Food for a Good Cause

Appetite for Life is an exciting and tasty event to benefit the Center for Survivorship and Integrative Medicine (CSIM) at the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center.  Restaurants throughout Middlesex County have chosen a date in June to donate a percentage of their sales to this important cause.  Please visit www.middlesexhospital.org/events for more information about the event.

 

Kickoff Party

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

5-7p.m.

Tuscany Grill, Middletown CT

(Dedicated in memory of their business partner Chef Tim Reilly)

Purchase $10 tickets online at www.middlesexhospital.org/events or contact Brenda at Tuscany Grill.  Ticket includes two beer or wine drinks and appetizers! 

List of participating restaurants:
Cromwell

Baci Grill	Wednesday, June 30	20% of lunch & dinner proceeds
Mitchell’s On Main	Friday, June 18	10% of breakfast & lunch proceeds
Oyama Japanese Cuisine	Monday, June 14	10% of all Hibachi meals purchased from 5-9 p.m.

Durham

Perk on Main

Thursday, June 17

25% of dinner proceeds The evening will feature specials and live music

Essex

Oliver’s Taverne

Specialty Item All Month

Purchase a $10 gift certificate to Oliver’s for $5 and the entire $5 is donated to CSIM

Middlefield

Blackbird Tavern

Tuesday, June 15

20% of dinner proceeds from 4-7 p.m.

Middletown

Brew Bakers	Thursday, June 10	100% of proceeds from a specialty cookie of the day
Cantina Café Ristorante	Monday, June 7	20% of lunch & dinner proceeds from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.& 5-9 p.m. Please call for reservations (860)704-0000
Eli Cannon’s	Wednesday, June 9	10% of lunch and dinner proceeds
Esca Restaurant & Wine Bar	Tuesday, June 8	15% lunch and dinner proceeds
Firehouse Steakhouse	Saturday, June 5	10% of all dinner entrees purchased throughout the day 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
First & Last Tavern	Sunday, June 6	25% of brunch, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fusion Bakery	Specialty Item All Month	100% of the proceeds from their “cookie of the month”
Illiano’s Restaurant	Wednesday, June 23	20% of lunch & dinner proceeds
It’s Only Natural Restaurant	Sunday, June 27	10% of dinner proceeds from 4-9 p.m.
Javapalooza	Every Saturday & Sunday in June	$1 from every breakfast crepe ordered
Luce	Wednesday, June 16	10% of lunch & dinner proceeds
Mad Murphy’s Café	Friday, June 18	20% of lunch & dinner proceeds from 1-8 p.m.
Nikita’s Bar & Bistro	Tuesday, June 8	25% of lunch & dinner proceeds
O’Rourke’s Diner	Saturday, June 12	10% of dinner proceeds from 5-9 p.m.
Puerto Vallarta	Monday, June 14	15% of lunch & dinner proceeds (Diners please mention they are with Appetite for Life.)
The Cardinal’s Nest	Wednesday, June 9	25% of lunch proceeds
Tschudin Chocolates	Specialty Item All Month	.50 per specialty chocolate item
Tuscany Grill Restaurant	Thursday, June 17	20% of lunch & dinner proceeds
Tuscany Grill Restaurant	Thursday, June 24 Tip a Cancer Caregiver Day	For lunch & dinner staff from the Cancer Center will shadow the wait staff and any tips the caregivers receive will be donated
Typhoon Restaurant	Friday, June 11 & Saturday, June 12	15% of dinner proceeds

Portland

Campagna Restaurant	Wednesday, June 9	10% of dinner proceeds from 4-9 p.m.
Portland Restaurant	Tuesday, June 29	20% of lunch & dinner proceeds
Winchester Café	Saturday, June 5	20% of regular menu proceeds from 12 – 6 p.m.

Westbrook

Westbrook Lobster

Saturday, June 19

15% of lunch & dinner proceeds (Diners must mention they are with Appetite for Life.)

Pictures From the Parade

Pictures of You

The Middletown Eye will be marching in the Memorial Day Parade today to help honor those service people who have served and fallen in our country's wars.

We'll be taking pictures of you at the parade as we march to publish here later today.  So smile and show us you Eyes.

A Eulogy for Walt Stojak

John Milardo, president of the MMPA and a city employee, wrote in the most recent MMPA Newsletter, published May 27, this eulogy for Walt Stojak, a retired City of Middletown employee.

City of Middletown unionized employees have lost another friend. Walt Stojak, a retired Public Works employee passed away last night, after a tough battle with cancer.

Walt worked for the Public Works-City Yard Garage for a number of years. He began his employ with the City in 1974. After years of doing his job, Walt injured his back while performing his mechanic duties, and had to undergo multiple surgeries. He officially retired in 2001.

Walt and his wife “Cookie” were inseparable. “Cookie” was the only person in the world Walt would try not to tick off. Both of them would always be helping out their kids and grandchildren. Son’s Lauren and Wally, and daughter Cara and their families are everything to them. They are both very proud of their children and their families.

I first met Walt at the old “Three Coins Bar” many, many, years ago, before he got a job at City Yard. We hit it off right away. Anyone who ever met him knew from the very start how he felt about things, or you! Some people didn’t like his straight forward attitude; I loved it. Wally didn’t mince words very much; he would “tell you like it is”, whether you wanted to hear it or not.

Walt and “Cookie” could cook like nobody else. They helped their son Wally in his business endeavors. Walt would help out at the business, doing anything he could. One of Walt’s favorite sayings, which he allowed me to use over the years is; “Thank God my kids didn’t take after me!” I’m sorry to disappoint him, but they did: and that’s a good thing.

Over the years, whenever we’d meet, we would talk about family and old times. For some reason, talk always included “Rafala’s”, “Three Coin’s”, “Lastrina’s”, “Marino’s”, and “Fireside”, all historic gathering establishments of Middletown’s past.

Walt would stop by to see me whenever he felt like it; sometimes he’d even bring me a coffee if I razzed him enough. Last time I saw him, we talked about his illness. He wanted to beat it; but didn’t know if he would. I tried to give him encouragement; and told him to stay focused on his family and himself. I’m sure he didn’t need me to tell him that.

Walter Stojak was a hard working family man. He was an AFSCME, Local 466 employee, and a friend to many. There was no one else like Walt; he was one of a kind, and will be missed.

To his loving wife “Cookie”, his son’s Lauren and Wally, their daughter Cara, and all their grandchildren and family members, my sincere condolences, as well as all the MMPA and AFSCME members.

Hats off to one of our Union Brothers. Rest in Peace Walt.

From 1869: Decoration Day

What we call Memorial Day began as a spontaneous honoring of soldiers who had given their lives fighting to keep the Union together during the Civil War. The following article is one of the earliest ones about this ceremony, which was initially called "Decoration Day", a day when friends and relatives put flowers on the graves of all soldiers who had made the ultimate sacrifice. It appeared in the Hartford Courant on April 19th, 1869.

950 soldiers from Middletown served in the Civil War (about 11% of the population--equivalent to having nearly 5,000 Middletown residents in the Afghan and Iraq wars today). 110 men from Middletown died in the Civil War. All information from the Middlesex County Historical Society. Photos of Middletown residents who died in the Civil War are all from the Biographies at the Historical Society.

--------------------

It is with lively pleasure that we reprint the order of General John A. Logan which our readers will find below. A year ago we expressed in the strongest language at our command the hope that the ceremony of covering our dead soldiers' graves with flowers, once instituted, would never be suffered to fall into disuse; that the anniversary variously known as Decoration Day and Memorial Day would thenceforth keep its place among our great national festivals. There was such an evident propriety, such a touching beauty in the ceremony, that we had little doubt this would be the case, and this timely order from the head of the Grand Army of the Republic assures us that our confidence was well grounded.

Even if we Americans had as many holy days as our Russian allies, this one would have an irresistable claim to be added to our calendar. It is the visible expression of the nation's unforgetting grief and love for the brave fellows who died in its cause, under its flag, fighting its foes. The least that the country can do for these men who gave it their lives, is to give them one day in the long, busy year in which to recall their deeds, to keep alive the recollection of their great sacrifice, to testify in the simple act of strewing their graves with the fresh, spring flowers that it still cherishes and will ever cherish their memories. We are told sometimes that republics are ungrateful. But here is a case in which ingratitude is impossible. These men of whom we are speaking were not unknown mercenaries. It is not to our patriotism alone that this festival appeals. They were our fathers, our brothers, and our sons. They went to their deaths from

homes here in New England and out there in the West. There is not a village in the land which is not represented in these sacred graves. There is hardly a family to which Decoration Day will not be something tenderer, more personal than a mere patriotic observance. It is not only the country's dead, it is our dead that we are summoned to honor. How can it be possbile, then, that the summons will be neglected. It is not possible, and we are heartily glad that it is not. As a matter of fact we have too few national festivals, and it was a happy thought which has given us Decoration Day. It will partly take the place among us which All Souls Day holds in Roman Catholic countries, but it will have even a greater charm and sanctity, since it will be the expression at once of private grief and of public gratitude.

We repeat that it is impossible that such an anniversary as this should be neglected. There will be no dearth of flowers, of processions, of eloquence, of song. But we are exceedingly anxious that the celebration of the day shall not stop here. These men whom we profess to honor, have left old parents, widows, little children. Many of these are faring hardly without the help of the stout arms which the country needed and took from them. It ought not to be necessary for us to say a word more. We have indicated the way in which the approaching festival can be most worthily kept. The debt which we owe to these bereaved and struggling families is not the less sacred because it is not secured by bond. As we are an honest, high-minded Christian people, we must pay it. Let us make this Decorative Day memorable by a grand munificence, worthy of a rich and grateful nation.

We append General Logan's order. It is issued from the Headquarters of the Grand Army of the Republic at Washington, under date of April 12th:

I. The 30th day of May proximo--a day set apart by the Grand Army of the Republic to commemorate the glorious deeds of our departed comrades--will be observed throughout the United States in such manner as befits the solemnities of the occasion, and as will testify teh undying love of a grateful people for the memory of those who died that the nation might live.

This is the second public observance of the occasion, which it is trusted, will recur yearly while there remains a heart loyal to the cause in which our comrades fell, and while the moving principle of that struggle is worth preserving. If our organization had no other object, that alone of keeping green the resting places of our nation's defenders, by this annual commemoration, would be motive enough to hold us together in a fraternal bond.

The commander-in-chief desires to thank those patriotic men and women who gave their aid and sympathy on a former occasion to make successful this national memorial day, and they are cordially invited to unite with the comrades of the Grand Army in the approaching ceremonies; and he thanks the loyal press everywhere, through whose generous aid a lasting record has been made of the observances one year ago. To the Congress of the United States, the comrades are especially indebted for authorizing the publication, in book form, of the proceedings of last May, and for the promise held out that each year a compilation will be made and published, as a national recognition of sympathy with these memorial observances.

II. It has been determined not to prescribe any form of ceremony for universal observance, but each Post, or any number of Posts, may arrange together such fitting services as circumstances will permit. Department commanders will use every effort to perfect arrangements for the occasion. The newspaper press are requested to give publication to this order.

III. Department and Post commanders are specially enjoined to preserve and forward to these headquarters a copy of the proceedings (in printed form so far as possible) which takes place in carrying out this order.

IV. As the 30th of May occurs on the Sabbath, Posts are at liberty to observe either that day, or Saturday, the 29th.

Middletown Regatta Fills Riverside

 A large group of parents, students, supporters and athletes filled Harbor Park Saturday for the Emerson Regatta where high school rowing teams from across the state gathered to compete in 4 and 8 seat boats.

Early reports saw the Middletown girls team take two second-place spots, and the Middletown boys winning one heat.

Painters Jacqueline White and Paul Batch stood with easels at the North End of the park capturing river scenes.  White actually painted a rowing craft into her vista of the river.

The last race takes place at 5PM on Saturday afternoon.

The Hanging Shad Name Checks Middletown

Political communications consultant Patrick Scully writes an opinon and news blog called The Hanging Shad.  Recently he commented on the controversy between Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, the city of Middletown and the Middletown Board of Education.  He writes that the controversy makes Middletown look "silly."

Here's what he has to say:


The soap opera that has become the battle between Middletown’s Mayor Sebastian Giuliano and the town’s school board is a colossal waste of time and tax dollars while being a source of embarrassment for the town. Giuliano should stop trying to run the town like his own personal fiefdom and work with the school board to make sure the taxpayers’ money is being spent in the most cost-effective way.
The worst thing either side could do was to bring the matter to court. As soon as that happens, everything is expensive and the taxpayers are on the hook for the bill. Giuliano should have backed off when the judge (once it was brought to court) sided with the schools Superintendent Michael Frechette, rejecting a lawsuit brought by the mayor asking the judge to bar Frechette from destroying documents. A simple pledge by Frechette that such action would not happen was enough for the judge.
Also finally gone is the around-the-clock police presence at the district’s central office. The police investigation about the possible destroying of documents or other actions is over and no one was charged.

Cooler heads have prevailed to a certain extent now that the two sides have pledged to try to settle things out of court—a move that should have happened first. Still unresolved according to the Hartford Courant are requests from the school board:

•That Giuliano not fire the employees he claims the school board hired illegally.
•That Giuliano stop trying to replace Frechette’s name, on school employee paychecks, with that of the city finance director and treasurer. Giuliano issued the order after concluding that the school board has hired people illegally.
•That Giuliano stop prohibiting school workers from talking with the school district’s attorney, Christine Chinni.

From the outside (and The Shad does not live in Middletown), the whole mess makes the town look silly; a sitcom-like story with Giuliano being the main, ridiculous character. The town and its people are much better than this and deserve better from their elected officials.

Street Closings For Memorial Day Parade

The annual Memorial Day Parade happens Monday beginning at 10:30 AM on Main Street.

The Middletown Police Department have announced these closings.

On May 31, 2010 between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 12:30 P.M., the following roads will be closed for the Memorial Day Parade. 

Main Street will be closed between Spring Street and Union Street.

Pleasant Street will be closed between Main Street and South Main Street

Washington Street (Route 66) will be closed between High Street and Dekoven Drive.

Spring Street will be closed from the Arrigoni Bridge to Pearl Street.

** Access to Route 9 and the Arrigoni Bridge will remain open.

Holiday Weekend (part 2)

Today (May 28) -
The Buttonwood Tree hosts an evening of singer-songwriters at 8 p.m. Scheduled to perform are Beth Colegrove, Danielle Doyle and Sandy Bailey. Each artist has a fairly new CD on the market (that Ms. Doyle' "The Cartographer's Wife" on the left, issue earlier this year) and all have built a following on the Northeast folk circuit.  Best of all, they each possess their own style and have much to offer the listener. To find out more, go to www.buttonwood.org. 

On Saturday, The Buttonwood and the Riverwood Poetry Series presents Maria Sassi, the Poet Laureate of West Hartford at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Sassi has taught creative writing for nine years at The Hartford College for Women, University of Hartford.  She has created several collections of poems, a poetry video and a verse play. 
Following the reading will be a Poetry "Open Mic." Call 860-347-4957 for more information. 

Monday is Memorial Day and the annual Parade downtown  begins at 10:30 a.m.  From my home office window, I have been listening to the MHS Band practicing (amazing how the sound of drums carries through the wooded areas) - it's always fun to see the bands, the old cars, the interesting costumes and more marching from the North End to South Green. It's also an excellent opportunity to give thanks to those who fought on our behalf in the numerous conflicts the United States has been involved in.

Holiday Weekend (part 1)

Jim Bransfeld wrote a fine article in Thursday's Middletown Press (5/27) about the Middletown High Crew teams , their surprising season and this weekend's Emerson Regatta - read the whole story here.

In the meantime, here's Dave Wolfram's inviting poster for the Regatta:

Fish Census on the Coginchaug and Mattabessett

Wesleyan biology professor Barry Chernoff has a passion for rivers.  He's done major academic work about the aquatic life in the Amazon, but when he came to Middletown he discovered a similiar passion for a set of smaller rivers which run through town - the Coginchaug and the Mattabessett.

On Thursday, Chernoff, and a crew consisting of Wesleyan students and associates, set off from the Portland boatyards in a Wesleyan pontoon boat for what will be a monthly census of the fish life in the Mattabesset and Coginchaug Rivers, at a site where they flow together before they enter the Connecticut.

Chernoff has been survey fish populations in five spots on the Cogninchaug and Mattabassett for seven years, and he's amazed at the diversity of the population in what he calls an extremely important estuary for fish life in Connecticut.

Chernoff says that half of the fresh water species known to exist in Connecticut can be found in these rivers, along with several species which travel from the ocean, and upriver to spawn.

To survey the fish, Chernoff places a electrode in the water which delivers a mild shock to the fish, causing them to be stunned temporarily so that they surface and can be counted or netted.  Chernoff has the permission of the State Department of Environmental protection to administer the shock which he notes has been 99% effective in returning live and healthy fish back to the river after they've been counted. 

Before they begin counting fish, Chernoff and the crew test water chemistry, depth and temperature.

On Thursday's census, Chernoff and his crew discovered nearly twenty species of fish in a large variety of sizes, from the tiny male stickleback, a tiny black fish with a bright red fin used to attract the female of the species, to a northern pike which measured nearly three feet.  The most surprising sighting were three bowfish (called chopique by cooks in Louisiana), an ancient species which turns emerald green during mating season.


Chernoff noted that the native pumpkin seed was a fish so colorful that it would not be out of place swimming on a tropical coral reef.  Other fish surveyed were black croppy, chain pickeral, darters, black bullhead, red fin pickeral, blue gill, banded killifish, common suckers, spot tail shiner, yellow perch, mud minnows and hundreds of American eels.



Chernoff says this information is essential to collect to determine the ongoing health of what is an important, and protected refuge for bird, fish and wildlife.

Barry Chernoff will appear on Eye on the Air, Friday, on WESU, 88.1 FM (wwuh.org) from 1-1:30 PM.

Thirty minutes of Planning and Zoning

The Planning and Zoning Commission last night approved some bond reductions on nearly finished projects, and scheduled for public hearings an application to modify the zoning code to regulate marijuana dispensaries (June 9), to use the Polish National Home on High Street as a church (June 23), and to modify Fishbones Cafe into Mezzo Grill (June 9).

Dems Recommend More of Lesser

From Matt Lesser

A crowd of 50 residents of Durham, Middlefield, Middletown and Rockfall met Monday in Middlefield and unanimously nominated State Representative Matt Lesser for a second term.

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, who previously represented Lesser's district, nominated Lesser. The nomination was seconded by Durham Selectman Jim McLaughlin and others.

"Matt brings energy, intelligence and a strong work ethic to state government," Bysiewicz said, "and I'm proud to have him as my State Representative."

Lesser will be the Democratic candidate in the fall election.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy (D-Stamford) also spoke in favor of the nomination, praising Lesser's work to save dairy farms and lower electricity rates. Connecticut residents currently pay the highest electric rates in the continental United States.

Malloy said as Governor that he would support Lesser's efforts to reform electricity markets. On Tuesday Governor Rell vetoed an Energy Bill that Lesser argued would lower home electric rates by 15%.

Malloy also recognized Lesser as a “children's champion” who has fought for early childhood education and area schools.

Bysiewicz praised Lesser's energy and his commitment to the families of the 100th district. She called him a friend and said “Matt made the reduction of electric rates and the promotion of renewable energy strong priorities. Those are things that the 100th district needs very much."

McLaughlin specifically thanked Lesser for championing legislation that benefits Durham, including funding for the Durham library, resurfacing Route 68 and a recent law Lesser passed which saved the Durham Fair.

Middlefield reident Nicole Brewer sang the national anthem, a capela, and Middlefield selectman Mary Beth Johnson led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CT Trails Day Hike

Rockfall Foundation sponsors CT Trails Day Hike and Picnic Celebration at Wadsworth Falls State Park

In honor of Rockfall's 75^th Anniversary Year Celebration, the foundation invites you and your friends to join us for a CT Trails Day hike and picnic at Wadsworth Falls State Park, Saturday, June 5, starting at 10:30 am.

The state park was created through the generosity of the Rockfall Corporation and its founder, Clarence S. Wadsworth, who owned the 267 acres of land as part of his holdings that included Long Hill estate. According to his wishes, this land, the "Rockfall Tract of Great Falls Region," was donated to the state of CT shortly after Wadsworth's death in 1942. Rockfall is named after the beloved rock falls in the park.

Our 1.5-mile nature walk will run from approximately 10:30 a.m. - Noon and will be guided by naturalist Judy Preston. Judy (above,) director of the Tidewater Institute, is well known throughout the county for her wide-ranging expertise, passion for all things outdoors and keen senses for finding even the most elusive of nature's treasures along the trails. She was our hike leader for last October's Rockfall membership hike at Great Cedars Conservation Area in Old Saybrook.

This will be a leisurely but informative walk--families with children are welcome, but we request no dogs or other pets.

After the hike: Picnic at the Park. This is a bring-your-own-lunch affair; Rockfall will provide drinks and dessert.

No charge, but please call the office if you plan to attend and picnic with us (860)347-0340; or email Claire Rusowicz, crusowicz@rockfallfoundation.org.

NOTE: Heavy Rain Cancels. You can check the homepage of our website www.rockfallfoundation.org on the day of the event for cancellation news.

Park & meet: at WFSP parking area on RT 157 (721 Wadsworth Street, Middletown).

And… More Wadsworth Legacy Hikes in June

Saturday, June 5 A strenuous 4 - 5- mile hike for experienced hikers at Wadsworth Falls State Park, the Long Hill Estate and Captain's Field properties Noon-3 pm. Meet at WFSP parking area on RT 157 (721 Wadsworth Street, Middletown) No Dogs, wear hiking boots, bring water; Torrential Rain cancels. Leader: John LeShane

Sunday, June 6 An easy 1.5- mile hike Long Hill Estate Inner Loop for everyone including inexperienced hikers & families. From 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Wear boots or sneakers, no dogs, bring water, lunch, heavy rain cancels. Meet at Wadsworth Mansion rear parking lot (421 Wadsworth Street,Middletown). Leaders: Bea Holt and John LeShane. Questions? contact Bea Holt (203)430-6712.

Sunday June 19 From 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Middlesex Land Trust Abe Temkin Preserve, a strenuous 3-mile hike on hilly terrain through heavily wooded Hale's Brook Ravine on a labeled tree trail with a visit to Wangunk Meadows - one of the largest fresh water meadows in central Connecticut. Bring water, bag lunch. Hiking boots and long pants recommended. Children 8+ with parents. No dogs. Rain cancels.

Leader: John LeShane

Directions: Travel east on Main Street Portland (17A) approximately 3 miles. Turn left onto RT 17 at 4 way blinking light. Continue about 2 miles. Turn left onto Paley Farm Road. Continue 1/4 mile. Turn left onto Cedar Terrace and park along road at the top of the hill. Meet at top of Cedar Terrace.

Please note: Preregistration is not required for any of these additional Wadsworth Legacy hikes

Army Presents Plans for Reserve Center

The Army Corps of Engineers gave a presentation to the Mayor, members of the Planning and Zoning, Inland Wetlands, Conservation Commission, and Common Council, and about a dozen members of the public on Tuesday evening. Diane McCartin, project manager for the Armed Forces Reserve Center, introduced the environmental specialist working on the permit process, and the designer and the architect for the AFRC. Each of them spoke for about 15 minutes.

It was an informative and professional presentation by a group that had clearly put a lot of thought and resources into making this project successful. There were many questions from Commissioners and members of the public, which the team of specialists and architects handled very well. Although the Corps will not be submitting anything for approval at city agencies, these plans and their presentation

surpassed virtually every other application I have seen come before Inland Wetlands or Planning and Zoning.

The AFRC is currently under construction on Smith Street at the former Cucia Park. This construction will impact 1.6 acres of wetlands, and to receive a permit for this, McCartin's team was required by the EPA and the Corps' environmental division to purchase and permanently protect 40 acres of land in the same watershed. Members of the Inland Wetlands Agency were astonished at this ratio of mitigation to destruction. McCartin explained that the Corps no longer uses a simple ratio, but rather looks at what is needed to replace the functions of the wetlands being damaged. The Corps' plan to preserve 52 acres on Boardman Lane, removing invasive species, enhancing the riparian zone, and permanently protecting as open space the upland area which drains into the wetlands.

The AFRC is designed as a long project parallel and adjacent to I91, in order to minimally impact the wetlands along Sawmill Brook, and the associated pond visible from Smith Street. The primary building, which will house offices, classrooms, storage, and an exercise gym, will be 4 stories tall, and visible from Smith Street. Behind this building will be parking for 300 cars and motorcycles, and further back will be a vehicle repair and maintenance building wit

h a classroom and some offices. Visitors, workers, and soldiers will typically park between the two buildings, and then walk into the main entrance, which faces the parking lot.

The AFRC is being designed to achieve certification as a 'green' building, according to the lead architect for KBE, which is designing and building the $52M project. The Army appears to be sparing few expenses to achieve this. There will be five storm water detention basins, capable of holding a 100 year storm. The largest of the basins will drain through a cascade channel, dissipating the flow of rainwater. There will be a 40 kilowatt photovoltaic solar panels, solar heated hot water, and a 10,000 square foot green roof.

The Architect said that the building will look familiar to Connecticut, using the "New England vocabulary of brick and precast concrete, with metal trim."

DeRita Construction is currently grading the site, in anticipation of pouring the cement footings in early June. Peter DeRita said that approximately 120,000 cubic yards have already been removed, and about 800-900 truck loads leave the site every day, transporting dirt to sites on Ken Dooley Drive, Middle Street and a site in Cheshire.

Down By the River, Actually On the River

Plenty to do with the holiday weekend approaching but you should make time on Saturday to head down to the Harbor Park area and watch the Emerson Regatta. 
High School crew teams and alumni from around Connecticut will compete in 700 meter sprints rowing in either 4 or 8 seat boats.  It's the last race of the season for the high schools and, speaking as the father of  of a coxswain (1995-98), there is nothing more exciting than standing on the boardwalk at Harbor Park and watching these fine athletes compete. It's more fun when the weather is decent, the wind and river calm, and the crowds are cheering.  First race is set for 9 a.m. 
And it's free!

Boy Scouts To Hold Ice Cream Fundraiser Tuesday