Drivers should avoid Washington Street between Newfield St. and West St, especially near the intersection of Butternut St.
An accident involving a white truck and a black sedan is currently surrounded by emergency vehicles.
Please see the Patch for further updates.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Common Council Names Michael Timbro Deputy Police Chief
In front of a large contingent from the Middletown Police Department, the common council unanimously approved hiring Michael Timbro as deputy police chief at Monday night’s meeting.
Timbro is a lifelong city resident and has served in the police department for 18 years.
In his question and answer session with council members, Timbro emphasized again and again that the police department will be successful only if there is stability at the top of it.
He gave an eloquent response when Councilman Thomas Serra asked why he wanted to be deputy police chief and about Timbro’s goals for the department. “What you see is what you get with me,” he stated. I am going to tell you the truth, not what you want to hear. I have 18 years of experience and bring a knowledge and understanding of the city to the job. I would like to see the police department have stability at the top and look forward to leading that effort. I love this city and department and want to make a difference for both.”
Timbro has experience as a supervisor in the patrol, detective and street crime divisions, and was a swat team leader. He became a lieutenant in 2006 and was named an acting captain in late 2011. The police department has a permanent chief and deputy chief for the first time since 2009, when former Chef Lynn Baldoni retired. Then-Deputy Chief Patrick McMahon was chosen to replace Baldoni, and served in the role until he was placed on administrative leave in 2011. McMahon was fired in 2012 after an investigation determined that he was drinking alcohol when wearing his gun and badge. The council reacted by hiring Chief William McKenna in May. McKenna made it clear that his first goal was to put a permanent command staff in place, and then promote from within to fill additional supervisory positions.
McKenna and members of the council praised Timbro’s leadership abilities and continually commended his skills in handling financial and budgetary matters. “Michael Timbro will keep the city’s best interests at heart,” said McKenna when endorsing Timbro for the job. “He demonstrated great crisis ability as a captain and showed very creative thinking with our fiscal budget and allowed the department to do more with less. I would have been nowhere near as effective this last 15 months without his daily help.” “I watched you grow in every position you took on,” said Council Republican Minority Leader Phillip Pessina, who is a former deputy chef with the Middletown Police Department. “You were dedicated in every single unit. I see how you and Chief McKenna work effectively as a team, and I know the statements you’ve made tonight come from the heart. Please take care of my family. You have my complete support, and I am very proud of you.” You’re a known quantity for all of this and I am proud to be supporting your appointment,” said Councilman Gerald Daley. “I am impressed by the show of support you have gotten from your fellow officers tonight. I get the sense that there is a team atmosphere in the department that I haven’t seen in a while. The citizens will be the beneficiaries of this.”
Councilwoman Mary Bartolotta asked Timbro what he would do to change the culture of the department. “The culture has to change from the top,” Timbro stated. “We haven’t had direction at the top for a while. We have to update the rules and regulations so that officers are completely aware of them, and establish firm policy and procedures.” Timbro also answered a question about how community policing could be improved within the department. “We need to get line officers more directly involved in the community,” he answered. “Our community has evolved over time, and there needs to be more of a connection at the basic level.”
Timbro was chosen as Mayor Dan Drew’s nominee for the position in January. He will be paid roughly $121,000 a year.
He gave an eloquent response when Councilman Thomas Serra asked why he wanted to be deputy police chief and about Timbro’s goals for the department. “What you see is what you get with me,” he stated. I am going to tell you the truth, not what you want to hear. I have 18 years of experience and bring a knowledge and understanding of the city to the job. I would like to see the police department have stability at the top and look forward to leading that effort. I love this city and department and want to make a difference for both.”
Timbro has experience as a supervisor in the patrol, detective and street crime divisions, and was a swat team leader. He became a lieutenant in 2006 and was named an acting captain in late 2011. The police department has a permanent chief and deputy chief for the first time since 2009, when former Chef Lynn Baldoni retired. Then-Deputy Chief Patrick McMahon was chosen to replace Baldoni, and served in the role until he was placed on administrative leave in 2011. McMahon was fired in 2012 after an investigation determined that he was drinking alcohol when wearing his gun and badge. The council reacted by hiring Chief William McKenna in May. McKenna made it clear that his first goal was to put a permanent command staff in place, and then promote from within to fill additional supervisory positions.
McKenna and members of the council praised Timbro’s leadership abilities and continually commended his skills in handling financial and budgetary matters. “Michael Timbro will keep the city’s best interests at heart,” said McKenna when endorsing Timbro for the job. “He demonstrated great crisis ability as a captain and showed very creative thinking with our fiscal budget and allowed the department to do more with less. I would have been nowhere near as effective this last 15 months without his daily help.” “I watched you grow in every position you took on,” said Council Republican Minority Leader Phillip Pessina, who is a former deputy chef with the Middletown Police Department. “You were dedicated in every single unit. I see how you and Chief McKenna work effectively as a team, and I know the statements you’ve made tonight come from the heart. Please take care of my family. You have my complete support, and I am very proud of you.” You’re a known quantity for all of this and I am proud to be supporting your appointment,” said Councilman Gerald Daley. “I am impressed by the show of support you have gotten from your fellow officers tonight. I get the sense that there is a team atmosphere in the department that I haven’t seen in a while. The citizens will be the beneficiaries of this.”
Councilwoman Mary Bartolotta asked Timbro what he would do to change the culture of the department. “The culture has to change from the top,” Timbro stated. “We haven’t had direction at the top for a while. We have to update the rules and regulations so that officers are completely aware of them, and establish firm policy and procedures.” Timbro also answered a question about how community policing could be improved within the department. “We need to get line officers more directly involved in the community,” he answered. “Our community has evolved over time, and there needs to be more of a connection at the basic level.”
Timbro was chosen as Mayor Dan Drew’s nominee for the position in January. He will be paid roughly $121,000 a year.
Jazz, Bluegrass, & More at the Buttonwood Tree This Weekend
The Buttonwood Tree is proud to host two amazing concerts this weekend. The Alon Nechushtan Jazz Trio will be joining us on Friday, and Grass Routes, a five-piece bluegrass band, is performing on Saturday. Both concerts begin at 8 pm and are $10.
The first Thursday of every month means Open Mic with Bob Gotta! Open Mic will start at 7 pm, and there is a $5 suggested donation.
As always, our Saturdays are jam-packed with classes to strengthen your body and nourish your soul. Qigong starts at 7:30 am, followed by Community Yoga in the Vinyasa style at 8:45 am, both free events. Then, at 10:30 am, Spiritual and Holistic Healer Annaita Gandhy will be hosting the "Aligned with Source" workshop, focusing this week on "Holding Humanity in your Heart." There is a $5 suggested donation, but, as with all Buttonwood Tree events, we will never turn anyone away for lack of funds.
Also on Saturday is the Stop Smoking Through Hypnosis workshop. Give yourself the gift of health! This event will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm, and costs $39. Registration is suggested as space is limited. Reservations can be made online by clicking here or by calling us at 860-347-4957.
The first Thursday of every month means Open Mic with Bob Gotta! Open Mic will start at 7 pm, and there is a $5 suggested donation.
As always, our Saturdays are jam-packed with classes to strengthen your body and nourish your soul. Qigong starts at 7:30 am, followed by Community Yoga in the Vinyasa style at 8:45 am, both free events. Then, at 10:30 am, Spiritual and Holistic Healer Annaita Gandhy will be hosting the "Aligned with Source" workshop, focusing this week on "Holding Humanity in your Heart." There is a $5 suggested donation, but, as with all Buttonwood Tree events, we will never turn anyone away for lack of funds.
Also on Saturday is the Stop Smoking Through Hypnosis workshop. Give yourself the gift of health! This event will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm, and costs $39. Registration is suggested as space is limited. Reservations can be made online by clicking here or by calling us at 860-347-4957.
Middlesex United Way Women’s Initiative to Hold Annual Meeting & Valentine’s Social
MIDDLETOWN – The Middlesex United Way Women’s Initiative is holding its Annual Meeting & Valentine’s Social at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 at The Village at South Farms, 645 Saybrook Road, Middletown. Anyone is welcome to attend this free event where you can connect with other women professionals and volunteers.
Featured speaker Anna Wasescha, president of Middlesex Community College, will speak about “Women in Leadership Roles: The Risks and Rewards.” Women’s Initiative chair Jean D’Aquila of D’Aquila & Vollono Law LLC share highlights of the group’s accomplishments, volunteer activities, and grants that were made in 2012. Representatives from Pretty Wings and Community Music School in Centerbrook, both of which have received grants from the Women’s Initiative, will speak about their work and how the Women’s Initiative has supported their mission.
To RSVP for the event, please call Middlesex United Way at (860) 346-8695 or email georgie.leone@middlesexunitedway.org.
The Middlesex United Way Women’s Initiative celebrates the power of women to bring about positive change in our community through philanthropy and volunteer service. The group provides opportunities for women of all ages and backgrounds to invest their time, talents, and treasures in ways that strengthen the lives of women and children in Middlesex County.
Some of the Women’s Initiative’s ongoing activities include a bi-monthly women’s networking breakfast; an annual free financial literacy workshop, annual drives for books, toiletries, and “gently used” purses for local programs working with women and children; and the distribution of small, one-time grants to programs that meet one or more of the group’s focus areas: early childhood development, empowering young women, and financial stability. For more information about the Middlesex United Way Women’s Initiative, visit www.middlesexunitedway.org/wi.
CCP's "Did You Know?" Fact #1
"Did You Know?" is Wesleyan's Center for Community Partnerships' new campaign to highlight the partnerships between Wesleyan and the greater Middletown community. Every Tuesday and Thursday we will post a fact and send it out to WesLive, Middletown Eye, Facebook, Twitter, and beyond. All facts will also be posted to our website here. Keep an eye out, this is only the beginning.
Westfield Fire District Annual Meeting Tonight
-------------
Call for the Annual Meeting of the Westfield Fire District of the City of Middletown;
The annual meeting of the Westfield Fire District, City of Middletown will be held on February 5, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. at the Westfield Fire Department, 653 East Street, Middletown CT. All inhabitants living within the limits of said Fire District for six months and qualified as electors of the City of Middletown are members of said Fire District and are eligible to vote at said meeting.
The purpose of the meeting is:
1. To elect three (3) Commissioners for a term of three (3) years beginning on February 6, 2013. Candidates applying for the position:
Ross Andrew, Jr.2. Approve bonding or financing to replace the Rescue and an Engine apparatus in the amount of $1.5 million.
George King
Thaddeus Bysiewicz
Daniel Barone
3. To transact any and all business which may properly come before said meeting.
Ross Andrew, Jr.
Chairman
The Westfield Fire District
of the City of Middletown
February Improv Show at Oddfellows
Sunday February 17th at 7:00PM The Oddfellows Playhouse plays host to a night of comedy. Come be a part of an Improv event -Live, unscripted, and unpredictable. Audience participation is welcomed and may even be demanded. The Great Make Believe Society and Members of Sam Shaw’s Improv Boot Camp Workshop will be joining forces for a comedy event of colossal proportions. Bring your friends, bring your family, even bring your boss, but don’t miss out. "An Evening of Improv Comedy" will take place on Sunday February 17th at the Oddfellows Playhouse 128 Washington Street Middletown, CT 06457. Space is Limited for this event. Price $10 To Reserve: Call 860-325-2386.
Check us out on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/128062284032683/
Monday, February 4, 2013
Tonight's Common Council Agenda Highlights
The Common Council will consider a number of important resolutions at its regularly scheduled Common Council meeting tonight. The meeting starts at 7PM in Council Chambers, immediately after a public "Questions to Directors" meeting at 6PM.
The Council will decide whether to confirm Mayor Drew's appointment of Michael Timbro as Deputy Chief of Police. Timbro was nominated after the Council changed the required qualifications necessary for the position, and increased the salary by about 18%. According to Patch, the Mayor asked for these changes, "to encourage current, qualified officers, to apply for the deputy chief of police open position." There will be a public hearing on the appointment, followed by Council questions to Timbro, and a vote on the following resolution:
The Council will vote on a transferring a total of $450,000 from the General Fund to pay for Overtime for the Police Department.
The Council will also vote on a resolution to approve the creation of the Middletown Riverfront Redevelopment Commission. The Commission, if approved, will be chaired by Councilman Gerald Daley (D), vice-chaired by Councilman Joe Bibisi (R), and will also include Larry McHugh (President of Chamber of Commerce), Mike DiPiro, Richard Pelletier (D, Chair of Planning and Zoning Commission), Daniel Russo (D, Planning and Zoning Commission), Joe Carta (D, Chair of Inland Wetlands Agency), Elaine Bank (D), Wendy Sheil (Crew Coach, Middletown High), Jamie Mills (D), and Sheila Stoane (D, Chair of Conservation Commission).
The Council will vote on ordinances that will eliminate the Personnel Department, by consolidating it with Legal Department into an Office of the General Counsel. The text for the merger ordinance is as follows:
The Council will decide whether to confirm Mayor Drew's appointment of Michael Timbro as Deputy Chief of Police. Timbro was nominated after the Council changed the required qualifications necessary for the position, and increased the salary by about 18%. According to Patch, the Mayor asked for these changes, "to encourage current, qualified officers, to apply for the deputy chief of police open position." There will be a public hearing on the appointment, followed by Council questions to Timbro, and a vote on the following resolution:
Approving the appointment of Michael Timbro as Deputy Chief of Police Salary Grade 21, Step 6 ($58.30 per hour) with benefits as defined by the Personnel Rules for exempt, non-bargaining unit Directors effective upon Council approval.After the Deputy Chief vote, there will be a public hearing on all other items on the agenda. These include the following.
The Council will vote on a transferring a total of $450,000 from the General Fund to pay for Overtime for the Police Department.
The Council will also vote on a resolution to approve the creation of the Middletown Riverfront Redevelopment Commission. The Commission, if approved, will be chaired by Councilman Gerald Daley (D), vice-chaired by Councilman Joe Bibisi (R), and will also include Larry McHugh (President of Chamber of Commerce), Mike DiPiro, Richard Pelletier (D, Chair of Planning and Zoning Commission), Daniel Russo (D, Planning and Zoning Commission), Joe Carta (D, Chair of Inland Wetlands Agency), Elaine Bank (D), Wendy Sheil (Crew Coach, Middletown High), Jamie Mills (D), and Sheila Stoane (D, Chair of Conservation Commission).
The Council will vote on ordinances that will eliminate the Personnel Department, by consolidating it with Legal Department into an Office of the General Counsel. The text for the merger ordinance is as follows:
Approving the merger of the Personnel Department into the Legal Department to create a new Department to be known as the Office of the General Counsel; approving amending all references to the Legal Department and City Attorney in the code of ordinances to “Office of the General Counsel”; and approving adding a new Section 31-29. Composition; purpose. to Chapter 31, Article IV to delineate three divisions of the Office of the General Counsel: Legal Division, Risk Management Division, and Human Resources Division.
Eric Kuhn Group at Canoe Club 6pm Feb 10
or
CANCELED due to the snow storm
which spelling do you prefer?
http://grammarist.com/spelling/cancel/
see you March 10 at Cypress, and back
at The Canoe Club soon!
Eric Kuhn Group
at The Mattabesett Canoe Club
80 Harbor Drive, Middletown, CT
Club tel: 860-347-9999
6pm, Sunday February 10
6pm, Sunday February 10
no cover charge
Eric Kuhn: vocals, bass, tunes
Anitra Brooks: vocals, tunes
Bruce Elder - guitar
Lars Selberg - keyboards
Tim Gaylord - drums
Dave Rintoul - trombone
Joseph Getter - tenor sax
Kate Ten Eyck - trumpet
Anitra Brooks: vocals, tunes
Bruce Elder - guitar
Lars Selberg - keyboards
Tim Gaylord - drums
Dave Rintoul - trombone
Joseph Getter - tenor sax
Kate Ten Eyck - trumpet
The Canoe Club is generally closed this month, aside from some special events such as this, when it is open to the public. Hope to see you there!
Eric Kuhn website: http://www.ericwardkuhn.com/fr_aboutus.cfm
Saturday, February 2, 2013
World War II, Music and Poetry, PTSD
Connecticut Community Conversations:
Letter from Italy, 1944 – A Generational Legacy
The Greater Middletown Chorale invites the public to a series of events in February through April that will precede the April 28th premiere of a new musical drama, Letter from Italy, 1944. The series, Connecticut Community Conversations, Letter from Italy, 1944 – A Generational Legacy, will focus on the background of the new work about soldiers and PTSD in preparation for its unveiling by the 80-voice community choral group.
This newly composed music relates the story of a World War II, 10th Mountain Division soldier, Dr. John K. Meneely, Jr., who served as a medic in the Aleutians and Italy. At the end of the war, suffering from PTSD, he returned home to his young family. For the next 18 years he and his family struggled with his internal battles. Now their collective story is being told and their triumphs are being sung.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Contradance Tonight At Wesleyan
Friday, February 1st, 2013
8-11pm
Beckham Hall
(which is on the 2nd floor of Fayerweather Hall, Wyllys Ave., on Wesleyan's campus, next to the Usdan Center)
The event is open to the public and free (although there is a voluntary donations box, if you feel inspired)
Contra
dancing is an easy, fun, family-friendly kind of folk dancing. There
is a beginner's workshop from 7:30-8pm, for those who are interested in a
little pre-dance instruction, but even if you can't make the beginner's
workshop, you can still come join us! You don't need to bring a
partner -- just show up, and people will ask you to join in.
For
this dance, we'll have calling by Luke Donforth, of Burlington VT, and
music by Josh Van Vliet and Rebecca McCallum, from Middletown.
The
second half of the dance is an Open Band led by Josh and Rebecca --
which means if you play a folk music instrument, you can come join the
band!
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