An Afternoon of Blues with Morgan Giosa - Livestream from The Buttonwood Tree

 Feb. 28th, 4:00 - 5:30 PM | Free - Donations Appreciated | Livestream on TBT's Facebook

Please join up-and-coming guitarist Morgan Giosa and his band of musical phenoms on Sunday, February 28th via a livestream on TBT's Facebook. The band will be performing traditional blues in the style of B.B. King, as well as some jazz favorites as a fundraiser for The Buttonwood Tree.

 

About Morgan:

Morgan Giosa is a web developer, blues guitarist, photographer, and visual artist from Windsor, Connecticut. A self-described “old soul”, Morgan feels his music is most rooted in inspiration from the electric psychedelic blues of the 1960s (artists such as Michael Bloomfield and Jimi Hendrix are among his favorites), as well as influenced by the greatest electric bluesmen of all time (particularly B.B. King and Albert King, two of his favorite musicians). Morgan has been composing original music with the guidance and collaborative input of his mentor and friend and guitar teacher, Frank Varela. The two, alongside drummer Alex Giosa and bassist Bob Laramie and some special guests, recorded an album under the band name Fake News Blues Band in late 2017. Their debut self-titled album was released on June 6th, 2019 and is available on all major streaming platforms. 

 

Rudi Weeks has been a professional musician and music teacher for over forty-five years. He has performed with such 60s greats as The Contours, The Crests, and Ronnie Spector, and Folk and Bluegrass legends Tom Paxton and Tony Trischka. His extensive freelance performance and recording experience includes projects with over thirty ensembles, performing styles that range from classical, big band swing, jazz, Latin jazz, to world beat, R&B, funk, and rock.

 

He currently teaches at Holyoke Community College Music Department, Downtown Sounds in Northampton MA, Guitar Center in West Springfield and at his home. He is a 20-year veteran of the popular Motown group Souled Out (currently called Center Stage)/ Magic of Motown/ Motor City Magic, and a 26-year veteran of the highly acclaimed Andean influenced world music group, Viva Quetzal.

                                                         

                                                                  

   Dan Hartington is a guitarist with a diverse performing and teaching career and regularly collaborates on music of all styles with other musicians, actors, dancers, and writers. As a classical guitarist he was a founding member of the New England Guitar Quartet, has performed on numerous concert series including the Hillstead Museum Sunken Garden Poetry and Musical Festival, the Connecticut Guitar Society, and he was the founding Director of the Hartford Classical Guitar Ensemble.  As an electric and commercial guitarist, he is very active as a pit musician in regional and off-Broadway productions and has worked at the Ogunquit Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, Norma Terris Theater, Ivoryton Playhouse, and Connecticut Repertory Theater. He is faculty member in the Performing Arts Department at Eastern Connecticut State University and at The Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford. 

 

  Alex Giosa is a drummer/percussionist from Windsor, Connecticut. He is currently a substitute drummer for the Broadway show, Hamilton: An American Musical, and has played drum set on several regional theater productions, including In the Heights at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Alex is also employed by Andrés Forero, the drum captain for Hamilton, as a drum tech and audio engineer, where he has worked on tracks for Bob Ezrin and Raul Midon. To this day, Alex has performed in over 40 local and regional musical theater works, including at the Westport Country Playhouse, Ivoryton Playhouse and the Goodspeed Opera House.

 

To Contact The Buttonwood Tree:

www.buttonwood.org / 860.347.4957  / TheButtonwoodTree@gmail.com

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Hiking Through the Pandemic

Hiking has been a saving grace for my family of five (six if you count the dog, which we do) during the pandemic. We have always enjoyed getting out in the fresh air, and all of our children were on the trails even as babies, nestled in baby backpacks or front-carrying contraptions. Admittedly, as our kids have gotten a little older, we have become increasingly distracted. Weekly ballet lessons, seasonal basketball, and annual summer camp displaced some of our hiking time together. Enter COVID-19, when time together as a family has been, let’s face it… relentless. We’ve been on more hikes in the last twelve months than perhaps our entire time together as a family. On occasion we ventured farther from home, for example meeting friends on the Appalachian Trail by the Dover Oak last October or to a shockingly busy Hammonasset walk last spring. Overwhelmingly, our time outside has been enjoyed in our own backyard—the ample sites in and around Middletown.  (Top right, the author and her family pose for a ‘selfie’ at the Jablonski property in Middletown).

Why take a hike?

Hiking helps us cope with the normal stressors encountered in modern life, all of which are compounded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health, physical health, and social interaction can all be safely accomplished when hiking.

Forest bathing

The Japanese word shinrin-yoku means “forest bathing”—the concept of immersing ourselves in natural habitats. Forest bathing allows you to unplug and quiet your mind. Studies of forest bathing have shown it decreases cortisol (our built-in alarm system), pulse rates, and blood pressure. Researchers have found that spending time in forests leads to an increase in positive feelings and a decrease in negative feelings—who can’t use a bit of that these days?  

Exercise

When we are home bound, working and schooling remotely, exercise can be harder to come by. Some of us are using the time spent not commuting to get fit, while the rest of us are putting on our own “Quarantine 19”—the colloquial term for the weight gain many have experienced during COVID. Hiking can get your body moving and help you remain active throughout the pandemic. 

Safe Socializing

Hiking offers a chance to be social and safe. As a parent, finding ways to allow my kids to interact safely with other kids has been one of the most difficult COVID challenges. Kids need time together, and while we are lucky that technology can allow kids to stay close through video calls, chats, and text messages—connecting with a friend in person cannot be replaced. In honesty, the adults in our family need this just as badly. In addition to family hikes, the adults in our crew have been carving out time for masked-up walk and talks with friends. A walk or hike allows for the conversation and commiseration needed during difficult times.

When to go?

Hiking is an all-season activity. It is essential to check the local weather report and prepare accordingly, but hiking can be fun at any time. We typically aim for midday when the temperatures are cold, morning or late afternoon when it is hot. The most important things to remember are to dress according to conditions, bring water, stay on posted trails, and in tick season to use preventative measures to avoid exposure to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Carry out what you carry in-- and don’t forget the snacks! Promising snacks at the midway point to our complaining children helps our family make it through most hikes.

Where to go?

We are so fortunate as a community to have dozens of options right in Middletown. The best way to learn about hiking in Middletown is via the Middletown Trail Guide, the brainchild of the city’s Commission on Conservation and Agriculture. The guide can be found on the city of Middletown’s home page or by clicking this link.

The trail guide has something for everyone, including meanders that can be accessed from downtown (The Downtown Walking Loop and River Walking Loop), sites accessible for those with limited mobility (McCutcheon Park, Middletown Nature Gardens), classics (Long Hill Estate and Wadsworth Falls State Park), and sites for intrepid explorers (Spiderweed Preserve, Guida Farm Conservation Area, Tynan Memorial Park, and the Wilcox Conservation Area, to name a few). The Strolls and Vistas section of the guide includes spots that don’t require a trek but allow for enjoying beautiful scenery. 

As the weather warms up, grab the guide and enjoy more of Middletown. Quiet your mind, move your body, and spend time with a friend in a safe way.

By Katharine Owens, Member of Middletown's Commission on Conservation and Agriculture, and Professor, Department of Politics, Economics, and International Studies at the University of Hartford

Photos by Katherine Owens. From the top, Walking along the railroad tracks off the Scoville Loop trail; A tree from the Hubbard Conservation Area; Large boulders for climbing at Spiderweed Preserve; Getting outside can help siblings cope with all that pandemic together time. 

 

 

 

   

 

 

"Finding the Light" Photo Contest - Entries due APRIL 1ST

 

Photo contest DEADLINE has been EXTENDED: Entries now due April 1st!

These are difficult times, but there is goodness, Light and joy still. We must create it, we must seek it and nurture it to grow! Where do you see the Light? Enter your photos to help raise funds for The Buttonwood Tree's Youth Art Programming, and win prizes! 

Winning works will be featured in an exhibition in Spring 2021!

This judged contest will have awards (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) for adult and child age groups in each of the following categories: 

a. People 

b. Places (landscapes, buildings …) 

c. Things (living or not, includes animals). 

d. MIDDLETOWN (photos taken in Middletown)

See rules, registration and further information at https://www.buttonwood.org. Submissions are due by April 1st.

Ed Friedman was a kind man with a huge heart and a love for the saxophone. He played his music at The Buttonwood Tree years ago and found it a natural fit for him to display his photographs there when the time was right. He was an active musician and taught in the public schools in East Hampton for 24 years and Bridgeport for 11. Edward passed peacefully in 2019. It was a great loss for our community, and we are honoring him and his love for Middletown’s North End Community with this photo contest and exhibition.

TBT is honored to have an outstanding group of photographers who have so kindly offered to be our judges. Chief Judge: Matthew Kabel (Superintendent of Photography for the Durham Fair)

Funding provided in part by the City of Middletown's Commission on the Arts (MCA), and the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC). Our gratitude to them!!

Please see buttonwood.org for more details and to submit your photos. Email us with any questions at TheButtonwoodTree@gmail.com. ENJOY!

To Contact The Buttonwood Tree:

www.buttonwood.org / 860.347.4957  / TheButtonwoodTree@gmail.com

Follow us on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram and Twitter!

For Your Enjoyment: Great Music, Great Fun!

Chuck Berry, 1957.

 Take Time Out for
American Hot Wax, Full Movie, no breaks!

A great, authentic
vintage film.
(Bonus: See young
 Fran Drescher & Jay Leno)

 

Alan Freed, 1950s DJ & Rock & Roll
enthusiast and promoter, par excellence.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_viO-iTa2v4

   I don't know how I missed this one, but I really enjoyed its insight into the 1950s music scene in the NYC & the USA. Those years were compelling times, and the film provides insight into other aspects of Black Lives Matter, demonstrating & presaging times when people everywhere,
of every color & heritage, find ways to enjoy life together. (With a few exceptions, trying again to reshape their ways.)

 

Q:  Who Wrote the Book of Love?
A:
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=%22who+wrote+the+book+of+love%22

Buddy Holly. American Icon- American Idol of 1950s.

 

 

February 17, 2021-Happy Random Acts Of Kindness Day! Pass It On!

February 17, 2021-Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day!  Pass It On!

 

Wednesday, February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. It is easy to do and celebrate. All you have to do is to be extra kind and extra nice to someone that you know and don't know. 

 

Here are some ways to practice this random act of kindness on February 17^th & every day such as compliment a stranger, treat a homeless person to lunch according to "Random Act of Kindness Day-February 17,2021" article from NationalToday.com. Also, say hello to people you don't know and people you do, write a positive handwritten note to your teacher, friend, coworker or supervisor, pick up litter at a public park or school, place positive notes at work and home, pay for someone’s coffee or snack, shovel someone’s driveway, check on a neighbor, spread cheer wherever you go and on social media. Most importantly, Smile. Once you do this today don't stop on February 17^th.  Make it a habit and do it every day.

 

For more information about Random Act of Kindness Day please see the following websites:

 

https://nationaltoday.com/random-act-kindness-day/

https://www.randomactsofkindness.org

 

Enjoy the videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNerk3_hdlE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_CE7GqqrvY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eH28oAP4bM

 

 

 

February 17, 2021 Ash Wednesday Services Are Modified Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic.

FEBRUARY 17, 2021 ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES ARE MODIFIED DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Happy Ash Wednesday-February 17, 2021!

 

What is Ash Wednesday and what is the symbolic history behind it?  

Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season for Roman Catholics and Christians around the world. It lasts for forty-six days before Easter. According to Bibleinfo.com the Roman Catholic church uses Ash Wednesday to teach parishioners "to better appreciate the death and resurrection of Christ through self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, and self-denial." The palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned for ashes and are blessed afterwards. It is these ashes that the Parish Priest will mark a cross on the person's forehead on Ash Wednesday. He will say this blessing to the parishioner while administering the ashes "Remember, man, that dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return" (Genesis 3:19 KJV). Catholics do this to show forgiveness for their sins and "the need to prepare for a holy death," from Bibleinfo.com

 

In 325 AD the Council of Nicaea agreed to the 40-day time period to fast and celebrate Lent according to Bibleinfo.com. The Roman Emperor Constantine goal for these 40 days was "to combine pagans and Christians into a peaceable unit within the Roman kingdom," from Bibleinfo.com. In 601 AD, Pope Gregory instituted a couple more changes such as moving the start of Lent from the "fourth Sunday of the year to Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter. This changed allowed for 40 days of fasting with six Sundays counted as feast days, for a total of 46 days for Lent, also from the same article. Pope Gregory also began the custom of marking the faithful's foreheads in the shape of a cross as reported in Bibleinfo.com

 

Due to COVID-19 Pandemic the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship issued a directive on January 12, 2021 for all parish priests around the world to follow regarding the distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday. "After blessing the ashes and sprinkling them with holy water in silence, the priest addresses those present, reciting once the formula found in the Roman Missal: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” At that point, the note continues, the priest “cleanses his hands, puts on a face mask, and distributes ashes to those who come to him or, if appropriate, he goes to those who are standing in their places. He then sprinkles the ashes on each person’s head “without saying anything” according to the Vatican News website.  

 

According to the Reverend Matthew Gworek, the Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Hartford said that Archbishop Leonard Blair “shared it with all the priests of the Archdiocese in order to provide them with this recommended method and procedure for Ash Wednesday.”  He further stated that after this note became public by the Congregation for Divine Worship on January 12, 2021 “As such, the Bishops of the United States were directed to use this information in their individual dioceses to make decisions about how Ash Wednesday liturgies would be held in their parishes.”  Ms. Mary-Jo McLaughlin from Catholic Family Services of the Diocese of Norwich in Norwich stated the above instructions “regarding the distribution of ashes that the Diocese sent out to all pastors, priests and deacons.”  The information that was sent out to the parishes further states “While this is a common practice in some countries, this form of distribution is not as well known in the US. The USCCB Committee on Divine Worship therefore encourages the clergy to provide some explanation to the faithful to avoid unnecessary confusion.”  The USCCB stands for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

 

For more information about Ash Wednesday please see the following websites: 

 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-01/ash-wednesday-coronavirus-note-distribution-ashes.html

http://www.cultodivino.va/content/cultodivino/it/documenti/note/nota-mercoledi-delle-cenere/english.html

https://www.norwichdiocese.org/coronavirus

https://www.middletownpress.com/news/coronavirus/article/Sprinkled-on-the-head-Cotton-swab-Ash-Wednesday-15943241.php

https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/ash-wednesday-bible

https://nationaltoday.com/ash-wednesday/

https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/was-constantine-christian

 

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Ash Wednesday and a Happy Lenten season.

 

Enjoy the videos.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RHeY4meo90

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dgwu0V4K5U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqGLlU-AVMI

 

 

Climate Action Inspiration through Stories!

How can stories inspire action on climate change, environmental justice, and broader sustainability issues? Through his work leading the Climate Narrative Project, Jeff Biggers explores climate storytelling as a way to bridge the gap between climate science and activism. At this workshop, Biggers will teach Wesleyan, Middlesex Community College, and Middletown high school students how to creatively develop stories that spur activism.

We are looking for people who love to tell stories and those who are self-proclaimed terrible storytellers!

RSVP by Wednesday, March 3 at http://bit.ly/climateworkshop.

This workshop is sponsored by Wesleyan University's Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life, Green Fund, College of the Environment, Center for Pedagogical Innovation, Fries Center for Global Studies, Creative Campus Initiative, Sustainability Office and Resource Center; City of Middletown; Rockfall Foundation; the Jonah Center for Earth and Art; ARTFARM; Middletown Public Schools; and Middlesex Community College

Middletown Power Plant “Upgrade” Is a “Downgrade”

The following post was written by Middletown resident Rebecca MacLachlan:

Middletown has two power plants on River Road: the newer Kleen Energy plant and the old NRG plant, which creates so much pollution that its old turbines #2&3 are allowed to operate only during times of peak energy demand. Both plants generate electricity by burning oil or natural gas. Now NRG proposes to “update” its plant by retiring these 2 old turbines and replacing them with a new gas-powered turbine. With this change, regulators would allow the plant to operate up to 182 days a year instead of just a few days per year.

This “update” has serious implications for the health of Middletown and neighboring communities. Furthermore, the emissions from burning of fossil fuels are the principal cause of climate change. This project would represent a move in the wrong direction.

This NRG project was supported with a generous tax abatement by the last Middletown administration—without any involvement of the public. The “renovated” plant would spew up to 8x the particulate matter (PM), or soot, into the air. The result would be increased asthma and other serious damage to people’s lungs. NRG argues that the nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) would be reduced. But this is like saying I ate “only” 2 gallons of ice cream today, when I was previously eating 3 gallons a day. It’s an improvement, but still a huge problem. 

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane are major contributors to climate change. Burning fossil fuels releases CO_2, and methane frequently leaks from pipelines transporting natural gas.

Ahhh, but what about the electricity? Don’t we need it? Well, no. Much of the power generated locally is exported out of state, while we bear the burden of pollution and an overheated atmosphere here. This doesn’t sound right to me!

I am encouraged by the concern about climate change shown by our present Middletown mayor, Ben Florsheim, and our Common Council. In 2020 the Council unanimously passed a “Climate Emergency” resolution, which recognizes environmental injustice and pledges to address climate change: 

On Thursday, February 11, starting at 6 p.m., the Middletown Common Council will host a “workshop” on the proposed new combustion turbine at the NRG power plant on River Road. The virtual meeting will be on WebEx. The link to the meeting can be found on the agenda . The WebEx meeting number listed is 179 397 6897 and the password is "Middletown." Dial-in info is also available. 

Please voice your opinion during the public comment part of the meeting (starting around 7 p.m.). You can also email the Mayor & Common Council. For more information go to the Jonah Center website here.

Ask the Council and Mayor to follow through on their climate-emergency resolution by taking action! Tell them to stop this proposal by rescinding the tax abatement. As a city (and a country) we must throw our support behind developing renewable energy. Now, wouldn’t that be a breath of fresh air!

Godfrey Memorial Library - ZOOM Genealogy Club Meeting

Topic:  Research at Town / City Halls

On Saturday, February 20, 2021, we will be welcoming Joe Camposeo, Town Clerk at the Manchester, CT Town Hall. Joe has been Town Clerk for many years. 

According to the town’s website:

"Since 1823, the Town Clerk has kept secure the vital records of more than 106,225 births, 43,835 deaths, and 41,822 marriages."

Also, "Each year, the Town Clerk's office serves more than 100,000 customers in person, by mail, or by phone."

You can see that Joe is a busy man! He will talk with us about the following topics:

• What kind of records do Town Halls keep?
• Are there legal restrictions on what kind of records are available to the public?
• What effect is COVID having on Town Hall access?
• Do I need to make an appointment
• What if I live out of state but have ancestors from a CT town?

 The Zoom presentation will take place at 11:30 am (EST).

Premium Godfrey Scholar members can register for free at the following email: zoomregistration@godfrey.org

If you are not a Premium Godfrey Scholar member and want to view the presentation, you can pay $10 via PayPal (web address: paypal.me/GodfreyMemorial).  Then register at the email above.

Public Comment Needed In NRG Power Plant Controversy

If you believe that the dangers of climate change are real, here is your chance to make a difference. The voices of the public will be critically important this coming week. The message is simple: We need to stop burning fossil fuels, not burn more!

 
On Thursday, February 11, starting at 6 p.m., the Middletown Common Council will host a “Workshop” on the proposed new combustion turbine at the NRG power plant on River Road. The meeting will be held virtually on WebEx. The link to the meeting can be found on the agenda . As of now, the WebEx meeting number is 179 397 6897 and the password is "Middletown." Dial-in info is also available on the agenda.
 
Following presentations by NRG and the Jonah Center/Ecoin (John Hall and Brian Stewart), there will be Public Comment, beginning around 7 p.m. Public Comment will be critical, and we strongly encourage all concerned citizens to participate, including those from nearby towns and statewide. Climate change is a global problem, but action needs to take place at the local level. Air pollution emitted in Middletown does not stay in Middletown. Portland and East Hampton especially feel the effects of Middletown’s power plants.

The message we need to convey is simple: We need to stop burning oil and gas. We need to develop renewables.
 
The Jonah Center is urging the Common Council to take the following specific actions:
  

1. Terminate the tax agreement, negotiated by the previous mayor in 2019, which is favorable to NRG and supportive of the project.
2. The City should testify in opposition to the project before DEEP’s Air Quality Bureau at the hearing scheduled for March 3 and before the Connecticut Siting Council.
3. The Mayor should communicate to Governor Lamont and to our representatives in the Connecticut General Assembly that the power-generation permitting process and the priorities of the Independent Systems Operator of New England (ISO-NE, which controls the grid and regional energy markets) should be brought into alignment with the State’s climate goals.

 
At present the energy markets and electricity grid controls are all rigged to favor fossil fuels. Why?  Because that's where the money is. More information on the plant, emissions, and climate goals can be found on the Jonah Center website here. Please sign up for the Jonah Center newsletter on its  home page to stay informed about this and other environmental matters.
 
If you are unable to attend the workshop, please email the Mayor and Common Council with your views on the proposed project.
 
Contact Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim at  Mayor@MiddletownCT.gov
Contact the Common Council at Council@MiddletownCT.gov
 
Further actions would include contacting Governor Lamont at governor.lamont@ct.gov  and the CT Siting Council at siting.council@ct.gov

RECYCLING News: An idea whose time has come?

Kenyan woman's method to recycle plastic
waste into bricks stronger than concrete.

Small Revolution:
From Bottles to Bricks--From Kenya to Connecticut

--Catherine Garcia
   Yahoo! News,
   Thu, February 4, 2021

Kenyan woman finds a way to recycle plastic waste into bricks that are stronger than concrete.

    Using her ingenuity and engineering skills, Nzambi Matee found a way to help the environment by converting plastic waste into building materials.

   In 2017, Matee opened a factory in Nairobi called Gjenge Makers, where workers take plastic waste, mix it with sand, and heat it up, with the resulting brick being five to seven times stronger than concrete. The factory accepts waste that other facilities "cannot process anymore, they cannot recycle," Matee told Reuters. "That is what we get."

See story at:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/kenyan-woman-finds-way-recycle-053411779.html