Middnight Buzz

With Thanksgiving behind us, and December upon us, the buzz is starting to build about Middletown's first New Year's Eve festival -- Middnight on Main.

For those of us who've been working on the event since last January, it's nice to see!

In case you've missed the news, Middnight on Main is a family-friendly day of performances and activities up and down Main Street, from 3 pm to midnight on December 31, 2011. With the purchase of a Middnight button, you can choose from over 100 shows, which will be presented at *indoor* venues like bank lobbies, churches and downtown stages. There will be rooftop fireworks at 6 pm and a drum-playing and bell-ringing countdown to 2012 at midnight.

It's a little hard to sum up the entertainment: it ranges from fringe films to choral music, with all kinds of music, dance, comedy and fun for both adults and kids - and even teenagers, as I'm not sure who else will be at the wizard rock band we've got scheduled. It's not all performances - both Kidcity and the Middletown Roller Rink will be open to button-wearers, and there are lots of unusual events, like speed chess, speed dating, winter-themed cooking demonstrations, and a cozy chat sesssion for fans of WNPR.

The event spans both the North and South ends of Main Street, i.e. St. Vincent's is hosting a ping pong tournament, and there will be a giant ice sculpture demonstration in front of Citizens Bank. With two shuttle buses running up and down Main all afternoon and evening (and free parking at all the downtown lots, including the Middlesex Garage), we hope that folks will find it easy to get around.

There are a dizzying number of people working on this event, from both arts and business organizations. In these final weeks, please forgive us if we answer texts in the middle of a conversation, or if we shout out "wait, I forgot to hang the banner!" just when you were telling us about your day. If you want to earn our undying and eternal gratitude, please consider taking a 3-hour volunteer shift during the event itself. In addition to making us happy, you'll earn a free Middnight button so you can enjoy the festivities when you're not helping out.

Last night, I made my first appearance on Bill Wilson's cable access show, "The Variety Hour" to talk about the Middnight performers. I brought a ridiculously huge map showing the Middnight venues, which Bill was nice enough to put right in front of us as we chatted. Until now, I'd really only interacted with Bill and his co-host Jon Pulino in the comments section of this blog - I found that we had this in common: a decidedly nerdy passion for Middletown. English teacher Pulino noted that we've spelled Middnight with 2 D's - cause this celebration is not just about 12 midnight - it's about Middletown!

But don't take my word for it! Go to the website, www.Middnight.org, to see what's on the schedule - I guarantee you'll see at least a few things you'd enjoy! And if you don't, let me know so we can get a jump on next year.

Hope to see you at Middnight!

Middnight buttons for sale at New England Emporium, Kidcity Children's Museum, It's Only Natural Market, and the Middlesex Chamber, as well as at www.Middnight.org.

First Church Holly Fair — Saturday, December 3, 2011

FIRST CHURCH
Holly Fair,
Saturday!

9:30 am — 2:30 pm

First Church of Christ, Congregational (UCC), in Middletown holds its annual Holly Fair on December 3, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

This holiday event features a wide selection of Christmas greens, vintage linens, jewelry including a collection of vintage costume jewelry, antiques and collectibles, ladies’ scarves, baked goods and holiday cookies, handcrafts, VT cheese and chocolates, and much more.

A gourmet luncheon of homemade soups, breads, and pies is one of the Fair’s most popular attractions.

Special vendors participating in the Holly Fair include Judy, with beautiful handmade Soaps; Kathy Scott, jewelry; Shari Lucas, original photography; M & P, handmade table runners, scarves, Santa Claus, and snowmen; and Handmade Baby Gifts by Rosemarie.

The First Church of Christ is located at 190 Court Street in Middletown. The Holly Fair is handicapped accessible, and there is free parking. For more information, call Lorel Czajka at (860) 346-6657.

All are welcome. ... Come to First Church — it's a good place to be!

The Candelight Concert – A Wesleyan Tradition (Dec. 3)

An entry from the Center for the Arts Blog by Director Pamela Tatge:

When I was a student at Wesleyan, I was a member of both the Wesleyan Concert Choir and Wesleyan Singers. The annual Candelight Concert was one of my favorite concerts. I’ll never forget what it was like to have Richard Winslow, revered Professor of Music at Wesleyan, ask me to do a solo in The First Noel—how honored and delighted I was, then how I worried about it for weeks, singing my one stanza in the shower, on my way to class and for my mother over Thanksgiving Break. I also remember the combination of terror and awe that I felt as I heard my voice, seemingly soaring up and out in front of me in that magnificent space.

This Saturday, December 3, a group of Wesleyan students will have their turn at singing solos, in one of the world’s most popular holiday masterpieces, Handel’s Messiah, Part I. Artist in Residence and University Organist Ronald Ebrecht and the Wesleyan Singers have been preparing for this ambitious choral work for months. Mr. Ebrecht, the new Director of the Wesleyan Singers, will conduct a chorus of 26 voices, accompanied on the organ by one of Wesleyan’s most versatile and ubiquitous graduate students, Brian Parks. The evening opens with a beautiful piece from Quatre Motets by Maurice Duruflé (Mr. Ebrecht is one of the foremost authorities on Duruflé, and is his first biographer).

Ron concludes his program notes with: “We hope that its message of beauty and peace and Handel’s magic transcends its origins and reaches each of you, as it has our group who come from around the globe and every religion or none.”

(Ron told me that they will be singing the first piece from the aisles with the lights out!). It’s sure to be a stunning performance.

Candlelight Concert
Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 7pm
Memorial Chapel, 221 High Street
FREE!
Featured soloists will include Naakai Addy, Connor Bennion, Emma Daniels, Maggie Feldman-Piltch, Tess Jonas, Paulina Jones-Torregrosa, Chloe Lalonde, Chun Kit Ng, Alan Rodi, Borworn Satayopas, and Jeremy Senie.

Congratulations Bielefield Students!

Submitted to the Middletown Eye by Christine Holley:

Bielefield Elementary School is pleased to announce that four students have been honored through the national Student POWER Award program. Sponsored by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Student POWER Award program seeks to highlight those students who, through their own efforts and with the support of others in the school community, make an exceptional difference in their own lives by achieving personal goals.

In general, a NASP Student POWER Award recipient demonstrates one or more of the following attributes and/or actions:

• Progress toward individual goals
• Optimism that he or she will succeed
• Willing to solve problems
• Eager to do his or her best
• Reaches out to others

Through their hard work, Student POWER Award recipients improve their own well-being and demonstrate a desire to make an ongoing difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

The behavior support team at Bielefield Elementary is participating in the Student POWER Award program as part of National School Psychology Awareness Week. The Student POWER Award program is part of NASP’s ongoing effort to help school psychologists promote children’s success in school and life, to help colleagues and parents redefine student success, and to highlight students’ exceptional efforts and individual achievements. It is grounded in the belief that emphasizing the positive, even in the face of adversity, is essential to achieving one’s best in school and life.

The following students are Student POWER Award recipients: Ava Lee, grade 5, Brandon Campbell, grade 5, Alexander Swander, grade 4 and Ray-Chelle Cabassa, grade 4 . Students are selected based on suggested guidelines from NASP that highlight making progress toward individual goals; considering possibilities in themselves, peers, or their school; maintaining an optimistic focus; trying their best; reaching out to others; and striving to meet academic and life challenges. In addition to receiving a certificate from NASP, these students have been added to the national list of Student POWER Award recipients on the NASP website at http://www.nasponline.org/communications/spawareness/index.aspx.

Ava Lee has been recognized for being a support and role model to peers, Brandon Campbell for his hard work and responsibility as a student, Alexander for his willingness to take on additional responsibilities and Ray-Chelle for being a reliable support for peers and adults.

NASP represents more than 26,000 school psychologists who work in schools and other education and health settings.

Middletown HIgh School Project Graduation Cookie Sale

MHS Project Grad
Annual Holiday Cookie Sale
Saturday Dec. 10th, 9-11AM
Middletown High School Cafeteria

Perfect for Holiday Parties or Gift-Giving! Choose from dozens and dozens
of delicious,homemade holiday cookies! Pack a box and save yourself hours
of baking time!

SMALL BOX $15, LARGE BOX $20

All proceeds go towards a SAFE GRADUATION PARTY for MHS Seniors.
For more info, email: mhs.pgrad@gmail.com

Wesleyan Women's Hockey in Promising First Steps of Long Rebuilding Process

The recent seasons for Wesleyan women’s ice hockey have not been pretty. Wesleyan has not won more than five games in the last five seasons. Under Head Coach Jodi McKenna, the Cardinals went 0-16 in the NESCAC for 2010-2011 and have only won two league games overall. To call the program anything over than terrible during this stretch would be a lie. After the team recorded its worst record as a varsity program last season, Wesleyan as nowhere to go but up. The 2011-2012 season is the first step in a long rebuilding process for women’s ice hockey.

For the Cardinals, everything starts with Ashleigh Corvi behind the net. The junior mainstay has a career 4.65 GAA and .896 save percentage while averaging nearly 38 stops a contest. Senior co-captains MJ Cardin and Jill Reynolds will provide much-needed leadership on the ice. Most important to the present and especially future of Wesleyan is the arrival of nine talented newcomers. Four of the freshmen are veterans of Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the most renowned prep programs in the country. Jordan Schildhaus had 22 points in 21 games for the school during her senior season.

“This year’s team is a lot better than last year’s,” McKenna said. “The depth and skill of our freshmen is strong and our veterans are further along than usual.”
Wesleyan immediately threw the monkey off its back by defeating Williams College 5-3 on November 18, the team’s first conference victory in more than a year. The Cardinals were tied at three going into the third period before Scildhaus established herself as a player to watch, netting a goal with 9:40 left to put her team ahead. Time and time again Corvi staved off Williams attempted rally, totaling 13 saves in the final stanza and 32 for the game. Junior Kelsey Mueller earned a hat trick in the contest.

In the rematch the next day, the Ephs scored two power-play goals in the third period to earn a 5-4 victory at home. Senior Julia Mulhern handed the Cardinals the lead at the beginning of the third period, but Williams tied it and then put home the winner at 12:35. Wesleyan had their chances but squandered both a power-play and a two-man opportunity in the time that remained. Corvi put up a valiant effort and finished with 38 saves as her teammates struggled to hold on to the puck. Wesleyan was outshot 44-31 in the contest.

Last Sunday Wesleyan fell to unbeaten Holy Cross College at home, 2-1. Holy Cross held a 12-4 advantage in shots in the first period, and got on the board at the eight minute mark. The Cardinals were able to make the score 2-1 five minutes into the third period but were easily denied for the reminder of the game. Schildhaus’s third goal gave her a share of the team lead. For the second consecutive game the team struggled to put pressure on a team, with Holy Cross establishing a 36-20 edge in shots on the afternoon.

“This season is a learning curve,” McKenna stated. “We have to overcome the hurdle of the team not being competitive for a long time. The team has definitely improved since last year. I’m happy with our performance, but I’m not satisfied.”

Wesleyan returns to the ice tomorrow night at home versus Amherst College.

Stuff A Cruiser!

Middlesex United Way

100 Riverview Center Suite 230

Middletown, CT 06457

860/346-8695 Fax 860/346-6044

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

November 21, 2011

For more information contact Jill Davoll, Communications Director, 860-346-8695 or

jill.davoll@middlesexunitedway.org

Middlesex United Way Young Leaders Society to hold a Holiday Social and

Stuff-A- Cruiser Toy Drive to Benefit Children and Families of Macdonough

Elementary School

Middletown, CT – The Middlesex United Way’s Young Leaders Society is holding a Holiday

Social and Stuff-A-Cruiser Toy Drive at Esca Restaurant and Wine Bar on Tuesday, December

13th at 5:30 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend this free Holiday Social where you can connect

with other young leaders who live or work in Middlesex County.

Brighten up a child’s holiday season! Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child aged 5-11 and

help us stuff a Middletown Police cruiser. Encourage your co-workers to donate along with you.

All gifts will benefit children and families who attend Macdonough Elementary School. The

event is being sponsored by Attention To Detail in Middletown, with special thanks to Esca and

the Middletown Police Dept.

The Young Leaders Society is a unique and dynamic group providing community involvement,

personal development and networking for individuals or couples 40 years of age or younger

who live and work in Middlesex County. Our mission is to create opportunities for young

professionals to get involved with Middlesex United Way, connect with colleagues and

community leaders and give back to advance the common good.

Esca Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 437 Main Street, Middletown. If you have

questions regarding this event, please call Middlesex United Way at 860.346.8695.

For more information about Middlesex United Way’s Young Leaders Society visit our website at

www.middlesexunitedway.org/yls or at www.facebook.com/MUWYoungLeadersSociety.

Wesleyan Wrestling Determined to win New England Championships on Home Floor

Wesleyan wresting should be the premier winter sports team in 2011-2012. Wesleyan has established itself as one of the premier programs after a banner 16-3-1 campaign. The Cardinals gained a number of outstanding accomplishments last season, including a NEWADuals title, an 11-match win streak and a third-place finish in the New England championships. Now heading into the season, the team is ranked #1 in New England and #28 nationally. With strong wrestlers throughout the lineup, Wesleyan should have no problem holding onto or improving these rankings.

“It would be nice to have a great record this season,” Head Coach Drew Black said. “But that’s not ultimately what matters. Our goal is to win the New England championships on our home floor.”

The Cardinals depth is what will allow them to have a great shot at winning the NEWA championships in 2012, on their home floor no less. Wesleyan returns seven place winners from those championships. Juniors Kyle Ross and Jefferson Ajayi return after being New England champion and runner up in the 174 and 184 pound weight classes. Junior Howard Tobochnik was 5th at NEWAs at 149 pounds, 157-pounder and sophomore Troy Sampson was 6th at the championships and 197-pounder and senior Luke Erickson was 5th at New England’s. Sophomore Joey Schwartz is ranked first in New England in the 133-pound weight class.

The squad began the regular season on November 19 in the annual Doug Parker invitational at Springfield. Wesleyan finished fifth of 15 teams with 67 team points. Both Ajayi and Rossa reached the finals with Rossa dropping an 11-6 title decision. Rossa is seventh in the latest New England rankings. Three other wrestlers reached the consolation semi-finals.

“Our cylinders haven’t been firing all at the same time,” Black stated. “I think we’re beginning put it together however. Our starters are performing at high level.”
After time off for Thanksgiving, Wesleyan returns to the mat on Saturday against Rochester Institute of Technology for its annual invitational.

State Senate District Boundaries To Shift In Middletown

Note: in an earlier version of this article, I reversed the 2001 and 2011 maps, confusing old and new. I apologize for foisting my confusion onto you.

The State Legislative Redistricting Commission maintained the two existing districts for the State Senate, but it significantly moved the boundary between them. Many residents will be voting in a new district in 2012.

District 9, currently represented by Paul Doyle and centered in Rocky Hill, is now a long and meandering district which stretches from the eastern portion of Westfield all the way to Maromas. District 13, currently represented by Len Suzio and centered in Meriden, will now move to the west, and include the other half of Westfield and the western part of south Middletown.

Holiday Book Sale

The Friends of the Russell Library will be selling their best, most recently published (2008-present) fiction and non-fiction books on Friday, December 2, 1-6 pm and Saturday, December 3, 9-4 pm. The pre-sale for Friends' members is Friday, 12-1 and limited to 10 books per family.

The books represent a wide range of subjects such as art, sports, cooking, history, home and hobbies, science, nature, and travel. There will also be collectible and vintage books. All books are great bargains, priced to sell at $2+, and are in excellent condition. Movies, music and recorded books will also be on sale. This is a great opportunity to find some holiday gifts. All proceeds from the sale go towards library materials and programs.

Two Storms May Have Cost City $500,000

The Finance and Government Operations Commission meeting last night approved an appropriation of $250,000 to cover costs related to the clean-up from Tropical Storm Irene and Storm Alfred. The money will be used to cover overtime pay to city workers, rental of equipment to expedite debris removal, and the hiring of a private contractor to address damaged trees throughout the city.

During discussion with the Council members, Billy Russo, the Director of Public Works, explained that the city is in the process of applying for federal disaster relief money to reimburse these expenses. He said that Bob Dobmeier in his department is collecting information from all municipal departments, including the schools, to submit the expenses to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Russo estimated that the city's storm-related expenses would total about $500,000, and that FEMA would reimburse the city for 75% of this. The council members, as well as Carl Erlacher, Director of Finance, congratulated the city's workforce for keeping the storm clean-up costs so low. Erlacher pointed out that Durham was reported to have spent $600,000 (just on brush removal), and West Hartford as much as $3M.

In response to a question from City Treasurer Quentin Phipps, Russo commented that costs were kept low because unlike other towns, the city did not hire large numbers of contractors to do clean-up.

Russo told the Commission that he expected all brush pickup to be completed soon, "I'm comfortable that by Christmas we'll be done with this."

Park & Recreation Dept. Announcements for December

Middletown Parks and Recreation Department

Upcoming programs – 860-343-6620- Register NOW.