Candidate Bio: Cheryl McClellan (R) for Board of Education

Cheryl McClellan (R) Board of Education

Cheryl McClellan (R) for Board of Education

I was born in New Britain, CT.  I went to New Britain catholic and public schools.  I graduated from Central CT State University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Business Administration.

I served in the US Army on active duty for twelve years.  I served in various staff positions in New Jersey, Germany, and Washington as Maintenance Officer, Maintenance Branch Manager and Training Officer among other duties.  I worked for the Installation Commander during mobilization/demobilization for Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

After I left active duty, my family moved back to CT and adopted Middletown as our hometown.  I worked in the Middletown elementary schools as a substitute teacher for ten years.  My children attended Middletown public schools.  I have been a member of various PTA’s as my children grew older and Booster clubs.  I have been a member of Middletown Schools Association.  

Candidate Bio: Ken McClellan (R) for Planning & Zoning

Ken McClellan (R) for Planning & Zoning

Ken McClellan (R) for Planning & Zoning

I am a 23 year resident of Middletown, Connecticut.  I moved here in 1992, after serving 11 years on active duty with the United States Army, during which I served as an Infantry Captain in Germany and Fort Lewis Washington.  I enlisted in the Army in after graduating from high school, serving 4 years, during which I earned the rank of Sergeant.  I left the service to attend Temple University in Philadelphia, studying in biology and computer science.  During my senior year, I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and served as an Infantry Platoon Leader in the Pennsylvania National Guard.  Upon graduation, I entered active duty, again, and have served as an Infantry Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Personnel Officer, Operations 0fficer and Automation Management Officer.  On leaving active duty, I briefly ran my own business in computer consulting, and joined Johnson & Higgins, a commercial insurance broker, as a software support specialist.  I worked for Computer Systems Corporation, as a Computer System Administrator at Pratt & Whitney in Middletown and am currently employed as a Project Manager at Aetna.  I retired from the United States Army Reserve as Lieutenant Colonel, after serving as an advisor to the Iraqi Army, in the Multi-National Security and Transition Command.  I served on the Middletown High School Building Committee, working on the Technology subcommittee.  I hold a Master's Degree in Computer Information Technology at Central Connecticut State University.  I am currently serving as an Alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and served two years on the Inland Wetland Commission. My other activities include Vice-Commander of American Legion, Post 75, Middletown, past Committee Member and Merit Badge Counselor with Boy Scout Troop 10, and past Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 43 and Vice-Chairman of the Middletown Republican Town Committee.

I live in the Westfield section of Middletown, with my wife, Cheryl

My Issues

Planning and Zoning - update the Long Range Plan for development of the city of Middletown.

Update the Planning and Zoning code to eliminate inconsistencies, make it clearer, and easier to understand.

Work with the Common Council, Board of Education and city departements to develop a long-term plan for Middletown

Business: - I will work to encourage businesses to come to Middletown, to provide meaningful employment, to increase the tax base of the city, and to help lower property taxes.
More informatioon can be found on my facebook page: 
Ken McClellan -Planning & Zoning

More info on Middletown Republican candidates can be found at www.middletownctgop.com 

(Accepting ALL Candidate Bios! See format info here!) 

Candidate Bio: Angel Fernandez (R) for Planning & Zoning

Angel Fernandez (R) for Planning & Zoning

Candidate Bio Angel Fernandez (R) for Planning & Zoning:

I was born and raised in north end of Hartford and have been living in Middletown for the past 17 years.

I am married and have 3 sons. The oldest is currently serving in the Marine Corps. I was medically retired from the US Navy from injuries from the current war on terrorism after 16 years of service including reserve time.  My family stayed in Middletown while I was forward deployed in the Southwest Asia theater of Operation, since my wife's family lives here and the because of the educational system of the Middletown. I really enjoy the diversity and how the community works with each other. When I retired in 2007, I started consulting and that’s when I got involved with the Office of Emergency Management and George Dunn was the person who recruited me. At that moment I was in involved in fighting for benefits and treatment of Veterans. I was part of the Yellow Ribbon program for the Pennsylvania National Guard for almost two years until state funding ran out. I have been working directly with AMVETS as a National Warrior Transition Coordinator at a national level on the same issues and awareness for the veterans. As Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Management, I have seen the inner workings of the city government and how budgets and other matters work. I feel more part of the community than ever since being deputy director of emergency management, because during the past few storms I got to interact with residents of Middletown and it feels wonderful when you see them either at grocery stores or church and they know you are there for them.

As the Deputy Director Of Emergency Management I run day to day operations and training of volunteer personnel, including the response to any emergency for the City of Middletown for any man-made or natural disaster. I work as a Logistical Officer with other state and federal agencies during a statewide declared state of emergency to include Middletown and surrounding communities.

I am an instructor for the US Navy Law Enforcement and Course Curriculum Developer and Anti-Terrorism for Mid-Atlantic region and Mediterranean Forces.

I have conducted research and development for the US Navy with Lockheed Martin and other government contract provider as a Subject matter Expert in Terrorism ideology and methods of operation.

I also own a small consulting firm employing military veterans.

I am and instructor of Firearms Safety and Range Officer, educating Law Enforcement and Civilians in firearms safety and develop stress induced training on how the body reacts to stress under certain extreme scenarios. l am called upon for my professional input from the Military and Law Enforcement on this subject.

I volunteer with the National Warrior Transition Coordinator AMVETS, working with Veterans from current and past wars in transitioning programs and workshops across the country.

Education
Middlesex Community College - Courses in Criminal Justice 
Central State of Connecticut - Courses in Public Safety Administration.
National Incident Command Management (FEMA) all Line officer courses for Emergency Management.
US Navy First Line Leadership Development Program.
US Navy Law Enforcement Certification.

More info on Middletown Republican candidates can be found at www.middletownctgop.com 

(Accepting ALL Candidate Bios! See format info here!) 

Middlesex Community College Veterans' Club to Open Garden in Fall

MxCC Veteran Club members got together over 4 days in July to build a seating area with pavers, seat wall, and bench to be surrounded by sustainable plants and shrubs to make a place to honor and remember all men and women who served in the armed forces up to and including paying the ultimate Sacrifice. The Granite Slant Monument with the Dedication Plaque was installed July 19th. The Club is waiting for one more stepping stone to represent the Army National Guard and then we will plan a MxCC Veterans Memorial Garden Dedication in early September.The Veterans’ Club gives back to the community with events such as hot dog fundraisers and making care packages for troops. For more information, contact Peter Galgano, veterans outreach coordinator, at (860) 343-5797 or pgalgano@mxcc.edu.
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/MxCC-Veterans-Club/
(photo credits from the Club's facebook page)

Editors' note :Updates on this great place provided by Bill Maune: http://patch.com/connecticut/middletown-ct/mxcc-veterans-memorial-garden-update

http://patch.com/connecticut/middletown-ct/are-you-veteran

Trees of Honor Memorial Day in Photos-

Photos from Middletown's new Trees of Honor installation at Veteran's park taken by local Army Veteran & our own favorite blogger SteadyJohn! 

Remembered here are the Connecticut fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan; approximately 75 men and 2 women. Each soldier has a tree planted in their honor and a black granite stone with photo etching. 
Looking forward to the completion of this memorial. Thank you for your service & for the capturing these powerful images.
http://cttreesofhonor.com/about-the-memorial/

Memorial Day Parade Middletown 2015!

photo: J. Dypa

Below are some photos from friends & neighbors from around the web taken at the Westfield Fire District Memorial Day parade held on Sunday and the Memorial Day parade held on Main Street today. Feel free to share yours on our facebook page! God bless & thank you to our troops & veterans!

photo: C. Dypa Newman.

Click to continue.....

Veteran's Day Events in Middletown

Reposted from Middletown Patch
Middletown's Veterans Day Events
Monday November 10th and Tuesday November 11th.
By Bill Maune (Star Patcher)Updated November 9, 2014 at 2:20 pm



Monday November 10th - 7:00 am

Support the Troops Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
Tuesday November 11th -

9:00 am - 1:00 pm Veterans Health Fair - FREE Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans. Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, 536 Saybrook Rd., Middletown. NO PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED, light refreshments will be served, ALL SCREENING AND TESTING FREE OF CHARGE.

Tuesday November 11th -

11:00 am Council of Veterans/City of Middletown Veterans Day Ceremony at the Veterans Green, Washington St., Middletown





2:00 pm Ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery, Bow Lane, Middletown


Information Provided by Michael Rogalsky, Director of Vietnam Veterans of Middletown Connecticut

Congratulations to New American Legion Officers Middletown Post 75 & Veteran News

Jerry Augstine/credit Augustine

 Milardo Wilcox American Legion Post 75 of Middletown has installed new officers for the upcoming year.

Congratulations for the new offices which include: Larry Riley, commander; Michael Rogalski, adjutant; Ken McClellan, senior vice commander; Cheryl McClellan, finance officer; Jerry Augustine, chaplain; Ron Organek, historian; and Calvin Hilton, service officer.
Cheryl McClellan is a Middletown board of education member, & Jerry Augustine has been a very popular guest blogger for the Insider. Augustine's last contribution ( and we certainly hope for more Jerry!) can be read here: http://www.middletowninsider.com/2014/06/guestblog-1576-steps-by-jerry-augustine.html

Local Veteran events for the fall:
Veterans of the Vietnam War of Middletown will be meeting on Oct. 7, the first Tuesday of the month, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Drive, Middletown.
VFW Post 583 meetingOct. 1, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Drive.
American Legion Post 75 Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Drive.

VFW Post 1840  meetingOct. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Drive.
 
D.A.V. Chapter 7  meeting on Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Drive. All veterans are welcome.

 Greater Middletown Military Museum will meet Oct. 21, the third Tuesday of the month, at 7 p.m., at the American Legion Hall, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Drive.

The Catholic War Veterans Post 1166 meeting Oct. 15, at 7 p.m., at St. Mary’s Church Rectory, 79 South Main St., Middletown

American Legion Post 206 will be meeting on Oct. 16, the third Thursday, at 6 p.m. at Page Hall on the Connecticut Valley Hospital campus in Middletown.

The Middletown Council of Veterans are to gather on Oct. 28, the fourth Tuesday of the month, at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Drive.

In addition The Trees of Honor Inc. is hosting a fundraiser in November:
Bill Maune has posted an article on Patch with video & tribute song from a combat veteran's widow here: http://patch.com/connecticut/middletown-ct/trees-are-planted-veterans-memorial-park#.VCWdC53D86Y
November 1st, Ct. Trees Of Honor Dinner-Dance & Auction 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Laurel View Country Club, Hamden, CT.
Description: Salute to veterans dinner/dance and auction to benefit the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial building fund.
General Admission is $60. Dress code is Black Tie or Cowboy Boots and everything in between.
Fun Silent Auction to include bidding on a dance with a Veteran or V.I.P. General and dancing throughout the night to live music by 42nd Street Band.
Auctioneer, WDRC Radio Personality, Brad Davis. Tickets sales will open soon and will be available on our website : http://cttreesofhonor.com/