City seeking Arts Advocacy Awards nominees

The city  presents an Arts Advocacy Award annually to an individual or group who has significantly contributed to the cultural and artistic enrichment and/or has shown extraordinary support and initiative for the arts in Middletown.

The Middletown Commission on the Arts is seeking public input on nominations for the award. The nominee(s) need not live in Middletown but should be an individual or group that has made an outstanding impact on the arts in the city.

Suggestions, which should include the sender's town and information about the nominee, can be emailed to Arts Coordinator Stephan Allison at Stephan.Allison@middletownct.gov by Dec. 15.
The MCA will be presenting its award honoring this year's recipient in a local ceremony coinciding with National Arts Advocacy Day March 20 to 21 in Washington, D.C.

This Weekend at The Buttonwood Tree

Eric Mintel Quartet: Charlie Brown Christmas Special!

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. Come see them live November 30^th when they kick off the holiday season with a Charlie Brown Christmas Special. Playing the music of Vince Guaraldi for the Charlie Brown cartoon, and some original tunes. Featuring Eric Mintel on piano, Nelson Hill on saxophone, Jack Hegyi on flute and Dave Mohn on drums. Reservations are strongly suggested

November 30th | 8-10pm | $18

Story City Troupe

Story City is a troupe of storytellers based in the Hartford, CT area and trained by Matt Dicks, one of The Moth’s champion storytellers. Story City Troupe uses The Moth Formula: all are true, personal stories, often funny, sometimes amazing, poignant or ironic and based on a single theme for the evening. The troupe members range in age from their 20’s to their 70’s, proving you can come up with a good story at any age.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll identify!

December 1st | 8-10pm | $10

Eric Lee & Kim Hoffman Double Bill

Raised in rural upstate New York, Eric Lee’s earliest introductions to music were the sounds of his mother’s piano and the songs of John Gorka, Bob Dylan, and Jackson Browne. He began studying classical violin and traditional Irish fiddle at the age of nine, and was soon performing and recording with local artists. The music of Eric Lee is a chimera of genres and influences; an ever-evolving world of sonic exploration with stand-alone melodies always at it’s core. His new EP traverses a range of emotion, from the unbridled joy of love in “Miles Above the Ground” to the wrenching pain of Eros in “To Write you a Song”; the unflattering honesty of coping with loss (“Life Without You”) to the cosmic petition to the ancient powers in “Hands of Fortune.”

 Kim Hoffman is known to many for her sweet back up violin playing for several local musicians.   On December 2nd, Kim will bring her guitar and vocals to share some of her original songs.  Be prepared to laugh, think, and be touched as she shares stories and songs of some of her life’s  observations and adventures!   You may even get to hear the violin!



 December 2nd | 8-10pm | $12

 Change It Up Art Reception

This Month’s Artist, Kathleen Curran Smits is adjunct faculty at Quinnipiac University and Manchester Community College teaching computer graphics and digital design. She is an instructor and curriculum developer for a veterans oriented vocational program through CPTV called the Institute for Advanced Media.
Kathy paints landscapes in oils and has developed abstract digital art based in photography. She has been accepted into regional and national exhibitions and won awards. Her work is in private collections across the country, in Canada and Australia. Currently she is represented by the Pandion Gallery on Fisher’s Island in the summers. Kathy serves as Vice President of the Art League of New Britain and is an associate board member of the American Artists Professional League in NYC.



December 3rd | 3-5pm

Visit buttonwood.org for more info/reserve seats

Call 860.347.4957

TBT is located next to It's Only Natural Market at 605 Main Street, Middletown

Wednesday Wildlife: The Foxtrot

A long-time reader sent us the below video of a fox in our city.  This was filmed with a motion-activated game camera over the Thanksgiving weekend. 

The Eye would like to make city wildlife stories and pictures a regular feature. If you have a story or photo of wild animals in our city, please share (middletowneye@gmail.com).  

Eric Mintel Quartert Returns to The Buttonwood Tree

The Buttonwood Tree is proud to present The Eric Mintel Quartet on THURSDAY, Nov. 30 @ 8 pm. Reservations are strongly suggested. Seating is limited. Additional seating and live remote viewing are available in the bookstore. Reserve your seats at www.buttonwood.org

 
(EMQ: "Take Five" - a jazz piece composed by Paul Desmond and performed by The Dave Brubeck Quartet on their 1959 album Time Out.)

Call 860.347.4957 for more info.
TBT is located next to It's Only Natural Market at 605 Main Street, Middletown

Reserve seats HERE

Readers Theater presents Sam Shepard Play Monday, November 27th at Russell Library

Ages of the Moon will be presented Monday,
November 27th at Russell Library.

Readers Theater presents Ages of the Moon by Sam Shepard on Monday, November 27th at Russell Library's Hubbard Room. 

Join us for refreshments at 6:30pm before Ages of the Moon by Sam Shepard begins at 7:00pm. Since the library will close at 6:00pm, the Court Street entrance to the Hubbard Room at the back of the library will be open.

The play revolves around old friends, Byron and Ames, re-united by mutual desperation. Over whiskey on a hot summer’s night, they sit, reflect and bicker until fifty years of love, friendship and rivalry are put to the test at the barrel of a gun. 

'Longtime fans of Mr. Shepard should definitely see this play. It is a poignant and honest continuation of themes that have always been present in the work of one of this country’s most important dramatists, here reconsidered in the light and shadow of time passed.' -- NYTimes Review, 2010.

 

Readers Theater is live drama acted by local actors, directed by Anne Cassady and Richard Kamins.

 

This series is sponsored by The Middletown Commission on the Arts and the Friends of the Russell Library 

Board of Ed Holds First Meeting With New Members

(UPDATED 11/22)

In its first order of business, the Board of Education nominated and elected Chris Drake (D) as chair, Cheryl McClellan (R) as Vice Chair and Marilyn Rios (D) as Secretary.  All votes were unanimous.

After the officer elections, the board received the winners of the annual anti-bullying poster contest conducted by the Middletown Federation of Teachers.  The winners in three categories were: Autumn Russell (k-2), Sara Hammi (3-5) and Safara Samadi (6-8)


Much of the meeting was given over to Dr. Michael Conner's plans for his first one hundred days as new superintendent.

Conners explained that in the two weeks he's been at the head of the district, he's already met with teachers, administrators, students, parents and Common Council members.

His entry plan, entitled Explore Middletown, which he admitted was ambitious, but doable, entails meeting with all education stakeholders, collecting and analyzing data, and beginning to draw up plans for moving forward in the district.

Conner emphasized the importance of talking to all members of the community, particularly students.

"They give us the best data," Conner said.

As a result, he is instituting the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee, suggesting that admission to the committee would include elections for leadership roles.

Conner also said that he would be conducting two intensive workshops with the Board of Education.  One, a two-day retreat, would allow the Board members to explore their duties and responsibilities, and explore the ways in which they, as elected representatives of the community, could work with him and the educational community to meet the goals of advancing student achievement.  The second, to be held in August, would review duties, responsibilities and the goals the Superintendent will set for the district.

The board also heard a presentation from Farm Hill principal Jennifer Calabrese and Associate Superintendent Enza Macri on a pilot effort to bring social and emotional learning to all students at Farm Hill.

This Weekend at The Buttonwood Tree

The Coconuts

Comedy Rock Band

Each time COCONUTS comes to The Buttonwood Tree we try to present something a bit different. This time we're going to highlight our Baby Boomer roots with a lot of music from the 60s along with the usual insanity. The show is going to be a Boomer Sing-Along Party, and what better place for an intimate party than the Buttonwood? 


We will have Brother Zack joining us on lead guitar with hot licks and special tricks so it will definitely be a night to remember with the band you can't forget.

Comedy Rocks! Hilarious Parodies, Sing-Alongs & Good Ol’ Rock ‘n’ Roll. More than just a comedy show…More than just a band…The Ultimate Baby Boomer Party Band!
Johnny Eagle (vocals, blues harp, kazoo, percussion), Joe Beetz (guitar, vocals), Sal Monella (bass guitar, vocals, trumpet)

Friday November 24th | 8-10pm, $15   Reserve Your seat HERE

Andrew Biagiarelli Trio / My Girl My Whiskey & Me

Reggae / Calypso / Bluegrass

Andrew Biagiarelli is going on tour for the release of his new album! Andrew Biagiarelli spent his early 20s traveling the American West with just a backpack and a guitar.  Jamming around bonfires from Alaska to Colorado, he absorbed all the varied influences of his friends on the road.  With a sound ranging in style from folk and blues to jazz-infused, his music is as varied as the landscapes of the American West.  While living on a sailboat in the Caribbean, he assimilated reggae and calypso rhythms into his approach to songwriting.  A natural storyteller, he weaves a tapestry of songs and tales of his travels into his live performances.

My Girl My Whiskey & Me is currently based out of Greenville, SC. In June of 2017 they began a tour called “50 in 52”, attempting to reach all 50 states within one year. Melding progressive and traditional bluegrass seamlessly, this mandolin, and guitar duo is not an act to miss! Coming soon to a state near you.
Saturday November 25th | 8-10pm, $15         Reserve Your seat HERE

Terribile, Tiano, and the Naked Man On Main

From yesterday's arraignment report.

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Click to enlarge

Pubcrawl Tomorrow. Fundraiser For Animal Shelters

Click to enlarge

This Weekend at The Buttonwood Tree

 

Someone You Can Xray & Brian May

Electric Blues

Someone You Can Xray: Is a CT-based rock fusion band for everyone!   From electric blues & country, to funk and psychedelic improvisations, hilarious stage antics and surprise instruments, there’s always a surprise!

Brian May: Brian May is making his fourth appearance at The Buttonwood Tree and has been performing around Ct., New England and New York State for the past 50 years. This show will feature all original songs, with influences of roots, blues and some folk rock. Vocal harmonies a plus with excellent instrumentalists from both acts.


 Friday November 17th, 8-10pm | $12

Teen Open Mic

 

Teens, looking for a place to perform? A place to recite your latest poem? How about your newest original scene? Or, a time-tested monologue? If so, The Buttonwood Tree Teen Open Mic is FOR YOU!
Be a part of Buttonwood’s first ever open mic specifically for teen performers ages 12-18. Perform any type of artwork: you can use our piano or bring a guitar, ukulele, or other instrument to play! Cover your favorite song or perform an original! Whether it is your first time performing or you are an experienced teen musician, poet, or artist, the Buttonwood Tree is a positive, supporting environment for teens to perform. Parents and friends are welcome to come support!

Thanks to Matt at the Middlesex Music Academy, a back line of a full drum kit, bass amp and guitar amp can be provided with advance notice. Email or call us to make arrangements.

Saturday November 18th, 3-5pm | $5

Seat Of Our Pants (SOOP)

Contemporary Acoustic Folk

Seat Of Our Pants (SOOP) has been playing their own brand of contemporary acoustic folk by the “seat of their pants” for the past 5 years, and having a whole heck of a lot of fun doing it…but don’t let the name fool you. Carolyn, Jeff, Mark, and Mike have the whole package with tight vocals, guitar, bass, violin, percussion, and two CDs under their belts. They deliver a fabulous combination of original material and unique covers of current and not so current tunes, with genuine ease and grace. And they are no strangers to the stage at The Buttonwood tree, with 3 previous standing-room-only appearances since 2013. From their humble beginnings at an open-mic, to appearances at places like The Bread Box, The Vanilla Bean, to taking 1^st place this Summer in the Open Mic Competition at The Majestic Theater in West Springfield, SOOP has attracted a word of mouth following in Connecticut and beyond that continues to grow.

Friday November 18th, 8-10pm | $10

First Church in Middletown Annual Christmas Concert, Sunday, December 10, 4 pm

Candlelight Christmas Concert

First Church
in Middletown
190 Court Street 
Sunday, Dec. 10th
4 o'clock pm


The Candlelight Christmas Concert at First Church is a calm and wondrous, late-afternoon service. It's a good time to unwind during this busy season, and think about your own Christmas joys--we think you'll enjoy it.

On SUNDAY, December 1O, at 4:00 PM, First Church (UCC) in Middletown hosts its annual Candlelight Christmas Concert. The concert is free and open to the public (donations are appreciated).  

The concert features classical and traditional, as well as Gospel and spiritual selections from our choirs, our bell choir, and the Court Street Singers men's choir; as well as Christmas readings and carol singing. A buffet reception will follow the concert in the Parish Hall.

FIRST CHURCH in Middletown is at 190 Court Street, in Middletown, and there is plenty of free parking nearby. For additional information about First Church programs, please call our office manager at 860-346-6657.  (Or see us at FirstChurchMiddletown.org or on FaceBook, First Church Middletown FB.)
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Comcast Public Access TV Studio Open House Friday

From Elizabeth Walden, Public Relations, Comcast, Western New England
-------------------
Comcast is opening the doors of its local Public Access TV Studio, located at 199 Shunpike Road, Cromwell, CT to residents of our city (and Cromwell, East Hampton, Portland, and Middlefield) on Friday, November 17th  from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for the studio’s Annual Open House.  Refreshments will be served.

At the open house, residents will be given a tour of the production studio, which includes three cameras, an audio console and a character generator for graphics. The equipment will be set up for demonstrations and guests will leave with a basic understanding of television production.

During the year, Comcast hosts workshops at its public access studio for community residents, local non-profit groups and municipal employees, allowing them to learn the various aspects of television production, including the operation of cameras and other equipment, directing and hosting programs and covering local events and public meetings. Training is also provided on an individual or group basis.

Through the workshops and trainings, attendees will learn to produce, write and tape their own local television programs for local access channel 15. Public access television runs the gamut from government meetings and educational programming to talk shows and youth group activities and sports.

Community members interested in becoming public access television volunteers can register for the workshops at the open house or by calling the studio directly at 860-613-3035.

A Celebratory Swearing-In

The Reverend Ed Ford senior delivers a benediction.

Council chambers in Middletown were filled with friends, family, colleagues and dignitaries as newly-elected municipal officials were sworn into their offices Tuesday evening.

"May they prove worthy of the confidence placed in them by their citizens." - Father Russell Kennedy

It was the biennial meeting of the Common Council, for the express purpose of the swearing-in, so most Council members were present, Mayor Dan Drew presided, and guests included Republican State Senators Len Suzio, Toni Boucher and George Logan.  Also attending were chairmen of the towns Democratic and Republican town committees, Sal Nesci and Bill Wilson, respectively, and the newly-hired Superintendent of Schools Michael Conner.  Members of the current and past Boards of Education and Planning and Zoning commission were also in the room.

For an off-year election in which only eight candidates were elected, the room buzzed with excitement before and after the event.

Susan Allison.

"Choose any bank...down by the river sideways...and contemplate its bend and the wending ways of folks who came here in unending streams."  - Susan Allison.

The evening began with an invocation from Father Russell Kennedy from St. Francis of Assisi, followed by a reading from Middletown poet laureate Susan Allison of her poem about Middletown, "Choose Any River."

  

The swearing-in of all newly-elected officials followed immediately.  On the Board of Education, Ed Ford (R), Sean King (D), Lisa Loomis (D) and Jon Pulino (R) were sworn in.  On the Planning and Zoning Commission, Stephen Devoto (D), Nick Fazzino (R) and Corrine Dorsey (R) and Tyrell Brown as Republican Planning and Zoning alternate were sworn in.

Surrounded by family, Ed Ford is sworn in by Mayor Dan Drew.

Part of the excitement came from the early publicity afforded two young African-American men elected to town committees as Republicans.  Ed Ford was elected to the Board of Education and Tyrell Brown was elected as a Planning and Zoning alternate.  The young men shared roles as President (Brown) and Vice President (Ford) of their high school class, are close friends and are said to be the youngest Republican African-American to win office in Connecticut.  Ford is a junior psych major at CCSU, and Brown is a junior business major at SCSU.  WTNH featured the pair in a news story after the election, and was present for the swearing in, but the local coverage was superseded by national coverage when the pair was featured on Fox and Friends in the Fox New NYC studios. (editor's note: the fact that these capable young men were elected is reason for celebration for their party, and for Middletown, but it should be clarified that their "win" in "deep blue Connecticut" as characterized on WTNH and Fox, came only as a result of minority party representation rules.  The minority party (in this case, Republican) on any board in Middletown, must be represented.  In Middletown, the majority party is Democratic, which means that of the nine members of the Board of Education, three must be Republican, or another minority party.  On Planning and Zoning the Dems hold four seats, and Republicans three).

Sean King and family.

Lisa Loomis and family.

Jon Pulino and family.

Stephen Devoto and wife Joyce Powzyk.

Corrine Dorsey and family.

Nick Fazzino.

Tyrell Brown and family.

"It's that love, that grace, that mercy that we seek tonight." - Reverend Ed Ford, Sr.

During the singing of the national anthem, Board of Education member Lisa Loomis took a knee in quiet protest and solidarity in seeking racial justice and equity, and the need for the community to continue discussion of the topic.  Loomis' gesture went unnoticed by most in attendance.  She released a public statement on her decision: "It is my understanding that in recent weeks some Middletown High School students have been wrestling with whether or not to take a knee during the national anthem. In my view, one purpose of education is to empower children. Another purpose of education is to foster critical thinking and a free flow of ideas, and encouraging respectful dialogue about complex issues is an excellent way to do that. I believe the “taking the knee” protest offers a good opportunity for this, but based on my discussions with community members, I do not believe we, as a district, have taken advantage of this opportunity. I took a knee tonight to encourage district and school leaders to facilitate a respectful dialogue about the complexities of this issue so our students feel like their voices have been heard."

On a lighter note, a clerical error meant that Planning and Zoning commissioner Stephen Devoto's name was printed on several of the certificates awarded the newly elected officials, instead of their own names. Devoto, who is a regular contributor to the Middletown Eye, denied that it was an attempt to gain control of any commission or that Russian election interference was involved.

The official ceremony ended with a benediction by Edward Ford, senior, father of the new Board of Education member Ed Ford. But family and friends milled about for another hour congratulating the new officials and celebrating with cake and cannolis.

The Return of the First Church Holly Fair!

Our holiday arrangements of fresh pine and
holly are hand made and make lovely gifts.

First Church
Middletown
Holly Fair 2017
Saturday, Dec. 2
9:30am – 3pm

190 Court Street
Middletown

The First Church Holly Fair
returns this year, featuring specially selected Holiday Vendors. We'll have gently-used Jewelry, original art prints (internationally known artist), children’s holiday books, baked goods,cookies by the pound, and gourmet soups to take home, and arrangements of holiday wreathes and centerpieces all made by hand with fresh, local greens.

A sit-down gourmet luncheon of homemade soups, breads, and pies is one of the fair’s most popular attractions; a classic Christmas video will be shown, and Santa Claus will attend from 10:30am to 1:30pm. The fair runs from 9:30am to 3pm. Admission is free and open to all. First Church is open & affirming. Come with friends, family, and children.

First Church of Christ (UCC) is located at 190 Court Street in Middletown. The church is handicapped accessible, and free event parking is available across the street at Middle Oak parking garage. For more information, call the church office at (860) 346-6657. Or see us at firstchurchmiddletown.org.

New Policy For Safe Sidewalks & Snow Removal

City residents should take note of a new policy, and new ordinance, on sidewalk snow removal.  In the past, property owners could be fined for failure to remove snow and ice from sidewalks after snow storms. Under the new policy, those who fail to remove snow and ice within 24 hours after a storm will still be fined, but the fine will increase for each violation.

Also, and perhaps most significant, in the past the fines did not always accomplish the goal of getting the sidewalk cleared, leaving the situation still dangerous for children walking to school and for other pedestrians.  (Perhaps some property owners found it more convenient to pay the fine than to get the work done. Maybe they didn't pay the fine.) But under the new ordinance, the City may hire someone to remove the snow and bill the property owner for the job,  then place a lien on the property if the bill is not paid.

Below is the actual text of the ordinance.  It's another step toward safer walking conditions--in other words, Complete Streets--in Middletown!

Newly Elected Officials To Be Sworn In Tonight

The 8 officials elected to office in municipal elections will be sworn in during the biennial meeting of the Common Council, tonight at 7PM in Council Chamber, City Hall. As with the last swearing-in ceremony, the meeting will feature poetry and prayers.

After a reading from Susan Allison, Poet Laureate, and an invocation from Father Russell Kennedy, Pastor at St. Francis, Mayor Drew will administer the Oath of Office or Affirmation of Office.

This Council Meeting will end with a benediction given by the Reverend Dr. Edward C. Ford, Sr, of the Waterbury church Bread of Life Evangelistic Ministries. 

There will be light refreshments after the religious and government ceremonies are finished.

click to enlarge

Songs of WWI with Tom Callinan at the Russell Library

Jeremiah Coleman, a Middletown native killed in WWI.

On Thursday, November 16, at 7:00pm, Middletown native Tom Callinan will present a program of diverse songs from and about World War I, drawn from his 40-year career as a full-time creative and performing artist.

Tom will be self-accompanied with an assortment of string, wind and percussion instruments. In addition to weaving a narrative about 'The War To End All Wars,' Tom will present the answer to a life-long family mystery: why his great-uncle Jerry’s name was not included on the WWI obelisk on the Washington Terrace Green.

 With the assistance of the Middlesex County Historical Society and Russell Library's archives of period newspaper articles, Tom was able to learn more about Jeremiah's life, and as a result he composed 'Searching for Great-Uncle Jerry.’ He hopes it will not only help keep Private Coleman's name and memory alive, but it may inspire others to find out more about their respective family histories.

Drop-in ; no registration.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library. 

Call (860) 347-2520 for additional information.

INTERFAITH Dinner: Festival of Gratitude, Sunday, Nov. 12, 4pm

Interfaith Festival of Gratitude
At Table, In Community

First Church in Middletown invites you to attend an INTERFAITH Festival of GRATITUDE, to share in our season of abundance and celebrate our interfaith connections. The interfaith supper takes place on Sunday, Nov. 12, at First Church in Middletown, 5-8 pm. 

This seasonable event features a table of sacred food, an interfaith panel discussion, educational displays, a food drive for Amazing Grace Food Pantry, and time for leisurely conversation with people of all faiths.  

Please bring a nourishing dish that reflects your spirituality, with a detailed list of ingredients to display for those who have food restrictions or allergies. ALSO, if you are able, please bring a can of food for Amazing Grace Food Pantry.

● All Are Welcome ●
Dish or no Dish!

First Church in Middletown, 190 Court Street (side door).

For more information, please call 860-346-6657, or see us at www.firstchurchmiddletown.org 

 

~ ● ~

MHS Singers in GMChorale Concert Sunday!

From Joyce Kirkpatrick.
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The Middletown High School Advanced Choir, Stephanie Zak, Conductor will make a guest
appearance at the GMChorale’s annual fall concert, Where Earth Meets Sky, on Sunday, November 12, at 4 PM. 

The young singers will join the more seasoned singers of the GMChorale and its vocal chamber group Alchemy to swell the choral group to nearly 100 voices focused in song.  GMChorale Artistic Director Joseph D’Eugenio, will conduct the concert, the first in the GMChorale’s 2017-2018 Season of Resounding Voices.  The Advanced Choir’s appearance is the result of several joint rehearsals and part of the GMChorale’s new Mentorship Initiative.

In a wide-ranging program, this opening performance of GMChorale’s Resounding Voices Concert Season presents evocative choral music that explores our connections to the earth and to each other. Some of the music features composers who are composing at this very moment in time.
The fall program, Where the Earth Meets the Sky, includes beautiful settings of poetry by Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, and John Rutter, plus Gwyneth Walker’s poignant “White Horses” and rousing “Tell the Earth to Shake,” as well as lyrics from Native American, Shaker, and American folk traditions. Artistic Director Joseph D’Eugenio has selected music of many moods—rousing, poignant, contemplative, subtle, and ecstatic — to showcase the “resounding voices” of the GMChorale and its guest choir, The Middletown High School Advanced Choir.

After producing and performing three choral masterworks last season in celebration of their 40th anniversary—Duruflé’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and Meneely-Kyder’s Letter from Italy, 1944 with the Hartford Chorale and Hartford Symphony Orchestra—the 80-voice GMChorale enters its fifth decade by singing some of the choral repertory’s most strikingly beautiful music specifically selected to heighten our senses and expand our awareness of time, sound, and space.

GMChorale’s choral offerings on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 4 p.m., at the Middletown High School’s Performing Arts Center, 200 La Rosa Lane, will span the centuries and will highlight the great vocal diversity and artistry of GMChorale as well as the blossoming talents of the Middletown High School Advanced Choir.

Please join GMChorale and experience the beauty, joy, and comfort found in great music. Tickets are available online: single tickets, $15-$35; two-concert (November and April) adult subscription, $60; group rate for 10 or more, $30. Please visit www.gmchorale.org for tickets and further information.

This concert is funded, in part, through grants from the Middletown Commission on the Arts (MCA) and the Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD, and many generous donors.

Trace Your World War One Family History at Russell Library Thursday November 9th

Thursday, November 9 at 7:00pm, Russell Library will host professional genealogist Bryna O'Sullivan, who will teach participants in how to research their family history. 

Was your ancestor in the military during the First World War? Discover how the Great War affected your family through records, photographs and much more. Join Bryna O’Sullivan, a Middletown-based professional genealogy researcher and teacher, who will explain how to effectively search military and civil records, newspaper reports, veterans’ questionnaires, and more for ancestors who fought or had connections to World War One, and how online resources can best be used to discover their experiences during the conflict. Information on how to request copies of military service files via the National Archives will also be available. Bring your own laptop or the library will provide one so you can access resources on your own. 

This workshop is open to the public and free to attend. Registration is suggested but not required. Please call the Information Department at (860) 347-2528 for additional information.

Sponsored by: Russell Library in partnership with The Library of America, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Voices from War, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, The Wounded Warrior Project, Warrior Writers, WWI Centennial Commission, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

Election 2017 Official Results

The following are the official results sent to the Secretary of the State's Office.

Turnout was low, with 20.9% of the 26,547 people on the active list casting a ballot. This contrasts with a statewide turnout of 31.0%.

Minority party representation rules required that at least 2 seats on the Board of Education, and at least 2 seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission and at least one Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate be filled with a Republican. The names in BOLD are those of the candidates who will actually be seated.

Board of Education:

Lisa Loomis (D)	3,227
Sean T. King (D)	3,038
Patricia Alston (D)	2,975
Vincent J. Loffredo (D)	2,964
Ed Ford Jr.  (R)	2,154
Jonathan Pulino  (R)	1,942
Christopher J. Sugar (R)	1,859
Kevin M. Kelly (R)	1,755

Planning and Zoning Commission

Stephen H. Devoto  (D)	3,153
Steven M. Kovach (D)	2,804
Nicholas Ficaro  (D)	2,661
Nick Fazzino (R)	2,163
Corrine Dorsey (R)	2,017
Anthony R. J. Moran (R)	1,663

Planning and Zoning Commission Alternate

Amy Albert (D)	2,956
Tyrell J. Brown (R)	1,832

Question 1. Shall the $87,350,000 appropriation and bond authorization for ... a new Middle School ... be approved?

YES       3481
NO         1755