The Central CT Family Paper!
Read the entire paper online at
HEALTH, WELLNESS & VITALITY SPECIAL ISSUE
Local Questions. Local Answers. Local Services.
Ethan and Hunter are making their parents worry that they are growing up tooooooo fast!
Health Insurance Number 1 Concern!
The Universal Health Care
Foundation and Its Mission!
The Peoples Press recently had an on-line
subscriber survey asking "What are your top 5
Health, Wellness & Vitality concerns?" 98% of
the folks who answered said that Health
Insurance was a concern so we asked Juan A.
Figueroa, Universal Health Care Foundation
President, "What is the mission of the Universal
Health Care Foundation, and why is it needed?"
“The Foundations works with residents and
diverse groups, including businesses and
health care providers, to achieve a universal
health care plan that means quality, affordable
health care for everyone in Connecticut.
More and more Connecticut residents are
learning that our broken health care system
hurts everyone. Those without adequate insur-
ance spend increasing amounts of their tight
budgets to pay for the difference. The economy
suffers as businesses cut other spending to
cope with escalating health insurance costs.
Every day, thousands of people with insur-
ance face the risk of having affordable health
care slip out of reach. Right now, more than
350,000 residents are uninsured. Everyone
else pays for their care in some way. In 2005,
that added $200 to the cost of an individual
insurance policy premium and $585 to a family
policy premium.
Universal health care is the right thing. It is
the smart thing. And now is the time to make
quality, affordable health care the reality for
every Connecticut resident.”
Your Town, Your News,Your Views!
www.peoplespressnews.com
By the People . . . For the People Serving
Wallingford, Meriden & Central Connecticut
Free to Read . . . Free to Write
February - Health, Wellness & Vitality Issue • Volume 8, Issue 100
Side-note: "In the end, everyone will have to come
JUAN A. FIGUEROA RECOGNIZED BY THE together to find a solution that meets the needs
HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL AS of all of Connecticut's residents," said Figueroa.
"HEALTH CARE HERO" Universal Health Care Foundation was
Before the year closed, the Hartford Business established in 2000. Its mission is to serve as
Journal, the region's largest business publica- a catalyst to engage people and communities in
tion, named Juan A. Figueroa, the president of shaping a health system that provides univer-
Universal Health Care Foundation of sal access to quality health care and promotes
Connecticut, as one of its 2007 "Health Care health in Connecticut.
Heroes" for his contribution to the advance-
ment of health care in our state.
Gail Lebert, publisher of the Hartford
Business Journal, said, ""We are proud to rec-
ognize the contributions of Juan as one of the
Hartford Business Journal's 2007 Health Care
Heroes." lauds
"As a champion of universal health care for
all residents, he works tirelessly in promoting
health care for all state residents, especially for
the uninsured and the underinsured," Lebert
said.
Figueroa, a former state legislator, civil
rights attorney and assistant attorney general,
has led the foundation for the past five years.
In that time, he and his staff have worked to
include all state residents in the universal
health care debate. As part of its work, the
foundation has funded numerous Connecticut-
specific studies to better inform that debate.
And in 2007, the foundation awarded more
than $2.5 million in grants for health care
advocacy to diverse groups such as businesses,
chambers of commerce, labor and faith- based
organizations.
JUAN A. FIGUEROA
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 2
 The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 3
The Responsibilities of a School Nurse Don't Hibernate This Winter:
By Kathy Neelon, RN, School Nurse Coordinator Wallingford School System Tips for Exercising During the Winter Holiday Months
Twenty or so years ago you may or may not have had a school nurse in your school, and if you had a Baby, it's cold outside - but that shouldn't stop you from staying active this winter! The
school nurse you probably never knew her. These days it would be very unusual to not know your school Meriden Health Department's Meriden Movers program encourages residents to keep
nurse. The school nurse sees all students at some time throughout the school year. The school nurse's active despite the cold weather. Exercising when it is cold outside may take a little extra
responsibility is not just to give out band-aids and cough drops, although they do give out plenty of both! motivation, and you may need to adjust your fitness goals as outside activity becomes lim-
School nurses are responsible for developing and implementing individual medical care plans for students ited. Sticking with your exercise program over the winter will make it much easier to pick
with complex medical conditions, educating parents and students about disease management, evaluating and up the pace again once the weather warms up.
assessing sick and injured students, providing support and referrals for emotionally troubled students, admin- Here are a few tips to make exercising easier as the weather gets colder:
istering medications and assessing the students response to those medications. In addition, they are required " Make sure you warm up by stretching or doing some light activity for at least 10 minutes
to complete State required eye and scoliosis screenings and obtain State required physical exams and sport before exercising, shoveling snow, or beginning a more strenuous physical activity. A
physicals. All of the above requires tremendous coordination, documentation and keeping track of the prop- warm-up will prepare your body for exercise and loosen tight muscles. Also, make sure to
er paperwork from physicians, parents and students. Students must have the proper physicals and immuniza- do at least a 10 minute cool down to prevent injury.
tions to attend school and participate in sports. When the paperwork is not complete or unclear the nurse " Avoid exercising in extreme cold temperatures or dangerous icy conditions. Instead, head
spends many, many hours trying to clarify and get the corrected information necessary to keep students safe inside for mall walking or pop an exercise video in your VCR.
in school. " If you exercise outside, dress in layers. Layering clothes under a windproof and water-
The school nurse needs to be a master of multitasking and problem solving. On an average day the school proof jacket will help maintain body heat and can help you avoid frostbite and hypother-
nurse may see 20, 40 or even more students. Breaking down that number translates to seeing a student every mia.
10-15 minutes during the school day. Of course students rarely come in one at a time and there may be 3-6 " Continue to wear sunscreen in the winter; the sun is still bright and can damage skin.
or more coming in at the same time. The nurse needs to assess the students quickly and determine who Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
needs to be attended to first. The more serious issues get attended to first and then less serious student issues " Remember to wear reflective gear at night if outside after dark.
are provided care. This is similar to the triage done at an emergency department. Much time is spent on " Stay hydrated. Your body needs plenty of fluids during cold weather, too. Carry a water
phone calls trying to contact parents informing them about something that has happened to a student or try- bottle when exercising.
ing to contact the parent to come pick up an ill student. The school nurse cannot diagnose specific medical " When exercising outdoors, tell a family member or friend where you are going and what
conditions but they can make recommendations to physicians and parents based on utilizing their clinical time they should expect you back. Consider carrying a cell phone in case of an emergency.
assessment skills. " As always, if you've been sedentary or have health problems, check with your doctor
A clinical assessment is done in response to a specific student complaint(s) or injury. In order to complete before starting any exercise program.
this assessment, the nurse may check a student's temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, listen to the The Meriden Health Department's Meriden Movers community walking program encour-
student's lungs, check blood sugar level, evaluate pupils reaction to light, check ears, assess skin for color, ages all residents to walk for better health. For more information on the Meriden Movers
bruising, rashes, lesions and overall appearance. These are only some of the many assessments a school program or more tips on exercising during the winter months please contact Lea Crown,
nurse may make to evaluate a student. Based on the clinical assessment of a student, the nurse will decide to Health Educator, at 630-4238.
either let a student rest, send a student back to class, home, or the emergency department.
The school nurse needs the help of parents to keep students in school healthy. Proper hand washing is the Diabetes Management
most important intervention that parents can teach their children to decrease the spread of infection. In addi- There are currently 20.8 million adults in the U.S. with diabetes-and nearly one-third of
tion, when children become sick they spread infections easily. Below are some symptoms that would require them do not even know it! The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both
your child to remain at home until they are symptom free for 24 hours. genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play
roles. The risk for diabetes increases with age, weight gain, high blood pressure and family
Fever: Fever is defined as having a temperature of 100 degrees F or higher. The child must be fever free for history. You can take a free risk assessment by visiting http://www.diabetes.org/risk-
a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. test.jsp.
Vomiting: Two or more times in 24 hour period. If you have diabetes, the Diabetes and Nutrition Center at MidState can give you person-
Diarrhea: Runny, watery or bloody stools. The child should be diarrhea free for a minimum of 24 hours alized instruction and support to help you manage your disease effectively. The center is
before returning to school. staffed by experienced nurses, dieticians and other health professionals who are Certified
Body Rash With Fever: Body rashes in children can be common. However, if the rash is accompanied by a Diabetes Educators.
fever, the child should remain home until the rash is diagnosed or resolves. Your diabetes educator will work with you to develop an education plan tailored to your
Sore Throat: If your child is diagnosed with Strep Throat, the child must be on antibiotics for a minimum of needs, and schedule sessions as needed. You'll get information you need to take good care
24 hours before returning to school. of yourself, including how to monitor your blood sugar, plan your meals, use medication
Eye Discharge: Thick mucous or pus draining from the eye, or "Pink Eye". properly and more.
Runny Nose And/or Cough: If your child has think yellow or green discharge, or has an excessive uncontrol- To enroll in our diabetes program, you'll need a written referral from your physician or
lable cough the child should remain home. other health care provider. Services are covered by most insurance plans. Please call us at
When in doubt regarding an illness, we encourage the student to remain home for the day. This will aid in 203-694-8782 for more information about what we can offer you.
decreasing illness among all of the school children. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call
your school nurse. She is always available to help you or your child and to answer questions. Your school The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't
nurse thanks you for your support. like, and do what you'd druther not. ~Mark Twain
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 4
MidState Heart Center
Seeing is Believing at Colony Opticians! Head: It's never too early to know your risk for heart disease
Body:

Come and experience our State of the Art

A Heart Attack Can Happen When You Least Expect It
"I'm a statistic." Those were the words of 39-year-old Elmer Gonzalez, a
local Meriden resident who suffered a heart attack early last year. Aside from

Virtual Vision Center! being a diabetic with a family history of heart disease, Elmer was a young,
active male of normal weight, who was not the typical heart attack patient.
"The family history was there, but I never thought it would happen to me. I
knew what it was like for my parents, so I stayed fit and did what I could to
avoid it," said Elmer.
Unfortunately, Elmer could not avoid the disease that had affected his fami-
ly for years. After suffering from weeks of what he described as an acid reflux
feeling in his chest, he decided to visit his doctor. Several tests revealed that
Elmer had severe blockages in three arteries and scar tissue in his lower heart
chamber, evidence that a minor heart attack had occurred without him even
knowing it. Doctors recommended he undergo an intense five-vessel bypass
surgery, the only option to treat his condition.
Our Heart Center Can Get You Back on Track
While his surgery was successful, Elmer still had a long road to recovery.
That's where the expertise of our Heart Center's cardiac rehabilitation program
comes in. For three days per week for 12 weeks, Elmer learned how to man-
age his heart disease. He and a specially trained nurse started with goal set-
ting, which for Elmer, consisted of continuing education, modifying his diet,
and increasing his physical activity.
His program was comprehensive and completely personalized to reflect his
needs. Of major concern was his diabetes, which until he came into contact
with cardiac rehabilitation, he never monitored correctly. "I took some dia-
betes classes here and learned to control what I eat, which plays a big factor in
heart disease," explained Elmer.
MidState's Diabetes Center is part of the Heart Center and specialized
advanced practiced registered nurses develop specific education plans to help
patients make therapeutic lifestyle changes for their ongoing health and well-
ness.
Elmer continued, "I also spent one hour a day on the cardio equipment
doing the treadmill and bike, lifting light weights, and stretching. In the last
three to four months, I've lost 25 pounds."
During Elmer's workouts, cardiac nurses monitored his heartbeat, blood
pressure and other vital signs. Additionally, he was taught how to monitor
himself to achieve long-term success.
Elmer graduated from the Heart Center's program in late October, and while
he always did routine walking, he now works out five days per week on his
equipment at home.
He attributes MidState's cardiac rehabilitation program as a major player in
his speedy recovery: "I worked with a phenomenal team of nurses who were
instrumental in my care. I couldn't ask for a better group of individuals. When
I was going through this, everything was unknown. I thought, one day you're
vibrant and alive, and in a matter of seconds, hours, or days, that could
change. The nurses were extremely supportive during my difficult time. I rate
them an A+."
Our system allows you to see how you would look in every- The Heart of the Matter is Prevention
According to MidState cardiologist and medical director of the Acute
thing we offer from contact lenses to glasses in all shapes, Coronary Syndrome program, George Spivack, MD, there are a number of
colors and options. It’s just another way that makes Colony factors that can increase your risk of heart disease, including hypertension,
Opticians stand out as Central Connecticut’s premiere smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and as in Elmer's case, a fami-
ly history of heart attack and diabetes.
Vision Center. No matter how advanced our technology gets In fact, as Dr. Spivack puts it, "Diabetes is increasingly becoming the single
though, we know that the most important thing we offer is most important risk factor for heart disease in this society. When we look at
the cause of death in many diabetes patients, it usually stems from heart dis-
our old fashioned values and service. Seeing is believing at ease."
Colony Opticians, stop down today! Yet the general population of people, and even those who have diabetes,
doesn't fully understand the relationship between the condition and heart dis-
ease, and how imperative it is to keep diabetes under control. In a recent
study, Dr. Spivack said, people with controlled diabetes received tests to
assess their risk, and one-fourth of them were completely unaware they had
significant heart disease.
These patients and others at general risk need to take greater efforts to pre-
vent the development of coronary artery disease. Director of MidState's
Cardiac Service Line and cardiologist, William Farrell, MD, says, "It all boils
down to diet and exercise. Eating non-processed foods that are high in fiber
and low in fat makes a difference." And regular exercise can also offset your
risk. What does the term "regular exercise" mean? It means dedicating a spe-
cific time of day for working out, above and beyond physical activity that
occurs during the course of your normal day.
"Your physical activity doesn't have to be very aggressive for the purpose of
preventing heart disease. It's dependent on age. If you are young, then moder-
ate exercise should be intense, but if you're older, moderate may simply mean
walking," stressed Dr. Spivack.
Many heart disease risk factors are silent, such as high blood pressure and
cholesterol, so if you are concerned with these issues, the important thing to
do is see your doctor for a physical.
Specific tests, such as stress tests, can assess the condition of your heart and
arteries. Dr. Farrell notes, "Stress tests are a good way to pick up heart artery
disease if it's severe, but the vast majority of heart attacks occur when arteries
are only 20% blocked. To pick up artery blockage early, there are non-inva-
sive techniques that allow us to look around the bend of the road and figure
out where you'll be in 10 years." One of these techniques is a CT scan that
measures the calcium content of the arteries, which ultimately has a correla-
tion with the degree of heart disease. A very specific ultrasound can also
check the carotid arteries in your neck.
The American Heart Association provides a comprehensive online risk
assessment that serves as a stepping-stone in prevention efforts. By age 40,
everyone should know their general risk and assess it every five years. To take
the assessment, visit www.americanheart.org/riskassessment.

Better Vision is within your sight and Simple Solutions for Independent Seniors

you can actually see it to believe it!

The Center for Successful Aging and MidState's LaPlanche Clinic will be
jointly sponsoring a presentation titled "Simple Solutions for Independent
Seniors" on February 26, 2008. The presentation will be held from 10:30-

COLONY O PTICIANS
11:30am in the mezzanine of the Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Center,
located at 22 West Main Street in Meriden.
Linda Worden, Director of Clinical Services for Senior Whole Health, will
60 Church St. (Rt. 68) &
O ptometrists be the presenter. She will discuss ways to stay healthy, the importance of
health screenings, and home safety tips.
Wallingford 203-265-2205 Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry This presentation is free and open to the public. For more information
please call Rita Kowalchik at the Meriden Health Department, 630-4222.

Wallingford Senior Center February News and Events
VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY on Thursday, February 14, 10:30 a.m. - Come
celebrate Valentine's Day and enjoy your favorite music played by the
"Survivors", our senior center band, and your favorite songs sung by the
Vintage Voices, our choral group. Sing, dance and listen to a variety of love
songs. Special Valentine's Day treats will be distributed and we'll top off our
celebration with a delicious meal. Tickets are on sale for a special Lake View
Café luncheon (see article below) or make a reservation with Senior
Community Café for a special meal featuring stuffed cabbage (see enclosed
menu).
A HOPPIN' HAPPENING LEAP YEAR PARTY on Friday, February 29,
1:00 p.m. - February 29 comes around just once every four years, so we need
to make the most of it! Come have an un-frog-ettable time at our Leap Year
Party! Enjoy music by our Senior Center Band, dancing, games, prizes,
Swamp Punch, and special refreshments. Hop on down by February 27 to get
your ticket ($1 for members; $2 non-members) and reserve your place on the
lily pad.
MEDICARE WORSHOP on Wednesday, February 20, 1:00 p.m. - IT'S
NOT TOO LATE TO REVIEW YOUR MEDICARE PLAN, COMPARE
OTHER MEDICARE OPTIONS, CHANGE YOUR MIND, AND
MAYBE EVEN REDUCE YOUR EVER INCREASING PREMIUMS !!!
From January 1st through March 31st, Medicare allows you to review your
Medicare coverage and make a one time change in your Medicare plan. If
you already have Prescription Drug Coverage, you may change it. If you do
not have Prescription Drug Coverage, you may not add coverage during this
period. Attend this Medicare workshop Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at
1:00 p.m. and learn your options. Receive valuable information to help you
compare your present Medicare coverage and help you to decide if you should
keep your present coverage, or consider changing your present plan. Please
call 265-7753 to reserve your spot!
END OF LIFE HEALTHCARE DECISIONS: Part One on Wednesday,
February 20, 10:00 a.m. In her role as Chaplain at MidState Medical Center,
Doreen Bottone offers spiritual support, resolves ethical issues and provides
patients and families information on end of life care and choices. Deciding to
accept or refuse medical treatment is a difficult decision. Doreen will discuss
the benefits of stating your wishes clearly in writing through a legal document
called Advance Directives. The importance of this document cannot be over-
stated. Please treat yourself to this memorable informational session and call
265-7753 to make your reservation.
END OF LIFE HEALTHCARE DECISIONS: Part Two on Wednesday,
February 27, 1:00 p.m. You've probably heard and read that having Advance
Directives consisting of a Living Will and/or the appointment of a Health Care
Representative to communicate your wishes concerning life support systems is
important. Here's your chance to hear Attorney Kate McEvoy explain how to
express your wishes concerning end of life health care decisions using
advance directive forms. The required forms will be distributed along with an
explanation of how to complete the forms. Please call 265-7753 to sign-up.
The above programs are open to the public.
SHAKESPEARE: THE LUNATIC, THE LOVER & THE POET
Live Theatrical Performance Friday, March 14, 1:30 p.m. Richard Clark
returns to present a solo performance from Shakespeare's greatest hits featur-
ing twelve characters and twenty-five monologues and soliloquies. Eavesdrop
on the intimate murmurings of Romeo, the obsessive passions of Anthony and
Cleopatra, and the demented musings of King Richard. Laugh with the fools,
cry with the afflicted, and dream with the poets! Following the performance,
refreshments will be served. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale through March
12.
BAND JAMS FOR YOU! - Our Senior Center Band, The Survivors, plays in
the Great Room every Friday, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Come down to enjoy
their fabulous sound. Sit and relax or get up and dance, but don't let their
wonderful music go to waste!!
A FRIENDLY PLEA - The Senior Center gladly accepts your donations of
new or gently used items that can be used for raffles or prizes. We do, howev-
er, respectfully request that donated items be clean and in good condition.
Thank you for your understanding.
GENERAL TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION - Important informa-
tion is available in the HOW DO I GET THERE? Transportation Guides
which are still available at the Wallingford Senior Center. Stop by the Center
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 5
How a Healthier Environment Keeps Us All Healthy and What You Can Do To Help
By Mary Mushinsky, QRWA executive director
Edward O Wilson is not the first scientist to notice the inherent longing of people for certain elements of natural land-
scape: given complete freedom to choose, humans prefer to be on a height looking down, they like open, savannah-like
terrain with scattered trees and clusters of bushes (with nearby sheltering woodland), and they want very much to be
near a body of water. Real estate prices for mountain and shorefront property reflect these innate desires. These pref-
erences are probably a product of our long history as a species, when we had to forage in the wild and make our own
way in little extended family groups. Today this unspoken longing for nature has been given a name: biophilia, or
instinctively loving elements of nature (even if we live, work and study indoors most of the time). It explains the
attraction of indoor fountains, our affection for our pets and why people enjoy sitting under the skylights in large build-
ings.
Some of the elements of nature people instinctively crave (and which make them feel better and more contented)
include colors of the natural world, water, moving air, sunlight, plants, animals, natural materials, views, landscapes,
and fire-- a sign of comfort and warmth. A whole book has just been published about these human preferences and
how to adapt buildings to answer these human cravings: Kellert, Heerwagen and Mador's
Biophilic Design.
Latest research findings suggest that children are happiest and most productive when allowed to directly experience
nature. Their innate curiosity to explore with hands-on play expands their minds and contributes to their physical and
mental health. Outdoor children are most prepared to fight the relatively recent developments of sedentary, indoor
lifestyle and its effects, including obesity, slower cognitive development, attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity,
and weaker immune systems. When given an opportunity to play outdoors--to get out of their institutions--kids thrive,
develop, get sick less often and improve their physical and mental health.
In our densely populated Quinnipiac Valley, it becomes more of an effort each year to maintain the link between
people and the natural world, but the benefits to all ages are worth it! Municipal planners and school boards can design
green spaces to give people safe access to wild or semiwild nature, and to link these green spaces together with trails,
open spaces and urban promenades, as recommended in city manager Roger Kemp's handbook, Cities and Nature.
Municipalities across the country have revitalized old industrial centers by reintroducing biophilic elements to create
inviting areas for people to mingle and enjoy the outdoors. Meriden is poised to join them as the city prepares to recre-
ate the Harbor Brook landscape that was hidden so long by the Hub.
Wallingford, Meriden, North Haven, Southington, and Plainville citizens are designing and building a series of
pedestrian trails that will one day all be connected, as long as planners keep the grand vision in mind. These green-
ways are safer to walk or cycle, and offer a "ribbon of nature" for relaxation, short commutes, and physical health. Just
30 minutes of walking per day, plus good food choices, makes a world of difference to preventive health. And notice
how many of your fellow residents are smiling and conversational while on the greenway!
Keeping intact the link between humans and nature will be critical in inspiring today's young generation to care
about the future of our home planet, Earth. We need everyone to care about clean air, preservation of plants, wildlife
and landscape. Young people who have connected with nature will be inspired to use their best technological genius to
craft ways to move people and goods, heat and cool our homes, and feed our families in ways that protect the earth for
our descendents. Here are some ideas everyone in Quinnipac Valley can try:
1. Walk, bike or carpool, and combine errands to make efficient use of your car;
2. Choose an energy efficient vehicle or public transit;
3. Increase energy efficiency and green design at home, school and work;
4. Eat lower on the food chain-try vegetables, whole grains and local produce!
5. Try mini-vacations to experience nature where you live-hike a land trust trail, catch a Quinnipiac trout,
watch a wintering eagle, enjoy the view from West Peak, and plant your toes in the Mill River at Sleeping Giant when
spring returns.
6. If you need help getting reacquainted with your natural self, join QRWA's spring activities-we hike, paddle,
birdwatch, fish and protect the environment using teams of people just like you!
As the impacts of urban growth and carbon use pose new challenges for us in the Quinnipiac Valley and beyond, it is
a good time to rediscover our own human link to nature. As we step outside and restore our own health, so too will we
be renewed and refreshed to protect the health of our planet.
To get outside, contact QRWA at (203) 237-2237 or qrwa@sbcglobal.net

CT DPH, HEARTSafe
Front Desk, or call and request a copy. (Compiled & printed by Healthy
Wallingford Elderly Task Force.)
SOCIAL SERVICES
LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 10:15 A.M.
A Masonicare Healthcare Audiologist will talk about "hearing healthcare"
including: safety and communication devices, amplified telephones, smoke
Community Designation
detectors, and specially designed answering machines for people with hearing
loss. Please call 265-7753 to register.
RESOLVE TO REACH A COMFORTABLE RETIREMENT - By Paul
Gilfillan, SSM, Meriden CT
The Town of Wallingford, Health
Happy New Year from the Social Security Administration! Many people start
off a new year with a list of resolutions. We'd like to suggest three Social
Security resolutions to plan for your retirement.
Department cordially invites all
Resolution One: Think about retirement.
The earlier you begin your financial planning, the better. Most financial advi- residents to attend the HEARTSafe
sors say that you will need 70 percent or more of pre-retirement earnings to
live comfortably.
Resolution Two: Plan ahead. Community Designation award
Every year workers receive a Social Security Statement in the mail. The
Statement gives you an estimate, based on current earnings, of what you might
expect in Social Security retirement benefits. Personalize your individual plan,
at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2
Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Resolution Three: Manage your money.
For information that can help you manage your money during every stage of Wallingford Town Hall, Council Chambers
life, visit the U.S. government's website - www.mymoney.gov
To learn more, and to help you get started on your Social Security resolutions, Refreshments provided
visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
MASTER'S MANNA FOOD PANTRY - Master's Manna, Inc., food pantry
and clothes closet has relocated to 316 North Colony Road. Food pantry and
clothes closet hours are Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and
Thank you to all area businesses and
Friday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A basic computer class is held on Mondays, at
10:00 a.m. Master's Manna now serves as a resource/outreach center with
individual's who helped us earn this
computer and internet accessibility. A CT Association for Human Services
outreach worker is available to assist with food stamp pre-certification on site. Designation. CPR/AED training saves lives.
Please call 678-3042 for information.
DRIVERS NEEDED - Imagine if you had no way to get to a doctor's
appointment or to the grocery store. The days and times are flexible to fit the
schedule of the volunteer and mileage is reimbursed. Marie Cunha, Social
Worker, is waiting for your call at 265-7753 to say you will volunteer.
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 6
Meriden Health Department Services
Walk Your Way to Fitness in 2008
Walking is perhaps the most understated form of exercise some-
one can do! No matter what your age or fitness level, walking
could be your first "step" to a healthier you in 2008.
The benefits of walking are countless. A regular walking pro-
gram can help lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol, and
can help you lose or maintain weight. Walking gets you out and
about in your community, and it's a great way to socialize with
friends. Ideally we should walk 10,000 steps a day for better
health, or roughly 5 miles a day. Most people have to work up to
this amount; you can set your own personal goals for your pro-
gram.
A pedometer can help you start and stick with your walking
program. This little machine clips to the waistband of your pants
and tracks every step you take throughout the day. Research has
found that the key to sticking with your walking program is to
wear a pedometer AND record how many steps you take every
day in a walking log.
Participants in the Meriden Health Department's community
walking program, Meriden Movers, proved this to be true.
Between September and December 2007, members wore their
pedometers and tracked their distances- to the tune of over 5 mil-
lion steps, well, "stepped"! This program will start up again in
March. Free pedometers and walking logs will be available to a
limited number of participants, and evening group walks will be
held. Check out www.meridenhealth.com for an archive of
weekly newsletters from the fall session.
Don't want to wait until March to get started? The Meriden
Health Department has 25 free pedometers and walking logs
available now to Meriden residents. Please call Lea Crown,
Community Health Educator, at 630-4238 to arrange for the
pick-up of your pedometer or for more information on the
Meriden Movers program. The hardest part in any physical
activity program is just getting started - and with a walking pro-
gram, all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and
you are on your way!
Women - W.I.S.H.H. for a Healthy Heart
Cardiovascular disease.
Ladies, if the term is not familiar to you, it should be.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both
men - and women - in Connecticut. Stroke, another form of car-
diovascular disease, is the third leading cause of death. Most
women still have the misperception that cardiovascular disease is
a "man's disease" and they are not at risk. What's more surpris-
ing is that in Connecticut only 13% of adults know all the proper
heart attack signs and only 19% know all the signs of stroke.
That's why the Meriden Health Department is starting a com-
munity-wide women's healthy heart program called W.I.S.H.H. -
Women Interested in Staying Heart Healthy. With funding from
the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and with the help
of many community partners, the Meriden Health Department
will address women's misperceptions about heart disease and
stroke, as well as lifestyle changes to prevent cardiovascular dis-
ease.
Here are some highlights of the upcoming program:
Pedometers and walking logs will be distributed to encourage
physical activity;
A healthy heart cookbook will be developed, with input from
residents and local restaurants, and will be distributed;
Free or low-cost blood pressure and blood cholesterol screenings
will be offered throughout the city; and
A variety of presentations on the risk factors for heart disease
and stroke and CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED)
demonstrations will be offered.
Programming will start in February. A complete list of activi-
ties will be on the Meriden Health Department's website -
www.meridenhealth.com. For more information, please contact
Lea Crown, Community Health Educator, at 630-4238.
Special Needs Registry Q & A
The Office of Emergency Management and the Meriden Health
Department have developed a Special Needs Registry for indi-
viduals that may need help in the event of an emergency.
What is the Special Needs Registry?
The Special Needs Registry is a voluntary registry of individuals
who would require assistance in the event of an emergency. This
assistance could be as simple as advising a person of a situation
near their residence to those who need evacuation assistance in
the event of a natural or man-made disaster. This registry alerts
first responders (Police, Fire, Health Department staff) as to a
resident's address and gives them the vital information they need
to better meet the resident's needs.
Why Should I Register?
To ensure that you will be located by First Responders as quick-
ly as possible.
To best help you, and meet some of your requirements during a
disaster requiring evacuation.
Am I Eligible?
You are eligible to be registered with the Special Needs Registry
if you:
All information gathered for the Registry will remain confi-
dential.
You can obtain a copy of the Special Needs Registration Form
by calling 630-4240 or visiting the Meriden Health Department
website at www.meridenhealth.com. If you have any questions
please contact Michael Pirro, Public Health Emergency
Response Coordinator, at 630-4240.
Is it the Flu or a Cold?
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses
caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses
have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the dif-
ference between them based on symptoms alone. Use this chart
as a general guide:
Your doctor can determine if you have the flu or just a com-
mon cold. Special tests, usually done within the first few days of
when you start to feel sick, can be done to tell if you have the
flu. If you have any concerns it is best to speak with your doctor.
If you get the flu, there are some actions you can take at home:
Stay home from work, school, and social gatherings and rest
Drink plenty of liquids
Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
Take the medications your doctor prescribed to relieve the symp-
toms of flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who
have flu-like symptoms - and particularly fever - without first
talking with your doctor).
Practice healthy habits every day to avoid getting the flu. Always
remember to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away after you use it. Wash
your hands often with soap and water (especially after coughing
or sneezing) for at least 15-20 seconds - sing your "ABC's" or
"Happy Birthday" twice. If you are not near water, use an alco-
hol based hand cleaner until you can get to a sink. Last but not
least, try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when you are
sick; germs often spread this way.
Of course, the best protection against the flu is to get vaccinated
(get the flu "shot"). The Meriden Health Department still has flu
shots available. Call 630-4234 for more information on the flu
and the vaccine.
Simple Solutions for Independent Seniors
The Center for Successful Aging and MidState's LaPlanche
Clinic will be jointly sponsoring a presentation titled "Simple
Solutions for Independent Seniors" on February 26, 2008. The
presentation will be held from 10:30-11:30am in the mezzanine
of the Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Center, located at 22
West Main Street in Meriden.
Linda Worden, Director of Clinical Services for Senior Whole
Health, will be the presenter. She will discuss ways to stay
healthy, the importance of health screenings, and home safety
tips.
This presentation is free and open to the public. For more
information please call Rita Kowalchik at the Meriden Health
Department, 630-4222.
Meriden Health Department Offers HIV
Services
Do you know your HIV status? If not, the Meriden Health
Department is pleased to offer HIV testing at our office,
located at 165 Miller Street in Meriden.
Testing is confidential and can be done anonymously. The
bilingual HIV Counselor uses a rapid HIV test, which gives
results in 20 minutes. Testing hours are 9:00am to 4:30pm,
Monday through Friday. Please call Abby at (203) 630-4176
for an appointment.
Want to learn more about HIV and AIDS? Educational
materials are always available at the health department.
Materials are available in English and Spanish.
Meriden School Readiness Program
There is a way to help prepare your children for school. It's
affordable. It's accessible. It's Meriden School Readiness!
School Readiness gives young children the ability to transi-
tion to school with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to be
successful students. This includes language, basic concepts,
social skills, physical development, curiosity and positive
attitudes about learning. On a long-term basis, children that
have attended School Readiness programs are more likely to
progress without the need for special education, remediation
or grade retention.
The Meriden School Readiness Program has created
numerous new preschool openings for our community.
Affordable, quality child care slots are available for three and
four year old Meriden residents, and fees are based on a slid-
ing fee scale. Meriden School Readiness not only focuses on
the young child, but the parent and caregiver as well -
through funding, parents and caregivers are equipped with the
knowledge, skills and resources necessary to maximize their
child's early school success.
Meriden School Readiness has 9 locations throughout the
city. Full day and part day programs are available. All sites
are accredited by the National Association for the Education
of Young Children (NAEYC), Head Start, or other similar
programs determined by the State Department of Education.
Each family's weekly fee varies. The family fee is based
on income and family size and ranges between 2% and 10%
of your family's gross annual income. Families receiving
state cash assistance (TFA) who are not employed are not
required to pay a family fee. The weekly family fee may be
reduced if the family has more than one child that needs child
care services.
For more information on the Meriden School Readiness
Program please call Jessica Stewart, School Readiness
Facilitator, at 630-4236.

Chinese New Year of the Rat: 2008/4705
We've just celebrated the Chinese New Year of 4705 and it's
been a blast. For two weeks we've been celebrating and it's been
a lot of fun. I'm Hui Chen, and am going to tell you about it.
The New Year began on the day of the New Moon with a big
feast. Before the big feast, we'd spent a lot of time getting
everything ready. I had to help clean the house from top to bot-
tom to make sure all the bad luck had been swept out. I found a
ball I'd lost and that was good. Then I went with my family to
get new red clothes for the New Year. Red is the color for joy
and happiness and is supposed to keep bad luck away. We also
got loud noisemakers and firecrackers to scare away bad luck;
then we got flowers, fruits, candies and small gifts for the guests
that would come to visit us. Finally we got home from shopping
and I could finally try out the noisemakers-they were great until
I was told to put them away! I even helped decorate the room
with bowls of fruit and flowers. I helped Father hang red ban-
ners by our doorway. They had poems of good wishes on them,
and we were finally ready for the New Year!
This is the Year of the Rat, I knew they were smelly, lived in
dirty holes and snuck around nibbling on the food in our pantry
and I'd felt dirty and was angry because I had been born in the
year of the Rat. I told Grandfather how I felt and he told me the
legend of how the Rat is the first year of the twelve-year cycle of
years. The legend is that Buddha asked the animals to come to a
feast on the other side of the river, and the first to arrive would
have the first year named for it. The rat knew he couldn't swim
fast enough to reach the shore first, so his strategy was to climb
on the back of the ox. When the ox was about to step onto the
shore, the rat jumped off at the last moment to win the race. So
you see, for ages the rat has been known to be smart and very
clever. He told me that when we concentrate on the negative
traits, we miss seeing all the good traits that make someone
worthwhile. He also said that rats were industrious, charming,
and good providers and protectors of their children. People born
in the year of the rat have these same traits and Grandfather told
me that I have them too. And he told me not to be ashamed that
I was born in the year of the Rat, but to be proud of it. The rat
sees better in the dark than we do, his hole is comfortable and
warm, safe from cats and other enemies.
Finally it was New Year's Eve; Father and Grandfather sealed the
doors with red tape to keep bad luck out, and we sat down for
the feast of seafood and dumplings that Mother and
Grandmother had made. There was a lot of other food, but I
liked the dumplings best. My aunts made predictions for the
New Year and some of them were funny-I liked mine because
they told me I will make the soccer team this year, and I hope
they are right because I like to play soccer. After the feast, we
played games and listened to stories until midnight when we said
'Goodbye' to the old year.
At the stroke of midnight, the sky exploded with lots of fire-
works that lit up everything with bright colorful showers. Father
broke the seal on the door, I grabbed my noisemaker, and we all
went outside to yell and make noise for the New Year. Some of
my friends came by and we had a great time yelling to each
other.
For the next couple of weeks, we did a lot of visiting with our
aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors, where we got to eat candies
and fruits, just like the ones we gave to our visitors. Getting Red
Envelopes with money in them from older people was special. I
even remembered to bow and thank them for the gift envelope.
At the end of fifteen days, the moon was full again, and we
spent the day getting ready for the Lantern Festival that would
end the celebration. Fancy lanterns were hung in temples and
along streets and I got to choose one to carry in the parade! It
was the first time I got to do that and I held the pole so tightly,
my fingers cramped. But it didn't wobble! Watching the long,
decorated dragon come along the street was great fun. The
young men who carried it danced and wound their way along the
streets trying to scare us, but we just cheered them along with
our noisemakers. Someday when I'm older, I hope to be one of
those carrying the dragon. I'll dance and sing down the street
too. It was such a noisy, exciting evening that I didn't want it to
end. But it did.
By 'Hui Chen' 12 years old
Dorothy Gonick January, 2008
"Too Much, Too Soon"
-a musing by Ernie Larsen
I'm not much of a political person, I do vote in every election,
local, state and national. I also urge everyone else to vote - it's a
right that many in this universe do not have. Plus, in my think-
ing, if you don't vote, you really have no right to complain how
government and politicians are running the shop.
Starting way too early last year all the presidential wannabees
started their campaigns, visiting old age homes, talking to
unions, going to rallies mainly it seemed in the Midwest and
seemed to be steering clear of the Northeast. There were some
on the stump who didn't ring a bell in my steeple, but that's noth-
ing new, I guess. One of my big pet peeves is the politico who
moves to a certain state just so they can run in their election, you
know the professional politician. For example, Hillary Clinton,
Senator from New York - wasn't her husband Governor of
Arkansas or one of those other Civil War states? Well, she was
born in Illinois, went to college in Massachusetts and
Connecticut and was first lady of Arkansas for 12 years. Then
she "moved" to New York and is now one of their senators, how
convenient.
Even our own Senator from Connecticut, Chris Dodd, had to
take up out of state residency to run in a primary, I'm not even
sure what state that was, makes no never mind, he dropped out
of presidential race anyway. It really boggles my mind what
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 7
these people do just to run for office, and while he was a 'citizen'
of the other state, did he still represent Connecticut, does his pay
get docked for this? Gets you thinking, no? Then when he comes
back to Connecticut, there is a big homecoming - for what - a
guy who jumped ship, and is coming home, not a war hero or
someone who did something extraordinary, I guess any excuse to
have a party and photo op.
Every morning, before I go to work, I watch the TODAY
show; it seems that almost every day a candidate takes advantage
of NBC's generosity for free publicity and is available for an
interview, this past week, both Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama
were scheduled - during one of the debates a day or two before
the dialogue started getting nasty. And both candidates were try-
ing to justify their remarks toward each other; they both made an
attempt to rationalize their views and also explain why their
opponent was wrong. Really meaningless childish banter, just
like when you were a kid and a playmate who wasn't chosen for
a team claimed ' it's my ball and I'm taking it and go home' -
maybe it's time some of these candidates to do just that.
These politicians can say whatever they want now, but when
their in office they usually have mind lapses and go on a differ-
ent course than what they promised, with the average Joe and
Jane left holding the bag, as it were. The point of this essay is
that I really don't care for politics, it is a necessary evil, and pos-
sibly the worst example is what goes on in a smaller scale like
say right here in the "Silver City" - I wonder how many residents
even know to what that term is in reference to?
Seems like there are a few individuals who were not
chosen/appointed to the majority party town committee and are
singing the old 'Sour Grape Polka' by trying to have some sort
of special election/primary to regain their seats. Sure, I'd be
peeved if I was serving, voluntarily, on a committee and was
bounced for someone else with little or no reason, but this elec-
tion or whatever is going to cost taxpayers around 30K as I was
led to understand. How about it folks, this could pave a street or
buy some much needed equipment for a police officer or fire-
fighter.
Politics - not my cup of tea, necessary evil, but when it comes
to the point that money will be wasted to give a boost to a very
few egos, that's where I draw the line. And as for the national
level, there should be legislation that you can only start cam-
paigning 6 months before the election, that'll work, wouldn't you
think?
The most important thing to remember - get out and vote in
November, 'cause if you don't, you can't complain; plain and
simple.
Thanks for reading, stepping off the soapbox.
Men that look no further than their outsides,
think health an appurtenance unto life, and quar-
rel with their constitutions for being sick; but I
that have examined the parts of man, and know
upon what tender filaments that fabric hangs, do
wonder that we are not always so; and consider-
ing the thousand doors that lead to death, do
thank my God that we can die but once.
~Thomas Browne

The Senior Buddy Readers Program Seeks Volunteers

The Senior Buddy Readers intergenerational mentoring & literacy program is currently seeking volunteers to help
finish out the 2007-2008 school year. Active retirees are needed to help first and second grade students improve their
reading skills. The program runs from the end of September through May and takes place in Meriden's elementary
schools. We are currently looking for volunteers in these following schools:
Nathan Hale Tuesday 9:30-10:30
Ben Franklin Wednesday 9:30-11:00 (retired teachers only)
Casmir Pulaski Wednesday 9:30-10:30
Thomas Hooker Thursday 1:30-2:30
Hanover (recruiting for 2008-2009 school year)
Anyone interested in sharing one hour a week mentoring a child is invited to call the office of Meriden Children
First Initiative at 630-3566. Make a difference in the life of a child…become a Senior Buddy Reader volunteer!
(The Senior Buddy Readers program is sponsored by nonprofit Meriden Children First Initiative and is supported
financially through foundation grants and local business donations.)
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 8
MY WALK IN THE WOODS
Part 1 of 2 - By Bob Fowler
In 1999 I began to think about my retirement that was coming up in spring of the coming year. I would think of what
this new chapter in my life would bring. I knew that it would afford me more time to do a lot of projects, around home,
that I had put off. I knew it would allow me to spend more time with my grandchildren and family. It would also give
me more time to go skiing and fishing. I started to think of other things to do and one of them was to hike the
Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail is a foot path marked by white painted 2" X 6" rectangles called blazes, it starts in the moun-
tains of northern Georgia passing through fourteen states as it follows the Appalachian Mountains north ending in
Maine. Its total length is 2170 miles.
In 1987 I had read an article about the Appalachian Trail, in National Geographic magazine. I wrote to the
Appalachian Trail Conference and requested information on hiking the Appalachian Trail. I received a pamphlet called,
"Walking the Appalachian Trail, Step by Step". Reading the pamphlet ignited a spark, but the spark soon faded. I filed
the pamphlet away, but whenever I would come across it I would read it again and the spark would once again glow.
Hiking the trail from one end to the other in one season is called a thru-hike and each year 1,500 folks start out to do a
thru-hike but only about 300 succeed.
My son in law and his brother were backpackers. They had asked me to go on overnight hikes with them several
times. I declined to go because I had little of the required equipment for overnight camping. One day I purchased a
backpack at a tag sale thinking that I could acquire the rest of the needed equipment and if I was asked again, I could
go. They asked me to go hiking over the Columbus Day weekend and I accepted. I pieced together what gear I had and
borrowed the rest from them. We hiked in southern Maine, sleeping out under the stars for two nights. I was hooked.
I thought more and more about hiking the AT after I retired. I brought hiking boots and started to take local hikes to
break them in. I started to read books about hiking the AT and also brought a video about thru-hiking. I wondered if
this was something that I could do. During the summer of 1999 I decided that I would attempt an AT hike after I
retired. I told my wife, Donna, about my plan but I don't think she realized the true impact of me hiking the AT. When was about to enter was the Smokey Mountains National Park. Access from
Christmas came I asked for the additional equipment I would need. A tent, new sleeping bag, backpacking stove, water the trail is limited. The next road crossing would be 40 miles away. I knew if
purifier and other hiking equipment. I set April 17, 2000 as my starting date. I purchased an airline ticket to Atlanta. I had a problem and had to leave the trail It would be difficult . I started
I retired in March and spent most of my time getting ready. I took local hikes with my pack loaded with everything I back into the woods. My knees hurt as bad as before. I sat down on a rock to
would be taking. I practiced setting up my tent. I would pack and repack my gear until I felt I had everything I would decide what to do. All the friends that I had been hiking with had gone
need and was ready to go. I was ready to start my adventure. I considered it an adventure that would be for a duration ahead. I would not be able to catch up with them. I had tears in my eyes. I
that was unknown to me. I did not know how long I could endure being on the trail and away from my wife and family. would have to leave the trail and give up what I had learned to love.
I decided that I would hike until I could not do it physically or got tired of my adventure. After returning home I saw an orthopedic doctor. He examined me, took
Donna and her friend Peggy drove me to the airport. I kissed my wife goodbye and told her I would call her when I X-rays and sent me for a MRI. The results were that I had a bad stress frac-
could and that I would be careful. I arrived in Atlanta and took a train to Gainesville, Georgia. I checked into a motel ture in my left leg. The pain in my knees, he thought, was caused by
and spent a restless night. In the morning I hired a taxi to drive me to Amacola Falls state park. At 7:30 on April 18, overuse. He said that the stress fracture would heal in six weeks and that the
2000 I started walking the 10 miles up Springer Mountain to where the AT starts. knee pain would go away with time. I rested for six weeks. My daily
I began to wonder, had I made the right decision, is this going to be something that I would like, would it be too thoughts were of the AT. I missed it a lot and I was hoping to get back out
physically demanding, could I endure not having the daily contact with my wife and family. These were the thoughts hiking.
going through my mind as I hiked to the top of Springer Mountain. That didn't happen. My knees still hurt and I was not able to walk any dis-
The days that followed were full of seeing new sights, meeting new people and experiencing the trail. It became a tance without pain. I went back to the doctor. He took new X-rays and said
vast learning experience not only about backpacking but also about myself. It became a new way of life for me and I the fracture looked fine. Continued on Page 9
found it enjoyable. We would sit around our camp, after the day was over, discussing the events of the day. I soon
learned that we were all experiencing the same joy and hardships and we were all on the same learning curve. It was Happy
hard work but rewarding. I commented, "Hiking the AT was the hardest job I ever had." I decided I loved what I was Va;lentines Day
doing and would stick with my hike as long as I could.
Most folks, who hike the AT for any length of time, tend to leave the real world, off the trail, behind them. For many Happy Valentine’s Day
it becomes a new life for one reason or another. Most hikers give up their real name and identify and adopt a new to my precious niece
name. It's like a nickname but is referred to as your trail name. I decided to be known as "Grampie" it is what my grand Lexy!
kids call me and I did that, sort of, in their honor.
I met hikers of all ages. I met a young boy, 17 years old. He entered Columbia University at the age of 15. I met him You are so special and
carving on a stick. I asked him what he was making and he said a spoon. "I forgot to bring one." He became known as I love you so much!
Craftsman. I hiked with a hiker from New Zealand. He had a business, back home, of making woodenware including Love, Aunt Cindi
spoons. He took the trail name of Spoonman. I met an Indian woman who was called Woods Walker. Some folks pick
their own trail name and others are assigned one. It doesn't matter what age, gender or what you did before. The AT has Happy
a way of making all equal. Eventually you fall into hiking with the same group of people. They hike at the same pace Va;lentines Day
as you and at the day's end you camp at the same spot. As you talk you begin to learn more and more about these new
friends and long lasting friendships develop. Happy Valentine’s Day
Everything was going good. I had hiked for over 100 miles. One day after hiking some hard uphills my knees started to my little babies
to bother me. It became worse and worse. I realized that it was something more than just doing too much. When I Chelsea and Thor!
reached Fontana Village. I took a day off from walking. My knees didn't feel any better. I decided to go into a near by
town and see a doctor. I found a clinic and saw a doctor. He thought that my problem was from overuse, gave me a pre I love you so much!
scription for some medicine. I took the pills and rested for two more days. I decided to try and hike again. The section I
Mommy

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He now thought that I had arthritis in my knees. He prescribed
physical therapy. My daughter Amy is a therapist so she pre-
scribed an exercise program to straighten the muscles that sup-
port my knees. I also started to take glucosamine and chon-
droitin. I also would swim a lot. By fall my knees were feeling
better. I decided to finish the AT in Connecticut.
With a new feeling of hope I began to make plans to return to
the trail the next April. Hiking the AT was in my blood. I contin-
ually thought of it. It is hard to explain what is so addictive
about hiking the AT. It is just something that if you like it, it
becomes an addicted desire. I became addicted. I knew that I
had to return to try and finish or at least give it another try. I
would continue from were I left off. I still had 2000 more miles
to go.
On April 9, 2001 I flew into Knoxville, Tenn., got picked up
at the airport and returned to Fontana and resumed my hiking
north. I passed the spot where I had stopped before. I paused and
was thankful to be back again.
My plan was to hike short days and taking a day off from hik-
ing to rest every five days or so to allow my body to get back
into hiking shape. While on the trail, a day not hiking is referred
to a "0" day. I hiked that day to the first camping area. A shelter
five miles from where I started. It was quite warm for early
April. The leaves were not on the trees yet. I had set up my tent
and was talking to some other hikers when a tall somewhat over-
weight guy came hiking in. He introduced himself as "Texas
Jack, Dallas fire department retired". This was the start of a long
friendship.
The AT passes near several towns that are accessible from the
trail. Most of these "trail towns" offer services that hikers need.
Many have inexpensive motels or hostels that you can stay in. A
hiker will usually go into these towns to buy food, supplies,
wash cloths, take a shower, sleep in a soft bed and eat a meal or
two. Stop at a Post Office to get or send mail and make phone
calls to those back home. Depending on the distance between
these towns I would do this every four to seven days. Arriving
into town in late afternoon doing what had to be done and leav-
ing town the next morning or spend two nights and take a "0"
day to rest. As you progress along, on your hike, you begin to
plan around and look forward to going into trail towns.
Texas Jack and I just sort of fell in to hiking together. His
plan was to hike the AT to loose some weight and to get into
better physical shape. He had started at Springer Mountain and
had hiked 170 miles when I met him. We would hike together
sometimes I would break camp and leave before he did but he
would soon catch up to me and we would hike together. He was
quite knowledgeable about the outdoors. He knew about birds,
flowers, wild plants and much more. As we walked he would
comment on what was around us. He had many stories about his
life and his experiences as a firefighter. His tales would entertain
me for hours as we walked together.
A typical day on the trail would go like this; wake soon after
sunrise, have something to eat for breakfast, pack up my gear,
decide on a destination and start hiking. In a good day I would
cover 10 to 14 miles stopping along the way to rest, enjoy the
views, eat a snack or get water. Reaching my destination around
four in the afternoon, set up my tent, get water, clean up as well
as I could and cook some supper. Sometimes there would be a
campfire to sit around and talk to others about the day's hike and
what was ahead. As it began to get dark most Hikers would turn
in for the night. I found that I was easily sleeping 10 hours each
night. This process went on day after day. Seeing new sights,
meeting new people and experiencing the wonders of the AT.
Along the trail, every 8 to 12 miles there is a camping area
with what is known as a shelter. A shelter is nothing more than a
three sided, roofed platform where six to 12 hikers can sleep out
of the weather. It's first come first serve and during bad weather
they fill up fast. I would try to sleep in a shelter if the weather
was wet. I hated to put up my tent in the rain and pack it up wet
in the morning. It was normal for me to sleep in my tent. I
sometimes snore and upset others if I was in a shelter.
I had been hiking for five days and needed to go into town to
resupply. I was at Newfound Gap, the highest part of the whole
AT, a met a guy hiking with his son. The weather was cold rain
that soon turned to sleet. He offered Texas Jack and I a ride into
the town of Gatlinburg and we accepted. Jack and I shared a
motel room. Quite a few other hikers were also staying at the
motel. We took showers, went to the laundromat and had a nice
supper. We had decided to take a "0" day the next day.
Gatlinburg is a real tourist town. It reminded me a lot of Lake
George. We spent our day walking around town and checking
out the sights. It was a sunny warm spring day. We made
arrangements to have a taxi take us back up the mountain to the
trail. We called to be picked up and were told that the road up
the mountain was closed because of heavy snow and would
probably open later in the day. I called back around noon and
was told that the road was still closed do to a bus sliding off. We
ended up renting a room again and spending another night. We
talked to some hikers who had come down into town that day
and they told us there was 8" of snow in the mountains. The taxi
picked us the next morning at 7. He drove us the fifteen miles to
the trail to a winter surprise. It was about 20 degrees, snow on
the ground and the wind blowing. We took refuge in a rest room
and put on all the warm cloths we had and started to hike. Our
destination was a shelter five miles away. Hiking was difficult.
Snow would be knocked from the trees by your pack and would
fall over you. The marked trail was hard to follow and the foot-
ing was slick. We reached the shelter, named Ice Water Spring,
in mid afternoon. The temperature was falling. I found a spot in
the shelter, took off as much of my wet cloths as I could and got
into my
sleeping
bag. It was
the coldest
night I
would spend
on the AT. It
was 8
degrees in
the morning.
The cloths
that I hung
to dry had
frozen. My
boots were
also rock
solid from
being wet
the previous
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 9
day. I did not want to get out of my sleeping bag and have to put
on cold damp cloths.
The weather soon changed. All the snow melted after a couple
of days. The tempeture climbed into the 70s. Spring finally
arrived in the Smokey Mountains. I learned a lesson, it doesn't
matter how bad it can get, it will soon improve.
We hiked along daily clicking off the miles. Walk for 4 or 5
days, go into a town, resupply, have a couple of good meals,
clean up yourself and gear, sleep in a soft bet and call the loved
ones back home to let them know how you were doing. The
longest time I ever went between phone calls was six days. Now
and then I would find an Internet connection and send e-mails to
some of my friends. I had settled well into this life of a nomad. I
had left behind all the cares of everyday life away from the trail.
I was enjoying myself on the adventure of my lifetime.
Texas Jack was having a problem with his boots coming
apart. He called the store in Texas he had brought them from and
they said they would replace them with a new pair.
He had them shipped to a post office in a town up the trail we
would reach in about a week. Jack went intown and picked up
his new boots. Walking with the new boots, not broken in,
caused some severe blisters on Jack's feet. He was having a bad
time. I could tell that he was not enjoying himself. He started to
talk about leaving the trail and going back to Texas. We had
hiked a difficult day, a lot of ups and downs his feet were really
bothering him. To top it off we got caught in a downpour. We
got soak and wet. We arrived at a full shelter and had to tent in
the rain. The weather cleared during the night. In the morning
Jack was not stirring in his tent. I went over and asked him if he
was all right. He said,"Grampie I've had enough. I'm going
home." I thought that he would change his mind and I would see
him up the trail. I packed up my gear and headed out. We had
hiked together for ten weeks and I didn't believe what he was
saying. I hiked all day without seeing him. I camped that night
and some other hikers that we knew, told me that he hiked to the
next road and got a ride into town and was going home. It sad-
dened me to loose my hiking buddy. I had enjoyed the time we
had spent together but I understood. The enjoyment of a thru-
hike had faded for him. He had had enough.
I continued on hiking alone or with other hiker friends. It
wasn't the same without Texas Jack. Continued on Page 10
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 10
We got along so well together. He had become a true friend and now he was

Pure Fun!
gone. Thoughts of leaving the trail myself started to enter my mind. I pushed
them aside; I was still enjoying my hike.
While hiking with Jack we would keep track of our progress. The AT ends

Swimming
in Baxter Park in Maine. They close the park each year on October 15. That
closing date kind of sets your schedule to finish. Jack and I were not making
exceptional time hiking north. We had to average 10.5 miles a day to get to

Field Trips Baxter before the closing date so we had come up with a plan, some time
before he left the trail. We would continue north until we reached Harpers
Ferry Virginia. Once there we would take a break from hiking, go home for a
Arts/Crafts week, than return and go to the trail's end in Maine. Climb Katahdin to the
end of the trail and start hiking south. We could than extend our hiking season
if need be. I had told my wife of this plan and she was going to drive down
and pick me up.
Girls Inc. specializes in teaching, The weather had become quite hot. We had almost a week of 90-degree
weather. It was taking a toll on me. I began to think again of giving up. I
helping and serving girls from decided that when I called home on July 4 I would inform my wife of my
4 years old to 15 years old! decision to quit. I was in a campground in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. I was just
short of having completed half of the AT. I called Donna. Her first words to
me were, "Texas Jack called. He is coming back to hike. This changed every-
thing. This good news made me want to continue.
I called Jack. He told me that he had an uncle in New Jersey; with failing
health that he promised his mother he would visit. We arranged some dates
and he decided that he would drive from New Jersey to my home in Meriden
and than my wife would drive us up to Maine. I began to hike with new vigor
looking forward to the return of my hiking buddy. My wife was to meet me in
Duncannon, Penn. I had a week of hiking to get there. I was looking forward
to seeing my wife after having been away for three months. The miles just
flew by. I reached Duncannon and booked a room at the Doyle Hotel. The
Doyle is right on the trail and is a famous hiker stop. It was built in 1902 by
Anheuser-Bush as a hotel and tavern to stimulate the sale of beer. It has
become somewhat rundown but the rooms were cheap and so was the beer. I
spent my night there with a lot of hiker friends celebrating going home for a
week to see my wife and having Jack return.
Look for Chapter 2 in the March Issue!

A READER'S FEAST" BOOK DISCUSSION

Week 1: Fun in the Sun Week June 16 - June 20
SERIES AT MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
MERIDEN - Meriden Public Library will be hosting a four session book
This week we'll focus on having fun in the sun...now that summer is finally here! Swimming, outdoor play, arts & discussion series titled "A Reader's Feast" organized by the Connecticut
crafts, SMART, and many more great activities await girls who attend this week. This is a great preview week of all Humanities Council.
the fun girls will have at our Strong, Smart, and Bold camp throughout the summer. We'll end the week by ringing in Our taste in food - what we eat (and avoid); how we grow, select, prepare
summer with an all-camp "beach party"...Girls Inc. style. and serve it, with whom we eat and under what circumstances-is culturally
Week 2: Welcome to the Jungle Week June 23 - June 27 mediated in ways powerful but often unobtrusive. If we are what we eat, we
Girls Inc. is turning into a jungle this week! Campers will enjoy activities that involve animals, nature, the rainforest, are also what we read. The books in this series nourish the mind, the senses,
and much more. There will even be a special day for all our girls to become "Cheetah Girls", as we pay tribute to this and the sensibilities. Participants will be invited to supplement the readings
very popular all girl musical group. We will also have our first camp show of the summer, where friends and family with cookbooks and recipes whose significance in their lives and culture they
will enjoy performances of jungle themed musical acts. This week is sure to make you roar... will be asked to define, to interpret, and to question.
The session will take place on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the
Week 3: Stars & Stripes Week June 30 - July 3 Griffin Room.
Parents please note: This is a shortened camp week. Camp will not meet on Friday, July 4th (Girls Inc. is closed). Christopher Brown, an educator from East Haven, will lead the discussion.
We will be honoring America all week long during Stars & Stripes week! Campers will enjoy patriotic songs, crafts, The schedule and books that will be discussed is as follows:
and all-American fun this week as we get ready for America's birthday. This week will feature an all-camp birthday February 6 "The Natural History of the Senses" by Diane Ackerman
celebration for America on July 3rd (b/c there's no camp on July 4th) which will include Girls Inc. very own daytime February 20 "The Art of Eating" by M. F. K. Fisher
"fireworks" display...you won't want to miss this! March 5 "The Mistress of Spices" by Chitra B. Divakaruni
Week 4: Express Yourself Week July 7 - July 11 March 19 "Chocolat" by Joanne Harris
This week is all about being proud of who you are and being the best YOU, you can be! Girls will participate in vari- The discussion series is free and all are invited to participate. To reserve a
ous activities that allow them to express their creativity, self-expression, and self worth. A big part of this week will seat, please contact the Community Services Department at (203) 630-6349,
focus on self confidence and being Strong, Smart, and Bold. Each group will put together their very own skit (a 5-10 email comsvc@hotmail.com or sign up online at www.meridenlibrary.org and
minute performance) that they will get to perform for friends and family at the end of the week camp show. click on "Adult events."
Guaranteed to be the best show on earth! All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere I turned
Week 5: Girls Inc. Idol Week July 14- July 18 someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though
During this week of camp girls will be treated like STARS! It's the first ever Girls Inc. Idol talent search...just like the they were often in contradiction and even self-contradictory. I was naïve.
popular TV show American Idol. Activities throughout the week will focus around singing competitions, idol dress-up I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions
days, and much more. We'll even have an all-camp activity this week where we'll crown one lucky girl as the first ever which I, and only I, could answer. It took me a long time and much
Girls Inc. Idol for the summer of 2008! painful boomeranging of my expectations to achieve a realization every-
one else appears to have been born with: that I am nobody but myself.
Week 6: Rockin' thru the Decades Week July 21- July 25 ~Ralph Ellison, "Battle Royal"
It's music all week long as we get ready to rock thru the decades of the 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, and 2000's! Each day of
camp will be dedicated to a different decade with various activities, crafts, games, and dress-up days. Our featured
event this week will be a Rockin' thru the Decades camp show for friends and families to enjoy. So get your dancing
shoes on because we're going to rock around the clock!
COMMERCIAL
Week 7: Disney Celebration Week July 28- August 1
Get ready...because the magic of Disney is coming to Girls Inc.! We're going to have a week long celebration of all our
* RESIDENTIAL * INDUSTRIAL
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Disney friends which will include lots of fun activities, crafts, and movie days. The grand finale for the week will be a
Princess Day where girls can come to camp dressed as their favorite Disney Princess and attend the always popular all-
camp Princess Ball.
Week 8: Summer Olympics Week August 4-August 8
Let the Games Begin! Girls will get to show how Strong, Smart, and Bold they are during our Summer Olympics week
* New and Existing Construction
here at Girls Inc.! The week will include lots of physical activities, games and much more. The highlight of the week
will be our all-camp Olympic Games which will feature groups competing against each other in a friendly competition.
* Service Upgrade Repair
This week will definitely bring out the athlete in everyone…
* Phone and TV Wiring
Week 9: Wet & Wild Week August 11 - August 15
Parents please note: Camp Hours for the last day of camp on Aug. 15th are 1pm-7pm. (with no AM or PM extended * Fire Damage Repairs
* 45’ Bucket Truck Service
care).The best has been saved for last with our Wet & Wild Week! If you love anything to do with water...then this is
the week for you. Campers will get to enjoy a week full of wild and fun water activities - including water balloons,

* Emergency Service
duck - duck splash, and much more! Since this is the last week of camp for the summer, campers will also be prepar-
ing for our popular 'end of the summer' Water Show … which is always a SPLASH!

“No Job too Big or Too Small”

Call Girls Inc. at

203.235.7146 for more
information! Drop-In to
Register at 130 Lincoln
St. in Meriden Fully Insured and Licensed CT Lic. #104727

What You Need
To Know!
Wallingford Kiwanis Past
Distinguished President,
Tim Wall, congratulating
Antionette Walker on being
awarded the Kiwanian of the
Year at the Annual Kiwanis
Holiday Party held at Traditions
Golf Club on December 13, 2007.
Happy
Va;lentines Day
Happy Valentine's Day
to our snowy Baby Mouse!
Love,
Mommy Mouse
& Daddy Mouse
Happy
Va;lentines Day
Happy Valentine's Day
Mommy, Bria & Blake
Love, Daddy
Happy
Va;lentines Day
Happy Valentine's Day
Sarah!
You are the best valentine
and angel I have
ever received !!
Love Grammy Beth
CRUISE TO BERMUDA on the NCL “DAWN”
Say “no” to stress, and
“hello” to pink sand and
pastel coloured houses.
Freestyle dining ashore pro-
gram, and more time ashore
than any other cruise ship.
MAY 18 - 25, 2008
105 Hanover Street in Meriden
203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516
Email: ktwinc@aol.com
www.kingtravelways.com
$50.00 Monthly Prize
All stories, poems, photos,
art, recipes etc. sent by
andy@peoplespressnews.com
are automatically entered or
send by mail with the form
below. Share today!
Deadline for the next issue is February 25, 2008
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 11
The Wallingford Senior Center and What It Offers You!
Accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) a constituent unit of the National Council on Aging
(NCOA), located at 238 Washington Street, Wallingford, CT 06492 PHONE 203 265-7753 FAX 203-284-9953 Email:
office@wlfdseniorctr.com WEBSITE: www.wlfdseniorctr.com
Administered by the non-profit 501(c)(3) Wallingford Committee on Aging, Inc. with primary funding by the Town
of Wallingford, we are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and for other special events. This beautiful 20,000+
square foot facility, newly opened in 2001, features numerous programs, classes and special events. Services include:
Transportation: Two accessible mini-buses for pick up and local trips for qualified elderly Wallingford residents, dona-
tions appreciated, advanced reservations required; Health & Wellness: An R.N. from the Wallingford VNA is available
daily from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Additional clinics, screenings, and lectures are also offered; Food Services: A nutri-
tious hot lunch, provided by the Elderly Nutrition Project (ENP) is served daily at 11:45 a.m., donation requested,
reservations required, call 265-3508. The Lake View Café opens daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., fare includes break-
fast items and home-style soups and sandwiches, no reservations required. Social Services: Our full-time Social
Worker provides information on caregiving and family support; outreach to the homebound; referrals to other agencies;
benefits applications for energy assistance, and other available assistance programs. Call for an appointment. Daily
Activities for Independence (DAI): This unique program meets three days each week and is designed to serve seniors
with mildly reduced cognitive, physical, or psycho-social function by providing support, therapeutic activity, and com-
panionship in a small structured environment. A small fee is charged. Please call our Therapeutic Recreation Director
for information and assessment. Fitness: A wide variety of classes including strength training, various dance styles,
and other forms of exercise are offered at various times each week. Educational: A variety of discussion groups, lec-
tures, and workshops are offered on self-improvement, consumer, legal and financial issues, current events, and other
topics. Recreational: An extensive array of individual and group sports; arts and crafts classes; computer courses;
musical sessions; group tours; holiday and special events; inter-generational programs; performances, demonstrations
and movies are offered on a regular basis.
Please call for information, visit our website, or stop by for a visit and pick up a copy of "Prime Times" our monthly
newsletter. Membership is open to residents of Wallingford, age 60 and over; some events and programming are free
and open to the public; others available at a non-member fee.
Body. Mind. Spirit. MidState treats them all.
We believe in caring for more than just the physical. In addition to the traditional medical services we provide,
MidState Medical Center also offers patients non-invasive complementary therapies designed to promote healing and
speed recovery. Our complementary therapies include:
Soft Touch Relaxation Rubs - Provided by volunteers who are specially trained by a certified massage therapist, soft
touch relaxation rubs to a patient's hands and feet improve circulation, relieve anxiety, increase endorphins, and are
simply soothing.
Reiki Therapy - This Japanese technique used to relieve pain, muscle tension, and overall stress works by releasing
blocked energy and recreating the body's natural state of balance. Offered on a requested basis, certified volunteers
channel Universal Life Energy by placing their hands at various points of the body.
Pet Therapy - Trained and certified by the National Pet Therapy Organization, pet therapy dogs visit patients and pro-
vide comfort and support to those who may feel lonely or otherwise may have no visitors. Bestowed with the Canine
Good Citizen Award, visits from these dogs can reduce anxiety, loneliness, and blood pressure and may help motivate
withdrawn patients to be more involved in their treatment.
Music Therapy - Several times a week, musicians perform for patients, family members and visitors live in the hospi-
tal Galleria. Music therapy has been shown to alleviate patients' pain, counteract depression, promote movement for
physical rehabilitation, calm or induce sleep, reduce fear, lesson muscle tension, and encourage relaxation.
Art Therapy - Offered two times per month, the art therapy program helps people affected by cancer find strength,
hope and peace through creative expression.
Pilates - To assist breast cancer survivors in their return to wellness, this modified exercise class is offered each
Thursday to improve balance, coordination, breathing and circulation.
Focus on Healing- An effective therapeutic program of exercise and movement, this weekly dance program is open to
anyone who has experienced breast cancer and is designed to help women experience total body movement and ease
adjustment to a new body image.
Acupuncture - Practiced in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years, board-certified medical acupuncturist, Jordan
Goetz, M.D., offers acupuncture at the MidState Medical Group Walk-In Center to promote general well being and treat
a variety of illnesses. Acupuncture improves the body's functioning through natural healing by stimulating nerves,
releasing the body's natural painkillers, and modifying the way pain signals are received. For more information or to
schedule an appointment, call the Walk-In Center at 203-284-9099.
The great majority of us are required to live a life of constant duplicity. Your health is bound to be affected if,
day after day, you say the opposite of what you feel, if you grovel before what you dislike, and rejoice at what
brings you nothing but misfortune. ~Boris Pasternak
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 12
The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, com-
mon sense, and everyday experience. Love moves the flesh, it pushes
matter around.... Throughout history, "tender loving care" has uniformly
been recognized as a valuable element in healing. ~Larry Dossey
Radon Awareness
Wallingford Health Department Urges Residents to Test for Radon Gas
Have you tested for radon gas in your home? Radon gas is a radioactive gas
that you cannot see, taste, or smell. Radon comes from rocks and soils in the
ground and enters your home through small cracks and other openings in your
basement. When you continuously breathe in radon gas, it damages your
lungs. Long-term exposure to radon increases your risk of getting lung can-
cer. So much so, that public health officials have found that radon is the sec-
ond leading cause of lung cancer, behind cigarette smoking. Radon is also
considered to be the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the
U.S.
Scientists and researchers estimate that radon gas causes 15,000 to 22,000
lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. If you smoke cigarettes and have
radon in your home, then your risk of getting lung cancer is even greater.
Many Connecticut homes have high radon level, yet very few people are
testing for radon in their homes. According to a regional survey, less than one
third of the homes in Connecticut have been tested for radon.
The only way to find out if your home has radon is to test for it. The
Department of Public Health urges Connecticut residents to test for radon in
their homes.
The Wallingford Health Department has a limited number of test kits. You
can also purchase a test kit by calling the American Lung Association of
Connecticut directly at 1-800-LUNG USA or by going online at
www.alact.org.
For additional information on radon, contact the Wallingford Health Dept or
the Connecticut Department of Public Health Radon Program at (860) 509-
7367 or visit our website at http://www.dph.state.ct.us.
Services of the Wallingford Health Department
When Andy first told me he wanted to do a newsletter dedicated to health and Wellness, I thought what a terrific idea!
Of course then I realized that I would have to write LOTS of info to make sure we covered everything that we do and
naturally we always think we have more time so why do it now. UGH! Big mistake on my part! So now I'm going to
tackle the subject by topic matter. But first I included a summary chart of who we are and what we do.
Who are we: WALLINGFORD HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Where are we: 45 S. Main St., Rm. 215
How to reach us: Phone: 203-294-2065 Fax 203-294-2064 Email: wlfdhealth@sbcglobal.net
The Health Department provides all services required by the CT General Statutes and enforces both CT State
Regulations and Local Ordinances governing public health and local environmental health. Public Health, as the title
implies, are issues in the community that have the potential to impact the general public. By definition Public Health is
the community assessment of physical, mental, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease. The table
below is a summary of the services we provide:
Environmental Health Functions
- Food Protection, Licensing and Food Handler Education
- Subsurface Sewage (Septic) Inspections and Permitting
- Private Well Water Permitting and Approval
- Lyme Disease, Rabies and zoonotic surveillance
- General Nuisance Complaints
- Public Swimming Pool Registration and Inspections
- Beauty/Barber/Nail Salon Registrations and Inspections
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Risk Assessment
Health Statistics, Surveillance and Monitoring
Public Health Preparedness Activities
Contract Services Provided by Wallingford
Confidential Communicable Disease Education and Surveillance
Women Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
Pediatric Dental Health
Immunizations and Well Child Clinics
Blood Lead Screening
Community Support Groups
The Health Dept. is available to provide educational presentations upon request
OK, so now that you have the readers digest version of who we are, I'll attempt to explain in further detail.
Food Protection Program: Currently we have 265 licensed and inspected food establishments in Wallingford. This
number includes school cafeterias and community organizational and non-profit kitchens. Each facility is classified
based on the amount of food handling that occurs. For example, a convenience store with prepackaged food and coffee
is considered a Class I and is inspected one time per license year. A full scale restaurant is considered a Class IV and is
inspected four times per year.
In addition to our routine unannounced inspections, we will conduct an investigation if we receive a complaint.
Complaints may involve persons suspected of getting sick, which basically means a lot of work for us to try to deter-
mine if in they did get sick from food consumed at the food establishment. Most people think of the last place they ate
as the culprit, but when we get a phone call involving a potential food related illness, we have a questionnaire that
includes getting a 3 day food intake history. Can you remember what you ate (including snacking) 2 days ago? It can
be very complicated trying to unravel the mystery of what you ate, where you ate, when you ate, and who else ate the
same thing! Of course, we also use laboratory samples of both food and stools to try to confirm if in fact the illness
was food related.
Unfortunately, we also get calls from disgruntled employees that try to get us involved when we really don't need to
be involved. We also get some complaints that even the best comedy writer couldn't make up! I received a call from
someone saying that a certain restaurant we capturing pigeons and serving them as chicken! So I went to the restaurant
(unannounced) and spoke with the owner. Needless to say, he was shocked! But he understood why the person might
have called and he was very embarrassed by the misinterpretation of what they saw. He went on to show me a pigeon
that had a broken wing. He found it by his dumpster, so he scooped it up, made a brace out of a Popsicle stick, and
actually had the pigeon in a pet carrier in his office trying to nurse it back to health. You know what they say, no good
deed goes unpunished! So I told him to take the pigeon home or contact wildlife rehab professional. Even though his
intentions were good, his actions probably cost him a customer.
As you can see by the example, it's very important that we have caller identification when we receive complaints. It's
important not only for our follow-up (what if there really is a food related issue) but also so we can contact the caller
after our investigation. Names of the complainants are never released. In fact, we have legal authority not to release
the persons name who called us as violations of the CT Public Health Code are criminal misdemeanors, which we
means we are acting with police powers and must protect the complainant from possible retaliation or retribution. This
works both ways in that we also can not legally release information involving a foodborne outbreak UNLESS it serves
to protect the public. What does that mean? For example, if we are investing an outbreak and think that others may
have been exposed that require treatment or medical attention, or if we suspect that the public may have food from the
establishment (similar to all the recall notices from the FDA) we will announce it to the public. We also can't release
data for the purpose of legal action on behalf of either the restaurant or someone who may have gotten ill. Our role is
to protect the public, not assist in legal action.
Subsurface Sewage: When I teach students, I always ask them if they know where does the waste go when they flush
a toilet. Does it go to a waste water treatment facility or do you have your own treatment system, AKA on-site septic?
Our department permits and inspects on-site septic systems. I actually enjoy this part of the job as it can be challenging
especially when dealing with a repair system on a difficult lot. What? Let me explain in a bit more detail. Septic sys-
tems are living filters, formed with anaerobic bacteria that actually process the wastes and break them down, or in sim-
ple terms, they act as filters. Septic systems consist of a septic tank (a hollow chamber that hold the solid wastes) and
leaching fields (the liquid or effluent trickles out of the tank into the fields). Most people don't realize that they need to
treat their system as a living system or they can cause a premature failure. I'll give you an example. Howe many loads
of laundry to do you wash at one time? Do you wash a week's worth or just one or two loads? If you have a septic
system, you really need to do only one or two loads at a time. It's like drinking a gallon of water. You can drink a gal-
lon of water over the course of a day, but can you drink a gallon of water all at one time? Probably not, if you did, you
would feel like you were going to explode!
When we do site investigations for septic systems, we do deep test pits and perc tests. Again you ask what?
Basically, an excavator will dig a test hole about 7 feet deep so we can observe the soil characteristics to determine if
the area is suitable for septic. In other words, do you have a high water table or ledge (solid rock)? If you put a septic
system in ground water, you're going to have a big bath tub or if you install it too close to ledge, the soils won't have
time to treat the bacteria before it seeps along the ledge and maybe into your well. A perc test tells how fast the liquid
or effluent will absorb into the surrounding soils. We use both the deep test pit and perc data to determine how large of
a system you need and also how to design the system so that it works as intended (to filter and treat your household
waste). Probably more information then you needed to know. We have septic guide books available for home owners
so you can read in more detail how your system works and the do's and don't to make sure it continues to work. Septic
systems can be very costly, so it's worth your effort to educate yourself. A properly functioning septic system is very
important when it comes to protecting the ground water from contamination. What a perfect transition to the next topic
of what we do.
Private Wells: There are many areas in town that are not served by public drinking water. It's important that when you
need a well, that it's properly located. There are specific separating distances required to protect the well from known
contaminates (like a septic system or oil tank). Our department has many pamphlets for homeowners concerning issues
surrounding wells. One important topic is Bacteria in Well Water and Well Water Treatment Systems. It's hard to
explain that trying to find the source of water contamination (especially e.Coli) is like trying to find a needle in a hay
stack! Your well draws water from an aquifer, not surface water. It's possible that the aquifer is impacted from activity
a half mile or more away. The most important things to know about your well are: Location, is water-tight well cap
installed, is the well cap above grade, and test your well yearly for bacteria. The Health Department also has a video
describing how wells are installed so you can be an educated consumer.
OK, time for another humorous story on water. We received a phone call from a resident very upset because the
"Town turned off her hot water". Yup, that's what I said. She still had water but she only had cold water. Hopefully
you see the humor as well. The Town doesn't supply hot water. Water is heated by your own water heater.
Continued on Page 13
Wallingford Health Department Services continued from Page 12 The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 13
Lyme Disease, Rabies and zoonotic surveillance The People's Press has over 125,000 Readers in 10 towns and
You don't have to live in the woods or have deer in your backyard to get Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is caused by on the web. Call 203.464.3088 to advertise in the NUMBER 1
the bite of an infected deer tick. Ticks prefer the deer but they will "travel" on the white footed mouse or feed on single copy paper serving Central Connecticut!
birds. That's how they can get to your yard without ever seeing a deer! The latest research indicates that the tick
needs to feed or stay attached to you for up to 24 hours in order to transmit Lyme Disease. Have you heard the saying Happy
"happy as a fat tick on a dog"? The just means the tick is well fed (and apparently content but I don't know that for Va;lentines Day
sure). If you find a tick on you, remove it with tweezers, put it in a baggy with a blade of grass, and bring it to us.
We'll have it tested by the CT Agricultural Experiment Station to see if it actually has the spirochete that causes Lyme Happy Valentine’s Day
Disease. I have heard some folks say to remove the tick with a lit match or cover it in Vaseline. Do you know what to the keepers of
happens if you do either of those things? Well first you'll burn yourself and the second method will result in a shiny my heart
slick tick. We have tick removal kits and tick identifications cards free for residents. Ryan, Emily & Derek!
Rabies and zoonotic surveillance? Zoonotic means that the illness is able to be transferred from animals to people.
If you have a dog or cat, you need to make sure it's current on rabies vaccine. rabies is a deadly virus. It's important Love always and forever,
to teach children not to pet a dog/cat unless the owner tells them it's OK. I know most people will feed a stray (myself Grandma
included) but it's really not a good idea as we don't know what illness they may carry. One of my favorite move lines
is from the Pink Panther. Inspector Cluseau asks a man if his dog bites (said with an English accent), and the man
says "No". So the Inspector reaches down to pet the dog and dog attacks his hand! The inspector said to the man, "I
thought you said your dog doesn't bite" and the man said "I did, but that's not my dog". Classic. Our department
coordinates with Animal Control, local Veterinarians and medical providers concerning potential rabies expose by ani-
mal bites.
General Nuisance Complaints:
I'm sure most of us have our own definition what a nuisance is, but the Public Health Code lists items that are a
Public Health nuisance, things that have the potential to impact the general public. The regulation also gives us broad
authority in defining a nuisance. The first thing we ask residents when they call is if they talked with their neighbor to
try to resolve the issue. I'm always amazed how little we talk to our neighbors. I guess we would rather adopt the
adage that "fences make good neighbors" as opposed to "love they neighbor", but that's another topic for discussion!
Seriously, if you have an issue that can't be resolved and it's creating a public health issue for you, please call. One
example would be the neighbor that refuses to put their garbage out for removal and instead will save it for a month on
the side of their house. Eventually it will start to smell and attract strays or rats. However, if your neighbor decides to
place an old toilet in the front yard and use it as a planter, it maybe in bad taste, but bad taste isn't against the public
health code. I know this as we previously received a phone call involving a potted potty and a neighborhood dispute.
My advice, you don't have to "love thy neighbor" but at least be civil!
Public Swimming Pool Registration and Inspections
If you live at a condo with a pool, by definition, its a public pool. A public pool is a pool that is used by more than
one private home. We register and inspect public pools for the safety of the public. We make sure that proper safety
equipment is available pool side and that the water chemistry is safe for swimming. OK, another true and somewhat
humorous story. Years ago, I was inspecting a condo pool on the Friday before July 4th, and it was really hot so there
we LOTS of kids in the pool. As I was getting ready to hand my inspection form to the pool attendant, a kid came up
and announced that someone had used the pool as a potty. Sure enough, it was like the scene from Caddy Shack and
the floating candy bar, but it wasn't a candy bar! I had no choice but to close the pool. Of course the pool staff used a
mega phone to tell everyone to get out as the Health Dept was closing the pool. I thought I was going to need a body
guard to get out of there! The pool had to be super chlorinated and allowed to go through one complete filtration
cycle (usually 8-10 hours), which means the pool is closed for the rest of the day. Now did I mention it was the Friday
before July 4th? Well someone needed to come back on the 4th to verify the chemical levels in order to reopen the
pool, but since it was the 4th, the department would not authorize the over time, and the pool stayed closed until
Tuesday! Now that was a phone ringing experience! Moral of the story, no diapers are allowed in public pools due to
potential leakage. Prevention is the key to good public health (and a healthy swim).
Beauty/Barber/Nail Salon Registrations and Inspections
The CT General Statutes requires that we inspect salons at least annually for general cleanliness. Serious infection

Colony Opticians offers a full line of

may occur if clean tools are not used, especially if there is an accidental cut to
the finger or toe area during a manicure or pedicure. Dirty equipment could
cause Hepatitis or a systemic bacterial infection. We use a standard checklist

safety equipment including Safety

during the inspection and verify that those cutting hair are licensed. Did you
know CT doesn't require a license for folks who perform only pedicures or
manicures? Or course tattoo and body piercing facilities also don't require a
license or exam. So bottom line is, make sure you are comfortable with the
salon, does it look clean, do you they reuse emery boards or towels, do they Glasses, Face Shields,
Hearing Protection and more!
completely clean the foot basins after every use? Stop by your health depart-
ment and ask to view the most recent sanitary inspection for the salon. If
you're not comfortable speaking to the manager or worker, pick another salon.
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Risk Assessment
There have been MANY toy recalls this past month for lead in paint. Why
are we concerned with lead? Lead has been around since the Roman times.
The problem is that lead impacts every organ of the body and can cause seri-
ous health concerns. Generally speaking, all homes built before 1978 have
the potential to have lead-based paint. However, it is only when the paint
becomes defective that it presents an increased risk for lead poisoning. It is
imperative that good housekeeping and proper nutrition occur in order to
reduce the hazards of lead-based paint and dust. The presence of intact lead-
based paint does not automatically mean that your child will be lead poi-
soned. The CT DPH requires that all children be screened for lead in the
blood. There is no "safe" level of lead in the blood, but high levels in young
children can impact their ability to learn and develop. If we receive notifica-
tion from the laboratory or a doctor that someone has an elevated level of
lead, we will send educational material and offer to do a free home assess-
ment to help reduce additional exposure. The CT DPH website has lots of
information on lead and lead poisoning prevention. The most common areas
in the home to have lead-based paint are: kitchen, window areas and exterior
paint, especially on the old large front porches. That's because lead was
added to paint to increase its shine and durability (or to make the paint job
last longer). Our role is to help identify the source of the lead and protect the
child from additional exposure. Homeowners should make all renovations in
a lead-safe manner to prevent accidental exposure. Lead-safe manner simply
means avoid creating a dust issue such as dry sanding or scraping and make
sure all paint chips are removed from the work area and surrounding ground
(if you're doing outside work). Remember, most homes built before 1978
have lead-based paint. You don't have to chew on paint to get lead poisoning.

QRWA TO HOST WINTER WILDLIFE HIKE

We will be happy to visit your

The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) will host a hike for
interested persons into Quinnipiac River State Park on Sunday, February 10,
from 1:30-3:30 p.m. to learn about wildlife of the winter woods. The guide is
Peter Picone, a QRWA Board member and CT DEP wildlife biologist. In
some years, hikers have found owls and coyote signs in the forest. Hikers company on a regular basis to
serve all of your safety needs
should meet at the trail head on Banton St., North Haven, off State St. (behind
the Rt. 15 Mobil Station). Participants should dress warmly and wear boots,
and bring binoculars if available.
For more information contact QRWA at 203 237-2237 or qrwa@sbcglobal.net
As a people, we have become obsessed with Health. There is something
Safer Vision is within your sight!
fundamentally, radically unhealthy about all this. We do not seem to be
seeking more exuberance in living as much as staving off failure, putting
off dying. We have lost all confidence in the human body. ~Lewis
COLONY O PTICIANS
Thomas, The Medusa and the Snail, 1979 60 Church St. (Rt. 68) &
O ptometrists
Wallingford 203-265-2205 Eye exams by Independent Doctor of Optometry
Eat right, exercise regularly, die anyway. ~Author Unknown
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 14
"Mother-Daughter Book Group Announces 2008 Winter Schedule"
The Wallingford Public Library's Mother-Daughter Book Group welcomes new members to join their book discussions
this winter. Mothers and their middle school or high school aged daughters are welcome to read and discuss the follow-
ing good books for teens.
Monday, February 25th
"Twilight," by Stephanie Meyer: When seventeen-year-old Bella leaves Phoenix to live with her father in Forks,
Washington, she meets an exquisitely handsome boy at school for whom she feels an overwhelming attraction and who
she comes to realize is not wholly human.
Monday, March 24th
The group is open to adult females and teenaged girls. Each book discussion will take place in the Small Conference
Room at the Wallingford Public Library. All discussions begin at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Please call the
Library at 203-265-6754 to register
MAYOR'S CORNER WALLINGFORD
Dear Friends:
Guess what! It's out! Yes, I know it's out because I've received one. You must know what I'm talking about. It's the
Spring 2008 Guide to Leisure and Fun published by the Wallingford Parks and Recreation Department. What a list, a
veritable cornucopia of fun and enjoyment.
For children 6-11 years old, Spring Stingers offers a chance to go on trips, participate in gym activities, and much
more. Winter Warriors puts 6-11 year olds on the bus headed for fun during Winter break from February 18-22nd.
There are trips to Macy's 34th Annual Spring Flow Show in New York City and Lobster and Cranberries in Plymouth,
Massachusetts.
If your interest is financial, enroll in courses explaining strategies for retirement, home buying and financial stability
after divorce. There are sport leagues and instruction for bowling, volleyball, tennis, golf, baseball, and basketball.
You can take ballroom dancing and head straight for Dancing for the Stars. Learn swing or Latin and finish with
Country/Western. Before these classes, however, you may want to take some of the health and fitness courses.
This guide for 2008 is a wonderful opportunity for fun. Sign up now!
Sincerely, William W. Dickinson, Jr. - Mayor
Mayor's Corner Meriden
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! I hope the new year brings you and your family much joy and happiness. I am also excited about
the opportunities that await the City of Meriden in 2008.
As we rebuild areas of our City, we welcome new retailers, Lowes and Walgreens. We have also been greeted by
new quality restaurants in South Meriden and the west side of town. Amy and I had an opportunity to enjoy great food,
fair prices, and a comfortable atmosphere at Avanti's in South Meriden. It is definitely worth a visit! My in-laws, Amy,
and I also welcomed Ilianno's to Castle View Plaza on the corner of West Main Street and Centennial Avenue. They
did a fine job with the interior decorations and the food is absolutely terrific. Another good spot to put on your restau-
rant check list.
At the Stop & Shop Plaza on the west side of town, Centennial Plaza, as we know it, we have seen façade improve-
ments and blighted properties making way for a new Stop & Shop gas station. It is good news to see this plaza get
some needed attention and improvements!
As I attended events throughout the city, I was inspired by our citizens' positive outlook and desire to see Meriden
continue to rebuild itself. I was most impressed with the number of new Eagle Scouts that have completed their
requirements in our city. Meriden is fortunate and should be proud of all the Eagle Scouts that we have living and
working in our city.
The Girl Scouts are in the midst of their annual cookie drive fundraiser. So, buy a few boxes of tasty treats and sup-
port an organization that does so much for our young ladies and our community. A special thank you to all the Girls
Scouts and their advisors. I appreciate all your help at the Mayor's Clean Up Days.
In closing, Happy Valentine's Day to my beautiful wife Amy, my wonderful mom, and our two little Valentines, Bria
and Blake.
Thank you for all your support!
Sincerely, Mark D. Benigni
Mayor
Wallingford Family YMCA To Celebrate
63 years of Building
"Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities"
On Friday, February 8, 2008 the Wallingford Family YMCA will be cele-
brating sixty-three years of providing quality programs and services to the
Greater Wallingford Community. This "Family Event" will begin at 6:00 pm
and held at Zandri's Stillwood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Rd., Route 5, Wallingford,
CT.
The festive night will consist of a Family Style sit down dinner, cash bar,
children's activities, music and entertainment from the YMCA's All Day
Kindergarten program. The Strong Kids Campaign Kickoff will be one of the
highlights of the evening along with a showcase of YMCA programs and ser-
vices. Admission is a donation of $5/per person - $10/ per family and is open
to YMCA members, not-yet YMCA members and to the community at large.
Please join us as we recognize our Volunteer, Members and Employees of the
year by RSVP to Debbie, 203.269.4497, ext. 12.
February Events at Temple B'nai Abraham
1.Rabbi's Tuesday Study Group - February 5thth and February 26thth at 2:00
p.m.
Rabbi Gloria S. Rubin, spiritual leader of Temple B'nai Abraham, continues
her discussion series of contemporary Jewish issues this February with the
topic "When Secular and Religious Law Conflict" on February 5th, and the
subject "The Sunflower: is forgiveness always necessary/possible?" based in
Simon Wiesenthal's book The Sunflower on February 26thth.
2. Adult Synagogue Skills Class - Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Our Adult Synagogue Skills Class was so elated after learning Torah Trope
and having our Torah reading debut, we decided to continue the class and
learn additional skills. This new session focuses on the Saturday morning ser-
vice, helping us to understand the content and meaning of our prayers. New
class members are always welcome. Pre-requisite: a basic knowledge of
Hebrew reading (ability to decode words - even slowly).
Call the synagogue at 235-2581 for the class schedule.
3. Family Shabbat Services and The Rabbi's Toy Box at Temple B'nai
Abraham - February 15th at 6:30 p.m.
At Temple B'nai Abraham at 127 East Main Street in Meriden, families are
always welcome to attend Friday night and Saturday morning Shabbat
(Sabbath) services. The Rabbi's Toy Box is available to help entertain little
ones. On Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:30 a.m. Children can help
carry the Torah silver and march with the Torah. Special Family Shabbat
evening services will be held on Friday, February 15th beginning at 6:30 p.m.
On other Friday evenings services begin at 7:00 p.m. For more information,
please call (203) 235-2581.
4. Family Bowling - February 17th at 1:00 p.m.
Join us for an afternoon of family fun at Brunswick Colony Lanes at 600 S.
Colony Road in Wallingford. The cost is $11.00 per person which includes: 2
slices of cheese pizza, soda, shoe rental, and 2 hours of cosmic bowling
(music, lights, and bowling!) Please RSVP to Susan Massicott by calling 630-
1947 by 10:00 a.m. on February 17th.
About Temple B'nai Abraham
Temple B'nai Abraham is a Conservative synagogue which provides religious,
educational and social programming for all age groups in a warm, extended
family atmosphere. Shabbat services are egalitarian, and feature congregation-
al singing. All are welcome. Temple
B'nai Abraham is located at 127 East
Main Street in Meriden. Please call
(203) 235-2381 for more informa-
tion.

MERIDEN-DON'T JUST
SIT AROUND ON YOUR
FEBRUARY VACATION!!
Come join us for some family
movies.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy our big
screen movie with surround sound.
We provide the popcorn!
Bring a clear drink, pillow, blanket,
or favorite stuffed animal.
Tuesday February 19th at 2:00
PM. Celebrate Black History month
with a movie inspired by Martin
Luther King, Jr.
Wednesday February 20th at 2:00
PM. Join us for a family comedy.
Meriden Public Library Children's
Room 105 Miller Street Meriden,
CT.

Valentines Day
Dinner and Dance
Valentines Day will be celebrated at
the Meriden Turner Society, 800 Old
Colony Road, Rt. 71, Meriden, on
Sunday, February 10th beginning
with a roast beef dinner served
promptly at 1PM. Listening and
dancing music will be provided by
John Prytko's "Good Times Band"
until 6PM. For more information
and reservations call Leo @ 203-
440-0028 or call the Clubhouse on
Thursday evening after 7 @ 203-
440-9624

There are two things in life that a

sage must preserve at every sacrifice,
the coats of his stomach and the
enamel of his teeth. Some evils
admit of consolations, but there are
no comforters for dyspepsia and the
toothache. ~Henry Lytton Bulwer
 The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 15

MERIDEN ADULT CONTINUING

AND CAREER EDUCATION
Spring Classes and Offering 2008
400 Women & Money - Take Charge!
Personal Finance tion plan? Is long-term care important? Should you consolidate
Calendar
Starting today… Register for
Whether married, widowed, divorced or single, women are taking your retirement accounts? Answers to these and many more!
charge of their finances. Regardless of age, it is never too early or H. Cormier, C.F.P Wednesday 5/14 General Interest Courses online, by
too late to take an active role in planning your finances and man- Platt Room 105 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session mail or in person until Wednesday,
aging your investments. Gain investment knowledge, establish a February 13, 2008
405 How Money Works - English
plan of action, develop an investment strategy based on your
Are you one of the million Americans affected by serious finan-
unique needs and goals. Over 80% of women today will at some
cial stress? Tired of "robbing Peter to pay Paul"? What happens STATEMENT OF
point be the sole financial decision-maker. Plan now.
when Social Security isn't enough? Worried about funding a col- NON-DISCRIMINATION:
H. Cormier, C.F.P Tuesday 3/18
lege education? Learn how to prepare for your child's future and The Meriden Adult Education Program
Platt Room 105 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session
help them not start their adult lives in debt! Do you have proper operates under the Meriden Board of
401 Should I have a living Trust? steps in place to get out of debt and be financially independent?
Education's policy of non-discrimination
What is a Living Trust and is it right for you? Do you need a Come learn financial strategies on How Money Works and go
through 2008 with your financial house on the right track! in Educational Programs and Activities.
Living Trust to avoid Probate? Topics to be discussed include
estate planning, living trusts, last will and testament, power of V. DeLaCruz Wednesday 3/12 & 3/26
This policy adheres to the provisions of
attorney, living wills, health care representatives, and State legis- Platt Room 109 7-9pm $30 2 sessions
Title IX of the Education Acts, 1972,
lation that affects these documents. An additional $10 materials 406 Como Funciona El Dinero
fee is payable to the instructor at the first session. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
Eres una de las millones de personas que tiene stress por el 1973, the Disabilities Act of 1991 and
P. Czepiga, Atty. Monday 4/7 dinero? Estas cansado de 'robarle a Pedro para pagarle a Pablo'?
Platt Room 105 6:30-8:00pm $20 1 session appropriate state laws in educational
Que pasa cuando el Seguro Social no es suficiente? Estas preocu-
pado por el costo de la educación universitaria? Aprenda como progress, services or employment. All
402 Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement activities offered by Meriden Adult
With financial independence, retirement can be the most fulfilling preparar el futuro de sus hijos y ayudarles para que NO empiecen
Education are held in accessible locations.
time of your life. This class covers important money management sus vidas como adultos en deudados! Sabes los pasos necesarios
concepts and issues that are important to people near retirement. para salir de deuda y tener un futuro financieramente independi- Accommodations for individuals with a
Topics include assets management and health care decisions. No ente? Asista al evento y aprenda estrategias financieras 'Como disability are available upon request.
products or investments will be offered. An additional $25 materi- Funciona el Dinero' para que pasen el 2008 con su casa financiera If there is any issue or question regarding
als fee is payable to the instructor at the first session. en orden!
V. DeLaCruz Wednesday 4/2 & 4/9 discrimination, accessibility or accommo-
S. Jacques Thursday Starts 4/24
Platt Room 109 7-9pm $30 2 sessions dation, please write Mr. Donald Friedman,
Platt Room 109 6:30-8:30pm $30 3 sessions
Director, Meriden Adult Education, 22
403 Strategies That Prevent You from Going Broke at a Our instructors are hired to teach general concepts to groups
Liberty Street, Meriden, CT 06450 or call
Nursing Home of students, not to provide specific investment advice to indi-
203-630-4190.
Will gifting protect my assets for my children if I go to a nursing viduals. Students should consult their own financial advisor or
home? How can I get the State to pay for my nursing home care? attorney before making any investment decisions based on
Learn about proven asset protection planning techniques for long specific examples used by our instructors.
term care, liability to the nursing home for a loved one as well as
the difference between Medicare and Medicaid.An additional $10
materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first session.
P. Czepiga, Atty. Monday Starts 4/21
Platt Room 105 6:30-8pm $30 2 sessions
404 The New Retirement Mindscape
What are the 5 emotional stages of retirement? How do you make
sure you don't outlive your income? What financial concerns lie
ahead for your generation? How can you boost your savings if
you're off to a late start? Should you convert your traditional IRA
into a Roth IRA? How do you select the right retirement distribu-

General Interest Program Board of Education

Germán Bermúdez, Ph.D.
Administration
Mary N. Cortright
Classes are offered on a "first come, first registered" basis. Many classes fill Mark A. Hughes Superintendent
quickly and class size is limited. Register early to ensure your place. Leonard F. Suzio Jeffrey A. Villar
Michael P. Cardona Associate Superintendent
We will take registrations (as long as a class is still available) until
Thomas E. Bruenn
Wednesday, February 13, 2008. You may register in three ways: Glen A. Lamontagne
Scott R. Hozebin
Online: Frank J. Kogut Assistant Superintendent
Visit www.meridenadulted.org Robert E. Kosienski, Jr. Donald H. Friedman
In Person: John D. Lineen, Jr. Adult and Continuing Education
Come to the Adult Education Office (Room 1A) at the Meriden Board of Barbara R. Sokol Director
Education on 22 Liberty Street between 8am and 11:45am and 1pm and 3:45pm.
Please bring cash or a separate check or money order for each class for the course MERIDEN ADULT CONTINUING &
fee. Make checks and money orders payable to: "Meriden Adult Evening School." CAREER EDUCATION
By Mail: 22 LIBERTY STREET, ROOM 1A,
Use the registration form in this newpaper to register for classes. Please make sure MERIDEN
that you have a separate check or money order for each class for the course fee. 630-4190
Make checks and money orders payable to "Meriden Adult Evening School" and
mail the form and payment to: www.meridenadulted.org
Meriden Adult Evening School, 22 Liberty Street, Meriden, CT 06450.
DO NOT SEND CASH. Office Hours Monday-Thursday,
Office Hours 3:30pm-8:30pm
Adult Education Office (Central Office) Meriden Business & Learning Center
Please note: 22 Liberty Street 500 South Broad Street
You will not receive confirmation of your registration. We will contact 630-4190 639-0320
Monday - Friday, Monday-Thursday,
you if the class is already filled and we will return your payment then.
8am-12 Noon and 1pm-4pm 8:30am-3:30pm, evenings as needed
Adult Learning Center 169 Colony Street School Closings
NO REFUNDS can be given unless a course is cancelled for insuffi- (2nd floor of the Women and Families' Center) Whenever Meriden Public Schools are closed for
cient enrollment or already filled. 237-0602 holidays and for weather reasons, classes will not
Incomplete registrations cannot be processed and will be returned. Monday-Thursday, meet. School cancellations are made on television
Participants must be over the age of 18 and not currently registered 9am-12:30pm and 5:30pm-8:30pm and on local radio stations. Watch or listen to your
High School Credit Diploma local station when the weather is poor or if a late
in any high school.
220 Coe Avenue (Platt High School) Rm. 4 day storm is forecast. Remember, always use your
238-2887 judgment about traveling in inclement weather.
Please See Registration Form on Page 17
 Crafts and Hobbies
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 16

FITNESS AND RECREATION 120 Pastels

Local artist Ellie Bender will teach you to create a colorful landscape or a still life. Some art
experience is helpful. Order pastels in the first class or bring a 96 piece set of NU Pastels,
backing board, felt gray or steel gray canson paper, a sepia pastel pencil and a kneaded eras-
er to class.
E. Bender Monday Starts 2/25 Platt Room 64 6:30-8:30 pm $55 6 sessions
121 Quilting for Beginners -Bento Box
Bento box showcases a collection of fabrics or theme fabrics in a sophisticated but simple-
to-make-quilt.
K. Bergeron Monday Starts 2/25 Platt Room 14 6-9pm $70 6 sessions
122 Quilting for Intermediate - Take Two
Take two prints, add a few more for variety, and you're ready to sew a fun and easy fat
quarter quilt.
K. Bergeron Wednesday Starts 2/27 Platt Room 14 6-9pm $70 6 sessions
123 Arranging Fresh Flowers in Vases
In this two week course designed for beginners, we'll explore various techniques to arrange
flowers in vases of water. we'll design in standard vases as well as in newer shapes like
200 Aerobics: Light 'n Low & Sculpt "cubes". Go home each night with one or two vase arrangements to enjoy. Cost for supplies
Just getting started or getting back? Try this low level aerobics class with for each night's class is approximately $20 payable to the instructor. Bring payments for
easy-to-follow steps. Bring a mat and register with a friend! both classes to the first session. Bring
M. Clark M & W Starts 2/25 Washington Small Gym 5:30-6:30pm $50 20 sessions scissors.
J. NorrieWednesday Starts 4/23 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30 pm $30 2 sessions
201 Aerobics: Beginner Basic
124 MORE Fresh Flower Novelties
Cardio Express & Muscle Mix & Sculpt 1
Tuesday - Cardio Express: This class brings you 60 minutes of a workout that won't quit A continuation of the Spring 2007 and Fall 2007 courses, these classes are designed for the
set to a gentler pace. Starting with Cardio (15 min.), Kick Boxing (15 min.) combination beginner to have fun with flowers in fun and novel ways. No prior class experience is nec-
of moves, kicks, toning and agility work, and Bottom Line (15 min.) secure tight assets essary. Depending on student interest, projects may include ideas for children's parties,
with these glute exercises. Tone, condition and define the gluteus medius/maximus mus- showers, Easter designs in egg cartons or egg baskets, take-out food containers, birthday
cle group area for a more appealing "bottom line". Abs follow. cakes, treasure chests and for animal lovers, a basket of kittens or a cute poodle. You'll learn
Thursday - Muscle Mix & Sculpt: The maximum muscle workout, no bulking - just ton- how to bring a smile to birthday or "cheer up" occasions. Cost for supplies is approximately
ing, flexibility work and total body conditioning. A body sculpting class isolating mus- $20 per session payable to the instructor one week in advance. Bring payment for the first
cles, achieving definition without adding bulk. Abs follow. two classes to the first class. Bring scissors and enjoy!
Bring weights (optional) and a mat to class. J. Norrie Wednesday Starts 2/27 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30 pm $55 6 sessions
M. Clark T & Th Starts 2/26 Washington Small Gym 5:30-6:30pm $50 20 sessions 125 Photo Organizing Class
Are your pictures a mess? Organize them! Bring 170-180 4x6 photos or 170 4x6 and some
202 Aerobics: Beginner Basic
Cardio Express & Muscle Mix & Sculpt 2 panoramic photos to class. We will complete an album that offers photo-safe story sleeve
Tuesday - Muscle Mix & Sculpt: The maximum muscle workout, no bulking - just ton- pages for preserving your life's milestones. Customize your pages with flexible pre-cut
ing, flexibility work and total body conditioning. A body sculpting class isolating mus- accessories that come with the album. You'll have your memories safely pocketed and ready
cles, achieving definition without adding bulk. Abs follow. to be treasured and shared. Bring a materials fee of $45 to the first class.
Bring weights (optional) and a mat to class. L. Harduby Tuesday 2/26 Platt Cafeteria 6:30-9pm $30 1 session
Thursday - Cardio Express: This class brings you 60 minutes of a workout that won't
quit set to a gentler pace. Starting with Cardio (15 min.), Kick Boxing (15 min.) combi-
nation of moves, kicks, toning and agility work, and Bottom Line (15 min.) secure tight 300 Keyboarding
Computers
M. Murphy Wednesday Starts 2/27
assets with these glute exercises. Tone, condition and define the gluteus medius/max- Learn keyboarding and how to use a com- Platt Room 123 7-9pm $92 6 sessions
imus muscle group area for a more appealing "bottom line". Abs follow. puter as well as basic word processing.
M. Clark T & Th Starts 2/26 Washington Small Gym 6:40-7:40pm $50 20 sessions Develop and improve your skills and speed 304 Basic MS access
using MS Word. Text included. Learn the professional way to record, handle
203 Golf for the Beginner R. Ash Monday Starts 2/25 and share data. After learning how to create
If you know little or nothing about golf, this course teaches the proper use of equipment Platt Room 131 6:30-9pm $150 tables and enter data, you will practice cre-
and clubs, golf etiquette and the rules of the game. A trip to the driving range is the cul- 12 sessions ating forms and reports as well as retrieving
minating activity. data with queries and sharing it through
L. Kapell Wednesday Starts 2/27 Platt Room 72 7-9pm $65 8 sessions 301 Basic Computer Concepts and links, tables and forms. Keyboarding skills
Applications required. Text included.
204 Yoga for Relaxation 1 If you have no computer background, this M. Murphy Thursday Starts 2/28
Learn many yoga postures that will help tone and energize your body. Discover breath- course will teach you the fundamentals of Platt Room 123 7-9pm $92 6 sessions
ing techniques that reduce stress and enhance relaxation. Bring an exercise mat or blan- using a personal computer. Hands-on expe-
ket and wear loose and comfortable clothing. rience will help you explore word process- 305 How to use your personal computer
J. Iovanna Tuesday Starts 2/26 Platt Library Media Ctr, 1st Fl. 6-7:30pm ing (MS Word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), You now have a computer in your home and
$50 8 sessions databases (MS Access) and graphics pre- now what do you do? This class will teach
sentation (MS PowerPoint). Keyboarding practical computer use, including
205 Yoga for Relaxation 2 skills required. Text included. how to secure your personal data
Same as Yoga for Relaxation 1 M. Murphy Tuesday Starts 2/26 as well as how to set up a
J. Iovanna Thursday Starts 2/28 Platt Library Media Ctr, 1st Fl. 5:30-7pm Platt Room 123 7-9pm $117 secure wireless network. You
$50 8 sessions 12 sessions will learn how to protect
your loved ones against
206 Yoga for Relaxation 3 302 Basic MS Excel computer predators and
Same as Yoga for Relaxation 1 Hands-on experience creating, edit- the best practices to
J. Iovanna Thursday Starts 2/28 Platt Library Media Ctr, 1st Fl. 7-8:30pm ing, printing and saving spread- avoid computer iden-
$50 8 sessions sheets. Learn to use basic tity theft.
formulas and functions, copy- A. Moore
207 Introduction to Ballroom Dancing ing formulas, formatting work- Wednesday Starts
Learn the "basics" of Swing, Waltz, and Cha-Cha! Learn "the dance" not just the steps, sheets and creating charts. 2/27
as we show you how to make "small changes" that will make "big differences". Dazzle Basic Computer Concepts Platt Room 131
your friends, relatives and your general audience with our dynamic and progressive and Applications required. 6:30-8:30pm
variations. Previous dance experience is not a requirement. Bring a partner (required), Text included. $70 4 sessions
your video camera and tripod (optional), and sign up now! Progress at your own rate M. Murphy Monday
and videotape all your lessons to create your own video notebook (then rewind and Starts 2/25
review your lessons as required...until the tape breaks!) Platt Room 123 7-9pm
O'Keefe/Bula Monday Starts 2/25 Platt Cafeteria 7-9pm $70/Couple 6 sessions $117 12 sessions
208 Swing Dancing 'On the Move' 303 Basic MS
Learn the "basics" of single, double, and triple rhythm swing. Learn "the dance" (or WORD
brush up), not just the steps, as we show you how to make "small changes" that will Learn the con-
make "big differences". In addition, we will introduce you to swing "On The Move", a cepts and prac-
new look that will enable you to gracefully utilize the entire dance floor as you dazzle tices behind the
your friends, relatives and your general audience. Previous dance experience is not a most widely-used word
requirement. Bring a partner (required), your video camera and tripod (optional), and processing program. Learn to
sign up now! Progress at your own rate and videotape all your lessons to create your create and edit professional let-
own video notebook (then rewind and review your lessons as required...until the tape ters, memoranda, press releases
breaks!) and reports as well as how to
O'Keefe/Bula Monday Starts 4/21 Platt Cafeteria 7-9pm $70/Couple 6 sessions prepare things for online use.
Register On-Line at www.meridenadulted.org Keyboarding skills required. Text included.
 LANGUAGES One Night Craft Classes
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 17

500 Conversational Spanish 1 501 Conversational Spanish 2

Get the basics of conversational
Spanish. Everyday expressions and
usage along with vocabulary will pre-
pare you for travel or for work. Text
included.
E. Lorenzo Thursday Starts 2/28
Platt Room 152 5-7pm
$120 12 sessions
This course continues Conversational
Spanish 1. Text included.
E. Lorenzo Thursday Starts 2/28
Platt Room 152 7-9pm
$120 12 sessions

SPECIAL INTEREST
700 Glamourtology 101
Let a professional make-up artist, a leader in the practice of custom blending founda-
tions and tinted moisturizers, guide you through the latest color trends and techniques
designed to accentuate your personal sense of style and beauty. This course is espe-
cially helpful for women who are transitioning to the workforce, who want to impress
or who are recovering from a long-term illness. Materials supplied.
D. Rich Mon. & Wed. Starts 2/25 Platt Room 9 6:30-8:30pm $50 6 sessions
701 The Basics of selling on ebay®
This is for any company or individual who wants to sell items. Are you a company
who is looking to liquidate your inventory? If you are a business that has inventory 100 Easter Charm Basket 103 Perennial Possibilities
just sitting on your shelf or you don't have that much cash in your bank account we Flowers and chocolate - what a wonderful com- For some, perennial plants are the nostalgia of
can help you! Are you an individual who has things lying around that you want to bination! Create a beautiful basket of live plants, grandmother's garden. For others, it is the entic-
sell? In this bad economy you know that there is no such thing as having too much colorful silk flowers and Easter chocolate for ing colors from a magazine photo. Or, perhaps
money, we can help you, too! Bring $25 materials fee to the first class. someone special, perhaps yourself. An easy and the understanding that like good friends, they
C. Adamo Classes on: 2/26, 2/28 and 3/4 fun night out. Please bring a paper grocery bag come back to visit each year. What are the vari-
Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $45 3 sessions to class. Materials fee of $20 payable to the ous ways to use perennials for best display?
instructor the night of class. Garden design, cultivation and the purchasing of
702 The Basics of Buying on ebay® M. Lipski Tuesday 3/18 healthy plants will be discussed. Green thumbs
This course is for individuals who want to learn how to buy on eBay. You can find Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session not necessary. Photos welcomed with the possi-
bargains if you are in the right place at the right time - and don't we all enjoy bargains bility of a class discussion. MANY handouts
these days! Bring $15 materials fee to the first class. 101 Going Green Theme provided.
C. Adamo Monday 2/25 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session A topic in the news: going green in the yard is M. Lipski Monday 4/7
not difficult. Learn various easy ways to improve Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session
703 Beyond The Basics of ebay® soil health, have low maintenance plants, con-
Any company or individual who wants an eBay business needs this course! Are you serve water, encourage wildlife, eliminate pesti- 104 Arranging Fresh Flowers in a Basket
an existing company that has tried to liquidate inventory but aren't having any suc- cides and chemicals. Master Gardener Marie In this one night class, you'll learn techniques to
cess? Are you an individual who has lost your job or you want to own your own busi- Lipski has been using only Earth Friendly tech- create different types of basket arrangements
ness and be your own boss? Now you can have an eBay business and we can help you niques for 20 years. "Be part of the solution, not using fresh flowers. You'll create a basket of
part of the problem" - create a healthier place for flowers to bring home and enjoy. Cost for mate-
get it set up. Bring $25 materials fee to the first class. people and pets. MANY handouts provided. rials is approximately $20 payable to the instruc-
C. Adamo Classes on: 3/6, 3/11 and 3/13 M. Lipski Thursday 3/27 tor the night of class. Bring scissors.
Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $45 3 sessions Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session J. Norrie Wednesday 5/7
704 ebay® Giving Works - Do Well by Doing Good Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session
102 Moon Garden
This course is for individuals who want to learn how to sell items on eBay and donate Relax and enjoy the evening air - and your gar- 105 Flower Cake
a portion of the proceeds to qualifying non-profit organizations. Buyers will pay more den! A moon garden is ideal for those who are Using fresh flowers, you'll learn how to make a
for an item on eBay if they see that some money is going to charity. This is great for a too busy to garden during the day or prefer the cake out of flowers, suitable for birthdays or
seller who has a big heart! PREREQUISITE: Course # 701 - "Basics of Selling on cooler temperatures of dusk. Choosing the right other occasions. A favorite of both children and
eBay". Bring $15 materials fee to the first class. plants is important but easy for this whimsical adults, regardless of age, this class is designed
C. Adamo Wednesday 2/27 Platt Room 113 6:30-8:30pm $25 1 session garden theme. Beginner to experienced garden- for the beginner. You'll go home with a flower
ers welcome. Ideas presented are suitable for cake to enjoy. Cost of materials is $20 payable to
705 Self Discovery/Journal Healing large or small locations. MANY handouts pro- the instructor the night of class. Bring scissors.
In this self help class, writing is used for the purpose of personal healing. Everyone vided. J. Norrie Wednesday 5/14
has a lifetime collection of experiences, thoughts, achievements, regrets and forgive- M. Lipski Wednesday 4/2 Platt Room 62 6:30-8:30pm $20 1 session
ness. These collections will be entered into a journal for the purposes of self aware- Platt Teachers' Café 7-9pm $20 1 session
ness and healing. The journal can provide a history, which can serve as a wonderful
legacy to family members.
R. Cignatta, MSW Thursday Starts 4/3 Platt Room 113

Registration Form
6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions
706 Digital Photography
This class will teach you how to use all the features of your new digital camera.
Topics to be explained include resolution, white balance, file formats and compres-
sion, optical versus digital zoom, various picture modes and manual controls, etc. Name
After you've taken the photos and transferred them to your computer, you'll learn how
to store and catalog them so that you can find them again. Compare the various output Address
choices such as prints or digital slideshows, do them yourself or have them done for
you. Use of the internet and e-mail will be discussed. Learn camera composition to City/State/Zip
improve your photos regardless of your camera type. A demo of the digital darkroom
using PhotoShop Elements will be presented.
E-Mail Address
R. Tokarz Tuesday Starts 2/26 Platt Room 57 6-9pm $40 2 sessions
707 Enhance Photos with Photoshop Elements (Fundamentals) Daytime Phone Fax Number
Now that you have a digital camera, what do you do with all those pictures? The
course will show you how to organize all those files with PhotoShop Elements Evening Phone
Organizer. Additionally, learn color correction, resizing photo files for different pur-
poses, changing resolution, fixing "red eye", opening closed eyes, creating slide shows COURSE# COURSE TITLE (SEPARATE CHECKS FOR EACH COURSE) FEE
on VCD, greeting cards, sending photos by e-mail and more. There is a media fee of
$15 for class materials which will be collected on the first night of class. A 30 day
trial version of the program is provided so that you may load it on your computer at $
home to follow along with the lessons. Owning the program is not needed to take the
course. A minimum knowledge of how to use a personal computer is required. The
$
instructor may be contacted for further information.
R. Tokarz Tuesday Starts 3/11
Platt Library Computer Lab 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions $

708 Enhance Photos with Photoshop Elements (Essentials) $

Builds on the fundamentals course with text on a picture, drawing shapes, painting
with different brushes, creating collages, Layers and Selection to effect parts of an
image, sharpening a blurry image, merging multiple images to create a panoramic, the
magic of filters, and making scrapbook pages from scanned items, etc. There is a
media fee of $15 for class materials which will be collected on the first night of class.
The instructor may be contacted for further information. Prerequisite: You must have
recently completed and mastered PhotoShop Elements (Fundamentals).
R. Tokarz Tuesday Starts 4/22
Platt Library Computer Lab 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions
For Office Use Only C ____ P ____ Mail ____ Personal ____ Check # ____
PAYMENT INFORMATION
‰ Check ‰ Cash
‰ Money Order made payable to Meriden Adult Evening School
Mail this form and payment to: Meriden Adult Evening School, 22 Liberty Street,
Meriden, CT 06450. Registration with this form will be accepted by mail or in person
until Wednesday, February 13, 2008 DO NOT SEND CASH.
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 18

MERIDEN BUSINESS & Back By Popular Demand

LEARNING CENTER 600 Opera
"No Prior Knowledge of Opera Required" From Caruso to Pavarotti to Bocelli - hear and
500 S. Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450 see these singers and others through biographies, documentaries, concerts,
and film. Increase your knowledge and appreciation of one of the most beautiful musical
Phone: 203-639-0320 Fax: 203-639-0322 art forms today. A selected opera will be reviewed to prepare you for
www.mblc.org attending a live performance.
V. Bubon Tuesday Starts 2/26 Washington Library 7-9pm $55 10 sessions
Computer Training 6-Hour Courses - Cost $141.40 601 Astrology - You Are More Than Your Sun Sign
Astrology is more than what you read in sun sign columns. from the time you "made or
(includes 1% computer tax) avoided" your first personal decision, you began shaping your opportunites and chal-
Computer Training lenges. What did you do and why? Become aware of your potential. Check out your
friends, family and co-workers too!.
Excel Introductory 2/29, 4/4, 5/28
D. Bustillo M.P.A., N.C.G. Wednesday Starts 3/26 Platt Room 113
Excel Intermediate 3/28, 5/2 6:30-8:30pm $70 4 sessions

Community Programs
Word Introductory 2/15, 4/11, 5/21
Word Intermediate 3/14, 5/16
Word Advanced 3/26
Meriden Public Library mously expanded its school breakfast pro-
Access 3/26
The Library is your one stop for informa- gram to all elementary schools. As a result
PowerPoint 3/7, 5/7 tion. We offer comprehensive adult and of the breakfast program, children are less
Publisher 3/5, 4/30 children's collections; a computer system distracted in class and teachers have seen a
Outlook 2/13, 4/25 that links you to other libraries throughout positive impact on learning and behavior.
QuickBooks Pro 2006 the state; bookmobile services; and satellite The Community Health Center has an
Perfect for small businesses looking to computerize their finances. Learn programs at 3 Meriden elementary schools. Obstetrical Center that offers early prenatal
how to manage customer and vendor information, create invoices and Call 238-2344.Also at the Meriden Public care, financial counseling, on-site lab and
credit memos, manage banking transactions, and generate reports. Basic Library: Literacy Volunteer Tutor Training ultrasound tests. Since its opening, there
bookkeeping knowledge suggested. Become a Literacy Volunteer by learning has been an increase in early prenatal care
February 8, 2008 8:30 am - 4:30 pm $150 (includes book) the techniques of teaching Basic Reading registration and the number of healthy
Test Preparation Courses or English as a Second Language (ESL). In
our 18-hour training, you will learn how to
birth weight deliveries. Also, Head Start
children are screened at CHC's Dental
Course Information teach basic skills. No prior teaching or col- Center.
lege experience required. Materials and The Child Guidance Clinic for Central
TOEFL instruction are free of charge. Call 235- Connecticut is a licensed psychiatric clinic
The latest Internet version of the TOEFL exam is now available. TOEFL is a 1714. for children and an outpatient facility for
required entrance exam for foreign-born students at most colleges and uni- the reatment of substance abuse.
versities. Our 12 week course will prepare you in the following areas: lis- Family Resource Center Additional programs include home based
tening comprehension, written expression, reading comprehension and the Meriden's Family Resource Centers services, care coordination,
new speaking section. Includes textbook, CDs and practice test. areschool and home-based programs for Project Hope (for children affected by
Thursdays 9/20-12/13/07 6pm-9pm $250 families of children from birth to age five. AIDS), and Child Care Center
Parent/child interactive playgroups work- Consultation. The Clinic
PARAPRO iBT PREPARATION COURSE shops and home visits give parents the served 627 children during 2003, averag-
MBLC is and ETS Authorized Testing Center for ParaPro Assessment iBT skills to be their child's first teacher of lan- ing about 24 new young people per month.
(Internet-based test). Take the ParaPro Prep Course and Assessment at our guage, social, emotional and physical The Connecticut Birth to Three System
center. See your results immediately! Includes textbook, direct instruction development. Call 238-2316 or 237-4743 provides supports and services to families
and internet based exam. of children aged birth to three years old
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3/3- 3/17 6-9pm $150 Senior Buddy Readers who are demonstrating significant delays
PLEASE CALL FOR FALL SESSIONS For Meriden citizens over 50... Become a in their development. Services are provid-
Senior Buddy Reader! Senior Buddy ed in the home or community settings
Test Center Offerings Readers is a volunteer program that unites where the child lives, learns and plays. In
senior citizens with 1st and 2nd graders in 2003, 162 infants and toddlers from
M.O.S. PROGRAM the Meriden Public Schools. Seniors are Meriden received services from Birth to
Microsoft Authorized Testing Center. Validate computer skills and produc- taught reading strategies to help the chil- Three programs.
tivity by successfully completing an exam and receiving official Microsoft dren improve their reading skills. For more
Certification in any of the following applications: Word, Excel, Access, information, call Meriden Children First SAFETY
PowerPoint, Outlook. Includes free practice test. Initiative at 630-3566. Children develop trust, self-confidence and
Call for appointment $80 per exam the skills they need to get along with oth-
Meriden Children First Initiative ers when they grow up in a safe environ-
TOEFL iBT and PARAPRO iBT CFI improves the lives of Meriden children ment. Children are affected personally and
MBLC is an ETS Authorized Testing Center for both internet-based exams. and families through the increased parent educationally by exposure to violence and
Contact ETS in order to register for TOEFL iBT and receive test schedule. involvement in civil life. We provide par- abuse of trust. In Meriden, we are working
Please call MBLC for a ParaPro iBT appointment. ents with training programs, serve as a city- hard to make certain that our children are
wide convener on children’s issues, and not in danger.
Registration for classes at MBLC must be sent to MBLC at least one week sponsor and disseminate key research on * Both the Meriden Health Department
the status of Meriden’s families. Call 630- and Healthy Meriden 2010 collaborate to
in advance. Please call 639-0320 or register at www.mblc.org
3566 or visit our website distribute bicycle helmets and safety pads
Corporate Discounts www.Meriden.com/childrenfirst. to children. children.
10% for 5 people, 15% for 6 or more * The Meriden Police Department is
Major Credit Cards Accepted HEALTH active in providing the tools and lessons
Registration for classes at MBLC must be sent to MBLC Healthy children have a greater opportuni- for safety by: distributing gun locks, hold-
ty to grow into healthy adults. The ing bicycle safety events, checking seatbelt
at least one week in advance. Meriden community devotes significant compliance, running Car Safety Seat clin-
Please call 639-0320 or register at www.mblc.org resources to support growing, healthy chil- ics and inspections, and offering D.A.R.E.
dren, Consider: substance abuse prevention programs at
Adult Education at work... the smart solution for your business MBLC All children and their parents have local schools.
develops and delivers customized workplace instruction and services in the access to immunizations. As a result, many * The Meriden and Wallingford Substance
following areas: of our children have a good start. The Abuse Council (MAWSAC) provides alco-
o Instruction in Reading Meriden Department of Health and Human hol, tobacco, and drug abuse information
o English as a Second Language Services wants to ensure that all of our to the community and collaborates with
o Communication Skills children experience continued good health schools and area agencies to offer pro-
o Basic Computer Training and have access to treatment when neces- grams such as B.A.B.E.S., an elementary
sary. school drug prevention program, as well as
Companies investing in workforce education report: Since more than half of our children are high school smoking intervention pro-
o Increased productivity and lower error rates eligible for free or reduced price lunches, grams.
o Enhanced employee retention and "promotability" the Meriden Board of Education unani-
o Improved health and safety records
o Increased ability to implement new technologies Would you like to teach a course for us?
Are you a born teacher? Do you have a talent, skill or interest that you
YOUR Worksite on YOUR Schedule - Job-Specific and Cost-Effective would like to share with others? If so, we would like to hear from you.
Please send your course description and resume to:
For more information, call our Workplace Coordinator at 203-639-0320 or Donald H. Friedman, Director Meriden Adult Education
visit www.mblc.org 22 Liberty Avenue Meriden, CT 06450

Brand New at www.peoplespressnews.com
Download the entire paper in PDF form to your computer. Now you can
read and enjoy at your leisure and print the entire paper!
Go to www.peoplespressnews.com and the rest is easy.
Happy
Va;lentines Day
Happy Valentine’s Greetings
Mommy, Daddy
Mimi, Nina, Jaju, Grampa
and EVERYONE!
Much love,
Haley and Braden
Happy
Va;lentines Day
Hunter Christian Pageau
You are the Sweetest Little Cupid
ever!!!! I love you so so much!!!!
Happy Valentines Day Hunter!!!!
Love Always,
Auntie Dee-Dee
xoxoxoxo
Happy
Va;lentines Day
Dear Mark,
Here's to our first
Valentine's Day as
Mr. and Mrs. Hunter.
I love you, Monique
SICILY WITH CHERI MEIER
Our indefatigable high
school teacher leads her stu-
dent group through Sicily
once again this spring. Mrs.
Meier welcomes both stu-
dents and adults on her
highly popular Italy series.
APRIL 10 - 19, 2008
105 Hanover Street in Meriden
203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516
Email: ktwinc@aol.com
www.kingtravelways.com
Your Business is our Business!
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 19
ALL PET OWNERS, PLEASE READ:
"Common pet illnesses and info you should be aware of if you're not already"
by Nicole Giannetta
Since the thought of "our baby" being sick is heartbreaking and the thought of costly vet bills is bank breaking,
please do your pets and yourselves a favor and have them vaccinated, and also take the proper precautions to protect
them against heartworms and lyme disease. These illnesses are so easy to prevent but can be very costly to treat.
Although dry and warmer areas like the south have a much bigger issue with ticks and heartworms, our pets are still
vulnerable living in this area. It is our responsibility as pet owners to protect them because they cannot protect them-
selves from nature's bad guys. Distemper, Parvo, Lepto, Corona Virus, and Rabies are all illnesses that an animal can
and should be vaccinated for. Frontline which is a treatment that is applied to the animals coat on a monthly basis, is
used to prevent ticks, fleas and lyme disease if in fact a tick should latch on. Frontline and generic brands are sold at
pet supply retailers like Petco, Pet Smart, and can also be purchased at your vets office. Heartguard, or Iverheart is a
chew that is given orally on a monthly basis to protect your pet against Heartworms. This product has to be purchased
at your vets office.
It is also extremely important to spay or neuter your pet, and not just for the obvious reason of population control.
Spaying/neutering can prevent many health problems such as cancer primarily in females. Females are at a much
greater risk of developing breast cancer, if they are not spayed. I encourage people to research the benefits of spaying
and neutering, because there is much more information out there.
Certain breeds of dogs can be prone to certain diseases, and infections. For example all of you who own dogs with
floppy ears, such as : Cocker/Springer Spaniels, Beagles, Basset Hounds, etc, you should be aware that your dog is
more prone to ear infections, due to the fact that their ears do not have any ventilation. It is a good idea to flip or tie
their ears back every now and then to allow air to get in and dry things out. Air infections are painful for them and hav-
ing to frequently put drops in their ears is no fun for you either. Those of us who own large breed dogs such as :
Huskies, Sheperds, Rottweilers, and American Bull dogs, should know that our dogs are prone to hip dysplasia and
arthritis. Hip dysplasia is a common degenerative joint disease, and a dog doesn't have to be old to have it. Buying a
dog from a pet store or from a "backyard breeder" where incest exists, could increase your dogs chances of developing
the disease. The symptoms of hip dysplasia are limping or an altered gait, stiffness in the rear legs after exercise or first
thing in the morning, and as the condition progresses the dog will loose muscle tone. Regular vet checkups are crucial
to check for early signs, and there are many natural supplements on the market like calcium and glucosamine tablets
that may help slow and/or relieve some of the symptoms.
Dental care is also an extremely important part of your pets overall health. In humans oral health is so important that
a dentist can basically tell your overall health just by looking in your mouth. Dogs and cats are very similar, and just
like with humans good dental care should begin at a very young age. Teeth should be checked at each vet visit and an
office cleaning should be done every few years beginning around age 4 or 5. However, in between these cleanings pet
owners should brush their pets teeth every few months, with a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for animals. We all
know how painful a tooth ache can be and a "grumpy" pet can indicate an abscessed or decaying tooth. Buying quality
food for your dog goes hand in hand with good dental health. Actually quality food is crucial to a pets overall health,
so choose your pets food wisely a little research goes a long way and think of it as an investment in their health.
Rawhide chewies and certain bones are also helpful in removing some tarter from your dogs teeth. It is also wise to
make sure you are not just feeding your dog/cat a soft or wet food diet. The dry food is much better for their teeth, so
make sure to mix it in with the wet food if your pet prefers the wet/soft kind. And make sure to select a non-fatty food
for your fur baby, because fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis in dogs and this can be deadly. As for weight, pay close
attention to your dogs weight because a hypo-thyroid can be common in dogs and cause them to gain a lot of weight. It
can be treated with medication, but the sooner you catch it the better.
I have covered a variety of health issues and the preventative measures we should all be taking to protect our pets
from them. The most important thing you can do for you pet besides love them is take them to the vet regularly. So it
would be wise to find a vet you are comfortable with and develop a good relationship with them. And whether you buy
or adopt a pet, make sure to take them to the vet for an overall evaluation as soon as possible regardless of whether
they have seen a vet recently or seem healthy.
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define
yourself. ~Harvey Fierstein
Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be, because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will
forget the pose, and then where are you? ~Fanny Brice
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 20
Part 1
David Radcliffe
In the early part of 2006 I had a pain in my neck. At the start,
I complained about it on a fairly regular basis to my wife (sug-
gesting, with a wink, that she might be the source of it!). But
then, as the days of pain turned to weeks and then months, I got
just plain worried.
I didn't know it at the time, but a January '06 run up to the top
of Castle Craig in Meriden's Hubbard Park would be my last bit
of exercise until later that summer. Over the next weeks it
became uncomfortable to do most everything, including sleep.
My left arm and leg became numb and tingling, and my left leg
was dragging slightly behind when I walked. I tried massage
therapy, heat, cold, stretching and pills. Nothing worked. As
Winter turned to Spring, I watched most of the changing seasons
through a window. No lawn mowing, no playing catch with the
kids. Finally, the doctor took an MRI. He showed me the pic-
tures, and, shocked, even I could see trouble. A disk was out
from between the 6th and 7th vertebrae in my neck, and pushed
half-way into my spinal cord. While my prognosis was good,
the doctor said if I didn't have the surgery soon I could lose my
ability to walk by the end of the summer. That was a terrifying
thought.
While plenty of people have this issue - more than you can
imagine - this was devastating news to me. I've been blessed
with a very healthy and active life. I've been running since 12
years old. Except for chicken pox in the 3rd grade, I had never
been sick or injured.
Several months later, I had surgery to repair a severely herniat-
ed disk. If you have to have this problem, said the doctor, this
was the best spot due to easy access for the surgery and better
odds for recovery.
Today, a year and a half later, I'm totally fine. I have a very
slight loss in range of motion in my neck - so if I need to scratch
my chest with my chin, that's not so easy.
The following collection of journal stories is of the year I took
to revisit visit Hubbard Park and Castle Craig, the site of my last
run before that long dark winter. At least once a month in 2007
I ran the three miles from the park-proper and on up - way up -
to the Castle. For me this was a way to celebrate recovery from
what started in early 2006 as a painful, mysterious malady that
ended with a full recovery.
OOOOOOOO
If you haven't been up to Meriden's Castle Craig, you've cer-
tainly seen it, a tiny rock sentinel watching over Meriden for
over 100 years. The way up deserves a description. It's a highly
unique geologic feature born from volcanic activity eons ago.
The road starts at an old zoo area, going about three miles on
paved road to Castle Craig. The way goes under the I-691
overpass and carries along the east edge of Merriemere Resevoir.
About one mile from the park, the road takes an elbow turn to
the left, along the north end of the reservoir. One half mile
later, there's another right-angle left turn. In front of you is the
sharp face of the ascent to the Castle. There is a 700 foot eleva-
tion gain over the three miles, with 500 feet of it over the last
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Castle Runs PART 1
mile. Some call this the 'Wall'.
A 10% grade may not sound like much, but it is extraordinari-
ly steep. And if you choose to reach the top under your own
power, the ultra-rise that gets you there is one of the most chal-
lenging there is. And some people do choose to walk or run up
that hill. Take Bernie Jurale.
In 1970, according to a website describing the run that now
bears his name, Bernie Jurale celebrated his 70th birthday by
running up to the radio towers at the summit of West Peak in
Meriden, Connecticut USA. A teacher at a local high school,
Jurale was joined in the following years by some of his students.
Bernie made his last assault of the mountain in 1979 at age 79,
but his spirit and determination have been carried forward by
area runners, creating a tradition that has lasted over 30 years.
Now, each January, a few hundred runners each winter run to
reach the top. It's the camaraderie of sharing a frosty challenge,
notes the website, 'a small test of backbone, courage and good
sense'. I am one of those runners.
One of the most memorable moments in the run's history
occurred in 1983 when the run had been "officially" postponed.
From the website:
"A storm had deposited ten inches of snow on the mountain.
Two dozen runners refused to be denied, and began the 3.1 mile
trek through virgin snow. In the last mile, where the climb is
steepest, runners desperate for solid footing followed snow-
mobile tracks to the summit. As the runners reached the top,
they formed a receiving line to greet the succeeding finishers
with handshakes and high-fives."
January 15, 2006
Up until last night January has been a mild, coatless weather.
We had temps well into the 50s this week and it was hard not to
think of spring.
Today, however, was a different story. The air was 15
degrees, and winds were a good 20 to 30 miles an hour. The
ground was covered with an inch or two of ice and snow. That
made the three mile Bernie Jurale run up to the Castle a tricky
one. Despite the weather there were about 100 people lined up
at the start. The first mile was tough, into stinging, blowing ice
and the teeth of wicked cold wind. I wore gloves but my hands
got painfully cold, and didn't warm again until about two miles.
Even though I wore special cleats over my running shoes, those
only seemed to help me now and again. In places where there
was snow I could get little traction.
This run is very challenging in any condition. On this day
though there was something different. I had a pain in my upper
left back, I took a couple of aspirin to take the edge off. Maybe
I was still sore from shoveling a recent heavy snow? Whatever
the cause, it was very tight and uncomfortable on the run.
OOOOOOOOOOO
One year later . . .
January 21, 2007
When I ran this race last year in 2006 I felt that shoulder pain
that ended up being the herniated disk on which I had surgery
four months later. I didn't know that at the time, of course.
Castle run today, biggest crowd I've seen in the four or five
can or 2 of food It will make your heart feel good & ours too.
We`ll talk again soon Love Maddie & Carole
about to remember and celebrate one of the world's best known sowers of
peace, Dr.Martin Luther King Jr..
years I've done this. 275 people! It was decent weather. Dry
and mid-20s, clear sky. It was surprising to come upon ice on
the upslope, that made it quite an effort in spots to keep traction
and power. On the whole I did OK. I felt sluggish that first
two miles - the easier part of the track. As I neared the finish
line, legs shaking with fatigue, I was reminded that sometimes
the best part of running is the stopping part.
February 14, 2007
Today was meant to be a major winter storm - the first of this
season. Even though school has been closed for today, there's
not much going on at this point (8 a.m.) I got up early, in part
to see about school closings and also to prepare for a run up to
the Castle. If the driving was meant to be 'hazardous' as the TV
warned, I had to be a part of that!
I was at the park by 6:15 a.m., the only car in the lot. It was
still dark and there was a light sleet. It was windy, as it often is
alongside the reservoir. The pond had an eerie look to it, frozen
solid, a dalmation color with the black ice and white spots of
snow blowing around. It was noisy, noise mostly from the
crinkle of my jacket and the crunching of my feet on the icy
road. Around me was the sound of pellets of ice as they hit the
dry leaves left from last October. An orchestra of sound. And
grey - even as night lifted there was no color - a bleak, stark, and
isolated landscape. I took my time running up. Wasn't super
cold, but at the top was hit with wind and driving pellets that
hurt my face. Meriden was gone, covered by clouds.
Back at the parking lot I saw the only other human out there, a
man walking a dog (it seemed very happy to finally have win-
ter). And I was happy to finally get to the safety of my car. The
footprints of my going up were now gone, covered with snow.
March 23, 2007
Took another run up to the Castle this morning. Driving west
through downtown I could just make out the Castle, covered
with a fog so light you might rub your eyes to erase it. At the
park, the last snow of the season from a week ago was on the
ground. The warming air above made a thick fog for the 30 feet
above the ground, making for very poor visibility. But the fog
had little chance on a day like this. Like faith Thoreau had in a
seed, this day had Spring written all over it. Looking up, above
the fog and toward the Castle, the early morning sky was a deep
blue. In this, I ran.
Along my way I ran through pockets of intermittently warm
and cold air, as though the air couldn't decide whether to hold
onto Winter or let go for Spring. As early as it was in the day,
there were other people already out and about, walking and jog-
ging. The reservoir was largely free of winter's grasp, but for a
few lonely islands of ice. Their days were numbered. I could
hear the rush of melting water on the opposite shore, and the
sounds of a woodpecker whacking away on a tree. It was quiet,
but on the verge of the break-out sounds of life that comes in
with Spring. Look for Part 2 in our March issue!
At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being, only once
on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously pic-
turesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time.
~Friedrich Nietzsche
Happy Va;lentines Day
Hi remember me the
Ambassador for the
Wallingford Animal
Shelter.Well I heard my
friends needed some neces-
sary items like FOOD,
blankets collars & leashes
so we can be cared for
untill our special human
takes us home.So my
human & I on our daily
walk asked our good
neighbors to help.Thank
you all who did.How about
doing something really big
for Valentines Day.Donate
to the shelter $$ gift cards
anything will help, buy a
Happy Valentines Day.
What you need to know!
On Friday January 18, 2008,
Brownie Girl Scout Troop
66070 of Israel Putnam
Elementary School in Meriden,
CT earned an African American
Cultural Unity badge. The girls
listened and danced to tradi-
tional African music, located
various countries in Africa on a
map, listened to "Anansi The
Spider", an African folk tale,
learned how to greet one anoth-
er in Swahili and listened to a
wonderful story, " The Day
Martin Luther King Died". The
timing was perfect as we were

Home Country
Slim Randles
The reporter from the big-city paper looked a bit uncomfortable as she sat at
the philosophy counter of the Mule Barn truck stop. Doc ordered some coffee
for her, and introduced her to the guys. She came here to interview Doc, who
has been patching people up around here since the invention of pain, but there
was something about her that told us she'd rather be covering the White
House, and that she was determined to save the world by Tuesday at two
o'clock.
"I brought you here," said Doc, "because I wanted you to see the heart of
this valley, the salt of the earth, the people … my people … and the reason
I've practiced medicine here all these years."
She looked at us and we tried to look earthy and salty for her.
"So you're saying," she said, "you want me to do the interview … here?"
"Sure. Why not?"
"Yeah," said Dud. "Hey, if you want to know the real dirt on Doc, this is the
place to do it."
"Well … tell me about some of your most unusual cases, Doctor."
Steve whispered in Dud's ear, "If he mentions where that horse bit me on
New Year's Eve, I'm out of here."
So Doc rattled off several interesting cases, without using names, and with-
out using us, and the interview got going pretty well.
"And you deliver babies, too?" she asked.
Three of us raised our hands.
"You delivered them?"
"Yes … well, I was just a kid when I did that."
We all laughed.
"Actually, I've delivered more than 4,000 babies here over the years," Doc
said.
"That's amazing," said the reporter. "I didn't know there were that many
people living here."
"There aren't," said Doc. "I sat down and did the numbers once, and I figure
I've delivered everyone in this valley at least once."
There lurks, perhaps, in every human heart a desire of distinction, which
inclines every man first to hope, and then to believe, that Nature has given
him something peculiar to himself. ~Samuel Johnson
You must have control of the authorship of your own destiny. The pen that
writes your life story must be held in your own hand. ~Irene C. Kassorla
You were born an original. Don't die a copy. ~John Mason
A WINTER ESCAPE TO PARADISE
Camping in St. John!
This is a place for swim-
ming, hiking, snorkeling,
sailboarding, exploring,
sailing, and more. A won-
derful destination for the
whole family
MARCH 2 – 12, 2008
105 Hanover Street in Meriden
203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516
Email: ktwinc@aol.com
www.kingtravelways.com
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 21
Help! I'm Sick. How do I handle my diabetes?
Runny nose. Upset stomach. Whatever illness it is, it can make you feel miserable. It is hard enough to be under the
weather but it is even more difficult to handle being sick if you have diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people with diabetes who develop an illness are at risk for
serious complications if they don't take care of their diabetes. Blood glucose levels can increase or decrease to danger-
ous levels if left unchecked. Ketones, a waste product created when the body begins to use stored fat for energy, can
build up, especially in those with type 1 diabetes, if a person does not take insulin at regular intervals. Left unmoni-
tored, high ketone levels can lead to ketoacidosis, which can lead to coma or death.
"People with diabetes have special considerations when they are under the weather," commented Robert Smith,
Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association in Connecticut. "It is important to have a plan with your
health care team in place before you become sick, to avoid getting worse. It is also critical to get a flu shot every year
to potentially avoid getting sick all together".
The American Diabetes Association offers tips to manage diabetes if you are under the weather:
* Check, please! - Check blood glucose levels every 3-4 hours. Also, if you have been instructed by your health care
team, check for ketones in your urine every few hours.
* Don't stop insulin or medications - Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, continue taking insulin to
balance out the battle your body's stress hormones are fighting.
* Nourish a cold - Even if you have lost your appetite, it is important to try to eat. The ADA recommends 15 grams of
carbohydrates every hour or so.
* Stay hydrated - If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, or have a fever, try to drink a cup of fluid each hour to prevent
dehydration. If your blood glucose level is too high, try sugar-free liquids like water, tea, or broth. If your blood glu-
cose level is low, try drinking liquids with approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates in them, such as ½ cup of apple
juice or 1 cup of milk.
* OTCs? - Talk to your health care team before taking any over-the-counter cold or flu medicines. Some medicines
can raise your blood glucose or blood pressure levels.
* Call the Doctor - Contact your health care provider if there is a rise in ketones or if there are ketones in your urine
for more than 12 hours; if you are vomiting or have diarrhea for more than six hours; if you have a fever that keeps
going up or one that lasts more than a day; if you are having abdominal pain, or if you cannot control your blood glu-
cose levels.
For more information, contact the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES or visit www.diabetes.org.
Information is available in English and Spanish.
No man for any considerable period can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, with-
out finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet
Letter
ALL MONTH LONG AT MORAN’S
Stop by our new showroom at the Galleria where you’ll find Gas
fireplace inserts, stoves and accessories from Mendota and Napoleon.
Home appliances including: LCD/Plasma TVs, home stereos, washers,
dryers, ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, A/C and grills.
Voted NUMBER 1!
NOW 2 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!
664 W. Main in Meriden (203) 237-4800 & The Galleria Design Center 234 Middle Street in Middletown
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 22
MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' CENTER NEWS AND EVENTS The People's Press has over 125,000 Readers in 10 towns and
on the web. Call 203.464.3088 to advertise in the NUMBER 1
The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens' Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership
single copy paper serving Central Connecticut!
is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver's
license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon enti- Happy
tling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is Va;lentines Day
offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!
A Valentine Dinner Dance will be held at the Senior Center on Thursday, February 14 with music provided by Stan Happy Valentine's Day
Scott and his Band. The dinner menu of a fresh fruit cup, top round of beef, baked potato with chives and sour cream, Daddy!
peas with mushrooms, dessert and coffee will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 with dancing from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Tickets
are available now for Meriden residents at a cost $6 per person and may be purchased at the Senior Center. Love,
Free hearing aid assistance will now be offered on the second Tuesday of each month from 9:30 AM -12:00 noon at Your Little Princess,
the Max Muravnick Senior Center. Hearing Aid Specialist Nick Wills from Miracle Ear at the Meriden Square will pro- Vanessa Grace xoxoxo
vide free hearing tests, ear examinations, hearing aid cleaning and checks, general assistance and answer any questions
you may have about your hearing aid. This service will be offered on a first come, first served basis in an office on the
first floor of the Senior Center. The next scheduled date for free hearing aid services is Tuesday, February 15 from 9:30
AM to 12:00 noon. Happy
The "Move and Soothe" gentle movement class taught by Susan Sandel, Dance/Movement Therapist, will resume on Va;lentines Day
Tuesday afternoons in March from 12:30 to 1:30 PM on the lower level of the Senior Center, starting on Tuesday, March
4. The class will feature gentle movement set to music to stretch, relax and strengthen your body and, most of all, to
have fun! Participants should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and sneakers or rubber-soled shoes. Ms. Sandel Aunt Karen/DD,
is an accomplished dance therapist and we are glad to welcome her back to the Senior Center in March for "Move & Grandma & Grandpas & family,
Soothe" classes each week at the Senior Center. I grow on all your hugs, kisses and
The 18th annual "Walk for Warmth" will be held in downtown Meriden on Saturday, March 1 at 10:00 AM. This two- fun time with me!
mile walk raises money to provide energy assistance to people in need who would otherwise not qualify for help. Last Happy Heart's Day!
year's walk raised $20,000 which helped more than 125 households with their winter energy bills. I will be walking in XOXO, Hunter Pageau'
the 2008 "Walk for Warmth" and ask that concerned people consider donating to this worthwhile cause or walking them-
selves in this community event. To make a pledge, please contact me at the Senior Center at 237-0066 or call New Happy
Opportunities of Greater Meriden at 235-0278.
Birthday
AARP's trained volunteer Tax-Aide counselors are once again ready to help local seniors with income tax advice and
actual preparation of their 2007 Federal and State income tax returns. Meriden AARP volunteers will be at the Max
Muravnick Senior Center each Wednesday, from Wednesday, February 6 until Wednesday, April 9. This free service is Happy 3rd Birthday
offered by appointment which may be made by calling the Senior Center at 237-0066. Emmy
The next session of the AARP Driver Safety Program at the Senior Center will be on Wednesday, April 23 and Friday, February 16, 2008!
April 25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Class participants will learn defensive driving techniques, new traffic laws and
much more in this 8-hour course. Successful completion of the classroom course also entitles you to a discount on your Love always and forever,
automobile insurance premiums. The course fee is $10 and reservations for the class are now being accepted by calling Grandma
the Senior Center at 237-0066. Additional AARP Driver Safety Classes this year at the Senior Center will be held on
July 23 & 25 and November 5 & 7, 2008.
The Elderly and Disabled Homeowners' Tax Relief Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut has now started.
Any elderly or disabled Meriden homeowner can apply for a credit to their local property taxes at the Meriden Tax
Assessor's Office at City Hall between February 1 and May 15, 2008. To be eligible applicants or their spouse must
have been 65 or older by December 31, 2007 or be on Social Security Disability. You must own and live in the house
for which you claim a tax credit and the income limits are $29,800 for a single person and $36,500 for a married couple.
Applications for tax relief are also available for qualified veterans. For more information contact the Tax Assessor's Home is where the heart is!
Office at 630-4065.
For a complete listing of all Senior Center classes, activities, trips and meal menus, pick-up a copy of our newsletter
available on the first of each month at the reception desk in the front lobby.
Let us help you find the
CITY OF MERIDEN FEBRUARY EVENTS
home of your dreams!
VALENTINE'S DAY CARD CONTEST Home Prices and Interest
Rates are down and
Grades K-5 students are invited to enter the 2008 Valentine's Day Card Contest. Original, hand-produced cards can
be brought or mailed to the Parks & Recreation office between February 1st - 12th. Winners will receive a special prize
package. All entries must include the child's name, phone number, school, & grade.
WINTER VACATION WEEK CAMP NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY.
The Recreation Division's "Winter Vacation Week Camp" will meet from 9:15AM-3:00PM at Hanover School from
February 19th-22nd. It features games, puzzles, educational sessions, arts & crafts, and videos in addition to skating,
swimming, movies, & arcade field trips. Boys & girls currently in grades K-5 are eligible to attend. Beginning
We are the ones to call!
February 4th, interested participants can register at the Parks & Recreation office. The cost is $40.00 for the week. Keller Williams Central CT
Please register soon, as there are only 40 openings available for the program.
MASA REGISTRATION Griffin Homes Team of Realtors.
Rules & roster forms for the 2008 Meriden Amateur Softball Association season will be available at the Parks & (203) 668-9162
Recreation office beginning Monday, February 11th. The league registration meeting will be held Monday, March 3rd.
2007-2008 CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM www.GriffinHomesTeam.com
Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 & older take place every Wednesday night at the Meriden
YMCA from 6:00-8:30PM. The program runs through March 26th. A one-time $25.00 registration fee can be paid
onsite any night the program is in session.
INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM
The 2007-2008 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS pool on the following dates & times:
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM.
All interested participants must possess a valid 2008 pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office,
passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office in-per- Valentine’s Day Specials
son and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass.
21ST ANNUAL "DAFFODILS ON PARADE" Mani & Pedi only $38.00
The 21st Annual "Daffodils on Parade" will take place on Saturday, April 26th. Groups, clubs, schools, businesses, or
individuals wishing to march in Meriden's largest parade are asked to call the Recreation Division office at 630-4259 for
an entry form. Creative participation is always welcome!
Pevonia Facial Four-Pack
Love Comes Tenderly Gift Certificate Specials
Chapter 3
By Diana Lewis
The next day when she woke up, she found out that six more people had died. Three of them were children and one of
Salon Services
the other three was Amanda's husband. She was miserable. She lost both her children and her husband to the fever. The
wagon master tole them that they were three days to St Louis and they really should get going. * Highlights and Lowlights
Three days to St Louis. It was hard to believe. They had been on the trail for five months. Normally it took four
months for the journey but with all the stops they had to make, they were behind schedule. Sara got really excited and * State-of-the Art Haircuts & Designs
wanted to get going. One of the scouts who road on horse back volunteered to drive Amanda's wagon for her, She hid
herself in the back of the wagon for the rest of the trip. Sara took her some supper each night because she refused to * Corrective Color
come out. Sara prayed for her the rest of the way to St Louis. Sara tried to encourage her telling her that God was with
her during this hard time.
"God is supposed to be a loving God, but He took my family away from me. Is that being merciful and loving? I don't
Treat y our w ife o r
want to hear anything about God." She turned away from Sara and closed the flap on the wagon. Sara slowly walked
back to her wagon praying along the way. When she arrived back to her wagon, Jason wasn't there, but Mike was.
girlfriend t o a s pecial
"Where's Jason?" she asked. "He's over to the Cross's wagon with Thomas." answered Mike. Sara curiously walked
over to the Cross's wagon. Belinda ran to her just before she got there. She was smiling.
experience t hat w ill m ake
"What's going on?" she asked her friend. "Jason just accepted the Lord as his Savior." "What? When?" "Just a few
minutes ago. He came over to ask Thomas some questions about Sunday's lesson and now he's a believer." Tears came her f eel g ood i nside a nd
to Sara's eyes. She had been praying for this for the two years that they had been married. She slowly walked over to
Jason. He was smiling. He turned to Sara and took her in his arms. out. S top b y f or a G ift
"I decided to try Jesus as my Lord." Sara was crying now, she was so happy. "I've been praying for so long." she said
in between the tears. Certificate T ODAY!
Jason turned to thank Thomas and they walked back to their wagon. Mike noticed a change in Jason as soon as he
walked to the wagon. "What's going on?" asked Mike. "I'm a believer now." said Jason. Mike got up from his seat on a
Call to Make your Appointment Today!
barrel and shook Jason's hand and then pulled him into a bear hug. 438 Broad Street in Meriden
203.235.3166
"Welcome to the God's family." said Mike. "I know you've been praying too.""Yes, I have. Every day since you two
got married." Jason just smiled. Look for Chapter 4 in the next issue
 The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 23
Valentine’s from Tiger Cub Pack 35 He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon
whittle himself away. ~Raymond Hull

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It was an honor
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Art comes from the Heart!
also to have you
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SENIOR CENTERS ARE WELLNESS CENTERS!

The National Council on the Aging has used this slogan for many years to let people know that senior centers are a
great place for fitness and wellness activities. Combined with our on-site LaPlanche Clinic, sponsored by MidState
Medical Center, we put a strong emphasis on the value of regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Classes are
offered free for Meriden seniors 55+ on the lower level of the Senior Center according to the following schedule:

Gentle Aerobics, Myrta Clark and staff Aerobics for seniors set to music.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Sit Down/Tone Up, Jennie Padick A videotape chair exercise program.
Monday 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Smart Choice Aerobics Aerobics for seniors set to music.
Tuesday, Thursday 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Yoga, Donna Sause Regular yoga for managing stress.
Friday, 9:30 - 10:15 AM
Physical Fitness, Rocky Gelonese Easy chair exercises suitable for all. Sign Up Now For Easelworks
Tuesday, Friday 10:30 - 11:00 AM
Thursday 10:15 - 10:45 AM Art Classes * Adult * Kinderart
Weight Training
Tuesday, 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Fitness class using one and two pound weights.
and Young Artist
Kid’s Summer Camp 2008
Line Dancing, Jim Gregory Learn some dance steps and enjoy the music.
Tuesday, 1:30 - 2:15 PM
Tai-Chi Gong, Rich Hamel
Tuesday, Thursday, 1:30 - 2:15 PM
Chair Dancing, Ellie Dessureau
Flowing movements blend body and mind. Programs Announced this
Thursday 10:45 - 11:15 AM
Strength and Tone for Seniors, Karen Zeoli
Chair exercises with music. Month - Call for Details
Thursday, 12:45 - 1:30 PM Active fitness class using weights and music.
Learn how "Senior Centers are Wellness Centers" and join us for some of these fitness classes this week. No pre-reg-

EASEL WORKS
istration is required and class participants must be residents of Meriden age 55+. See how the Max E. Muravnick
Senior Center can help you get fit and be healthy in 2008! For further information or any questions you may have just
give us a call at 237-0066. We hope to see you here soon!
Creative Art Studio & Gallery
To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight
the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. ~e.e. cummings, 1955 294-1548
The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another. ~James Matthew Barrie 2 Quinnipiac Street, Wallingford
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 24
The Meriden- Wallingford branch of the American Red Cross
Happy
American Red Cross programs and services are not just about the pints of blood we collect, the numbers of classes we
Valentines Day
run, the number of medical transportation rides we provide, or the bags of food we collect and distribute. They are cre-
ated and implemented for the people that they serve, and that is why so many wonderful people take their time to vol-
Happy Valentine’s Day unteer here.
to our little fireman Training in First Aid, CPR, and AED is about being prepared to save a life in an emergency, just as seven USPS
Justin! workers did in Wallingford on July 21, 2007 when a manager collapsed after an onset of cardiac arrhythmia. In addi-
tion to CPR and First Aid training, we run a swim program for Wallingford residents at the Wallingford Community
Love, Pool every summer, as well as Babysitter's Training classes for youth ages 11-15.
Gram and Grandpa The worth of each donated pint of blood became fully understood by a local Red Cross volunteer when her husband
needed 4 pints of blood after becoming severely anemic. The need for blood donors is crucial and constant.
A Food Pantry is located at the Wallingford/Meriden office at 144 South Main St. in Wallingford. Residents of
Happy Wallingford who are experiencing a need for this assistance may be eligible to register for this service by presenting a
Va;lentines Day photo ID, as well as proof of residency in Wallingford, (i.e., a current utility bill showing their name and address).
Clients can then receive bags of non-perishable food every 30 days. Last year 331 families were served a total of over
Happy Valentine's Day 6,000 bags of food. Nearly all of the food distributed from here comes from donations. The Pantry is open Monday
to my Groundhog! through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact Judy Namnoum, Community Services
Coordinator at (203) 265-6721.
With love, The Medical Transportation program based at the Wallingford/Meriden office serves only residents of Meriden and
Wallingford, if they have no other means of transportation to get to their medical appointments. (This does not include
From Your Sunshine any dental or therapy appointments.) Last year our group of over thirty volunteer drivers had driven 174 individuals for
a total of 1,085 trips. Riders must be able to get in and out of a car by themselves, and wear a seat belt. All of the
vehicles used are Red Cross insured and identifiable. There is no fee for this service. However, any and all donations
are welcomed. For more information or to enroll with this service, contact Judy Namnoum at (203) 265-6721
Happy Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people's immediate emergency disaster-caused needs. When a disaster
Birthday threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services to address basic human
needs.

Happy Birthday WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING AND WATER EXERCISE?
Daddy! Water is an essential part of life: both for our bodies and the earth. Water can also be a terrific way to become fit,
regain mobility, strengthen muscles, build endurance, cross-train, and just plain have fun.
Love, The Wallingford Family YMCA offers three main ways to get the benefits of water. Swim lessons aren't just for kids,
Erin they are also for adults and teens who never learned to swim, or had a bad experience in the water they want to over-
come. The YMCA has financial assistance available so that every child and adult has the chance to learn to swim.
Swim lessons are offered in seven week sessions year- round with summer lessons also being offered twice a week.
Happy Connecticut has numerous lakes, ponds, rivers and the Long Island Sound for water recreation, and knowing how to
Va;lentines Day swim opens up many opportunities to enjoy Connecticut waterways. Drowning of adults continues to be in the news;
many of these drowning victims either didn't know how to swim or overestimated their ability. Learning to swim will
Happy Valentine's Day help prevent some of these drownings from happening this summer. And will make your time on the water safer and
more enjoyable!
to Emily Lap swimming is another way to get the benefit of swimming. Regular lap swimming builds endurance and muscular
strength as well as building cardiovascular fitness. The Wallingford Family YMCA opens its lap pool at 5AM Monday
Love your favorite pooch! through Saturday, and many days there are four to five swimmers waiting for the lifeguard to arrive! There are lap lanes
Lex available throughout most of the day with dedicated times for adults from 11:30AM-1:15PM and from 5:30-6:30PM on
the weekdays. The CRAZY Masters is a group of lap swimmers connected to the Y who meet three times a week and
swim regular competitive swimming workouts designed by each other. Lap swimmers can compete in USA Masters
Swim meets if they become affiliated with that organization. Often lap swimmers are triathletes working on this portion
of their race. Camaraderie develops with lap swimmers who come at the same time.
Water Exercise classes are the third way to get the benefit water offers. Water exercise can be non-threatening and the
participant does not need to know how to swim to get the benefits. Because the body is supported by the buoyancy of
the water, it is a great medium for persons suffering from a variety of joint pains to begin to exercise. Water provides
resistance so that even small movements will improve muscle tone. For persons with chronic illnesses, or who are just
beginning to exercise, a water exercise class offers the chance to build a social network as well as build an exercise
routine. The Wallingford Family YMCA offers four different water exercise classes. Each class has its own personality
Servicing Transmissions Since 1952 and emphasis; one class more geared to flexibility and stretching, another more aerobic, some are set to music. Classes
are offered both in the daytime and in the evenings. The instructors are well trained and know how to help someone
694 Old Colony Rd. adapt the exercises to fit their specific needs. Water exercise can be as strenuous as the person doing it wants it to be.

203-237-4379 So check our website www.wallingfordymca.org, for details on class time and descriptions. Anyone may try these
classes with the purchase of a guest pass, or they can sign up for a seven week set of water exercise classes. These
classes are free to Wallingford Family YMCA members.
Whenever the YMCA swimming pools are open, a certified lifeguard is on duty. The benefits
of swimming and water exercise are numerous - both physically and socially. So hurry up, find
your swim suit and join the fun!
Pam VanderWeele, Aquatic Director, Wallingford Family YMCA.

Air Pollution
By Eloise Hudd, Wallingford Health Department
There are many activities that can have adverse effects on the air we breathe. These activities
include driving cars, trucks and buses; burning coal, oil, and wood; and manufacturing chemi-
cals. Air pollution can even come from smaller, everyday activities such as dry cleaning, filling
your car with gas, and degreasing and painting operations. These activities add gases and parti-
cles to the air we breathe. When these gases and particles accumulate in the air in high enough
concentrations, they can harm us and our environment.
Air pollution is a concern for all of us. The average adult breathes over 3,000 gallons of air
every day. Children breathe even more air per pound of body weight and are more susceptible
to air pollution. Many air pollutants, such as those that form urban smog and toxic compounds,
remain in the environment for long periods of time and are carried by the winds hundreds of
miles from their origin. Many people live in areas where urban smog, very small particles, and
toxic pollutants pose serious health concerns. People exposed to high enough levels of certain
air pollutants may experience burning in their eyes, an irritated throat, or breathing difficulties.
Long-term exposure to air pollution can cause cancer and long-term damage to the immune,
neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems. In extreme cases, it can even cause death.
Air Quality Index - Actions to Protect You and Your Family
The AQI is an index for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air
is, and what actions you should take to decrease your chance for potential health effects. The
AQI suggests various changes in your daily activities (for example, exercise) depending on the
level of pollution and your health status.
The AQI is calculated based on levels of five major air pollutants regulated by the
Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollu-
tion (also known as particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
Particulate Matter (PM) Air Pollution
Particle pollution, also called particulate matter or PM, is a complex mixture of extremely
small particles and liquid droplets in the air. When breathed in, these particles can reach the
deepest regions of the lungs. Exposure to particle pollution is linked to a variety of significant
health problems, ranging from aggravated asthma to premature death in people with heart and
lung disease. Fine PM is more of a health concern than coarse PM because fine particles can
easily reach the deepest parts of the lungs. Sources of fine particulate matter include diesel-
powered vehicles, wood-burning stoves, outdoor wood-burning furnaces, power plants, and
home heating oil combustion.

I am pretty sure that, if you will be quite honest, you will admit that a
good rousing sneeze, one that tears open your collar and throws your
hair into your eyes, is really one of life's sensational pleasures.
~Robert Benchley, "Hiccoughing Makes Us Fat," No Poems: or around
the world backwards and sideways, 1932
 The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 25

Dear Housewives - Central Connecticut's Know It All Gals

Dear Readers, J o h n A LW AY S O F F E R S t h e b e s t i n
Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service
issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our S e r v i c e & I S A LW AY S H o n e s t !
candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail
or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next
issue.
Let us all make a positive difference in the world in 2008. - June and Flora
Dear Housewives,
I have been wanting to write you but felt uneasy and kept putting it off. I
figure, no one will know who I am so here it goes. I have a problem that no
one knows. Not even my family. I think I have a social anxiety disorder of
some kind. I like people, I enjoy being around them but I get nervous in social settings. If I am meeting a friend for
lunch or going to a family birthday party, I am ok. It is when I am around strangers I feel like everyone is watching me.
I feel awkward. Any tips?
Oh, I think you both are great. You have good answers to some tough questions.
Signed, We have never doubted him and neither will you!
Not saying who I am in Connecticut
FLORA: Hey, I think I know who you are...just kidding. Dear friend in CT, since you are alright around those you
know, it does not appear to be a disorder. Maybe you need some guidance on the art of small talk. If you have an * Auto * Home * Business * Life
John J. Kovacs Insurance Agency
upcoming event, read the paper or go on-line to be up on current events. Is there something you are passionate about?
If so, share it if a conversation is struck up. And always ask questions about 'the other person', ask about their interests
or ideas. And deep breathing may work well in this type of situation.
JUNE: First, may I thank you for your impeccable taste in advice givers; we aim to please. 208 Center Street, Wallingford
Your problem is a totally common one. The commercials on TV would have you thinking you need to get on some
medication that may or may not make you pass out, pass wind, have blurred vision and so on. Office: (203) 269-2500
I disagree with Flora, being around strangers is the problem, anyone can be around people they know. Anxiety dis-
order usually is around strangers. Is the anxiety disabling? For example, are there physical symptoms like dizziness,
difficulty breathing or a panicky feeling? If so, you should see your doctor. Those are signs of an anxiety attack and
you may need medication. You could see a therapist to find out what makes you anxious. If you are just a bit nervous
Life Insurance underwritten by Nationwide Life Insurance Company Nationwide Mutual Insurance
before parties then don't worry since almost everyone feels a bit nervous of the unknown with strangers. Go mingle, Company and affiliated Companies Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220
have a drink and enjoy.
Dear Housewives,
"I wish that I can have my own house with my brother so we can get our own dog. I am five years old. I have no idea
why we can't have one. I wish that I can have a pet with my brother and me. I wish that my parents would let us get a
puppy this month or what ever day you want. Just let us get a puppy. We will have a lot of funny playing together with
my puppy. I will name him Max."
Written by a friend for a friend.
FLORA: Dear five year old dog lover, I hope that you are able to read this response to your request. Dear Housewives
cannot give you a puppy but perhaps we can influence your parents to start talking with you and your brother about
pets and all that goes with having one. There may be a good reason why your parents do not want one. I hope you have
a nice talk soon.
March Submission
JUNE: Maybe if Flora comes to walk him, mommy and daddy will say yes. I bet if you show them how grown up
you both are, after time they may give in. In the mean time, write to Santa Claus, tooth fairy and the fairy godmother
with your request--we are not that powerful. Good luck.
Deadline
The deadline for submissions, news,
Hi Flora, I am currently reading "The Wicked". It is the true* story about the Wicked witch of the East in the
Wizard of Oz. I will tell you what I think of it next month as I should have it done by then. For now, movie picks of events and photos for our March issue is
the month are "Bourne Ultimatum". Good movie, Matt Damon is great and it wraps up all the questions about him and February 25th. Don’t forget to share
his true identity. "Knocked Up" did not have me knocked over with laughs. A seemingly together girl has a one night some of what you feel is important!
stand with a "loser" and you know the rest. Not believable at all, nor was it funny.
Hi June, You will be proud of me! I am learning to knit. So the only book (besides my trusty Bible) I have been
reading is "Learn How to Knit". So when people say knit, purl, I can now say with confidence, "oh sure, I can purl, I Send us a Home Improvement
Story and how it went.
can knit, not a problem".
I am reading the entire Bible this year and so far, so good. I read Our Daily Bread (free little booklet or on-line at
www.rbc.org click on Our Daily Bread ) they give you what to read so it is manageable. Monday - Friday is the Old
Testament and a little Proverbs. Saturday is the New Testament with a little Proverbs and Sunday are the Psalms. There are several ways to submit:
JUNE: Geez, Flora you have your very own little bible belt over there. You really need to get out. Oof, I hope I don't
get struck by lightning. Email:
dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com
MidState Medical Center's Cancer Center Receives High Honors Web: www.peoplespressnews.com
MidState Medical Center's Cancer Center is pleased to announce it has received a three-year approval award with com-
mendations in five areas from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). Receiving care at a Fax to: 203.294.8808
CoC-approved cancer center ensures that patients will have access to comprehensive services from prevention to sup-
port, all delivered by a multidisciplinary team that specializes in superior care. Approval also reinforces we have the
Mail: The People’s Press
latest equipment and knowledge of ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options. It is a reminder that patients in P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492
our community will obtain excellent care, education and support close to home.
As Abbi Bruce, MidState's Director of the Cancer Center puts it, "We have met the vigorous standards required for a For Advertising Deadlines call 203.464.3088!
high performing program with the focus on quality patient care in the areas of prevention, early diagnosis, state-of-the-
art treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial support and end of life care. This designation means that we have not only
met all of the standards, but have exceeded in five areas."
These five areas include offering three or more prevention or early detection programs each year and making two
improvements that directly affect patient care.
Abbi credits her entire team for the accomplishment: "We were able to achieve this status because of the wonderful,
committed members of our healthcare team, including the physicians and staff of the Cancer Center and Pavilion B."
About The Cancer Center
MidState makes expert, comprehensive cancer care available close to home. Accredited by the American College of
Surgeons as a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center, MidState's cancer care program offers a full range of diag-
nostic, treatment, education, and support services in one convenient location. Patients benefit from our integrated,
patient-focused approach, which includes Weekly Cancer Conferences where physicians and other clinicians gather to
discuss each patient's needs and progress and decide on next steps.
In addition to advanced, comprehensive care with state-of-the-art technology, MidState Medical Center is committed to
providing its cancer patients and their families with the highest level of personal support possible. For patients, care-
givers, and other family members, we offer a number of programs designed to help overcome the challenges of cancer
and assist patients in their return to wellness.
About MidState Medical Center
In quarterly patient satisfaction surveys (conducted by an independent, national research company), MidState consis-
tently rates among the top hospitals in Connecticut and the nation. Conveniently located just minutes off Rte. 691 in
Meriden, CT, MidState offers free and safe parking, as well as private inpatient rooms. Services include general
surgery, emergency medicine, MidState Medical Group Walk-in Center for urgent care needs, and state-of-the-art care
in centers dedicated to Cancer Care, Wound and Hyperbaric Care, Family Birthing, Sleep Care, Digestive Health, Pain
Management, and Cardiac Care.
For information, call 203 694 8200, or visit www.midstatemedical.org. To find a MidState Doctor, call: 1 866 MMC
5678

Application assistance for HUSKY

EAST WINDSOR, CT (January 24, 2008)-Application assistance for families interested in HUSKY insurance for
their children is available from Allied Community Resources in East Windsor.
HUSKY-Healthcare for UninSured Kids and Youth-is for children under 19. In some cases, parents or caregiver
adults may also qualify for coverage.
"Children in families at all income levels can qualify for HUSKY," according to Michael Helechu, Allied's HUSKY
Outreach Program director. "In fact," he notes, "more than 200,000 children in working families in Connecticut are cov-
ered by HUSKY."
Anyone interested in more information about HUSKY should contact Allied Community Resources at (860) 749-
8833, or toll-free at 1-877-HUSKY-01. There is no charge for this service and all contacts are strictly confidential.
Foreign language assistance is available.
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 26
The People's Press has over 125,000 Readers
in 10 towns and on the web. Call
203.464.3088 to advertise in the NUMBER 1
single copy paper serving Central Ct!
Happy
Va;lentines Day
Cameron and Dylan
Auntie Sandy
loves you so much.
Happy Valentines Day!
What You Need
To Know!
Kiwanis of Cheshire President, Jim
Miele presented Wallingford Kiwanis
Club President Tim Gallogly with
the Cheshire Kiwanis Club
Volunteer Appreciation Award. Jim
surprised Tim with this award as he
attended the Wallingford Club's
Holiday Party held at the Traditions
Golf Club on December 13, 2007.
What You Need
To Know!
Happy Valentine's Day,
Daddy!
Love, Your Little Rock Star
Happy
Va;lentines Day
Happy Valentine’s Day
and
Happy Birthday!
Time does fly! Guess Who?
Love, Your Family
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neighbors...Surveys from
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THE SIMPLE DIET
(Start Introducing a More Powerful, Lifestyle and Eating habits)
Having and maintaining a healthy diet can be overwhelming today because of all of the different diet regimens, food
products, and supplements out there in the market place. There is so much that it could make one's head spin, and yet
others may find it easier to just give up and eat what's comfortable, whether that's a frozen dinner or take out. But eat-
ing right doesn't have to be hard, confusing, or even bland. It can be rather easy if you think of the word simple.
Foods that look simple, are simple to make, and have simple ingredients, are usually the best choices when it comes
to eating right. They usually have only a few ingredients to them and usually don't take long to cook. But how can
you make simple choices in the complex world of food stores and restaurants?
The best way to make these choices is to start with some research on the food. You can accomplish this by reading
the labels of the products. Some people may find this time consuming when you are at a store with little ones, but it
doesn't have to be. Most products today are trying to go "organic", "green", or "all natural" and that part of the label
will usually stand out somehow on the box or even in the aisles. Reading the contents of the package is also helpful
when keeping your diet simple. I find as a general rule of thumb, that if that ingredient list is long, it's probably not a
simple food. A long list will most likely contain huge amounts of additives and preservatives that could be bad for you
or even make you more hungry or thirsty, and that's not great for any diet. The shorter the list, the better the food is for
you, because it will have the vitamins you need naturally.
Now, I know what you must be thinking, so how do I accomplish a simple diet at a restaurant or fast food joint?
Well, even these places have changed with the times and are listing simple foods on their menus as well as providing a
list of how many ingredients, calories, and sodium is in the particular food of choice. Another general rule of thumb
when scanning calories and sodium, is that less is best. Excessive sodium can not only make you thirsty, it can build
up in your body and lead to an unhealthy heart or even cholesterol level. Excessive calories could lead to being over
weight or at the very least, make you feel bloated.
Now, there is one very important thing to remember when it comes to eating right. You need to cheat on your diet
every once in a while. Sweets, burgers with fries, and potato chips really do have a place in any diet, including a sim-
ple one. There is nothing terribly wrong with eating ice cream, unless you consume too much of it. Too much of any-
thing isn't good for anyone and if you keep every food in mind and realize that you can eat in moderation, your diet can
be successful and healthy.
Each food that you eat should come from one of the basic food groups and sweets are in the basic pyramid. Fruits,
vegetables, grains, meats and dairy are all important to a simple and healthy diet. If you have one of each of these
groups in each of your meals, you are eating healthy. For instance, lasagna, could be prepared with all of the food
groups in mind. Ground turkey, hamburger, or chicken can be browned and added to your pasta sauce for your meat
group. The pasta sauce contains tomatoes, which are from the fruit group, and vegetables can be added to the sauce for
your vegetable group. The cheese is part of the dairy group and the lasagna itself is part of the grains group. Even
sweets can have several food groups in it, apple pie is a good example because of the fruit and grains it contains.
Adding a scoop of ice cream will add the dairy group to the dish.
Another thing to consider in maintaining a healthy diet is to consider exercising to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise can also be as complex or as simple as you want to make it. You don't have to join a gym or get a trainer to
get in some great exercise. For instance, you could take the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car a little fur-
ther away in the parking lot when you are shopping will encourage a brisk walk, using canned food in your cupboards
as weights can build your muscles, or even playing in the park with a child.
Gyms are great if you want to exercise on a treadmill or even practice yoga. They can also be a great place to meet
some new people that encourage your healthy lifestyle. This can be important to you because positive people tend to
spread it around wherever they go. And that will only want you to do more for yourself. So that can't be a bad thing.
These are just a few ways to keep your diet simple to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Creativity is the best way to keep
great eating habits and exercise in your life. Here's to having a happy and simple lifestyle.
Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom
Founder of Writers With Chronic DiseaseWriterswithchronicdisease-owner@yahoogroups.com
Author and Publisher Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom www.kimberleylinstruth-beckom.com
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately 220,000 new cases are
diagnosed each year. Prostate cancer is diagnosed by a blood test known as a PSA, or prostate specific antigen test.
High PSA levels can indicate if there is potentially cancerous problem with your prostate.
There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of prostate cancer including eating a healthy diet of fruits and
vegetables and getting moderate levels of exercise on most days of the week. Tomatoes, soy products, garlic, and green
tea are some specific foods that may reduce your risk.
For men who have prostate cancer, MidState Medical Center offers a prostate cancer support group every other
month. Men and their partners typically meet to discuss topics such as coping skills, nutrition, side effects of treatment,
and sexuality. For more information on MidState's prostate cancer support group, please call 203-694-8353.
Heart Disease Risk Factors
Heart disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States and slightly more women than men
die of the disease each year. There are no "standard" symptoms for a serious cardiac event. In men, the signs can be
chest pain or pressure, numbness, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, nausea, and sweating, or sever indiges-
tion. Women may have more atypical symptoms, such as indigestion or gas-like pain, unexplained weakness or fatigue,
or discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades.
The Heart Center at MidState is a comprehensive program that coordinates the resources of the Hospital, the skills of
our cardiologists, plus advanced procedures and technologies to meet new, national standards of treatment. The Heart
Center offers our patients the highest levels of care in the more personalized setting of a community hospital.
Tips on Preparing for a Doctor's Visit
The combination of limited appointments, complicated medical issues, and apprehension about doctors, tests, and ill-
nesses can make any doctor's visit stressful. That's why, preparing ahead of time can optimize your appointment and
help you receive the best care. First, prioritize. Cover the two to three most important topics or worries first, so you
have enough time for a full discussion. Remind the doctor of any ongoing conditions or recent medical or life events
that he or she should be aware of. Write down a list of questions and all the medications you take, and bring it with
you. Ask the doctor how much time he or she has with you so you can respect his or her schedule.
Patient/Medication Safety
For your safety, always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider about the products you are taking,
including herbal remedies, non-prescription medicines, and prescription drugs. This is especially important if you are
taking "blood thinning" drugs, or have cancer, HIV, or other life-threatening conditions.
Poem 2007 My Garden
Marianna’s Yesterday, I admired the red and
yellow leaves in the trees.
Today,
FAMOUS ZEPPOLI! As I walked down the street, I
kicked the leaves
Stop by or call to
Yesterday,
I took a photo of the brilliant red
witch hazel shrub
order yours TODAY! Today,
the leafless shrub stands in earth
covered with red leaves
I feel a cold wind as it blow the red
leaves over the garden.
Summer is departing.
Tomorrows, the garden will be cov-
ered with snow.
I will search for warmer clothes,
sweaters, hats, gloves, to keep me
warm
Hours: Tuesday.- Friday. 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun. 7-2 Til tis Spring, 2008 .
from Phyllis Head
 The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 27
Letter to the Editor: The People's Press has over 125,000
This letter may be late in being printed but was too important to miss all together. After all, this is the spirit we all hope
to embody throughout the year. I hope the sentiment touches you too.
Readers in 10 towns and on the web.
Letter to the Editor: Call 203.464.3088 to advertise in the
Living The Spirit of Christmas
I would like to thank an amazing person this holiday season. He is someone who reflects the very spirit of this holi- NUMBER 1 single copy paper serving
day season - year round. He offers his time and money to less fortunate children in his Wallingford community on a
regular basis. He consistently gives special attention and care to elderly friends and family. He volunteers his time to
Central Connecticut!
charitable causes such as Habitat for Humanity. He never has harsh words for anyone and despite facing many personal
obstacles through the years, he never complains. As a single Dad he does the dishes, the laundry, the food shopping,
helps with homework, pays college tuition, provides loving support, and does yet more dishes, all while modeling for
his daughters the very values of gracious kindness and selflessness this Christmas season represents. He punctuates this
idea each year by laying out several envelops by the Christmas tree inscribed with the names of various charities so that
his daughters, upon waking Christmas morning, can pick which charity they want him to send money to on their behalf.
I am honored to know him, a true embodiment of the Christmas Spirit. I am especially honored that he is my brother.
Thank you John, for living the Spirit of Christmas everyday.
Your brother, Robert A. Hubbell We outfit up-and-coming musicians
Inspiration Monday with quality instruments, accessories
Part 1 of 2 By Katrina S. Axelrod and lessons.
Dedicated in loving memory to the spirit of Llewellen Jane Moss, Ph. D, which I think should never die
So, what are we thinking today? Really, how are we thinking today? And Why? Planning a class? Concerned about Brass • Woodwinds • String Instruments • Cases & Accessories
something? Happy over something? All of the above?
Well, I'm always open to a discussion on inspiration. Call it what you want- creativity, ideas, ingenuity, innovation,
responding to your muse, invention- it is all the same. It comes from happenstance and it comes from disciplined
thought and action. It comes in a poof and it comes in streams that last a long, long, time. It is aural, it is oral, it is vis-
Affordable Payment Plans
ible, it is light and shade, zeroes and ones. Some years ago I wrote four children's stories that I'd like to get in print. Group & Private Lessons
The spirit struck me to write them and I sat for a long time with the stories just about whole-cloth coming through my
fingers, misspelling almost everything, but close enough so I could remember what I wanted to write. A burst of imagi-
nation then and I am very proud to call my own today. They'll be published, it will just take time and what is that awful
word? Oh, yeah, patience, Ick. Ickity-Ick.
I let these creative bursts pretty-much run my life. Whether it is puling a meeting together or planting a garden, it
takes the exact same energy that comes from somewhere and ends up visible. I have been cited as the most colorful
employee, the nicest to work with and always the most creative. The one who pulls the weird out when necessary, and
makes it work. I have 'pluck'.
Teachers do the same thing. Instructor, tutors, professors, mentors, all do the same thing. No classroom is the same
twice. It is like a river- you can't teach the same class twice. My best friend for quite a while was Dr. Llewellen Jane
Moss, who got her Doctorate in Music and after many years of teaching music, switched to teaching Business. LM, as
she was called by a very few of us lucky enough, taught a class in Entrepreneurship, called "Creative Problem
Solving". She taught me to think in 360 degrees - like a globe. Think of what you are doing, think of the ramifica-
tions, think of the long-term impact, think about the street you are crossing right now.
That is how I like to think of heartsinthearts.com. 360 degrees. A globe of an idea that captures the imagination.
That leaves no one out. So, what now, LM?
Heartsinthearts.com would have made her smile, and then it would have made her inventive and humorous, and then
frustrated. Yeah, I know the feeling. But whether it is a blog or a classroom plan or the chance to change student's
lives for the better, it is an idea that will inspire some to action, and that makes it all worthwhile to me. The Arts need
to be in everyone's lives. Young people especially need them and the best way to get them to children and young adults
is through the schools and through community resources.
So what are we waiting for? A schematic. Next time, a schematic. A Schematic

Fibro What? What is Fibromyalgia and how does it affect the sufferer?
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that effects some 3-6 million Americans today, according to the American College of
Rheumatology. Other studies are now showing that some 6-12 million are suffering from this condition today and that

People from all over the state know

the previous figures were only the beginning of this epidemic. Fibromyalgia, or fibro, for short, is not a new illness. It
has been around for about a century and gained attention in the 80's when it was called rheumatism and chronic fatigue.
Many doctors today, believe that chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia are the same condition. The term "Fibromyalgia" is
defined as a group of common symptoms which include but are not limited to, generalized muscle pain, fatigue, sleep the best deli around...
disturbances, headaches, and irritable bowel. The only "test" that exists to diagnose Fibromyalgia is for a doctor to look
for tender points on a patient's body. There are 18 tender points located on the body that are looked at to determine the
diagnosis. If 11 out of the 18 points are "tender" or sore in a patient over the course of a three month (or more) period,
then the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is determined. The points of pressure are in the neck, shoulders, chest, elbows,
lower back, and knees.
Fibromyalgia most often occurs in women; however, men can also be affected. One study states that women out
number the men by an eight to one ratio. It has been determined through several studies that some sufferers had a previ-
ous injury to the neck causing the on site of fibro symptoms to occur. It is also common for Fibromyalgia to occur in
patients that have previously had Lyme disease or have been infected with the hepatitis virus. It's more common for
people who suffer from rheumatic disorders or inflammatory diseases to have Fibromyalgia as a diagnosis as well as
their other aliment. Fibro can occur at any age.
Even though there is a way to determine whether or not a patient has Fibromyalgia, it is still difficult for a doctor to
diagnose. Most commonly, a patient that suffers from Fibromyalgia is misdiagnosed with arthritis or depression
because the symptoms are so vast. It can also take a patient several months to possibly several years for a diagnosis of
fibro, because symptoms can come and go in the patient, even to the point of "remission" from the symptoms. Other
factors for the patient can be as simple as the actual doctor they have gone to with these symptoms. Most rheumatolo-
gists and pain management clinics are aware of Fibromyalgia today, however, general practitioners can still be leery of

Rosa’s
the condition. The reason for this is because of the misdiagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Many patients were suffering from
another condition or disease and were misdiagnosed as a result. Some doctors to this day still think that Fibromyalgia is
just a "blanket term" for symptoms being "all in a person's head". The best a patient can do is to seek out a doctor who

and now you do too!

they are comfortable with.
There is relief for the diagnosed, however, and it can come in several forms. Some patients do well with medica-
tions, while others do well with minor changes in diet. Stretching exercises like yoga seem to also be beneficial as well
as alternative therapies. Stop by and experience the best!
Common pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs are usually prescribed for fibro.
These are commonly known as ibuprofen and naproxen. A small amount of patients have also been prescribed narcotics
because of the severity of their pain. Again, due to the vast symptoms, a doctor will prescribe different kinds of medica- Rosa’s Caters
tions, depending on the patient.
Other patients find relief in the changing of their diet. It is believed that people suffering from Fibromyalgia are sen-
to Your
sitive to certain foods and certain additives. For instance, a substitution of unbleached flour, in place of bleached, may Party Needs!
be helpful. Other foods or additives to avoid are MSG, nicotine, alcohol, sweeteners like refined sugar or artificial ones
like aspartame, and caffeine, to name a few. Most people, who choose to change their diet, often go "organic". For Your Family or
Organic foods are foods that have no chemicals processed in them. The term "organic" is simply a food that has Company, Rosa’s is the
nothing added to it or is a natural occurring food. Organic has been trendy in today's society and it is fairly easy to find place to call to for all of
these products in your local super market. Most markets dedicate at least 10% of their isles to products like these for your special functions
not only food, but cleaning products, beverages, and pet foods, to name a few.
Exercise is another factor for elevating pain. Yoga and other exercises that promote stretching have seemed to help
the most due to the low impact it has on the muscles. Exercises that also offer relief are walking and low impact aero-
bics.
Visit our website at rosasdeli.com

Rosa’s Italian Deli, LLC

Acupuncture, massage, stone therapy, dietary supplements, and magnets, are other forms of alternative therapies that
help sufferers. These are not for every patient, and should be discussed with your physician before you start this form
of therapy.
No matter what road you take in your recovery of Fibromyalgia, know that you are not alone. There are many out- imported and domestic foods
lets to help you in your search for a healthier you. These outlets can be discussed with your doctor. You can also find party platters • hot and cold subs to go
helpful information on the web, support groups, and books written specifically for sufferers. Open Monday-Friday 8:30-7 • Saturday til 6 • Closed Sun.
The great majority of us are required to live a life of constant duplicity. Your health is bound to be affected if, day after Tel: 265-1487 • 57 North Colony Street, Wallingford,
day, you say the opposite of what you feel, if you grovel before what you dislike, and rejoice at what brings you nothing CT 06492 • FAX: 265-2409
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 28

"Sheltering an Animal's Perspective" Great Kids

by Gregory M. Simpson
My first and all-time favorite cat was my constant companion for over half my adult life and was so attached to me
that she would ride peacefully in my lap while traveling by car. Generally, traveling with animals presents more chal- Joelle Pisani & Sarah
lenges and traveling with cats presents its own special set. My boss retired recently and asked for recommendations on Beaudoin of Holy Trinity
how to best travel with her two cats by car from Connecticut to Florida to visit friends and then on to her new home in School - Step-sisters that had a
Arizona. joint 13th "Winter Wonderland"
My first suggestion for her car travel was to have her veterinarian implant microchips in both cats so that they could birthday party at the Elks club
be tracked in a national computer database should the unfortunate happen and a cat become missing. Never leave cats on December 1st. Their invita-
(or dogs) alone in a parked vehicle. Even with windows open on a hot day, the temperature can shoot up to over 100 tions for the party asked for a
degrees within minutes. toy in lieu of a gift. The girls
The next advice was for her to secure the AAA listing of pet welcome hotel accommodations. Once she planned out felt they have enough and they
her daily car trek, she should check with the hotel to assure that her room opened onto a hallway and not to the out-
wanted to help out the needy
doors, in order to provide an added measure of safety. Once in the hotel room, she could post a "Do Not Disturb" sign,
adding "Cats Inside." Bring up-to-date rabies certificates, in case someone asks. for the holidays.
While driving with two cats, two large cat carriers facing each other in the back seat would be ideal, with water (bot- The girls donated the toys to
tled or tap water from home is best), dry food, and a small litter box in each. This way each cat would have its own the Yalesville Volunteer Fire
space, but also feel secure seeing its fellow cat in the adjoining cage. Depending on the cats, one could consider plac- Department's "Fill A Fire
ing two in one larger carrier, although this approach may be limited by the size of the car back seat and the strength of Truck With Toys " Toy Drive.
the person to carry the carrier. All toys were then donated to
Other precautions include having each cat wear an expandable collar with I.D. tag at all times, which lists each cat's and distributed by the
name and a contact phone number. For maximum protection while exercising a traveling cat, have him or her securely Wallingford Holiday For
fastened in a harness which goes around the neck and around the body. Cats are not secure in just a collar alone, as that Giving Committee to
is an escape just waiting to happen.
Wallingford children.
If a cat is an anxious traveler, consult a veterinarian for medication beforehand. One may also spray Feliway © in the
cat carrier, car, and hotel room. Feliway reproduces the properties normally produced when a cat deposits its facial
pheromones in the environment. It has been demonstrated to calm cats during travel, moving to a new home, and other Happy
stressful times. Birthday
If traveling by airline, book space in the passenger cabin well in advance of your flight, as according to the U.S.
Department of Transportation there are half a million companion animals that fly each year. Only certain airlines allow Happy 2nd Birthday
companion animals to travel in a regulation size carrier under the seat in front of you (for a fee), unless you want to pay to our precious
full passenger fare for a second seat. The pet carrier counts as one carry-on bag. There is a limit on the numbers of ani- grandson Donald!
mals such as cats that are allowed in the passenger cabin per flight. The alternative is having a companion animal
transported with the luggage which I personally would never do. Most airlines will not allow companion animals to We love you
travel as cargo in temperatures below 20 degrees or above 85 degrees. Further, some airlines restrict the number of LOTS!!!
short-nosed animals such as Persian cats, which have shorter nasal passages that make breathing difficult at higher alti-
tudes.
If you do choose to transport your cat (or dog) in the luggage compartment, purchase a USDA approved shipping Happy
crate large enough for your companion animal to stand, sit and turn around comfortably. Write the words "LIVE ANI- Va;lentines Day
MAL" on the sides and top of the crate. Book direct flights if possible, as this will limit the chance your companion
animal is left on the tarmac during extreme weather, or worse yet, ending up in a different city than you do. It will also
limit the amount of handling by baggage handlers. If you freeze a small bowl of water the night before your trip, it Happy
won't spill during loading and will melt by the time it's needed. Valentine's Day!
Remember, your cat is most comforted by being with you. Talk with your cat to comfort your companion. As a sen-
sitive creature, your cat will pick up on your mood. And enjoy your trip! Love,
For the animals, Kevin Leo
Gregory M. Simpson
Gregory Simpson's animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several
Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Chosen by Happy
CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S., he is also a member of the Cat Writers' Va;lentines Day
Association.

Health and Wellness Education at MidState

MidState Medical Center has a firm commitment to promote healthy living and disease prevention in the communi- Happy Valentine's Day!
ties we serve. We frequently offer free community-wide programming at the hospital or at surrounding organizations.
Our health and wellness education includes: Love,
A variety of lectures, support groups, classes and screenings Paige, Alexis & Sienna
Providing speakers to area groups
Partnering with businesses, churches, schools, municipalities and community organizations
Taking part in community festivals and events
Specific topics include weight loss surgery seminars, cancer care programs, infant parenting classes, healthy lifestyle
education, diabetes management, heart healthy lectures and much more. To view MidState Medical Center health and
wellness programming, visit our website at www.midstatemedical.org and click on Upcoming Events.

The deadline for the next issue of The People's Press is February 25th.
Think Spring and Spring will come. Email your stories, photos, news,
poems, recipes and more to dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com.

For Special Days, Birthdays and Holidays

Free Photo Form If you are looking to make your party or event a work
of art that everyone will remember - call Today!

Happy
Birthday

Welcome
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Born 8/20/04 7lbs. 19.5”
Jeanine & George
Grandparents:
George & Phyllis Civitelli and Fred
& Christina Pucci
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Deadline for our next issue is February 25th.

Girls Inc. Is On the Move
Girls Incorporated of Meriden founded in 1919 mission is to inspire all girls
to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. Girls Incorporated empowers girls to know
that they have a right to be themselves, to express themselves with originality
and enthusiasm, to take risks, to strive freely and to take pride in success, to
accept and enjoy the bodies they were born with and not to feel pressured to
compromise their health in order to satisfy the dictates of an "ideal" physical
image, to be free of vulnerability and self-doubt and to develop as mentally
and emotionally sound individuals, and to prepare for interesting work and
economic independence.
As an ever changing organization continually meeting the needs of our mem-
bers, we have been working hard to develop programs to get our girls up and
moving to learn young about the benefits of living a healthy active lifestyle.
Gymnastics and dance programs are offered not only to teach the girls a life
long discipline but to provide physical activity in their lives. This past year,
Girls Inc started a new health and wellness program called GO GIRLS! funded
through the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford. The purpose of this pro-
gram is to bring mothers/female caregivers and their daughters ages 9-14
together to learn more about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle
together as a family. Participants learn about proper nutrition, realistic physi-
cal activity and goal setting. These activities are done through hands on cook-
ing and fitness demonstrations from experts in the field. Guest speakers are
brought in to conduct the classes to keep the dialogue and activities fresh and
exciting. We have found that the participants are learning to connect with one
another, open the lines of communication and begin to have a common
focus/goal to do together around healthy living. This program also takes into
account the reality that most of us are on a budget and lead very hectic lives.
We work with our families to begin to make choices that are realistic and will
benefit the well being of their families for years to come. GO GIRLS! is
offered in 8-10 week sessions and is free. Girls Inc. also offers many more
classes and opportunities for young women so inquire today about programs
and our full service summer camp program. Please contact Girls Inc. to learn
about when our classes are run and how to join at 235-7146 or
mab_girlsinc@snet.net.
7th Annual Lovers In The Village Dance
South Meriden- The 7th annual "Lovers In The Village Dance" will be held
Friday February 15,2008 from 7:00 P.M. till 12:00 P.M. at the A.O.H. Hall in
South Meriden. The evening will feature a buffet dinner, dancing to the music
of a D.J., and two raffles. The cost of the evening is $20.00 per person. The
proceeds will benefit many projects undertaken by Christmas In The Village.
Tickets are available at Tom's Place in South Meriden, or by calling 634-8173
Happy
Va;lentines Day
Happy Valentine’s Day
DONALD!
We love you lots!
Please
Help!
PLEASE HELP CLEOPATRA FIND
A HOME!!! She is a very friendly
young girl who gets along with other
pets and children. Her eyes do not
produce enough tears, and she needs
eye ointment twice daily, as well as
eye drops. Cleo has been spayed, vac-
cinated, and tested negative for feline leukemia. If you are inter-
ested in giving this wonderful girl the perfect home, please contact
Hidden Treasures Adoption Center at 860-828-3106 or
beckymccaffery@comcast.net
UNFORGETTABLE!
‘How Long has it been Since You Got a Valentine?
Here's Your Chance!
SAVE THE DATE! February 16th, 2008!!
This Valentine Cordially Invites You to come and feel “An Evening with
Nat King Cole” A fund raising event for the Augusta Curtis Cultural
Center - 175 East Main Street, Meriden, CT
6:30- 10:30 PM, Saturday, February 16th
With the music of Nat King Cole and a fine, easy gathering of folks-
Casual dress, comfort food- What better way to celebrate a Valentines’s
Day? No hassle, no cooking dinner, just a relaxed, social time to get re-
acquainted with friends and family. The music starts at 6:30 and ends at
10:30
6:30-7:30 Appetizers- An assortment of delectable small bites to get you
ready for- 7:30-9:00 Dinner- Delicious soups, Served in bread bowls with
salad, which leads you right into- 8:30-10:30 Dessert- an assortment of
cakes, cookies and other Valentine treats
$30 per person for hours of sweet melody, great musicianship and Love.
Also included in this package is a full-year membership to the Augusta!
For more information, call party coordinator Katrina Axelrod at 235-
7445 or Staci Roy at 639-2856 “at the Augusta!” A few tickets will be
available at the door, but PLEASE register by phone before, so we get
an accurate count for the caterer.
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 29
HUBBARD PARK PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE RECEIVES $6,500 GRANT FROM
CHRISTOPHER AND DANA REEVE FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THE HUBBARD PARK
BARRIER-FREE PLAYGROUND. THESE FUNDS WILL GO TOWARD THE PURCHACE OF
ADAPTIVE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT FOR 5-12 YEAR OLDS.
The Hubbard Park Playground Committee (HPPC) is proud to announce that it has received a $6,500 Quality of Life
grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF). The award was one of nearly 100 grants totaling
approximately $900,000 awarded by CDRF to nonprofit organizations that help people living with disabilities become
more fully integrated members of society.
HPPC will use the grant towards the purchace of adaptive playground equipment for 5-12 year olds.
The HPPC is grateful for the generous grant towards the needed handicapped accessible ADA compliant playground in
Meriden's Hubbard Park. It is an honor to have been selected from a large pool of candidates. CDRF supports so many
worthwhile projects in communities to enhance the lives of people living with disabilities.
"Across the country, countless organizations are dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with dis-
abilities such as paralysis, and are essentially unsung heroes, said Peter T. Wilderotter, president of the Christopher and
Dana Reeve Foundation." "HPPC is one such organization who shares CDRF's passion to enable people living with
paralysis to overcome everyday challenges. We are honored to award HPPC with a Quality of Life grant that will help
the organization 'Go Forward' and accomplish their critical mission."
Begun in 1999 by the late Dana Reeve, the CDRF Quality of Life grant program recognizes the unique and numerous
needs of people with disabilities, primarily paralysis and their families, and the importance of providing services and
programs that enable them to participate in all areas of life. To date, CDRF has provided 1,262 Quality of Life grants
totaling over $10 million to organizations nationwide that help improve opportunites, access and day-to-day quality of
life for these individuals and their families.
About CDRF
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative
research, and improving the qualility of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and
advocacy. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292
FLASHBACK 2008 DINNER DANCE SLATED FOR SATURDAY MARCH 1, 2008
Wallingford Center, Inc. has slated its 16th annual oldies dinner dance for Saturday March 1, 2008. The event is the
annual fundraiser sponsored by the organization whose non profit purpose is the revitalization, preservation, beautifica-
tion and promotion of Wallingford's central business district.
The March 1st fundraiser will kick-off at 6:30PM with a cash bar, followed by a Tuscan buffet dinner and dancing till
midnight to the sounds of the Flashback! band, featuring oldies from the 50's, 60's and 70's. A "Silent Auction" will
continue throughout the evening, featuring an extensive selection of donated items, including a $5,000.00 gift certifi-
cate for an individual or family portrait from Bradford Renaissance Portraits in White Plains, New York. www.brad-
fordportraits.com.
The fundraiser will be held in the grand ballroom at Zandri's Stillwood Inn, 1074 South Colony Road in Wallingford.
Tickets are $30.00 per person, and must be purchased in advance. For information or reservations, call Wallingford
Center, Inc. at 203-284-1807. See us on the web at www.wallingfordcenterinc.com..
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Scouts and Scouters of Sleeping Giant District who have
been been awarded Quality District for 2007 by Boy Scouts of America. The Sleeping Giant District is comprised of
Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews in Southington, Meriden, Wallingford, North Haven and
Hamden.
The Scouting Quality program is designed to recognize districts in achieving excellance in providing a quality pro-
gram to a growing youth populations at all levels of the Boy Scouts of America.
This success is the result of the combined effort of every person in our District:
~ The members of our units who have selflessly given time to coordinate our events, membership, finance, training,
advancement, service projects and the many other District level activities that make certain that our members find what
they seek in Scouting.
~ The professionals at the Connecticut Yankee Council headquarters in Milford who answer countless questions, handle
reservations, print flyers and give advice regardless of the hour or day of the week.
~ The unit leader and committee member volunteers who find that 'one hour a week' to make a difference in the life of
a young person.
~ The youth of Sleeping Giant who bring their enthusiasm, their dreams and their drive to this program. It is the happi-
ness on their faces that makes all of this worth while.
It is a privilege to share this achievement with you.
On behalf of the District Commitee, proudly serving over 2,000 young people and their families in the Sleeping Giant
District,
Lynn Crisci, District Chairman
No matter what the
season or the reason,
The Augusta Curtis
Cultural Center is the
place to make your event
special. It’s that simple.
The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center invites you to hold your
own special event at this historic and beautifully restored
building. Our floor plan is well suited for a variety of events,
from auctions to dinner parties and wedding receptions.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable place to gather
your friends and family, host a corporate or non-profit event, you
have found it.
We offer:
Exclusive Booking
Table and Chair Rental Included
Interior Security You and your guests will
Set-up and Clean-up fall in love with
Handicap Access / Elevator
175 East Main Street in Meriden
Contact Staci Roy at 203.639.2856
accc@ci.meriden.ct.us
www.curtisculturalcenter.org
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 30
You Can Find Comprehensive Cancer Information All In One Place The People’s Press March Issue
The Cancer Center at MidState now has its own unique URL on the The submission for our March issue is February 25th. Email your sub-
Internet. By visiting the new site, you'll find detailed information on early misssions to dawnwork@peoplespressnews.com. Please call 203.235.9333
cancer detection and diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and patient and if you have any questions.
family support programs. Everything you need to know can be found in this
one convenient location. We encourage you to visit the site and read about our Happy
integrated, patient-focused approach and our efforts in prevention, education, Valentines Day
and outreach. Visit us today at www.midstatecancercenter.com.

Please Help Jake! Happy Valentine’s Day

Mommy and Daddy
Jake needs a home!!!! Love,
Please help poor Jake, he is a Erin
nine year old black Cocker
Spaniel that is waiting to be
adopted at the CT SPCA in
Monroe. Shelter and/or Rescue Happy
dogs are always at a disadvan- Va;lentines Day
tage because they are labeled as
"used", and they have to com-
'Hunter Christian, PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never
pete with those cute little pup- you are the absolute known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
pies rolling around in the shred- LOVE of our lives! Happy Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of
ded paper at the pet store, you Valentines Day, Baby! God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
know the ones that come from All our love, Mama & Papa necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
Puppy mills and have a $1,300 show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
price tag. Well Jake is at an and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-
even greater disadvantage, he is Happy tom of my heart to secure me in my neces-
Va;lentines Day sity. (Make your request). There are none
that can withstand your pwer. Oh Mary,
9 yrs old, and is blind, actually he has no eyes at all. Unfortunately there conceived without sin, pray for us who
aren't many details known about what happened to Jakes eyes, because he You girls turned out even better have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary,
was abandoned, by a wonderfully compassionate human we assume! What Than I often dreamed you’d be; I place this prayer in your hands (3 times).
is known is that Jake is an absolute sweetheart, and he gets along with just You’re more than I had hoped for; Say this prayer for three consecutive days
You’re a sweet reward to me. and then you must publish it and it will be
about everyone, other dogs included. I know that people have reservations granted to you. Grateful Thanks. RR
You girls have my love forever;
about adopting an older dog, but a good way to look at it is that you could It’s a privilege to be your mother
be giving them the best years of their life. Jakes not done living yet, and for Love You Ashley, Brittney and
the 5 or 6 yrs, (maybe longer who knows) that he has left, he deserves to be Sarah Happy Valentine's Day!
loved and taken care of just as much if not more then a young dog. Please
consider adopting Jake, or at least meeting him, giving him a chance will
benefit you more then you realize. When you adopt a dog or cat in need, Happy
what they do for us and bring to our lives is much more then we could ever Va;lentines Day
give them. You will be inspired by them and their will to start a new life with TYLER JOSEPH
you and your family, for the only thing that want more then to be happy, is Roses are red,
your happiness. Jake is located at the CT SPCA : 359 Spring Hill Rd. Violets are blue,
Monroe, CT. Please contact Fred Acker at 203-445-9978 or at I am so lucky & proud
TSVSI@aol.com for more info. Thank you!!!! to have a son like YOU!!!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
XO MOM

Happy
Va;lentines Day

Happy
This edition of “The People’s Press, Your Town, Your News, Your Valentine's Day! PRAYER TO The Blessed Virgin: Never
Views” serves the needs of the communities of Wallingford and Meriden, known to fail. Oh most beautiful power of
Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of
Connecticut. For safety reasons we do not publish the last name of Love, Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of
artists/writers under the age of 15. 5% of all annual net proceeds are Kevin Leo God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my
donated in kind or in financial donation to local charities and organiza- necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and
tions. show me that you are my mother. Oh Holy
Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven
This newspaper is not affiliated with any other newspaper.
Happy and earth, I humbly seek you from the bot-
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 The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 31

Just can’t get enough...

Express your love for

the special people in
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Something special just arrived at your house! Discover what we can do for you.
If you are looking for Health, Wellness and Vitality - You just found it!
What you will
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The time to register is NOW! Don’t miss your chance to discover a New YOU!
6 Fairfield Boulevard, Wallingford - 203.294.2120 -
The People’s Press • February & Health, Wellness & Vitality 2008 Page 32

Y O U A LWAY S S AV E M O R E Sweetheart Savings Event!

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846 Old Colony Rd., Meriden what you need for your fireplace..you’ll find it! Feel free to stop by
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Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M., Sat. 8:00 A.M. -4:00 P.M.