Dr. Martin Luther King Jr celebration scheduled Monday

As published in the Record Journal, Thursday January 12, 2012

WALLINGFORD — A celebration in memory of the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at the Town Hall, 45 S. Main St.

The program will be presented by the mayor’s office, Public Celebrations Committee and the Board of Education, superintendent’s office.

School Superintendent Salvatore Menzo will offer opening remarks. Students from the Sheehan High School jazz ensemble will perform and stu­dents from Lyman Hall High School will read from King’s works.

Wallingford Briefs - As published in the Record Journal

Editor’s note: If you have an announcement you would like the Record-Journal to publish, you can e-mail it to: newsroom@record-journal.com. Or fax it to (203) 639-0210, or mail it to us at: In Brief, Record-Journal, 11 Crown St., Meriden, CT 06450.

Electronics recycling for local residents

WALLINGFORD — Town residents can drop off unwanted electronics at the town’s recycling center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. the second Saturday of each month at 157 John St.

Accepted items include computers, monitors, printers, TVs, laptops, keyboards, mice, fax machines, stereos, modems, telephones, as well as VCR, DVD and CD players.

There is no charge, but each household is limited to seven items per visit. Saturday is the next day to drop off electronics.

For information, call the Program Planning office at (203) 294-2060.



Yalesville LL registration set

WALLINGFORD — Yalesville Little League will accept registration for the 2012 Little League season in the Parker Farms School cafeteria according to the following schedule: 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18 and 25, and 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 21 and 28.

Registration is open to any child who will be 5 by April 30 and not older than 16 by the same date. Children under 12 are must live west of the Wilbur Cross Parkway, Route 15. All other ages including Challenger players may live anywhere in Wallingford.

For information, call Ray Gomes at (203) 265-7580.



Poetry group to meet Saturdays

WALLINGFORD — The Wallingford Public Library’s poetry-writing group, Saturday Mornings with Poetry, will meet from 9:45 a.m. to noon this Saturday and Jan. 28 in the library board room.

Teen and adult poets and poetry lovers are invited.

At each meeting, participants are welcome to read original poems and share their writing experiences with fellow poets. For information, call the library at (203) 265-6754.



Knights of Columbus sets roast beef dinner

WALLINGFORD — Knights of Columbus Pinta Council 5 will sponsor a roast beef dinner at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21, at 190 Ward St.

Admission will be charged and the deadline to purchase tickets is Saturday. For information, call Ralph Mingione at (203) 600-8281 or Charlie Lombardi at (203) 793-7369.



Book club meets at library Jan. 19

WALLINGFORD — The Wallingford Public Library’s Thursday Night Book Club will discuss the science fiction novel, “The Sparrow,” by Mary Doria Russell, at 7 p.m. Jan. 19.

“The Sparrow” tells the story of Jesuit priest and linguist Emilio Sandoz, who leads a 21st-century scientific mission to a newly discovered extraterrestrial culture.

All are welcome to read the book and join the discussion.

Books will be available from the library’s information desk. The Thursday Night Book Club is an informal gathering for fans of fiction and popular nonfiction. Each month a book is selected for group discussion and all are welcome to come and share their thoughts about authors, writing styles, plots, and themes.

No registration is necessary. For information, call the library at (203) 265-6754.



SHS cheerleaders’ fundraiser Jan. 25

WALLINGFORD — The Sheehan High School cheerleaders will sponsor a fundraiser from 4 to 8 p.m. Jan. 25 at Burger King, 888 N. Colony Road.

Burger King will donate 20 percent of the evening’s sales to the team.

Also, the team will accept donations from 6 a.m. to noon Jan. 28, at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Main Street in Yalesville. For information, call Lisa Eroh at (203) 269-6161.



Relay for Life fundraiser Jan. 28

WALLINGFORD — Elks Lodge 1365 will sponsor its annual Relay for Life fundraiser beginning at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28, at the lodge, 148 S. Main St.

The menu will consist of chicken parmigiana and a dessert. Entertainment will be provided by the band, Freeplay. Admission will be charged and tickets may be purchased at the lodge. For information, call the lodge at (203) 269-7162.



Library program on headaches set

WALLINGFORD — Neurologist Dr. Justin Montanye will present a program on the common causes and treatment of headaches at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Wallingford Public Library.

The presentation will include a discussion of tension headaches and migraines and the traditional and complementary therapies used to manage headaches at Mid-State Medical Center’s headache center.

The program is part of the “Dessert with a Doc” series and will be cosponsored by Wallingford Public Library and MidState Medical Center. Advance registration is suggested. For information or a reservation, call the library at (203) 265-6754.



BNI Group sets business expo

WALLINGFORD — The Silver Cities Wallingford chapter of Business Networking International will sponsor a visitors’ day and business expo from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Feb. 17, at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, 1074 S. Colony Road.

Business professionals of all types are encouraged and welcome to attend. For a reservation, call Liz White at (203) 317-2226.

Live from the 01/12 Wallingford Town Council Meeting

If I can and as applicable I’ll tweet things over on my Twitter page:

https://twitter.com/#!/gunderstone

AGENDA–WALLINGFORD REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

TOWN OF WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT

REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Town Council Chambers

TUESDAY

JANUARY 10, 2012

6:30 P.M

AGENDA

Moment of Silence

1. Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call

2. Correspondence

3. Consent Agenda

3a. Consider and Approve Tax Refunds totaling $15,332.57 (#384 - #440)Acct. # 001-1000-010-1170 - Tax Collector

3b. Acceptance of a Grant Award from 3M Foundation and Appropriation of $1,000 to Miscellaneous. Revenue Acct # 1009052-47040 and to Operation Expenses Acct # 10020150-58735 – Fire Department

3c. Acceptance of a Grant Award from the Connecticut Fair Plan and Appropriation of $496 to Miscellaneous Revenue Acct # 1009052-47040 and to Operation Expenses Acct # 10020200-58735 – Fire Marshal

3d. Consider and Approve a Transfer in the Amount of $15,000 from Contingency Acct # 10019000-59820 to Professional Services-Lawyers (Workers Compensation legal fees) Acct # 10010300-56710 – Law Department

3e. Reappointment of Matthew J. Furman to Personnel and Pensions Appeal Board for a five-year term effective immediately and expiring December 31, 2016 - Mayor

3f. Set a Public Hearing for January 24, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. with regard to the Repeal of Ordinance #345, “Article V, Insurance Commission.” The Town Council repeals Ordinance No. 345, “Article V. Insurance Commission”, adopted on August 7, 1986, as stated in §8-10 through §8-13 of Chapter 8, Boards, Commissions and Committees, of the Code of the Town of Wallingford

3g. Consider and Approve minutes of Regular Town Council Meeting of December 13, 2011

3h. Consider and Approve minutes of Special Town Council Meeting of December 20, 2011

3i. Consider and Approve minutes of Swearing In Ceremony of January 2, 2012

4. Items Removed from the Consent Agenda

5. Executive Session pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes §1-225, §1-200 (6)(E) and §1-210(b)(7) to discuss estimates and evaluations for construction contracts relating to the school roof projects – School Roof Building Committee

6. Consider and Approve a Resolution that the Wallingford Town Council commits to the total funding of the school re-roofing projects upon receipt of public bids and adoption of a funding ordinance as required by the State of Connecticut, Department of Education.

7. Hold a Public Hearing at 7:00 P.M. to Consider and Act upon the following proposed Ordinance: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $370,000 FOR PLANNING AND DESIGN OF THE TOWN OF WALLINGFORD 2011 SCHOOL ROOF PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUE OF $370,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE

The purpose of the amendment is to increase the appropriation and bond authorization by $7,630,000 from $370,000 to $8,000,000, to provide for construction and roof related energy improvements, and to ratify, confirm and adopt all prior authorizations and ordinances in connection therewith.

8. PUBLIC QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD

9. Consider and Approve a Resolution adopting the USCM Deferred Comp Program and its group flexible purchase payment deferred variable annuity contract and hereby establishes the Town of Wallingford Deferred Comp Plan for the voluntary participation of all eligible employees belonging to the Managers Union and non-bargaining unit managers and to authorize the Mayor to execute such agreements and contracts as are necessary to implement for the Program - Personnel

10. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Town owned parcel(s) located to the east of North Main Street, known as the Wooding-Caplan Property – Councilor Craig Fishbein

11. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the property located at 390 Center Street – Councilor Craig Fishbein

12. Executive Session pursuant to §1-200 (6)(D) of the Connecticut General Statutes with respect to the purchase, sale and/or leasing of property – Mayor

Swearing in ceremony - Wallingford Town Council Jan 2, 2012

Pictures from the Swearing in ceremony for the Wallingford Town Council can be seen via my Facebook page as well as publicly over on Live.com on my SkyDrive.

Hope to see you tonight at the Swearing-in Ceremony

http://jasonzandri.blogspot.com/2012/01/reminder-special-town-council-meeting.html

If you are out and about at 8PM hope to see you at Town Hall.

Town Council auditorium
8 p.m.
Town Hall
45 S. Main Street Wallingford

Thank you for all the support to date with the election but my work is just getting started

REMINDER - Special Town Council Meeting - Swearing In Ceremony

Hi everyone.

Just a quick reminder that tonight (Monday January 2, 2012) is the Special Town Council Meeting - Swearing In Ceremony.

The full details are in a prior post but the summary information is:

Town Council auditorium
8 p.m.
Town Hall
45 S. Main Street Wallingford

The meeting is a public meeting so all are invited to attend.

Lyman Hall and Sheehan bands still in running for Pepsi grant

As published in the Record Journal, Tuesday December 27, 2011

By Melissa Chicker
Record-Journal staff

WALLINGFORD — The marching bands at Sheehan and Lyman Hall high schools have teamed together to encourage the community to vote in a contest that could result in a $50,000 grant for new uniforms.

“Combining our efforts gets more people of the community involved,” Sheehan band director David Giardina said. “We thought if we combine the two schools in this competition, we will get a lot more votes and give us a better chance to win the grant.”

The schools are competing as one against 322 other groups around the country in a contest sponsored by the Pepsi Refresh Project, which gives away millions of dollars each month. The top 10 groups in the competition that ends on Saturday will receive $50,000.

“Grants are for wide-reaching ideas and with groups and organizations putting in significant time and effort,” officials said on the Pepsi Refresh Project website.

The grant would go toward about 125 uniforms for each of the two marching bands. Each new uniform costs at least $500, setting a steep total price of up to $140,000.

Uniforms, said Giardina, typically last 10 to 13 years. Sheehan’s uniforms are between 15 and 17 years old.

The Sheehan and Lyman Hall bands were in second place Monday — they have been among the top five the entire time, including some time at No. 1. Giardina believes the effort to get out the word is the key.

“We spread the word through our band parents’ organization and throughout the schools,” he said. “Word has spread quickly and I think this is why we have been so successful so far.” The competition began Dec. 1, and both band groups have been working since the start to urge people to log onto the site and cast their vote. Supporters have passed out fliers at Stop & Shop on weekends, created a Facebook page and sent emails to family and friends.

“The schools have always been rivals, and while it’s good to have a rivalry, this is a great way to foster the community spirit and work together for a common goal,” said Heidi Belcourt, co-president of the Sheehan Music Parents Association.

Voters can vote up to three times per day until Saturday.

Special Town Council Meeting - Swearing In Ceremony

Special Town Council Meeting
Swearing In Ceremony
Monday, January 2. 2012  8:00 P.M.

AGENDA

1. Color Guards:
American Legion Shaw-Sinon Post #73
American Legion Siedlicki Post #187
VFW Major Raoul Lufbery #591
YEW Stanley Budleski Post #9965
AMVETS Post #83
Wallingford Elks Lodge #1365
Knights of Columbus
Edison Division Sea Cadet Corps
Dean DellaVecchio and the Lyman Hall High School Jazz Ensemble
Posting Colors — Past Commander Roy Cannon, American Legion Shaw-Sinon Post #73

2. Invocation — Reverend Anne Bracket, Yalesville United Methodist Church

3. Pledge of Allegiance — Lorraine Devaney, Public Celebrations Committee National Anthem - Dean DellaVecchio and the Lyman Hall High School Jazz Ensemble

4. Swearing in of Mayor William W. Dickinson, Jr. by Judge of Probate Phillip A. Wright, Jr.

5. Remarks by Mayor William W. Dickinson, Jr.

6. Swearing in of the Town Council by Judge Wright
Vincent Cervoni
Robert F. Parisi
Nick Economopoulis
Rosemary Rascati
Craig C. Fishbein
John J. Sullivan
Thomas Laffin
Jason Zandri
John LeTourneau

7. Roll Call Mayor William W. Dickinson, Jr.

8. Mayor Dickinson Presiding at Election of Town Council Chairman

9. Remarks by Town Council Chairman

10. Election of Town Council Vice-Chairman

11. Swearing in of the Board of Education by Judge Wright
Michael Brooder
Roxane M. McKay
Kathy Castelli
Chet Miller
John J. Cei, Jr.
Patrick Reynolds
Christine Mansfield
Michael J. Votto
Joseph Marrone

12. Appointment of Town Clerk and Swearing in by Judge Wright

13. Benediction - Reverend Anne Bracket, Yalesville United Methodist Church

14, Prepare to Retire Colors — Past Commander Roy Cannon, American Legion Post #73

15. God Bless America by Junior Vice Commander James Dunn, American Legion Shaw-Sinon Post #73

Councilor-elect Zandri eager to begin his term in Wallingford

As published in the Record Journal Sunday December 11, 2011

By Russell Blair
Record-Journal staffrblair@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2225  

WALLINGFORD — After an unsuccessful run for Town Council in 2007 as an independent, Jason Zandri ran as a Democrat this year and won. He’s eager to join the council in January.

Zandri, 42, a computer systems engineer for Bloomberg, said he’s spent the month since the election studying the issues before the council. 

“I’ve been attending meetings since then, and getting the information packet that the councilors get,” he said. “I’m going over the rules, the procedural stuff. I’m trying to get in that mode.”

Even before he began campaigning, Zandri had already made himself known to many in town through a number of different efforts. He has maintained two blogs, “Wallingford Politico” and “Jason Zandri for Town Council,” has written “From Wallingford” for the Record-Journal’s opinion pages, and has helped in the fundraising effort for the town’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration. 

John Sullivan, a Democratic councilor, closed up his political blog after he was elected, but Zandri said he plans to keep both his blogs up and running as a source of information for residents.

“I look at the blog as an ability to communicate with people,” he said. “On Wallingford Politico, I post stories, with very little editorializing. But on my own blog, I’ll express a little detail, some of my thoughts on an issue. It’s a prudent way to get information out there.”

Zandri has a long lineage in Wallingford, and his four children represent the fifth generation of Zandris living in town. He also has a history of political service in his family. His father, Geno, was a town councilor for 10 years.

Democratic Town Chairman Vincent Avallone Jr. said he hopes Zandri will bring some fresh ideas to the council. 

“He’s extremely energetic,” Avallone said. “He’s someone that, when he starts a task, he wants to see it completed.” 

A year before his 2007 run as an unaffiliated voter, Zandri left the Democratic Party. After his failed council bid, he took some time to evaluate his options.

“I had to think about whether to try for another shot,” he said. 

Zandri was able to work out his differences, get involved with the Democratic Town Committee and eventually got on the Democratic ticket for 2011.

“I sat down with Vinny Avallone and I worked out my differences with the party, and became an active part of the group,” Zandri said.

“I’ve known him since he was young,” Avallone said. “He felt comfortable with me.”

Zandri commutes to his job in New York City, and he acknowledged that balancing work, family life and the council will be a challenge. But he said he can handle the time commitment to the council.

“I think being able to campaign for the fireworks allowed me to see if I could handle the burden of both,” he said.

Zandri said he doesn’t expect to put items on the council agenda right away, and wants to take the first four or five months — most of which will be spent on the budget process — to get his feet wet.

But he added that he has a good working relationship with the eight other councilors and won’t be afraid to engage in debate.

“I don’t feel like I can’t express my thoughts and have a discussion,” he said. “We may not agree all the time, but I don’t think it will be an issue. I want to build bridges and work across the aisle.”

Though he understands that he’ll be a freshman councilor in the minority party, Zandri has already identified a few areas he’d like the council to examine.

Zandri said he hopes to see the council look toward adding voicemail and email to Town Hall and also to see action taken on the Wooding-Caplan property. The town purchased the 3.5-acre parcel for $1.5 million in 1992 and it has remained vacant since. A 2006 referendum overturned a decision to sell it to a developer. Other ideas that have been proposed include a parking lot or a new police station.

“If we’re going to put the police station there, I’d like to see that outlined,” he said. “I’d like to see a plan.”

Republican Town Councilor Craig Fishbein, who worked with Zandri on the fireworks campaign, called him “a go-getter.”

“He’s full of ideas and energy,” Fishbein said. “He’s not afraid to speak his mind, and roll up his sleeves to get the job done.”

Sullivan said that Zandri is “an extremely dedicated person” and he’s looking forward to working with him on the council.

“After the election, the council isn’t Democrats and Republicans, it’s nine people that need to work together,” Sullivan said. “I think Jason can be a bridge builder.”

Zandri said he will bring a “can get done” attitude to the council.

“Of course we should be careful and cautious, but if there’s something we want to try to accomplish, we need to look at how we get it to completion,” he said.