Police identify pedestrian killed in hit-and-run at Washington & High Streets

From the Middletown Police Department:

Press Release: Car vs. Pedestrian
On Wednesday, March 04, 2020, just after 9pm a dark-colored vehicle traveling west bound on Route 66/Washington Street at the intersection of High Street struck a pedestrian crossing the road. The vehicle fled the scene continuing westbound on Route 66 possibly headed down West Street.

The pedestrian succumbed to her injuries.  The victim has been identified as Brooke Rich age 41 from Middletown, CT.  The Middletown Police Department would like to send our condolences to Brooke’s family and friends.

We do have a vehicle of interest that we believe was involved in the hit and run.

Witnesses at the scene say there was a second vehicle that made contact with the victim after the initial impact.  We are looking for that vehicle and operator. The operator may be able to provide more information regarding the accident.

Anyone with any information can call Officer Peter Botsacos, of the Traffic Unit at 860-638-4061

Pedestrian Killed On Washington Street at High Street.

From the Middletown Police.
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On Wednesday, March 04, 2020 just after 9pm a dark colored vehicle traveling west bound on Route 66/Washington Street at the intersection of High Street struck a pedestrian crossing the road. The vehicle fled the scene continuing west bound on Route 66 possibly headed down West Street.

The pedestrian succumbed to their injuries. Notification to next of kin has not been made; as such we will not be releasing the identity of the victim.

The vehicle is believed to be dark color four door sedan with heavy front end damage. The driver is believed to be a white male.

The Middletown Police Department Traffic Unit as well as the Major Investigation Detectives are on scene assisting patrol with the investigation. Anyone with any information can call 860-638-4000 or Sgt. Doug Clark, supervisor of the Traffic Unit at 860-638-4060

Replace Our Trees -- Time For Action

After 237 people signed the petition on the Jonah Center website to replace the 100 trees lost  in Middletown every year  (that’s just the trees on public property), we are asking our readers to email the Common Council.  Please urge them to increase the tree planting budget for Fiscal Year 2021 from $8500 (17 trees) to $58,500 (117 trees). Explain why trees are important to you and ask that they support this increase before we get further behind. Already, approximately 300 dead ash trees from prior years are waiting to be removed.

Here is a sample text that you can insert into your message.

We are reaching out to you now, before the budget hearings begin, to ask if you will support the initiative of the Jonah Center and the Urban Forestry Commission to address the rapid and alarming loss of trees in our community. Trees are essential to our quality of life and provide many documented benefits, including carbon absorption, air cooling, removal of air pollution, improved physical and mental health, enhanced beauty, increased property values, and reduced crime.

Use the email address Council@MiddletownCT.gov  to reach all the members of the Common Council with one message.  The email addresses of individual members of the Common Council may be found here: http://www.cityofmiddletown.com/458/Common-Council

Oddfellows Jr Rep Presents: The Love of Three Oranges

Oddfellows Playhouse Junior Repertory Company stages one of the greatest comedies of all time, The Love of Three Oranges. The commedia will run March 12-14 at the Playhouse, which is located at 128 Washington Street in Middletown.

The play, combines a traditional Italian fairy tale with the zany physicality of Commedia dell’ Arte. The story features a hypochondriac Prince, his jealous cousin who wants to bump him off to get the throne, the Prince's commedia servant sidekick, various commedia standards like the miser Pantalone and pedant Dottore, an evil sorceress named Fata Morgana, a wicked fairy, numerous comic ghouls and monsters, and, of course, some magical oranges. The Love of Three Oranges is brought to rambunctious life by the cast of young actors ages 12-14, who make up the Junior Repertory Company.

Directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Dic Wheeler, the play features set design by Tina Hurlbert, lighting design by Jon-Paul LaRocco, live musical accompaniment by Myke Halpin, costume design by Nicki LaPorte, and properties design by Maria Louise Brower.

Performances will be at 7 pm on March 12 – 14, and there will also be a 2 pm matinee performance on Saturday, March 14. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and kids. Thursday, March 12 is a “Pay-What-You-Can” preview.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.oddfellows.org, email info@oddfellows.org, or call (860) 347-6143. Oddfellows is a non-profit youth theater which has been offering unique, high quality performing arts experiences to Connecticut young people since 1975.

Rockfall Forest Invasive Plants Work Party

Saturday, March 14, 10am-noon

Honoring The Rockfall Foundation’s 85-year tradition of caring for public use lands.

Volunteers are needed to help clear invasive euonymus and multiflora rose from Rockfall Forest, adjacent to Wadsworth Falls State Park. Bring clippers and gloves if you have them. Tick repellant suggested. Meet at 9:45 in the Big Falls parking lot, 25 Cherry Hill Rd. in Rockfall. This will be the first clean-up in a series of work parties at Rockfall Forest throughout 2020. Since 1935, The Rockfall Foundation has been maintaining open space for public enjoyment. In this 85^th year, please join our efforts to clear invasive plants in Rockfall Forest so that native trees, and with them the native fauna, can thrive.

Rockfall Forest contains the yellow Laurel Grove Brook Trail and the terminal portion of the orange Main Trail that leads into Wadsworth Falls State Park. The history of these two properties link Colonel Wadsworth’s Legacy and The Rockfall Foundation. From potato farm to wild forest to outdoor classroom, Rockfall Forest has a story to tell.

The History of Rockfall Forest

Rockfall Forest

Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth founded Rockfall Corporation (now The Rockfall Foundation) in 1935 “to establish, maintain, and care for parks and forest or wild land for the use and enjoyment of the public”. One of the Colonel’s land holdings was a large plot in Middlefield and Rockfall. He entrusted the land to Rockfall Corporation, with a small section known as “The Captain’s Field” retained for use by his son, Seymour Wadsworth. In 1941, after Colonel Wadsworth’s death, the largest portion of the land, 267 acres known as the “Great Falls Region” was donated by Rockfall Corporation to the Connecticut State Park and Forest commission. The State still maintains this land, the present day Wadsworth Falls State Park. Adjacent Captain’s Field, in the meantime, was leased out by Seymour and used for potato farming in the 1940s and 1950s. After Seymour’s passing, Captain’s Field was transferred to Rockfall Corporation for preservation. To this day, The Rockfall Foundation continues to protect these remaining 16 acres of land, which has reverted to forest since farming was abandoned. No longer a field, The Rockfall Foundation adopted the name Rockfall Forest in 2020.

The Future of Rockfall Forest

In its 85^th anniversary year, The Rockfall Foundation continues to support conservation and environmental education. The trails in Rockfall Forest provide an important entry point to Wadsworth Falls State Park, connecting the orange Main Trail from Cherry Hill Road into the Park, and offering the yellow Laurel Grove Brook Trail. Beginning in 2020, Rockfall Forest will also become a place for outdoor education. Everyone Outside, a local non-profit organization that promotes understanding and appreciation of the natural world, will begin holding an after-school program at Rockfall Forest. Their Nature Explorers Program for grades 3 to 5 is set to begin on March 31.

A team of volunteers has committed to restoring the health of the forest by removing invasive plants that are overgrowing. The first in a series of invasive plant removal work parties is scheduled for March 14 at 10 a.m. The second work party will be April 5 at 1pm. More volunteers are needed to clear invasives in Rockfall Forest so that native trees, and with them the native fauna, can thrive.

www.rockfallfoundation.org

Godfrey Memorial Library - Genealogy Club 03/07/2020

Genealogy Club

Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield Street, Middletown

Saturday, March 7, 2020

9:30 - 11:00 am

“How to Research Early American Ancestors (17th and 18th Century)” with Al Fiacre, Chair of the Godfrey Board of Trustees

We all know the story.  You’re researching your family line, proceeding backwards through time.  You’re going along great guns, using the U.S. Census, vital records, maybe Civil War records, wills – but as you approach the early 1800s these resources seem to thin out and become less helpful.  You’re thinking:  “What, no family members listed in the pre-1850 census!?  Now what?”

Don’t despair!  Resources do exist, but you may not be as familiar with them.  Al Fiacre will share some of the most useful 17th and early 18th century resources to help you track your ancestors from that time period.  Brick walls be gone!  We hope you can join us, and we think you’ll be glad you did.

Free to Godfrey Premium Members.  $10 per session for all others.  Open to the general public.  Attendees will have time after the meeting to do research at the library.  Call the library for more information (860) 346-4375.

Auditions for Romeo and Juliet

Young people ages 14 - 20 are invited to audition for Oddfellows Playhouse 's Teen Repertory Company production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. 

Please register for one of the two audition evenings - March 2 and 5, 6:30 - 9 pm. No preparation is required, but we ask auditioners to arrive on time, dress to move,  and plan to stay for the entire 2 1/2 hours. 

The production  will be directed by ARTFARM Artistic Director Marcella Trowbridge. Rehearsals will be Monday and Thursday evenings starting March 23, and performances will be May 14 - 16 and 21 - 23. 

There is a $250 tuition fee for the Teen Rep Company, but financial aid and work-study options are available for all who need it. 

For more info, or to register, email info@oddfellows.org or call (860) 347-6143.

Youth Poetry Tryouts at The Buttonwood Tree

Calling all youth poets interested in joining a National Slam Team - and audience members who wish to judge the poets. The Buttonwood Tree is located at 605 Main St. For more info call (860) 347-4957. Refreshments are available.

New Plays Festival Saturday at 7 pm

The original work of three local young playwrights will be showcased at Oddfellows' New Plays Festival on Saturday, February 22 at 7 pm. The event will be held at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street in Middletown, and is free and open to the public.
The Festival is the culmination of a seven week "Writing Plays" class taught by nationally-produced playwright Kristen Palmer. The festival will feature two new plays by Ash Taber, age 20, of Durham -- Lost, and Just Another Fairy, both directed by Peter Loffredo.  Rebecca Kutcher, 17, of Middletown, has written Cut the Headlights, which will be directed by Jeanie Kanaley. The final play of the evening is Romeo and Juliet, written by Zoe Geyser, 14, of Durham, and directed by Marcella Trowbridge.
The 13 actors performing in the plays represent a mix of adults, college students and teenagers from around central Connecticut.
All are invited to share this evening of exciting new work by local young writers.
For more information, email info@oddfellows.org or call (860) 347-6143,

Oddfellows Playhouse 2019 production of

"The Seagull". Photo: Bill De Kine.

Why Compost? And How To Do It

The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center is proud and honored to host two fabulous concerts this weekend, both at 8 pm and a diverse array of other programs.

Centennial Cole - The Music of Nat "King" Cole 

 Orice Jenkins latest project along with the Cuatros Puntas String Quartet. 

On Friday, Feb 21 from 8-10pm

This will be a night to remember, not to miss! Reservations are suggested and can be purchased here, $20 per person.

Cuatro Puntos String Quartet
Aaron Packard – violin
Annie Trepanier – violin
Kevin Bishop – viola
Allan Ballinger – cello

Orice Jenkins is a vocalist, arranger, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist signed to independent imprint Truth Revolution Recording Collective. After three remarkably diverse projects, his newest album, ‘Centennial Cole’, is a celebration of a great voice from the past: Nat ‘King’ Cole. The legendary singer was most famous for songs like Unforgettable and The Christmas Song, but Jenkins performs his own soulful arrangements of less popular and nevertheless timeless tunes, similar to his work on his 2016 release, ‘Soar’, which reached #11 on the iTunes jazz chart. Jenkins became notorious for his hip-hop laden covers of jazz standards like Bye Bye Blackbird and Body & Soul, as well as his swinging treatments to songs by Drake and Rihanna. Centennial Cole offers much tamer sounds, accented by the presence of a string quartet.

Around The Piano, his 2014 debut, featured original orchestral soul songs written during Jenkins’ teenage years. More of his early songs were released on Tertiary, a 2017 mixtape that featured entirely self-produced music. Both projects were released several years after their inception, partially because of Jenkins pursuing higher education at prestigious arts conservatory, The Hartt School, as well as his work as a music educator in his hometown of Hartford, Connecticut. He also tours nationally with The Afro-Semitic Experience, and has served as musical director and arranger for legendary soul singers Betty Harris and Kenny Hamber, as well as Grammy-award winning artist Charmagne Tripp. He has collaborated with rapper Klokwize, Grammy-nominated producer Chris Davis, and shared the stage with jazz legends such as Dr. Eddie Henderson and Stanley Jordan.

For more about Orice visit his website 

HOUSE OF MOSES LIVE!! 

Saturday night, February 22, 2020 

This beloved Middletown group has been awarded the Middletown Commission on the Arts' award of the Middletown Music Ambassador 2020. Mayor Ben Florsheim will present them with this award and a Proclamation at this event. Reservations are highly suggested and may be purchased here. Seats are only $10 and this event is expected to sell out.




House Of Moses is:
Randy Moses, vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboard Freddie Moses, vocals, percussion
Scott Kessel, vocals, drums
Eben Ross, harmonica
Tim Rankin, bass guitar
Matt Solak, electric guitar
Michael Arafeh, electric guitar

“Randy Moses & House Of Moses 2020”
Randy Moses is the founder, singer and songwriter for his band House Of Moses. Randy is the composer of dozens of original songs dating from the 1970s to today. Established in Middletown, CT in the 1970s with his brothers Freddie Moses and Thomas “Jakula” Moses, House Of Moses has been a Middletown mainstay, performing dozens of times and employing generations of local musicians from around the Middletown music scene.

Randy Moses is a Veteran of Foreign Wars, a cancer survivor and a public figure. Following the Moses family’s long tradition of civic engagement setforth by his parents James A. and Lillian Reba Moses, House Of Moses music appeals to the mind, body and soul of audiences. Buoyant rhythms and love lorn ballads share the message that Love is the answer to whatever vexes us—and you can dance to it.
House Of Moses music reflects a life of emerging social consciousness, but also a life of light, hope and joy amidst the struggle.
House Of Moses music captures the characters and moments in life that are both familiar and unfamiliar to audiences, setting these stories into a relaxed and deeply funky soundtrack.
House Of Moses music expresses the soulful ease of a summer vacation and the emerging social consciousness of youth.
House Of Moses is currently working on its third album and will be returning to the Middletown Music Festival in 2020.

 Also on Saturday:

Aligned With Source: Empowering Workshop for Self Awareness

February 22 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm  $10.

Explore simple concepts of living in awareness that: open you up to the wonders of life; discover who you are; let go of fear and all that keeps you stuck. You create your reality and as co-creator of this world, find out how you can bring to it and you, peace, harmony, health and abundance. Each session ends in a powerful guided meditation.

For more info see 

All The Write Ways: A Workshop for Self-Expression

February 22 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm $10/session

Join published writer and instructor Briana Una McGuckin for this eight-week workshop. Each week, you’ll explore a fresh form of writing (from found poetry and lyric essays to memoir and genre fiction). After reading an example piece of a type of writing, you’ll participate in a group discussion about the defining features and strengths of the work before writing something of your own.
This workshop is meant to expose you to many different types of writing, to give you new tools for self-expression. Writers aiming to publish are welcome, but the primary goal of this workshop is for participants to know themselves better, as writers and as human beings, through the art of the written word.  For more info / reserve your space, click here.

REIKI SHARE

February 23 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

$20

Join us for a Buttonwood  Reiki Share – For those who are at Reiki 1 level or above.
Cost $20.   /    TBT Members $15. (Members please call or email to sign up)
Reiki share. Reiki share, also known as Reiki circle or exchange, is a gathering of Reiki believers who participate in group Reiki treatments on each other. The main purpose for the Reiki share is to give and receive Reiki in a casual atmosphere of friendship, honor, positive energy and devotion.
To reserve your space and see more click here.

TBT is located at 605 Main Street with free, ample parking next door behind It's Only Natural market on weekends and after 6 pm during the week. Refreshments, free wifi and local artwork are available.
Currently, the bookstore and art gallery are open M-T-R-F from 10-2 and during events, subject to change. See more at Buttonwood.org, on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Put On Your Tap Shoes - Feb 13th

Free Community Tap Jam tonight, Thursday, February 13th, from 7 to 8:30 pm, with Boston-based tap company Subject: Matter.  

At Vinnie's Jump & Jive, 424 Main Street, Middletown, and sponsored by Wesleyan's Center for the Arts!