Help to Create an Accurate Power Restoration Map

The New Haven Register is investigating the effectiveness of how electric utility companies are responding to Hurricane Irene across the state. They have created a quick, simple survey, and are enlisting help from residents across the state in plotting a map which illustrates when and where power was restored throughout Connecticut after the storm turned the lights out.

The New Haven Register has asked media partners to publicize this to help get as complete of a response as possible. The Eye is thankful to the New Haven Register for linking us in on their Community Media Lab web page and we're happy to reciprocate by asking readers if they will take a quick minute to answer this survey.

Here is the survey

http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2011/09/02/news/doc4e610caf914a9110888254.txt

To read more about the response thus far, click here for a very entertaining article in the Register about one man's "TWITTER TAKEDOWN" of the utility's storm power outage response.

Saturday snapshot

It feels like Irene brought autumn with her. Here's a photo from a couple weeks ago when it was still late summer. The wonderful late afternoon light dapples an old cobbled roadway in Wadsworth Park.

Stump The Eye: Accidents/Hospitals

A reader submitted a question to the Eye that we find interesting and we would like to answer it in great detail, with an investigative journalistic article that explores many aspects of the question. Unfortunately, none of The Eye's volunteer writers are currently available to undertake this project. We do have contacts in strategic positions and so were able to send the question to someone who could give an adequate answer. If any readers out there have any more to add, please submit a comment. If any readers out there have other questions that you would like the Eye to try to answer, send them into middletowneye@gmail.com or alternatively, readers are welcome to research and write articles of their own and submit them to us to be published. We welcome all reader submissions, and in fact we have a very long list of unassigned story ideas and will be happy to work with new volunteer writers who are willing to try taking it on.

Question:

“ hello, i've got a question that's been bugging me for some time.

i'm hoping the eye or one of it's readers has an answer.

the question is this: why do accident victims requiring medical attention go to hartford hospital instead of middlesex.

it seems everytime i read an accident report in the eye, or in the middletown press, it will say that the victims were taken to hartford hospital. one would think that middlesex being closer would be used.

does anyone know why. “

Answer:

Middlesex Hospital Paramedic and Emergency Medical Services Quality Coordinator, John Connelly, explains the answer to the reader's question in this way:

The state OEMS, Office of Emergency Medical Services, has established trauma guidelines which dictate the destination of trauma patients. Many victims of trauma require a level I or II hospital. Middlesex Hospital is not a level I or II trauma hospital. Patient choice can also be a factor. Below are definitions of what level I and II hospitals are.

Level I

The Level I facility is a regional resource trauma center that is a tertiary care facility central to the trauma care system. Ultimately, all patients who require the resources of the Level I center should have access to it. This facility must have the capability of providing leadership and total care for every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehabilitation. In its central role, the Level I center must have adequate depth of resources and personnel.

Level II

The Level II trauma center is a hospital that is also expected to provide initial definitive trauma care, regardless of the severity of injury. Depending on geographic location, patient volume, personnel, and resources, however, the Level II trauma center may not be able to provide the same comprehensive care as a Level I trauma center. Therefore, patients with more complex injuries may have to be transferred to a Level I center (for example, patients requiring advanced and extended surgical critical care). Level II trauma centers may be the most prevalent facility in a community, managing the majority of trauma patients.

ATTENTION ALL THEATER ENTHUSIASTS!

Oddfellows Playhouse is once again, opening its doors to a brand new line-up of Fall Programming for young people Grades 6 and Up.

Our Junior Repertory Theater will be holding auditions for, Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story adapted by Michael O'Brien.

Our Teen Repertory Company will also be holding auditions for, Slaughterhouse Five (or The Children's Crusade) by Kurt Vonnegut.

__________________________________________________________

-Fall 2011 Programs Lineup-

Teen Rep (Grades 9+) Slaughterhouse Five, Directed by Daniel Nischan

*PRE-AUDITIONS will be Sept 7-8, 6:30-8:30pm*

*AUDITIONS will be Sept 12-13, 6:30-9:30pm*

REHEARSALS: Tues, Wed & Thurs, Sept 15-Nov 3, 6:30-9:30pm

Daily Rehearsals: Nov 6 (12-6 pm) & Nov 7-10 (6:30-10:30 pm)

PERFORMANCES: November 11-12 & 17-19, 7:30 pm

Junior Rep (Grades 6-8) A Christmas Carol, Directed by Lorra Carey

*CLASS LIMIT OF 25 STUDENTS*

REHEARSALS: Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept 13 - Dec 1, 4:30-6 pm

Daily Rehearsals: December 4-8, 4:30-7:30 pm

PERFORMANCES: December 9-11, 7:30 pm

*All pre-auditions, auditions, rehearsals & performances will be held at Oddfellows Playhouse*

__________________________________________________________

~This season Oddfellows is excited to begin our wide range of Youth Theatre programs. Not only is Oddfellows the largest and most active year-round theatre in Connecticut, we are also an independent, non-profit organization which promotes the growth of young people by helping them build skills and self confidence through the performing arts~

To register for one of our exciting productions CLICK HERE . For more information regarding our Youth Theatre Programs please call (860) 347-6143 or email Sarah: sarah@oddfellows.org

Oddfellows Programing is made possible by major support from CT State Department of Education, CT Commission on Culture & Tourism, Middlesex United Way, Middlesex County Community Foundation, The Stare Fund, Pratt & Whitney–Middletown, Middletown Commission on the Arts, City of Middletown CDBG Scholarship Program, Media Sponsor Comcast Cable and Radio Sponsor WESU 88.1FM

Oddfellows Home Page

A Time for Gratitude ...

As Mother Nature's winds and waters subside, I find myself counting my blessings, again and again. Besides my home remaining solid and safe and not losing electricity, I'm grateful for the support of many in town who contributed to our 5 week summer camp. Sponsored by the City of Middletown's Commission on the Arts (MCA), as part of their KIDS ARTS program, this camp has been run in tandem with Oddfellows Playhouse for over 20 years! While Oddfellows' culminates with the Children's Circus, we finished up this year's program with "The Big Reveal". It was a great time as the kids presented their work, and they excitedly performed their best for the Mayor, the MCA and their friends and family. I am honored and grateful to be part of this Middletown tradition.



I would like to thank those who continue to support the Arts, even and especially in these challenging times. Along with our major sponsors: the MCA, Johnson Consulting and The Middlesex County Community Foundation, we also have the support of many local businesses. Many of them contributed to our newspaper, "The Friendly Times" which was created by the kids, and can be found at the Chamber of Commerce and other places along Main Street. Look for their advertisements, created by the kids! A hearty pat on the back to O'Rourke's Diner, Illiano's Restaurant, Fusion Bakery and The Green Dahlia, who also donated to "The Big Reveal" and helped to make the kids' night a special one. Thank you also to Jon Romeo, Kelly Swan, Jeremy Hungerford and Jay Jay Johnson, who were extremely kind and helpful when we invaded their space at MacDonough School for camp.

I am grateful to live in a city which recognizes the need for artistic education, and hope we continue to develop the natural talents of our youth. We are truly blessed here in Middletown for the richness of good people and I am especially grateful to two people who volunteered their time to making our program the success that it was. Erin St. Pierre served as an administrative assistant and substitute teacher, and Darrell Lucas volunteered to videotape the kids at camp and The Big Reveal, producing a terrific VIDEO SHOW which can be found on our website. Also there are more photos and the names of all the sponsors and the awesome teachers and counselors who contributed to our KIDS ARTS camp. (buttonwood.org) - THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
Anne-Marie Cannata
Executive Director, North End Arts Rising, Inc.
(The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center)
Middletown, CT

From the Pencil: Rare Species Spotted in Middletown!

Some get power today. Some do not.

This Friday at Noon: Free "Flash Concert" by Asphalt Orchestra In Downtown Middletown

Wesleyan University will celebrate the incoming students in the Class of 2015 at the fourth annual Feet to the Fire Common Moment on Friday, September 2, 2011 on Andrus Field on the Wesleyan campus in Middletown.

The Common Moment will feature the world premiere of a new work by the Asphalt Orchestra entitled "Trading Futures" commissioned by the Center for the Arts, as well as a special performance by up to 800 Wesleyan students. The night will conclude with a performance of fire dancing by the Wesleyan student performance group Prometheus.

The Common Moment will be preceded at Noon by a free, 20 minute "flash concert" by the Asphalt Orchestra in downtown Middletown, starting at the North End Farmers Market on Main Street.

Asphalt Orchestra is a radical street band that brings ambitious processional music to the mobile masses, created in 2009 by the founders of the relentlessly inventive new music presenter Bang on a Can.

Following the premiere at Wesleyan, "Trading Futures" will be performed by Asphalt Orchestra on October 5 at Keene State College in New Hampshire, part of a New England tour. Past Feet to the Fire works have included exhibitions and performances by visiting artists including Marion Belanger's "Landfill", Ann Carlson's "Green Movement", Barbara Croall's "Messages (Mijidwewinan)", Cassie Meador's "Drift", and Stan's Cafe's "Of All the People in All the World, USA (The Rice Show)"; as well as works by faculty including Hari Krishnan's "Liquid Shakti", Ronald Kuivila's "The Weather, at Six", Alvin Lucier's "Glacier", and Nicole Stanton and Gina Ulysse's "Threshold Sites: Skin to Skin".

Storm Damage Brush Collection

City of Middletown Public Works Department

245 Dekoven Drive

Middletown, CT 06457

860-344-3407

www.cityofmiddletown.com

NEWS RELEASE

Storm Damage Brush Collection Guidelines

The City of Middletown Public Works crews will collect storm related brush curbside from all residences in Middletown. Brush can be placed neatly at the curb for collection. Crews will be collecting brush for the next couple weeks. Residents do not need to call for collection. Crews will be circulating through the City for automatic pickup.

Questions can be directed to the Public Works Department at 860-344-3407.

ToastMasters Special Event

The Middlesex County Toastmasters will be hosting a special event on Thursday, September 8th. If you have ever wondered what Toastmasters is all about, and if Toastmasters could benefit your personal development or help boost your career, please join us as we hear special guest speaker Michael Aron present “What is in it for Me”.

Michael, a Distinguished Toastmaster from the West Hartford Toastmasters Club, has served in various club and district officer positions. He has produced his own television program called “Toast of the Town” for West Hartford Community Television. He has won first place in two Toastmasters District 53 contests, competing against Toastmasters from Connecticut, eastern New York, and western Massachusetts in Humorous Speech and Tall Tales.

The event is open to the public and free to attend. Doors will open at 6:15pm for networking and refreshments, and the meeting will run from 7-9pm at Middlesex Community College, Chapman Hall Room 605, 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown.

The Middlesex County Toastmasters has been helping its members develop leadership skills and become more comfortable speaking in front of an audience for 20 years. Guests are always welcome, with no cost or obligation. Please see http://middlesex.freetoasthost.com or call 860-575-6349 for more information.

Date of Event: Thursday, September 8th

@ 6:15pm - 9pm @ Middlesex Community College

Farmers Market this Friday!

Join us at the North End Farmers Market!

Fridays 10-2

July - October

Corner of Liberty and Main Street

The market in full swing!

We accept EBT/SNAP, Senior vouchers, and WIC...

AND we have an awesome "Double Dollars" program that increases the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables you can buy with your food benefits.

Music this week

African Drumming by friends of Jocelyn Pleasant, a great North End musician.

PLUS!!! A special visit from the Asphalt Orchestra, an explosively awesome marching band, at 12 noon. Check out their website for more info: www.asphaltorchestra.com

Special guest vendors include:

Raw Youniverse - yummy raw smoothies made for you on the spot!

The Whey Station - with delicious grilled cheese and cheese by the pound from local farms.

Customers outside the Whey Station - grilled cheese time!

We'll also have a special guest lunch vendor - to be announced!

Please call NEAT for more information - 860 346 4845.

FALL 2011 CLASSES AT ODDFELLOWS

Is your child a story-teller? Do they enjoy exploring and creating stories through song and dance? Do you find that your little one enjoys games, activities, movement and songs while bringing their favorite stories to life?

....Perhaps you find that your child is already familiar with the theatrical arts but desires to progress to the next set of vocal, physical and emotional skills for young actor.

If so… Save the Date!

Monday, September 12 Oddfellows Playhouse will open its doors to begin our annual Fall classes.

This season Oddfellows is excited to begin our wide range of Youth Theatre programs. Not only is Oddfellows the largest and most active year-round theatre in Connecticut, we are also an independent, non-profit organization which promotes the growth of young people by helping them build skills and self confidence through the performing arts.

-Fall 2011 Program Lineup-

• Little Fellows (Ages 3-4) :

Tuesdays, September 13 - November 1 10:00-11:00am

• First Act! (Ages 5-6) :

Saturdays, September 17 – November 5 9:00-10:00am

• Complete Actor 1 (Grades 1-3)

Wednesdays, September 14 – November 2 4:30-5:30pm or Saturdays, September 17 – November 5 9:00am – 10:00am

• Fall Mini-Production The Sneetches :

Mondays & Wednesdays, September 12 - November 2 4:30 - 5:30pm with performance on November 4 @ 6pm

• Complete Actor 2 (Grades 4-5) *prerequisite for Twain Tales :

Wednesdays, September 14 - November 2 4:30 - 5:30pm or Saturdays, September 17 - November 5 9:00 - 10:00am

• Fall Mini-Production Twain Tales :

Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 13 - November 3 4:30 - 6:00pm with performance on November 4 @ 7pm

To register for one of our classes CLICK HERE . For more information regarding our Youth Theatre Programs please call (860) 347-6143 or email Sarah: sarah@oddfellows.org

Oddfellows Programing is made possible by major support from CT State Department of Education, CT Commission on Culture & Tourism, Middlesex United Way, Middlesex County Community Foundation, The Stare Fund, Pratt & Whitney–Middletown, Middletown Commission on the Arts, City of Middletown CDBG Scholarship Program, Media Sponsor Comcast Cable and Radio Sponsor WESU 88.1FM

Oddfellows Home Page

Canoe Club Closed Due To Flooding

Thursday Night Jazz at The Canoe Club is canceled this week, due to flooding.