Wadsworth Mansion Holiday Bazaar Sunday

The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate is hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar on Sunday December 8th, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. at 421 Wadsworth Street.  Admission is $2.00.

Twenty seven vendors who sell at the August Open Air Market will be selling their handmade products.  Mariano’s Bakery will be selling their delicious gingerbread men and a variety of baked goods. Backyard Berries will be selling their award winning jams. 

To prepare for winter, Woolen it be Nice will be selling their felted products and luxurious gloves and hats. Baah Boots will be selling their handmade boots from natural wools, and Sugar Maple Farms will be selling locally sourced maple syrup and honey. Several jewelers will be tempting shoppers with silver, gold, crystals, and gemstones.

The Middletown Garden Club will be selling holiday greenery and wreaths, and the Wadsworth Mansion will be offering a 24k gold plated ornament depicting the front elevation of the building.  Additional offerings include homemade pastries, pottery, and handbags.

If you are looking for a lovely respite David Alan Catering will be serving lunch in the lounge.  For a complete listing of vendors, visit www.wadsworthmansion.com.

Race, Racism, and the Criminal Justice System: A Discussion Co-sponsored by Police Department and Community Health Center

New Decade, New You at MxCC

It’s not just a new year but also a new decade! Begin a new you at Middlesex Community College. The Spring 2020 semester begins on January 22.

Choose from more than 70 degree and certificate programs to advance your education and career. Visit our website at mxcc.edu/spring to learn about upcoming open registration dates in Middletown (100 Training Hill Road) or at MxCC@Platt in Meriden (220 Coe Avenue).

December 5 (Thursday)
Open Registration, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Test 9 a.m., walk-ins until 4 p.m.)

December 7 (Saturday)
Enrollment Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and Accepted Students, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (Test 9 a.m., walk-ins until 11 a.m.)

December 12 (Thursday)
Open Registration MxCC@Platt (Meriden), 3–7 p.m.; (Test 3 p.m.)

December 16 (Monday)
Open Registration, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (Test 9 a.m., walk-ins until 4 p.m.)

Questions? Please call Enrollment Services at 860-343-5719.

OPINION: Why is the Police Chief moving out of town?

By Jennifer Mahr, Chair of the Westfield Residents Association
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On the agenda for tonight’s Common Council meeting is an ordinance to amend Section 74-31 (“Waiver of Residency Requirement”) of the City of Middletown Code of Ordinances. Section 74-31 amends Section 74-30, which requires 12 exempt, non-bargaining unit personal to become permanent residents of the City of Middletown as a condition of their employment as city employees.  The full ordinance reads as follows:

§ 74-30

Exempt, non-bargaining unit personnel.

[Added 5-2-1994; amended 12-5-1994; 1-3-2000; 8-7-2006 by Ord. No. 18-06; 5-2-2013 by Ord. No. 11-13]

The following exempt, non-bargaining unit personnel, Police Chief, Deputy Police Chief(s), Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Director of Health, Director of Public Works, Director of Water and Sewer, Director of Human Resources, General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel(s), Director of Parks and Recreation, Director of Finance and IT Coordinator, not having membership in any municipal union, are required to become permanent residents of the City of Middletown within one year of their appointment. Said residency requirement shall only affect individuals hired for those positions enumerated herein after the date of the adoption of this section. "Permanent residency" is hereby defined for the purpose of this section as being domiciled within the City of Middletown and actually residing within the City, and this requirement is not met by maintaining a mailing address or post office box within the City. The Common Council, by a two-thirds vote, may extend the compliance period not to exceed one year upon showing hardship. Failure of the appointed candidate to follow this section shall result in immediate termination.

The proposed ordinance under consideration at tonight’s meeting as Agenda item 12A reads as follows:

ORDINANCE: Approving an amendment of Section 74-31 (“Waiver of Residency Requirement”) of the City of Middletown Code of Ordinances, adding Paragraph E, waiving the residency requirement for Police Chief William McKenna.

Paragraphs A-D of the current Section 74-31 offer a glimpse into the four other times residency requirements have been waived, and all four examples were for new hires moving INTO Middletown, not out of it. Police Chief Brymer was allowed to stay living in Wethersfield, a deputy fire chief was given extended time past the one year requirement to move into Middletown, Fire Chief Ouellette was given extended time to move into Middletown, and Director of Human Resources Tokarz was allowed to stay living in Cromwell. 

So what gives? Why would it be a good idea for the long time Police Chief to move OUT of town?

Let’s consider the prevailing rumor: the Chief’s ailing mother lives in Old Saybrook and he needs to move there to take care of her. According to realtor.com, his house has been on the market for 43 days (as of 12/1).

When you consider the past exemptions, there is a striking difference between those and this one. First, all were new hires moving into Middletown. Second, two of the exemptions only offered additional time for the city employee to comply with the regulations. Third, the other two exemptions allowed employees to continue to live in their current, long time residences that were remarkably closer to Middletown than Old Saybrook. 

Let’s look at the timing: the Chief’s house went on the market BEFORE the results of the November 5th election were known. Why would that be if the ordinance clearly demands residency as a condition of employment? Why would this waiver be on the agenda the Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday, in the second month of a young and inexperienced Common Council?

Forget I even mentioned the last paragraph - let’s talk about the general concept of a Police Chief who lives more than half an hour away from the city he’s charged to take care of. Mayor Florshiem’s most outspoken campaign supporters (his treasurer as a specific example) made police accountability a major tenant of his campaign. Yet all of a sudden, it’s OK for the Chief to move out of town, leaving more than 120 sworn officers and staff to fend for themselves?

I’m not being harsh: the Mayor and the Common Council are not charged with doing what’s right for Chief McKenna. They were elected to do what’s right for the 45,000+ residents of Middletown. It may be that the Chief’s personal family issues require him to be a caregiver, and all of us can understand that. However, he’s not Joe average citizen, and there are serious reasons why the Police Chief needs to live in Middletown.

If the Chief’s mother is ill enough that he needs to move to take care of her, his focus will not be on managing the department. There is no personal judgement here. He has not suddenly lost his management skills, he simply has a more important issue to consider. No one faults him for this decision.

However, it raises a most critical question: is it time to retire? He’s not asking to move to a neighboring city, he’s asking to move to another world. Connecticut is a small state, but the shoreline is a whole other world different from Middletown. He would be commuting with traffic on Route 9, not against it. This is a tough reality to add to the burden of taking care of an ailing parent.

From the perspective of the police department, an absent leader is not a good choice. I say this with specific personal knowledge of wearing a military uniform and being in a chain of command. What happens when a decision is made to not “bother” the Chief who lives far away and who is taking care of his sick mother? How is police accountability, transparency, and reliability enhanced by out-of-town supervision?

It’s not. This is not a good idea. The ordinance exists for a reason, and a new Mayor and new Common Council should not support this request. Middletown isn’t a sleepy bedroom community. It’s an urban center, surrounded by far-reaching rural areas, that routinely experiences significant crimes. A distracted, out-of-town Police Chief does not make these issues go away.

Let’s pause and seriously consider our options. The Common Council should delay voting on this ordinance until the general public has an opportunity to comment and to make its will known.

Council To Consider Residency Waiver For Police Chief

The Common Council will consider waiving the residency requirements for Chief of Police William McKenna, at its meeting tonight (7PM, Council Chambers).

Our City Charter requires that the Police Chief be a resident of Middletown. McKenna now wishes to move out of our city and retain his position as Chief. A two-thirds majority of the Council is required to make this ordinance change possible.

The residency requirement was particularly important to the late Councilman Tom Serra, who championed McKenna for the position of Chief. When McKenna was appointed Acting Chief in 2011, he referenced the importance of where he lives, "I am a lifelong resident of Middletown and a stakeholder in this community."

Prior to the appointment of McKenna, Acting Chief Patrick McMahon was accused of living outside the city, something that was held against him by multiple members of the Common Council when they voted against confirming him as Chief, clearing the way for McKenna.

2019 Candlelight Christmas Concert at First Church

Annual Candlelight Christmas
Concert at First Church
on Court Street
Sunday, December 15, 4 pm

You are invited to the Annual Candlelight Christmas Concert at First Church on Sunday, December 15, at 4 pm. Relax in the quiet of the sanctuary as our choirs sing carols and anthems of the season. Join in congregational singing of familiar favorite hymns. It's a great time to decompress from the holiday hustle and enjoy the stillness of the moment.

Our beautiful stained-glass window.

First Church Senior Choir, Celebration Singers, and Heart in Hand Bell Choir are directed by Music Minister Shari Lucas, with Court Street Singers men's choir, led by Curt Weybright. Our pastor, Rev. Julia Burkey, will lead worship.

First Church is located at 190 Court Street in Middletown, a half block from Main Street. The congregation is an open and affirming (O&A) all are welcome.   

Free parking is available nearby. The concert is free; offerings are appreciated. And a generous buffet reception follows the concert. 

For more information, please contact our church office manager at 860-346-6657 or at firstchurch@sbcglobal.net.

Genealogy Club - Godfrey Memorial Library

Saturday, December 7, 2019

9:30 - 11:00 am

134 Newfield Street, Middletown, CT

 

Topic:  “Hidden Discoveries about Your Civil War Kin”

Speaker:  Clay Feeter, of Find Your Civil War Ancestor

"Your Civil War ancestors' stories are always much deeper than the few lines about them that you might—or might not!—find in your family genealogy book," says researcher Clay Feeter, who will give an informative talk and visual presentation on the subject.

Even if all your genealogy book says is "Killed in the War of the Rebellion," you will learn how to use those sometimes dry and hard-to-understand facts to bring your soldier-ancestor’s story to life.

Learn about the challenges and hardships of the Civil War. Not only did our Civil War soldier-ancestors suffer during that great conflict, but their families at home had it just as hard … running the farm and taking care of the kids, canning food or making socks to send to the boys on the front line.

Before attending the talk, you will want to research your family history. Most Civil War-age men were born between1815-1847. Try to find out where they fought, marched, were wounded, captured, and even where they died. Many of our kin may have fought at the same famous battles, or maybe even side by side in the same regiment! This is all valuable information to pass on to the next generations, so bring a pen and notepad.

Free to Godfrey Premium members.  $10 per session for all others.  Open to the general public.  Attendees will have time after the presentation to do research at the library.

 

Saturday: Middlesex Land Trust Hike

Join John LeShane at Brainerd Quarry Preserve in Haddam Neck for a hike on Saturday, November 30th from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Enjoy our last official hike of the year that includes a spectacular view of the Connecticut River now that the leaves are off of the trees for the season. From the intersection of Route 66 and Route 151 in Cobalt, head south on Route 151/Middle Haddam Road. Travel on Route 151 for approximately 3 miles before turning right onto Haddam Neck Road and continue straight when the name changes to Rock Landing Road. Bear left onto Injun Hollow Road. After approximately 1.5 miles, the trailhead and parking are located along the left side of the road. There are two trailheads for this preserve, and we are meeting at the southern trailhead for this hike.

The Brainerd Quarry Preserve is a 50-acre preserve that was acquired by the Middlesex Land Trust in 2015 in partnership with the Connecticut River Gateway Commission. This preserve features a beautiful view of the Connecticut River and Haddam Meadows State Park. A trail system that runs along both the ridge and the base of dramatic cliffs, created from the property’s historic use as a quarry, has been created for use by the public.

Please wear sturdy boots or sneakers, and bring snacks and water as desired. Kids are welcome, as are dogs on leash. Downpours, storms, or heavy snow will cancel the hike – check our Facebook page or website for updates. Please call the Middlesex Land Trust at (860) 343-7537 or send an email to info@middlesexlandtrust.org for more information, or to let us know that you plan on attending – although you are welcome to attend without advance notice

Compassion Counts, Dec. 3: Aligning Body, Mind and Spirit for True Healing

This meeting is open to, and designed for, the general public.  CEU's (Continuing Education Units) are available for those in degree or certification programs.

Our Music Critic Reviews A Wesleyan Classical Concert

Submitted by Peter Drewniany

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Our way takes us by foot: a tantalizingly warm November evening welcomed an auspicious evening of musicianship; the evening's atmosphere tingled most unseasonably.  It's been some years since we last had the privilege of attending an event at the Crowell Concert Hall, and the space did not fail to live up to our nostalgic memories.  Instructor John Biatowas welcomed us all with a concise introduction, and we then moved on into the music.

The show opened with selections from Carl Maria von Weber's Trio for Piano, Flute, and Cello in G-Minor, Op. 63, by a trio of capable underclassmen.  We most enjoyed the Sturm und Drang; sophomore pianist Irene Westfall was both technically adept and expressive in tone as she shepherded her freshmen compatriots through the tension.  Cellist Seren Lurie and flautist Anna Du made impressive debuts, and we look forward to watching them blossom. 

Next on the program were selections from two French composers of the Post-Romantic period.  Sophomore Dustin Qian's lively dancing on flute did somewhat contrast with junior Eilson He's more sensuous tendencies on the violin, but such is romanticism. Freshman Lewis Chao coaxed enormous spirit from the piano; indeed, perhaps his exuberance waxed a bit too greatly.  In the middle of Jacques Ibert’s Two Interludes for Flute, Violin, and Harpsichord the damper pedal became dislodged from the piano with a resounding *THUMP*.   The trio ably guided us to the end of the composition, but seemed a bit flustered by their predicament. 

At this point one must call attention to Instructor Biatowas's patient shepherding of his students.  He, with the aid of a female colleague, graciously shifted the piano backstage where it might find some timely R&R.  Dilettantes that we are, we failed to make a note of his colleague's name, but we give thanks to both for their dedication.

Lacking a piano, we readjusted our itinerary, and proceeded to the Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581.  Zachary Drum, a PhD candidate in biology, demonstrated himself to be a man of many talents.  He navigated the virtuosic clarinet line first penned for Austrian multi-instrumentalist Anton Stadler with commanding grace and poise.  Third-year violinists Henry Lin-David and Kate Luo provided delightful treble interplay, and cellist Anna Zagoren, in her final year at Wesleyan, appeared to be in rare form.  We must also highlight the delightful musicianship of sophomore Catherine Cheng on viola, and we look forward to witnessing more of her vibrant contributions.

At this point the piano reemerged, and our French interpreters took their places back on stage.  Mr's Qian, He, and Chao performed an intriguing rendition of Mel Bonis's Suite Op. 59.  They played with vigor and spirit, particularly in light of their earlier technical difficulties, and revealed themselves to be quite sensitive performers.

The next trio of performers was eagerly greeted by the audience, third-year student Esme Lytle even had her own cheering section.  While this seemed perhaps a bit out of the ordinary for a chamber music ensemble, it did set an enthusiastic tone for their moving rendition of the third movement from Beethoven's Piano Trio, Op. 1.  Ms. Lytle's strong performance on violin was joined with charming effervescence by senior Lillian Li on piano.  Cellist Paul McLaren, in his junior year of studies, capably rounded out the trio.

Our final piece of repertoire for the evening was the first movement from Robert Schumann's Piano Quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 47. Sophomore Luisa Rodriguez shimmered on violin.  Freshman Sofia Cohen, on what sounded a very formidable viola, danced up into the trebles, and then down into lower registers where she found herself harmoniously enmeshed in the cello work of junior Hayley Qin.  Sophomore Michael Brandt's focused enterprise behind the keyboard made for a delightful and complete whole.

All told, a splendid evening at our local center of higher learning.  We eagerly await future performances!

The Complete Shakespearean Class

Oddfellows Playhouse will be offering a six week intensive training program in Shakespearean Acting for teenagers this winter.

“The Complete Shakespearean” will meet Monday evenings, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, from January 6 through February 10 at Oddfellows Playhouse, which is located at 128 Washington Street in Middletown. The course is designed to prepare teens to audition for Oddfellows’ Teen Repertory Company’s Spring Production of Romeo and Juliet.

The course, taught by ARTFARM Artistic Director Marcella Trowbridge and Oddfellows Artistic Director Dic Wheeler, plus guest artists, will provide actors ages 14 – 20 with fundamental training in classical acting, voice, text analysis, movement and stage combat. 

Space is limited for this course, so participants are encouraged to enroll early to ensure a place. Tuition for the six week course is $100. Anyone completing the class will get a $75 credit toward tuition for Romeo and Juliet. Financial aid and work-study options are available to all who need it.

Auditions for Romeo and Juliet will be March 2 and 5, and the performances will be May 14 – 23.

To register, or for more information, go to www.oddfellows.org, call (860) 347-6143, or email info@oddfellows.org.   

Talented Jazz Quartet and More This Week at Buttonwood Tree

Don't miss your chance for a fabulous evening!!  Eric is one of those uber-talented, really personable, nice guys who doesn't disappoint! His whole group has played together for decades and are all super talented.

Reserve your seats now! 

Events at TBT this week:

  

Eric Mintel Quartet

November 21 @ 8-10 pm - $20

From the White House to the Kennedy Center to the United Nations and beyond, the Eric Mintel Quartet has been thrilling audience of all ages with their electrifying Jazz for over 25 years.

Eric was a featured guest on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz on NPR, The Eric Mintel Quartet has opened for Dave Brubeck at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, appeared on the QVC television network and has been featured in many jazz and newspaper publications including Down Beat, Jazz Times, Hot House Jazz, New York Time and many more! Featuring Eric Mintel on piano, Nelson Hill on saxophone, Jack Hegyi on flute and Dave Mohn on drums. Reservations suggested

Mary DiPaola Trio

November 22 @ 8-10 pm - $10

The Mary DiPaola Trio will present a variety of arranged jazz standards and original compositions of the featured performers. Mary and Nat have been playing music together for more than 25 years, and all three musicians are closely linked to the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School. Mary DiPaola - on piano, Award-winning Nat Reeves - on bass, Kirk Woodard - on drums. Make a reservation

Aligned w Source Personal Development Workshop

November 23 @ 10:30-Noon - $10

Topic: Being Gratitude

Bringing gratitude into our daily lives; making everyday a Thanksgiving. Imagine the world that would create! 

NO CLASS NEXT WEEK,  NOV 30.

Make a reservation here

Tom " The Suit" Forst with full band!!

November 23 @ 8-10 pm - $15

American Bluesman and Blues-Rock Journeyman, Guitarist and Songwriter Tom “The Suit” Forst is one of the most riveting and electrifying performers on the modern blues scene.
A guitarist, whose style has been called a cross between Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Joe Walsh, Tom Forst‘s debut solo album “On Fire” was produced by Grammy winning guitarist Paul Nelson of the Johnny Winter Band. Make a reservation

	Download our November calendar to print or view

Stay in touch: 605 Main St. Middletown, CT 06457 | (860) 347-4957 | thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com | Facebook.com/buttonwoodtree.com| buttonwood.org | Instagram: the buttonwoodtree | Twitter @thebuttonwoodtree                             Check out all our events here at our official website!                               Twitter        Facebook      Instagram       Youtube There is FREE, AMPLE PARKING next door - behind It's Only Natural market on weekends and after 6 on weekdays.   MEMBER BENEFITS now include ... All members are invited to join our regular programs free of charge. Didn't get a card? Please contact us - we'll get it to you!  These include: Anything Goes Open Mic (with Moments of Gratitude)  (Mondays) Laughter Yoga  (1st and 3rd Tues) Sound Healing with Lou  (3rd Tues) Acoustic Open Mic with Bob Gotta   (1st Thurs) Shaking the Tree Gong Sound Healing  (3rd Thurs) Middlesex Drum Circle  (4th Thurs) Story City Troupe  (Every First Friday)