middletowneye

From 1912: Democrats Will Take The Offices

2012-01-29T05:00:00.003-05:00

The following is an excerpt from an article published exactly 100 years ago today, in the Hartford Courant on January 29th, 1912. The open, unabashed discussion of city positions as political plums ("all republican heads to drop") is astonishing. Some readers might respond with relief that in 2012 a city engineer is not hired or fired because of political leanings. Others might long for the

Snowdrops on Miles Avenue

2012-01-28T15:16:00.002-05:00

These snowdrops are blooming 4-6 weeks early!

East Main Street Drug Bust

2012-01-28T09:24:00.000-05:00

From the Middletown Police. ------------------ On January 27, 2012 the Street Crime Unit with the assistance of the Patrol Division executed a Search and Seizure Warrant at 71 East Main St. Second Floor Rear. The Search and Seizure Warrant was to include the person of Zachary Thomas age 23, the residence, and two vehicles a 1998 Jeep Cherokee registered Paulette Thomas of 71 East Main St. and a

Cypress Grill Features Eric Kuhn Band Sunday

2012-01-27T12:01:00.002-05:00

From Trevor Davis ------------ The 7 piece band of Eric Ward Kuhn mixes folk, jazz, rock and political humor; quite funny and current, actually, and quite good. Piano, bass, drums, guitar, female vocalist, sax and trombone, and, of course, Eric singing, too. It's a 4-6 PM show, and it's free! Great food and drink at the historic Cypress Grille & Restaurant on Route 17, south of downtown

Letter to the Editors: Concerned Parent still has unanswered questions regarding DEAL Program closure

2012-01-27T11:13:00.002-05:00

The following letter was submitted to the Eye by Bielefield Elementary parent Jane Majewski, the mother who started the recent online petition concerning alleged mismanagement on the part of three administrators of the BOE administration overseeing Pupil Services and Special Education Services. It should be considered as an opinion piece; the verification of any facts & responsibility of claims

Former Convicted Murderer and Mother of Murder Victim to Speak at Shiloh Baptist Tomorrow

2012-01-27T06:35:00.000-05:00

Reprinted from Creedible, CT @ Prayer ---------- Two people whose lives have forever been changed by murder, Fernando Bermudez, who spent 18 years in prison for a murder he did not commit and Victoria Coward, whose teenage son was murdered, will join forces in Middletown on Jan. 28 at Shiloh Baptist Church. Saturday, January 28th @ 4:00pm Shiloh Baptist Church 346 Butternut Street “It is

Homelessness Awareness Sleep-Out, Saturday, 28 January

2012-01-26T15:12:00.015-05:00

Saturday, January 28, at South Church Youth Sleep-Out for Homelessness Awareness Special Guest Fred Carroll to Speak at 5 pm On Saturday night (tomorrow night), youth in the Initiates program of both First Church and South Church will be sleeping out in the elements at South Church. No, they're not out of their minds! They're participants of the Homelessness Awareness Sleep-Out event! The

Shawn Strickland is Outstanding Leader for Middletown on the Court

2012-01-26T14:57:00.005-05:00

The point guard is the floor general who teammates look to for leadership on the court. They are the primary ball handlers and initiate the offense, and on defense their peskiness and hard effort causes poor execution and turnovers. The point guard exists within the flow of games, and understands when to get teammates going on offense and when to take over games themselves. For better or worse,

Meanwhile during the BOE Meeting....

2012-01-26T14:05:00.004-05:00

Meanwhile, at the new Comcast studio in Cromwell, while the BOE meeting was going on Tuesday, two Middletown mothers were guests on the cable access show "The Edge" hosted by Jonathan Pulino and guest co-hosted by Councilwoman Debra Kleckowski filling in for regular host William Wilson. Jane Majewski, mother of two children attending Middletown public schools, one with autism, and organizer of

Farm Hill School Interim Principal Named

2012-01-26T12:10:00.000-05:00

Mark Proffitt, former principal of both Lawrence and Spencer Schools, has been named the Interim Principal of Farm Hill School, effective next Monday. He fills in for Patricia A. Girard, who is beginning an indefinite leave of absence on Monday. Michael Frechette, Superintendent of Schools, praised Proffitt in a letter, "Mr. Profitt has a long-standing tenure in our district as a very

Izzi Greenberg Named City's Person Of The Year

2012-01-26T10:01:00.000-05:00

The Middletown Press has selected Izzi Greenberg as its Person of the Year. The Press article notes the keystone role she has played in bringing vibrancy to the north end of Main Street, through a successful farmer's market, education, arts program, the skate park, community gardens, and more. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's all good, but we know they really gave her the award because of her

Wilsons Win Approval For Majestic Oaks Subdivision On South Main

2012-01-26T05:00:00.001-05:00

The Planning and Zoning Commission last night unanimously approved a large subdivision off of South Main Street, near the Durham town line. 32 lots were originally applied for, but the developer reduced it by one in response to concerns expressed by the Conservation Commission. The developer also eliminated a narrow strip of deeded open space which neighbors were concerned would attract

Large Crowd Disappointed at Board of Ed Meeting

2012-01-25T22:50:00.001-05:00

It was standing room only at Tuesday night's regular Board of Education meeting. Much of the standing was done by the five media camera crews and a handful of print journalists who also attended the meeting. The mood in the room was rather tense, and the crowd was prone to several instances of loudly spoken comments in response to something said by one of the board members. The

Animal Science Adult Education

2012-01-25T22:24:00.004-05:00

Winter 2012 FREE offerings from MIDDLETOWN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTER Classes are being offered to provide continuing education for interested people involved with the fields of agriculture and animal science. Classes will be held on Tuesday nights (with the exception of Thursday, 1/26)* from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There are no fees for any of the classes.

La Boca Heads South of the Border

2012-01-25T22:12:00.006-05:00

Longtime residents of Middletown have a habit of calling businesses in town by whatever store used to occupy that location. Modern conversation drops references to Matt's Music (now "Joe Riff's") and Sear's Auto (now "Attention to Detail" on DeKoven Drive.) I recently heard someone refer to Mikado's Sushi as "you know - McAndrews...." and I sometimes send my husband down the block to pick

Sunday at First Church: January 29 ~ Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

2012-01-25T11:14:00.006-05:00

Come Worship in the Warmth of the Parish Hall First Church of Christ, Congregational (UCC) 190 Court St. Middletown, CT During the coldest months of the year, we worship in our Parish Hall, through a "back door" on the left side of the church. Worship begins at 10 a.m. with our Interim Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Brenda Pelc-Faszcza. First Church is an Open and Affirming church. No matter where you

Historical Society Presents: A Life of the Land: Connecticut’s Jewish Farmers

2012-01-24T22:00:00.002-05:00

From Deborah Shapiro, Executive Director Middlesex County Historical Society ----------------- In the 1880’s, thousands of Eastern European Jews began fleeing the pogroms that resulted in death and the destruction of property. Many arrived on America’s shores with little more than the contents of a small trunk. The Jewish Agricultural Society in New York began an effort to settle some of the

Much Ado About 32-Lot Subdivision at Conservation Meeting

2012-01-23T23:19:00.009-05:00

The regular monthly meeting of the Conservation Commission earlier this evening was a full house with a record number of residents, nearly two dozen, turning out to hear a presentation, ask questions, and voice concernsabout a proposed 32-lot subdivision off of South Main Street named "Majestic Oak Estates." The land owner, Attorney Ralph Wilson, presented to the Conservation Commission a

Wesleyan Institute For Lifelong Learning Announces Spring Classes

2012-01-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

Germs Are Us Exploring the Challenges of Personal Finance Machiavelli Revisited: Arch Villian, Immoral Politician, Father of Political Science? The Book of Job Legacies in Words: An Introduction to Memoir Writing The Saturday Institute for Lifelong Learning: Rolling on the Connecticut River Happily Ever After

Q&A: Xavier Captains Look Back on Memorable Careers

2012-01-22T23:20:00.005-05:00

The quarter of AJ Cosenza, Stephen Russo, Greg Brown and Kris Fogarasi have provided Xavier swimming with leadership both in and out of the pool this season. The Falcons senior captains are key swimmers in events like the 200 IM, 100 fly and 200 medley relay. More importantly, the captains have been great leaders for a young team that experienced significant change coming into the season. Suffice

Around the Garden

2012-01-22T14:22:00.004-05:00

Juxtapositions often make one stop and think – a pair of contrasting paintings in a museum, side by side, can be more than the sum of the parts. On Thursday, my thought-stimulators were a pair of speakers, separated by hours and miles, but both talking about plants. Dr. Louis Magnarelli, Director of the CT Agricultural Experiment Station, spoke at the CT Tree Protective Association’s annual

From 1977: Union Finds Resignations Racist; Workers Dissent

2012-01-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

The following article is from 35 years ago today, appearing in the Hartford Courant on January 22nd, 1977. It was written by Lincoln Millstein. ------------------ The president of the Municipal Employees Union said he believes the resignation of 17 City Hall workers from the union Friday were prompted by a recent controversy over Martin Luther King's birthday. Some of the workers who quit gave

MHS Fundraiser

2012-01-21T17:12:00.003-05:00

Come Support Middletown High School PROJECT GRADUATION at MONDO Enjoy a night off from cooking with delicious New York Style Pizza, amazing entrées, fresh salads and unique paninis, in a casual dining restaurant! TUESDAY, JANUARY 24th DINE-IN and TAKE-OUT MONDO will donate 10% of all sales on January 24th, from 4pm-Closing, to MHS Project Grad to aid in its efforts to raise funds for a SAFE

Snow? Circus!

2012-01-21T16:51:00.003-05:00

The Circus is in town - and still on schedule for tonight at Oddfellows Playhouse.The Traveling Circus performs Adscensio at 7:30pm.$15 Adults and $8 Students/Seniors.

Sunday at First Church: The Third Sunday after Epiphany

2012-01-21T06:53:00.003-05:00

January 22, 2012 Worship begins at 10 a.m. The Second Lesson—Finding Direction First Church of Christ, Congregational (UCC) 190 Court Street Middletown, CT First Church is an open and affirming church. Wherever you are on life's path, you are welcome here. Worship begins at 10 a.m. with our Interim Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Brench Pelc-Faszcza. Sunday school meets during worship and child care is

MHS Girls Basketball Young But Talented

2012-01-20T17:19:00.005-05:00

Coming into the 2011-12 girls basketball season, Middletown Head Coach Rob Smernoff wasn’t really sure how his team would fare in the CCC South. The Blue Dragons were a young and largely inexperienced squad with a starting lineup that featured only one returning player. Would the Blue Dragons be able to play together as a team? Would every player be able to contribute despite their inexperience?

Pearl Street Drug And Child Endangerment Arrest

2012-01-20T17:12:00.000-05:00

Police arrested Bonnie Provost, 43, at 226 Pearl Street on Wednesday, for possession of narcotics, use of drug paraphenalia, and risk of injury to a child. The Middletown Press reports that Provost failed to pick up her 8-year old son from Macdonough Elementary School, and police found her at her home, disoriented and confused.

Cable Advisory: Scholarships, Grant to Oddfellows PSA, Comcast Move

2012-01-20T11:10:00.003-05:00

Come kick up your heels to a mix of current and old-timey tunes. The dances are easy and fun and some basic instruction will be provided so we can all have a great

Board of Education Passes 2012-2013 Budget

2012-01-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

At tonight's Board of Education meeting, the 2012-2013 proposed budget of $74, 161, 155 passed with only one dissenting vote. Board Member Ryan Kennedy voted against the budget, saying he had heard from many residents who simply cannot afford for taxes to go up in this budget cycle. Kennedy did say that he does support the new math curriculum proposed by the budget, but that he can't at this

Police seek help for Missing Middletown man

2012-01-10T21:12:00.003-05:00

Middletown Police are seeking information on a 63-year-old Liberty Street man they say has not been seen since Christmas Eve.Samuel Hewes, 63, of 8 Liberty Street, was last seen driving a blue 2004 Toyota Corolla, license plate, 645YXG, to an unknown destination, police say.He is a white male, 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighing 215 pounds with hazel eyes and balding gray hair. Police say he has

Local State Senator Suzio Proposes Gas Tax Cap

2012-01-10T20:26:00.000-05:00

Senator Suzio (R) represents the 13th District which includes part of MiddletownArticle as it appeared on the website of WFSB3 on Jan 10, 2012 5:33 PMChannel 3 (WFSB) – Like many drivers, State Sen. Leonard Suzio of Meriden is fed up paying the highest gas taxes in the country and the state.“There’s no limit to it and as a consequence, as gas prices have gone up, Connecticut has been collecting a

Learn More About the Magnet School Process

2012-01-10T13:43:00.003-05:00

Do you Understand Your Magnet School Options? NEAT is Hosting an Informal Information Session. Wednesday, January 11th7pmGreen St. Arts Center Everyone is Welcome Childcare and dinner will be provided! We will have an overview of :1) Middletown Schools vs. Magnet Options: what is best for your family?With Guest Speakers: Christina Lapierre from Regional School Choice Office for Greater Hartford

Teen Repertory Company Auditions

2012-01-10T10:00:00.002-05:00

Pre-Audition Workshops and Auditions for the Oddfellows Playhouse production of Our Town are coming up!Directed by Missy BurmeisterWORKSHOPS: January 17 & 18 – 6:30-8:30pmAUDITIONS: January 24 & 25 – 6:30-9:30pm REHEARSALS: Tuesday & Thursday evenings, January 24 – May 10, 6:30 - 9:30pmSome additional rehearsals as scheduled.PERFORMANCES: May 11-12, 17-19All performances at 7:30pm For more

Confused by Medicare Choices?

2012-01-10T08:11:00.002-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Heritage Commons Retirement Community, located at 38 Boston Road in Middletown, Connecticut will be hosting a free seminar on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. on the topic of MEDICARE CHOICES IN 2012. Nancy Krodel, Deputy Director for Operations, Senior Resources/ Area Agency on Aging will present and discuss Medicare plan options available to seniors and their

Farm Hill Elementary School PTA President Raises Concerns Over Behavior Management Policies

2012-01-09T19:30:00.015-05:00

The EYE obtained a copy of the following letter from Farm Hill Elementary School PTA President, Apryl Dudley, to Mayor Drew. The letter, dated January 6th, raises serious concerns about student behavior and how it has been addressed. Superintendent Michael Frechette's response, sent this morning to Board of Ed members and the Farm Hill Principal, follows. It does not appear that the

Young Leader Society Event

2012-01-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

Join the Young Leaders Society for our January VOLUNTEER event! Water's Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation111 Church Street, Middletown Saturday, January 21, 201210am – 3pm Volunteers will spend time with residents playing bingo and Wii bowling,and assisting Alzheimer’s patients with activities like arts & crafts or reading. Water’s Edge meets the needs of individuals requiring short-term

January Planning & Zoning Update

2012-01-09T11:42:00.000-05:00

Middletown Planning, Conservation & Development Newsletter- January 9, 20122012 CDBG GRANTS- APPLICATIONS AVAILABLEThe applications for the 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program are available now. The deadline for applications is February 14, 2012. On January 12, 2012 and January 23, 2012, there will be a voluntary informational seminar to explain the application and the process.

Route 17 Bridge Construction, DOT meeting Wednesday

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

From the office of Matt Lesser ------------- Wednesday, January 11th, 7:00 p.m. @ Middletown City Hall State Representative Matt Lesser (D-Durham, Middlefield and Middletown) is inviting residents to attend a public meeting the state Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding to discuss the replacement of the Route 17 bridge in Middletown. "This bridge project on Route 17 and Coleman Road

Record-Journal: Lesser Considering A Challenge To Suzio

2012-01-08T22:20:00.000-05:00

The Meriden Record-Journal is reporting that State Representative Matt Lesser, who represents represents the 100th District in the Legislature, is considering putting his name in for the Democratic nomination for the State Senate, in District 13. District 13 is currently represented by Republican Len Suzio. The Democratic challenger is chosen by a convention of delegates from each of the

From 1911: Middletown To Have Another Hot Meeting

2012-01-08T04:00:00.006-05:00

The following is an extract of an article published 101 years ago tomorrow, it appeared in the Hartford Courant on January 9th, 1911. --------------- Question of school tax to be taken up There are indications of another lively town meeting when the adjourned annual meeting will be held on “Friday, the thirteenth,” in the town hall. At the last meeting several interesting disclosures were made

Xavier Earns Biggest Win of the Season Over Hamden, 69-49

2012-01-07T15:13:00.002-05:00