NEAT Notes - Summer 2019

A lot has been happening down at the NEAT offices, and we figured, well we better let everyone know!!

NEAT tabled at pride and had an awesome rock painting event.
https://www.facebook.com/NEATMI/posts/10157018440825180





This Saturday, we are co-hosting a family water bottle painting event.  
see more info here - https://www.facebook.com/events/407996756456097/

And Finally, the Ferry Street Garden is getting organized, thanks to the help from Rockfall Foundation, Forest City Farms, and Long Lane Farm.

Stay tuned for more news about the garden especially, it's looking HOT this summer at NEAT!

Thazhampallath Releases List of Pledges If Elected Mayor

Democratic candidate for Mayor Geen Thazhampallath press release,

Mayor candidate Geen Thazhampallath issued a 15-point detailed action plan today, less than one month before the party’s nomination night on July 18, that offered a roadmap, not only to his mayoral priorities, but also as a unique employment contract and performance scorecard by which the citizens of Middletown could measure his time as Mayor.

“A performance scorecard is something I learned from my time in the business world. Middletown city government is now a $200 million-dollar plus enterprise spanning every phase of life and service, and our citizens deserve a CEO that thinks, acts, communicates, leads and even gets their performance scored like it,” said Thazhampallath.

“I’m not afraid of being reviewed and being held to my pledges because I’m very confident that I am the most qualified person for the job and more importantly I have a passion and internal sense for the ideals we need to pursue to build good government and a strong binding diverse community. The ideals are equity, equality, openness and fairness, but to get there, we need a plan and a leader with the execution skills to take real action steps,” he said.

Thazhampallath, who has a law degree from the University of Connecticut, though he never practiced, has established himself as a leader in public administration in Connecticut. He has 12 years of municipal leadership experience, in two different towns, including being the former Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Stratford, and a mayoral aide and now a department director in Middletown.

“I’ve managed people, done evaluations, held labor hearings, hired and fired people, led union contract negotiations and emergency operation centers during natural disasters and thought through municipal budgets. All these professional moments together, with my immigrant family story, make me ready for this. I’m ready. I’m confident. I know I’m going to get this done for Middletown,” he said.

Thazhampallath added, “these 15 scorecard points aren’t just nice slogans on the page, they are the real things that I plan to focus on and get done. I will be working hard for the citizens of our City but I felt they deserved a measuring stick to know if I’m doing what I said I’d do and to measure if they made a good hire on primary day September 10 and election day November 5.”


Thazhampallath’s plan includes economic efforts for the City and structural changes to City Hall that he would accomplish as Mayor. He is proposing the creation of a diverse economic team of City leaders to market Middletown with him. “I’ve always believed Middletown has great potential. Now, it’s time go from potential to kinetic energy. A team of experienced citizens working together to make the pitch for Middletown is better than one Mayor taking a top down approach. I don’t care who gets the credit, I just want to see Middletown succeed.”

Thazhampallath shared his concerns for downtown as four prominent locations are either now, or soon, will be empty, along Main Street, including the First & Last, Citizens Bank, Subway and the Rite Aid locations. “We have a lot of great places to be proud of in downtown but we need to guard against complacency and the plateau effect,” Thazhampallath said.

He ranked recruiting a grocery market to the downtown area and the right added retail options to the City as pressing priorities. “The feedback from our citizens can’t be clearer. They want retail options so they don’t have to leave town to buy the things of life. Getting a market downtown is key because we want to be a walkable City. People want to walk to their gym, their market, and their restaurants. That’s great urban living.”

“Trying to add, by that I mean trying to assertively recruit, a Panera, a Trader Joe’s, a Home Goods, and other modern outlets with the right architecture, in the right retail corridors, is important to the mindset and feel of our City,” he said.

Other aspects of Thazhampallath’s employment scorecard include pledging to pursue environmental and fiscal sustainability. He pledged to incentivize local environmentally conscious ideas with small City grants and to fund a “Kids 1st” campaign focused on public education, eliminating childhood hunger and providing a support services safety net for children in Middletown. “I intend to change the mindset with which we approach City budgeting. We are going to rethink how and on what we spend money. Serving and caring for human needs will be at the core. We are going to be there for our kids, for our seniors and for all of our citizens.”

“By changing our budget mindset, from an inward City Hall focus to outward people focus, not only can we fund what we need too, but I we can actually save taxpayers some City-side dollars.” Thazhampallath is proposing manageable efficiency gains of $250,000 each year over four years and to push Wesleyan to offset some taxpayer funded services provided to the university much like Yale University provides to the City of New Haven.

“We lose some tax dollars when Wesleyan takes over a taxable property like it just recently did with the historic Post Office building on Main Street. The $25,000 dollars lost in tax revenue is $100,000 over four years and that’s a teacher, a firefighter or police officer. They are a great institution but Wesleyan needs to understand the real impact on the City and help us help them.”

Structurally, Thazhampallath’s pledged to make changes to the way City Hall operates. “I’m there and I understand the levers and the ideals of government from a unique vantage point. I can see that we are stuck in an old pattern of doing things. We need to serve people better by implementing modern digital and mobile tools to make public feedback easier to give and solutions easier to provide.”

“Four years from now, I want our citizens to be able to pull out this scorecard put down check marks next to each one and but most of all I want them to be feel and be valued throughout my time. At its core, local government needs to value its people, and always put people over policy. “Over four years we won’t agree on every decision, and that’s ok, but they need to know that every voice matters, and is valued,” he said.

Call for Musicians for the Oddfellows Circus Band!

2018 Circus band. Photo by Bill De Kine.

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater seeks volunteer musicians to join the band for the 31st annual Children’s Circus of Middletown. 

The Band is an integral part of the show, a spectacular outdoor circus performance for over 1,000 spectators! We seek musicians on woodwind, brass and other instruments, with a good attitude, sense of humor, and desire to play together in a creative way. The Circus band is a combination of adult and student musicians. The Band Director is Joseph Getter, a local musician, teacher and parent with over 20 years of experience as a member of this group. 

Rehearsals will be held at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street in Middletown, beginning on June 26 from 7 to 9 pm, continuing with two or three practices per week. There is a mandatory all-day Dress Rehearsal on Thursday, August 1 from 9am to 3pm. The Circus performance will be on Friday, August 2 at 5 pm, with a band call at 4pm. The rain date is Saturday, August 3. 

For more information or to sign up, please contact Joseph Getter at the Playhouse by calling (860) 347-6143, or by email to <info@oddfellows.org>. 

Thank you, and see you at the circus!

Meet Your Greens with Anne S. Bingham

 Eating Greener - For Your Health and the Environment

Thursday, July 18, 5:30-7:30pm

ION Restaurant, 606 Main Street, Middletown

The Rockfall Foundation’s July Meet Your Greens networking meet-up will be on Thursday, July 18th at ION Restaurant. Join us for drinks, food, and conversation 5:30 to 7:30 pm. 

Guest speaker Anne S. Bingham, MD will talk about eating greener. Did you know that up to 78% of total agricultural greenhouse-gas emissions come from the production of animal products? Come learn how to eat greener with confidence for the sake of your health and that of our environment. Considering the average human consumes approximately 2000 lbs. of food a year, our choices make a ton of impact! Learn about the benefits of plant-based diets from Dr. Bingham, a member of the Middlesex medical community since 1995, while enjoying 100% vegan food and drink from ION Restaurant.

Meet Your Greens: Middletown Green Drinks is a monthly event providing networking opportunities for anyone who is interested in making connections and exchanging news about emerging environmental issues to help keep Lower Connecticut River Valley communities green. An official location of Green Drinks International, this informal monthly gathering of people drawn from the community, nonprofit groups and the business world offers time to brainstorm ideas and plant seeds for collaboration. All are welcome and there is no admission fee, unless otherwise noted. For more information, please visit The Rockfall Foundation’s website.

Bartolotta Receives Endorsement of Building Trades Council Union

Bartolotta speaking at a
Westfield Residents Association
Candidates Forum in 2015

From the campaign of Mary Bartolotta, a Democrat running for mayor.
----------------
Last week, members of the Building Trades Council, which represents 14 trades, voted to endorse Democrat Mary Bartolotta’s campaign for mayor.

“Coming from a union family, and belonging to a union myself for nine years, I’ve seen firsthand the important role organizations like the Building Trades Council play in fighting for everyday, working people,” Bartolotta stated on Thursday. “The reality is that without strong unions, more of our workers would be facing unsafe conditions, lower wages, and more expensive healthcare. We should be working towards a future where all workers are provided fair compensation and support. It is an honor to receive this endorsement.”

President of the Building Trades Council Joe Toner lauded Bartolotta’s campaign. “We believe that Mary has the experience and vision to be an exceptional mayor,” Toner stated. “Mary’s plans include supporting more vo-tech training and other worker-friendly initiatives that will make Middletown a stronger city overall. Our decision to endorse Mary comes with a strong belief that she can lead Middletown to a better future for all residents.”

Mary Bartolotta currently serves as Deputy Majority Leader on the Common Council and Commissioner of the South Fire District. She announced her candidacy for mayor in March.

The Buttonwood Tree's Music Festival at Lyman Orchards

Lyman Orchards' Food Trucks on the Farm Event features live music presented by The Buttonwood Tree 

 

Saturday, June 22nd from 11:45 am - 5 pm

 

Sponsored by the  Middletown Rug & Carpet Cleaning Company

 

Lyman Orchards presents their Food Truck on the Farm event – with our musicians to entertain everyone! Family-friendly FREE event!  All kinds of family fun, with a whole lot full of food trucks. Music throughout the day under the big tent at 32 Reeds Gap Road, Middlefield, CT. 

Featuring: 

Terri and Rob Duo - (folk/singer/songwriters): Terri and Rob Duo perform a mix of covers and originals and they encourage you to see them live and enjoy their musical talents. Rob DeSorbo showcases an eclectic mix of styles and was a member of the Blue Mountain Band (BMB), which formed in 1971 with a rock and blues focus that ultimately evolved into a jazz fusion focus. Terri Lachance has been playing and writing songs since her early teen years. Her songs are rooted in her life experiences and her deeply held beliefs. Every tune emanates from her heart and soul.  (A special thanks to Terri and Rob for running our second stage all day!)

After The Fall - (progressive rock): This latest release from veteran US-based prog rockers After The Fall is classic lyrical & instrumental Prog Rock on steroids! Tracks range from acoustic and lyrical, to hard driving fusion instrumentals, to full-blown Progressive Epics.

Troy Millette - (Touring pop/ folk singer/songwriter): Heart, humor, and humility are the keys to success for singer/songwriter Troy Millette, a Fairfax, Vermont native who has quickly earned himself a reputation as one of New England’s most promising up-and-comers. Millette’s shows are guaranteed to entertain music-lovers of all kinds through their striking original songs, imaginative covers, and witty onstage banter.

Mattabesset String Collective - (bluegrass band): Mattabesset String Collective is a five-piece acoustic ensemble playing an eclectic mix of bluegrass, blues, folk, mountain, country and rock, all in a string band style. Its present lineup includes Barry Chernoff (guitar), Marc Eisner (mandolin), Rebecca McCallum (fiddle), Gil Skillman (banjo, cuatro, and dobro) and Kevin Wiliarty (bass).

Steve Dedman - (Americana singer/songwriter, founder of Plywood Cowboy): Keyboardist and guitarist, Steve Dedman writes heart-born songs that interweave the rich heritage of country roots with singer-songwriter traditions. Dedman’s songs are featured on Plywood Cowboy’s 2016 debut album, Channel 33. Accolades for the music describe it as a “seriously hooky debut EP” (The Day) and “steeped in tradition, with lyrics full of longing, truth and heart” (Sound Waves Magazine). He was nominated for a Grammy in 2018.

Frankie and The Know It Alls - (blues/ rock band): Frank Albert has been pleasing crowds with his renditions of rock, jazz and rhythm & blues for over 30 years. He has performed in clubs all over Connecticut with his band, Frankie and The Know It Alls. He is known for his hard-driving guitar style and his flair for performing.

We would like to thank Middletown Rug & Carpet Cleaning for sponsoring this event!  

Also to our friends at the following companies for donating items for our Gift basket:

Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

Fat Orange Cat Brew Co.

Stubborn Beauty Brewery Company

It's Only Natural Market

Spoke & Spy Cidery

Heaven Is The Strawberry Shortcake At 3rd Congregational

Lorraine Andrews
and the perfect apron

Photo by David Bauer

For 135 years, the Ladies Aid Society has been serving strawberry shortcake to the city's residents.

It's a major fundraiser for the 3rd Congregational Church in Westfield.

This year the volunteers made 1,700 biscuits, lathered them with 680 quarts of strawberries and 155 quarts of whipping cream.

And provided heaven to folks who come from far and wide to enjoy the best dessert in town.

City Planner Out After Less Than A Year

City planner Mark Devoe has informed Planning Director Joe Samolis that he will be leaving his post in Middletown to take a job in Farmington as planner.  The Farmington planner position had been held by former Middletown planner Bill Warner.

Devoe is an accredited city planner, and the only planner with accreditation in Middletown's office of Planning, Conservation and Development.  Devoe began his tenure in Middletown at the very end of December 2018.  His announcement once again leaves the office understaffed, and without an employee with planning certification.

Devoe was involved in recent charettes held to create a new, required Plan of Development for Middletown.

The Common Council voted to reorganize the office last summer putting Samolis as the director and manager in the department, and creating separate positions for Town Planner and Community Development Specialist.  Linda McPherson, who has worked in the Finance Department and in the Board of Education as a finance specialist, was hired to fill the Community Development Specialist position.

'Morrow: Make Music Middletown Means Meandering Mudpuppies

From Dave Downs
--------------
Hey Kids!, Lonesome Dave here.  How ya doing?  Hope you're doing well.

Did you know that this Friday, June 21st, 2019 is International Make Music Day?  That's the day (which always falls on the summer solstice, by the way) where musicians- off various shapes and sizes and levels of expertise- take to city streets all the world over, and play music anywheres and everywheres.  For Free!  On the street corners; in the libraries, the cafes, the restaurants, the music shops, the book stores, down the alleyways, up in the trees dangling from branches, down in the sewer systems..... 

And Middletown's no different.  So this Friday you're invited to come by and say hello to us- The Mudpuppies (consisting of me, Lonesome Dave- or LD- and Really Big Brian- or RBB) while we perform our unique style of Americana, first at the award-winning Russel Library (at Broad Street; 347-2528) from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.; and then later at the beautiful R.J. Julia Bookstore (at 413 Main Street, 685-3939) from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

In addition to original and Public Domain material,  RBB and I (on well-amplified acoustic guitars and vocals) put our unique Mudpuppy spin on songs popularized by such American writers and performers as Eric Anderson, Steve Earl, Hank Cochran, Rogers & Hart, The Everly Brothers, Ricky Nelson and Andy Williams.  Perhaps we'll toss in a music trivia question or two, or a couple CD give-a-ways, as well.  (Don't forget to ask Really Big Brian about the unique tuning style he employs on his six-string.)  See ya then, Kids. 

Lonesome Dave

Florsheim Challenges Mayoral Candidates to Sign Clean Election Pledge

Provided by the Florsheim for Mayor campaign.

Free Lunchtime Concert this Friday

Friday, June 21
12 - 1:30 pm
deKoven House Community Center
27 Washington St., Middletown
(at the corner of deKoven Drive and Washington St.)

In celebration of Make Music Day, The Rockfall Foundation will be hosting a free lunchtime concert at the historic 18th-century deKoven House. The concert will be held on the lawn under the shade of a magnificent maple tree. Bring your lunch and enjoy performances by three musicians. Picnic table and chairs available, or bring your picnic blanket! In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move to the indoor meeting space.

https://www.rockfallfoundation.org/event/lunchtime-concert-at-dekoven-house/

Schedule:
12 – 12:30 Gracin Dorsey – Drawing from his folk and bluegrass roots in Oklahoma, his original music has been performed at festivals all across the USA.

12:30 – 1:00 Steve Dedman – Frontman and songwriter behind Plywood Cowboy, his authentic, heart-born Americana songs earned a spot on the 2018 Grammy ballot.

1 – 1:30 Robert Nasta – Musical Director of Artists for World Peace performing original compositions and improvisations on the koto, a Japanese stringed instrument.

The deKoven House, just yards from the banks of the Connecticut River, is owned and maintained by The Rockfall Foundation, a non-profit organization that has been promoting and supporting environmental education and conservation in the Lower Connecticut River Valley since 1935. It is home to The Rockfall Foundation and 8 other non-profit organizations.  The house also offers two meeting rooms for rent to the public, ideal for workshops and trainings, association gatherings, board retreats, and membership meetings. For more information visit https://www.rockfallfoundation.org/dekoven-house/. Tours available upon request after the concert.

Parking is at the deKoven House is free, but has limited capacity. However, ample parking is available adjacent to the building in the Melilli Plaza Municipal Parking Lot.

For more information, call The Rockfall Foundation at 860-347-0340.

Nominations Sought for Environmental Champion Awards

https://www.rockfallfoundation.org/about-us/environmental-awards/

The Rockfall Foundation is currently seeking nominations for the 2019 Environmental Champion Awards. Nominations are being accepted from now until July 22. The awards recognize individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses for environmental efforts that contribute to the quality of life in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. Areas recognized include preservation , conservation, ecosystem restoration, and environmental and sustainability education. The Tom ODell Distinguished Service Award will be awarded for outstanding ongoing or long-term accomplishments. Certificates of Appreciation are awarded, as appropriate, to recognize significant programs or projects. Awardees will be recognized at The Rockfall Foundation’s Annual Meeting, Grants and Awards celebration on October 3rd.

The nominee’s contributions must impact the Lower Connecticut River Valley, which includes the following towns: Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Lyme, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook. Impacts to the Connecticut River corridor or Long Island Sound are also eligible as long as there is a benefit to at least one of the listed towns.

Nomination forms must be received by noon on July 22 at amanda@rockfallfoundation.org or at The Rockfall Foundation, deKoven House Community Center, 27 Washington St., Middletown, CT 06457. Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.rockfallfoundation.org or one can be requested by calling 860-347-0340.

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Founded in 1935 by Middletown philanthropist Clarence S. Wadsworth, The Rockfall Foundation is one of Connecticut’s oldest environmental organizations. The Foundation supports environmental education, conservation and planning initiatives in the Lower Connecticut River Valley through public programs and grants.  In addition, The Rockfall Foundation operates the historic deKoven House Community Center that offers meeting rooms and office space for non-profit organizations.

For additional information about the Environmental Champion Awards or The Rockfall Foundation, please visit www.rockfallfoundation.org or call 860-347-0340.

Invasive Plants Workshop Sunday!

Do you have ticks in your yard? Are vines strangling your trees?  Invasive species may be to blame!

Join the City of Middletown and Town of Durham for an interactive workshop on invasive plants.

Sunday, June 231-3 PMSnow School, 299 Wadsworth St.

At the workshop, led by DEEP wildlife biologist Pete Picone, you’ll learn which species are invasive, why they’re a problem, how to remove them safely and effectively, and what plants you can replace invasive species with native plants for a healthy yard.  For the second hour, we’ll have gloves and bags for optional invasive plant removal.  Please wear long pants and long sleeves.

Questions? Contact Michael Harris, City Energy Coordinator, at michael.harris@middletownct.gov or at 860-638-4854.

This event is co-sponsored by Coginchaug Area Transition, Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District, Everyone Outside, The Jonah Center for Earth and Art, Middletown Garden Club, and Wesleyan Sustainability Office.

Girl Scout Art Creation From Trash Pickup, Sunday!

From Heather Parker
---------------
Girl Scout Troop 62106 of our city will be hosting a trash pickup and art contest event at Wadsworth State Park on Sunday, June 23 from 2-4 pm. For this project, we want to bring attention to ocean pollution. Using the trash we collect at the park, we will be making artwork and judging it across categories. We would like to invite the public to participate in our event, joining us to collect trash and make art together.

“THE DRESSER” TO BE PRESENTED AT ODDFELLOWS PLAYHOUSE

Vintage Players, in conjunction with Connecticut Heritage Productions, presents The Dresser by Ronald Harwood at Oddfellows Playhouse on June 21 and 22. The play, set in war-torn England of 1941, chronicles the relationship of a renowned, aging Shakespearean actor and his longtime personal dresser.

Billy Johnstone and Peter Loffredo in rehearsal for “The Dresser”.   Photo: Adrian Nieves

Written in 1980, the play has an autobiographical bent. During the 1950s, Ronald Harwood functioned as private dresser to the noted Shakespearean actor/manager, Sir Donald Wolfit. Harwood was well aware that during the bombing of England in World War II, Wolfit was respected for refusing to abandon his touring of the provinces, even though German bombs were causing widespread destruction throughout the countryside.

Much of Harwood’s long and prolific career drew on his fascination with the stage, its performing artists, and artisans. In The Dresser, his play within a play examines the war without…and the war within. He sheds light on the narcissism, the humor, and the poignancy of “the show must go on” ethos.  

Directed by Carolyn Kirsch, assisted by Ellie Howard, the cast is led by Billy Johnstone (appearing courtesy of Actor’s Equity Association) as Norman and Peter Loffredo as Sir. They are supported by Warren Dutkiewicz, Teresa Langston, Natalia Katz, Carolyn Kirsch, Gerry Matthews, John Hall, and Nat Holmes.

Oddfellows Playhouse is located at 128 Washington Street, Middletown. Performances of The Dresser are on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22 at 7 pm.

These performances benefit the children’s programs at Oddfellows Playhouse. For over 40 years Oddfellows Playhouse has provided young people in the greater Middletown area with innovative theater programs that build their self-confidence and help them gain skills that facilitate success in other parts of their lives.

Tickets are $25 and may be obtained by going to www.oddfellows.org and clicking on “Shows and Events.” Reservations are strongly recommended.

ARTFARM's "Terpsichore: the women's movement" this weekend

Rehearsal photos by Bill De Kine. 

ARTFARM's Terpsichore: The Women's Movement is an explosive new work that delves into what it is to be a woman, from the most dark and painful to the most ecstatic- with some stops in between. It will premiere at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown on June 14 & 15 at 8 pm.

Developed in the studio, in community and in interviews, this workshop production journeys through a psycho-emotional landscape of movement, text and sound. In the tradition of Ruby Dee’s “Podansical”, this intergenerational, non-linear exploration fosters provocative thought and an opportunity for both personal and community reflection. Terpsichore: The Women’s Movement is intended for mature audiences, for women, and for anyone who has ever known or loved a woman.

ARTFARM has been producing original work and classic theater in central Connecticut since 2001. The company is known for its physical style, visual richness, evocative use of sound and music, and its provocative explorations of pressing issues like race, sex, inequity, and the environment. ARTFARM cultivates high-quality theater with a commitment to simple living, environmental sustainability and social justice.

Tickets for Terpsichore: The Women’s Movement are $20, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. To reserve tickets, or for more information, call (860) 346-4390 or email info@art-farm.org. Tickets can also be purchased online at https://oddfellowsplayhouse.ticketleap.com . Performances are June 14 and 15 at 8 pm and will be held at Oddfellows Playhouse, which is located at 128 Washington Street in Middletown. The performance addresses mature and sometimes disturbing issues and is not appropriate for younger children.

Terpsichore: The Women’s Movement is supported in part by the Connecticut Office of the Arts/Department of Economic Development through the Regional Grants Initiative (which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts), the Middletown Commission on the Arts, the 111 Sunnyside Charitable Trust and Oddfellows Playhouse.

Carolyn Halsted in Concert at Russell Library This Saturday

Carolyn Halsted will be presenting original compositions
this Saturday, June 15th, 2pm at Russell Library's Hubbard Room. 

This Saturday, June 15, at 2:00pm, in The Hubbard room of Russell Library, a concert featuring Carolyn Halsted’s recent solo piano works will be presented by the composer/pianist.

Besides being a very dedicated piano teacher, Ms. Halstead enjoys playing for ballet classes at Wesleyan University, plays with members of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, CONCORA, and faculty and students at Central Connecticut State University and Wesleyan University. She has composed numerous piano, vocal, and choral works.

Free. Drop in, no registration required.  ponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library. 

Please note:  Because of the Pride Parade in Middletown that same afternoon, Main St. will be closed from 12:30 until the parade passes, after 2:00.  Please allow extra time to navigate through town and find parking.  If you are coming south on Rt.9 you may wish to get off at exit 14 (Harbor Area/DeKoven Dr.), go one block south on DeKoven to Union St., then west across Main around the south green, then north on Broad to library.  You will probably also be able to cross Main St. via Washington St.

If you come over the bridge from Portland, turn right on Spring St., then left/south on High, left/east on Washington, right/south on Broad to library.

S

Creating Young Environmentalists in Middletown

Toe-Tapping Tunes and Teen Open Mic This Weekend at The Buttonwood Tree

The Buttonwood Tree hosts events every night this week - from Tai chi to Teen Open Mic.

Cross Purpose

June 14 @ 8-10 pm | $15

Cross Purpose is a four-piece roots/rock band formed in 2005. They have brought their tunes to such exciting venues as the City Center Danbury Summer Concert Series, The Bushnell in Hartford, The Marlborough Arts Center in Marlborough, CT, The Bethel, The CT Summer Concert Series, Harvest Moon Orchard in North Salem, NY, Hayfields Market in North Salem, NY, The Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, NY, The Putnam County 4-H Fair in Carmel, NY, and many others. While Cross Purpose plays a lot of their own material, they also perform an eclectic array of covers. With about 175 years of experience among them, they are skilled at tailoring material to each venue they visit. For this particular evening, June 14th at The Buttonwood Tree, their drummer will use a djembe and a cajon instead of a full kit. Reservations are suggested.

Their first CD, Sum Of The Parts, with 12 original songs was released in 2007. Their second CD, Live At The Upper Room, came out in 2011, the CD, These Men You’ve Made, with another 12 original tunes became available in 2013, and they’ve just released their fourth, The Extent Of What We Know, which contains another 14 originals. Cross Purpose’s members consists of Bob Stanhope (13-time winner in the Billboard Magazine Songwriting Contest) / Vocals and rhythm guitar, Roy Ellingsen (MCA Records recording artist) / Vocals and lead guitar, Doug Bolin (An original member of The Annie Moses Band) / Vocals and bass, Greg Flower / Drums.

You’ll enjoy what you see and hear at www.crosspurposeband.com

TEEN OPEN MIC

June 15 @ 3 -5 pm

Teens, looking for a place to perform? A place to recite your latest poem?

How about your newest original scene? Or, a time-tested monologue? If so, The Buttonwood Tree Teen Open Mic is FOR YOU!

Details here

Facebook: @tbt.teen.open.mic

Restless Mountain Bluegrass

June 15 @ 8-10 pm | $15  Reservations Suggested

Restless Mountain Bluegrass Band always offers a fun mix of traditional standards and entertaining classics that bring fond memories and a smile. In the tradition of bluegrass, Restless Mountain is an all-acoustic band, serving up heartfelt vocals and spicy instrumentals.

Restless Mountain Bluegrass Band has been active in Connecticut for over a decade, featuring veteran musicians who love to play and entertain. We play numerous venues, from festivals to concert halls to bars and public and private events. 

Instruments and Personnel: Matt Fleury (vocals, banjo), Jerry Devokaitis (vocals, guitar), Dave Orlomoski (vocals, mandolin), Scott Camara (Dobro), Dave Aston (bass).

facebook.com/restlessmountainbluegrass/

The Buttonwood Tree is an all ages venue with a bookstore of used, very interesting books, an ART GALLERY and a comfortable meeting space also available for rent for parties etc. Ample, free parking is available next door, behind It's Only Natural market M-F from 6pm on and on weekends. Join as a MEMBER to support this vital community organization. If you have any questions we can be reached at (860) 347-4957. If you want to see what events we have lined up for the month check our website's event calendar here.