AWARENESS – Wallingford PD: man attempts to abduct 8-year-old girl

I am cross posting this WTNH NEWS 8 link here off the blog as this is being discussed on Facebook and people are losing the link as the thread drops.

The story titled “Wallingford PD: man attempts to abduct 8-year-old girl” is available by following the links; there is a video there as well.

This was in the Wharton Brook Drive area and it is important to note that Stevens, Dag and Lyman Hall are all “right there” as well as the Wallingford Community Daycare.

Police describe the man as a white male in his 50s. He's about 5'8" to 6' tall and has brown eyes and beard. He was also driving a red car.

Let’s keep one eye on our and the neighborhood kids and the other out for this person.

Call Wallingford Police at 203 294 2800 with tips and 911 in an emergency . 

AWARENESS – Home break in, in the Madison Avenue / Jackson Avenue area of Wallingford

Please share this with your friends and neighbors. I wanted to raise awareness regarding a home break in, in the Madison Avenue / Jackson Avenue area of Wallingford.

On Thursday September 12, 2013, an elderly resident in his 90s answered his door to find a man asking for bottles for deposit. The man then brazenly entered the home of the elderly man and took his wallet.

The resident was unharmed, his wife was not home at the time and the police have been notified.

The residents do have family and neighbors nearby for support and they are shaken but OK from the incident. I did want to pass this along, with the family’s permission, to make the adjoining neighborhoods aware and so that people can be a little extra vigilant for themselves and their neighbors.

If anyone has any questions or concerns please call the police non-emergency line at 203 294 2800.

Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust sponsors lecture on Haunted Objects

The Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust will sponsor a lecture by noted paranormal expert John Zaffis on Wednesday, September 25th, at 7pm, at Zandri's Stillwood Inn, 1074 South Colony Road (Route 5), Wallingford.

 

Zaffis, who is "The Haunted Collector" on the television program of the same name on the Syfy channel, will speak about "Haunted Objects". In his television program, Zaffis and his team travel around the United States responding to homeowners and others who believe they may have objects that are causing paranormal phenomenon. In contrast to situations where a location itself is haunted, Zaffis is often able to find a specific object that is haunted, which he then physically removes from the location.

 

"We thought what John Zaffis has to say would be of particular interest to our audience - we have a lot of antique collectors and others who collect things, who would benefit from hearing John's perspective on what items may attract paranormal attention," said Jerry Farrell, Jr., president of the Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust. The Trust owns the Nehemiah Royce House on North Main Street and the Franklin Johnson Mansion on South Main Street. "We don't believe we have any haunted items in our museum collection, but this is educational information for us to know about, and we also thought it would be interesting for Wallingford residents and others to hear," Farrell said.

 

Zaffis has been involved in solving hauntings for over 36 years, numbering in the thousands of cases, having first become involved though his uncle and aunt, the well-known Ed and Lorraine Warren. Zaffis, along with the Warrens, investigated a former Southington funeral home haunting in 1988, which was later publicized in the 2009 film "The Haunting in Connecticut". Zaffis served as a technical advisor to the film.

 

The event, which includes coffee and dessert, is free and open to the public. To reserve a seat, please leave your name and the number of people on the voicemail at 203-265-1600.

Out-of-state group collects donations along Route 5 - LOOKS LIKE A SCAM FOLKS

http://www.erecordjournal.com/ee/recordjournal/publink.php?shareid=07fd9e721

Out-of-state group collects donations along Route 5 - LOOKS LIKE A SCAM FOLKS

"A group claiming to be fundraising for a church by collecting money from drivers on Route 5 has previously come under question in Kentucky.

The group was spread out on the side of the Route 5 near the Route 15 ramp and positioned on medians asking for donations.

But Marcy Davis, of New Life Church in Louisville, Ky., said by phone Friday that the group is not affiliated with her organization and has created problems in the past."

#Wallingford #w06492

Department of Consumer Protection Alerts Consumers to Recall of Concentrated MOTRIN Infants Drops Original Berry Flavor 1/2 fl oz.

HARTFORD, September 9 – Parents who administer Motrin infant drops to their children should be aware of a recent product recall, the Department of Consumer Protection said today. McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division is voluntarily recalling approximately 200,000 bottles of Concentrated MOTRIN® Infants’ Drops Original Berry Flavor, 1/2 fl. oz. sold in the U.S. McNeil is asking retailers to remove the affected lots from store shelves, and asking consumers to stop using and dispose of any product they may have that is included in this recall. “We want consumers who have this product at home to check the label to see if it has the lot number and UPC code that is part of the recall,” Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said today. “There is a chance that the product is adulterated. After releasing these three lots of infants’ drops, the company found tiny plastic particles about the size of a poppy seed in a subsequent lot. Out of caution, the company wants to pull back the three earlier lots that might have been affected before the particles were discovered.” Product Lot # UPC Code Concentrated MOTRIN® Infants’ Drops Original Berry Flavor 1/2 fl oz bottles NDC 50580-100-18 DCB3T01 300450524157 DDB4R01 DDB4S01 The lot number and UPC codes are typically printed on the outside packaging and on the printed bottle label. The potential for adverse medical events related to the reason for this recall is not likely. Concentrated Infants’ MOTRIN® Drops Dye-Free Berry Flavor 1 fl oz is not included in this recall. Children’s or Adult MOTRIN® products are not included in this recall. The Department advises parents who have the recalled MOTRIN Infants Drops to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The company has provided questions and answers on this web page.     Media Contact: Claudette Carveth Claudette.carveth@ct.gov 860-713-6022 Claudette Carveth Director of Communications Department of Consumer Protection Hartford, CT www.ct.gov/dcp 860-713-6022

Resident group to meet at Kendrick Park Saturday September 7th for an idea share

A resident group will be meeting at Kendrick Park Saturday morning September 7th at 9:30AM for an idea share.

Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission attending as well as the vendor that created the Doolittle Playscape are expected to be in attendance.

For additional information please contact John Gawlak CPRP Director Parks & Recreation.

Happy 4th Birthday Alex

My youngest child is my son Alex – born on September 4 2009 at 10:20 in the morning (5 days early).

He weighed in at 7 pounds 11 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches in length.

Like each of my four children, he has a strong personality and a happy and wonderful nature. He reminds me, without knowing otherwise, that living life simply is such a wonderful thing. I often say “you have to plan your life like you might live forever but you must live your life as if today is your last day.” Alex is my daily reminder of this.

So on your 4th birthday Alex and as you start Pre K this week, I want to wish you all of life’s simple pleasures – no one I know will get more from them than you.

Be happy, be strong, be gentle, and be kind; the rest will work itself out in the fullness of time.

I love you Captain.

Daddy.

 

  

 

 

50th Anniversary of the Ulbrich Boys and Girls Club picnic

 

Mosquitoes trapped in the vicinity of South Elm Street tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The letter below was emailed to most parents in town via the schools their children attend. I wanted to push this out as others already have Wallingford wide as much as possible for maximum exposure.

Dear Stevens Parents,

We have received information from the Town of Wallingford Health Department that some mosquitoes trapped in the vicinity of South Elm Street, tested positive for West Nile Virus.

I encourage you and your children to follow the guidelines provided within the attached letter to limit the possibility of exposure to West Nile.

We will continue to work with the Health Department to monitor the situation and we will keep you informed regarding the issue.

Thank you,

Nicholas Brophy, Principal – Stevens School

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call.

Dr. Salvatore F. Menzo – Superintendent
Email - smenzo@wallingford.k12.ct.us
Twitter - @SalMenzo

Wallingford Public School District
43 Hall Avenue
Wallingford, CT 06492
203-949-6509

Wallingford Public School System Mission

To inspire, educate and support all students as they discover and pursue their personal best.

“Lone Wolf” Long Hill Road Dog and owners reunited.

Great job Wallingford; less than 24 hours later and after more than 475 “shares” on Facebook this family pet is home safe and sound.

With all the focus on this since last night I wanted to make sure everyone heard the good news.

AGENDA Wallingford Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Monday, August 19, 2013

 

7:00 p.m.

 

Robert Earley Auditorium

 

Town Hall – 45 South Main Street

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call

PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. #13-029 – Variance Request/Stanton/628 South Colony Road

2. #13-030 – Special Exception Request/Kummer/6 Overlook Drive

3. #13-031 – Variance Request/Capasso/282 North Elm Street

4. #13-032 – Variance Request/Gouveia/60 North Main Street

5. #13-033 – Variance Request (modification)/Oliveira/242 North Colony Street

ADJOURNMENT

Cable Installation Press Release: Wallingford Grade Crossings

Cable Installation Update: August 2013

Amtrak continues the installation of underground signal and communication cables, the first portion of construction for the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Rail Program. This work is required to upgrade signal and communication systems for the NHHS rail corridor and prepare for subsequent track and infrastructure improvements to re-establish Track 2.

As part of this work, beginning the week of August 19 there will be temporary detours and road closures along grade crossings in the town of Wallingford. Work at the following locations will occur during the daytime hours of 7AM-5PM.

Please note that this schedule is approximate and subject to change:

• Monday, August 19: Quinnipiac Street: One lane will remain open at all times. Quinnipiac Street will have westbound traffic detoured to Hall Avenue.
• Tuesday, August 20: Hall Avenue: One lane will remain open at all times.
• Wednesday, August 21: Ward Street: The road will be closed and traffic will be detoured accordingly.
• Thursday, August 22: Parker Street: The road will be closed and traffic will be detoured accordingly.
• Monday, August 26: North Plains Highway: The road will be closed and traffic will be detoured accordingly.
• Tuesday, August 27: Pent Highway: One lane will remain open at all times.

Every effort will be made to limit traffic disruptions, such as providing alternative traffic routes to motorists.

Future updates on the status and location of cable installation activities will be provided on the NHHS Rail Program website at www.nhhsrail.com and by email. To receive email updates, please register on the NHHS Rail Program website.

Progress Update: Cable installation activity began in October 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2014. To date, more than 37% of the construction work has be.en completed, including cable installation from North Haven to Hartford and on-track cable plowing. In addition, the installation of communication and signal equipment, as well as bridge attachments continue.

Contact: Amtrak, Peter Finch, finchp@amtrak.com

A Call for Photos of Vietnam Veterans Lost in the War

PRESS RELEASE

A Call for Photos of Vietnam Veterans Lost in the War

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has coordinated with local organizations and volunteers nationwide in a call for photographs and back stories of Vietnam War veterans listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. for display at The Educational Center at The Wall.

In 2003, legislation passed that authorized the construction of the Educational Center at The Wall by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Plans for the exhibitions at the center include the display of pictures and stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, some of the 400,000 items left at The Wall and a celebration of service member values in all wars.

Out of the over 58,000 men and women who did not return from the Vietnam War there are still about 26,000 Vietnam veterans listed on The Wall who still need corresponding photographs and stories.

The call for photos is tied to the Faces Never Forgotten campaign, encouraging friends and families of veterans, as well as every citizen, to ensure that the memories and stories of those inscribed on The Wall are never forgotten. VVMF hopes to give every soldier the honor of being fully remembered as a person and not just a name.

“To complete the mission and begin construction of the Education Center, we will continue to depend on the dedication and generosity of those individuals, organizations and communities that make it their goal to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and contribute in their honor,” says Jan C. Scruggs, President and Founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

For info on the Education Center at The Wall or submitting a photo, visit www.vvmf.org or call 866-990-WALL.
###


Contact: Bianca Bahary
Media line: 204-395-0225 x 117
Media Line Cell: 202-207-5931

A “Pay it Forward” of mine came full circle today

So I was having a mediocre day (at best) when I decided to take a walk downtown and get some dinner at Archie Moore’s.

The place was no more or less busy than I would have thought for a Sunday night at 8:30PM.

I ate my Chef Salad, finished my diet Coke, and asked for my bill so I could pay up and leave as I wanted to round out a full 5 mile walk before it got too late.

The bartender told me I was all set, my check was paid for, and handed me this note (it was from someone that was sitting on the other side of the bar who I had helped years prior repairing their computers):

And that folks is how a mediocre day ends as a nice one.

17th Annual MDA Party for a Cure – Zandri’s Stillwood Inn

Over the past 16 years this event at the Stillwood Inn has raised over $375,000.00 and we are hoping to take it over $400,000.00 with this year’s event.

If you’ve supported the event in the past we hope to see you again this year.

If you have ever thought about coming out for a night of food and fun in an effort to support this cause, there is no time like the present – please consider joining us for the 17th annual Party for a Cure.

All the information and details are below but if you have any questions please call the Stillwood directly.

On behalf of my Uncle James Zandri, thank you for all the years of support and we look forward to see you this year as well.

Happy 9th Birthday Andrew

Nine years ago on August 8th, 2004 I became a father for the first time.

I really try to recall exactly what I felt that day but I have to admit that I can’t.

Now I might otherwise feel badly about that but seeing as how I had three more kids and literally hundreds of small adventures with them all, separately and together, I think it’s fair to say that I got on a rollercoaster that day that is still moving. It’s all been so much fun and adventure that it’s hard to single out specific events.

I know I was amazed, astonished, hopeful and happy. I am sure I was filled with many more emotions. 

It’s been a lot of fun and I am glad the ride is still going. And like the rollercoaster ride – the life around all the kids is loud and exciting and as much of it seems like a bunch of fits and starts I wouldn’t wish it to be any different.

 

Andrew – nine years has already gone in the blink of an eye and I worry the next nine will too. In the meantime, while you grow more and more, and become more responsible for additional things around the house and in school…. let’s go exploring and see what’s out there. Tomorrow will come and you are getting ready for it. In the meantime, let’s just check out today.

You’re away in Poland for your 9th birthday, as you have been most years in August, but that’s OK because I know you’re surrounded by family and love. As a father that wants the very best for his children I couldn’t ask for very much more for you on your birthday and all the days between.

Happy birthday little man – I’ll see you in 20 days.

I love you
Dad.

REMINDER - August 3, 2013 Wallingford CT - The 3rd Annual Dry Dock Music Festival (4 Bands)

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From Feb. 15, 2013- The RIR All Star Band- Wallingford Ct.

August 3, 2013 Wallingford CT.- The 3rd Annual Dry Dock Music Festival (4 Bands)-Tickets $25.00 - Featuring The RIR All Star Band - Richie Supa (Aerosmith), Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel) , Ricky Byrd (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), Muddy Shews (Southside Johnny), Mark Stein(Vanilla Fudge). More Info Click Link http://www.thedrydock.org (Use PayPal and Message Tickets) or Call 203-626-5560

"Please Share This Flyer.. Lets motivate 5 states (CT. NY. MA.RI. NH.) of in recovery people, or supporters of the recovery movement to come spend the day, have some fun, and support a great organization"... The RIR BAND

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A Message From The Dry Dock Founder - Rich Figlewski

Rich Figlewski, Founder and President "The Dry Dock "

"The Dry Dock provides a sober alternative to the community. A friendly, open and supportive place where fellowship is the cornerstone of recovery, an environment where an open heart, mind and understanding of recovery and it's pitfalls is openly shared, where living in the principles of a twelve step program is encouraged. I am I am also a recovering alcoholic and addict.

In January of 2010 two friends in recovery died. One drank himself to death and was found in his apartment 4 days later. The other wrote a note to his mother, went in the bathroom and shot up an overdose of heroin. The loneliness and pain were just too much for them. This story repeats itself over and over, daily at times, in the recovery community. I left my job in February 2010, took my severance and retirement and started the Dry Dock. I believe that by having a safe place for people saves lives. We survive on donations and the kindness of others. There are no salaries.

Your contribution will help keep us open. Your contribution will help save lives". Remember, "if you are not careful, you might just help somebody." Read More

State Officials Warn Residents About “Free Medical Alert” Scams

State Officials Warn Residents About “Free Medical Alert” Scams

HARTFORD, July 30, 2013 -- Scammers promising “free” medical alert devices have been contacting residents across the state, and consumers need to be take note and spread the word, Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein and Attorney General George Jepsen
advised today.

In the past several months, both offices have received numerous consumer complaints about callers posing as representatives for medical device companies. After offering a medical alert system at no cost, scammers then ask for money and personal information in return for the supposedly “free” equipment.

It appears that older adults are the prime target of their calls.

“There are numerous phone numbers being used in these scams, which often involve illegal spoofing of numbers and robo-calling,” Commissioner Rubenstein said today. “Our investigators are working to sort out all the possible culprits and put a halt to their unscrupulous practices. But for the time being, consumers need to be cautious and as needed, inform older family members that these scams are going
on.”

Spoofing occurs when a scammer imitates a legitimate caller or business. Federal law prohibits the practice if the intent is to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value.

If you receive a call from a company that claims to be one you do business with, and you are interested in the offer, independently verify the legitimacy of the caller and the offer, using telephone numbers, websites or other sources you are certain are reliable.

“Do not give out your personal information in unsolicited phone calls,” Attorney General Jepsen said.

“If you receive such a call, the best strategy is to hang up the phone.”

“Whenever an offer seems too good to be true, you can be assured that it’s not true,” Rubenstein said.



-end-


Media Contacts:

Department of Consumer Protection:
Claudette CarvethClaudette.carveth@ct.gov

Office of the Attorney General:
Jaclyn M. FalkowskiJaclyn.Falkowski@ct.gov

AWARENESS – Recent car break-ins in Wallingford (recently Lynn Drive / Parker farms area).

I wanted to drop everyone a note that there have been a few car break-ins in Wallingford recently in the Lynn Drive / Parker farms area.

I do not have much in the way of details on this other than what the victims have shared and that is just general information that items from within the car were taken.

With that in mind I would like to remind everyone firstly to be a little extra aware than normal of your own car and your neighbors. At the same time I wanted to offer up these “regular” Car Break Prevention Tips


-- Leave at home items attractive to thieves


-- Put your junk in the trunk! And put items attractive to thieves in your trunk before you arrive at your destination.
-- Putting the items in your trunk while at your parking spot can tip off a thief that you have good stuff to steal.


-- Never leave anything visible inside your vehicle! This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent your car window being smashed and your valuables stolen.
-- Thieves take things you might think are worthless, smashing your car windows while doing so.
-- Take with you / leave at home or store in your trunk things like:
-- GPS units (always wipe off the suction cup ring on your windshield – that ring is a dead give‐away to a thief that a GPS is in the car). GPS units are the most common items stolen in car breaks.
-- Handbags, purses, wallets, gym bags, briefcases. These are the second most stolen items.
-- Cell phones
-- MP3 players
-- Chargers (even if you hide your electronics, if the thief sees the charger he’ll break in on the assumption that the GPS, phone, or MP3 player is hidden under your seat or in your trunk)
-- Stereo faceplates, satellite radios
-- Radar detectors
-- Loose change. To some, your spare change is a fortune. A thief will break your car window to steal your 73 cents
-- CDs, DVDs
-- Laptops and cases


-- Park in a well‐lit spot with lots of foot traffic.
-- Avoid parking on isolated side streets.
-- Park in attended lots.
-- Roll up your car windows all the way, and lock your doors. Engage your car alarm, but DO NOT depend on it to deter a thief much. A car thief can break in and get out of your car in about 30 seconds, too short for the alarm to scare away most of them.


What to do if you see a car break‐in in progress:
-- Call 911 and tell the police.
-- When talking to 911, try to give as much as possible of the following:
---- LOCATION: such as an address or block number, or a specific location in a parking lot.
---- DESCRIPTION OF THE THIEF: provide as much as you can, such as sex, race, age, height, weight, hair color and length, color and length of facial hair, colors and style of clothing, and identifying marks such as tattoos.
---- DIRECTION: give the direction of travel if the thief flees. If the thief flees on a bicycle, describe the color and type of bike.
---- DESCRIPTION OF THE VICTIM’S CAR.


Hopefully this recent rash is "drive by" and will not be repeated and / or the police will be able to address but in the meantime keep an extra eye out.

Be smart / be safe

Wallingford’s Ranee Bibisi fundraising for the Bike CT Challenge to benefit cancer survivors

Wallingford’s Ranee Bibisi has been fundraising the Bike CT Challenge to benefit cancer survivors. She is planning to partake in the 50 mile ride to support the Connecticut Challenge and help provide important resources for cancer survivors and has a personal fundraising goal set of just $750.00. With six more days to go she is about halfway there and I am sure Wallingford can help take her the rest of the way.

The Connecticut Challenge will take place on July 26-27. Proceeds from her ride will fund unique programs and research to help cancer survivors through exercise, nutrition and psychosocial support.

As quoted from her fundraising page: “Cancer survivors need follow-up care for life and I am helping them. I hope you will support my efforts by making a secure online donation here or printing out a donor form and sending it in with a check. All cancer survivors will benefit.”

Please consider supporting Wallingford’s Ranee Bibisi with her cause.

Stand by Wallingford; Special Weather Statement for Northern New Haven, CT - Sat, Jul 20, 2013, 3:29 PM EDT

... STRONG THUNDERSTORMS MOVING ACROSS NORTHERN NEW HAVEN COUNTY...

AT 327 PM EDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR WAS TRACKING A STRONG THUNDERSTORMS FROM NEWTOWN TO MIDDLEBURY MOVING EAST AT 30 MPH.

FREQUENT CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING... AND WINDS UP TO 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH THESE STORMS.

LIGHTNING IS ONE OF NATURES NUMBER ONE KILLERS. REMEMBER... IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER... YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. MOVE TO SAFE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.