Page 4 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 54 Late Spring 2025

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Back in the 1960’s, I traveled to the Haight Ashbury section of San Francisco,
California with two friends. It was the Summer of Love and we found ourselves in
a nice town park with dozens of male and female hippies of that era. I saw a nice
bookstore and shopped there. I did not buy any books but I did find an amazing
document for sale. It was titled “Desiderata” and had been written in 1927 by Max
Ehrmann. I read it and bought it and it has been with me ever since. The messages
that Max delivered in this remarkable text are incredible and will never be out of
date. I have shared it on page 64 for all to read and enjoy!

ON THE COVER
The First Congregational Church, one of Wallingford’s oldest churches has graced Wallingford’s Main Street since 1669.
I found my inspiration for this piece from their commitment to God and Community, as illustrated in their own words,
“We are the United Church of Christ, a denomination that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness. No matter who you
are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
I started this painting on a sunny morning after a fresh rain shower. I reflected on the meaning of these words while
working on this piece. I have come to realize that commitment to a diverse community strengthens and enriches our
lives on so many levels. Sharing my art provides me with a voice and opportunity to share my perspective and hope
that generations to come will learn to embrace diversity. We should encourage everyone to be a positive, active part of
their communities. Share your skills and ideas and watch your community grow. - Tom Pender

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FEATURED Murder, Mayhem, A Dress to Impress by Rajan Doering Veterans Luncheon George Washington
Wallingford
Welcome Home
Visits Wallingford
History
by Britt Bartow
and Madness
by Marc Lendler
by Beverly Churchill
by Bobbie Borne
Investing in Downtown Wallingford......................... 22 Wallingford Senior Center........................................ 52
Wallingford's 2nd Annual PorchFest........................ 24 The Polish National Alliance 125 Years.................... 53
CONTENT WCI - 3rd Annual Wing Fest..................................... 31 Our Poetic Town...................................................... 64
Uptown Magic......................................................... 27
The Wallingford Spring Art Exhibit........................... 57
Bees in New England............................................... 66
EDC in Action.......................................................... 32
Coupons................................................................. 68
WACA Spring Art Show............................................ 39
Downtown Delights................................................. 39
Where Is It? Winners............................................... 70
The History of The First Congregational Church...... 44 Where Is It? Contest............................................... 69
ADVERTISING & SALES:
PUBLISHER & EDITOR:
OUR TEAM Tarn Granucci, Wallingford Magazine, LLC CONTACT US:
Tarn Granucci 203-214-1874
tarngranucci@gmail.com
ART, DESIGN & LAYOUT:
Alex Gurin, AG Creative Works, LLC
WallingfordMag.com
CONTRIBUTORS:
P.O. Box 337, Wallingford, CT 06492
Bobbie Borne || Bob Burghardt || Rajan Doering || Britt Bartow || Janice Martin, Ambassador
Beverly Churchill || Marc Lendler || Tarn Granucci || Steve Knight || Roger Dietz || Angela Mitchell
Wallingford Magazine is published six times a year.
4 Wallingford Economic Development WALLINGFORD MAGAZINE - LATE SPRING 2025