Thursday, March 31, 2016

Sen. Linares to Host Town Hall Meeting at Chester Town Hall, April 7

Sen. Art Linares will host a Town Hall Meeting at the Chester Town Hall Community Room on Thursday, April 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Linares is inviting the public to hear the latest update from the State Capitol and to get their questions answered. 

All residents are encouraged to attend and ask questions about any issue. For questions regarding the event, please contact Erika Pocock at 800-842-1421.

Town Hall is located at 203 Middlesex Ave.

Senator Markley - Capitol Update for 3/29/16


State Senator Joe Markley



In this update from outside the Senate chamber, Joe talks again about the budget shortages and why he was one of three senators who voted against the latest budget reduction proposal, comparing it to "shaking the change out of the sofa".

He also speaks on next year's projected billion dollar shortfall and his concern the legislature will go home this year, without addressing it.

Markley says we need long range plans to address unsustainable costs of the bureaucracy and the size of government.  Continuing on the current path will lead to an unrecoverable fiscal crisis.

Speaking of costs; there is the "bus way to nowhere" and its annual 20 million dollar deficit and snow removal issues.  $600 million is a lot to pay for a 9 mile bus way.

Lori on Liberty - When Will Hillary Be Indicted? Find Out Sunday

WHEN WILL HILLARY BE INDICTED? FIND OUT THIS SUNDAY! LISTEN FROM 1-3 PM - ONLY ON LORI ON LIBERTY!

Middletown Unified Theater Presents, "Who Dun It?"

 
Support our members and members kids for the hard work that they have been doing.  Please come see our show Thursday March 31, and Friday, April 1 at 7:00p.m.  The best part about Unified Theater is that it is entirely student created.  The students are the writers, directors, producers, choreographers and stars!  Watch as the mystery unfolds and the cast discovers... "Who Dun It?"

Thank you in advance for your support, hope to see you there......

Clinton Town Hall: Addiction Awareness Forum With Sen. Linares and Rep. MacLacklan

Rep. Jesse MacLachlan and Sen. Art Linares will host an Opioid Addiction Awareness & Education Forum to discuss the growing epidemic of opioid-related deaths throughout Connecticut on Wednesday, April 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The event will take place at Clinton Town Hall Auditorium, 54 East Main Street.

For additional information, please contact Erika Pocock at Erika.Pocock@cga.ct.gov or (800) 842-1421.
State Senator Art Linares YOU ARE INVITED A panel of experts, including state and local officials, will discuss addiction and the heroin and opioid epidemic. Please join us. Please tell a friend. State Representative Jesse MacLachlan Opioid Addiction Awareness & Education Forum Wednesday • April 6, 2016 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Clinton Town Hall Auditorium 54 East Main Street • Clinton Event Is Open To The Public Questions? For more information contact: Erika Pocock at Erika.Pocock@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-1421

Rep. Dubitsky (47th Dist.) To Hold Legislative Coffee Hours in April

Representative Doug Dubitsky To Hold Legislative Coffee Hours

HARTFORD – State Representative Doug Dubitsky (R-47) will hold legislative coffee hours on three Saturdays in April.

  • Chaplin - April 9th, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Pine Acres Family Restaurant, 250 Willimantic Road.

  • Sprague - April 16th, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. at TJ CafĂ© Family Restaurant, 191 Main Street.

  • Franklin - April 23rd, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Townline Diner, 107 Route 32.

Residents of the 47th District are encouraged to attend and discuss the 2016 legislative session or any other issues or concerns they may have with regard to state government with Rep. Dubitsky.

For more information, please call (800) 842-1423 or email doug.dubitsky@housegop.ct.gov. You can also visit Rep. Dubitsky’s website at www.repdubitsky.com or find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/doug.dubitsky.

Teddy Roosevelt on Immigration in 1907

Photo from Signature Reads
Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.

  'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here.

Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language.. And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.'
Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Rep. Lesser to Hold Office Hours at Dunkin' Donuts





UPDATED: NEW LOCATION

REP. LESSER TO HOLD OFFICE HOURS SATURDAY
                                       Saturday, April 2 from 9 to 11 a.m.


Representative Matthew Lesser (D-Middletown) will be holding office hours to meet with his constituents on Saturday.

All residents are encouraged to attend and share any ideas or concerns they have about state government.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

"FROM BEHIND BARS" - A Series, Part 1

Photo from connecticuthistory.org
UPDATE: This morning's Middletown Press contains a column from Atty. Norm Pattis, the topic of which falls in line with that of this post.  He writes, "Prisoners live hidden lives, out of view, out of sight and, for the most part, out of mind."  It can be seen, here.
Most of us likely don't know anyone who is incarcerated, much less do we correspond with someone who is.  This is the first in a series of letters written by someone who is currently in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Corrections.

These letters are being submitted anonymously and have been, and will be, redacted to protect the privacy of the writer and the writer's family and friends.

After having examined the trial transcripts and speaking extensively to others who have first hand and intimate knowledge of the matter, I am of the opinion that this person is innocent of the crime for which he was convicted, his council being incompetent and ineffective.

Given that the reader has no knowledge of this person or the facts or circumstances surrounding this person's case, the editor asks that readers keep an open mind and take the letters at face value.  Because the purpose of publishing these letters is not to bring condemnation or ridicule to the parties affected, such comments will not be published.  Please keep comments civil.

Editor
Click for Part 2
Note: To enlarge the images, hold the control button and scroll the wheel on the mouse, forward.

Linares Hosts Town Hall Meeting - East Hampton Town Hall


State Senator Art Linares
invites you to attend the
 East Hampton Town Hall Meeting
Please join us as we discuss the 2016 Legislative Session.
Thursday March 31th 6:30 – 8 pm* East Hampton Town Hall Meeting Room 20 East High St. East Hampton
Event Is Open to The Public
For more information contact: Erika Pocock at Erika.Pocock@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-1421
* Due to the possibility of the legislature being called into session or the risk of inclement weather, please check www.SenatorLinares.com for any cancellations prior to the scheduled meeting date.










Russell Library Programs for April 2016



RUSSELL LIBRARY
April 2016 Programs  
 
  
 
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
   
All programs are free and open to all.

Thank you to The Friends for their continued support!
Drumming Circle 
 
Saturday, April 2
1pm
Hubbard Room





Jocelyn Pleasant will teach us the health benefits of drumming with others in a 'drumming circle'. Think you can't keep a beat? Join the circle, and learn! 

Drop-in, registration not required; a Middletown Health Grant program.

Linares, Orange Update Colchester Taxpayers

View photo in messageMore than 30 area taxpayers attended a Mar. 24 Town Hall Meeting at the Colchester Town Hall hosted by Sen. Art Linares (left) and Rep. Linda Orange (right).

The lawmakers updated area residents on the debates taking place at the State Capitol.  Attendees asked Linares and Orange about their ongoing effort to stabilize the state’s finances and to pass policies which grow jobs in Colchester and throughout Connecticut.

Those who could not attend can contact Linares at 800 842-1421 and Orange at 860 240-8585.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Leadership Turnover at Middletown RTC

Chris Petter, Chair-elect
CORRECTED:

In a surprising move, at least surprising to this Insider, Middletown Republican Town Committee Chairman Ken McClellan nominated Bill Wilson, current Vice-Chair of the RTC, for the office of Chair.  Also nominated for Chair by RTC newcomer Troy Meeker, was Chris Petter.  Petter won election by a two vote margin.

The 35 year old Petter is a relative newcomer to Middletown, just six years ago having adopted her as his home town.  He and his wife Kelly decided they were committed to our fair city and bought a home here, two and a half years ago.

Chris has been a member of the Middletown RTC since 2014 and was a candidate for the city's Board of Education, last November.  A 2006 Maryland University grad with a law degree from Quinnipiac University, Petter is now an attorney at the firm of McHugh, Chapman and Vargas.

Bill Wilson was re-elected as Vice-Chair, Helen Landry re-elected Secretary, and Linda Salafia as Treasurer.  Salafia is also a member of the Common Council.

City Republicans caucused at Monday night's meeting and nominated the following delegates to the state GOP conventions:

From the Third Congressional District, David Bauer, William Boylan, Troy Meeker, Christopher Petter, and William Wilson

From the Ninth Senatorial District, David Bauer and William Wilson

And from the thirteenth Senatorial District, William Boylan, Sebastian Giuliano, and John Landry

13 Year Old Critical After Being Shot


Photo from You Don't Know Football

Thirteen year old Zarriel Trotter is in critical condition at a Chicago area hospital after being shot in the back, this past weekend.  While on his way home, he came upon a brawl when shots were fired, one of which struck him.  Not a part of the may-lay, Trotter was apparently caught in the crossfire.  He was said to be in critical condition, as of this morning.

According to Time.com, there were 468 murders in Chicago in 2015, up 12.5% from 2014, giving Chicago the most murders for any US city, that year.  In all, there were 2,900 shootings, a 13% increase.  While nearly 7,000 guns were confiscated, information on how many convictions there were in relation, was not readily available.

MATT COREY RESPONDS TO REP. LARSON’S OP-ED ON REPUBLICANS AND TRUMP

Matt Corey with Rep. Christi Carpino
MATTHEW COREY RESPONDS TO REP. LARSON’S OP-ED ON REPUBLICANS AND TRUMP





Hartford, CT (March 28, 2016) — Congressman John Larson recently submitted an op-ed to the Hartford Courant titled “Republican Congress Fueled Trump's Rise.” Matthew Corey, candidate for U.S. Congress for the 1st Congressional District, had the following to say in response to the Congressman’s editorial:


“Taking advice from Congressman Larson on what Republicans should do about Donald Trump being the front runner in the Republican race is like the Benghazi victims waiting for advice from Secretary Clinton.


Congress has an abysmal approval rating of 11%. Congressman Larson fails to come to terms with the fact that he is the problem and would rather deflect onto the Republicans in Congress and Donald Trump. The Congressman has already relinquished our voice by turning over Congressional powers to the Executive branch, along with regulatory agencies he refuses to reform. One doesn’t have to look far to see the dismal voting record the Congressman has had. He has voted “no” on every proposal Republicans have put forth in the last six years. With votes like that, we can only assume the Congressman is doing pension time at this point. Looking at some of the bills the Congressman voted against should be discouraging no matter which party you are affiliated with. For someone who never served in the armed forces during the Vietnam era, you would think Congressman Larson would would have at least voted for the Veterans Accountability Act in honor of those brave men and women who served in his place, along with all others who have been called to service. He just couldn’t see past the partisan politics in Washington. Instead, he continues allow veterans to suffer in a government run institution.


As we delve into his poor track record of job creation, we need not look further than the City of Hartford. Recently, 1,000 applicants applied for 300 positions at the new baseball stadium, the vast majority of those jobs paying a meager minimum wage. We then look across the river to his hometown of East Hartford where manufacturing jobs and small businesses have been on the decline for years.
I think I will pass on taking advice from a guy who has lived off the government his entire life. What I think the Congressman should do is look at his own record in Congress and defend that to his constituents, rather than hiding in obscurity. You need to ask yourself this question, Congressman: If you haven’t accomplished in 18 years what you went to Washington for in the first place, then when?”
__________________________________________________________________________

About Matthew M. Corey
Matthew McKinnon Corey was born on January 11, 1964 in Hartford, CT to Frederick T. Corey and Marie Jean Corey. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1982 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was deployed to Beirut in 1983 and served honorably until 1987. Upon completion of service, Matthew worked for the U.S. Post Office and later as a truck driver for the Teamsters (Roadway Corporation). In 1990, Matthew launched his high-rise window cleaning company, Advanced Services International, and in 2002, opened McKinnon's Irish Pub in Downtown Hartford. Matthew has always lived his life knowing the value of hard work and what it is like to own and operate businesses in Connecticut. He “is the working class for the working class” of Connecticut. To donate, volunteer, or learn more about Corey for Congress, call 860-985-6104 or visit www.coreyforcongress.com.
Paid for by Corey for Congress 

Friday, March 25, 2016

Goodspeed Opera House - Cole Porter's "Anything Goes"


I have my tickets!


Gun-Seizure Law Makes Us Less Safe

Photo via Wiki
Via the CCDL Blog:

The following is a guest post by Brooke Cheney.
Brooke is a competitive shooter (IDPA), certified Range Safety Officer, certified firearms instructor, and an active CCDL member. She owns A Great Start Shooting School in Harwinton, CT.

This article was originally published in the Republican-American newspaper.


"Even if they've never set foot in a courtroom, Americans know they have the right to "tell it to the judge." This fundamental right, known as the right to due process, is the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. It's a right our Colonial ancestors didn't enjoy. As subjects of the British crown, they routinely were abused by government agents who brought false, baseless charges against innocent people. Our ancestors had no right to tell their side of the stories, face their accusers or demand evidence of crimes.

Going Ape in New Britain!

New Britain and Hartford Residents Excited to Monkey

Around this Spring

Go Ape A. W. Stanley Park Opens April 2

New Britain, Conn. (March 16, 2016)—Residents and visitors to the New Britain and Hartford region will get back to monkeying around when Go Ape, the nation’s premier Treetop Adventure company, opens its Treetop Adventure Course in A. W. Stanley Park on April 2, 2016 for its second season.

Go Ape Treetop Adventure Courses inject fun and exhilaration into everyday life by giving guests the unique opportunity to experience the park from an otherwise unobtainable vantage point.  The course provides two to three hours of challenge and fun for anyone who wants some excitement but doesn’t want to travel far to get it.

Just a minutes from both downtown New Britain and Hartford, the course features include:

Open Letter To The South Fire District Board Of Fire Commissioners

GUEST POST

Dear Commissioners,

The regular monthly meeting of the South Fire District Board Of Fire Commissioners scheduled for February 8,2016 was cancelled due to weather. Unfortunately and as the meeting notice included setting dates for the critical district budget review workshops, time has pass. This meeting, which would have provided the public ample lead time to best research, understand and participate in the district proposed 2016-17 budget discussions, was not rescheduled.

Water and Sewer Department Prepare to Flush City Water Mains


Photo from the city web site
Today’s Middletown Press reports that over the next 12 to 14 weeks, the City of Middletown Water Department will perform its annual flushing of the city’s water mains.  This annual event is intended to flush sediments such as iron, from the pipes, helping to assure the quality of the city’s drinking water.


The article advises residents to keep an eye out for brown to red water and lower water pressure.  People should not drink the water until after it has cleared, and should not use hot water so as to prevent sediment from accumulating in the hot water tanks.


Should the flushing process discolor laundry, residents are advised to keep the laundry wet until the water clears, and then to re-wash it, adding four ounces of cream of tarter to the load.  The article does not say if that is by weight, or volume.  Nor does it describe the flushing process.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Tonight in Colchester: Town Hall Meeting

Senator Linares
Sen. Art Linares and Rep. Linda Orange will host a Town Hall Meeting at the Colchester Town Hall Meeting Room tonight (Mar. 24) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The state lawmakers invite the public to hear the latest update from the State Capitol and to get their questions answered.

Rep. Linda Orange





All residents are encouraged to attend and ask questions about any issue. For questions regarding the event, please contact Erika Pocock at 800-842-1421.

Colchester Town Hall is located at 127 Norwich Ave.

Sens. Paul Formica and Art Linares Fight to Preserve Crucial Hospital Services

Fighting to Preserve Crucial Hospital Services

View photo in messageSen. Paul Formica and Sen. Art Linares met with area hospital officials at the Legislative OfficeBuilding on Mar. 23 to discuss ways to protect vital health care services for vulnerable populations like the disabled, children and seniors.

To protect those most in need, Formica and Linares along with Senate and House Republicans are proposing a plan to restore the governor’s funding cuts to Connecticut hospitals.  The 2016 session of the Connecticut General Assembly ends in May. 

Sen. Formica (www.senatorformica.com) represents Bozrah, East Lyme, a portion of Montville, New London, Old Lyme, a portion of Old Saybrook, Salem, and Waterford. 

Sen. Linares (www.senatorlinares.com) represents Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.

Attached photo, left to right:  Yale-New Haven Health System Senior Vice President of External Affairs Vin Petrini, Yale-New Haven Health System CEO Marna Borgstrom, Sen. Paul Formica, Yale-New Haven Health System Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Gayle Capozzalo, and Sen. Art Linares.

CHE GUEVARA, OBAMA'S HERO?

CT GOP
CHE GUEVARA, OBAMA'S HERO?

Democrats Must Repudiate Guevara's Evil Legacy

HARTFORD – Today, March 23, Connecticut Republican Party Chairman J.R. Romano released the following statement on President Obama's homage to Che Guevara while visiting Communist Cuba:

"Che Guevara's history is not one to be embraced, but shunned.  He was responsible for mass murder, oppression, homophobia, chauvinism and absolute suppression of political dissent.  Guevara helped Fidel Castro bring totalitarianism within 100 miles of American shores.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Insider Milestone: 600K Page Views in Four Years!

On February 27, 2012, the Middletown Insider published it's first post.  In the four years and twenty five days since then, 1060 posts, (not counting this one), have been published.  Today, the Insider received it 600,000th page view!

My sincere thanks to the Insider Founders.


The original post:


South Fire District Easter/Spring Flower Sale - Thu, Fri, Sat - 8 am to 6 pm

South Fire District Firefighters will be holding our annual Easter/Spring flower sale this Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 8am-6pm at the Firehouse (445 Randolph Road).  As always, our proceeds go directly to help local charities throughout the year.

Hope to see you there!

This flower sale is sponsored by South Fire District Firefighters, IAFF Local 3918


Tonight in Old Saybrook: Opioid Awareness Forum

Rep. Devin Carney, Sen. Art Linares and Sen. Paul Formica will host an Opioid Addiction Awareness & Education Forum to discuss the growing epidemic of opioid-related deaths throughout Connecticut on Wednesday, March 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The event will take place at Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook.

For additional information, please contact Erika Pocock at Erika.Pocock@cga.ct.gov or (800) 842-1421.

Opioid Awareness Old Saybrook

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Meet Chubby Checker April 22!

Email: Szynkowicz2016@aol.com
File photos from 2014.


With Linda Szynlowicz and
Councilman Deb Kleckowski
Chubby with Nick Fazino, his nephew and
Councilman Deb Kleckowski

Carpino Supports Public Health Committee Action On Opioid Legislation




Layout Image

File Photo Rep. Carpino

News Release:
From State Rep. 
Christie Carpino

32nd General Assembly District: Cromwell and Portland



Hartford – State Representative Christie Carpino (Cromwell/Portland), member of the state’s Public Health Committee, voted in favor of legislation aimed at curbing the dramatic spike in opioid-related deaths across the state.

Photo from 8Weeks2Thrive

“No community is immune from this epidemic. Although legislation cannot stop every tragedy, we can certainly do our best to limit such occurrences,” stated Rep. Carpino. “The legislation approved today takes a big step to decrease the growing trend of opiate-related abuse and deaths.”

Carpino participated in a bi-partisan press conference today unveiling legislation to help control the widespread abuse and misuse of opioids.

Spring Break Soccer Camp




SPRING BREAK SOCCER CAMP IN ROCKY HILL
                      

Middletown Insider Honored by Mayor Drew

File photo


This morning, Mayor Drew posted the following on our Face Book page, "Middle Town", "I don't pay attention to the "Insider" because it's not a real news source. It's a right wing propaganda blog. Though I must admit their photos are pretty funny."

Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Mayor! Glad you have a sense of humor!

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