Middletown Eye

• Hangin' Around the Observatory

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  On this weekend before Thanksgiving, Middletown was particularly inviting. Another unseasonable warm weekend inspired a neighbor and me, simultaneously to take our kids on a hike. She suggested Wadsworth Falls. I told her I had the "Leatherman cave" in Maromas in mind.We settled on the cave, and drove out to [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 5:13pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• From 1974: Main Street Project Wins Council Favor

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  The following article is from 35 years ago today, published in the Hartford Courant on November 22, 1974.--------A narrower Main Street between Washington and Union streets, to be beautified with trees and shrubs, has won tentative approval from a majority of city councilmen.The beautification plan would cover the entire length [...]
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  Posted: November 22, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• Two-wheel Turkey Delivery

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  Hundreds of motorcycles and their riders crowded Broad Street as turkeys were unloaded for the annual turkey run for the Red Cross sponsored by the Renegade Pigs motorcycle club Saturday around noon. [...]
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  Posted: November 21, 2009, 1:46pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Ways to Serve the Community - Vacancies on Town Committees and Commissions

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  Mayor Sebastian Giuliano has said more than once in public, if you want to get involved in helping make the city a better place, volunteer to serve on a municipal committee or commission. There are several vacancies now open, some with party restrictions, and anyone interested in serving is advised [...]
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  Posted: November 21, 2009, 8:27am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Open House at the Wesleyan Observatory

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  Wesleyan's Van Vleck Observatory will be hosting a special public event from 8-10 PM on Saturday, November 21st. This event is part of celebrations of the International Year of Astronomy, which commemorates the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first telescopic study of the sky. Visitors will be able to look through [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 1:37pm EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• Middletown History Sunday at First Church

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  Normal MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 11:34am EST
  by John Hall

• South Church Snowflake Fair on Saturday

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  [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 10:08am EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• Water and Sewer Deparment RequestsRate Increase and Permission for Service Shut Offs

  Number of comments: 5
  With delinquencies still plaguing the department Water and Sewer Commissioner Guy Russo convened a special meeting of the WPCA (Water Pollution Control Authority) Thursday to vote on a request to conduct a hearing for a sewer usage rate increase.According to Russo's memo, the rate increase will amount to a 12% [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 8:26am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Theater & Music Around Town (11/20-22)

  Number of comments: 1
  Friday (today) November 20:A reminder: The Oddfellows Playhouse Teen Repertory Company presentation of "Around the World in 80 Days" has 2 performances this weekend - tonight and tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. To find out ticket availability, call 860-347-6143.The Buttonwood Tree presents Frank Critelli and Shandy Lawson tonight at 8 [...]
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  Posted: November 20, 2009, 6:25am EST
  by CultureCreature (Richard B. Kamins)

• Conservation Commission Meeting Notes 11/12/2009

  Number of comments: 1
  The Conservation Commission meets on the second Thursday of every month. The November meeting was held on 11/12. There were two members of the public present to address the Commission. David Bauer addressed the commission to say that it has been nearly a year since we celebrated the 90th birthday [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 3:04pm EST
  by Karen Swartz

• House Concert This Saturday - More Great Irish Music

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  THE MIDDLETOWNHOUSE CONCERT SERIES presents:John Whelan with Flynn Cohen Saturday, November 21st, at 8pmSuggested donation: $25 general in advance ($28 at the door), $12 students, $7 children 12 & underPlease call Jody Cormack 860-983-7963 for reservationsor email jcormack@wesleyan.eduAlthough he grew up near London in Dunstable, England, John Whelan was raised [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 2:57pm EST
  by CultureCreature (Richard B. Kamins)

• Transparency in Government: A View From the Inside

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  Commentary by John Milardo, President of the Middletown Managers and Professionals Association, Local #6092, AFT-CT. Milardo is Superintendent of Parks in Middletown's Park and Recreation Department. The views expressed in this article are those of Milardo and opposing viewpoints are welcome.The newly elected Middletown Common Council held their Organizational meeting [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 2:40pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Board of Ed Reduces Public Comment Time

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  At Tuesday night's Board of Education meeting, the Board voted on several policy changes, including a change to the Bylaws of the Board to reduce the amount of time individuals have to speak from 5 minutes to 3 minutes during the "public session" portion of the agenda.The Board also updated [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 1:40pm EST
  by Jam

• New Common Council Rules Amend Public Comment

  Number of comments: 1
  As reported in the Eye, proposed new rules for public comment at Common Council meetings have been adopted.It is the responsibility of each newly-elected Council to review and amend rules as the Council sees a need for change or improvement.The new rules limit the amount of time for public comment [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 1:36pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Appointments Announced For City Commissions

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  At an organizational meeting held Tuesday November 17, the Common Council voted to appoint Republican Council member Joe Bibisi as the returning Deputy Mayor. In addition the Council voted and approved the following Coucil and mayoral appointments.FINANCE AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS:RONALD P. KLATTENBERG, CHAIRMAN GERALD E. DALEY HOPE P. KASPER JOSEPH [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 11:33am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Things to Do or Ponder the Next 2 Days

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  Today November 19:Need an escape from the onslaught of 24-hour news cycles? Bemoaning the loss of the warmer weather? Bored? Today at 12noon, The Russell Library has the cure for the symptoms above and more. The "Gutter to Penthouse" Film Series presents "Gold Diggers of 1933", a movie musical extravaganza [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 9:04am EST
  by CultureCreature (Richard B. Kamins)

• NEAR Receives Grant for Food Not Bombs

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  From North Ends Arts RisingThe Liberty Bank Foundation has graciously awarded a $2,000 grant toNorth End Arts Rising, Inc. for the Food Not Bombs food sharingprogram which happens Sundays at The Buttonwood Tree on the corner ofLiberty and Main Streets.Since 1997, the Liberty Bank Foundation has given over $5.4 million [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Middletown's State Reps Score Well on Environment

  Number of comments: 2
  The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters released their 2009 Scorecard for lawmakers in the State Capitol on Tuesday. Overall, 58% of the State Senators and Representatives were given an A or A+ on environmental voting. Middletown's delegation was even better than the rest of the State, of our 6 elected [...]
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  Posted: November 19, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• Buttonwood Buzz

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  The Buttonwood Tree was a buzz Sunday with a full day of art music and food. Some arrived in time for the delicious lunch prepared by Food Not Bombs and left after the last note was played, some nine hours later! FAITH McCANN described her art exhibit, "Dreaming" and mingled [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 6:48pm EST
  by Karen Swartz

• Discovering THE SKRIKER and The Eiko and Koma Retrospective Project

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  An excerpt from this week’s CFA Blog, written by Director Pamela Tatge: I’ve just wandered over to the CFA Theater where the Theater Department is preparing to open THE SKRIKER, by Caryl Churchill. Some of you may remember the department’s call to campus and community members for donations of items [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 4:08pm EST
  by Adam Kubota

• Conversation on Health Care

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  Today, Wednesday September 18, 4:30 PM, WESU, 881.FM or www.wesufm.org. [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 3:14pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Recycling Center Now Accepting #3-7 Plastic Containers

  Number of comments: 1
  From Kim O'Rourke, Middletown Recycling CoordinatorIn an effort to encourage Middletown residents to recycle more, the City of Middletown is excited to announce that it will accept #3 - #7 plastic containers at its Recycling Center for recycling. Currently the City accepts plastic containers with a #1 and #2 on' [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 10:26am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Farmers' Market Today

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  The weekly Farmers' Market is moving indoors for the first time this year. It will be inside beautiful Beckham Hall on the Wesleyan campus (on Wyllys Avenue), from 11-2. The following local vendors will be there: Beltane Farms, Long Lane Farm, Three Sisters Farm, and Meriano's Bake Shop. You will' [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 9:39am EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• Redevelopment Agency to Keep Streetcar on Track

  Number of comments: 1
  The Middletown Redevelopment Agency met on Tuesday at Middletown Transit Authority headquarters on Main Street to discuss plans for making progress on bringing a street car to Main Street. The city will pursue state and federal money to fund the streetcar, which will be a short spur, running from the [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 7:52am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Can't See the Forest For the Trees They Cut Down To Print Their Paper

  Number of comments: 6
  CommentaryI spent $2.50 last week to prove a point to myself, and to you.The Middletown Press has begun to see, and portray Middletown through a particularly bloody lens.When one of the former reporters was leaving the employ of our hometown daily, the reporter chuckled and confided that the publisher wanted [...]
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  Posted: November 18, 2009, 2:15am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• JCJ Architecture Presents Report to Board of Education

  Number of comments: 1
  (Note: A complete report on the Board of Education meeting Tuesday will appear in a later post on the Middletown Eye.)On Tuesday, principal architect for JCJ Architecture, Greg Smolley shared his company's findings and conclusions with the Board of Education regarding a plan to redistribute students and reconfigure classrooms to [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 10:19pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• JCJ Report and Presentation Available on Web

  Number of comments: 0
  For parents not able to attend Tuesday's presentation of recommendations by JCJ Architecture on the redistricting of elementary schools, the entire presentation, and detailed report are now available on the Middletown Public Schools website, here. [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 10:16pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Raczka Re-elected Board of Education Chair

  Number of comments: 1
  As expected, Democrat Ted Raczka was re-elected Board of Education Chair, and Bill Boyd co-chair, and while the Democratic majority on the board tilted the vote in Raczka's favor, it was not a vote entirely along party lines.In fact, Democratic board member Renee Johnson-Thornton started the proceedings by breaking with [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 10:04pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Correction: Soul of the People

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  November 18:The final event in the "Soul of a People" project takes place at 12:30 p.m. (and not 7 p.m. as I wrote earlier today) in the Library of Middlesex Community College, Training Hill Road. Anne Paluck will lead a discussion of Zora Neale Hurston's groundbreaking book "Their Eyes Were" [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 3:56pm EST
  by CultureCreature (Richard B. Kamins)

• PACE ourselves for Clean Energy

  Number of comments: 0
  A common experience for almost everybody these days is the constant stream of invitations to events, pleas for donations, and calls to action. Whether its in your paper mail, your email inbox, over the phone, radio, or word of mouth, we are all constantly bombarded with messages and faced with [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 3:55pm EST
  by Karen Swartz

• JCJ Recommends Review/Redrawing of Elementary School District Lines and New Use for Macdonough

  Number of comments: 2
  (Proposed elementary school district realignment.)CORRECTION: At Tuesday's presentation by JCJ Architecture, the firm did not recommend the closure of Keigwin or a consolidation of the middle school as previously stated in this post before the presentation by JCJ Architecture.The conclusions drawn by a year-long study by JCJ Architecture of Middletown' [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 11:29am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Jonah Center Presents Diane Lane on Global Warming

  Number of comments: 0
  Tuesday, November 17, at 7 p.m. At First Church of Christ, Congregational (UCC) 190 Court Street, MiddletownUsing “Google Earth” to visualize changes across our planet, Diana Lane will give viewers a guided tour of future climate predictions for different regions across the world. What changes are predicted by 2030, 2050 [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 11:20am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• H1N1 Clinic on Sunday

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  From the Department of Health:-----------------The seventh in a series of H1N1 flu clinics sponsored by Mass Dispensing Area 36 (MDA 36) is scheduled:Sunday, November 22 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Middlefield Federated Church402 Main Street, Middlefield. The Federated Church is opposite the Middlefield Fire Station. The clinic is open only [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 10:13am EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• Kleckowski Responds to Dan Russo

  Number of comments: 4
  Commentary, by Deborah Kleckowski---------Dan Russo shame on you! It is reprehensible that you have the audacity to spew lies and mischaracterizations, I can assure you, and the residents of Middletown, I did not have a ”worse attendance record than Barbara Plum” as you incorrectly stated. I regularly attended meetings and [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 8:58am EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• A First Look at the Arts This Week (Tuesday & Wednesday)

  Number of comments: 1
  I'm in my typical post-production mode, basically laying about in a warm coat and "pass the remote." Thanks to all who came out to see "Juno & The Paycock" this past weekend, thanks for you responses and donations, most of which will go to Congregation Adath Israel and Oddfellows Playhouse' [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 8:24am EST
  by CultureCreature (Richard B. Kamins)

• Committee Reportedly Studies Transformation of Macdonough to Magnet School

  Number of comments: 1
  Tonight JCJ Architecture will discuss their recommendations for school redistricting at the Board of Education meeting (Middletown High School Communications Center, 7:00 PM), among those recommendations are several unconfirmed options for Macdonough Elementary school reported to the Eye.Macdonough has received well-deserved attention lately for an impressive improvement in learning and [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 8:08am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• United Way Seeking Tax Preparation Volunteers

  Number of comments: 0
  From Jill Davoll at the Middlesex United WayHere’s a way to make a difference at tax time – volunteer to become a tax preparer and you can help working families get back the money they’ve earned. Free tax preparation services are available during the tax season through the Volunteer Income [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 12:42pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Will Partisan Squabbles Hobble P&Z Again?

  Number of comments: 2
  It didn't take but a few moments.At the first meeting of the Planning and Zoning commission after the election, in which two new members were placed on the commission, the election of a chairperson turned the meeting into a contentious deja vu session of multiple vote-takings, without a commissioner ever' [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 8:52am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Middletown Resident Rockets to International Fame

  Number of comments: 1
  The alternative rock group Weezer released a new album (Raditude) this month, with a cover photo that has catapulted Sidney the dog into fame and glory. Sidney, whose National Geographic photograph was previously reproduced in The Eye, shares a house in the South Farms district of Middletown with cats Pancho [...]
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  Posted: November 16, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• The Nutcracker to be performed in Middletown

  Number of comments: 1
  Candy come to life, dancing wooden toy soldiers, and a battle against the giant warrior mice and their evil king -- sound familiar? It's Tchaikovsky's classic holiday ballet: The Nutcracker. And this year, you won't have to go out of town to see it.Presented by the renowned ballet troupe Joseph' [...]
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  Posted: November 15, 2009, 12:30pm EST
  by Jen Alexander

• Jonah Center Advocacy Paved Way for Improved Parking Lot

  Number of comments: 1
  In May 2008, President Barry Chernoff and Executive Director John Hall testified before Middletown’s Inland Wetlands Commission, urging improvements to the proposed parking lot construction at Palmer Field. Specific recommendations included reduction of pavement area, retention of storm water run off, and a vegetated buffer to mitigate the parking lot’s [...]
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  Posted: November 15, 2009, 12:19pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• New Proposed Rules for Common Council Meetings Limit and Expand Public Comment

  Number of comments: 6
  A resolution for new rules for the Common Council has been submitted for a vote at the next Council meeting.These proposed rules contain some significant changes in the way the public will be able to address the Council.The proposed rule changes will be voted on at the first meeting of [...]
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  Posted: November 14, 2009, 11:26am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Noah Delivers

  Number of comments: 0
  A splendid evening of music in Crowell Concert Hall with the world premiere of Noah Baerman's "Know Thyself." Big crowd as well and they were treated (in the second half of the show) to an expansive work, a 60-minute plus song cycle that was melodic, passionate, at times funky, sweet, [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 11:17pm EST
  by CultureCreature (Richard B. Kamins)

• Positive Deconstruction

  Number of comments: 0
  submitted by The Rockfall FoundationAs the season’s first frosts and holiday guests lurk around your doorstep, come gather amongst kindred spirits, bask in the ambience of sunny Italy—and explore the movement towards positive deconstruction here in Connecticut!Please join us for this month’s Meet Your Greens drinks at Tuscany Grill on [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 9:32pm EST
  by Karen Swartz

• More Music (11/13-11/15)

  Number of comments: 1
  Besides the premiere of Noah Baerman's "Know Thyself" at Crowell Concert Hall tonight at 8 p.m., (nice writeup in today's Channel 61/Hartford Courant by Chuck Obuchowski - read here) it's a busy and varied weeked of musical offerings in Middletown. Tonight (Friday the 13th):They call their band Amalgamated Muck (great [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 8:01am EST
  by CultureCreature (Richard B. Kamins)

• Around Middletown in 80 Days - Day 80

  Number of comments: 4
  Around the World in 80 Days Opening Night!After travelling around Middletown, come see Phileas Fogg travel around the entire world on the Oddfellows Playhouse stage!Friday, November 13, 7:30pmSaturday, November 14, 7:30pmFriday, November 20, 7:30pmSaturday, November 21, 7:30pmTickets:$15 for Adults$8 for Students/SeniorsAuction winners from the Around Middletown in 80 Days dinners [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 8:00am EST
  by Matt Pugliese

• Planning and Zoning Commission Opens a New Term

  Number of comments: 10
  The newest member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Daniel Russo, wasted no time before making his ambitions clear at the Commission's first meeting since the election, "I nominate myself as chair." The Commission could not agree, and the meeting ended without a chair.As written in the bylaws, the November [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 5:01am EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• From 1909: Taft at Wesleyan; Shanklin Installed

  Number of comments: 0
  The following article is from 100 years ago today, published in the New York Times on November 13th, 1909.William Howard Taft had been elected president in a close contest one year earlier, and fulfilling a promise, spent most of November 12th in Middletown. This was a momentous occasion for Middletown, [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 5:00am EST
  by fishmuscle (Stephen H. Devoto)

• Eye on the Air, November 13

  Number of comments: 0
  Eye on the Air, Friday November 13, live from 1-2 PM, WESU 88.1 FM (wesufm.org).Hosts: Ed McKeon and Mary Longley.Guests: Middletown Acting Chief of Police, Patrick McMahon and Democratic Challenger in the 2010 race for the Senate, Merrick Alpert, who talks about his walk across Connecticut in protest of the [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 12:30am EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)

• Gratitude and A Commitment to Openess From Republican Leadership

  Number of comments: 8
  From Common Council Member, and Minority Leader Phil Pessina Normal 1 632 3605 Motion Inc 30 7 4427 11.1282 [...]
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  Posted: November 12, 2009, 5:23pm EST
  by Middletown Eye (Ed McKeon)