Virtual Musical Mentoring for kids starts October 5

 

Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown announces Fall Musical Mentoring for ages 6 – 11 starting October 5. All meetings will be held virtually, and loaner instruments are available for the six week class series.

Musical Mentoring, now in its fourth year, is offered as a partnership between Oddfellows and Cardinal Kids, a student-run arts collective at Wesleyan University. Musical Mentoring provides local students with weekly one-on-one music lessons with a Wesleyan Music student. Available instruments include guitar, keyboard, voice, ukulele, violin, cello, bass guitar, double bass, clarinet, oboe, and saxophone.

Lessons for ages 9 – 11 will be held on Mondays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, and for ages 6 – 8 on Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm. All mentors and students will meet via Zoom at 4:30 pm to check in and do a warm up activity as a full group, then the mentor-mentee pairs will be split into “breakout groups” for their virtual lesson. All levels, including complete beginners, are welcome, and every effort will be made to provide the right mentor for each student’s selected instrument. Students enrolled in the program can borrow instruments from Oddfellows for the Fall program, which will run through November 11.

Tuition for the 6 week program is $60, but financial aid is available to any family which needs it. It is Playhouse policy never to turn away a student because of inability to pay. Class size is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

To register, and for more information, go to www.oddfellows.org, email info@oddfellows.org, or call (860) 347-6143.

Oddfellows after-school programs are made available thanks to support from The Fund for Greater Hartford, Middletown Commission on the Arts, Connecticut Office of the Arts, Connecticut Judicial Branch, Community Development Block Grant Program and many generous donors.

Middlesex Drum CIRCLE, Thursday, Outdoors at HARBOR PARK

The Middlesex Drum Circle meets outdoors at the North Pavilion at Harbor Park this THURSDAY, September 24, 2020, 7-9pm. 

It's the first time we'll be outdoors in many moons.  See you there! 

And don't forget The Buttonwood Tree's usual lineup, as listed in the event calendar: |

https://buttonwood.org/events/

Who Pays for Flu Shots for Seniors?

Do you Need to Take your Medicare Card?    
or your Medicare plan provider card?

How to save yourself a trip home for your card.

 

 Your Medicare provider insurance literature might say they pay for your flu shot.  Mine said so, but it did not pay. The pharmacy sent me home to get my actual Medicare card, the one that notes Part A and Part B (at right).

 You'd be wise to take your Medicare card with you when you go for your flu shot. Either that or make calls to find out if your insurance provider's card will suffice.

Middlesex Community College Manufacturing Information Session on Sept. 22

Middlesex Community College manufacturing academic programs are geared to support students who are working in the industry as well as those who want to gain access in Connecticut's robust and high-tech manufacturing field. Join Tracy Ariel, director of advanced manufacturing programs at the college, for a virtual information session on Tuesday, September 22, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. 

Topics will cover the manufacturing industry in the state, MxCC's academic manufacturing degree and certificate programs, how to apply, assessment testing, and how to pay. Visit mxcc.edu for the virtual session login information. Additional online sessions will take place on October 20, November 17, and December 15.

Starr Mill Yoga Donates $2,700 to Environmental Charity

 Yoga at the Mansion Series Raises Funds for The Rockfall Foundation

A series of five yoga classes held in the Wadsworth Mansion’s rose garden raised $2,700 for charity this summer. The classes were presented by Starr Mill Yoga, who donated profits from the event to The Rockfall Foundation. “Nearly 100 people were able to experience a healthy activity in fresh air and nature because of this collaboration,” says Amanda Kenyon, Grants and Communications Coordinator, The Rockfall Foundation. “And thanks to this generous donation, more community gardens, open space conservation and nature education work can be accomplished.” Sound equipment for the series was donated by Audio Media Solutions. The Wadsworth Mansion donated use of their grounds to hold the classes. The mansion was built by Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth, who also founded The Rockfall Foundation in 1935 with the mission to preserve land for public enjoyment. Starr Mill Yoga is located in Middletown and offers yoga classes on-line, as well as limited size classes at its studio.

Submitted, in gratitude, by The Rockfall Foundation.

A Night Out at THE BUTTONWOOD TREE

Disney Paint Night
is ONLINE

                            September 24 @ 7:00 - 9:00pm $40
                                                     

Join us for some laughs and learning! 

Brian Ballou and Kevin Cox, art educators at Abrakadoodle, will show us how to paint a detailed image and develop our skills. 

Invite a friend over for a glass of wine, and join us safely online! It's online!
 

No Art Supplies? No Worries.

   Kits are provided with paint, canvas and supplies, and can be picked up at The Buttonwood Tree or the Friday Farmers Market in Middletown, or we will deliver them to your home.

 

   Some of the Many Reasons to Abrakadoodle 

• It’s fun! 
  Art classes, camps and events are FUN and great learning experiences!

• It develops skills! 
  Develop new skills in a friendly atmosphere.

• It encourages craftsmanship! 
  Develop your very own personal artistic style.

• It builds self-confidence and creativity!
  Helps you convey your ideas creatively!

• It’s always new! 
  It's always a new learning adventure!

    And it's sure to be entertaining!

Jonah Center Citizens Town Hall

 

Voter Registration Information

 

Submitted by Frank LoGiudice 

REGISTER TO VOTE.  LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IS OCTOBER 27, 2020 BOTH IN PERSON, ONLINE & MAIL-IN VOTER REGISTRATIONS. 

 

During President John F. Kennedy’s Inauguration Speech on January 20, 1961 he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you — Ask what you can do for your country.”  A way you could help your country is to exercise your constitutional right to vote on November 3, 2020.  In order to vote you must be a registered voter.   

 

It is easy to become a registered voter and there are several ways to become one.  If you just turned 18 or moved into a new town you could become a new voter by going down to your Registrar of Voters office located in the Town Hall.  The last day to register to vote both in person and online is October 27, 2020.  

 

All towns in Connecticut will be holding in person voter registration at their respective town halls from 9 a.m. -8 p.m. on October 27^th according to Middletown Democratic Registrar Elizabeth Santangelo.  She also stated, “All mail-in voter registration applications must be received or post-marked by this date in order to be accepted.”  If you register in person, please wear a mask and follow the social distancing guidelines by remaining six feet apart.  

 

Second, you could register to vote online athttps://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do and follow the prompts. Voter Registration Cards can be printed from the Secretary of State website at https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/Register-to-Vote/Voter-Registration-Application-English-and-Spanish. Third, you could register at the Department of Motor Vehicles.   

 

If you turned 18, moved into a new town, became a U.S. Citizen after October 27, 2020 you have until November 2^nd to register in person at your Town Hall during regular hours. 

 

In Connecticut, there is Election Day Voter Registration. According to the Connecticut Secretary of State’s website it states “Individuals may register and vote in person on Election Day if they meet the eligibility requirements for voting in this state and are (1) not already an elector or (2) registered in one municipality but want to change their registration because they currently reside in another municipality. By law, a person is eligible to register and vote if they are (1) a U. S. citizen, (2) age 18 or older, and (3) a bona fide resident of the municipality in which they apply for admission as an elector. (9-19j)” It further states that “Registrars of voters must designate a location for completing and processing EDR applications. The location must be one where registrars can access the statewide CVRS.” According to the City of Middletown’s website under voter registration requirements it states “If you missed a deadline, you may register to vote and vote during Election Day Registration held at City Hall from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.”  “We petitioned the Secretary of State’s Office for two sites.  The City Hall Lobby and 161 Cross Street behind the fire department” according to Democratic Registrar Elizabeth Santangelo.   

For more information about Registering to Vote & Election Day Voter Registration please call Democratic & Republican Registrar of Voters Elizabeth Santangelo and David Bauer at 860-638-4950 or email them at Elizabeth.Santangelo@middletownct.gov & David.Bauer@middletownct.gov

 

Applications for Absentee Ballots are ready now for the November 3^rdPresidential Election. You could either go down to the Town Clerks Office to complete the form or by going to https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SOTS/ElectionServices/Absentee-Ballot-Application-ED-3/ED-3-Rev-20-Final.pdf  and sending it in by U.S. Mail or dropping it off in person. 

Please Register to Vote and Most Important Vote on November 3, 2020.   

Enjoy the videos. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=4phB-rRjYQw&feature=emb_logo

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhMgy894v5Q 

 

 

Winners of the 2020 Environmental Champion Awards Announced

 Awardees from East Haddam, Middletown, Portland and Roxbury to be Honored on October 8

The Rockfall Foundation is pleased to announce five recipients of its 2020 Environmental Champion Awards. East Haddam Land Trust and Margaret Miner of Roxbury have been selected for the Tom ODell Distinguished Service Awards, honoring long-term accomplishments in environmental conservation and preservation. Certificates of Appreciation are being awarded to ARTFARM, Chantal Foster from the Middlesex Land Trust, and Nathan Botting of East Haddam. “There is a tremendous amount of good work being done by dedicated individuals and organizations in the Lower Connecticut River Valley,” says Tony Marino, Executive Director, The Rockfall Foundation. “Our hope is that by bringing the community together to celebrate their successes, we can continue building awareness of our wonderful natural resources and further support a healthy future for all.”

 

The awardees will be honored at an October 8th Awards & Grants Celebration at 7 p.m. The free, virtual event is open to the public, pre-registration required at www.rockfallfoundation.org. This entertaining celebration will feature videos highlighting accomplishments of the Environmental Champions. Recipients of the Foundation’s Annual Environmental Grants Program will also be featured, including videos from Uconn’s AdaptCT program and Valley Shore YMCA’s Farm-to-Table Camp. Cozy up with a bowl of popcorn or your favorite snack and enjoy the show. The ceremony will conclude with a toast to all the award recipients and grantees.

The Tom ODell Distinguished Service Award is being presented to Margaret Miner for her lifetime accomplishments protecting water in Connecticut. She has served as Executive Director of Rivers Alliance of Connecticut and as Executive Director of the Roxbury Land Trust, and is a member of the Connecticut Water Planning Council’s Advisory Group.

East Haddam Land Trust is receiving the Tom ODell Distinguished Service Award for over 40 years of dedication to preserving land for the public benefit. It was one of the first land trusts in the region, has preserved over 700 acres to date, and last year earned the prestigious accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance.

Chantal Foster, co-Chair of the Middlesex Land Trust Stewardship Committee is being awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for her inspiring leadership. Under her direction, volunteer support has grown, leading to new trails and bridges, protected dams, management of invasive species, erosion control and much more.

A Certificate of Appreciation is being presented to Nathan Botting for his expansion of the trail system at Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School in East Haddam. Over six years as a middle school student and Boy Scout, Nathan cleared trails, created maps and signage, built bridges and benches, and identified trees for educational and recreational use by students and the public.

ARTFARM is being presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for their environmental theater productions, agricultural and plant medicine programming, and advocacy work. Their original environmental education work, Circus for a Fragile Planet, focuses on climate change and making responsible choices, using acrobatics, juggling, balancing and comedy to engage and energize the audience.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­_ _ _ _ _ _ _

The Rockfall Foundation supports environmental education and conservation in the Lower Connecticut River Valley through public programs and grants. Founded in 1935, the Foundation is celebrating its 85th anniversary in 2020. As one of Connecticut’s oldest environmental organizations, it continues its mission set by founding philanthropist Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth.  In addition, The Rockfall Foundation operates the historic deKoven House Community Center, which offers meeting rooms and office space for non-profit organizations.

For additional information about the 2020 Environmental Champion Awards, The Rockfall Foundation, or the October 8^th Awards and Grants Celebration, please visit www.rockfallfoundation.org or call 860-347-0340.

Oddfellows Outdoor classes start September 8!

Photo by Bill De Kine of Children's Circus of Middletown 2019 performers anticipating social distancing, but clearly not understanding the importance of wearing masks that cover your mouth as well as your nose. 

This Fall Oddfellows Playhouse will be offering a 6 week series of classes outdoors on the Front Lawn of Middletown’s City Hall (between City Hall and deKoven Drive) as well as at the North Pavilion of Middletown’s Harbor Park. Classes and performance opportunities for ages three through twenty begin September 8 and run through October 17.

Social distance will be maintained throughout and masks will be required for all classes and programs.  Class size will be limited to 12 for most programsMost classes run 4:30 – 5:30 pm, though classes for teens run later. For details, and to register, go to www.oddfellows.org.

Stage One classes (ages 6 – 8) include “Out the Box” (a class in creative thinking) on Mondays with Lanea Sellem; “Circus I” Tuesdays with Maegan Fuller; “Intro to Acting” Wednesdays with Diamond Wynn; “Character Movement” Thursdays with Nicki LaPorte; and “Circrobatics I” on Saturdays, 11 – 11:50 am, with Megan Berritta.

Stage Two classes (ages 9 – 11) include “Improv for the Actor” on Mondays with Nicki LaPorte; “Circus II” Tuesdays with Allison McDermott; “Clowning and Physical Comedy” Wednesdays with Maegan Fuller; and “Hip Hop Dance” Thursdays with Felicia Goodwine.

The Thursday “Hip Hop Dance” class is open to ages 8 – 14.

Programs for older students include the “Junior Rep Acting and Poetry Project”, open to ages 11 – 14, which will meet Mondays, 4:30 – 6 pm under the direction of Laugh the Poet.

“The Teen Rep Company Riverside Performance Project”, open to ages 14 – 20, will create an original  piece exploring environmental justice to be performed outdoors at Harbor Park October 16 & 17. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays, 4:30 – 6:15 pm, with a dress rehearsal on Thursday, October 15.  The Project will be directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Dic Wheeler and new Program Manager Jacque Brown.

“Circophony Teen Circus” will offer fall outdoor circus training to ages 12 – 20, led by Allison McDermott. Circophony will meet at Harbor Park Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:15 pm and is open to all teens regardless of circus experience.

Children ages 3 – 5 can enroll in “Circrobatics for Little Fellows”, a unique blend of circus, movement and acrobatics, on Saturdays, 10 – 10:45 am with Megan Berritta.

“Musical Mentoring”, which provides one-on-one music lessons with Wesleyan music students, will be offered virtually starting September 28. Sessions for ages 6 – 8 will be Wednesdays, for ages 9 – 11 Mondays, both 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

Tuition for the 6 week fall programs range from $80 - $150, and financial aid is available to any family that needs it. It is Playhouse policy never to turn anyone away because of inability to pay. 

Oddfellows’ Fall Outdoor Programs are made possible by generous support from the City of Middletown, as well as The Fund for Greater Hartford, Connecticut Office of the Arts, Middletown Commission on the Arts, New England Foundation for the Arts, Middletown Youth Services Bureau, Middlesex United Way, Community Foundation of Middlesex County, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, The Stare Fund, Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Community Development Block Grant Program, Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund, and many generous donors.

For more information, or to register, go to Oddfellows.org, email info@oddfellows.org, or call (860) 347-6143.

 

Public Service Announcement; regarding the great new incentives available to folks who schedule a home energy assessment THIS FALL, while the visit is FREE and includes terrific rebates for insulation and other weatherization measures

"The Home Energy Solutions (HES) program that is funded by a small fee on our electric bills is offering FREE home energy audits until the end of 2020.  There are new, more generous rebates for efficiency improvements, with no-cost efficiency work for those who are income eligible.  There are larger incentive payments for windows, air or ground source heat pumps, or insulation, and the audit includes several free conservation measures during the visit.  The program is free if you have not had an audit in the past 36 months.  This revised program is designed to make up for the time lost this year because of the pandemic, and includes new safety procedures to cope with COVID19.  One of them is a virtual pre-audit by phone.  You can apply for a free home audit by phone at 1-877-WISE-USE (9473-873) or online at  www.energizect.com ."

Middletown Common Council To Consider Declaration Of Climate Emergency

As you may have noticed, our national government has utterly failed to provide leadership in the face of the global climate crisis. Once we get through the Covid-19 pandemic — another area of failed leadership — we will still face this even more threatening, though slower moving, crisis. Regardless of what you hear on the evening news lately, climate change has not been put on pause. What are concerned, climate-conscious citizens to do? In addition to reducing our own carbon footprint, we need to take action at the local level.

Middletown’s Sustainability Team and Clean Energy Task Force have proposed a resolution to Mayor Florsheim and to the Common Council, declaring a climate emergency and resolving to take local action to reduce carbon emissions and to pressure state and federal leaders to face this crisis. 

To illustrate the magnitude of the climate crisis, consider this. For the past 800,000 years, the concentration of atmospheric CO₂ varied between 180 and 280 parts per million (ppm) as the earth’s climate fluctuated between ice ages and warm spells. In the last 170 years, since 1850, when the industrial revolution accelerated the burning of fossil fuels, atmospheric CO₂ has increased from 280 to over 410 ppm. Is that serious? The last time the earth’s atmosphere had 410 ppm was in the Pliocene era, approximately 4 million years ago. In the Pliocene, sea level varied 10-25 meters higher than at present, and the coastline of Virginia was 90 miles inland from its present location. (See photo.) If we stay at 410 ppm, eventually the delayed warming will catch up to the CO₂ level and the eastern seaboard of the United States will be completely underwater. (Green dots show location of shoreline in the Pliocene era.)

To avoid the worst climate catastrophe, we need to look beyond the pandemic and the November elections that are consuming the public’s attention. Since state and federal governments have proved themselves incapable of an adequate response, action needs to come from the grassroots and local governments. To register your support of local climate action, sign the petition which will be forwarded to city officials. You will be informed when further support for climate action is needed.

Petition Text: "In light of our national government's failure to address climate change adequately, I support the City of Middletown's Declaration of a Climate Emergency, directing our city government--both elected officials and municipal departments--to lead our community in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and to advocate for urgent climate action at the state, federal, and international levels."

Sign The Petition on the Jonah Center website here.