WILL Fall Courses

Submitted by the Wesleyan Institute for Lifelong Learning (WILL)
---------------
 Enrollment is now open for Fall 2014 courses.

The Saturday Institute - Epidemics: Past and Present We will discuss how epidemics affected communities like Middletown as well as the nation as a whole. And we will address the question: Are we prepared for the next pandemic? The day will end with a bus tour to local places associated with epidemics and will feature stories of Middletown victims and the doctors and nurses who fought to save them.
Saturday, November 1, 2014, 9:15 am-3pm, Allbritton Center, Room 311 | $110

 In addition to the full-day course, several short courses are also being offered. These courses meet on the campus of Wesleyan University in Middletown. Classes are scheduled in the afternoon and early evenings. Parking is available and classrooms are accessible.
· Crime And Punishment: A Mystery Tour
· Exploring The Challenges Of Personal Finance
· Henri Matisse: From Fauve To Modernist Art
· “Painting For The People”: Lithography In France In The 19th Century
· Hyphenated Americans: Contemporary Stories Of Lives Lived Between Two Cultures
· All About Food: Healthy Cooking
· Keeping Your Nerve: A Fiction-Writing Workshop
· Travel With A Geologist; Pluto’s Realm, Poseidon’s Trench, And Apollo’s Temple

 The Institute was chartered by Wesleyan University in 2009 to provide educational opportunities to members of the community outside of formal degree-granting programs. Space is limited. For more information or to register for a class, please visit www.wesleyan.edu/will or call (860) 685-2273.

Opinion: Conservation Group Fails Fairness Test

The following was submitted to The Eye by Molly Salafia. The Eye welcomes all signed articles.
------------------
To the Editor,

I was troubled to learn of the "bipartisan" Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) endorsements of local candidates for the State Senate and House.The issue is that not one of the local Republican candidates received the League's questionnaire. Specifically those representing districts which include Middletown, Angel Fernandez (R-100th District), Linda Syznkowicz (R-33rd District), and Len Suzio (R-13th District) did not receive CTLCV's survey; a fact confirmed by campaign representatives upon my inquiry.

Middlesex Community College Foundation Hosts Third Annual Red Moon Fest

On September 6, the Middlesex Community College Foundation will host its third annual Red Moon Fest. The Red Moon Fest is an evening celebration that benefits Middlesex Community College students and programs. The event includes a live and silent auction, a performance by a local jazz trio, and features an assortment of wine, beer, savories, and sweets. The event will be held in Chapman Hall from 6 – 9 p.m. For sponsorship, advertising, auction donations, or to purchase tickets ($60 each), contact Corey Martell at 860-343-5701 or visit mxcc.edu/redmoon.

This year, the Red Moon Fest is also a celebration of the Health and Life Science Initiative at the College. This new initiative is a federally-funded program to expand health and life science learning and training opportunities for MxCC students. Portland residents Dr. Virginia Nunez Olson and Dr. Robert Olson, co-owners of Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital, will serve as 2014 honorary co-chairs. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be dedicated to enhancing this new program.

Live auction items include a seven-night vacation at the Beso del Sol Resort in Florida (airfare not included), seven-nights at a Cape Cod resort, a long weekend in Maine during peak foliage season, a South African Safari (airfare not included), and two opportunities to name a street on the MxCC campus for one year.

The silent auction features a variety of items donated by local businesses including restaurant gift cards, artwork, hotel stays, museum visits, and tickets to sporting events and theater performances. Additional items will be added to both auctions through the event date.

The MxCC Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt public charity dedicated to the support of Middlesex Community College and its students, who come from throughout Middlesex, New Haven, and Hartford counties. The Middlesex Community College Foundation raises funds to support for student scholarships, faculty development, instructional and technical equipment, public lectures and programs that contribute to the quality of life here in Connecticut.

Cat Tales ~ Cat of the Week ~ SABLE!!! Support your local all feline non-profit, no-kill rescue and shelter!! ADOPT TODAY!!

My name is Sable!

Can I Come Home With You?

I am an 11-year-old female kitty and I am best described as dainty and sweet! I am a bit shy when you first meet me, but once we are friends, I will greet you with a sift meow and will be so happy when you pet me.

My friends at Cat Tales tell me I should be in a fancy cat food commercial because I am so beautiful with my long, black fur and pretty yellow eyes.

I will be content as the only cat in the house, however if you have a cat-friendly dog, that’s okay with me!  Children and loud noises scare me, so I would do best in a quiet home.

If you are looking for a sweet, new kitty, please come and meet me, Sable!

Please call Cat Tales at (860) 344-9043 or

Email: Info@CatTalesCT.org to inquire about Sable!

Ambassadors Arbo And Downs

Rani Arbo and Dave Downs were named Music Ambassadors for the city, in a ceremony in City Hall on Wednesday. Mayor Drew and Stephan Allison, coordinator of the City Arts Office, introduced the two musicians, who have been performing in our city and beyond for several decades.

Mayor Drew, Stephen Allison

Arbo sings, fiddles, and strums with her band Daisy Mayhem, playing small venues and large festivals to great acclaim all over North America. This summer she sang at the Art Farm production of King Lear, at Middlesex Community College, and at the Lunenberg Folk Harbor Festival in Nova Scotia, among many other places.  Daisy Mayhem's most recent recording is Some Bright Morning, released by Signature Sounds to widespread critical acclaim. The band describes it as agnostic gospel revival music.

Downs is a singer and songwriter who has performed at coffee shops around the city. He is a prolific writer of songs that chronicle the history and places of Middletown. Despite his now elevated status as a Music Ambassador, Downs said he is unwilling to relinquish his title as CEO of CHUSA (the Connecticut Highly Unsuccessful Songwriters Association). Dave was profiled last year in a highly unsuccessful media outlet.

Allison credited Mayor Drew as the creative force behind the award, and announced that the City Hall telephone system would be playing recordings by these two musicians for the next year.  When callers are on hold, they will henceforth no longer be subjected to music which the Mayor called "horrible", but will instead hear loops of music by Arbo or by Downs.

Dave Downs, Stephan Allison, Rani Arbo

Arbo and Downs each gave a broad thanks to the city for its support of the arts. Arbo's remarks focused on the community of artists that call our city its home.

This is a great place to be an artist, a great place to be a musician. The fact that the city has collectively put the arts community forward, not just the two of us, but the whole arts community, as an ambassador for the town to bring people here, and taken time and money to celebrate--it says a lot. It brings new people to town. It gives people who live here many ways to celebrate their collective culture ...
It’s collaborations with Wesleyan, with chorales, and there’s classical music and jazz and herb gardens. The amount of effort that Middletown puts forth is not lost on anyone. And it’s a pleasure and honor to be part of that community and to share and to benefit from the feeling of being in an arts community, which not every town can offer.

The ceremony closed, fittingly, with an Arbo-Downs duet, an inspired rendition of the Irving Berlin classic, Blue Skies.

Auditions for Circophony Youth Circus September 9

Performers of all variety between the ages of 12 and 18 are encouraged to audition for Circophony Youth Circus Company.  Auditions for the 2014-15 season will be held Tuesday, September 9, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street in Middletown.

Circophony is a select youth circus company committed to providing first class training to aspiring circus performers while creating an exciting new show which will tour to schools, clubs, fairs, corporate events, festivals, and perhaps even the 2015 American Youth Circus Festival.

Circophony is a collaboration between ARTFARM and Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater. The Company is open by audition to young people ages twelve to eighteen. Prior circus experience is not required.

Young people selected for the Company receive a rigorous combination of circus training, physical conditioning and rehearsal/production experience. Members are expected to arrive punctually, attend all rehearsals and performances, work hard, be strong team players, and train independently outside of rehearsals.

If you do not have circus experience, a background in dance, gymnastics, theater, cheerleading, parkour, hooping, magic or serious physical activity is helpful. The show is directed by ARTFARM’s Executive Director Dic Wheeler, who has been performing, directing and teaching circus in the United States and Europe for thirty years. Dic is the founder of the Children’s Circus of Middletown and ARTFARM’s Circus for a Fragile Planet, and is a member of the American Youth Circus Organization and American Circus Educators Association. Circophony’s Lead Trainer is circus performer and teacher Allison McDermott, an acrobat, aerialist, graduate of the Professional Track Program at the New England Center for Circus Arts in Vermont, and Director of the Advanced Circus Program at the Children’s Circus of Middletown.

Circophony is in its third season, though the Oddfellows Traveling Circus has been around since 2001. The 2013-14 show was Circus in Wonderland, a circus inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, and the previous season Circophony toured Circophony’s Vaudeville Circus, a celebration of Vaudeville.

General Auditions for the Company will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Auditioners should call or email to pre-register, arrive early, dress to move, and plan to stay for the entire two hours. Each auditioner must prepare and present a one minute solo performance showcasing your best circus skill or skills. Solo should have an entrance, series of events/tricks leading to a climax, and an exit. Music, props, costume are all encouraged. Show us what you can do and demonstrate your ability to create original material.

Circophony’s new show will open in December at Oddfellows Playhouse, then be available for touring through June. Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6 – 9 pm, starting September 16. Tuition for the entire season is $300.

For more information about auditioning for Circophony or booking the 2014-15 touring show, contact ARTFARM (info@art-farm.org) or Oddfellows Playhouse (info@oddfellows.org).

 www.art-farm.org

www.oddfellows.org

ROCKFALL FOUNDATION INVITES ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT PROPOSALS

Informational Workshop: September 10 at deKoven House Community Center

The Rockfall Foundation invites grant proposals from nonprofit organizations, towns, and schools to support environmental education, conservation and planning projects that will impact Middlesex County. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is in November, 2014 and awards will be announced in February, 2015.

            Grants will be awarded for projects that contribute to the general environmental education of the public, promote environmental planning, contribute to the preservation of the Connecticut River watershed, or fund an internship with a non-profit organization for an environmental project. Special consideration will be given to projects that engage youth (preschool through college) or are multi-generational.

                Proposals must have ties to Middlesex County in order to be considered.  This includes projects or programs based in Middlesex County as well as applicants based in Middlesex County.  Proposals that focus on the Connecticut River corridor or Long Island Sound will also be considered as long as there is a demonstrated impact on Middlesex County. 

            All those who are interested in submitting a proposal are invited to an informal grants informational workshop on Wednesday, September 10th at 5 p.m. at the deKoven House Community Center, 27 Washington Street, Middletown.  Registration is appreciated but not necessary.

      Detailed guidelines and eligibility requirements as well as a grant application can be obtained from the foundation's website, www.rockfallfoundation.org , or by calling the foundation's office at 860-347-0340.  To register for the workshop, or for additional information about Rockfall grants, contact Tony Marino, Grants Administrator, tmarino@rockfallfoundation.org, or phone (860) 347-0340. 

            The Rockfall Foundation supports environmental education, conservation programs and planning initiatives. Established in 1935, it is one of Connecticut's oldest environmental organizations. Rockfall's mission is to be a catalyst-- bringing people together and supporting organizations to conserve and enhance the natural environment of Middlesex County and region.

Another Beautiful Evening for Music at Harbor Park

Summer Sounds Series in Harbor Park!

Elite Syncopation - August 26

Elite Syncopation covers late 19th century/early 20th century jazz including ragtime. The quintet has been touring the United States from coast to coast for over a decade, performing their unique interpretations of ragtime and early jazz.

Kickin Chicken, serving chicken/fish/pork chops/sandwiches and more, will be onsite offering food to feed your body while the music feeds your soul.

Performances take place at Harbor Park. It's a great place to hear the music, enjoy the views of and along the Connecticut River, and have a picnic! The area is well-lit. There is limited parking at the park but plenty of additional free parking in Melilli Plaza (after 7 p.m.) and the walk under Route 9 gets you into the park.

It's all free and brought to you by the Middletown Commission on the Arts. Questions/inquiries, contact the Arts Office at arts@middletownct.gov or 860.638.4510.

MCA/City Arts Creates Music Ambassador Program

The Middletown Commission on the Arts/City Arts & Culture Office has announced the inaugural awardees of the title Music Ambassador for the City of Middletown.

Dave Downs and Rani Arbo are the City’s first ambassadors.

A ceremony proclaiming 

Dave Downs Day on August 27

and

Rani Arbo Day on August 28

will take place in the

Mayor’s Office

Room 209

Municipal Building (City Hall)

245 Dekoven Drive

11 a.m.

Wednesday August 27, 2014

The public is invited to the ceremony.

Please call the Mayor’s Office at 860.638.4801 if you plan to attend.

In addition to being recognized for their valuable artistic and creative contributions, the Music Ambassadors’ music will become the featured ‘music on hold’ for all City phones. While the City strives to answer calls promptly and avoid putting someone on hold, when those occasions do occur the music you will hear is that of our local artists, Dave Downs or Rani Arbo.

The City endeavors to elect similar ambassadors annually, highlighting the great talent that exists within our city limits.

Inquiries: call the City Arts Office - 860.638.4510, arts@middletownct.gov

Construction to Begin on Kayak and Canoe Launch

After many years of uphill struggle, construction of the boat launch on the Coginchaug River adjacent to the City’s recycling center is scheduled to begin on September 22. 

The Jonah Center wants to thank the members of CRAG (Coginchaug River Access Group); Joe Samolis, Chief of Staff for Mayor Dan Drew; Bill Russo, Director of Public Works; and Michiel Wackers, Director of Planning, Conservation, and Development for the critical roles they each played. Pat Munger Construction Company in Branford is the contractor.

The most critical part of the launch, the paved ramp leading into the water, will be constructed this fall. Other amenities such as information kiosk, paved turnaround, and solar lighting, will have to wait until more funds become available.  

For the full story of the boat launch project, visit the Jonah Center website here 

Middletown Musician, Steve Crabtree, Debuts Country Band at The Buttonwood Tree , JAZZ Saturday

 Tonight at 8 pm - Friday 8/22 - TBT hosts the local band, Cart*wheel. They're a lively bunch playing COUNTRY music and will keep your toes tapping!

Erin Harmon – guitar, vocals

Frank Carta – pedal steel

Hugh Smolin – bass

Steve Crabtree – guitar, vocals

Saturday the lineup at TBT is:

Aligned with Source Workshop -  10:30 - noon. Topic: "Merging With All That Your Are". Includes guided meditation and Q&A.

Concert with Dan Arcamone Jazz Group -

Dan Arcamone – guitar

Sean Nowell – saxophone

Henry Lugo – bass

Joe Abba – drums

Quote by David Geller on previous TBT concert:

"Arcamone thoughtfully watched over his quartet, directing them toward some intense sounds. He was able to use his guitar’s versatility to expand the four-piece band into somewhat of a mini-orchestra, creating woodwind and organ-like imitations and mind-bending outbursts. ...
The audience was clearly passionate about the music, with frequent ovations after solos. The quartet’s vibrant style created a radiance that engulfed the diverse crowd."

Congratulations to Rani Arbo and Dave Downs!
They are first Middletown Music Ambassadors, a new program initiated by the City's Commission on the Arts (the MCA). Maybe one day Steve Crabtree will be among those honored with this title! Both Rani and Dave have performed at The Buttonwood Tree in the past.

TBT is located in the former Arriwani Hotel - 605 Main Street.
www.buttonwood.org   860.347.4957
Free parking is plentiful along Main Sreet, behind It's Only Natural market and at the corner of Grand and Main. Refreshments are available including desserts Slambovian coffee, beer, wine and natural soft drinks.

Cat Tales ~ Kitty of the Week ~ TRIXIE ~ Non profit, no kill feline rescue & shelter ~ Adopt Today!

CAT TALES

presents

Kitty of the Week

TRIXIE!!! 

HI!!  My name is Trixie.

Take Me Home With You!

I am an adorable, 1-year-old female kitten. I am very petite but full of energy! I love to play and thrive on attention!

I will take my paw and pat the Cat Tales volunteers heads from my cage to let them know I want to play and be held.  I am so happy when people are around to give me attention and I give lots of affection in return.

I am a special needs kitten - I am FELV+ (people cannot catch this). I get along well with other cats, but they should be FELV+ too, or I’d do great as an only pet. I prefer a home with children over 8 years old. A cat-experienced person or family who will be mindful of my health and well-being is best.  

Cat Tales is seeking permanent adoption for me and will tell you the best way to take care of me.

If you want the happiest, most lovable kitten around, come meet me, Trixie!

Please call Cat Tales at (860) 344-9043 or

Email: Info@CatTalesCT.org to inquire about Trixie!!

Visit our website at www.CatTalesCT.org

It Will Be A Beautiful Evening . . . (and it's free)

Summer Sounds Series in Harbor Park!

Sambeleza - August 19

Sambeleza brings Brazilian tempos to the riverfront with a wide variety of Brazilian songs - both old and new - with a jazz twist. Featured composers include Tom Jobim, Ivan Lins and Ary Barroso, as well as younger composers like Djavan, Dani and Debora Gurgel and Arlindo Cruz. The group also performs a number of original compositions to round out the mix.

There will be food vendors onsite -
   • Kickin Chicken (chicken/fish/pork chops/sandwiches . . .) and,
   • Brown Girl & Round Guy Grinds (hot dogs/chili dogs/red hots/kielbasa . . .)

Performances take place at Harbor Park. It's a great place to hear the music, enjoy the views of and along the Connecticut River, and have a picnic! It's all free and brought to you by the Middletown Commission on the Arts.

Rain location is the South Church sanctuary at the corner of Main and Union Sts. across from the South Green. If unsure of the weather/location, call 860.638.4510 between 3 and 4:30 pm the day of the event or come back here or go to arts2go.org for an update.

An Evening with Psychic Medium Lisa Lanno ~ Benefiting Cat Tales, Middletown's only non profit, no kill feline rescue/shelter

Council Democrats Propose Charter Revisions

6 of the 11 members of the Charter Revision Commission
attended the Council meeting. The Commission did
actually include two women.

At a special meeting Thursday evening, the Common Council voted to recommend a set of changes to the City Charter. The changes they recommended were a subset of those proposed by the Charter Revision Commission,  and they added a recommendation that was explicitly voted down by the Commission.

The Charter Revision Commission has been meeting since May to discuss two dozen proposed changes. They held numerous public hearings, and the minutes of their meetings are the most complete minutes The Eye has ever seen for a city commission. Their final draft report was similarly detailed, and offered not just a recommendation but also the various reasons why it was favored or not.

The Democratic Caucus discussed the report last week, and brought to the Council a resolution that contradicted several recommendations from the Commission. The Democratic resolution (HERE) passed 8-3, with all Democrats and Sandra Russo-Driska voting in favor.

City Treasurer
The Commission's first recommendation, which was unanimous, was to eliminate the position of City Treasurer as an elected, stipend-paying position. The City Treasurer is currently Quentin Phipps, who was nominated by the Democratic Town Committee in the last election cycle after failing to be nominated for the Common Council. At last week's Council meeting, members of the faith-based community nearly filled Council chambers, and several spoke out against eliminating the Treasurer position.

The Democratic caucus on the Council responded by recommending to leave the Treasurer as an elected position.

Bonding
Currently, the Council can only borrow (bond) up to $750,000 without getting approval from voters in a referendum. The Council routinely breaks large projects into artificially smaller units that allow them to borrow multiple $749,000 pieces. The Commission voted (4-3) to increase the amount of money that the Council could bond without a public referendum to $1M.

The Democratic caucus on the Council supported this recommendation. Several Council members said that if it was increased they shouldn't do the artificial subdivisions to circumvent the limit. Others nodded in agreement. They all looked kind of earnest, as if they meant it this time.

Four year Council terms
A recommendation to increase the Mayor and the Council terms from two years to four generated the most discussion among Council and Commission members. There was general agreement on increasing the mayor's term to four years, but sharp disagreement over increasing Council terms.

The Commission itself had held 3 votes on Council terms, as it considered new information and arguments. In its draft report, the Commission noted that the legislative bodies of both the state and the country had 2 year terms.  The first vote (2-4) was to leave the Council term at two years. The second vote took into account the possible savings of money by having fewer elections, and was in favor (4-2) of four year terms. After hearing feedback from the public, and realizing that off-year elections would still need to be held, solely for half of the Planning and Zoning Commission and half the Board of Education, the Commission voted 5-5 to keep the term for  Council at 2 years. Since this was a tied vote, the second of the votes was not overturned.

Council member Tom Serra said that the Democratic Caucus was also divided on the issue, and was recommending it so that voters could make the decision. David Bauer, a Republican Council member, was not undecided, he said he could not support 4 year terms for Council under any circumstance.

Raises
The Democratic caucus voted to support changes that would put the mayor's salary and the Council members' stipends into the Charter. The mayor's salary would be $100,000 per year, the Commission report states that it should be "similar to what directors of the City are receiving."

The Council stipend would increase by nearly 17%, from $600 per month to $700 per month. No Council member spoke in favor or against this increase.

Planning and Zoning approval rules
The Democratic Caucus added to its resolution a recommendation affecting the governance of Planning and Zoning. Currently, any action by Planning and Zoning requires 5 votes to pass. Since no party can hold more than 4 seats, this ensures that every decision on land use must be bipartisan. The past chair of the Democratic Town Committee, and current chair of Planning and Zoning, Dan Russo, has publicly argued that land use decisions should require only 4 votes, allowing one political party to have control over how land is developed in the city.

The Commission discussed changing the charter so that only 4 votes would be required, but voted 2-6 against making that change. The report concluded, "[Five votes] allows for bipartisanship in the development of Middletown and has served Middletown well."

No Council or Charter Revision Commission member spoke in favor of changing the voting rules for Planning and Zoning, and several expressed opposition to changing the current 5-vote rule. Rob Blanchard, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission who served on the Charter Revision Commission, told the Council that changing this rule would be "problematic ... It ought to stay as is."

Further votes ahead
The Charter Revision Commission will meet one more time, next week, to consider  the Council recommendations. This meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, at 7PM in the Board of Education Building. There will be period open for Public Comment.

Their final report will then be submitted to Council, which will make the final determination on what to put on the ballot in November. This will take place at the September 2nd Council meeting. The Council can place all recommendations in one question, or can put separate recommendations into separate  questions that voters can individually consider.

---------------
Author's disclaimer:  I am a Democrat, and an elected Planning and Zoning Commissioner

Cat Tales ~ CAT OF THE WEEK ~ FAITH! ~ Adopt me, I've been waiting for you!!

Cat Tales

presents...

The Cat Of The Week

*FAITH*

Hello!  My name is Faith.

Can I come Home with You?

I am a very sweet-faced, brown and white 9-year-old female Tabby and I am a total love bug!

I purr loudly when I am petted and I love being brushed, held and cuddled. I even flip over for a good belly rub!

Even though I'm a bit older, I am very healthy and still have a lot of love to give. I would probably get along fine with one non-aggressive cat, but I really think I would like to get all of the attention from my human for myself.

Cat Tales is seeking permanent adoption for me and will tell you the best way to take care

of me.

Won't you come to meet me, Faith, so you can see what a real sweetheart I am?

  

Please call Cat Tales at (860) 344-9043 or

Email: Info@CatTalesCT.org to inquire about Faith.

MxCC Veterinary Technology Students Get A Hands-On Role at Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital

Starting this fall, students in the veterinary technology program at Middlesex Community College will take on a more active role at Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital and Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center. For the first time, MxCC students will work with clients and patients at the Pieper hospitals under the supervision of MxCC faculty and the certified and licensed staff of the hospitals.

This recent change shows the continuing evolution of the veterinary technology associate degree program. Before this change, MxCC students participated in workshops and attended lectures and clinical experiences at the Pieper hospitals. In these clinical rotations, students mostly learned didactically and had some hands-on learning with non-patient animals.

“By observing and working with the highly qualified staff at the Pieper hospitals, students will see the practice of veterinary medicine and the role of certified veterinary technicians at both a busy general practice and a state-of-the art veterinary specialty, referral, emergency, and critical care center,” said Dr. Steve Levy, VMD, veterinary technology program coordinator at MxCC. “As the students learn new skills, they will be able to use them in patient care and client service under the careful supervision of highly trained and experienced veterinary professionals. This experience will aid the students in their goal of becoming certified veterinary technicians.”

By revamping the hands-on experience for students, Pieper-Olson staff will take on an active teaching role in training up-and-coming veterinary technicians. Because of this change, students graduating from MxCC’s veterinary technology program will have direct, practical experience with animals, and will enter the workforce with the certification needed to be employed in the field of animal healthcare.

“The veterinarians of today realize the urgent need for a team of a trained technical support staff to deal with the growing complexities of veterinary care,” said Dr. Virginia Nunez, DVM, co-owner of Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital. “Pieper Memorial has always strived to offer the highest quality service and patient care for owners and their pets and is now honored to be involved in leading the clinical training of the next generation of veterinary technicians."

The veterinary technology associate degree program is offered in collaboration between Middlesex Community College and Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital, both located in Middletown. General education courses are held at the College, while those courses requiring specialized laboratories, equipment, and hands-on practical experience are held at Pieper-Olson. To learn more about the veterinary technology program, or the collaboration between Middlesex Community College and Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital, contact Dr. Steven Levy at slevy1@mxcc.edu.

Founded in 1966, Middlesex Community College (mxcc.edu) is part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. In all it does, Middlesex Community College strives to be the college of its community. By providing high quality, affordable, and accessible education to a diverse population, the college enhances the strengths of individuals through degree, certificate, and lifelong learning programs that lead to university transfer, employment, and an enriched awareness of our shared responsibilities as global citizens. MxCC, recently named a "Great College to Work For" by “The Chronicle of Higher Education,” offers more than 50 degree or certificate programs at the main 38-acre campus in Middletown, the downtown Meriden Center, the shoreline, and online.

City Republicans Favor Foley By Wide Margin

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley did even better in our city than he did in the rest of Connecticut, winning 62.1% of the votes here, and about 57% of the votes statewide.

The race for the Lieutenant Governor nomination was very close in Middletown, and remains too close to call statewide.

21% of the 3,326 registered Middletown Republicans cast a ballot, about the same turnout as statewide.

The Concert is going on outdoors at Harbor Park tonight!

There will be food vendors onsite -
• For your dinner desires: Kickin Chicken (chicken/fish/pork chops/sandwiches and more), Brown Girl & Round Guy Grinds (hot dogs/chili dogs/red hots/kielbasa and more); and
• To relieve your thirst: Mon Cheri, serving coffees/teas/smoothies.

Performances take place at Harbor Park. It's a great place to hear the music, enjoy the views of and along the Connecticut River, and have a picnic! It's all free and brought to you by the Middletown Commission on the Arts. Visit arts2go.org for latest updates.

Republican? Then Vote Today!

The Republican party is holding a primary, to choose its nominees for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Comptroller.

Your vote makes a difference, especially today.

At 9AM, according to election officials at the Spencer Elementary School polling station, only 16 out of 189 eligible voters had cast a ballot.

Father Arrested Outside Of City Hall For Leaving Children In Car

From The Middletown Police Department
---------------
On Monday, August 11, 2014, Middletown Officers responded to the area of Mellili Plaza where a witness reported seeing two small children inside of a pickup truck unattended. The truck’s engine was running and at least one window was down. Upon arrival, Officers were able to locate the children’s father, who had reportedly gone inside of a building approximately 30 minutes earlier to pay a bill. His children are four and two years old and were uninjured. They were secured in the vehicle with seat belts appropriate for their ages and the air conditioning was on.

Due to their ages, the length of time left alone, and the risk posed to leaving them unattended in the open vehicle, the father was arrested and charged with the two counts of risk of injury to a minor. A family member was contacted and responded immediately to pick up the children. A report was made to the Department of Children and Families as is protocol for this type of incident.

The father was processed and released on a $5,000.00 non-surety bond.

Meet Your Greens & Sail with Soundwaters

Join us aboard the Schooner SoundWaters   for a sunset sail on LI Sound.

 

August 19, 2014

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Launching from Saybrook Point Marina, Old Saybrook.

 

During the 2014 sailing season, SoundWaters is conducting public sails from selected ports of Long Island Sound to raise awareness of and stewardship for the Sound in local communities.  During this sail, passengers will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning stations that highlight the impact of human activity on the health of the Sound. 

 

Schooner SoundWaters is an 80-foot replica of a Chesapeake bay sharpie schooner, and is US Coast Guard certified, fully insured. 

Participation is limited to 40 passengers; children must be at least 7 years of age.

Advanced registration is required. Price: $30 per person.

Deadline: noon, August 19

Registration is through SoundWaters only. To register, click here .

SoundWaters, based in Stamford, has been offering educational programs to children and adults about the Long Island Sound for more than 22 years. Click here for more information. 

Participants will be working on board-- please bring only limited drinks and snacks you may need. No alcohol will be allowed on the ship. 

Meet Your Greens, Middlesex County happy hour green networking group,  meets every third Tuesday of the month (usually). Venues and times, and sometimes days,  change-- join our e-list for updates and invites by contacting Claire Rusowicz, crusowicz@rockfallfoundation.org;  or Cristina Gastador Hayden, cristina.gastador@gmail.com . You can also join us on Facebook ("Meet Your Greens").

Schedule updates are also provided on The Rockfall Foundation website, www.rockfallfoundation.org .

Questions? Please e-mail or call Claire Rusowicz (860)347-0340.