Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Man Charged With Assault
On 6/27/10 the Middletown Police Department received a third party complaint regarding a past assault. The witness stated that he was on the phone with the victim and that a male then got on the phone asking who was on the phone, then the line went dead. The male was later identified as the accused, Robert McLellan. The witness later saw the victim, who had bruises on her neck and wrists. The victim told the witness that the accused, Robert McLellan tried to choke her and threatened to kill her.
Officers then went to the victim’s house and spoke with her regarding the incident with McLellan. The victim stated that McLellan somehow got into her apartment, she told McLellan to leave because there was a restraining order against him. McLellan then grabbed her cell phone, pushed her into the bathroom and held the door shut. McLellan then entered the bathroom, threatened to kill her and grabbed her neck. The victim was able to get her cell phone back and McLellan left.
The victim had visible bruising on her neck and both arms.
McLellan was located in the area and arrested. McLellan was held on a $50,000 bond and given a court date of 6/28/10.
McLellan was charged with:
Assault 3rd 53a-61
Criminal Violation of a Restraining Order 53a-223b
Threatening 2nd 53a-62
Criminal Trespass 1st 53a-107
Interfering with an emergency call 53a-183b
Strangulation 2nd 53a-64bb
Unlawful Restraint 2nd 53a-96
Suzio Fundraiser to be Held
"Middletown needs a change in our state delegation, we continue to be shorted every session. Len, having served on the Meriden BOE for 14 years including several years as vice-chair is a proven leader who will help Middletown at the capital not hurt us" said Ryan Kennedy chair of the events host committee.
The event will start at 5:30pm; with light snacks being provided. Chairman Healy along with many other candidates are expected to be in attendance.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
iPod Attack
Arrested: Michael DiMauro
Age:22
34 Aston Lane, Middletown, CT
Charges:
53a-60 Assault 2nd (2 counts)
53a-60b Assault 2nd Victim 60+
53a-182 Disorderly Conduct
On June 26, 2010 at approximately 8:17am Middletown Police officers were dispatched to Batt St on the report of a domestic assault. The accused Micheal DiMauro went to his grandmother’s home to retrieve a borrowed ipod and some money that was taken from him by his brother. DiMauro’s brother told him he did not have the ipod. DiMauro was upset and went outside grabbed a metal pipe that was approximately five feet long and started swinging it at his brother. The brother and the brother’s girlfriend were both struck in the arm and seriously injured due to blows from the pipe. DiMauro’s grandmother tried to break up the fight and was knocked to the ground and seriously injured her leg. All three victims were transported to Middlesex Hospital for treatment.
DiMauro was located at his residence and arrested on the above charges and held on a $25,000 bond with at court date of 6/28/10.
Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days & Nights of Summer
The fun on campus starts today (Tuesday June 29) with an "Arabic Music Lecture-Demonstration" at 12:10 p.m. in the CFA Hall (sorry for the short notice.) Violinist/vocalist/composer Sami Abu Shumays (pictured left), a member of the Arabic-American ensemble Zikrayat, will perform and discuss different musical styles (including maqam) and get the audience involved. Zikrayat just issued its 2nd CD, "Cinematic", a mix of new music and re-arrangements of popular songs and dance instrumentals from Egyptian movie musicals of the 1950s & 60s. The event is free and open to the public. The CFA Hall is the old CFA Cinema, located next to the Zilkha Gallery.
Also tonight, the Summer Sounds on the South Green begins its annual Tuesday concert series (running through September 7) with the first of 2 appearances by the Middletown Symphonic Band. Music Director Marco Gaylord will conduct his charges through a program that wil feature musi from the classic "South Pacific." The concert, free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. In the instance of rain, the program moves indoors to South Congregational Church.
Thursday July 1:
The Luis Lopez Herb Garden Series begins its Summer 2010 run at 6 p.m. with the Hartford-based Shaded Soul. A hip-shaking and smooth blend of Motown, Stax, rock and roll and more is on the group's musical agenda. The vocalists are sharp and the musicians know how to stoke the rhythmic fire so be prepared to dance. The Garden is located at the corner of Main & Green Streets. The event is free and open to the public - in case of rain, the show will take place on August 5.
The Annual CFA Courtyard Concert takes place on this evening and 7 p.m. and it's a good one. Burkina Electric, a sextet that blends traditional West African music with contemporary electronica, will fill the Courtyard (off High Street next to the Davison Art Center) will many fascinating sounds. The band is comprised of Maï Lingani, a star in Burkina Faso because of her unique voice and charismatic stage presence, sings in Moré, Dioula, Bissa, and French. Wende K. Blass, one of Burkina's premier guitarists, contributes soulful guitar melodies. Electronicist/VJ Pyrolator has been one of Germany's most inventive pop musicians and a top producer ever since the days of the "Neue Deutsche Welle" some 25 years ago as a founding member of bands D.A.F. and Der Plan, while New York-based drummer/electronicist Lukas Ligeti is one of the most up-and-coming concert music composers internationally. Known for his nonconformity, diverse interests, and imagination, he has received commissions from prominent groups such as the Kronos Quartet and the Bang on a Can All Stars. Vicky and Zoko Zoko are skilled dancers/choreographers who bring high energy and sharp moves, and also contribute powerful vocals. The music swirls, the costumes are colorful, the sound exciting and the event is free!! In case of rain, the concert moves indoors to the CFA Theater.
Here's a taste of the group's sound (courtesy of IODA Promonet:
Sankar Yaaré (mp3)
Also, the annual Naturalization Ceremony takes place at 1 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Middletown City Hall. Presided over (this year) by the Honorable Warren W. Eginton, Senior District Judge, United States District Court, District of Connecticut, the event is a wonderful affirmation of the freedom and liberties people seek by coming to the United States (and that many of us take for granted.) The new citizens come from around the world, including Albania, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Germany, India, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Korea, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Bysiewicz Rules Out Mayoral Bid
Susan Bysiewicz quite forcefully said she had no intention of running for Mayor of Middletown, "I endorse Dan Drew." Bysiewicz is the Secretary of the State and former candidate for Governor and Attorney General, Drew was the Democratic nominee for Mayor in 2009, losing to incumbent Seb Giuliano. Shortly after hearing Bysiewicz' endorsement, Drew said "I am strongly considering [another run for Mayor]," in 2011.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Stabbing at Gigi's Cafe
Kleen Energy Hearing: OSHA Regulations Urgently Needed, None Currently in Place
Bresland is a member of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, and it's chair until two days ago.
"It's puzzling for me why you would spend $1 billion to build a plant and then three weeks before it's completed use a process that would blow it up," he added.
Bresland's puzzlement was a reinforcement of his testimony before a Congressional sub-committee which met in Middletown's City Hall Monday. The Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the Committee on Education and Labor met in council chambers and was chaired by Representative Joe Courtney, who invited Connecticut representatives Rosa Delauro, Chris Murphy and John Larson to join him. The subcommittee convened a panel which included Breslan, Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, Jodi Thomas - the wife of pipefitter Ron Crabb who was killed in the explosion, Alan Nevas - the chair of the Governor's Kleen Energy Systems and Explosion Origin and Cause Panel, and Professor Glenn Corbet of John Jay College, a member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and South District Fire Chief Edward Badamo.
No Regulations, No Oversight
Experts testifying before the committee made it clear, again and again, that there were no regulation on the books that prohibited Kleen Energy or its subcontractors from using high-pressure natural gas to purge gas lines.

"I wasn't aware that there was such a procedure," Bresland testified. "And I was quite shocked to find there was such a procedure."
Bresland later explained that electric generating plants using gas turbines were a relatively new technology, and that there was a "steep learning curve" for regulating agencies. His replacement as chair of the , Rafael Moure-Eraso, agreed.
Tonight's Chemical Safety Board Hearing on Kleen Energy Explosion in Portland
The CSB public meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Saint Clements Castle conference facility, 1931 Portland-Cobalt Road, Portland, Connecticut, (860) 342-0593. The public is invited; no prior arrangements are needed. Attendance is free and there will be ample seating and free parking.
CSB investigators obtained gas company records showing some two million standard cubic feet of natural gas were released to the atmosphere during gas blows on February 7—enough, the CSB calculated, to provide heating and cooking fuel to a typical American home every day for more than 25 years. The gas found an ignition source and exploded.
In the CSB proposed recommendations, OSHA is urged to pass regulations that would prohibit the use of natural gas for pipe cleaning, the cause of the explosion at Kleen Energy, and would prohibit the venting or purging of fuel gas indoors, the cause of the explosion at the ConAgra Slim Jim plant. Both explosions resulted from releases of natural gas during the installation and commissioning of new piping that led to gas-fired appliances.
OSHA is also urged to require that companies involve their workers andcontractors in developing safe procedures and training for handling fuel gas.
In testimony this morning at a field hearing before a subcommittee of the U.S House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor, held in Middletown, CSB Board Member John Bresland said there is a “significant gap” in the current gas safety standards for general industry and construction, “a gap that threatens the continued safety of workers at facilities that handle flammable natural gas.”
An urgent recommendation directed at the NFPA urges the code-development organization to enact a tentative interim amendment as well as permanent changes to the National Fuel Gas Code that addresses the safe conduct of fuel gas piping cleaning operations. Under the draft recommendation, NFPA would be asked to remove key exemptions in the code for natural gas power plants and for high-pressure gas piping and to require the use of inherently safer alternatives to natural gas blows. CSB investigators determined that compressed air is a feasible and economical alternative to using natural gas for pipe cleaning and is already used by many companies.
Mr. Bresland told the House Committee, “At our CSB public meeting later this evening, I intend to vote for and support new urgent safety recommendations that we have developed, calling for OSHA to enact new regulations to control this hazard, and I will encourage the other Board members to do the same.”
Other draft recommendations would seek related safety improvements from the State of Connecticut and other states, the leading gas turbine manufacturers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Electric Power Research Institute.
At the public meeting, newly appointed CSB Chairman Dr. Rafael Moure-Eraso will preside; Dr. Moure and Mr. Mark Griffon were confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday June 23 and were commissioned by President Obama the following day.
The CSB investigation team, headed by Investigations Supervisor Don Holmstrom, will present a report on the Kleen Energy accident as well as a review of existing regulations applying to the practice of gas blows at power plants and general industry.
The Board will hear from two witness panels, including –
· Professor Paul Amyotte – Dalhousie University (Canada)
· Ervin Patterson – Commissioning Management Services, Inc.
· Larry Danner – GE Energy
· Representative Matthew Lesser – Connecticut House of Representatives
· Professor Glenn Corbett – John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York)
· Michael Rosario – Local 777, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters
· Steven Schrag – Connecticut Council for Occupational Safety and Health
Following a public comment period in which any interested person may speak, the Board will vote on the recommendations. The CSB staff is expected to propose (subject to Board approval) that upon passage of the urgent recommendations, the Kleen Energy and ConAgra investigations would be concluded. Although no additional written report is planned beyond the statement of more than 60 factual findings, the CSB plans to develop a computer-animated safety video describing the two accidents and the recommendations for safety change.
Mr. Bresland told the House committee, “We believe that the 18 urgent recommendations proposed today – together with the two urgent recommendations we issued on February 4 – address all of the principal root causes of these two tragic accidents. If adopted by the recipients, I have no doubt that future accidents will be avoided and lives will be saved as a result.”
The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating serious chemical accidents. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems.
The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. Visit our website, www.csb.gov.
Kleen Energy Hearings Today
The first, at 10 AM in City Hall, will be a Congressional hearing conducted by the Workforce Protection Subcommittee, the second, at 6:30 PM will be held at St. Clements in Portland, and is being conducted by The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Eye In the Sky: Army Reserve Training Center Construction
Smith St. and Dainty Rubbish is at the bottom, I-91 is to the right, and The Galleria Home Center is at the top.
From 1995: Serra Opponents Could Run With Patronage Issue
------------------
"Patronage" apparently is the dirty word of choice for both Republicans and dissident Democrats.
Those at a Republican town committee meeting Monday seemed poised to wage as big an attack on Mayor Thomas J. Serra's hiring record as Maria Madsen Holzberg, the mayor's challenger for the Democratic nomination.
"As far as patronage is concerned, I will not consider anything like that," said Emanuel Pattavina, the sole announced GOP candidate for mayor.
City hiring procedures have been a big issue for Holzberg, who on Monday called on Serra to hire a consulting firm to work on filling the town clerk's and building inspector's posts.
Greg Harris, a GOP committee member, took note of Holzberg's issues. The Republicans could draw on them if she loses a September primary to Serra, he said, but what if Holzberg wins? What themes could Republicans use? he asked.
Former Mayor Stephen Gionfriddo -- whose appointment as mayor after his predecessor stepped into the tax collector's job drew fire from Holzberg in 1993 -- conceded that the GOP would have a tougher time against Holzberg in the municipal election because she doesn't have a record to defend. He said Republicans would stress Pattavina's municipal track record while highlighting Holzberg's inexperience.
Pattavina is a former longtime Democratic councilman who turned Republican after being repudiated in 1993 by the Democrats for siding too often with the GOP on council votes.
Gionfriddo added that the Republicans could also seek to draw on disaffected Serra supporters, an idea Pattavina addressed with tongue firmly in check.
Pattavina noted that Democratic Town Chairman Bill Pillarella has announced that he won't support Holzberg if she wins the party primary. He thanked Pillarella in advance for his support.
Earle Roberts, a GOP committee member who attended Holzberg's announcement, said the Republicans need to focus on the issues of patronage and open government. He drew a sharp reaction from High Sheriff Joseph Bibisi when he mentioned Bibisi's hiring practices.
Bibisi's hires since he took office June 1 include a former Middletown police officer who has been accused of threatening another officer with a loaded gun.
"I have picked people who believe in my philosophy, my work organization," Bibisi said. "It is not patronage. It is choosing people who believe in your philosophy and work ethics. . . . There's a difference between patronage and reorganization."
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Community Health Center Promised $2.5 million in State Bonding
"I know that $2.5 million is not going to build the building," Rell said. "But I do know that this is the healthy shot in the arm, if you'll pardon the pun."
"$2.5 million won't get the job done," Mayor Sebastian Giuliano said echoing Rell. "But I predict that Mark will get the rest of it."

He singled out Middlesex Chamber of Commerce president Larry McHugh for his inspiration.

The center, when built, will employ 100 full time employees. The Community Health Center has 170 locations across Connecticut and serves 100,000 patients annually.
Also attending the event were state Senator Paul Doyle, state Representatives Matt Lesser, Joe Serra, Chris Donovan and Jim O'Rourke, City Planner Bill Warner and Common Council member Vinnie Loffredo.
Cruise Night Award Winners
Teresa Opalacz, Chairman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and event Co-Chairmen Foster Charles and Norm LeBlanc announced the ten individual winners of the 13th Annual Cruise Night on Main awards. There was a field of over 1,000 that were judged in the event, which drew 5,000 people to downtown Middletown. It was held on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 on Main Street, Middletown and was presented by Town Fair Tire, Trantolo & Trantolo, and WDRC-FM. The award winners are:
Thursday, June 24, 2010
New Church on High
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Heroin Bust on Portland Street
On June 23, 2010 the Street Crime Unit with the assistance of the Detective Division and
the Patrol Division executed a Search and Seizure Warrant at the residence of 19 Portland
St. We had received numerous complaints concerning this address from concerned
citizens that reside in the area. Neighbors complained that a Hispanic male Jesus Otway
(AKA “Cheo” ) sells heroin out of the house at 19 Portland St. First Floor and was in
possession of several firearms. Detectives know Otway through several incidents, which
included a vehicle pursuit, assault on a police officer, and weapons in his motor vehicle.
Killingworth on an unrelated outstanding warrant for Criminal Mischief Third degree.
Huertas was wanted for Failure to Appear Second Degree on a Criminal Mischief charge
out of West Hartford.
Located inside of the residence was a backpack, containing 16.1 grams of heroin with
a street value of over twelve thousand dollars. Also inside of the backpack was 4.9
grams of cocaine with a street value of over eight hundred dollars. There were numerous
amounts of packaging materials including plastic bags, wax paper folds, scales, sealers,
sifters, cutting agents, and measuring devices.
There was also a stolen motor vehicle located in the rear of the residence at 19 Portland
St., which had various front end parts removed from it. Located in one of the bedrooms
at 19 Portland St. were several pieces of the vehicle including the headlights, the front
bumper, and the front quarter panels. An arrest warrant for Otway for the stolen motor
vehicle is forthcoming.
The Department of Children and Families was contacted as the narcotics that were
located inside of the residence were accessible to the child. DCF responded to the scene
at 19 Portland St. as their investigation is still ongoing.
Jesus Otway was subsequently arrested for the following charges and held on a
$400,000.00 Bond as he is a flight risk:
- Possession of Narcotics
- Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell
- Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell within 1500’ of a School
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Operating a Drug factory
- Risk of Injury to a Minor
$200,000.00 Bond:
- Possession of Narcotics
- Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell
- Possession of Narcotics With Intent to Sell within 1500’ of a School
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Operating a Drug factory
- Risk of Injury to a Minor
encouraged to contact Sgt. Rich Davis of the Street Crime Unit at (860) 344-3259. All
information will remain anonymous.
Auto Love on Main
Buttonwood Buzz



submitted by Anne-Marie Cannata:
Bill Ward
According to the obituary printed in today's Middletown Press (read it here), there is no funeral service or calling hours planned. One expects there will be a Memorial Service at Wesleyan in the near future.
Our thoughts go out to his wife Mary, his daughters Jennifer, Karen and Laurie, and his 7 grandchildren.
City Officials Advocate City Taking Lead Role In Omo Cleanup: Could Cost Millions

"This is a case where there's bad news, and there's worse news," said Attorney Diane Whitney, an expert in environmental cleanup, addressing serious contamination on what has come to be known as the Omo site on Walnut Street in Middletown. "First we have this site, and Middletown has done some of this contamination. And the worse news, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is coming."
The Common Council held a workshop on the cleanup of the site in a special meeting Tuesday, and members were urged by Whitney, who represents JR Marino, current owner of the property, City Planner Bill Warner and City Attorney Tim Lynch to take the lead in the cleanup and relieve the Federal EPA of the responsibility for cleanup.
(Environmental expert Amy Vaillancourt.)
Could Cost Millions
"It is certainly not pleasant, and it's going to cost Middletown millions of dollars," Warner said. However, he argued that by using a surgical strategy in the cleanup, the city could save millions over what it would cost for a cleanup directed by the EPA and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Safety. That cleanup, which would include a remediation of PCBs on the site, and a capping of the site by scraping four feet of earth on the site and replacing it with clean fill, would cost, at a minimum of $15-20 million.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Farmers Market Starts July 2

We're getting ready to start the 2010 season for the North End Farmers Market on Main St.
We have an amazing group of farms this year including Cicarelli Farms from Northford, George Hall (Ogre Farms) Organic Farm from Simsbury, Beckett Farms, Chaplin Farms, Gotta's Farm, Roses Berry Farm and Beltane Farms.
Additionally, there will be guest vendors each week selling soaps and other gift items. We'll have samples, recipes and more!
If you'd like to volunteer to help make the market a success, please contact NEAT at 860-346-4845 or neat@neatmiddletown.org
Otherwise, just prepare yourself to shop!!
Accident on Saybrook Road
Rotary Awards Service Above Self Awards
At a recent June meeting, Emma Soneson and AJ Cosenza were selected by the Middletown Rotary Club to receive the 2010 Service Above Self Awards. Since 1910, the Motto of Rotary has been “Service Above Self,” and the Middletown club annually recognizes a local student(s) who encourage and foster the ideal of service in their community. Each recipient was given $300 from the Middletown Rotary in which they could pick a local charity to donate to; Soneson selected Doctors Without Borders organization, and Cosenza chose the YMCA Camp Ingersoll program.
Arts There & Here This Week
The 3rd Annual Riverwood Poetry Festival takes place from Wednesday through Sunday June 27 in venues throughout central Connecticut.
Opening night takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the Charter Oak Cultural Center, 21 Charter Oak Avenue in Hartford. "Traprock", a Noh play written by Middletown resident Jean-Ann Wertz (pictured left), will be presented as a staged reading with a cast of John Basinger, Tony Palmieri, Matthew Pollack and me with some fascinating original music and sounds by Michael Pestel. The evening will also feature excerpts from "A Lesson Before Dying" written by Romulus Linney with a cast of Juming Delmas and Thomas Cornell. An Open Mike follows the staged readings. To find out more, call 860-249-1207.
Subsequent readings and performances will take place in South Windsor (Thursday), West Hartford and Berlin (Friday), Middletown (Saturday) and Hartford (Sunday). You can view the entire schedule (and it's an impressive one) by going to www.riverwoodpoetry.org.
Thursday June 24:
The Middletown Symphonic Band, Marco Gaylord, music director, presents a free concert at 7 p.m outdoors at the Village at South Farms, 645 Saybrook Road in Middletown. The event is open to the public - in the instance of rain, the concert will take place on Thursday July 8. For more information, call 860-344-8788. To learn more about the MSB, go to http://middletownsymphonicband.org.
The Middletown Teen Theater presents "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the Performing Arts Center at Middletown High School, LaRosa Lane. The musical comedy, written by William Finn (music and lyrics) and Rachel Scheinkin (book), won 2 TONY Awards - the show features audience participation and some particularly funny songs. For ticket information, go to www.middletownteentheater.com.
Friday June 24:
Thus begins a busy Summer weekend. You can start in New Haven on the Green when ARTFARM's "Circus for a Fragile Planet" is presented at 1:45 p.m. It's one of the free events at this year's International Festival of Arts & Ideas. For more information, go to www.artidea.org.
The Greater Middletown Chorale presents "Summer Serenade", its 5th Annual Benefit Event, at 6 p.m. in the Wadsworth Mansion at the Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth Street. The evening will feature food, drink, music, a live auction, a special Lantern Lighting on the Lawn and more. For ticket information, go to www.gmchorale.org or call 860-633-6198.
Cold Stone Creamery, Riverview Center, hosts "Raise the Roof", a fundraiser created by Artists for World Peace and the Good Hope Foundation (in Tanzania) to help raise funds to construct a roof for a community health center in Moshi, Tanzania. The event will feature live music, African crafts and, of course, ice cream. The good folks at Cold Stone will donate 25% of their proceeds to the cause. One never needs a reason to eat ice cream but this is a very good one. The event takes place from 6 - 9 p.m.
The Buttonwood Tree presents Shawn Taylor & Wandering Roots in concert at 8 p.m. Taylor and band play original music that blends folk, country blues, bluegrass and more. To find out more and get a taste of the music, go to www.shawntaylortunes.com.
Summer is here and the time is right for the Hot Steamed Jazz Festival. The 18th Annual Festival, which raises money for the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang Camp (started by Paul Newman) for children with life-threatening illnesses, has 4 sessions (Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon) and is loaded with great musicians. This year features long-time favorites such as the Galvanized Jazz Band (pictured), the great boogie-woogie pianist Bob Seeley and saxophonist/clarinetist Dan Levinson plus a special appearance by composer/pianist William Bolcom and his wife Joan Morris. To find out more, go to www.hotsteamedjazz.com or call 1-800-348-0003.
Adeline Pusz Hits Century Mark
The Mayor's Thoughts For the Grads
. . . [A]ll experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Out of Proportion
I was among those who thought the construction of a gazebo in Union park a mistake, especially when the best defense that could be made for it was that it was an Eagle Scout project. Others, who supported it, said that it could be used as a band shell in place of hauling the infamous Showmobile into the park for concerts. But the size and placement of the gazebo made that notion impractical.
Despite my initial objections, I think the gazebo is actually a nice addition to the park, aesthetically, but I still think it's use as a practical shelter is limited.
However, the recent addition of a brass placard which hosts the name of every individual who gave a dollar to the project is, simply, hideous.
This is not a plaque which holds the name of veterans, or war dead, but an eternal thank-you to donors who ponied up to make the gazebo possible.
Giving thanks to donors is appropriate, of course, in a speech, or in an opening-day printed program, in a mayoral proclamation or on a temporary banner. Yes, this is a time of quid pro quo naming rights, where millionaires who have earned fortunes by exploiting others give back to their communities, and to those they've exploited, with an gallery space,or a museum, or an educational building, or a performance venue, and expect to see their names in granite above the cornice. I'm quite sure that no one who contributed to the building of the gazebo expected to see their names immortalized in bronze on a plaque which seems designed to outlive the gazebo it commemorates.
If a commercial entity wanted to erect a sign of this proportion (compared to the structure it adjoins), it would surely be a zoning issue.
I can imagine this bronze monstrosity is the well-intentioned product of an over-enthusiastic scout troop, and that enthusiasm can be appreciated, and the gesture forgiven...if the plaque is taken down and erected at Scout headquarters.
Sure, let it sit for a season so that all who help to raise the gazebo can feel good about their contributions, but by all means, let's get rid of the sign by next summer so we can appreciate the gazebo itself.
And if a plaque is needed, how about something tasteful, and small, that can be attached to one of the pillars of the gazebo itself.
Let's remove it to remind ourselves that generosity and philanthropy should be rewards in and of themselves, and that immortal thanks are not necessary to reward good deeds. If anyone should recognize that, a scout should, because if a good deed every day were rewarded in this way, each scout would be carrying a backbreaking kit bag full of bronze.
And for those who will think that this complaint is out of proportion with the problem plaque, let's consider that it is the small details which make a city beautiful. So whether it's the preservation of shade trees on Main Street (and don't get me started on the destruction of mature trees right across Main Street from the gazebo), or the effort to keep center-city walls free from graffiti, or the fight to diminish the amount of open-lot parking space, it's the details that add up to the image we project of ourselves to the rest of the world.
Congrats Grads!
Senior Summer Sizzler
Tuesday, June 29- Don’t miss the 4th Annual SENIOR SUMMER SIZZLER All-American Retro Picnic at Water’s Edge Center for Health & Rehabilitation, 111 Church Street, Middletown from 12Noon-2pm (will be held rain or shine- if weather is inclement, event will be moved inside). All active adults and seniors (55 and older) are invited to join us for a FREE Picnic lunch, live music by Stan Scott and his band, and raffle prizes. Call 860.347.7286 by June 23 to RSVP.
Monday, June 21, 2010
McConoughy Hall Demolition Underway
Relay For Life
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day Brunch
From 1910: Supposed Body a Spoiled Cheese
A Night of Melody, Musicianship and a Full House
The large crowd showed for several reasons. 1) - Noah Baerman, Middletown resident and Jazz Ensemble Director at Wesleyan was on the bill. 2) - Owen McNally of The Hartford Courant wrote a laudatory essay about the headliner, Icelandic pianist/composer Sunna Gunnlaugs and her Quartet, and that caused Hartford-area jazz fans to sit up and notice.
Instead of a review, let me get to the high points. I've heard Noah play numerous times over the past 12 or 13 years but rarely better. He's been dealing with the effects of Ehler-Danlos Syndrome for the better part of 2 decades - it's a connective tissue disorder that could, potentially, permanently end his ability to play piano. Well, he must be feeling stronger because his playing tonight was full of fire, shading, powerful long lines that covered the keyboard. The Buttonwood piano sounds great these days and so does Noah.
He played with Ms. Gunnlaugs' rhythm section, bassist Dan Fabricatore and her husband, drummer Scott McLemore. The bassist, a substitute for Eivind Opsvik, had a lovely, full, tone and played in a very melodic style - many bassists are time-keepers but Fabricatore, a friend of Noah's since their undergraduate years at Rutgers, does much more than that. All the tunes they played were ones that Baerman had composed in his sophomore year and had played some of them (in those days) with the bassist. I heard plenty of drummers in the Buttonwood but none played the room as well as McLemore. It's easy for percussionists to be too loud in the intimate performance space yet McLemore, at times, was whisper-soft. Not content to just keep the beat, he created percussive backdrops, played melodic figures, used brushes many times hroughout the evening.
Ms. Gunnlaugs is also a fine musicians, with influences ranging from Icelandic folk tunes to Bill Evans to Keith Jarrett's European Quartet (of the 1970s and 80s.) Her melodies and harmonic sensibilities make the listener pay attention - she creates unique worlds within her songs. The other lead voice in the Quartet is alto saxophonist Loren Stillman who digs deeply into the material and weaves solos of rapid-fire notes blended with keening sounds and, often, a light touch. The music was quite involved but never heavy-handed.
Full house, fine music, good company - a large part of the success of this performance is that one can interact with the musicians, especially during the break or after the show. They appreciate it, knowing that people are willing to take the time to attend the show and to talk with them.
In the midst of a crazy week, tonight's show at The Buttonwood was a wonderful diversion. Go to www.buttonwood.org, check the schedule and take part in the arts in Middletown.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
The Sad Tale of a Mechanical Pulse

Butler's father, former Wesleyan professor Jeffrey Butler died in two years ago after strokes, Alzheimer's disease and other ailments robbed him of his physical abilities and his mental capacity. Her story demonstrates that a medical system which rewards procedures over health, can create unintended consequences and untold suffering.
The literally heartbreaking story takes place in Middletown, and involves Middletown physicians, named in the article, and Middlesex Hospital.
Motorcycle Collision with Car on Newfield Street
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On Friday, June 18, 2010 at approximately 5:36 P.M., a motor vehicle versus motorcycle collision occurred on Newfield Street in the area of Fisher Road.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, operated by Harriet Diaz, age 51, of Middletown, was traveling in a northerly direction on Newfield Street, and stopped to turn left onto Fisher Road. A 2000 Kawasaki ZX600, motorcycle, operated by Alexander Vazquez, age 27, of Meriden, was traveling behind the Pontiac, and collided with the rear of the vehicle. Subsequently, the operator of the motorcycle was ejected, and struck the rear window to the vehicle.
As a result of the collision, Mr. Vazquez was transported to Hartford Hospital, and is listed in stable condition. Ms. Diaz was transported to Middlesex Hospital, and subsequently released.
Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Officer David Godwin of the Middletown Police Department’s Traffic Unit (860) 344-3264.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Local Artist's hold Fundraiser at Coldstone

A message from Artist's for World Peace, an organization founded by Middletown resident and multi talented artist & teacher Wendy Black Nasta, from the group's website:
"Fundraiser event with live music, African crafts (for children of all ages) and ice cream! Cold Stone Creamery will donate 25% of its proceeds. Artists for World Peace and the Good Hope Foundation (in Tanzania) are presenting this fundraiser to construct a roof for a community health center in Moshi, Tanzania. Foundation and walls are in, all that is left is to “raise the roof”. For info, visitwww.artistsforworldpeace.org or on Facebook: Artists for World Peace. The event will be held at Cold Stone Creamery, 100 Riverview Center, Middletown, CT.
We are also looking for the following donations to the community health center. Artists for World Peace will be traveling to Tanzania in August. If anyone would like to donate any of the following, please drop them off at Cold Stone Creamery on Friday, June 25th between the hours of 6:00-9:00 p.m. or call our office and we will arrange another time. (860) 347-4219:"