Mid-afternoon on the old Indian Trail, Long Hill Estate. To my right was a deer I hadn't yet seen.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Saturday snapshot
Mid-afternoon on the old Indian Trail, Long Hill Estate. To my right was a deer I hadn't yet seen.
Meet Your Middletown Neighbor: Brian Schroth
Introducing a new feature to the Eye: “Meet Your Middletown Neighbor.” This column aims to highlight regular people living, working, or otherwise being in Middletown who spend time on creative, interesting, or noteworthy pursuits. If you'd like to see this continue as a regular feature, we need to hear from you. Tell us about someone you know who is doing interesting things and who you'd like to see featured in “Meet Your Middletown Neighbor.” We can be reached at middletowneye@gmail.com
Brian Schroth is a soft-spoken, intelligent, and modest guy. A few years ago, in his early twenties, he decided to learn how to play piano. He started lessons at Joe Riff's on Main Street, where he met his teacher of the past three years, Brian Avery of East Hampton. Schroth says he was never very musically inclined, although his two siblings play instruments. In his late teens, he tried to learn to play the harmonica, but didn't get engrossed with it and gave it up quickly. He blames his failure at harmonica on a lack of patience, but he has certainly found some patience within himself when it comes to piano. He plays a range of styles, from rag to classical to modern rock songs. In contrast to his mild mannered demeanor, he has a powerful singing voice, although he uses it somewhat timidly, or maybe in an intentionally controlled way. Some of Brian's music is available on his YouTube channel, as are several piano playing video tutorials that he has uploaded in order to share knowledge freely with other musicians, potentially budding or otherwise. He is a strong believer in free and open sharing of music and information. He explains, “If I've gone to the trouble, or more accurately, if my piano teacher has gone to the trouble to help me learn how to play a song, then I'll take the time and try and share that.“ His dream job is working at a piano bar similar to Keys to the City at Terminal 110 in New Haven, though he recognizes that it would take a lot more work and a decade or two before he may be at the point where he would want to attempt to pursue a career in music. For now, he is exploring the possibility of becoming a high school math teacher, true to his philosophy of transparency and knowledge sharing.
Before living in Middletown, Brian lived in New Britain to be close to his job, but he didn't much like it there. He found himself in Middletown by accident and circumstances more than by conscious decision, though Middletown was an appealing choice. It made sense for him at the time, and he says he likes it here and it has worked out well, in that he is happy to be closer to his family. He's also happy to have found the open mic night at The Buttonwood Tree, where there is a piano available to play, which is likely out of the ordinary for a typical open mic setting. He enjoys the wide range of styles exhibited at The Buttonwood's open mic, and he likes to see people practicing and working on their talents and passions. He says that the Buttonwood is a very supportive atmosphere. “I like to see the different things people are working on there, and it's good to just experience that and hear other people's perspectives and get encouragement from other people.”
In addition to learning and practicing piano, Brian plays three days a week in an ultimate frisbee league, and he volunteers at Epoch Arts in East Hampton. The mission of Epoch Arts is to enrich lives with experiences in the arts, and it is an "arts for youth organization dedicated to helping young people learn to communicate, collaborate, create and celebrate by experiencing, hands-on, the arts.” Epoch has strong ties with the home schooling community, of which Brian Schroth was a part. At Epoch, Brian now teaches an improvisational acting class to kids. He revealed that the main criteria for being able to get involved with improv is a willingness to do so, and says that playing music in front of an audience is a lot more nerve wracking than doing improv, because with improv you can't really make a mistake.
Brian says that a big goal of his is to write his own music. For now, he'll continue to work on becoming proficient at piano playing until he feels ready to start writing his own pieces.
In terms of music happenings and an arts-friendly atmosphere, he says that Middletown is “a good place to be.”
Brian Schroth playing a song by favorite band of his Hey Rosetta! on July 18th at the Monday night Buttonwood Tree open microphone.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Four Walks Tomorrow
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Consolidation of City Departments Planned
The City announced that Mayor Giuliano plans to eliminate the Department of Consumer Protection and to consolidate its functions into other existing departments in order to save money. The plan must be voted on twice, and the Government Operations and Finance Commission voted last night to move this forward and the first vote on the Department elimination is scheduled to occur in a September Common Council meeting.
More information and contact information is available in the document below. Clicking on the image should enlarge it and make it readable.
More information and contact information is available in the document below. Clicking on the image should enlarge it and make it readable.
ELI CANNON’S SERVES UP A BENEFIT FOR ODDFELLOWS PLAYHOUSE MONDAY, AUGUST 1st, 5-9 pm
Eli Cannon’s spotlights its community spirit with a benefit for Oddfellows Playhouse on Monday evening, August 1st. Eli’s will have breweries offering samples of their famed craft beers, with a full BBQ buffet, with part of the proceeds going to Oddfellows.
“We know the Children's Circus took a big hit when 505 Main St collapsed, destroying costumes and props,” said Carrie Carella, Eli’s general manager. “We can't sew or act, but we can do an event to help Oddfellows out in a financial way. We thought an event the week of the Circus made a lot of sense."
The fest includes unlimited samples from more than 23 craft breweries, as well as a food buffet on its outdoor patio. Eli's will also be open that day with full bar and limited food menu, but the patio will be restricted to benefit patrons only. Doors open at 5 pm.
Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 at the door, at Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, 695 Main Street.
Middletown Senior Citizens Swim Event!
Removed by author. Awaiting official press release with corrected information and event title from official Event Committee.
Working Families Party Endorses Dan Drew
From the campaign of Dan Drew
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The Working Families Party announced today they will be enthusiastically endorsing Democrat Dan Drew to be the next Mayor of Middletown.
“Dan Drew has a strong record of standing up for ordinary people and promoting the kinds of policies that can provide economic security and opportunity to working class and middle class families. We’re proud to endorse his candidacy.” Said Jon Green, Director of the Connecticut Working Families Party.
“The Working Families Party stands for the middle class and so do I.” Drew said. “I am excited to work with them toward creating good jobs for Middletown’s families, improving public education, increasing transparency in City Hall, and stopping the endless stream of lawsuits that are draining us of hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
The Working Families Party endorsement has become one of the most highly sought and influential endorsements for candidates for public office in Connecticut. Their endorsement of Dan Malloy helped propel him to the Governorship in 2010 and their endorsements come with a major boost to a candidate’s grassroots campaign operation.
“This is a major endorsement for Dan Drew. In 2009, Working Families Party stayed out of the Middletown mayoral race, but this time they chose to support Dan Drew. It’s a sign of a major shift in momentum. The middle-class is mobilizing behind Dan Drew because he has a record of standing up and fighting for them,” said Middletown Democratic Party Chair Lisa Santangelo.
The endorsement means Dan Drew’s name will appear on the ballot twice, on the Democratic line and on the Working Families Party line.
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The Working Families Party announced today they will be enthusiastically endorsing Democrat Dan Drew to be the next Mayor of Middletown.
“Dan Drew has a strong record of standing up for ordinary people and promoting the kinds of policies that can provide economic security and opportunity to working class and middle class families. We’re proud to endorse his candidacy.” Said Jon Green, Director of the Connecticut Working Families Party.
“The Working Families Party stands for the middle class and so do I.” Drew said. “I am excited to work with them toward creating good jobs for Middletown’s families, improving public education, increasing transparency in City Hall, and stopping the endless stream of lawsuits that are draining us of hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
The Working Families Party endorsement has become one of the most highly sought and influential endorsements for candidates for public office in Connecticut. Their endorsement of Dan Malloy helped propel him to the Governorship in 2010 and their endorsements come with a major boost to a candidate’s grassroots campaign operation.
“This is a major endorsement for Dan Drew. In 2009, Working Families Party stayed out of the Middletown mayoral race, but this time they chose to support Dan Drew. It’s a sign of a major shift in momentum. The middle-class is mobilizing behind Dan Drew because he has a record of standing up and fighting for them,” said Middletown Democratic Party Chair Lisa Santangelo.
The endorsement means Dan Drew’s name will appear on the ballot twice, on the Democratic line and on the Working Families Party line.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Middletown Youth Theater Performs Annie Jr!
Middletown Children’s Theater is a new community theater for kids in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade! Based in Middletown, CT, MCT is the “little sister” to Middletown Teen Theater and draws its students from the greater Middletown area. The teens recently performed "Chicago" to sold out crowds, and "Annie Jr." will surely also be a stellar event!
If you missed "Chicago" check out a number from the performance on youtube posted here
The show is being directed by Middletown School district Music director Marco Gaylord
Performances are today July 28, 29, and 30th all at 7 pm at Middletown High School auditorium- advanced tickets can be purchased here
Friends of Cody
Submitted by Jane Majewski to be posted:
Cody was a beautiful active little three year old who left us for heaven this past Saturday. Cody belonged to a much loved family in the Bielefield and south end community of town. Many have asked, how can we help them? Friends have set up an account at Liberty Bank, Main st. Middletown to help the family with the unexpected funeral costs. If you are someone who knows this family, or simply just want to reach out, please consider a donation. No donation is too small. It is our heartfelt wishes as their friends to help lessen the pain of their experience in any practical ways that we can. Thank you. ~ Jane Majewski
Local Literary Happenings
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FINAL Free concert tonight!
The Summer Concert Series presented by the Community Health Center comes to a conclusion this evening with a great concert by Nelson Bello and the Latin Jazz Project.
Bring dancing shoes and picnic - and be ready for big fun!
Please call Emily at 860 347 6971 ex. 3653 with any questions.
Nelson Bello and the Latin Jazz Project
Thursday, July 28th 6-8pm
Luis Lopez Herb Garden
(corner of Main and Green Street)
*Free! Family friendly! Open to all!
Those Crazy Teenagers!
I headed over to Oddfellows last night to watch those crazy teenagers - Romeo and Juliet - fall in love and then, after being together only a few hours...well, I don't want to spoil it for you.
Producing a Shakespeare play with teenagers can't be easy, but this production of Romeo and Juliet was a credit to both the performers and their directors, Maryna Harrison and Daniel Nischan.
The students in Oddfellows' Summer Shakespeare Academy have been meeting 7 hours a day all month, and their hard work shows. The Bard's words were clear and comprehensible - not always the case in amateur productions. There were many enjoyable performances, but I especially liked Zack Signore as Romeo, whose brow and carriage reflected every wrenching shift from woe to radiance and back again. Olive Kuhn gave us a Juliet who began as a bland and unformed young girl, and then developed a fire in her belly while commanding the stage. Particularly fluent with Shakespeare's phrases, Jacques Phelps as Mercutio was an audience favorite (before he departed the scene) and I would praise the girl who donned a button-down to swagger as Benvolio, but then you'd be able to accuse me of motherly pride.
On Thursday evening at 7:30 pm, they debut their production of Comedy of Errors, directed by Robert Resnikoff, with Susannah Resnikoff assisting. R&J repeats on Friday night (7:30) and Comedy of Errors again on Saturday (7:30). Wednesday's house was packed, so I'd advise calling the playhouse at (860) 347-6143 to reserve a seat.
Chatting with the Mayor during intermission, we wondered: how many towns can brag the number of cultural opportunities Middletown has enjoyed this month?
Did you go to the Bogie and Bacall film festival at Wesleyan? Perhaps the summer concerts at the South Green, or Wadsworth, or the Green Street Herb Garden? The teen theater production of Chicago? Or the ballet at Wesleyan? How about Shakespeare's Argument in the Grove? Jazz at the Canoe Club? Something at the Buttonwood?
No? You might want to check your pulse!
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