thanks to the parent volunteers and Parksand Recreation staff who have spent endless hours grooming them. TheDunn Girls Softball Complex has a new irrigation system that will ensureexcellent field conditions especially during dry weather. So let's play balland have some fun!

Fishing season is now open so take advantage of all the fishing oppor-tunities in Meriden's ponds, lakes, and streams. There have been severalstockings of fish in local waters - the fish are there ready for you.

Now that the warm weather has arrived and we're having more sun-light and daylight, many outdoor community events are scheduled. TheAnnual Daffodil Festival On Saturday April 30th and May 1st atHubbard Park promises to have something for the entire family - excitingentertainment, great food, amusement rides, the Saturday parade, and lotsof fun. Don't miss this spectacular event!

The Mayor's Annual Spring Cleanup Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 7 from 10 AM to 12 noon. It will kick offat City Hall where gloves and bags will be distributed and assignments given. A free lunch for all participants will fol-low at the Hub at noon.

The Annual Meriden/Wallingford Relay for Life will take place on Friday May 13th and Saturday, May 14th atLyman Hall High School in Wallingford. Please join in the fight against cancer and show your support.

A giant Kiwanis Club tag sale will be held at the Downtown Meriden Hub on Saturday, June 4th for 8 AM to 3 PM.Stop by and find some great bargains!

The 2nn Annual Italian Night will be held on Wednesday, June 15th (rain date June 16th) at the Hubbard Park bandshell area. Italian food, Italian music (East Chicago Joe, Gianpaolo DaGrazia), strolling accordion player Sam Falcetti,and Cour D'Italia (Heart of Italy) Dancers will be featured. Don't miss this event! All proceeds to benefit the MeridenBoys and Girls Club and the Unison Club.

Project Graduation, the annual alcohol-drug free all night party for Meriden's graduating seniors will take place onJune 20th at Wilcox Technical School. The purpose of this party is to ensure a safe and fun evening for graduatingseniors for Maloney, Platt, and Wilcox Tech high schools. This promises to be the best graduation party ever!Volunteers and donations are welcome and appreciated.

Meriden's 22nd Black Expo Cultural Festival will take place on Saturday, June 25th from 12 noon to 8 PM at CityPark. This event will kick off with a parade at 11 AM from the Hub to City Park and feature Gospel and Jazz entertain-ment, children's amusement rides, craft and art vendors, soul food and plenty of fun for the entire family.

Mark your calendars for the return of the fabulous Cole Brothers Circus on June 27, 28, 29 at the Downtown Hub.Six shows will wow children and families.

Enjoy the many outdoor activities and events offered in Meriden!Warm regards,Michael S. Rohde - Mayor of Meriden

Guilt, so many trips so little time?By Caillin MurphyGuilt, so many trips so little time? Why do we feel guilty for some acts or thoughts and not for others? Why do somepeople easily feel guilt while others appear not to know it exists? What is it that can cause 2 people in the same act toexperience it so differently?! What causes you the most guilt? the least? When you feel guilty, how do you cope withit? Do you beat yourself up? Try to sweep it under the rug? Justify? Rationalize? Point fingers at others to diminishyour own guilt? Do selfish desires overshadow others' needs and feelings?

What causes us to feel guilty? Is it nature or nurture? Something you are born bearing the ability for? This wouldexplain the differences in individuals that seem apparent...or is it something you learn...mama just bought you a ticketfor the guilt express? Memories of a Catholic school girl...a force of 'habit'? A combination of both? Are the differ-ences as wide as they seem? Or do we just express it differently?

Are we wasting our time and energy feeling guilty? Is there nothing we can do about it? Thus causing ourselvesundue stress? Do you just move on? not looking back or around to see the damage? Is it collateral damage...just thecourse of events? Surely there are some actions that we can not change...outcomes beyond our control? Events thattruly had no intent? Is sorry enough? Is there restitution to be made?

Can guilt be a motivator? Do we use the guilt of our actions to improve ourselves? Thus guilt could be a proponentof change and growth? a source of progress? When we neglect our duties, loved ones, selves...does guilt serve toinsight change? Are the relationships we have actually serviced by guilt? Do we pay more attention hold on a littletighter or look forward with a more positive outlook?

Unfortunately to some questions there are only more questions...but in there somewhere there are a fewanswers...some ideas...some peace?

The deadline for our Mid-May 2011 issue is May 15th. It's always FREE to share all of your news, events, pho-tos, stories and more. Join the LocalMotion by emailing [email protected] with your submissions.


MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER

Our annual Senior Expo and Health Fair will be Wednesday, May 11 from 9:30 AM to 12:00noon on the lower level of the Senior Center. The event features information displays from agen-cies serving Meriden seniors, a free box lunch for the first 300 people, handouts and giveaways,health screenings and much more! The speaker at 11:45 upstairs in Willene's Place will be CindyRusso, Senior Vice President of Operations at MidState Medical Center, who will provide anupdate on all the improvements made at the hospital. The 2011 Senior Expo is sponsored byMeriden Center and Skyview Center, divisions of Genesis HealthCare, and I encourage you toattend to learn about all that is offered for seniors in our community!

Starting Monday, May 16 Senior Center staff will begin taking applications for the Rent ReliefProgram sponsored by the State of Connecticut. The program provides eligible renters withmoney back on their rent and utilities based on their income and expenses. To be eligible youmust have been 65 or over as of December 31, 2010 or be enrolled in Social Security Disability.Proof of 2010 income must be presented, including a copy of your 2010 income tax return, iffiled, Social Security 1099, and all other income. Income limits are $32,300 for a single personand $39,500 for a married couple. Proof of rent and utilities must also be presented.Applications are taken Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00PM on a first come, first served basis.A "Salute to Veterans" musical program with vocalist Karen Wagner and her husband Robert

Iovanna will be held in Willene's Place on Thursday, May 26 at 10:30 AM in honor of theupcoming Memorial Day holiday. Karen and Rob have performed here before and I know youwill enjoy hearing them again. Members of the Antique Veterans and their wives are invited toattend and also join us for lunch that day compliments of the Senior Center!

There is still time to sign-up for the first annual "Seniors First Day" at Maloney High School onTuesday, May 3 from 12:30-2:30. Enjoy a performance by the Allegrettos, a country line dancedemonstration, computer greeting card class, blood pressure screening, refreshments and more,all to unite the generations and bring seniors and high school students together! The Mini-Buswill depart at 12:15 and take you home after the program, people are also welcome to drive onyour own, please sign-up for the bus with Becky in the Mini-Bus Office or call her at203.237.3338.

On Wednesday, May 25 at 10:30 the Alzheimer's Association will present a "Maintain YourBrain" program. The interactive program focuses on ways to keep your brain and memoryhealthy. You will learn some memory tips and remembering strategies. The program will be heldin the first floor meeting room and refreshments will be served.

You're invited to a Garden Card Party at the Bradley Home on Thursday, May 19 from 2:00 to4:30 pm. Enjoy cards and refreshments, sign-up today in the Mini-Bus Office for transportation.

The next Mini-Bus trip to the DMV to get a Non-Drivers License Photo ID will be Friday,June 3 at 10:00 am, sign-up with Transportation Coordinator Becky Racine or call her at203.237.3338.John F. Hogarth - Senior Center Director

Looking for an Opportunity to Showcase YOUR MUSIC????Mid-Week Summer Music Series – Downtown Meriden

Middlesex Community College Meriden Center is helping to organize musical and performingentertainment Wednesdays June 15 – August 31, 12-2PM in the courtyard next to MxCC MeridenCenter. (Held rain or shine)REQUEST - We are looking for groups or individuals to showcase their talents during shortintermission sessions in between scheduled performers. Interested students should make an

appointment to audition or send demo material to Steve Robichaud of theSandman Gallery Meriden 203-686-0000, [email protected] Free opportunity to perform. Good Exposure!

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

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CELEBRATIONS

Mothers Day Flower SaleFirst Baptist Church460 Broad St, MeridenAll proceeds will help to send our youth on an upcoming mission trip!Beautiful variety of flowering plants and hanging baskets!Friday, May 6th from 10-5Saturday, May 7th from 7-5Sunday, May 8th from 8-1

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

Still a Silver Lining in the Silver CityBy Joshua P. DavenportAlthough Meriden may not be the oldest, richest, or most famous city in Connecticut, its charm and natural beautymake up for the areas in which it lacks. Those unfamiliar with the city's delightful qualities just do not know whatthey are missing.

Meriden resident William Passarelli, 21, is a lifeguard at the local YMCA and has lived in Meriden all his life.When asked why he enjoys living there, Passarelli was quick to respond. "I love Meriden because of Hubbard Park,the old cemeteries, and the [historical] architecture downtown," he said.

Twenty-one year old Melissa Neville, also born and bred in Meriden, had no trouble conveying her fondness for thecity either. "I love to go hiking in Giuffrida Park, because it has beautiful views," she said, "and I love that Meridenhas its own chocolate factory."

Indeed, even though Meriden encompasses only 24.1 sq. miles, the city has a lot to offer its more than 59,000 resi-dents. In all, Meriden has 26 public parks which combined equal 17.6% of its total land area, more than any othercity in New England.

Of course, like any city, Meriden does have its drawbacks. Neville, a salesperson at a toy store in the Meriden mall,said that [despite the variety of activities the city offers] "Meriden can seem a bit small sometimes, which makes mewant to get out and travel." William Passarelli, however, voiced concerns of a different nature saying he dislikes "get-ting caught downtown after dark due to the unsavory crowds that hang out at night."

Still, taking everything into account, Passarelli declared that he would eventually like to settle down in Meriden. "Imight not work in Meriden," Passarelli stated, "but I couldn't stand to be alone and away from my friends and family."After college, Melissa Neville said she "would like to travel to Nova Scotia and Europe," but made it clear thatMeriden would always be her home.

In addition to the plentiful amount of public park space, the city is home to Hunter's Golf Course, which is one ofthe best courses in New England as well as the aforementioned Thompson Candy shop. Furthermore, one cannottalk about Meriden without mentioning the annual Daffodil Festival, which draws people from all over New England.Over 600,000 daffodils are in bloom during the month of April. Visitors come to view the daffodils, enjoy the con-certs, eat at the food tent, buy crafts, and have fun on the carnival rides.

Known as "The Silver City of the World," Meriden did not gain its nickname until the manufacturing boom of the1800s, when the city manufactured cutlery and various other products.

Settled by colonists in the mid-1600s, Meriden was originally a part of the town of Wallingford but became an inde-pendent town in 1806. It was not until 1867, however, that Meriden was officially established as a city.

http://www.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=3188&q=3924342 http://www.cityofmeriden.org/CMS/default.asp?CMS_PageID=4253 http://www.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=3188&q=3924343 http://www.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=3188&q=3924344 http://www.cityofmeriden.org/CMS/default.asp?CMS_PageID=1515 http://www.ct.gov/sots/cwp/view.asp?a=3188&q=392434

The deadline for our Mid-May 2011 issue is May 15th. It's always FREE to share all of your news,events, photos, stories and more. Join the LocalMotion by emailing [email protected] your submissions.

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How do I share my CELEBRATIONS of photos/messages?Email [email protected]. Make sure your photo is large byemail - we will reduce the size for the paper. By sending it as large as possible the quality will be much higher. If you don’t have email, look for the CELEBRATIONSphoto form in this issue. Don’t crop your photo - we will do it for you. REMEMBER nomatter what the reason all CELEBRATIONS photo wishes are FREE.

How do I get the paper?It’s EVERYWHERE. If you want us to tell you a location close to your home - call 203-235-9333. It’s also always on-line at www.peoplespressnews.com. You can read it justlike the print issue in image form AND also download it as a pdf to save on your com-puter or print out the articles that interest you. As a matter of fact - you can read everypaper we’ve published from 2000 till today! There has never been any charge to readthe paper on-line or pick up the print edition!

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On Sunday March 20, 2011, Members of the South Meriden Vol. FireDepartment held a bucket fund raiser drive for the Japan Earth Quake vic-tims. The Volunteers set up on the corner of Main Street and Hanover Roadfrom 10am to 3pm. During that 5 hour period they were able to collect over$3,390.00.

Chief Keith Gordon stated that he had researched where the money wouldbe sent to so it would go to an agency that would take the least % or no %in administration fees for the donated funds. The research turned up that theNational Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) based out of Maryland had set upa relief fund. All funds collected will be sent to Japan FirefightersAssociation to assist them with rescue and clean up efforts.

The Japan Firefighter Association had assisted U.S. Firefighters in timeof need through donations to 9/11 relief efforts as well as contributions tothe NVFC in assisting Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund, which providesfinancial assistance to volunteer firefighters in the wake of a State orFederal-declared disasters.

The South Meriden VFD has a history of helping others not only in theircommunity but they have reached out across State lines and have assistedon raising funds after 9/11, also for the victims after hurricane Katrina in2005 and also to assist firefighters in Iowa after their fire station and someof their homes were destroyed in 2008.

The officers and members of the SMVFD want thank all who have helpedus when we reach out to help others. Without the support and caring fromour neighbors, friends and visitors passing through our response area itwould be hard to carry on our mission of helping others in need.

God bless and stay safe - Keith Gordon

LocalMotion

The Lion's Den Vol. 1.3By Ralph Riello Spring is in the air and the Meriden Lions Club is bellowing a welcome roar. I am in my fourthyear of Lionism, and am always excited by the emergence of spring, along with crocuses and daf-fodils. This is also the season where the good works of the Meriden Lions emerge from winter andinto the sun-dappled days of April.

Today, I am going to report on a wonderful Palm Sunday Brunch, but first here are someupcoming events you should know about.

Rumbling in the Jungle…Coming Soon from The Meriden Lions!May 13th Relay For Life…This year we move back to Wallingford. Celebrate with Past PresidentTom (4 years cancer-free!) and the Meriden Lions as we serve up some good grub into the weehours. I will not sleep in my truck this year…

May 21st Day The Lions Roar…This rescheduled event has a new date and time, and a new for-mat! This year, we are LIVE at Nest Egg Auctions www.nesteggauctions.com on ResearchParkway in Meriden. Doors open at 6pm. You can now come with friends, enjoy refreshments andentertainment while you bid on some great items like a Florida Vacation Package, A Lions DinnerPackage (we come to your home and treat you and your friends like kings with everything pre-pared fresh, from soup to nuts! And of course, lots of wine!) a starter Kayak Package from CTOutdoors, A Guitar and Amp package from Joe's Music, and much more. WE STILL NEEDITEMS! Donate your item, or gift card as soon as possible by contacting me by e-mail (above) orat 860.681.9639, or Steve Richards at 203.235-5698. We will arrange for pickup, or you can bringthe item directly to Nest Egg Auctions Thursdays between 10am and 5pm. Thanks in advance foryour generosity and we hope to see you there!

May 22nd Duck Race and Fishing Derby…Start the morning at Baldwin Pond with yourfavorite fisherman 12 years or younger as they fish for great prizes and fish stories! Then headover to City Park for one of the most popular Lion events, The Duck Race. Get your tickets nowby e-mailing me or contact any Lion that you know. One thousand dollars cash to the winner, withmany other great prizes. And you can follow your duck downstream and cheer it on to the finishline. While there, enjoy the new addition of a Car Show this year to go along with a beautiful dayoutside with friends. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available CHEAP!Preparing and Sharing a Meal…A Labor of Love

For me, and many other Lions judging by the attendance, the Palm Sunday Brunch is as much aharbinger of spring as daffodils at Hubbard Park. Sunday April 17th was another roaring success(pun intended) judging by what I estimate to have been over a thousand people who came together,family, friends, children, coworkers, to share a meal and catch up after the long cold winter. I'velearned that most Lions are like me in that, we get a bunch of tickets to sell, and rather than hit the

streets and sell them, we write a check for the tickets we have, and give them away to our family,friends, and neighbors. I remember as a kid, and even now as a husband, being fascinated at mymom and my wife whenever I watch them prepare a meal, in awe at the amount of work, care, andpride, and especially, love, that goes into preparing, cooking and serving food to their family. UntilI became a Lion, I never truly understood what our moms and our wives get out of that labor.Spending an exhausting six hours on my feet in the kitchen at Platt High School ferrying trays offood from kitchen to warmer to serving station is a labor of love for me. The satisfaction that I getfrom seeing my family, neighbors, and friends laughing and enjoying the love and laughter thatonly a shared meal could bring is a direct result of the labor and generosity of all Lions, inMeriden, and around the world, as we do good works in each of our communities.

All year long, Lions appreciate and cherish the generous hearts of those in our communities whogive to Lions projects throughout the year. For many of us, especially in our community, the PalmSunday Brunch is an opportunity for the Lions to give back to you, as a thank you for all you do tohelp us make Meriden and the surrounding communities a better place to live and give. From ourend, the brunch is the event where more Lions come out to lend a hand than any other event weorganize. For some Lions, Palm Sunday is the one event they can commit to, and we appreciateseeing them. So for those of you who never get a peek into the kitchen, here is a roll call of themany Lions who work hard so that you can all share a meal, joy, love, and happiness with others. Iapologize if I left anybody out…The "Godfathers" (com-mittee chairs)…Billy,Buck, and Vinny. -Taking tickets and makingmemories…Dave, Ted,Conrad, Vince - JavaStation…Steady Eddieand mystery Lion (I forgothis name) - FlowerPower…Al, all the wayfrom NH! - Duck Racesalesmen…Paul andZiggy* (*also "The GasMan") - The OmeletKing…Jack, with a littlehelp from Joe. - Servicewith a smile…George "Mr. C.", Ray, George Jr., Benny, John - "The Ferry Men"…Paul, Jack,

Ralph, Tommy, JimmyIn The Kitchen…The Swamp…Donnie, "Lord of the Swamp", Dave, & newbies, Ryan, Joe,Gary - Crackin' Eggs…Bill, Steve, Brian, Joe - Makin' Bacon (andsausages)…Steve and Dickie - The Hash n' Eggs Brigade…Bob, Howie,Tony, Bruce, Jim - The Carb Department…Tom, Norm, Dave L, Dave M.,Art F. - In the way…Art C., Ken - Working but not sure where…Mike,Ronnie, Keith, Jimmy B., Frank - Set up crew…Nelson, Mark - HonoredPast Pres…David Parke -There in spirit…Mario, Charlie, Willie, Ron

Thanks also to the many wives and children of Lions who helped make thisday a success, and special thanks to the Wilcox students, Boy Scouts, and thestaff of Platt High School for their help and efforts! We couldn't have done itwithout you! Hope to see you at a Lions event soon.Thanks for listening.


Marianna’s Belltop Bakery212 West Main Street in Meriden 203-238-0159

You can get baked items from a conveyer belt,or you can come to Marianna’s and

have your tastebuds MELT!

No Matter What The Day....We’ll Make It Special In Every Way!

Let's Talk"…..About Your HealthChris More, RN - Public Health Educator, Wallingford Health Department Let's talk about . . . . . . going beyond the "Bottle" for pain relief. (I mean the pill bottle of course)! There are manyways to attack all kinds of pain with many different drugs, from the little aspirin to the powerful narcotic. But let's zeroin on one specific "pain" (no not your mother-in-law) one disease that 95% of the population (young and old) experienceis arthritis specifically osteoarthritis.

The past few years have not been easy for people with chronic osteoarthritis pain, because certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that seem to work so well on arthritis pain had serious risks associated with them and were taken offthe market. (Other NSAIDS, prescription, and over the counter) are still available, but again carry some risks of heartdisease and GI bleeding. The "big guns", like morphine are often reluctantly given by doctors due to the risk of depen-dence and other serious side effects.

Millions of people suffer with chronic pain and more than half of them have an arthritic condition. Isn't there someway to deal with this particular pain besides drugs? The answer is "yes", but what could possibly help? Let's see (a ham-mock, and a tropical drink, on the beach in Jamaica!) That could work, but how about a reality check, starting withTopical medication. There are gels, creams and patches. Some pain physicians are choosing to use these in conjunctionwith less "pill taking", so the side effects are less. Topical medication side effects are localized (meaning you may havean allergy to the drugs in the creams, get a slight rash or an irritation, but they usually don't "mess" with your head orstomach). Topical medications in general are less risky. Another choice for relieving osteoarthritis pain especially kneepain are flat, flexible shoes or sneakers (so get out those $1.99 flip flops). A study done with these types of shoesshowed that the flexibility and flatness of these shoes put less stress on knee and hip joints, but as with all new thoughtsand ideas come the risks, and the risks of flip flops stand out like a sore thumb. Number one risk, FALLS, also inflam-mation of the bottom of the foot (plantar fasciitis.) If you choose to buy these shoes, please go with sneakers first or aflat, flexible closed shoe with arch support. (I am way too clumsy for flip-flops).

My personal choice (prior to knee replacement) was the steroid injection. This treatment reduces the inflammation inthe joint and very quickly relieves the pain. This injection (ouch!) can make you feel better for days or months. Again,the risks stand out, you can only do this 2-3 times a year and it does weaken ligaments and tendons, also there is a slightchance of infection as with any injection. Make sure you discuss this option in detail with an Orthopedic Surgeon. Letme mention several other ways to try and reduce osteoarthritis pain, which does not involve medication.Exercise/Physical Therapy both can improve strength, posture function and range of motion. ALWAYS check with yourphysician first as to what is best for you and your particular degree of arthritis. Don't ever over-do (you can't relievepain if you are causing yourself pain). Heat/Cold (heating pad, warm compresses, heat patches, warm baths OR coldpacks, ice packs, "frozen vegetables"). Check with your physician or therapist as to which is better for you. Heat cansometimes cause more swelling to an acute injury, and overdoing either heat or cold can cause severe burns. NEVERapply heat or cold directly to your bare skin.

Meditation (guess what - no risks) can work for any kind of pain and regular practice reduces the brains' response topain. Assume the crossed leg Yoga position and chill out. (I would have to pass on the crossed legs, but chilling outsounds great) You don't really have to get into a Yoga stance to meditate!!

I have touched on several ways to help you cope with chronic pain focusing on osteoarthritis. Talk with your caregiv-er about your daily battle with pain. Keep a log; let him/her know when you feel the worse, morning, night time? Areyour activities limited, how much? (If you can't shop that's bad?) Over the counter or prescription medication you aretaking for relief, have a pain number. 1= (little) 10= (emergency). Remember your caregiver is not a mind reader he/shecannot help you if you are vague or disorganized with your complaints. Last but not least, please don't listen to the hor-ror stories and remedies of friends and most importantly DON'T take Uncle Al's medication. Everyone's body is differ-ent and everyone's pain level is unique to them.

Well that's all for this month, I do hope you have found some new ways to relieve pain. Stay flexible and keep mov-ing! Until next month . . . . .

Stephanie WINS World’s Most Beautiful Woman in the latest issue of PeMagazine. Editor, Mike Wickstrand says, “We made a horrible omissionand forgot to mention that Not only is she beautiful, but she deserves somemajor humanitarian award after taking care of her special guy while he hadbeen out in and out of the hospital for the past 2 weeks with broken ribs anda collapsed lung.

CELEBRATIONS


Saturday, May 21st from Noon-3:00pmDonation of only $10 includes Ziti, meatballs, salad,bread & drink The event will be held at the MeridenMotorcycle Club - Stantack Road, Meriden, CTTickets available at the door

Jim was a 1991 Wilcox graduate from theCarpentry program. He died in a dirt bike accident in2000.

Help us honor his memory by helping studentspursue education for the future of us all.

Please contact Diane Polito-Chenkus at 203-631-0478 to purchase tickets.

Donations made payable to Diane Chenkus can besent to: 22 Carriage Drive, Meriden, CT 06450

Jim Chenkus Memorial Scholarship tobenefit Wilcox Tech Class of 2011

Celebrate by expressing yourself and showing the world the inner YOU!

Fantasy Faces by Ruth brings fun and excitement to any specialoccasion, both private and public. Full face art is a great way to addto the celebration of birthdays, bar-mitvahs and bat-mitvahs, holi-days, fairs, festivals, store promotions, fund raisers, school eventsand more.

Have fun and make a statement. Express your inner princess, show the animal lurking within you!Ruth Gordon can "change" any face into a tiger, butterfly, superhero or monster within minutes. Show your true Fantasy Face - if only for a day!

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"FM" - A MysteryBy Sara E. Booker"Turn the radio off!" Connor demanded.

"Since when do you not want music on?" asked his girlfriend Amanda. "I thought you were the biggest music fan onthe planet."

"I am the biggest music fan on the planet. But I'm sick of all the chit chat." It was Halloween at Amanda's house. Orange and black streamers twisted and dipped across the ceiling. The kitchen

counter was lined with steaming entrees and themed side dishes. Connor had fallen at a Halloween party the night before while doing the limbo and his ankle was wrapped in a tight

bandage. It didn't look broken, so the party hostess did the best job she could of keeping his leg from wobbling. Hewas hobbling from the kitchen to the living room on crutches to Amanda's couch.

"Somebody on the radio knows about my MyZone web page. They are playing all the songs that I shared with myfriends and talking about my interests. It all started last night."

"That's called coincidence my dear." Amanda was spooning her Blackened Chicken dish into an orange bowl. "This is no coincidence. Don't you think I'm smart enough to know the difference? People know about me now

somehow. I never gave any strangers permission to look at my page. I thought I had it set to private. But apparently itgot out there. Now I feel like I'm famous. Locally anyway. Or infamous. It's hard to tell. But all I know is that I don'tlike it."

"Are you sure you didn't bump your head when you fell?" Amanda was in another room at the party last night pilingher plate with appetizers when Connor took the tumble.

"No, I just sprained my ankle. Don't patronize me.""Well, you have to imagine yourself in my shoes. This sounds ridiculous, like some kind of conspiracy theory…" "Ouch! Ice my ankle!" Connor interrupted, jerking his leg. "And then do the heating pad thing!" Amanda went to

grab an ice pack. "And I need a plate of food, STAT! I want that Burnt Chicken or whatever you call it. Just makesure you put enough onions and green peppers in it. And sauce. A lot of flavor to cover up what's burnt."

"It's not Burnt Chicken. It's Blackened Chicken. There is a difference. What are you trying to imply about my cook-ing skills?"

"Nothing. Just give it here. And don't go easy on the salt and pepper. Oh and get me some orange juice. And apiece of that Italian bread. Don't skimp on the butter. Real butter, not margarine. And then can you dim the lights inhere? The lights are really annoying. Halloween's supposed to be spooky anyway."

"Who do you think you are?" Amanda snapped, throwing a pot holder down on the counter. "Just because you have abandage on your ankle and need to be waited on doesn't give you the right to act like a spoiled celebrity. Next you'll betelling me to pick the green M&M's out of the bag and hand feed them to you."

"Maybe somebody will come and interview me today," Connor said looking out the window."I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Oh really? I find that hard to believe." Connor slowly hobbled down the steps of Amanda's raised ranch with hiscrutches, sighing all the while, and then slammed the front door. He was having a cigarette on Amanda's front stepswhen he started to wonder if he was going mad. Could all the stuff the DJs were saying on the radio be just a coinci-dence? Or had he officially gone off the deep end? Was he delusional?

After the cigarette he returned. "The least you could do is tell me the truth. I know you listen to the same station thatI do and you were always on my MyZone page. I don't understand how you could hear what I hear and not make a con-nection. I'm not saying all this stuff because I need attention. As a matter of fact, I don't want fame or infamy, especial-ly if I can't tell if it's real or in my head."

Amanda shook her head. "I am telling the truth. You're scaring me. I've never seen you act like this before. Until Iam provided with some evidence of this radio phenomenon that you speak of I am going to have to keep telling myselfthat you must have hit your head but you don't remember."

"On the drive over here they were playing a ton of songs that I put on my MyZone page. ""Big deal. You deleted your MyZone page. Are you saying some radio station made a list of all your favorite songs

that you put on your web page? Where do you think you first heard those songs? Why, on the radio, of course. I makerealistic connections. You connect dots that aren't there."

Connor shook his head in frustration and wolfed down a Reese Peanut Buttercup that he had grabbed out of a plasticorange grinning pumpkin that sat on the coffee table. "That's it. I'm leaving. I can't sit in a house where the occupantthinks I'm crazy. Take me home."

"I'm not leaving you alone tonight," said Amanda. "If you want to go back to your place I will hang out with you.I'll just turn the lights off here and we'll pass out the candy at your house."

On the drive home more songs from his webpage were playing. He pointed them out to Amanda."Those songs always were on that station and always will be on that station.""But five in a row?" "Not strange at all," said Amanda. "Especially considering the fact that you played about five hundred on your page.""And this one goes out to Connor," said the DJ as they pulled into his driveway."Did you just hear what she said?" Connor shrieked."Yes. Big deal. You aren't the only Connor in the world.""My name is not that common. And this is a song I played on my page.""Who cares about your stupid defunct web page? It's your head I'm worried about!" Amanda screamed. She pounded

her fists on the dashboard."So you really think all these things I've heard are the products of paranoia? Well then fine. I'm officially paranoid

and delusional. And I'm officially done with technology. I feel like my headspace has been pirated. I'm never going ona social website again. I'm unsubscribing from the internet and cable as soon as I get in the door. To save whatever san-ity I have left. And no more radio. I'm going to live like a Transcendentalist like it's the 1800s for now on. I'll go livein a forest or near a pond or something like Whitman or Thoreau or one of those guys did. I don't need technology. Idon't need society. And I don't need you." He got his crutches out of the car, slowly stood up and slammed the car door.Too slowly for it to be the dramatic departure he wanted. Heather drove away.

Connor turned the lights off that night. He didn't want to hobble down the stairs to give out candy.A day later the internet and cable were disconnected. Connor's world was quiet. He began to notice things that he

hadn't noticed in years, like the way the sun lit up the bark on the oak tree outside. The way shadows on the carpet gotbigger and smaller depending on which way he moved. But mostly he noticed how lonely he was without Amanda.

He couldn't call her. He broke up with her. It would wound his ego to go cowering back. After all, Amanda impliedthat she thought something was wrong with his mind.

In the past when he would break up with a girl he would turn on the radio for comfort. Depending on where he wasin his grieving process happy or sad songs could comfort him. But he didn't want to turn on the radio because it was allthat chit chat about him that caused this whole problem in the first place. He didn't want to remove the radio from hiscar because he had no idea how to do that. So he fought turning on the tunes like a dieter fights to abstain from extracalories.

About two days later Connor was curious. He went out to smoke a cigarette in his car which sat in his driveway. "This one goes out to Connor." It was another song that he had put on his social networking page. The next song

was also dedicated to Connor. And then the next song. And then the one after that. Connor tried to remain calm. He could not believe that this was happening. He looked around the street and up in

the sky, not sure what he was looking for. He felt like he was being watched, or stalked or spied on. He felt violated.He pulled another cigarette out of his pack and then another. He was chain smoking even though he was trying to

quit. "All Connor all the time", the radio jingle sang. "This next song is going out to Connor," the DJ said after the commercial. "What a big surprise! Like that doesn't

happen all day long here at WKRQ!"This was beyond surreal. Connor grabbed his cell phone. Who should he call? The police? No. What would he

say? That a radio station is stalking his brain? They'd put him away. Should he call Amanda? No. She alreadythought he was nutty enough. She probably won't even want to talk to him. He scared and hurt her too much.

But he had to talk to Amanda. She was all he had in the world. He called her. It rang and rang. He forgot aboutcaller ID. He should have blocked his number. He placed a second call with his number blocked. No answer. He

Continued on Page 15


"Surprisingly I feel bad for her too," said Amanda. "But that doesn't meanthat justice shouldn't be served. Let's keep this in perspective. She was mak-ing you think you were losing it."

"I guess you could say that I became obsessed with you Connor," the DJcontinued. "But then you just pulled the plug on your MyZone page. Whatdid you expect me to do but want to get back in touch with you?"

"A simple phone call would have been much more practical," said Amanda."And now I might be fined. Or go to jail. Or both. I was wrong to com-

mit radio piracy. But you were wrong to let me think I was your friend when Iwasn't."

"She's right you know. For now on, I will only have friends that I know.He put his hand on Amanda's forearm. She smiled at him.

That evening the mystery DJ's show faded out. The real WKRQ came backin.

"Alright we're taking requests here," said the real DJ. "What can I play foryou tonight?"

"Can you please play I Need You for Amanda from Connor?"

Helping Hands Thrift Store Closing Sales22 No. Turnpike Road, Wallingford 203 284-0300Don't miss the super sales that will be taking place during the May! Completestore inventory plus more can be purchased at one price also! We will beclearing out our merchandise and storage units. Everything is set for someoneto just unlock the door, turn on the register and open sign and start their ownbusiness (building not included but can be leased).

We would like to thank all that has donated or shopped with us to helpVictims of Domestic Violence as well as other organizations and families inthe community over the last 3 years, it has been wonderful making so manynew friends and being able to help so many in need but due to health reasonsand lack of funds we are having to close in the next few months. If someone isSERIOUSLY interested in purchasing everything which includes displaycases, racks, store merchandise, store truck, storage units and more as a pack-age deal please ask for contact information at the store. The People’s Press would like to thank Helping Hands for making a dif-ference for Victims of Domestic Violence and regrets the loss of theirpresence. Best wishes to all on a service well done.

Continued from Page 14placed four more calls both with and without his number blocked. He got nothing but her voice on her voicemail. Henever realized how nice her voice sounded until now.

When the next song ended the DJ said that she was taking requests and gave the station's number. Connor thoughtabout confronting the DJ and asking who she was and how she knew all his favorite songs and how she knew hisname. How did she get a hold of his MyZone page? He had no friends that were DJs.

The station phone rang. At the last second he decided not to be confrontational. That's all he needed…to exacerbatethis real or surreal problem.

"What can I play for you tonight?" asked the DJ."Play the song Amanda.""Who is this?" the DJ asked."This is Anonymous.""Okay, Anonymous. Maybe we will play that song maybe we won't. Depends on what we have in our inventory.

Tell us….what's the radio station that plays all your favorite songs?""WKRQ," Connor said, listlessly. He hoped that they would play the song and that Amanda would be listening.

Maybe then she'd answer her phone.Connor stayed in his car for another two hours. But the song was never played. Freezing, he decided to go in the

house.He couldn't sleep. It was too early to sleep anyway. It was only five o'clock in the afternoon. He kept dialing

Amanda. No answer. He decided to request the song on Amanda's other favorite radio station. This time he gave his name. The song

played within ten minutes. Within fifteen minutes his phone rang."That was sweet," she said when he picked up."Amanda!" Connor yelled into the phone. "I'm so sorry about everything. Please turn on WKRQ.""What?" "Wait until the song ends. It's almost at the end. You'll see what I'm talking about. They will dedicate the next song

to me. They've been doing it all day.""What are you talking about?" Amanda asked. "The song just started.""Huh? It's at the last chorus," said Connor."They're playing Spirit of the Radio by Rush," said Amanda. "It just started.""No. They're playing FM by Steely Dan. You must have the wrong station." Connor bit his lip and felt his heart

palpitate more forcefully. "No , you must have the wrong station," said Amanda."WKRQ," his radio said. "All Connor all the time.""Did you just hear them say my name?""The song is still playing. You're not making sense.""Help me," Connor whispered into the phone in a low

voice. "I don't know what to do. I can't tell anybody elseabout this. They won't understand. Something is seriouslywrong. If you ever loved me then help me through this. Iwas wrong to break up with you."

"I'll be right over," said Amanda. "In the meantime justcalm down. Turn the radio off."

"Okay." Connor fumbled to get his keys out of the igni-tion. He then hobbled on his crutches to the front stepsand stared at the oak tree. He saw Amanda's car afterabout twenty minutes.

"I just realized something," she said as she got out ofher car. She grabbed Connor's keys out of his jacket pock-et.

"What?""That you're not the one who's acting nutty." She

unlocked his car and turned his ignition. "This one goes out to Connor," Connor's radio said. "What is going on?" asked Connor. "I am freaking

out." "Let me see your cell phone," said Amanda. "The song

changed right in the middle when I got closer to yourhouse."

Later that day Connor and Amanda spotted a couple ofvans with antennas driving by.

"I get the feeling that my radio show is coming to aclose," said the DJ. "I see the vans with antennas actinglike they don't sense me. I'm sure they can hear me rightnow. Pretty good for an amateur, eh? No static baby.None at all. In case you are listening Connor and wonder-ing who I am, I'm one of your MyZone friends. I nevercommented on your page because you never commentedon mine. You probably didn't even notice I was there. Irequested that we be friends on the website and youaccepted me, even though I was just a friend of a friend. Imet you in passing at a party once years ago. But I got toknow you very, very well by checking out your MyZonepage. And well, I like you. Or maybe like isn't the appro-priate word."

"I'm sorry I thought that you were the one who had lostit," said Amanda, nodding at the radio. "She must haveturned the signal down so that her broadcast did not stretchthat far from your house."

"I don't know who this person is," said Connor."I bet you still don't know who this is," said the DJ, as

if she really could read his mind. "Maybe if you had evervisited my profile you would have learned that I was aham radio operator. But you never cared to visit my pro-file. I thought we were friends? I guess I was wrong."

"Well, I'm glad I didn't get to know her better," saidConnor. "She's literally intrusive."

"Then why did you accept her as a friend?" askedAmanda.

"Probably because she asked? I didn't think people Ihardly knew would care about my page since they don'tknow me."

"I think you need to be more careful. With decisions ingeneral. I think your mind needs to tune in better. Toomuch static." Amanda looked down at the bandage on hisankle.

"Maybe so. Needless to say I feel sorry for her. She'sobviously got major issues." Continued Top Right


Treat yourself to a steamed cheeseburgerand maybe even a cookie for dessert.

1046 Broad Street in Meriden - 203-237-6660Adam from Man V. Food stopped by too and so should you

THANK YOU to all the crew of FoodNetworks new show "Crave" for coming to visit March 30th. The showdebuts on June 11th and Ted's will bein one of the first few episodes.Willkeep you posted on the date! Keep aneye out for us in your local TV listings.Thanks again for stopping at Ted's,pleasure to have you!

But most important is that we’ve beenseen by YOU and YOU matter the most!

A GREAT time was had at our March Campout to Camp Sequassen in NewHartford Ct our boys and parents from Nathan Hale Pack 4 in Meriden Cthad a ball between hikeing,makeing pancakes in a bag outside ,balanceingan egg on a can ,doing chores, earning their map and compass belt loopsthey enjoyed the last of the snow fall we look foward to our next camp outand to seeing these in the paper thanks to all the parents and leaders thatattended.“To find out more about Cubs Scout and to find a Pack near yougo to “BeAScout.org”

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Wallingford Garden Club Displays AwardsThe Wallingford Garden Club showcases the recent awards bestowed by theFederated Garden Clubs of Ct and the National Garden Clubs Inc. at theWallingford Senior Center.

LocalMotion

EEvveennttss aatt tthhee AAuugguussttaaJoin us in celebrating our 10th Anniversary this year!!! Thursday, May 5th - Opening reception for the Student Art Show 4pm-7pmThe Meriden Public Schools and Wilcox will be featured in an Art Exhibit at the ACCC (elementary), Gallery 53 (mid-dle schools), and The Meriden YMCA Arts Center (high schools & Wilcox). All venues will have different hours thatthey will be open for viewing. The Centers hours will be posted on website and on programs and events line on phone,exhibit at ACCC will run from May 5th to May 19th.Saturday, May 7th - JC Music and Yale School of Music Solo Competion Finals 10am-4pmCompetition held for students grades 6 through 9 and winners will receive cash prizes. For more information call JCMusic in Meriden.Saturday, May 7th - "The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience" 7pm at Maloney High in Meriden featuringMeriden's own Joby Rogers Enjoy this spectacular dance extravaganza with videos. Tickets $20 in advance at JCMusic, Valencia Liquors, Jennifer's House of Hair, Meriden YMCA, and ACCC. Tickets online $22 at www.curtiscul-turalcenter.org or $25 at the door. All proceeds to benefit the ACCC.Monday, May 9th Hartt School of Music Guitar Department Concert 7pm The Classical Guitar department will pre-sent a free concert at the ACCC.Wednesday, May 11th Chili's Restaurant Give Back to the Augusta Day (All Day) Anyone visiting Chili's inWallingford for lunch, dinner, or take out with the ACCC's coupon will enable the Center to get 10% of their check.Coupons can be downloaded from our website at www.curtisculturalcenter.org or by calling 203-639-2856. All youhave to do is eat out at Chili's on the 11th of May and you will be supporting the ACCC, don't forget the coupon!Monday, May 16th - August Curtis Concert Band, Spring Concert 7pm The ACCB will be performing ConcertBand favorites at the Center. All are welcome to attend. Admission $5.00 and children under 5 are free. Seating is lim-ited ……………Saturday, May 28th - Central Connecticut Civic Youth Orchestra Concert, 12noon The CCCYO will present a"Concert for Memorial Day", for more info see www.meridenartstrust.comFOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE AUGUSTA, TO DONATE TO THE CEN-TER, OR TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE ACCC VISIT OUR WEBSITE ATWWW.CURTISCULTURALCENTER.ORG

Wallingford Family YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr.Memorial Tennis TournamentThe biggest "community" tennis tournament in New England is right here in CT! The 7th annual Wallingford FamilyYMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament is scheduled for June 11-19. The 2011 venue is the beautiful andrecently renovated Hunt Tennis Center on the Choate-Rosemary Campus, Wallingford.

This is a charity event and all proceeds from the tournament benefit Wallingford YMCA youth programs and the

Winton S. Filipek Sr. scholarship fund. Each player receives a tournament t-shirt, player handbook, player gift bag,

ticket to "Breakfast at the Championships" and tennis balls & water for everymatch. Prizes are awarded to 1st & 2nd place in every division.

The 9-day event will feature: 21 divisions for all levels, 5 high school divi-sions, a junior boys & girls round-robin and a Free Kids & HS Clinic & FunDay (at capacity 2010).

In 2010, the event drew 594 entries.THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY TENNIS TOURNAMENT!Please direct any questions to: Wint Filipek Jr. [email protected] 860-

621-5655 Apply on line NOW @ www.ymcafilipektennis.com

The submission deadline for our Mid-May 2011 issue isMay 15th. It's always FREE to share all of your news,events, photos, stories and more. Email your stories,news and events to [email protected]. Email your photos and celebrations [email protected]. If we can help in any way please call 203-235-9333.

I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant alarge garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that onegets from participating in nature's rebirth? ~Edward Giobbi

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The dif-ference between them is sometimes as great as a month. ~Henry Van Dyke

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Meriden Elementary Public Schools Annual Art Meriden Elementary Public Schools will hold their annual Art Display at theAugusta Curtis Cultural Center, 175 East Main Street, Meriden from May 5 -May 20, 2011. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2011from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. In addition to viewing the artwork, the opening recep-tion will also include musical and theatrical performances. Please call theCultural Center for additional hours - 203-639-2856.

SOCIAL SECURITY CELEBRATES EARTH DAY EVERY DAYBy Paul Gilfillan,Social Security Manager in Meriden CtThis Earth Day (April 22) and every day, Social Security is committed to conserving energy and reducing waste. SocialSecurity has buildings across the nation that boast high-efficiency lighting, solar hot water heating systems, high-per-formance windows, solar lighting in parking lots, improved HVAC systems, chilled water system improvements, andmuch more.

What's more, Social Security offers many of our popular services online. These services are more than just conve-nient and easy-to-use. They're also great for the environment!

You can do most Social Security business from the convenience of your home or on any computer. There's nopaper, printing, postage, or travel needed. Here are a few of our most popular online services:

Use our Retirement Estimator to get a quick and accurate estimate of your future Social Security retirement benefits.www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator

Prepare for your retirement by visiting our Benefits Planner page. You also can go here to use the disability and sur-vivors planners to find out how much you or your family might qualify for if the need arises.www.socialsecurity.gov/planners

Retire online! You can complete and submit your retirement application in as little as 15 minutes. www.socialsecuri-ty.gov/retireonline

Apply for disability benefits. www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisabilityApply for Medicare benefits. www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonlySo, whether you're interested in planning your retirement or applying for disability, our online office is the most

convenient and "green" one to visit. Social Security's online services also top customer satisfaction lists. For a com-plete list of our online services, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

Quassy celebrates 103 years of affordable family fun in 2011!Quassy, which was once called Lake Quassapaug Amusement Park, sits on a beautiful lake in Middlebury, Connecticut.Quassy was not always the amusement park it is today. Native Americans once populated this large area. The NativeAmericans translated Lake Quassapaug to mean "Big Pond" or "Big Rock".

In colonial days King George (1690-1770) granted one Abel Wheeler control of the lake. During this time a fisher-man could rent a boat and leave his horse in a stall with plenty of hay for as little as 50¢ a day. Fisherman enjoyed thelake because they claimed that they caught fish by the buckets full.

By 1888, a man named Mr. Richards opened a Grove House. Clambakes became his specialty and only non-alco-holic drinks were sold.

In 1905, the sea wall was put in and the Wallace Hotel replaced Mr. Richard's Grove House. By 1908, a trolley linewas put through Middlebury and Lake Quassapaug became a summer resort.

In 1937, three Waterbury businessmen, John Frantzis, Mike Leon, and George Terezakis, bought the property andformed Quassy. They soon added a picnic area, paddle boats and a carousel. Within the next few years a hot dog stand,a roller rink and a tearoom were added.

It was after World War II that Quassy established itself as an amusement park. Beginning in the late 1970s, newrides were added every year. The park has also designed its own clambake facilities and caters to business and organi-zational outings from 100 to 10,000.

Today, Quassy Amusement Park remains a unique family-oriented facility. We offer swimming, picnicking, a cater-ing service, a huge family Redemption Arcade, "Saturation Station," and of course, more than 20 rides. Every yearfamilies can count on new attractions, new rides, and most importantly, quality service.


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

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Volunteers NeededVolunteers are needed to visit frail, elderly people, to shop with or for an elder,to drive an elder to and from their medical appointment, and to provide respitecare to family members caring for a loved one who needs constant care. Allthat is required is a warm, loving heart and one or two hours of your time eachweek. . Please call IVCG at 203-230-8994 or email [email protected] for moreinformation and to register.

Meriden Health Department NewsSave the Date! Community Wednesday Block Party and National Day of PlayThis event is back for a second year! Over 1,000 residents enjoyed a day of sunshine, play, and community last year -will you be part of the crowd in 2011?When: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 (rain date is Thursday, July 21), 10:00am-4:00pmWhere: Meriden HUBWhat: A day of fun for everyone! Activities, games, food, health fair, info booths, petting zoo, hay rides, dunk tank,live broadcast by HOT 93.7. Sponsored by the Meriden Housing Authority, Meriden/Wallingford NAACP, and the Cityof Meriden.

Want to get involved in the health fair portion of this event? Contact Angela Simpson at 203-630-4237 or [email protected]. Want to be a food vendor? Contact Teri Ramos at 203-235-0157 or [email protected].

Riding a Bike? Wear Your Helmet!

Bike riding is a great way to get exercise and fresh air and share time as a family. The Meriden Health Departmentwants everyone to be safe - we are selling Bell brand bicycle helmets for $7.50 each. Both adult and child sizes areavailable, and there are many different styles and colors to choose from. The helmets are available for purchaseMonday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Please call the Clinic office at 203-630-4234 if you have any questions. Besafe - always wear a helmet when riding a bike, no matter where you are or how short the ride!Meriden Public Schools: Kindergarten RegistrationMeriden Parents! Do you have a child who will be 5 years old or older on or before January 1, 2012? If so, considerearly kindergarten registration!

The Meriden Public Schools, the Meriden School Readiness Council and the Meriden Early Childhood Council willbe hosting a special Kindergarten registration event on Tuesday, May 24, from 3:30-6:30pm. The event will be held atthe Meriden Health Department clinic office, 165 Miller Street.

Registration packets will be available at the Meriden Public Library, the Health Department Clinic and WIC officesand your child's home school prior to May 24. It is strongly encouraged to pick up a packet and have it completed priorto your May 24 appointment.

Call the Health Department Clinic office at (203) 630-4234 to make your appointment, and don't forget to bringyour child's birth certificate, proof of residence (such as a rental/mortgage agreement, utility bill) and immunizationrecord. If you are unsure about which school your child will attend in the fall, please call the Board of Education at203-630-4185.The Meriden Health Department Asks Businesses and Organizations: Got Policy?Does your workplace have an employee wellness program? If you answered yes, congratulations! Offering programssuch as fitness classes and nutrition programs provide employees chances to learn new life skills and be activethroughout their workday. Now we ask - does your workplace environment support those wellness programs? Forexample, do you encourage healthy eating or have "Biggest Loser" contests but have cafeterias, vending machines ormeetings/conferences full of, well, not so healthy items? If this is the case, we ask that you consider adopting a work-place wellness policy or making simple environmental changes to support your programs - and your employee'shealthy decisions.

The words "policy" and "change" tend to scare people, but we promise, these can benefit everyone! Whether it beoffering healthy food options at meetings and events, incorporating a stretch break into meetings lasting over 90 min-utes, swapping out vending machine items, or encouraging employees to take the stairs instead of the elevator, you canimpact the health and well-being of your employees where they spend most of their day - at work! And, research con-tinues to show a return on investment to employers when they invest money in the health of their employees throughcomprehensive health promotion programs. Who doesn't love that?

For more information, please visit our website, www.meridenhealth.com,and view our "Guide to Healthy Meetings and Events". Here you will findsample menus, activity break ideas, and examples of policies for healthymeetings, active breaks, and healthy vending options. We can help you devel-op a policy; if you already have one please let us know! If you have anyquestions, or would like more information emailed to you, please contact theCommunity Health Education office at 203-630-4238 or email Lea [email protected] WIC Office - National Nutrition Month Celebration!During the month of March the Meriden WIC (Women, Infant, and Children)Program celebrated National Nutrition Month. Here, "Chef" Rodney sampleda tasty vegetable, chicken, and brown rice casserole with clients. Also sam-pled this month was an oatmeal, banana and berry bake by "Chef" Jill.Sample recipes and nutrition information were handed out as well. WICencourages all clients to eat a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables yearround. For more information on the WIC program please call 203-630-4245.

Nathan Hale School Hosted Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera Traveling ExhibitStudents Introduced to the Works of Mexican Artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera!

Nathan Hale School displayed a Teacher's Discovery Traveling Exhibit featuring the incredible Mexican paintings ofFrida Kahlo and the spectacular murals of Diego Rivera, considered a national treasure of Mexico. This exhibit wassponsored by Hale's wonderful and supportive PTO. The students and staff enjoyed the spectacular reproductionsbeginning April 1 and ending April 8, 2011. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were married but were artists of their ownacclaim. Frida's work included self-portraits. Diego's work included the beautiful "Sunday Afternoon in AlamedaPark," and a scene from a mural painted in the University at Chapingo in Mexico in 1926 as well as a wonderful selec-tion, called The Flower Vendor from the series that featured calla lilies and native Mexicans. The exhibit celebrated art,Spanish language, woman in art and the Mexican culture and history.

Martin I. Trueheart Memorial Golf Tournament

The 11th Annual Martin I. Trueheart Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held at Hunter Golf Course,Meriden, CT on Wednesday, June 29, 2011. The format will be shotgun beginning at 11 AM, followed by dinner atVioli's Restaurant at Hunter Golf Club. The tournament has raised over $25,000 in 10 years. All proceeds go into thescholarship fund that was established as a thank you to Marty Trueheart for 37 years as a teacher in the WallingfordSchool System and 19 years as President of the Wallingford Education Association. Mr. Trueheart died in 2000Anyone interested in playing in this year's tournament, which includes a banquet after the tournament or interested inattending the banquet only is asked to contact Steve Baker, [email protected] or (203) 294-3700 for fur-ther information and details.


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MERIDEN Spring Clean Up Reminder The Department of Public Works does not collect leaves in the Spring.Residents are required to deliver their leaves and brush to the TransferStation, which is located on Evansville Avenue. The Transfer Station is openMondays from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Wednesdays from 10:30 AM to 2:30PM and the first and third Saturday from 7:30 AM to Noon. There is nocharge for the disposal of leaves and brush. For complete information on theTransfer Station, please visit the City's website at www.cityofmeriden.org.Select municipal services followed by Public Works and Transfer Station.

Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.~Rainer Maria RilkeDyke

Circus Elephant Dies After Performance HereMy friend Kathy Marotta knows this fellow Billy Applegate, who has known her since she was a child. She ran into himin town in November and told him about the story I had written about Miss India. She had phoned before my story wentto press, but he must not have gotten her message. He used to work in the Pierce Station Power Plant, and Kathy waspositive he would remember about the elephant dying in Wallingford. Anyway, he told her that a front-page story was inthe Record-Journal about the elephant when Miss India died. A front-page story? I had not seen one in my earlierresearch. So I went to the library and asked, "If such a story existed, why wouldn't it have been in the 'Circus' file in theConnecticut Room?" Amy really didn't know why, but she said searching through microfiche without having a specificdate would be a very long and arduous process.

Today, several days later, November 22nd, I was talking to Kathy about this again, and I asked her, "Did he say it wasright after it happened?" And all of a sudden she remembered he did say it was right after. So that basically narrowed itdown to July 1st or 2nd of 1953. As I was talking to her, a light bulb came on in my mind, and why I did not think of itbefore, I don't know. Remember that photographer Ziggy who told me he was there and took photos? So I said to Kathy,"If he was taking photos, Billy Applegate is probably right: There had to be a story."

So off to the library I went on November 23rd, and Amy helped me with the microfiche machine. Well, the paper backin those days always began with front-page news from Meriden and pages that followed about Meriden news, and thenthe front-page news for Wallingford, and on July 1st, 1953, there was the front-page article. Unfortunately, no photos. Iwent as far as July 9th and found nothing more. I then checked the microfiche of the weekly paper, and all I found wasan ad for Kaplan's Market with something about the Mills Bros. Circus is coming, and this and that. So Amy added thearticle and the ad to the library's circus folder in the Connecticut room. I feel good about that.

Here's the thing, it's got some new information in it, and that gal Jean Regnier who called Andy (after my story waspublished, "An Elephant's Buried In Wallingford. What ???!!!," July 2010) about how we had the burial location wrong,she was right about where she showed me and Kathy she believed Miss India was buried, and it's not right in front of thehangars that are still there. Jean also claimed to hear the elephant kind of howling in agony, and she had part of thatright. The elephant simply died of a heart attack, but after that, all the other elephants were trumpeting, as they called it.Jean took us to the corner of Clifton Street and John Street, and that is precisely where India is. What I was not thinkingabout, for whatever reason, is the hangar that was originally located in that section is no longer there. I was concentratingon the two hangars that are still there, just dismissing what was not there anymore. Dumb error on my part. Here is thefront-page story from July 1, 1953. It's kind of a shame that the Peabody Museum did not have the staff to deal withMiss India.Circus Elephant Dies After Performance Here - July 1, 1953 (Front page of the Wallingford section of the paper.) (No author's name given. He probably wrote this on June 30thbecause the dates are off by one day.)

The Mills Brothers Circus moved out of Wallingford at 5 a.m. yesterday, but "Miss India," 2,600 pound cow elephant,didn't know it. She died several hours earlier.

The youngest and reportedly most-pleasant-tempered of the 40 tons of elephants in the show she is believed to havedied of a heart attack about 2:30 a.m.

Trumpeting HeardResidents of South Cherry Street near the circus grounds, reported a great trumpeting about that time, in which all the

elephants seem to have joined in.She was young for an elephant. These animals have been known to live 100 years, but the average age is about 50 or

60 years.She had made her last performance the night before, and acted normally, except that she lay down in the afternoon

show. Some 60 people, mostly children, gathered to see her buried on the circus grounds yesterday, several standing onthe carcass to be photographed.

Posed Disposal ProblemShe posed somewhat of a disposal problem. A circus attendant who stayed behind to make arrangements had police

here call rendering plants in New Haven and Bridgeport to see if the carcass could be turned into tallow.When these proved unenthusiastic, the Peabody Museum at Yale University was called, and although interest was

expressed, it reported that the staff there were inadequate to deal with "India."Finally it was decided to bury her where she fell, just east of the hangars on the old airport property, about 25 feet

from South Cherry Street. [This is incorrect. The author must have meant Clifton Street. South Cherry Street is too faraway. It's kind of funny, because even Ziggy said something to me about east of the hangars months ago.]

The Audisio Excavating Company was called, and a gasoline operated shovel and diesel bulldozer were brought to thescene.

Buried 18-Feet DeepA hole 480 cubic yards in volume was dug, and the shovel operated by Fred Audisio was used to roll the elephant into

the grave. The animal was buried 18 feet deep at the direction of Edward W. Ferry, sanitary inspector. John Nolan, super-

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intendent of the Borough StreetDepartment, directed the operation.

The Mills Brothers Circus gave twoperformances here yesterday, undersponsorship of the Wallingford LionsClub. The next stand will be NewBritain.

The entire operation took severalhours, beginning before noon and last-ing until after 4 p.m. when the bull-dozer finally completed backfilling. Itwas necessary to cut a trench for thegasoline shovel so that it could digdown to the required 18-foot depth.

Among the notables present, besideMr. Ferry and Mr. Nolan, were FirstSelectman Edward H. Leonard andFire Chief John J. Czine.

Mr. Leonard quipped that the deathmight be an omen of the coming elec-tion. "Even the elephants are dying inWallingford," he said.

I am still hoping there is an inter-est in erecting something in MissIndia's memory, a plaque or somekind of marker. Wallingford surehas some interesting history, part ofwhich is Lyman Hall, one of 56 sign-ers of the Declaration ofIndependence, so Wallingford is oneof 56 towns in the entire UnitedStates that can say it has a signer ofthe Declaration. Pretty special,indeed. But we also have an ele-phant buried here. Should MissIndia be forgotten, or be a part ofour family?

Barbara [email protected]


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Spring Fling Word Search Answersand a former winner on A Prairie Home Companion's "People in their Twenties" competition on NPR.Caton is an Orange County, VA Champion fiddler and was nominated for a 2009 VirginiaCommission for the Arts Heritage Award. Together, the duo plays music that feels as much at homein a modern big-city venue as it would have at the Grand Ole Opry in the 1940s. Alex plays fiddleand guitar and Pete plays guitar and banjo. Both musicians sing, delivering harmonies that recall thesinging of fellow girl-guy roots music duo Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Although based inVirginia, Pete grew up in Wethersfield, CT.Read and Discuss! Mystery Alla Italiana - 3:30 p.m. Collins Room Tuesday, May 10Back to Bologna by Michael Dibdin - Tuesday, May 24Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon - In each mystery, Italy is not just the backdrop of the story but insome ways, a participant in it. Discussion is led by Dr. Carole Shmurak. Books are available from theInformation Desk. This program is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Humanities Council.Thursday Night Book Club: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers - , May 197:00 p.m. Collins Room The Thursday Night Book Club is an informal gathering open to all who loveto read and discuss fiction and popular nonfiction. Ask at the Information Desk for a copy of thisbook and join us for the discussion. Discussions are held the third Thursday of each month excludingAugust.Healthy Living Lunch and Learn: Chiropractic 101 Tuesday, May 17 12:00 p.m. CommunityRoom - Please join us for a complimentary lunch as Dr. Kurt Marschner, of Advanced Spine & SportsMedicine in Wallingford, provides an introduction to chiropractic care and its health benefits. He willbe available for a question and answer period at the conclusion of the program. Please register priorto May 11.Women's and Girls' Self-Defense Workshop Tuesday, May 24 6:00 p.m. Community RoomWomen and girls twelve years and older are welcome to this introductory course on self-defense.Learn how to defend yourself using simple and easy techniques. Wear comfortable clothing and callahead to register. This program is co-sponsored by Soroptimist International of Meriden, a non-profitwomen's service organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in our local com-munities and around the world.Saturday Mornings with Poetry 10:00 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m. Board Room May 14 - In addition tosharing poems written since the April 30th meeting, a poetry walk through downtown Wallingford is

planned, weather permitting. May 28 - The poetry of Frank O'Hara and theNew York School of Poets will be featured. As always, everyone is invited toshare their poems with option to receive comments and suggestions for furtherdevelopment. SMWP meets semi-monthly with the exception of July andAugust, is open to teenagers and adults, and is moderated by Al Mueller.Wallingford Writers Community - Saturday, May 28 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.Collins Room This month's topic is "Attending Writer's Conferences: MembersDiscuss Personal Experience." In addition, we'll also have time for Open Mic atwhich time members may read up to 500 words of a current work. Open to alladults and teens interested in creative writing.Friday Night Flicks: All films are shown in the Library's Community RoomThe Illusionist Rated PG May 13 6:30 p.m. Run time 80 minutesGnomeo & Juliet Rated G May 27 6:30 p.m. Run time 102 minutesCinema Club - The King's Speech Rated R Monday, May 16 6:30 p.m .Runtime 118 minutes Discussion to follow movie.Solo Finding Peace: a documentary film Wednesday, May 18 6:30 p.m.Teen Zone - Movie: Breakin' Wednesday, May 11th 3:15 p.m. CommunityRoom Catch a glimpse of the break-dancing culture in this classic 80's flick.Jump back in time and see the fashion and fast paced moves of 1984! This filmis rated PG.Break-dancing!! Thursday, May 12th 6:00-7:00 p.m. Community RoomCome and watch a break-dancing exhibition and try it yourself. Gain confi-dence and empowerment while having fun. Presented by Green Street ArtsCenter through the generosity of the Middlesex County Community Foundationand the George A. and Grace L. Long FoundationOpen to all teens in grades 6-12. Please register for this event.STAR2 - Saturday, May 7 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Collins RoomThe Wallingford STAR2 Club is the perfect way to share your love for robot-ics, rocketry and science with others. Open to all Wallingford students ingrades K-12. This month's theme is kites and hot air balloons. The STAR2Club is run by Wayne Aguiar and is co-sponsored by the WallingfordDepartment of Youth and Social Services.Drawing Workshop Wednesday, May 20 3:30-4:30 p.m. Collins RoomPresented by Green Street Arts Center through the generosity of the MiddlesexCounty Community Foundation and the George A. and Grace L. LongFoundation. Open to all teens in grades 6-12. Please sign up in advance; spacesare limited.Wii Sports Resort Tournament - Wednesday, May 18 3:15-4:30 p.m.Community RoomCome to Wuhu Island where you can compete in island themed adventures.Open to all Teens in grades 6-12. Registration is required.Anime Night: Thursday, May 26 6:00-8:00 p.m. Community RoomRozen Maiden and sushi - perfect combination. All teens in grades 6-12 arewelcome to come watch and discuss anime, manga, artwork and cosplay. Opento beginner and expert manga fans.

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NEWS AND EVENTS FROM WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARYAll Programs, Movies, and Events at the Wallingford Public Library are free and open to the public! The Library islocated at 200 N. Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. BOOKS AND AUTHORS! - Cooking with Chef Silvio: Stories and Authentic Recipes of Campania by AnthonyRiccio - Wednesday, May 11 7:00 p.m. Community Room - Author, historian and photographer Anthony Riccio andaward-winning Chef Silvio Suppa traveled to the farmlands of Campania, Italy, where they researched the origins oftrue Mediterranean cuisine. Join co-author Anthony Riccio and learn about life on Chef Silvio's family farm inSant'Agata de' Goti, and how Chef Silvio learned "l'arte della cucina," the art of cooking, from his grandmother. Withits original recipes and first-hand research, the book presents the fascinating history of Campanian gastronomy, begin-ning with the ancient Samnites to the present-day dishes offered at Chef Silvio's Cafe Allegre in Madison, Connecticut.Join us for an author presentation and book signing.The Gettysburg Chronicle: A Dramatic Change in Command by Matthew Bartlett Thursday, May 12 7:00 p.m.Personifying the horrors of the Civil War, this volume of the Gettysburg Chronicle deals with the opening shots andearly hours of the battle. Ranging from Willoughby Run to McPherson's Ridge and the death of Major General JohnReynolds, it is action-packed. From Doubleday, to General Archer, to John Buford and others you may not have heardabout, this volume offers a great insight to the first parts of the battle of Gettysburg. Join us for an author presentationand book signing.ROOTS MUSIC! - Alex Caton & Peter Winne In Concert - Wednesday, May 25 7:00 p.m. Community RoomThe Virginia-based roots music duo Alex Caton and Peter Winne will perform a dynamic mix of energetic Appalachianfiddle tunes, classic country, gospel, and original songs. In the year-and-a-half they've been playing together, Alex andPete have quickly established themselves as the newest link in central Virginia's unusually rich acoustic music lineage.

Individually, the two have no shortage of kudos. Winne is a 2010 Berea College Appalachian music fellow

Have you seen something inspiring or positive that needs more coverage,or do you have a friend or neighbor who's done something amazing? Callus or email us. We are a little different then other papers - we MAKEGOOD NEWS happen! Isn't that the way it should be? The deadline forour Mid-May issue is the 15th. Call 203-235-9333 or email [email protected]


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MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTSWRITERS NETWORK May 11The Writers Network will meet on Wednesdayat 7:00 pm in the Friends Room and on Wednesday, May 11 in the GriffinRoom Anyone who is serious about writing fiction or nonfiction, wants to learn the process of getting published, orneeds support for writing a book proposal or query letter is welcome to attend. If you are interested in joining theWriters Network, contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or email us [email protected] CLUB May 6The Teen Anime Club at the Meriden Public Library will meet on Friday, May 6th at 2:30 pm in the Griffin Room. We

will be folding origami. Afterwards we will be watching Hayao Miyazaki's classic movie about warrior/pacifist PrincessNausicaä who desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet.Snacks and drinks will be provided. This program is for teens age 13-18. Sign up is not required but if you would like tobe put on our mailing list or would like more information contact Melissa at [email protected] or call (203)238-2347.FREE COMPUTER CLASSES IN MAY AT MERIDEN LIBRARYSign up for one of the free computer classes at Meriden Public Library and learn how to use a computer, Word, email,and search the internet. The class schedule is as follows:Introduction to Word -Saturday, May 14 at 9:30 a.m.;Email - Monday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m.;Basic Computers - Monday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m.;Internet Searching - Monday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 28 at 9:30 a.m.Computer classes in Spanish on Saturday, May 7, May 14, May 21, and May 28 at 10:00 am to 11:00 a.m. and 11:00a.m. to noon. Class size is limited. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 or the Information Desk at (203)238-2346 to reserve a seat.SCRABBLE SESSIONS AT MERIDEN LIBRARYMeriden Public Library hosts sessions for people who enjoy playing Scrabble. The sessions will be on Monday, May 9and May 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Griffin Room. All skill levels are welcome. Scrabble boards will be provided, but peopleare welcome to bring their own boards. Contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349 if you have anyquestions about the library programsSCRAPBOOKING ON A SHOESTRING May 9Want to scrapbook but think you can't afford to? Come to our scrapbooking session on Monday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. inthe Griffin Room of Meriden Public Library. Bring your pictures, pages, and adhesive and join Kitt Dunk to learn how toshape up your scrapbook using our decorative scissors, stencils, punches, and sticker maker machine.

There will be free handouts and free demonstrations along with hands-on one-to-one help. Come join us at thismonthly program where you can learn how to quickly and easily turn boxes of photos and your memories into a keep-sake photo album. Please contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349, email [email protected] log onto the library's website at www.meridenlibrary.org to view the adult events calendar to reserve a table.

WALLINGFORD SENIOR CENTER News and EventsMay Is National Older Americans Month - The theme of National Older Americans Month 2011 is "Older Americans:Connecting the Community". The theme pays homage to the many ways older adults bring inspiration and continuity toour communities. Come celebrate all the wonderful aspects of being an "older American" by participating in the educa-tional, social and recreational activities scheduled this month just for you! Celebrate 40 Years! - Wednesday, May 11, 1:00 - 3:00 PM - The Wallingford Senior Center is 40 years old this yearand we have planned a fun party to celebrate the occasion. Musical entertainment, dancing, a game show, specialrefreshments and Senior Center memories are all part of the festivities. Tickets, which are available at the front desk, arefree to members and $3.00 for non-members.CT Alert Emergency Notification System - Tuesday, May 17, 10:00 AM The Connecticut Alert EmergencyNotification System (CT Alert ENS) allows state and local officials to help protect lives and property by sending criticalinformation alerts to residents during emergencies. The Wallingford Police Department will present an informationalprogram on the CT Alert ENS at 10:00 A.M., on May 17, and then will assist interested members with registering withthe state their phone numbers (including cell phones, pda's, text messaging and email). Please sign up to attend.40th Anniversary Dinner Dance - Featuring Michael Dutra & the Strictly Sinatra Band Saturday, May 21, 2011, 5:00 -9:00 PM We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Wallingford Senior Center in grand style with a delicious dinnerand a fabulous Sinatra tribute band. The Chicken Marsala dinner will include salad, ziti, dessert and more. The StrictlySinatra Band, starring Michael Dutra, performs more than 300 nights per year stunning audiences with its dead-on rendi-tion of Frank Sinatra classics. Tickets to this gala evening are on sale to members only during the month of April. Ifspace allows, tickets will be on sale to the general public beginning May 1. Tickets are $30.00 for members and $40.00for non-members.Memorial Day Observance - Tuesday, May 31, 11:00 AM Our program of remembrance will feature readings andmusic in memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Please join us in the Great Room.Forty Years of Fashion - Vintage Fashion Show & Display We are looking for vintage clothing from the 50's, 60's 70'sand 80's for an event on June 8. We are collecting clothes that can either be modeled or displayed; sportswear, outer-wear and formal wear are all welcome. We are also searching for volunteers who would enjoy modeling the clothes onthe runway during the fashion show. If you have clothing to loan or are interested in participating as a model or escort,please contact Patty Watts at 203-265-7753. .SOCIAL SERVICES - IN ORDER TO SERVE YOU BETTER, PLEASE CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINT-MENT WITH THE SOCIAL WORKER, EILEEN FLYNN, AT 265 7753.Walk-In Schedule: The Social Worker will take walk-ins on a first come basis for one-half hour sessions ONLY (30minutes). Sessions are on the half-hour from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM. No regular appointmentswill be scheduled on Tuesdays.Estate Planning and Medicaid - Thursday, May 12, 1:00 - 2:30 PM - Brad Davis, WDRC talk show host, will joinAttorney Daniel O. Tully and Attorney Dean Kilbourne, of Kilbourne & Tully, P.C., to provide education on EstatePlanning and Medicaid. To register for this program, please call 203-265-7753.Exploring Senior Housing Options - Wednesday, May 18, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM SHOULD I STAY IN MY HOME ORSHOULD I GO? Many are faced with this choice. SRES Maureen Sperrazza and SRES Marie Borner of ColdwellBanker Real Estate will provide an educational seminar on senior choices in housing. If you are having mixed emotionsabout what you should do, you are not alone. Where do I begin? What questions must I answer before I make such animportant lifestyle decision? What is Universal Design and how does it allow for someone to age in their home? Joinus on Wednesday, May 18, 10:00 AM as these and other questions and housing options are discussed. Refreshments willbe provided. To register, please call 203-265-7753.What Kind of Life Insurance Do I Have? Wednesday, May 18, 1:30 - 3:00 PM Do you have life insurance policiesand you do not know exactly what they are? You may question if they are Term, Whole Life or Accidental Life. Youmay be paying for what you believe to be life Insurance but have special clauses limiting coverage. If you have any ofthese questions, Laurie Shields, Financial Services Representative, MetLife Financial Group, will be available for 30minute appointments starting May 18. To schedule a thirty (30) minute appointment, please call 203-265-7753. Questions about Financial Decisions? Monday, May 9, 1:30 - 3:00 PM Brendan Toomey, Certified Financial Plannerof Toomey Investment Management, Inc. will be available to answer financial questions about investments, IRA's andannuities. To schedule a fifteen (15) minute appointment, please call 203-265-7753.Low Vision Support Group Friday, May 20, 10:15 AM-12:00 PM A trip to Vision Dynamics in Cheshire is scheduledfor this month. Vision Dynamics is a provider for many devices available to individuals with low vision. Everyone iswelcome. Registration is required. Please call 203-265-7753.6th Annual New Haven Expo Friday, May 20, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM You are invited to attend the annual expo spon-sored by the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut and the City of New Haven which will be held at the NewHaven Athletic Center, 480 Sherman Parkway, New Haven, CT. Approximately 150 vendors are expected to provideinformation on a wide variety of topics related to seniors. Vinnie Carr, will provide entertainment. There will be freehealth screenings and a Wii bowling tournament. Transportation will be provided. To sign up for this event, please call203-265-7753.


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Wallingford Public Children's Library Events and FunChildren's Library Summer Volunteer Applications AvailableIf you are a Wallingford student going into grades 5, 6, or 7 in the fall of 2011, you are eligible to volunteer to help usrun our summer reading program in the Children's Library of the Wallingford Public Library. This summer kids will beexploring the wonders of Ancient Egypt and we will have a fantastic new game setup as well as an online program.We are expecting many enthusiastic players and we need our volunteers to help us run the game.Volunteers commit to working two hours each day for one week. If you have the time to commit, please pick up anapplication at the library or print one out from our website. Read the application carefully with your parent or guardian,fill it out and return to us by June 8. Famiy Night- Fiesta Time! - Friday May 6, 2011 7:00 PM until 8:00 PMJoin us in the Story Room for a fun filled evening of rhymes, stories and activities for families with children ages threeto eight. Wallingford residents may register beginning April 21st. Non-residents are welcome to register the day beforethe program if space is available. Free Drop-In Homework Help in English and SpanishIf you need help with homework, stop by and see Ms. Cabrera any Monday or Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in theChildren's Library. This program is available while school is in session thanks to the Wallingford Board of Education.The National Children's Book Week Book SwapDon't forget the Children's Library's National Children's Book Week Book Swap will take place on Saturday, May 7thin the Wallingford Public Library's Community Room from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

This is the only time you can redeem the coupons you've received for children's books you've brought in for theswap. We will be accepting children's books until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6th.

This is a great event and there are lots of great books waiting for you - so please join the fun and get your books in tothe Children's Library before May 7th Me Gustan los Libros! For children ages 3-8What could be better than storytime in English? Storytime in both English AND Spanish!Join Maria Ruiz for a storytime in two languages for twice the fun at the Wallingford Public Library on Friday, May 6that 10:00 a.m. . Everyone is welcome to join us.

The Meriden Historical Society News and EventsNOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING & PIZZA PARTYThe Society's annual meeting will be held THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2011 5:30 PM AT THE SOCIETY'S BERNICEMOREHOUSE RESEARCH CENTER 1050 Hanover Ave, South Meriden, CT 06451. The meeting is opened toMembers of the Society only! Annual reports and voting in of new directors and officers will follow our traditionalPizza Party.THE NAPIER COMPANY: SUNDAYS IN MAY AT THE ANDREWS HOMESTEAD424 W. Main St, Meriden, CT (next to Ben Franklin School) EACH SUNDAY IN MAY 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Althoughthe city is in the process of refurbishing the Andrews Homestead, we will be holding our bi-annual open house asplanned. Jones New York and the Victoria & Co. in Rhode Island, the company that bought out Napier, have donated asubstantial amount of large, glamorous photos used for marketing their jewelry. Also in the collection are catalogs dat-ing back to the 60's, 70's, and 80's, as well as a large scrapbook, compiled in 1948, with interior and exterior photos ofthe factory and office, along with a presentation binder from June 1953. To reflect the company's contribution toAmerican costume jewelry, we have assembled a collection of Napier Jewelry representing the many years of the com-pany's operation. All will be on display in the main room at the Andrews Homestead. Come visit the Homestead, shareyour stories, and help celebrate Meriden's past. Free admission though donations are always appreciated.SUMMER-LONG TAG SALETo help raise money for the upkeep of our research center, the Society will be holding a monthly community-wide tagsale at the parking lot of the Research Center: 1090 Hanover Ave S. Meriden, CT on the Second Saturday of eachmonth: May 14, June 11, July 9, Aug 13, September 10 & October 8 (Weather permitting) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Pricesper each set-up are: $10.00 to members of the Society and $15.00 for non-members. Dealers are welcome.The Society plans on having its own booth at the sale. We need both donations for the sale and volunteers to man thebooth. Your much-needed donations can be dropped off at Fair Weather Antiques (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), atthe Research Center (on Wednesday afternoons). To arrange for a pick-up, or to volunteer call Neda Weathers 203-237-4636 or Bill Siegel 203-235-2217. No appliances please - collectibles and smalls only.NEW PROJECTS OF THE SOCIETY

A comprehensive Trade list of Meriden Architects and Builders is being compiled. RUMOR HAS IT that the oldHandel Homestead on Broad Street is haunted. A TV crew has been spotted around the old Victorian home…

The Meriden Historical Society is a not for profit organization staffed by volunteer researchers. Your financial sup-port will be greatly appreciated. You may do so directly through our website: http://www.meridenhistoricalsociety.org/ or by mail: MHS, PO Box 3005, Meriden, CT 06450.Thank you,The Meriden Historical Society - Preserving Meriden's Past for Future Generations since 1892

And Spring arose on the garden fair,Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breastrose from the dreams of its wintry rest.

~Percy Bysshe Shelley, "The Sensitive Plant"

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.~Nadine Stair

Thanks for saying hi toMeriden Self Storage inthe parade at TheMeriden DaffodilFestival.

This was our 4th yearcelebrating Meriden inthe parade and hand-ing out candy! Hopeyou all had fun!


The submission deadline for our Mid-May 2011issue is May 15th. It's always FREE to share all ofyour news, events, photos, stories and more. Emailyour stories, news and events to [email protected] your photos and celebrations to

[email protected] we can help in any way please call

203-235-9333.

An amazing photo by Kris Andresen. She has such an eye for contrast & all ofher photos are just amazing as each one tells a story. More coming soon....


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Documents

The People's Press Bonus Issue May 2011