Middletown Area Transit Funding Restored

Modified from a press release from Matt Lesser.
-------------------
The General Assembly voted Wednesday to restore Middletown Area Transit’s funding, which the state Department of Transportation wanted to cut by 15 percent this year and 50 percent next year.

One of our two state representatives worked very hard on behalf of the region's few public transportation options. Matt Lesser said, “Cuts of this magnitude would have had a devastating effect on the local economy and people who rely on mass transit to get to work, to school or other important places in the Middletown area.”

In getting the funding, Lesser worked closely with Middletown Transit District Administrator Lisa Seymour, who feared not only cuts in vital services for residents but also jobs.

“Middletown Transit has been through so much this year. To know that we do not have to cut service is a great relief. I would like to thank the legislature, especially Representative Lesser, who has worked diligently side by side Middletown Transit to prevent these cuts. Many jobs will be saved and quality of life improved for our passengers by foregoing these cuts,” Seymour said.

From Senegal to The Buttonwood Tree

The Buttonwood Tree - 605 Main Street - In the former Arrigoni Hotel - Free parking behind It's Only Natural Market.  See more about this event. Reservations suggested! (860) 347-4957

Cat Tales ~ Sit & Beg Event ~ Walmart Cromwell, Sat 5/12 from 10am-2pm

Cat Tales ~ Cat of the Week ~ WINTON

Register for Children's Circus 2018 before it fills up!

Photo by Kisha Michael

The Circus is coming to Middletown this summer, and there are still a few spots remaining for young people ages 8 to 15.

The Children’s Circus of Middletown is a five week day camp program which is celebrating its 30^th year in 2018. The program, which runs July 2 – August 3, is sponsored by the City of Middletown Office of the Arts and is run by Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater.  Participants work with circus professionals to learn juggling, acrobatics, stilt dancing, balancing, puppetry, clowning, physical comedy and all kinds of circus and performance skills, as well as visual arts and other recreational activities. The Children’s Circus culminates in a gigantic outdoor circus performance on the evening of Friday, August 3, a signature community event which annually draws an audience of over 1000.

The program starts July 2 and runs Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm at Macdonough School in Middletown. Limited spaces remain available for ages eight to fifteen (the Teeny Tiny Circus program for ages 5 – 7 is already full). To register, please contact the Middletown Arts Office at (860) 638-4510 or email arts@middletownct.gov. Registration forms can also be downloaded at www.cityofmiddletown.com/arts or at www.oddfellows.org/childrens-circus. The program is offered on a sliding scale to Middletown residents (from free to $300, depending on family income) and is available to non-Middletown residents for $600 for the entire five-week program. Participants must commit to the entire five week program and the final public performance.

The Children’s Circus of Middletown is part of the Middletown Arts Office’s Kids Arts 2018 program, and additional support is provided by the United Way of Middlesex County, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and the Middletown Board of Education.

The Rockfall Foundation's Sustainable Seafood Soirée!

Join us for delicious seafood, drinks, and discussion this May 24th!

Please join The Rockfall Foundation for our second annual Sustainable Seafood Soirée on May 24th, starting at 5:30pm. There will be delicious seafood--including locally raised oysters and kelp (the food of the future!). As well as Grace & Darkness Oyster Stout from Half Full Brewery, and a selection of Connecticut grown wines.

We'll be at the beautiful Brewer Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook, with picturesque views of the marina. And we'll hear from JP Vellotti of East Coast Kelp Farms and Ram Island Oysters about their exciting effort to grow kelp sustainably in the Long Island Sound and transform it into delicious and innovative foods.

Tickets are $75/each or $250 for a party of four. All proceeds will go to support the Rockfall Foundation's Grantmaking and Educational programs. Tickets are limited so please register soon.  

And just for Middletown Eye Readers, please use the MIDEYE discount code to save 10% on your order. 
Thanks for joining! 

Happenings at The Buttonwood Tree

Rock Bands, Storytelling, Musicians' Workshops and More This Week at TBT!

Special Show: Black Panther movie's soundtrack musician: Massamba Diop!

It's Party Time!  Dave Ten Eyck has assembled four bands to perform for the special occasion of Cinco de Mayo - May 5th. He'll be giving away an assortment of mementos like cups and beads and the event will feature a BEACH SCENE photo booth, by Marc Petterson. The event is FREE and open to all ages. First band starts around 6:45 pm and the show goes til 10pm. For a full lineup click here.

 

Friday night its the monthly storytelling night featuring
Story City Troupe! 

Put your name in the hat to tell your own story, or sit back and listen to others tell their true stories, all done in the MOTH STYLE. It's like being in your own Moth radio show!  8-10pm

This month's theme: Endings

 Saturdays are always special time to learn about your Self and begin new healthy habits. Join the discussion and gain knowledge from a very experienced healer, Annaita Gandhy. She leads a Personal Development Workshop and Guided Meditation: Aligned with Source. This week's topic: Life in Death; Changing Realities What is Death? What do we take with us, or leave behind?  Explore this often ‘feared’ state that so drives our society choices.

Annaita Gandhy

Monday Nights (weekly): Anything Goes Open Mic  7-10pm  with 
"Moments of Gratitude"

The Buttonwood Tree Open Mic is a supportive environment for emerging and professional artists of all sorts: dancing, storytelling, comedy, poetry and of course, music. Get your feet wet in the world of performance at the Tree! Moments of Gratitude is a time for all to take a moment to recognize what we are grateful for, building positive energy and encouragement.

Tuesdays we offer a weekly free yoga class, generously donated by Theresa Govert, as she believes yoga should be accessible to all. Donations are welcome to support TBT. This gentle and simple class will leave you feeling relaxed, renewed and more confident. 

This Tuesday night May 8th - TBT offers two valuable MUSICIANS' WORKSHOPS

Booking Gigs & Building a Crowd  (6-7:30)
Learn how to create stand-out booking materials and get promoters attention. Discover strategies to find venues, manage booking emails, and build toward better gigs. Find out how you can use online, social media, print, and in-person promotion to get your music heard and build a crowd at your shows.  Presented by Blue Crane Music, a consulting and management company representing artists in the Northeast. 

Legal Advice for Musicians   (7:30-9 pm)

Learn about copyrights & trademarks, collecting performance royalties, music licensing and organizational structure for musical groups.

Presented by Entertainment Attorney, Michael F. Freeman
NO registration is needed. $5 each workshop. Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday: Artist Reception for Geonna Kline  6-8 pm Free 

Thursday - Exciting night of percussion and stories with the musician who created much of the score for the BLACK PANTHER Movie Soundtrack: Massamba Diop with the amazing Tony Vacca.  Be sure to see this rare appearance!

What happens when you combine Massamba Diop’s fiery Senegalese tama drumming with Tony Vacca’s spectacle of World Percussion? For over two decades these two musicians have come up with a different answer pretty much every time they perform. Expect some above-and-beyond pyrotechnics, expect some whisper soft gongs, a sonorous avalanche of notes from a giant balafon (West African xylophone), some spoken words in Wolof and English and oh yeah, a palpable vibe of friendship, connection and love these two guys have created from years of working together.

Reservations are suggested!  8-10 pm  $18.  All events are held at The Buttonwood Tree 605 Main Street, Middletown. Free parking at night behind It's Only Natural Market. (860) 347-4957

Sunday, May 6th, 4pm: 50th-Anniversary Concert for First Church Pipe Organ

Even at age 50, First Church's massive Austin pipe organ
plays sounds of rolling thunder.

First Church Organ Celebration Opens
with Historic Arrangement
of Old Hundredth Psalm Tune

You are invited to attend an organ celebration at First Church in Middletown on Sunday, May 6. The concert starts promptly at 4pm and celebrates the organ in solo, in worship, in chorus, in joy, and in consolation, as it reaches out to us in many ways.

First Church sanctuary with Austin pipe organ.
Its sounds will rock you.

First Church Minister of Music Shari Lucas is an accomplished organist and master of music of the Yale School of Music. She begins Sunday's program with The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune (All people that on Earth do dwell) in a special arrangement by English composer Ralph Vaughn Williams. Shari also will explore a few selected compositions displaying the complexity of the Austin organ's sound and demonstrating her extraordinary mastery of it. 

The program includes the following pieces:
Ralph Vaughan Williams     The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune
Johann Sebastian Bach        Prelude and Fugue in A minor, BWV 543
David Conte                         Recollection
Felix Mendelssohn               Sonata No. 4
Johann Sebastian Bach        Andante, Sonata 1 for violin
                                             & cembalo, BWV 1014
Jean-Joseph Mouret             Rondeau, from Sinfonies de Fanfares
Charles-Marie Widor           Allegro, from Symphony No. 6
ENGELBERG,                    When In Our Music God Is Glorified
arr. Harriet Ziegenhals        
 
Founded in 1668, the church celebrates this year its 350th anniversary. The Austin organ, installed in 1968, celebrates its 50th anniversary.  In between those two events, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953. Her coronation at Westminster Abbey was televised around the world, and her processional was accompanied by the first performance of the Vaughn Williams Old Hundredth Psalm Tune. This link—Old Hundredth processional—shows Queen Elizabeth's 50th coronation anniversary procession interspersed with footage--in black and white--from her 1953 coronation. You might enjoy it.

First Church is an open and affirming congregation—all are welcome. We invite you to come with your family, your friends, your partners and your children, and enjoy this spring celebration of the organ. A light reception follows in the Parish Hall.

First Church is located at 190 Court Street in Middletown and free parking is available nearby. Admission is free and open to all. Donations are welcomed.

Community To Rally For Public Transportation Support Thursday

Local activists have planned a Community Rally in support of public transportation serving our city.

Thursday, May 3, at 4:30pm340 Main Street (in front of Middletown Area Transit (MAT)

Middletown Area Transit  is a State and Federally funded transit agency. Last month the State Department of Transportation proposed a 15%, $260,558 cut to MAT transit funding that will significantly reduce bus services to all of our city, as well as Cromwell, Portland and parts of East Hampton and Meriden.

At a public hearing last week (Large Crowd At Public Transportation Hearing), residents protested that this cut will severely impact working poor families, senior citizens, youth, college students, veterans, and those with disabilities.

In addition, due to severe reductions to MAT Transit bus services, many unemployed and the working poor will be disenfranchised from the new jobs coming to our city, including FedEx Ground, which is located at the old Aetna site, and is scheduled to open this August. FedEx Ground representatives has stated that the new distribution center would hire as many as 160 full-time employees and 220 part-time employees in 2018 before the operation enters its full phase. In the future, FedEx will be able to employ 400 full-timers and 600 part-timers.

Oddfellows Teen Company presents Shakespeare's Twelfth Night May 3 - 12

The Oddfellows Playhouse Teen Company will be presenting Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, or What You Will beginning Thursday, May 3^rd at 7pm. Performances of this classic comedy will continue through May 12^th. Featuring a cast of actors aged 12 –19, this production will transport audiences to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater along the Thames in London for an evening of “traditional” theater – loud, fast-paced, and riddled with hilarity! Appropriate for all ages, the production is professionally designed and directed and will feature cross-dressing, slapstick comedy and lively swordplay. All performances will be at Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington St. Middletown, CT. Tickets are $8 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults.

“These actors have done a terrific job diving into this process to find all of the gold in this play. Their creative energy in rehearsal has really been the driving force behind mining the humor within an intimidating text for actors of any experience level. They've brought their own ideas to the table and are making sure that this story is told well with clarity and energy. It's an extraordinary group of empowered young people taking charge of their art and I'm excited for our audiences to experience what this cast has created”, says director Chris Coffey.

Performances will be May 3, 4, 10 11 and 12 at 7 pm, and on May 5 and 12 at 2pm. The two Thursday performances are “Pay What You Will”. For more information and tickets go to www.oddfellows.org or call (860) 347-6143.

The Teen Company at Oddfellows Playhouse is open to youth ages 12 – 19.  The company produces 2 – 3 mainstage productions each year, and auditions are open to all. Sliding scale, work-study, and financial aid are available to any student in need for all Playhouse programs.  The next project coming up at the Playhouse this season is the 30^th Annual Children’s Circus of Middletown, a co-production with the City of Middletown Commission on the Arts. Visit www.oddfellows.org for more information, or email info@oddfellows.org

Founded in 1975, Oddfellows Playhouse is Connecticut’s oldest and largest theater for children and youth. Oddfellows’ mission is to enhance young people's present and inspire their future through engaging, accessible performing arts programming that builds skills, encourages creativity, and strengthens community. The Playhouse offers a year-round program of classes, productions and special events to young people ages 3 – 20 in its 10,000 square foot home on Route 66 in Middletown.

Proposal to Rename Press Box in Honor of Bransfields

MIDDLETOWN CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE TO NAME BASEBALL FIELD PRESS BOX AT PALMER FIELD STADIUM AFTER JIM & DANA BRANSFIELD ON MONDAY, MAY 7, 2018 AT CITY HALL 7 P.M.

The Middletown City Council paid a tribute to Mr. Jim Bransfield at the April 2nd meeting.  He died February 24, 2018 at the age of 72.  Bransfield was born and raised in Middletown and went on to become a well-known history teacher at Middletown High & Woodrow Middle Schools.  He was also a Sports Writer/Columnist for The Middletown Press for over 50 years as well as the Sports Announcer at many sporting events in & around Middletown. He was a Sports Publicist too.  Bransfield was also a Freelance Reporter for the Meriden Record-Journal Weekly Publications for many years.  The City Council offered two resolutions honoring Mr. Bransfield's contributions to Middletown then a public hearing was held for a proposal to name the Baseball Field Press Box at Palmer Field Stadium after him and his son Dana which will be known as the "Jim & Dana Bransfield Baseball Field Press Box."  The City Council will vote on the proposal at the May 7th Meeting.

Councilman Thomas J. Serra read a memorial resolution from all of the City Council members honoring Mr. Bransfield's legacy, which was approved by acclamation and is below:

"Whereas, James  (“Jim”)  Edward  Bransfield, who passed away on February  24,  2018,  was  a  long-time resident, a respected teacher and writer, and an inspiration to this community; and

Whereas, Jim was homegrown, having graduated from Middletown 

High  School  (1963)  and  from  Central Connecticut State University, where he earned both a Bachelor’s Degree and a 5thYear  Certificate  in  Social Studies. As a public school teacher for over 30 years, Jim spent the majority of his professional career teaching and inspiring students at Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Middletown High School; and

Whereas, Jim was  a  master  teacher, who  made  history  and  social  studies  relevant  to  thousands  of Middletown  students over  the  years  by  speaking  artfully  and  passionately 

about  these  subjects,  thereby

inspiring many young men and women to become thoughtful and courageous adults; and

Whereas, during  his  tenure  at  Middletown  High  School,  Jim  served  as  class  advisor,  as  a cooperating teacher, and as a member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Committee (NEASC).  In addition, Jim had a very special role at Middletown High School as the student advisor for the award winning school newspaper, Blue Prints where students learned to write with conviction, honesty, and courage; and

Whereas, in addition to inspiring students to write, Jim, was widely recognized for his well respected column in The  Middletown  Press, which  he  penned  for  some  30  years, stopping  only  four  (4)  short  weeks  before  he passed; and

Whereas, Jim was  well recognized  as the  “voice of Middletown  sports,” announcing  countless local  sporting events as well serving as master of ceremonies for many special events; and

Whereas Jim  was  an  advocate  of  the  fundamental Constitutional  principle  of  equality  of  all  and  a  firm believer that democracy requires full participation from all citizenry; and

Whereas, as much  as  Jim  loved  his  public  life,  he  cherished  his 

family,  including  his  sons  (Dana,  who predeceased  him,  and  Chris),  his  daughter-in-law  (Megan),  his  grandchildren  (Clara  &  Henry),  his  brothers (Cam and Douglas), his sister-in law law (Karen), and his many nieces and nephews.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Common Council of the City of Middletown:  On behalf of the people of Middletown, we salute James Edward Bransfield beloved  and  trusted  teacher,  citizen, 

mentor,  and  advocate,  who  lived  a  life  of  service  to the  people  of  this community. Be it further resolved:

On  behalf of  the people  of  Middletown,  our  sincere  thanks  and  our deepest sympathies to his family for his unforgettable contributions to the City of Middletown and its people." 

After Serra read the resolution he and several council members shared their thoughts about Mr. Bransfield's life.  Serra said "Jim started his career in 1963.  Councilman Santangelo and I were athletes when he was a stringer for The Middletown Press back then.  So his career actually started around 1961-1962 for The Middletown Press.  He did a great job reporting sports and announcing sports."  Serra also noted that Bransfield was the publicist for several organizations such as the American Legion Post 75 baseball team, the 1988 & 1999 American Legion World Series when they held their tournaments at Palmer Field Stadium, Mercy, Xavier, Vinal, Xavier & Middletown High Schools, Wesleyan University, Middletown Collegians, Middletown Sports Hall of Fame and several more.  Bransfield was also the publicist for the Middlesex Community College basketball team when they had an athletic program & Marv Hagel was the Athletic Director.

Councilman Grady Faulkner stated "I loved reading his columns mostly because they weren't just about sports they were about humanity and how you treat other people and things like that.  What really hit me was when he did a piece it started off as "Monday Musings" with a visit he had to the National African American Museum down in Washington, D.C.  It was fascinating reading.  He wrote it in just a manner that I actually felt I was in the museum with him the way he was explaining it.  I said 'Wow!’ this guy is very good.  That is just great stuff and that is what had an impression on me.  He was a good guy and god bless him and his family."

Councilman Phillip Pessina knew Bransfield when he went to Middletown High in the 1960's.  Pessina commented, "He was really dedicated to the Dragon Football teams and what really truly impressed me that he always wrote a fair article however we did on the field.  But what really impressed me that when we had a game last year we took the players ... to New Jersey and who was there first?  Jim. Jim drove himself all the way down to greet the team when we got off the bus, write about the game and was sure we got back on the bus to come back.  Jim was very big into sports and followed his high schools.  When you know somebody that long he was just a great guy."

Councilman Sebastian Giuliano mentioned  "I will miss my conversations with Jim on a variety of subjects.  Mostly MHS sports.  Every student who plays sports at any high school in Middletown whether it be MHS, Xavier, Mercy or Vinal has lost a voice.  Jim could disagree with you and it didn't change your friendship with him… Jim moderated the American Politics Program at MHS.  As part of the program students would go and work at a campaign headquarters.  Jim encouraged students of whatever political leanings to go and volunteer at the campaign headquarters of the opposing party and to challenge themselves and learn why some of your fellow citizens think differently than you about things.  That was something you don't see very often...  We were very fortunate to have him as long as we did."

Councilman Robert Santangelo noted that Mr. Bransfield "certainly was able to get the most out of young people. A great example of that was how he worked with the students to manage the school newspaper. That was extraordinary how they won national recognition year after year. He also encouraged young people to become involved in politics and their community by encouraging them to participate in elections. Jim was extraordinary and nontraditional in many ways. He understood what brought him to where he was and what he did was teach his students that same thing.  I think honoring him is a great thing and honoring Mr. Fragilio was also a great thing."

I would like to encourage all former students of Mr. Bransfield, former colleagues of his, present & former athletes along with present & former coaches that he wrote about in his 50 plus years as a Sports Writer/Columnist for The Middletown Press to please attend the May 7, 2018 City Council Meeting at 7 p.m. when the City Council will vote on the proposal to name the Baseball Field Press Box at Palmer Field Stadium after him and his son Dana Bransfield  to strongly urge them to vote yes.  If you cannot attend please call the Mayor's Office at 860-344-3401 or e-mail Mayor Drew at mayor@MiddletownCT.gov and e-mail the city council at council@middletownct.gov to let your opinion known. 

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Frank LoGiudice

Author's Note: Mr. Jim Bransfield was my History Teacher at Middletown High School.

x

Peak Magnolia

In case you've been stuck inside at your computer, you might not have noticed that the Magnolia trees are blooming NOW.

The neighborhoods around Downtown Middletown are home to a number of spectacular mature Magnolia trees, courtesy of the residents of the previous century.  Sometimes they lose their flowers early in a spring rainstorm, but this is a particularly good year, and the trees are just magnificent this week.

It's a great time to stroll (or try out one of those orange bikes) or even admire them from your car window.  Start with the one across from the Russell House, on High Street near Washington Terrace.  This pink & purple flowered variety is (I think) known as the Saucer Magnolia. Others are scattered on Prospect Street (near the intersection with Berlin Street), on Pearl, Church, Grand, High, Liberty & College Streets.  There's even a baby Magnolia planted in front of an old mansion on High Street near Mansfield Terrace.  Stop by in 75 years or so to see it in its full glory!

Finish your tour on Court Street.  Treat yourself to an espresso and some pastry from Klekolo World Coffee, and admire the best of the lot:  the Middlesex Magnolia, in front of the old insurance company headquarters.  The photograph above just can't do it justice!

It won't be long before those pink petals start to fall.