EDC To Address Bicycle Project Tomorrow. With Commentary

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) will hold a special meeting on Tuesday (Nov. 29, 6:30, Room 208), to address the proposed path which will allow residents in the large Wesleyan Hill subdivision to travel to Main Street and to Wesleyan by bicycle.

The "Wesleyan Hills/Wesleyan University/Downtown Connector Project" would be largely funded by the Federal Department of Transportation. City Planner Bill Warner will present a bicycle path plan developed by City Engineer Tom Nigosanti prior to the EDC meeting. His presentation starts at 5:30 on Tuesday, also in Room 208.

Commentary:
If the EDC and Common Council believe that parking is an important factor for economic development in our city, they should approve the Connector Project without delay.

Every Main Street shopper who arrives by bicycle instead of by car creates one free parking space for others, reduces traffic, and marginally reduces the frequency of road repair. The EDC has recently approved the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on parking and traffic studies and on parking lot construction (Melilli Plaza just finished, North End lot just beginning). The rationale for this spending has been that parking lots are necessary for the vibrancy of downtown.

A bicycle path taking people to a store or employment location creates open parking spaces in a cost-effective manner. This is especially true when considering that no businesses or homes are displaced for a parking lot--there is no reduction in the grand list as there is when downtown land is covered in a municipal parking lot.

Moreover, in communities throughout the country, property values have risen after the introduction of a bicycle paths (see HERE for a study in Massachusetts). The construction of bicycle trails connecting our city's residences, workplaces, shopping locations, and schools may be one of the most cost-effective ways to increase our grand list.

Reminder regarding Medicare Open Enrollment

If you're signing up for Medicare for the first time -- or changing to another plan or provider, don't forget to ascertain whether your hospital of choice (Middlesex Hospital--or any other hospital) is accepting payments via the plan you intend to choose.

Some plans are not accepted at Middlesex Hospital -- United Healthcare's AARP MedicareComplete Choice, a Medicare Advantage Plan, is one of them.

Medicare "Open Season" ends on December 7, 2011, a week from this coming Wednesday. Don't be the deer caught in the headlights: Check with the hospital before signing on the dotted line.

Wesleyan Men's Basketball Looks to Contend in NESCAC With Strong Returning Core

Returning the entire starting five and nine lettterwinners from a team that just missed out on a NESCAC playoff spot, the Wesleyan men’s basketball team is expected to be a contender in the NESCAC this season. The Cardinals went 9-6 last season versus non-conference opponents but recorded a disappointing 2-7 mark in conference competition. To put a further damper on the 2010-2011 campaign Wesleyan was unable to earn the final playoff berth on the final day of the regular season when Bowdoin defeated the team by one point. As disappointing as that season-ending defeat was, the Cardinals and Head Coach Joe Reilly look at it as a bump in the road on the way to hopefully greater heights.

Wesleyan returns 84 percent of its scoring and rebounding from a season ago. Leading the Cardinals will be second-team all-conference point guard and sophomore Shasha Brown. Brown ranked second in the NESCAC last season in PPG at 19.2 and is on his way to challenging the all-time Wesleyan scoring mark. “Shasha has great speed,” Joe Reilly said. “He loves the game and is always playing hard. He has succeeded the high expectations for him.” Senior forward Jason Mendall, junior forward Mike Callaghan and junior shooting guard Derick Beresford all averaged north of double-digit scoring a year ago. Forward Glen Thomas led the squad with a 7.9 RPG figure in his freshman year and looks to improve that number despite missing the final nine games due to injury. The team’s newcomers bring speed, depth and especially size as five members of the group stand 6-6 or taller.

Reilly demonstrated significant belief in his team improving. “Our depth is our greatest strength,” he stated. “We have talent in a lot of different places, and that internal competition will help us improve during the course of the year. Once a few of our main players soon return from injury, I think our players can meet the high expectations I have for them.”

Wesleyan started off the season with a bang by winning the Middletown Tip-Off Tournament held the weekend of November 18-19. In their season-opening contest the Cardinals easily defeated Bard College 86-53. The team received balanced contributions in both the scoring department and on the boards, as 14 different players scored and Wesleyan enjoyed a 40-19 advantage on the boards. In the championship game against Curry the squad continued to show strong depth along with impressive toughness. After a back-and forth first half Wesleyan broke away from a 48-48 tie with 14:40 left, staging a 24-5 run over the span of 8:15 to capture the title. Sasha Brown scored 14 of his game-high 22 points in the half and had eight assists to earn tournament MVP. Glen Thomas racked up 20 points and a team-leading 12 rebounds for his first career double-double, as the Cardinals again enjoyed a large rebounding advantage.

Up next for the team was a trip to Williams to face off against the Little Ephs on Tuesday, November 22. Williams pushed their lead to as much as 17 midway through the opening period and although Wesleyan tightened the deficit at some points, the game never became really competitive. Besides Brown, who scored 25 points, none of the Cardinals were significant contributors on offense. Wesleyan allowed Williams to shoot 56.5% from the floor.

After a short Thanksgiving break the squad returned to Silloway Gymnasium on Saturday and took down Baruch College 70-46 for the win, making their season record 3-1. Wesleyan looked to be in control in holding a 37-30 lead at intermission, but the Cardinals truly turned on the jets when the second half rolled around. Baruch was held without a field goal for the opening 11:15 as the home team went on a 22-3 run that made the rest of the contest a lark. Wesleyan’s speed and strength were much too much for Baruch on both offense and defense and denied them seemingly any open shot. Baruch made just three of 24 shots in the second half. Wesleyan enjoyed a 50-28 rebounding margin, including 19 boards to seven by the Bearcats.

“During that run to open the half we stepped up our defensive intensity,” Reilly said. “We limited them to one shot and kept them off the glass. It started with the defensive pressure today. If we get that consistently then it will led to points and success on the offensive end.”

AROUND THE GARDEN

Before the ominous countdown to Christmas (“Only 25 more shopping days!”) becomes a drumbeat, consider this happy factoid: there’s still time to plant spring bulbs! Even better, the weather has been extremely kind to those of us who squandered our October weekends having our nails manicured or our backs massaged. The ground is still moist and easy to dig, so there's every reason to get out there and plant. And, if possible, find

a space for something a bit unusual, such as these scillas:

Most bulbs come with plenty of instructions, so let me just say this: don’t waste fertilizer on your newly planted bulbs. Bulbs have already stored the energy they need to bloom this season. After they bloom, but before they go dormant again, feed them with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, but save your money this time around.

If you are a first-timer, you may not know of one of the more unsettling things that happens to most bulb-planters: you briskly sink your spade or trowel into the soil, and bring up…half a daffodil bulb. And it’s usually one of your favorites, too.

There is a way around this mistake, and it isn’t putting little markers in every planting location. Mother Nature has a solution: plant grape hyacinths with your daffodils and crocuses. These minor bulbs, perfectly delightful in their own right, have a wonderful habit of sending up their distinctive foliage in the fall. If you’ve planted grape hyacinths around your daffodils, you will know where NOT to dig this time.

The retail cycle, naturally, isn’t in synch with the weather, so if you don’t have a bag of spring bulbs waiting in your garage, you are probably out of luck. But it isn’t too late to buy the other kind, the so-called forcing bulbs. Most stores offer both amaryllis and paperwhites, which are really narcissi. Both are easy to plant and grow.

Amaryllis come in strong colors – true reds, eye-popping pinks and corals, and the more forgiving stripes and pure whites. Most successful growers recommend watering them very lightly until the bulbs have produced at least two inches of foliage. Then they can be watered normally. There are also tips on the internet about treating the plants with alcohol, especially vodka. Supposedly, this stunts the plant’s growth, but allows normal flower production. This means – if it really works – that you will have shorter stems. For anyone who’s ever had a top-heavy amaryllis fall to its death, this sounds very appealing.

One more amaryllis tip: if you buy the boxed kind that come with a pot and potting medium, pay attention to the name of the color, not to the picture on the box. Most of the time, the photograph will be of a completely different color from the one your bulb produces. A massed grouping of three or five of one color is spectacular, but a hodge-podge of colors could make you lose your appetite.

Paperwhites are even easier – they can be forced in a pot with nothing but decorative stones and some water. There is a catch, however – for some of us, the fragrance of the flowers is downright sickening! Not everyone feels this way, so don’t let me deter you if these flowers are your heart’s desire.

Pretty much any spring bulb can be forced, of course. The difference is that amaryllis and paperwhites are sold ready to break dormancy. If you saved a batch of regular daffodils or crocuses for forcing, those need to be in a refrigerator for at least six weeks before bringing up to a normal temperature. They can be held in the fridge either potted – if you have the room – or in paper bags, to be potted just before forcing.

You should assume about six more weeks till bloom time, so if you act now, you might have indoor blooms by the end of February – just when you really need some color and fragrance.

And one last suggestion: you can buy already sprouted holiday bulbs at the Holiday Bazaar at the Wadsworth Mansion on Saturday, December 3.

The Middletown Garden Club’s booth last year was overflowing with gorgeous holiday plants, wreaths and arrangements.

Robbery Suspect Apprehended

From the Middletown Police Department

On November 26, 2011, with help from the public, the Middletown Police Department’s Major Investigations Unit obtained an arrest warrant for Robert Fontaine for the robbery at Walgreens located at 633 Washington Street. 

The suspect Robert Fontaine age 48 of 400 Washington Street is being accused of walking into Walgreens on 11-25-11, assaulting the cashier and fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash.  Fontaine who was being held at State Police Troop F for DUI charges was picked up by Middletown Police Officers, transported to Middletown and charged with Robbery in the Third Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Larceny in the Sixth Degree and Breach of Peace in the Second Degree.  Fontaine is being held on a $150,000.00 bond and is scheduled to appear at Middlesex Superior Court on 11-28-11.

Fontaine, a convicted violent felon was apprehended less than 24 hrs with the help of the public.  The Middletown Police Department wishes to thank the public for their assistance in identifying the suspect.         

Wadsworth Mansion Holiday Bazaar

Saturday December 3, 2011 10:00-3:00

The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate is hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday December 3, 2011 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at 421 Wadsworth Street, Middletown. Children are free and a $2.00 donation for adults would be appreciated but, not expected. Door donations will be dedicated to conservation projects at the Mansion.

Twenty six vendors who sell at the August Open Air Market will be selling their handmade products. Hometown Bakery, a perennial favorite, will be selling their cardamom and cinnamon breads. Artists for World Peace selling their one-of-a-kind hats. Silks by Lucia will be offering their hand painted marbleized silk scarves, shawls, and ties. Cold Goats Farm will be selling their angora yarns as well as handmade mittens and hats. Several jewelers will be tempting shoppers with silver, gold, crystals, and gemstones. The Middletown Garden Club will be selling Amaryllis plants and the Wadsworth Mansion will be offering a 24k gold plated ornament depicting the front elevation of the building. Additional offerings include handmade chocolates, homemade pastries, pottery, and clothing. If you are just looking for a lovely respite David Alan Catering will be serving lunch in the lounge. For a complete listing of vendors, visit www.wadsworthmansion.com

Police Ask For Help Identifying Robbery Suspect

From the Middletown Police Department

Attached are photos of a robbery suspect from Walgreens (633 Washington St).  A robbery was report to Middletown PD at about 18:23hrs on 11/25/11 from Walgreens located at 633 Washington Street, Middletown, CT. 

Suspect is described as a white male in his 40s, approximately 6'0 in height.  Suspect fled the area prior to police arrival with an undetermined amount of cash. 

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Middletown Police at 860-344-3200.

 

Holiday Season Arrives On Main Street

It began with a carol sing on the South Green and ended with the opening of a new business in the North End, as the annual holiday season arrived on Middletown's Main Street.

The Woodrow Wilson 7th and 8th grade choirs kept a growing crowd entertained as they waited for the major event on the South Green.  When Santa Claus arrived on a horse-drawn wagon with newly-minted mayor Dan Drew, radio host Don DeCesare announced the pair to great fanfare.  After awarding citizenship awards to a group of Middletown third graders, the mayor led countdowns to light the Middlesex Hospital’s Hospice & Palliative Care Program Tree of Lights in the gazebo, and then another countdown for the large tree on the green.  Drew assured the crowd that several more trees would be lit over the next few weeks.  Those lights had not been mounted, according to Drew, because crews had been busy with the post-Halloween blizzard cleanup.

The crowd then followed the Middletown High School marching band down Main Street in a holiday parade which stopped at the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce for yet another tree lighting.  Children lined up for free photos with Santa.

After a dinner break, a crowd assembled once again outside of Eli Cannon's on Main Street for the lighting of that tree, and the opening of a new business across from the popular pub.  With a wave of his "magic candycane" Santa lit the new business, and then after a snowstorm of potato flakes, he pointed his striped implement at Eli Cannon's and lit the fourth tree of the night.

After the tree lighting, Mayor Dan Drew, Middlesex Chamber President Larry McHugh and Santa himself cut the ribbon on the brand new Eli Cannon's Trading Company and the doors were swung open for children and parents to tour the new retail outlet (featuring t-shirts, hot sauce, artwork, brewing supplies), and meet Santa and his attractive helpers.  Each child left the new store with a gift courtesy of Eli Cannon's owners. 

Cannon's owner Phil Oulette said that his crews had worked night and day to be sure the business would be open for the event.  A sister business, the NORA (North of Rapallo) Cupcake Company will open next door on New Year's Eve to coincide with the Middnight On Main celebration. 

Free Flu Clinic Wednesday At Westfield Fire Station

The fourth in a series of free flu clinics will be held November 30, from Noon - 8:00 p.m. at the Westfield Fire Firehouse, 653 East Street. The vaccine will be given by injection only (flu mist is not being offered). Anyone 3 years of age or older and in good health is eligible to receive the vaccine. Insurance is not needed and residency not required. There is a limited supply of vaccine which will be given out on a first-come, first- served basis. Appointments are not needed. Other free flu clinics are scheduled as follows:

•December 6: Coles Road Fire Station, 105 Coles Rd. Cromwell. Noon - 8:00 p.m.
•December 14: South Fire District Firehouse, 445 Randolph Rd., Middletown. Noon - 8:00 p.m.

The flu clinics are sponsored by Mass Dispensing Area (MDA) 36: the towns of Cromwell, Durham, Middlefield, and the City of Middletown.

Participants can save time by obtaining a consent form on-line at the City website

For more information call: (860) 632-3426 (Cromwell), (860) 349-8253 (Durham), (860) 349-7123 (Middlefield), or (860) 344-3482 (Middletown).

Wesleyan Swimming and Diving Teams Look To Improve Under Storied Interiem Coach

Wesleyan’s men’s swimming and diving team went 4-9 in their dual-meet schedule last season and is looking to rebuild after tumbling to last place in last year’s conference championships for the first time ever. The team returns five swimmers who placed in the 2011 NESCAC championship meet. Along with talented swimmers like junior Brendan Fortin and senior Max Ginsberg who are returning from hiatus, the Cardinals bring in six newcomers who are capable of providing important depth to a squad that should improve.

Men’s swimming and diving will be led by a core group of swimmers in the 2010-2011 season. Juniors Wes Fantini, Nick Huston and Martin Kafin, along with senior Alex Brody, all had top-20 finishes at the 2011 NESCAC championships.

The women’s swimming and diving team will possess more experience and depth than last year’s already solid squad. Wesleyan went 9-4 this past season and features seven returning athletes who picked up team points for the Cardinals at last season conference championships, where the team placed eighth. Junior Cara Colker-Eybel is the star. She had three top eight finishes and paced two school record-setting relays at NESCAC’s. She has support from junior Ally Anderson and sophomore Alyssa Savarino that were part of the record-setting relays and had top-15 performances at the championships. With additional depth entering the program, the Cardinals should be a force to be reckoned with come February.

In maybe the most interesting storyline of the team’s season, Wesleyan will be led by interim Head Coach Frank Keefe, who recently retired as the coach at Yale after being in New Haven for 32 years. He is replacing Mary Bolich, who left to take the head coaching position at Penn State.

“Wesleyan had to make a quick decision after Coach Bolich left and they felt I would be a natural fit,” Keefe said. “I really enjoy the experience and being able to interact with and teach the kids.”

The season got off to a less than ideal start for both teams with their meets against Bates College and Little Three rival Amherst College. The men’s swimming and diving squad lost their first meet to Bates on November 19 138-54, with the opponent recording the top time in all 11 events. Against Amherst at home on Monday the 21st, Wesleyan fell by an ugly 194-42 score. Yet again, the Cardinals did not have a member win a single event. The performances on the women’s team were stronger but only by a little bit. Wesleyan was defeated by Bates 124-69 on the road. Their three event winners were freshmen. Angela Slevin won the 100 back, Rachel Hirsch took the 100 breast and Elizabeth Baumgartner snagged top honors in the 200 IM. In their face-off with the Lord Jeffs the team was crushed 184-46. Like the men’s squad, the women had no swimmer finish better than second. The Wesleyan teams were facing off against solid Bates teams, and Amherst has one of the top swimming programs in NESCAC. But as Frank Keefe realizes, his Wesleyan teams have a lot of work to do before they can be considered contenders in their deep conference.

“Wesleyan just isn’t as good as schools like Amherst or Williams,” Keefe said. “My season is the beginning of November to the end of December when I can shape this team and get them prepared for the bulk of the season. That’s when I can teach them discipline, commitment and communication.”

After taking a few days off for the Thanksgiving holiday, the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams resume practice and then host the Cardinal Invitational on the weekend of December 3-4.

Wesleyan Potters Annual Exhibit & Sale Opens

The Wesleyan Potters 56th Annual Exhibit & Sale starts today and runs through December 11. The event is kicked off with a Gala Celebration on Friday, November 25. Doors open at 10 am. The artists and collectors reception is this evening from 6 to 9 pm. Light refreshments served throughout the day.

The 56th Annual Exhibit & Sale takes place at the Wesleyan Potters studios, 350 South Main Street (Rt.17), Middletown. Walk in the front door and you are greeted by an array of color. And it’s not just one kind of craft – it’s elegant, it’s whimsical, it’s practical, it’s glass goblets, one-of-a-kind wood sculptures, ceramic garden ornaments, felted finger puppets, copper bangle bracelets, baskets made from sea grass and much more. Prices range from $8 for a miniature ceramic fairy house to $32 for a hand woven scarf, to $75 for a silver pendant to $150 for a whimsical copper sculpture to $850 for a one of kind end table made from Connecticut grown spalted sugar maple wood. As all work sold at Wesleyan Potters is juried, the collector can be re-assured that what they purchase is well made and meets the high standards Wesleyan Potters is known for. Each item is handmade in the USA.

The Exhibit & Sale runs from November 25 to December 11. Hours are every day from 10-6 pm, Thursdays and Fridays hours are extended until 9 pm. For more information call 860-347-5925 or visit www.wesleyanpotters.com

Holiday on Main Kickoff, Friday November 25

From the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce

Daniel Ostrow, chairman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Central Business Bureau, announced the 26^th annual Holiday On Main Street will kick off on  Friday, November 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.  The Holiday on Main committee chaired by Al Santostefano and co-chairman Rich Greco, in conjunction with the Middletown Commission on the Arts, invites everyone to ring in the festive season by attending the four tree-lighting ceremonies along Main Street, Middletown.

The schedule for Friday is as follows:

• 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - The Middletown Lions Club will be staffing the popcorn and hot pretzel stand in front of the Chamber; Holiday music will be provided by Harvest Woods Audio.

• 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Middletown High School crew team selling hot chocolate and coffee in front of the Church of the Holy Trinity.

• 4:00 p.m.- Free hayrides along Main Street courtesy of Bank of America and Oddfellows Playhouse.

• 5:00 p.m. – Gather at the South Green for a carol sing with Middletown High School Chorus, directed by Michael Gosselin, and the Woodrow Wilson 7^th and 8^th grade chorus, directed by Steve Matthews, and sponsored by Middletown Commission On the Arts, with Emcee Don DeCesare from WMRD / WLIS Radio.  Songbooks will be provided at the South Green by Downtown Business District.

• 5:20 p.m. - Wild Thing arrives on the hay ride with 3rd grade Middletown students that were chosen for their good school citizenship.  One student will be chosen to ride with Santa.

• 5: 30 p.m. – Led by the Middletown High School Band, directed by Marco Gaylord and Kimberly Everson, Santa and Middletown Mayor Daniel Drew arrive by horse and carriage, courtesy of Webster Bank, for the tree-lighting on the South Green.

• 5:45 p.m. - Middlesex Hospital’s Hospice & Palliative Care Program will light The Tree of Lights, in the Veterans Memorial Gazebo on the South Green.  Each light on the tree will shine in honor or in memory of a friend or family member.

• 5:55 p.m. – One Book, One Middletown – Mayor Drew, will announce the title of the book chosen to be the One Book for the Rotary Club project.

• 6:00 p.m. – Tree-lighting on the South Green; Mayor Drew  and Santa will turn on the lights on the big tree on the South Green.

• 6:15 p.m. – Parade up Main Street to the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce (393 Main St.), where Mayor Drew and Santa turn on the lights on the tree on the Chamber Roof.  The tree on the Chamber roof is donated by Indian Hill Brook Tree Farm and the lights are donated by Wal-Mart of Cromwell.

• Free pictures with Santa, courtesy of Wesleyan University’s Center for Community Partnerships in front of the Chamber, immediately following the tree-lighting at the Chamber.  Pictures will be taken by Middletown Councilman Phil Pessina.

• Free horse and carriage rides and hayrides continue until 8:00 p.m.

• 8:15 p.m. -  4^th annual tree-lighting in front of Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, 695 Main Street, where Santa will arrive on his sleigh to light the tree, elves will be on the sidewalk with popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate and treats for the kids.

Please Note:  In case of inclement weather, the tree lightings and parade will be held the next evening, Saturday, November 26^th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Holiday on Main Street continues each Saturday on Main Street, Middletown until Christmas from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on  November 26, December 3, 10 and 17;  festivities on December 10 begin at 9:30 a.m.

For more information on the 26^th annual Holiday on Main Street, please contact Cathy Duncan at the Chamber at cathy@middlesexchamber.com or call 860-347-6924.