From the Middletown Police Department
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On November 29, 2011 at approximately 1756 hrs. Middletown Police Officers and Detectives responded to Ghezzi’s Package Store at 970 Newfield St. as the store had been robbed at gunpoint.
There was one elderly female clerk present in the store when the robbery took place.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Public & Pols Support Bike Pathway
At back-to-back meetings Tuesday night, both the public and elected officials showed support for a pedestrian and bike pathway through the city.
The Economic Development Committee voted unanimously in favor of a proposed multi-use pathway, or “linear park”, running from the Wesleyan Hills residential community through Wesleyan University and into downtown. The project, estimated at one million dollars, would be financed by $800,000 in Federal Transportation Enhancement funds, with the city providing the remaining $200,000.
The project has high interest among the public. Approximately 35 people attended an informational session prior to the committee meeting, with the vast majority voicing support for the proposal -- and especially for a separate appropriation of $20,000 to develop a bicycling “master plan” to include the rest of the city. The committee also approved that expenditure.
Director of Planning, Conservation and Development Bill Warner sketched out a vision that would use 3-4 different pedestrian and bicycle pathways to connect 80% of housing with downtown. But he focused on the multi-purpose pathway from Wesleyan Hills to downtown. “This is a concept; nothing is written in stone” he said. Specific engineering questions would need to be worked out, with public input. But the application for the federal funding is due December 22nd, so the Common Council will need to vote on the application at its December 5th meeting.
Improving roadways with bike lanes, and utilizing some already existing off-road paths, the route would range 3.6 miles from Wesleyan Hills to a set of bike lockers near the Middle Oak Assurance parking garage, and be open to walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers. (See map.) Warner noted the pathway would connect both upscale housing, such as Wesleyan Hills, and lower income housing on Santangelo Circle. "I'm always talking about the urban/suburban/rural character of Middletown, and this path takes in all three" said Warner.
The Jonah Center for Earth and Art has signed on to the application as an advocate, and will attempt to "create opportunities for public input."
Members of both the public and the committee questioned who would be in charge of maintaining the pathway. Warner replied it would be up to Parks & Recreation. None of the federal money may be used for maintenance.
If the project moves forward, Warner hoped to put "shovel in the ground" by 2014.
At both meetings, Warner used photo slides and a little Google Maps(r) wizardry to take a virtual tour of the proposed route. Many attendees commented on how it allowed them to see the concept more clearly. Committee member Linda Salafia said it helped persuade her. "Last week, I wouldn't have voted for this."
The Economic Development Committee voted unanimously in favor of a proposed multi-use pathway, or “linear park”, running from the Wesleyan Hills residential community through Wesleyan University and into downtown. The project, estimated at one million dollars, would be financed by $800,000 in Federal Transportation Enhancement funds, with the city providing the remaining $200,000.The project has high interest among the public. Approximately 35 people attended an informational session prior to the committee meeting, with the vast majority voicing support for the proposal -- and especially for a separate appropriation of $20,000 to develop a bicycling “master plan” to include the rest of the city. The committee also approved that expenditure.
Director of Planning, Conservation and Development Bill Warner sketched out a vision that would use 3-4 different pedestrian and bicycle pathways to connect 80% of housing with downtown. But he focused on the multi-purpose pathway from Wesleyan Hills to downtown. “This is a concept; nothing is written in stone” he said. Specific engineering questions would need to be worked out, with public input. But the application for the federal funding is due December 22nd, so the Common Council will need to vote on the application at its December 5th meeting.
Improving roadways with bike lanes, and utilizing some already existing off-road paths, the route would range 3.6 miles from Wesleyan Hills to a set of bike lockers near the Middle Oak Assurance parking garage, and be open to walkers, runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers. (See map.) Warner noted the pathway would connect both upscale housing, such as Wesleyan Hills, and lower income housing on Santangelo Circle. "I'm always talking about the urban/suburban/rural character of Middletown, and this path takes in all three" said Warner.
The Jonah Center for Earth and Art has signed on to the application as an advocate, and will attempt to "create opportunities for public input."
Members of both the public and the committee questioned who would be in charge of maintaining the pathway. Warner replied it would be up to Parks & Recreation. None of the federal money may be used for maintenance.
If the project moves forward, Warner hoped to put "shovel in the ground" by 2014.
At both meetings, Warner used photo slides and a little Google Maps(r) wizardry to take a virtual tour of the proposed route. Many attendees commented on how it allowed them to see the concept more clearly. Committee member Linda Salafia said it helped persuade her. "Last week, I wouldn't have voted for this."
Suzio Honors Xavier Engineering Team
Members of the Xavier High School Falcons engineering team were presented with citations by State Sen. Len Suzio during a Nov. 29 ceremony at the State Capitol.
The team won this year’s Real World Design Challenge in April for designing a next-generation airplane wing that maximizes fuel efficiency and enhances performance.
The Real World Design Challenge is a national aviation design competition for high school students run by a public-private partnership with the goal of increasing the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce.
This year’s competition included more than 450 schools from 40 states.
“We want to do all we can to encourage students in greater Middletown and throughout the state to get exposed to engineering design and to show them that it has a major impact on the real world,” Suzio said. “Our goal is to build the next generation of Connecticut highly-skilled Connecticut engineers, and we are so proud of how Xavier performed in the challenge.”
Dante and Shakespeare Reimagined by Incarcerated Men and Women
Seachanges" and "A Night at the Purgatory Pub":
Dante and Shakespeare Reimagined by Incarcerated Men & Women
Thursday, Dec. 1
7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
CFA Hall
Wesleyan University Center for the Arts
Free and open to the public
Students in "Activism and Outreach," taught by Wesleyan professor of
Theater Ron Jenkins, will perform short pieces written by incarcerated men
who collaborated with them in an investigation of Shakespeare’s “Tempest”
and Dante’s “Inferno.” Also performing works inspired by Dante and
Shakespeare will be three women who have recently been released from the
York Correctional Institute where they worked with Jenkins and his
students in past years.
A post-performance panel discussion will feature Erika Tindill, chair of
the State Pardon and Parole Board, as well as the three former residents
of York CI, who now work as teaching assistants in the Wesleyan Theater
department’s prison outreach courses.
Dante and Shakespeare Reimagined by Incarcerated Men & Women
Thursday, Dec. 1
7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
CFA Hall
Wesleyan University Center for the Arts
Free and open to the public
Students in "Activism and Outreach," taught by Wesleyan professor of
Theater Ron Jenkins, will perform short pieces written by incarcerated men
who collaborated with them in an investigation of Shakespeare’s “Tempest”
and Dante’s “Inferno.” Also performing works inspired by Dante and
Shakespeare will be three women who have recently been released from the
York Correctional Institute where they worked with Jenkins and his
students in past years.
A post-performance panel discussion will feature Erika Tindill, chair of
the State Pardon and Parole Board, as well as the three former residents
of York CI, who now work as teaching assistants in the Wesleyan Theater
department’s prison outreach courses.
Parent Leadership Training Institute Alumni Meeting
There will be an alumni meeting to discuss the direction and purpose of the PLTI Alumni Association. The meeting will be held Wednesday, December 7th at 6:30 pm; 18 Farm Hill Rd., First Floor, Middletown CT. For questions please call Christine at 860-840-8190 or Ava at 860-301-1724.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Public Meeting on Proposed Multi-Use Bike Trail for Middletown
The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public – especially those who ride bicycles and are interested in making our city more “bicycle-friendly” – to attend 2 important meetings. The reason: Middletown has an excellent chance to receive $800,000 in U.S. Dep’t of Transportation funds for infrastructure to make urban areas more bicycle-friendly.
On Tuesday, November 29, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 208 of City Hall, Middletown’s Director of Planning, Conservation and Development, Bill Warner, will present a bicycling “master plan” developed by city engineer Tom Nigosanti, followed by a proposal to construct one section of that plan: a bikeway connecting downtown Middletown, Wesleyan University, and the Wesleyan Hills residential community close to the borders of Middlefield and Durham. Documents and maps prepared by Middletown’s Planning Department can be found at http://www.middletownplanning.com/ Look at the 1st three items under Announcements in the middle of the page.
Public input on the details of the plan and support for the project in general is being sought. The Jonah Center for Earth and Art is a “project advocate” on the grant application and wants to engage all interested parties and partners to make the most of this opportunity and contribute to the trail’s design.
To meet the grant application deadline of December 21, this matter needs to come before the Common Council at the Dec. 5, 7 p.m. meeting in the Council Chambers. On the agenda, we anticipate a resolution stating Common Council support and pledging appropriation of matching funds as needed at a later date. A public demonstration of support by large attendance and some spoken testimony at the beginning of this meeting is needed. We hope Middletown will take advantage of this exciting opportunity to join sustainability-minded communities around the nation and become more bicycle-friendly. If you would like to submit an email of support, send it to Bill Warner, Director of Planning, Conservation, and Development or go to the Jonah Center website www.thejonahcenter.org and send us a message. We will tell you Mr. Warner’s email address if you need it.
Bidding for Books at Spencer School
On Friday, December 2nd Spencer School (207 Westfield Street, Middletown) will hold its first ever “Bidding for Books”, a goods and services auction to raise money for new library books. Earlier this year, the library was renamed the Jane Tewksbury Chapdelaine Library, in memory of the beloved teacher who passed away in 2009. Unfortunately, many of the books are in dire shape and without funds in the budget for the library, Spencer is looking at creative ways to purchase new books.
The public is invited to preview the items beginning at 6:00 p.m. with both the silent and live auction running from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Some of the great items available include:
- hand crafted items,
- local restaurant gift certificates,
- WOW gym membership,
- homemade decorated 3-tier cake,
- vocalist for a wedding,
- a cooking class,
- themed baskets,
- a home gym system,
- and much, much more.
There will also be an appearance by Ms. Connecticut, who will be donating a signed book to the auction.
We hope the community will come out and help support this great cause!
Thank you,
Gisela Carlson
PTA Secretary
Thank you,
Gisela Carlson
PTA Secretary
Wesleyan Men's Ice Hockey Expects to Improve on Best Ever NESCAC Playoff Showing in 2011-2012
The 2010-2011 season was a banner year for the Wesleyan men’s hockey team as the squad made its first ever appearance in the NESCAC semi-finals. With nine of the 11 double-digit scorers from that squad returning, Wesleyan has lofty aspirations as the new season gets underway.
Last year, the Cardinals had their best record in four years, going 10-12-3 overall and 8-10-1 in league play. Sneaking into the NESCAC tournament as the #8 seed, no one expected Wesleyan to make a run. The program had only made five playoff appearances and never came close to winning a game. Facing off against #1 Hamilton on the road in the opening round, the Cardinals took down the Continentals with ease, 5-2. Instead of having a letdown versus heated rival Williams in the semi-finals, Wesleyan demonstrated just as much grit and skill. The team carried a 2-1 lead into the third period only to fall 3-1 in overtime. With so much talent returning to this year’s team, Wesleyan is expecting a different result in the 2012 NESCAC tournament.
The offensive depth returning to the Cardinals in 2011-2012 is extremely impressive. Leading the way on offense are 20-point scorers Nik Tasiopoulos, Geoff Mucha and Keith Buehler. Tasiopoulos, a sophomore, and Mucha, a senior, tied for the team lead in goals with 12 while Buehler tied for the team lead in assists with 13. Senior Tom Salah generated 15 points and has 49 career points over three seasons.
“Our offensive depth is very good up front,” Head Coach Chris Potter said. “We have offensive threats on all four lines.”
The Cardinals strength on the defensive end definitely lies in goal. Juniors Matt Hadge and Glenn Stowell return and are again expected to split time almost evenly. The duo, who Potter praises for working great off one another, both recorded strong statistical marks last season. Hadge posted a .926 save and 2.52 GAA with a 6-51 record in the campaign while Stowell produced a .904 save percentage, 3.13 GAA and 4-7-2 mark.
Potter is less confident in his squad’s defense after their first few contests of the season. “We have a lot of young defensemen, and we need to get stronger in team defense overall,” he stated. “We’re improving in that area but we have a long way to go.”
Wesleyan opened the season on November 18th by rolling to a 6-1 victory over Connecticut College. Nik Tasiopoulos led the way by earning his second career hat trick. Matt Hadge controlled the flow of the game in goal, ending the contest with 20 stops. The six goals marked Wesleyan’s largest output against Conn. College since 1986. The Cardinals hit the ice again on November 19 in a face off against Tufts College. After falling behind 3-0 halfway through the second period, Wesleyan forged a spirited comeback effort that was eventually unsuccessful, losing 3-2. Hadge finished with 25 saves. The Cardinals rebounded with an impressive out-of conference victory over UMass-Dartmouth on November 22. The team flashed their depth on offense by having five different players score. For the third straight game Wesleyan received an excellent performance in goal, with Glenn Stowell ending the contest with 32 stops.
Behind 40 saves from Stowell and a pair of goals from Tasiopoulos, Wesleyan continued its hot start by earning a 4-1 home win over the Wentworth Institute of Technology on Saturday, November 26. With the win, Wesleyan improved to 3-1, the first time the program has had that record through four games since the 2003-2004 season. The team’s four-goal outburst in the second period accounted for all of the Cardinal’s scoring. Sophomore Tommy Hartnett and junior John Guay got the offense started with their second and third goals of the year. Tasiopoulos earned his pair of goals on a rebound and the power play, with Geoff Mucha assisting on both. Stowell’s 40-save game was the third of his career.
Wesleyan faced off against Assumption College on Sunday and play Amherst and Hamilton on the road this weekend.
Mayor And Schools Superintendent Praise Resolution Of Labor Dispute
From the Mayor's Office
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Mayor Daniel Drew, Chairman of the Board of Education Gene Nocera, and Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette negotiated the successful conclusion of a labor dispute that began with the winter storm that crippled the delivery of electricity in the city in late October.
In October, the City and BOE had disputed where the pay for the school cafeteria employees who worked in the emergency shelter would come from.
Mayor Drew, Superintendent Frechette, and Board of Education Chairman Dr. Gene Nocera negotiated an agreement that the BOE would pay for the employees’ time and the City will work to acquire Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to reimburse storm-related costs for itself and the BOE.
“I appreciate the cooperation of Dr. Frechette and Dr. Nocera in bringing what could have been another big dispute to a conclusion that satisfied everyone involved,” Drew said. “This is a win for the city, the Board of Education, the employees, and the taxpayers.”
"I definitely support the actions of the Mayor and the cooperation between the City and Board of Education to resolve the matter without obstacles,” said BOE Chairman Gene Nocera. “In the end it was solved quickly and efficiently, saving the City money."
“After discussions between the Mayor’s office and the BOE, I am pleased to report that BOE employees, who worked at the Middletown High School Emergency Shelter during the recent storm, were compensated by the BOE this week,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette. “In the spirit of cooperation, Mayor Drew has agreed to help the BOE recover its costs through federal reimbursements available after a major emergency like this. The open communication with Mayor Drew is refreshing and encouraging.”
“As the union president, I would like to thank the Mayor for helping to resolve the issue so it didn't escalate into a problem,” said Jeff Daniels, president of Local 466. “I am also impressed with the new Board of Education and believe they will be a great asset to the school system and city.”
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Mayor Daniel Drew, Chairman of the Board of Education Gene Nocera, and Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette negotiated the successful conclusion of a labor dispute that began with the winter storm that crippled the delivery of electricity in the city in late October.
In October, the City and BOE had disputed where the pay for the school cafeteria employees who worked in the emergency shelter would come from.
Mayor Drew, Superintendent Frechette, and Board of Education Chairman Dr. Gene Nocera negotiated an agreement that the BOE would pay for the employees’ time and the City will work to acquire Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to reimburse storm-related costs for itself and the BOE.
“I appreciate the cooperation of Dr. Frechette and Dr. Nocera in bringing what could have been another big dispute to a conclusion that satisfied everyone involved,” Drew said. “This is a win for the city, the Board of Education, the employees, and the taxpayers.”
"I definitely support the actions of the Mayor and the cooperation between the City and Board of Education to resolve the matter without obstacles,” said BOE Chairman Gene Nocera. “In the end it was solved quickly and efficiently, saving the City money."
“After discussions between the Mayor’s office and the BOE, I am pleased to report that BOE employees, who worked at the Middletown High School Emergency Shelter during the recent storm, were compensated by the BOE this week,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette. “In the spirit of cooperation, Mayor Drew has agreed to help the BOE recover its costs through federal reimbursements available after a major emergency like this. The open communication with Mayor Drew is refreshing and encouraging.”
“As the union president, I would like to thank the Mayor for helping to resolve the issue so it didn't escalate into a problem,” said Jeff Daniels, president of Local 466. “I am also impressed with the new Board of Education and believe they will be a great asset to the school system and city.”
South Fire Holiday Giving Success
SOUTH DISTRICT FIREFIGHTERS AND MIDDLETOWN RESIDENTS MAKE STUFF-A-TRUCK A HUGE SUCCESS
On November 11, 2011, members of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 3918 (South District firefighters) sponsored their bi-annual Stuff-a-Truck, gathering more than 3900 pounds of food for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Firefighters from South District and their families volunteered their time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Stop & Shop on East Main Street in Middletown, soliciting donations from shoppers for Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Despite the cold wind, people gave cheerfully, stopping to chat with the firefighters. The effort also raised $600 in cash donations. South District Firefighters hold the Stuff-a-Truck event twice a year, once in November, once in April.
A check in the amount of $600 was presented to the food pantry on Monday, November 21, 2011.
Middletown's Health Department Radio Show
Contact: Louis Carta For Immediate Release:
Phone: 860-398-1824 November 23, 2011
GAMBLING ADDICTION RADIO TOPIC
LEED Certified Building News Conference: Centerpoint
Building Connecticut’s Green-Economy for the 21st Century Middlesex County Leading the Way
Middletown, CT (November 22, 2011) – The developers of Centerpoint Connecticut and the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend a news conference on Monday, November 28th at 1:30pm. The leaders of Middletown, along with the region’s legislative delegation, will be joining us to announce the relocation of a leading “clean-tech” firm to Centerpoint Connecticut, the state’s first-ever “green” office complex for small businesses. The clean-tech company will be occupying the entire upper level of 6,200 square feet in the first newly constructed LEED® Silver registered building on the Centerpoint campus (first of seven buildings).
The interior has been built-to-suit with a complete innovative “green” floor plan design and finishes. According to the clean-tech firm’s CEO, “Centerpoint Connecticut’s design and construction matches with our corporate values of environmental and economic sustainability.” Centerpoint Connecticut was founded on environmental stewardship through the use of renewable materials, efficient technologies and sustainable design practices to minimize environmental impacts and provide significant operational cost savings through reduced energy consumption.
Find out who is relocating to Centerpoint Connecticut, how Middlesex County is focused on becoming the home for environmentally-friendly businesses and see firsthand how the emerging green economy is taking shape in central Connecticut.
Where: Centerpoint Connecticut 306 Industrial Park Road, Middletown
When: Monday, November 28th at 1:30pm
Contact: Jon Crane
860-255-7524
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Photo via http://nerej.com/47352 where more information about this unique building can be found.
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