State Legislative Districts Realigned

The State Legislative Redistricting Commission unanimously approved a plan which will give the city two State House members who represent only Middletown, a change from the current situation, where only one represents solely the City, and three others represent other towns in their entirety and only a portion of Middletown.

In the current map, the 33rd District, represented by Joe Serra, includes all of the downtown, the Wesleyan area, and about half of Westfield. The 100th District (Matt Lesser) includes the other half of Westfield, parts of South Farms, Durham, and Middlefield. The 32nd District (Christie Carpino), which is predominantly in Cromwell and Portland, includes a sliver of the Newfield Street area, and the 34th District (Gail Hamm), which is predominantly in East Hampton, includes parts of South Farms and Maromas.

In the new map, all of Westfield and the area around Snow School will be consolidated into the 33rd District. The downtown, including both the Village District south of Washington Street and the North End area north of Washington Street, will no longer be part of the 33rd. Instead, those areas will be joined with Newfield Street, the southern half of the City, and all of Maromas to form the 100th District.

Holiday Offerings on Stage at Oddfellows

Well have you been naughty or nice this year? Oddfellows Playhouse has something for you in either case.

For those that have been Nice: Oddfellows Playhouse’s Junior Repertory Company presents Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, adapted by Jerry Montoya from the story by Charles Dickens.

The story is one we all know, Ebenezer Scrooge and the eerie visits of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. However, Montoya’s adaptation quickly dispenses with the merriment, because “after all this is a ghost story.” The trimmings and trappings that have become synonymous with the Dickens’ tale are stripped down to a darker, more theatrical telling of the story.

Director Lorra Webb sets the tale in an orphanage on Christmas Eve. The children act out the tale on their dreary Christmas Eve, and explore their own Christmas past, present, and the Christmases yet to come. Taking a cue from the traditional Victorian practice of telling ghost stories at Christmastime, the young actors tell the story of Scrooge, Marley and the Cratchits.

Performance Dates: December 8-10
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for Adults and $8 for Students/Seniors and are available online here or by calling 860-347-6143.

The production is made possible by major support from CT State Department of Education, CT Commission on Culture & Tourism, Middlesex United Way, The Stare Fund, Pratt & Whitney, with special support and sponsorship from the Middletown Commission on the Arts.

And for those that have been Naughty:

Oddfellows Playhouse brings to the stage author David Sedaris’ satirical, biting examination of our holiday shopping culture, Santaland Diaries. Adapted for the stage by playwright Joe Mantello, “Santaland Diaries” launched the career of writer and commentator David Sedaris. The play recounts Sedaris’ days as a Christmas elf at Macy’s department store in New York City.

The show is a fundraising event for Oddfellows Playhouse – the youth theater provides programming and productions by and for young people. The many theater artists involved are donating their time and energy to put the show together. “We have been venturing into the world of “grown-up” theater more and more over the last several years as a way to raise money for the Playhouse, our scholarship funds and operating costs. We have this great theater space available and we want to maximize our exposure to audiences”, said Executive Director Matthew Pugliese.

Tickets are $25 for Adults and $10 for Students/Seniors and available online here or by calling 860-347-6143.

Oddfellows Playhouse’s production is directed by Tony Palmieri, who owns and operates Datura – A Modern Garden, a wedding and event floral studio. Palmieri played the role of Crumpet last December at the Playhouse. On directing this year instead of performing, Palmieri said, “When I first sat down with Oddfellows earlier this year to discuss working on the role, I had some reservations about reprising the role. I thought it would be more interesting as an artist and for the audience to see another actor’s interpretation.”

Santaland Diaries is appropriate for mature elves only. Performances are December 15-17 at 7:30pm.

Wesleyan Squash Teams Shooting for High Rankings in 2011-2012

Coming off of a season in which the Wesleyan men’s squash team finished 14-12 and finished 20th in the national rankings, the young and talented squad has high hopes for the 2011-2012 campaign. Six of Wesleyan’s seven returning starters are just sophomores who proved themselves last season as freshmen. Because of their impressive talent, the team attained a preseason ranking of 19th, seven spots higher than last year.

Sophomore John Steele was the outstanding performer in 2010-2011, going 19-6 out of the #1 position and earned first-team all-NESCAC recognition. Sophomore Zander Nassikas earned 17 victories and will play in one of the top positions as will sophomores Jeff Berman and Alex Nunez, who totaled 15 and 16 wins respectively.
“I believe they have the talent and potential to crack the top 16 nationally,” Head Coach Shona Kerr said of her men’s squad. Injury seems to be a little bit of a concern at this point and we have a number of young, inexperienced college players - these will be our challenges in achieving our goals.”

The Wesleyan women’s squash team resembles their male counterparts in a number of ways. The women’s team had the same record in 2010-2011(14-12) and has the same preseason ranking of 19th. Both teams rely on youth, with the Cardinals welcoming eight new freshmen. And the women’s team has the same high hopes going into the new year, setting its sights on a top-16 finish in 2011-2012.

Sophomore Mary Foster leads the team in the top spot after going 12-13 there a year ago and obtaining second-team all-NESCAC honors. Kerr says of Foster that “she is extremely balanced as an individual” and that “her squash IQ is high and she understands the game.” Other players expected to stand out are sophomore Diana Edwards, who had a 15-11 posting in the #2 slot, and junior Tanesha Jackson, who fashioned a 15-9 mark while playing at #4.

The Wesleyan squash teams got their 2011-2012 seasons started in Boston over the weekend of November 19-20 at the Boston Round Robin. The men’s team faced off against Bates, Northeastern, Connecticut College and MIT, putting together a 2-2 start during the event. The Cardinals won one match and lost one against Conn. College and Northeastern by 5-4 margins. The team was unable to play a couple of regulars due to injury. Wesleyan defeated MIT with ease 8-1 but lost to Bates, ranked #16 in the preseason, by the same score. Freshman Blair Corbin, playing #7, was the lone winner versus Bates. The women’s squad also played Bates, Northeastern and Conn. College, as well as Bowdoin and Wellesley. The Cardinals took down Northeastern, Conn. College and Wellesley in 9-0 sweeps but fell to Bates and Bowdoin, both ranked in the preseason top-20, by scores of 7-2 and 5-4. Foster and Craig ended the weekend with team-best 4-1 records.

“I was very pleased with the way both teams conducted themselves over what was most definitely a testing weekend,” Kerr said. “We were presented with many adverse situations that I know the teams will learn from and I am grateful to the experience for this.”

The Wesleyan Round Robin will take place in Middletown from Friday-Sunday. The event features a number of visiting teams, including Colby, Tufts, Brown, John Hopkins, Colgate, Fordham, Hobart and William Smith College and Smith.

Coming off of a season in which the Wesleyan men’s squash team finished 14-12 and finished 20^th in the national rankings, the young and talented squad has high hopes for the 2011-2012 campaign. Six of Wesleyan’s seven returning starters are just sophomores who proved themselves last season as freshmen. Because of their impressive talent, the team attained a preseason ranking of 19^th, seven spots higher than last year.

Sophomore John Steele was the outstanding performer in 2010-2011, going 19-6 out of the #1 position and earned first-team all-NESCAC recognition. Sophomore Zander Nassikas earned 17 victories and will play in one of the top positions as will sophomores Jeff Berman and Alex Nunez, who totaled 15 and 16 wins respectively.
“I believe they have the talent and potential to crack the top 16 nationally,” Head Coach Shona Kerr said of her men’s squad. Injury seems to be a little bit of a concern at this point and we have a number of young, inexperienced college players - these will be our challenges in achieving our goals.”

The Wesleyan women’s squash team resembles their male counterparts in a number of ways. The women’s team had the same record in 2010-2011(14-12) and has the same preseason ranking of 19^th. Both teams rely on youth, with the Cardinals welcoming eight new freshmen. And the women’s team has the same high hopes going into the new year, setting its sights on a top-16 finish in 2011-2012.

Sophomore Mary Foster leads the team in the top spot after going 12-13 there a year ago and obtaining second-team all-NESCAC honors. Kerr says of Foster that “she is extremely balanced as an individual” and that “her squash IQ is high and she understands the game.” Other players expected to stand out are sophomore Diana Edwards, who had a 15-11 posting in the #2 slot, and junior Tanesha Jackson, who fashioned a 15-9 mark while playing at #4.

The Wesleyan squash teams got their 2011-2012 seasons started in Boston over the weekend of November 19-20 at the Boston Round Robin. The men’s team faced off against Bates, Northeastern, Connecticut College and MIT, putting together a 2-2 start during the event. The Cardinals won one match and lost one against Conn. College and Northeastern by 5-4 margins. The team was unable to play a couple of regulars due to injury. Wesleyan defeated MIT with ease 8-1 but lost to Bates, ranked #16 in the preseason, by the same score. Freshman Blair Corbin, playing #7, was the lone winner versus Bates. The women’s squad also played Bates, Northeastern and Conn. College, as well as Bowdoin and Wellesley. The Cardinals took down Northeastern, Conn. College and Wellesley in 9-0 sweeps but fell to Bates and Bowdoin, both ranked in the preseason top-20, by scores of 7-2 and 5-4. Foster and Craig ended the weekend with team-best 4-1 records.

“I was very pleased with the way both teams conducted themselves over what was most definitely a testing weekend,” Kerr said. “We were presented with many adverse situations that I know the teams will learn from and I am grateful to the experience for this.”

The Wesleyan Round Robin will take place in Middletown from Friday-Sunday. The event features a number of visiting teams, including Colby, Tufts, Brown, John Hopkins, Colgate, Fordham, Hobart and William Smith College and Smith.

Xavier Crushes Glastonbury 34-6 in First Round of Class LL Playoffs: Observations on the Game

1. In defeating Glastonbury 34-6 in the first round of the CIAC Class LL playoffs at Palmer Field Tuesday night, Xavier played about as close to perfect as a team can get. Facing a formidable opponent and with heavy rain coming down constantly, Xavier excelled in every facet of the game. Running back Mike Mastrioanni resembled a pinball as he constantly banged off Glastonbury defenders while picking up easy yards and extending drives. Meanwhile, the Tomahawks had only one drive that produced any success. Time after time, the Falcons blew up Glastonbury drives and caused them to go for negative yardage. The final score did not come close to indicating the smackdown Xavier laid on its opponent. For Glastonbury, they looked like boys playing a men’s game.
2. Mike Mastrioanni was indispensable in this game. With the help of his phenomenal offensive line, Mastrioanni gained big chunks of yardage on almost every run. He bounced off and shedded defenders, wearing them down and continuing drives. The senior back was in beast mode for the entire contest-he finished with 176 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries-which allowed the Falcons to need very little contribution from the passing game. Quarterback Pat D’Amato tossed a beautiful 39 yard touchdown to Ryan Murphy and ran for a touchdown, but overall Xavier rarely threw the ball and completed only two passes in the overwhelming rain. The Falcon’s really didn’t need to when totaled a staggering 335 yards on the ground. Glastonbury was never a match physically or strategically, not even for one drive.
3. Until their final drive of the fourth quarter, Glastonbury’s offense was nonexistent. Their performance could only be described as pathetic: zero yards in the first half, only one first down until the Tomahawk’s final drive, 42 yards of total offense. Defensive stalwarts like Matt Craig, Sean Marinan Jr., Ryan Jacobucci and Ryan Murphy reached the backfield with no trouble and tackled their opponent’s offensive players for no gain or significant losses. It didn’t help that Glastonbury’s offense was unimaginative and inefficient, repeating similar draw plays or outside routes even as they went nowhere. Glastonbury needed to put together a stellar offensive performance to match up with Xavier’s defense. They proved that they didn’t have the speed, strength or savvy to do so.
4. It was hard not to be enchanted by the Falcon’s sheer mastery of the fundamentals on both sides of the ball. This mastery encompassed a number of areas, particularly the way Xavier’s offensive lines and backs work together in the running game and the ability of the team’s defensive backs in defending opposing receivers. Mastrioanni consistently demonstrated his skill in following his blockers and hitting open holes, with varying speeds depending on the situation. And defensive backs like Ryan Jacobucci, who had an interception in the third quarter, smothered Glastonbury’s receivers with aggressive tackles and denied them any extra space. It was a brilliant display by the Falcons and a testament to the skill of both the players and the Xavier coaching staff.
5. Really, Glastonbury? In the 21st century, there’s no reason why any team, especially one representing a high school, should have a nickname like Tomahawks. It’s disrespectful, dishonest and immoral. A high school is supposed to be a place for learning and calling your football team by this name expresses every negative connotation possible to students about Native American culture. If Glastonbury High School had any sense it would change their team name as quickly as possible.
6. Kudos to the Xavier and especially the Glastonbury fans for their show of support. 1,500 fans watching the game in such terrible weather, and on a weeknight, needs to be celebrated. The fans were constantly supportive and stayed until the bitter end as both teams fed off their energy. I can’t wait to see enjoy the crowd in the next two rounds.
7. Xavier Head Coach Sean Marinan stated after the game that this was the strongest all-around game Xavier had played all season. Certainly a nice way to start off your playoff run. I and no one I’ve talked to believe the Falcons can be matched up with on any level, and they seem to be the biggest favorite in the state in a long time. The LL playoffs are a coronation for Xavier. Every other team is just in their way.

Pelletier Elected Chair Of Planning And Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission began their new term on a bipartisan note last night. Richard Pelletier (D) was nominated by Nick Fazzino (R) to be chair, and Fazzino was nominated by Pelletier to be vice-chair. Pelletier has served several terms as vice-chair, he replaces Quentin Phipps, who left the P&Z to successfully run for city treasurer, as chair.

Newly elected member Joyce Rossiter (D) was elected secretary.

Armed Robbery On Newfield Street

From the Middletown Police Department
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On November 29, 2011 at approximately 1756 hrs. Middletown Police Officers and Detectives responded to Ghezzi’s Package Store at 970 Newfield St. as the store had been robbed at gunpoint.

There was one elderly female clerk present in the store when the robbery took place.

Public & Pols Support Bike Pathway

At back-to-back meetings Tuesday night, both the public and elected officials showed support for a pedestrian and bike pathway through the city.

The Economic Development Committee voted unanimously in favor of a proposed multi-use pathway, or “linear park”, running from the Wesleyan Hills residential community through Wesleyan University and into downtown. The project, estimated at one million dollars, would be financed by $800,000 in Federal Transportation Enhancement funds, with the city providing the remaining $200,000.

The project has high interest among the public. Approximately 35 people attended an informational session prior to the committee meeting, with the vast majority voicing support for the proposal -- and especially for a separate appropriation of $20,000 to develop a bicycling “master plan” to include the rest of the city. The committee also approved that expenditure.

Director of Planning, Conservation and Development Bill Warner sketched out a vision that would use 3-4 different pedestrian and bicycle pathways to connect 80% of housing with downtown. But he focused on the multi-purpose pathway from Wesleyan Hills to downtown. “This is a concept; nothing is written in stone” he said. Specific engineering questions would need to be worked out, with public input. But the application for the federal funding is due December 22nd, so the Common Council will need to vote on the application at its December 5th meeting.

Improving roadways with bike lanes, and utilizing some already existing off-road paths, the route would range 3.6 miles from Wesleyan Hills to a set of bike lockers near the Middle Oak Assurance parking garage, and be open to walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers. (See map.) Warner noted the pathway would connect both upscale housing, such as Wesleyan Hills, and lower income housing on Santangelo Circle. "I'm always talking about the urban/suburban/rural character of Middletown, and this path takes in all three" said Warner.

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art has signed on to the application as an advocate, and will attempt to "create opportunities for public input."

Members of both the public and the committee questioned who would be in charge of maintaining the pathway. Warner replied it would be up to Parks & Recreation. None of the federal money may be used for maintenance.

If the project moves forward, Warner hoped to put "shovel in the ground" by 2014.

At both meetings, Warner used photo slides and a little Google Maps(r) wizardry to take a virtual tour of the proposed route. Many attendees commented on how it allowed them to see the concept more clearly. Committee member Linda Salafia said it helped persuade her. "Last week, I wouldn't have voted for this."

Suzio Honors Xavier Engineering Team

 Xavier High School teacher & Engineering Team Coach Michael Humphreys, Xavier students Mario Chris and Miraj Rahematpura, and Senator Len Suzio.

 Members of the Xavier High School Falcons engineering team were presented with citations by State Sen. Len Suzio during a Nov. 29 ceremony at the State Capitol. 

The team won this year’s Real World Design Challenge in April for designing a next-generation airplane wing that maximizes fuel efficiency and enhances performance.

The Real World Design Challenge is a national aviation design competition for high school students run by a public-private partnership with the goal of increasing the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce. 

This year’s competition included more than 450 schools from 40 states.
 
“We want to do all we can to encourage students in greater Middletown and throughout the state to get exposed to engineering design and to show them that it has a major impact on the real world,” Suzio said.  “Our goal is to build the next generation of Connecticut highly-skilled Connecticut engineers, and we are so proud of how Xavier performed in the challenge.”

Dante and Shakespeare Reimagined by Incarcerated Men and Women

Seachanges" and "A Night at the Purgatory Pub":

Dante and Shakespeare Reimagined by Incarcerated Men & Women


Thursday, Dec. 1

7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

CFA Hall

Wesleyan University Center for the Arts

Free and open to the public



Students in "Activism and Outreach," taught by Wesleyan professor of
Theater Ron Jenkins, will perform short pieces written by incarcerated men
who collaborated with them in an investigation of Shakespeare’s “Tempest”
and Dante’s “Inferno.” Also performing works inspired by Dante and
Shakespeare will be three women who have recently been released from the
York Correctional Institute where they worked with Jenkins and his
students in past years.



A post-performance panel discussion will feature Erika Tindill, chair of
the State Pardon and Parole Board, as well as the three former residents
of York CI, who now work as teaching assistants in the Wesleyan Theater
department’s prison outreach courses.

Parent Leadership Training Institute Alumni Meeting

There will be an alumni meeting to discuss the direction and purpose of the PLTI Alumni Association. The meeting will be held Wednesday, December 7^th at 6:30 pm; 18 Farm Hill Rd., First Floor, Middletown CT. For questions please call Christine at 860-840-8190 or Ava at 860-301-1724.

Public Meeting on Proposed Multi-Use Bike Trail for Middletown

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public – especially those who ride bicycles and are interested in making our city more “bicycle-friendly” – to attend 2 important meetings. The reason: Middletown has an excellent chance to receive $800,000 in U.S. Dep’t of Transportation funds for infrastructure to make urban areas more bicycle-friendly.

On Tuesday, November 29, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 208 of City Hall, Middletown’s Director of Planning, Conservation and Development, Bill Warner, will present a bicycling “master plan” developed by city engineer Tom Nigosanti, followed by a proposal to construct one section of that plan: a bikeway connecting downtown Middletown, Wesleyan University, and the Wesleyan Hills residential community close to the borders of Middlefield and Durham. Documents and maps prepared by Middletown’s Planning Department can be found at http://www.middletownplanning.com/ Look at the 1^st three items under Announcements in the middle of the page.

Public input on the details of the plan and support for the project in general is being sought. The Jonah Center for Earth and Art is a “project advocate” on the grant application and wants to engage all interested parties and partners to make the most of this opportunity and contribute to the trail’s design.

To meet the grant application deadline of December 21, this matter needs to come before the Common Council at the Dec. 5, 7 p.m. meeting in the Council Chambers. On the agenda, we anticipate a resolution stating Common Council support and pledging appropriation of matching funds as needed at a later date. A public demonstration of support by large attendance and some spoken testimony at the beginning of this meeting is needed. We hope Middletown will take advantage of this exciting opportunity to join sustainability-minded communities around the nation and become more bicycle-friendly. If you would like to submit an email of support, send it to Bill Warner, Director of Planning, Conservation, and Development or go to the Jonah Center website www.thejonahcenter.org and send us a message. We will tell you Mr. Warner’s email address if you need it.

Bidding for Books at Spencer School

On Friday, December 2nd Spencer School (207 Westfield Street, Middletown) will hold its first ever “Bidding for Books”, a goods and services auction to raise money for new library books. Earlier this year, the library was renamed the Jane Tewksbury Chapdelaine Library, in memory of the beloved teacher who passed away in 2009. Unfortunately, many of the books are in dire shape and without funds in the budget for the library, Spencer is looking at creative ways to purchase new books.

The public is invited to preview the items beginning at 6:00 p.m. with both the silent and live auction running from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Some of the great items available include:

• hand crafted items,
• local restaurant gift certificates,
• WOW gym membership,
• homemade decorated 3-tier cake,
• vocalist for a wedding,
• a cooking class,
• themed baskets,
• a home gym system,
• and much, much more.

There will also be an appearance by Ms. Connecticut, who will be donating a signed book to the auction.

We hope the community will come out and help support this great cause!

Thank you,
Gisela Carlson
PTA Secretary

Wesleyan Men's Ice Hockey Expects to Improve on Best Ever NESCAC Playoff Showing in 2011-2012

The 2010-2011 season was a banner year for the Wesleyan men’s hockey team as the squad made its first ever appearance in the NESCAC semi-finals. With nine of the 11 double-digit scorers from that squad returning, Wesleyan has lofty aspirations as the new season gets underway.

Last year, the Cardinals had their best record in four years, going 10-12-3 overall and 8-10-1 in league play. Sneaking into the NESCAC tournament as the #8 seed, no one expected Wesleyan to make a run. The program had only made five playoff appearances and never came close to winning a game. Facing off against #1 Hamilton on the road in the opening round, the Cardinals took down the Continentals with ease, 5-2. Instead of having a letdown versus heated rival Williams in the semi-finals, Wesleyan demonstrated just as much grit and skill. The team carried a 2-1 lead into the third period only to fall 3-1 in overtime. With so much talent returning to this year’s team, Wesleyan is expecting a different result in the 2012 NESCAC tournament.

The offensive depth returning to the Cardinals in 2011-2012 is extremely impressive. Leading the way on offense are 20-point scorers Nik Tasiopoulos, Geoff Mucha and Keith Buehler. Tasiopoulos, a sophomore, and Mucha, a senior, tied for the team lead in goals with 12 while Buehler tied for the team lead in assists with 13. Senior Tom Salah generated 15 points and has 49 career points over three seasons.

“Our offensive depth is very good up front,” Head Coach Chris Potter said. “We have offensive threats on all four lines.”

The Cardinals strength on the defensive end definitely lies in goal. Juniors Matt Hadge and Glenn Stowell return and are again expected to split time almost evenly. The duo, who Potter praises for working great off one another, both recorded strong statistical marks last season. Hadge posted a .926 save and 2.52 GAA with a 6-51 record in the campaign while Stowell produced a .904 save percentage, 3.13 GAA and 4-7-2 mark.

Potter is less confident in his squad’s defense after their first few contests of the season. “We have a lot of young defensemen, and we need to get stronger in team defense overall,” he stated. “We’re improving in that area but we have a long way to go.”

Wesleyan opened the season on November 18th by rolling to a 6-1 victory over Connecticut College. Nik Tasiopoulos led the way by earning his second career hat trick. Matt Hadge controlled the flow of the game in goal, ending the contest with 20 stops. The six goals marked Wesleyan’s largest output against Conn. College since 1986. The Cardinals hit the ice again on November 19 in a face off against Tufts College. After falling behind 3-0 halfway through the second period, Wesleyan forged a spirited comeback effort that was eventually unsuccessful, losing 3-2. Hadge finished with 25 saves. The Cardinals rebounded with an impressive out-of conference victory over UMass-Dartmouth on November 22. The team flashed their depth on offense by having five different players score. For the third straight game Wesleyan received an excellent performance in goal, with Glenn Stowell ending the contest with 32 stops.

Behind 40 saves from Stowell and a pair of goals from Tasiopoulos, Wesleyan continued its hot start by earning a 4-1 home win over the Wentworth Institute of Technology on Saturday, November 26. With the win, Wesleyan improved to 3-1, the first time the program has had that record through four games since the 2003-2004 season. The team’s four-goal outburst in the second period accounted for all of the Cardinal’s scoring. Sophomore Tommy Hartnett and junior John Guay got the offense started with their second and third goals of the year. Tasiopoulos earned his pair of goals on a rebound and the power play, with Geoff Mucha assisting on both. Stowell’s 40-save game was the third of his career.

Wesleyan faced off against Assumption College on Sunday and play Amherst and Hamilton on the road this weekend.

Mayor And Schools Superintendent Praise Resolution Of Labor Dispute

From the Mayor's Office
------------------
Mayor Daniel Drew, Chairman of the Board of Education Gene Nocera, and Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette negotiated the successful conclusion of a labor dispute that began with the winter storm that crippled the delivery of electricity in the city in late October.

In October, the City and BOE had disputed where the pay for the school cafeteria employees who worked in the emergency shelter would come from.

Mayor Drew, Superintendent Frechette, and Board of Education Chairman Dr. Gene Nocera negotiated an agreement that the BOE would pay for the employees’ time and the City will work to acquire Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to reimburse storm-related costs for itself and the BOE.

“I appreciate the cooperation of Dr. Frechette and Dr. Nocera in bringing what could have been another big dispute to a conclusion that satisfied everyone involved,” Drew said. “This is a win for the city, the Board of Education, the employees, and the taxpayers.”

"I definitely support the actions of the Mayor and the cooperation between the City and Board of Education to resolve the matter without obstacles,” said BOE Chairman Gene Nocera. “In the end it was solved quickly and efficiently, saving the City money."

“After discussions between the Mayor’s office and the BOE, I am pleased to report that BOE employees, who worked at the Middletown High School Emergency Shelter during the recent storm, were compensated by the BOE this week,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette. “In the spirit of cooperation, Mayor Drew has agreed to help the BOE recover its costs through federal reimbursements available after a major emergency like this. The open communication with Mayor Drew is refreshing and encouraging.”

“As the union president, I would like to thank the Mayor for helping to resolve the issue so it didn't escalate into a problem,” said Jeff Daniels, president of Local 466. “I am also impressed with the new Board of Education and believe they will be a great asset to the school system and city.”

South Fire Holiday Giving Success

SOUTH DISTRICT FIREFIGHTERS AND MIDDLETOWN RESIDENTS MAKE STUFF-A-TRUCK A HUGE SUCCESS

On November 11, 2011, members of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 3918 (South District firefighters) sponsored their bi-annual Stuff-a-Truck, gathering more than 3900 pounds of food for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Firefighters from South District and their families volunteered their time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Stop & Shop on East Main Street in Middletown, soliciting donations from shoppers for Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Despite the cold wind, people gave cheerfully, stopping to chat with the firefighters. The effort also raised $600 in cash donations. South District Firefighters hold the Stuff-a-Truck event twice a year, once in November, once in April.

A check in the amount of $600 was presented to the food pantry on Monday, November 21, 2011.

Middletown's Health Department Radio Show

Contact: Louis Carta For Immediate Release:

Phone: 860-398-1824 November 23, 2011

GAMBLING ADDICTION RADIO TOPIC

Middletown — Mary Drexler, Assistant Director of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, is the guest on the next edition of the health-information radio program — Healthline. Ms. Drexler will discuss the causes of problem gambling, how it may impact a person’s life and how it can be treated.

Problem gambling affects more than 15 million Americans. More than 3 million people are considered severe problem gamblers otherwise known as gambling addicts or pathological gamblers. Problem gambling can strain relationships, interfere with responsibilities at home and work, and lead to financial catastrophe.

Healthline is produced by the Middletown Health Department and can be heard Saturday, December 3 at 3:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., on WIHS 104.9 FM. and “on-demand” at www.cnxradio.com.

LEED Certified Building News Conference: Centerpoint

Building Connecticut’s Green-Economy for the 21^st Century Middlesex County Leading the Way

Middletown, CT (November 22, 2011) – The developers of Centerpoint Connecticut and the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend a news conference on Monday, November 28^th at 1:30pm. The leaders of Middletown, along with the region’s legislative delegation, will be joining us to announce the relocation of a leading “clean-tech” firm to Centerpoint Connecticut, the state’s first-ever “green” office complex for small businesses. The clean-tech company will be occupying the entire upper level of 6,200 square feet in the first newly constructed LEED® Silver registered building on the Centerpoint campus (first of seven buildings).

The interior has been built-to-suit with a complete innovative “green” floor plan design and finishes. According to the clean-tech firm’s CEO, “Centerpoint Connecticut’s design and construction matches with our corporate values of environmental and economic sustainability.” Centerpoint Connecticut was founded on environmental stewardship through the use of renewable materials, efficient technologies and sustainable design practices to minimize environmental impacts and provide significant operational cost savings through reduced energy consumption.

Find out who is relocating to Centerpoint Connecticut, how Middlesex County is focused on becoming the home for environmentally-friendly businesses and see firsthand how the emerging green economy is taking shape in central Connecticut.

Where: Centerpoint Connecticut 306 Industrial Park Road, Middletown

When: Monday, November 28^th at 1:30pm

Contact: Jon Crane

860-255-7524

JonCrane@CriticalPR.com

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Photo via http://nerej.com/47352 where more information about this unique building can be found.