Inside Out, Outside at Films On Foss Saturday July 23, 8:30 PM

The Mayoral Youth Cabinet in partnership with the City of Middletown and Wesleyan University is bringing back the wildly successful movie series called "Films on Foss". 

This is a FREE event where multiple generations can come together to build community.  The City of Middletown and Wesleyan stepped up to the plate to make this a reality. 

Just as the name states, the films are shown on campus at Foss Hill, just off Wyllys Ave. in the center of the Wesleyan University campus.

Food trucks will provide snacks, desserts and dinner for those who choose to dine al fresco.  And there's pop corn and water.

The acclaimed animate film, Inside Out (the third of four movies this year) will start at 8:30pm (or shortly after depending on how dark it gets).  The movie will be preceded by a community picnic that starts at 7:00 pm.

Drew on Pokeman

From Mayor Drew

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I understand that the Pokemon craze is exciting and I’m glad to see so many people coming together to participate. However, there have been a few unforeseen consequences as a result of all the activity. These are public spaces and in most instances, people have a right to go where they please.

So I’d like to make a request on behalf of the community:

If you are a Pokemon player, please refrain from using the Veterans Memorial Green on Washington Terrace and please refrain from using cemeteries. They are solemn locations in which people pay their respects to and remember those who have passed on and the people who fought to keep our nation free.

This is also becoming an issue because we are starting to find pollution in these places and damage to cemetery property. If this continues we will step up police patrols to these areas.

The only legal restriction to Pokemon – or other gatherings – is that if “meetings and events” are held on city property, then organizers must seek the permission of the Department of Public Works in City Hall. If a meeting is more than 30 people and has food available, then it must be approved by the Public Works Commission. These legal stipulations can be found in Chapter 214, Article III (§ 214-13) of the Middletown Code of Ordinances, available here: http://ecode360.com/8364948.

Please use areas that are designated for recreation only and if you are gathering in a large group, please follow the above-cited ordinance provisions.

Again, I can’t and won’t hassle people who are legally using designated public spaces, but I do ask that you refrain from playing the game in solemn spaces for honoring our military and our deceased.

Please let me know of any questions and continue to enjoy the game.

Thank you!

Eric Kuhn 

with Noah Baerman and Dave Kopperman 

July 22 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm | $10

Eric Kuhn, Noah Baerman, and Dave Kopperman are all multi-faceted performers, songwriters and bandleaders. On this evening we will be treated to solo sets of mostly original songs by each artist along with collaborative jams on one another’s material.

Check out more of these amazing performers here!

Aligned with Source: An Interactive Workshop

July 23 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm | suggested minimum donation $5 

Aligned with Source will be meeting at Harbor Park for the summer. Meet at the tunnel gazebo. Parking at the river or at Melilli Plaza lot, and then walk through the tunnel. 

Hosted by Annaita Gandhy, A Spiritual & Holistic Healer from India, who is experienced in applying varied healing modalities to a wide range of situations. In these inter-active workshops, Annaita seeks to empower, sharing her deep understanding of life, holism and spirituality, enabling you to rise above life’s challenges, live a healthy, fulfilled & confident life. 

To learn more about Annaita Gandhy and her work click here!

Stay tuned for more information about our Saturday night event on July 23

Visit us at our website and check out our July calendar for constant updates!

The Tile Project

Members of The Buttonwood Tree are mounting a fundraising campaign that will bring a beautiful visual art installation to the foyer of The Buttonwood Tree. A 46”x 58” space on the wall will be filled with a ceramic tile mini mural of an artist’s interpretation of both the mission and Buttonwood Tree logo. The area holds a total of 154 tile squares used in the artwork. Each tile, sold for $50.00, represents an investment in the extraordinary performances, connections, and good will found at The Buttonwood Tree every single day.





Names will be engraved on a bronze plaque that will hang alongside the finished piece. The tile work will hang in the lobby for a period of two years or more before being retired to another location in the facility.

Purchasers of tiles will also be invited to a special reception where the work will be unveiled for the first time and be given an opportunity to meet with the artist as he/she discusses the work.

Be part of the Tile Project or become a member and donate HERE

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The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center
605 Main Street / PO Box 71, Middletown, CT 06457
CLICK TO GO TO WEBSITE:       www.buttonwood.org / 860.347.4957  

ARTFARM opens second week of The Servant of Two Masters with “Pay What You Can” Wednesday performance

ARTFARM’s The Servant of Two Masters is kicking off its second week of performances the with a ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ night on Wednesday, July 20^th. The eleventh annual Shakespeare in the Grove production is Carlo Goldoni’s 1740 commedia masterpiece, performed outdoors on the campus of Middlesex Community College, and tonight is a great opportunity to see it for whatever you can afford to pay.

First week audiences are raving about this fast-paced farce: “The play is HILARIOUS from start to finish. We LOVED it and plan to see it again, later this week. Check it out!” writes one audience member. Another happy patron gushed: “I LOVED it! I am so thrilled and impressed. Can you please keep doing commedia?” People who have been to ARTFARM’s Shakespeare in the Grove productions for years are calling it their favorite show yet.

All performances start at 7 pm, and are preceded by an hour of live music beginning at 6 p.m. Each evening’s performance is opened by a different Connecticut headliner musician, showcasing some of the State’s best musical acts.

This week’s musical headliners are as follows:

Wednesday 7/20- Andrew Biagiarelli


Thursday 7/21- Krizta Moon

Friday 7/22- Nancy Tucker

Saturday 7/23- Anitra Brooks Band, with Eric Kuhn, Matt Russ and Trevor Davis

Sunday 7/24- Kate Callahan

Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic and enjoy professional music and theater at sunset in the beautiful Cedar Grove overlooking the Connecticut River Valley. Popcorn and ice cream are available at the venue, but most patrons bring their own picnic and beverages and enjoy the music and the setting with friends or family before the play begins.

The performance on Friday, July 22 will be followed by a “Talkback” with the director and cast.

Middlesex Community College is located at 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown, CT. 

Shakespeare in the Grove 2016 is made possible by generous support from the Middletown Commission on the Arts, Pratt & Whitney, and generous donorsbusinesses who supported ARTFARM’s Shakespeare Goes To Italy Gala. Shakespeare in the Grove is co-sponsored by Middlesex Community College. Tickets are $15 for children, $25 for adults.



Marcella Trowbridge as Beatrice and Alex Kydd as Silvio. Photo by Bill De Kine.

The full cast of The Servant of Two Masters. Photo by Bill De Kine.

Brian Jennings (AEA) as Truffaldino. Photo by Bill De Kine.

Kaia Monroe (AEA) as Pantalone and Joni Weisfeld as Smeraldina.

                                                    Photos by Bill De Kine.

For tickets and information, contact ARTFARM at (860) 346-4390, email info@art-farm.org, or go to www.art-farm.org.

 The Servant of Two Masters Facebook event

Cat Tales ~ Cat of the Week ~ OLIVER!!

Cat Tales ~ Cat of the Week 

OLIVER

Gender:  Male

Breed:    Domestic Short Hair

Color:     Buff

Age:        4 years old

I had a rough life and I'm thrilled that I now have a safe, warm place to stay at Cat Tales. I like to be pet and I like when volunteers talk and socialize with me. I have stomatitis (inflammation in my mouth which can be sore) and need to have regular vet check ups. I sometimes need medicine.  A patient, cat experienced person who'll give me time to adjust to a quiet new home is what I'm looking for. I'd love to be your only pet, or would also do fine with a non dominant cat. Come meet me and see how sweet I can be!

Special NeedsNo Dogs

Web:  http://CatTalesCT.org/cats/OLIVER

Phone: (860) 344-9043

Email: ​​info@CatTalesCT.org

About:  https://youtu.be/Y1MECIS4mIc 

Beautiful Girl Project at Russell Library Cancelled

Russell Library will not be hosting The Beautiful Girl Project, which teaches girls in grades 5-12 emotional literacy through expressive writing on Wednesdays July 20th and 27th, August 3rd and 10th at 3:00pm. 

Those who may be interested in the library booking another similar program may call 860-347-2520.

Middletown Neighborhood Beauty

Bird bush 1

Bird bush 2

Bird bush 3

Lawmakers Hail Funding for the Arts

From the Democratic State legislative caucus
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State Representative Matthew Lesser (D-Middletown), Rep. Joseph Serra (D-Middletown), Sen. Dante Bartolomeo (D, Meriden, Middletown) and Sen. Paul Doyle (D-Wethersfield, Middletown) announced state grants for seven Middletown arts programs.

“I am proud to see this state investment in Middletown arts programs,” Rep. Lesser said. “Middletown has an artistic soul that is exhibited through these artistic endeavors.”

The funding, administered through the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of the Arts, was secured through several grant programs.

“As budgets have tightened at the state and local levels, the arts have been an easy target for cuts in schools and elsewhere over the years. That’s why it is such welcome news that the state Department of Economic and Community Development has announced these investments in Middletown. This funding will be used in classrooms and at many organizations throughout our community, touching the lives of students and artists, whose work and performances will reach out and impact the community at large – something we need now, possibly more than ever,” said Sen. Bartolomeo.
Middletown recipients included:
Artists for World Peace Supporting Arts in Place                $5,461.00
City of Middletown Arts & Culture           Supporting Arts in Place                $9,592.00
Green Street Teaching & Learning Center             Arts Learning     $20,000.00
Greater Middletown Chorale     Supporting Arts in Place                $3,792.00
North End Arts Rising, Inc.            Supporting Arts in Place                $3,227.00
Oddfellows Playhouse   Supporting Arts in Place                $4,651.00
Wesleyan University/Ctr for the Arts      Arts & Community Impact            $10,000.00

“Funding for the arts is extremely competitive at this time, and so I am pleased that the Department of Economic and Community Development has recognized the value of Middletown’s many venues, organizations and programs that are dedicated to ensuring that art survives and thrives in our community,” said Sen. Doyle.

“The arts and arts education play a critical role in the success of communities, and Middletown will benefit from this funding,” Rep. Serra said. “The impact of these grants will be felt in some way by everyone in town, and I thank all those who made this funding possible.”

DECD grant programs, including the Arts Learning Project Grants (which provide funding up to $20,000 to support arts in education-based projects for birth to grade 12); Arts & Community Impact Project Grants (which provide funding up to $20,000 for projects that connect the intrinsic value of the arts to identifiable community needs, interests or opportunities); and Supporting Arts in Place Grants (which provide general operating support to eligible arts organizations and municipal art departments), distributed the funding.

This is a Reminder from Your Avatar -- The Colonel Carries on #40

By Polly Esther

Epigraph: “Take a chill pill. Things could be worse, and very soon will be.”

Wily Vladimir Putin managed to win a 1960 Vladimir Putin Look-Alike Contest under the false name of Rex Harrison. He spent the prize money on surveillance equipment and a down payment on an iron maiden.

ARTFARM's Servant of Two Masters Opens this weekend

ARTFARM's Shakespeare in the Grove 2016 production is Carlo Goldoni's classic Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters.
This Commedia dell' Arte masterpiece runs Friday through Sunday this weekend (July 15 - 17) and Wednesday through Sunday next week (July 20 - 24) outdoors on the campus of Middlesex Community College.
There is live music every evening at 6 pm, and the play starts at 7 pm. This is great family entertainment. The ARTFARM Ensemble brings one of the great and most influential comedies of all time to Middletown this summer. So pack up your friends, family, and a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and make your way up to the beautiful Cedar Grove overlooking the Connecticut River Valley.
Tonight looks like it will be a beautiful evening (by the way, it usually feels about ten degrees cooler up on the hill, so bring a sweater for after the sun goes down. Really!), Joe Flood is the opening musical act, and Rep. Matt Lesser, Mayor Dan Drew and MxCC President Dr. Anna Wasescha will be on hand to welcome the audience.

Opening night photo by Bill De Kine

Musical acts for the rest of this weekend are (all start at 6 pm):

Saturday, July 16: Waberi Jordan

Sunday, July 17: Noah Baerman's Are You Sure? Project

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Go to www.art-farm.org for more information.

The Buttonwood Tree Presents: Sean Clapis & Mary Ellen Lonergan Jazz Groups July 15-16

Sean Clapis Trio 

July 15 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm | $10

Guitarist/composer Sean Clapis, born and bred in Hartford, CT,  has recently made his biggest statement yet with the release of The Unseen River. Best known by some for his work with the popular revivalist jazz ensemble Carte Blanche, he is also making a mark in New York and beyond in the realm of modern jazz. 

Check out more of Sean Clapis here!

Aligned with Source: An Interactive Workshop

July 16 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm | suggested minimum donation $5 

Hosted by Annaita Gandhy, A Spiritual & Holistic Healer from India, who is experienced in applying varied healing modalities to a wide range of situations. In these inter-active workshops, Annaita seeks to empower, sharing her deep understanding of life, holism and spirituality, enabling you to rise above life’s challenges, live a healthy, fulfilled & confident life.

To learn more about Annaita Gandhy and her work click here!

Mary Ellen Lonergan 

July 16 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm | $10

Accompanied by Jonathan Chatfield on piano and Lou Boccarelli on bass.

Mary Ellen Lonergan has been singing her entire life, and found a love of jazz in  the last 10 years. A 2015 Nominee for best in  Jazz Vocals in CT Now Awards, Mary Ellen conveys a story to her listener, with a blend of swing tunes and ballads.

More of Mary Ellen Lonergan and her forthcoming CD realease will both be available here!

The Tile Project

Members of The Buttonwood Tree are mounting a fundraising campaign that will bring a beautiful visual art installation to the foyer of The Buttonwood Tree. A 46”x 58” space on the wall will be filled with a ceramic tile mini mural of an artist’s interpretation of both the mission and Buttonwood Tree logo. The area holds a total of 154 tile squares used in the artwork. Each tile, sold for $50.00, represents an investment in the extraordinary performances, connections, and good will found at The Buttonwood Tree every single day.




Names will be engraved on a bronze plaque that will hang alongside the finished piece. The tile work will hang in the lobby for a period of two years or more before being retired to another location in the facility.

Purchasers of tiles will also be invited to a special reception where the work will be unveiled for the first time and be given an opportunity to meet with the artist as he/she discusses the work.

Be part of the Tile Project HERE

  -----------------------------

The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center
605 Main Street / PO Box 71, Middletown, CT 06457
CLICK TO GO TO WEBSITE:       www.buttonwood.org / 860.347.4957  

Cat Tales ~ TWO UPCOMING EVENTS!! July 16 & July 23

Cat Tales is participating in two (2) Events for the next two (2) Saturdays.  Please come out to see us!

Cat Tales Summer Fill-A-Truck Challenge Event​

​WHAT:  Cat Tales Summer Fill-A-Truck Challenge! Cat Tales is asking for donations of paper towels, disinfectant wipes, bleach, dry & canned food to help feed homeless cats & kittens in our community

WHEN:  Saturday, July 16, 2016 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:  Walmart of Cromwell, 161 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT

NBC Clear The Shelters Event

​WHAT:  Cat Tales will be participating in the NBC Clear The Shelters day, a National Event to find loving, caring homes for adoptable cats & kittens

WHEN:  Saturday, July 23, 2016 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

WHERE:  PETCO, 816 Washington St., Middletown, CT  06457

REDUCED FEES:  $50 for cats over age 1, $100 for kittens under age 1.