5 Things To Know In Middletown: Game Design/AI Course, Route 9 Signal Removal Meeting, GMChorale And More

MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Board of Education takes up a new high school course on game development and artificial intelligence Tuesday, the Complete Streets Committee reviews intersection proposals and GMChorale premieres a commissioned piece Sunday.

Here are five things to know about life around Middletown this week:

1. School Board Weighs Game Development And AI Course
When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Beman Middle School, 1 Wilderman's Way
What to know: The Board of Education is set to vote on a new Middletown High School course in game development and artificial intelligence, according to the agenda. The board will also act on the 2025-26 unexpended balance and line-item transfers, and hear reports on the Next Generation Accountability Index, the Middletown Prevention Council's Youth Voices Count survey and the ECS commission. Out-of-state trips for Beman robotics and the high school dance and track teams are on the consent agenda, and the meeting opens with a performing arts year in review.
More information here.

2. State Sets Meeting On Removing Route 9 Traffic Signals
When: Wednesday, Nov. 18; open house 5:30 p.m., presentation 6:30 p.m.
Where: Middletown High School, 200 La Rosa Lane
What to know: The state Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting on removing the traffic signals on Route 9 and improving deKoven Drive and Rapallo Avenue in Middletown and Cromwell, according to the mayor's office. Construction could start in spring 2027, depending on funding, right-of-way acquisition and permits, at an estimated $143 million, 80 percent federal and 20 percent state. Expected right-of-way impacts are minor acquisitions and easements.
More information here.

3. Complete Streets Committee Reviews Intersection Proposals
When: Monday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m.
Where: Room 208, City Hall, 245 deKoven Drive, and on Webex
What to know: The Complete Streets Committee will discuss Safe Streets and Roads for All intersection proposals, according to the agenda. Its next meeting is Dec. 14.
More information here.

4. GMChorale Premieres New Work, Sings Britten's 'Saint Nicolas'
When: Sunday, Nov. 15, 4 p.m.
Where: Middletown High School, 200 La Rosa Lane
What to know: GMChorale, directed by Joseph D'Eugenio, presents Benjamin Britten's cantata "Saint Nicolas," which has parts for children and adults, according to the city calendar. The program includes movements from Elaine Hagenberg's "Illuminare" with the chamber orchestra Harmonia and the world premiere of Thomas Brand's "Sing On!", commissioned for the chorale's 50th anniversary in 2027. Tickets are $25 to $49.
More information here.

5. Jazz Pianist Lafayette Gilchrist At The Buttonwood Tree
When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
Where: The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 9 Pleasant St.
What to know: Jazz pianist and composer Lafayette Gilchrist, who joined the Sun Ra Arkestra last year and whose music was featured on HBO's "The Wire," "Treme" and "The Deuce," performs at the Buttonwood Tree, according to the city calendar. Tickets are $20.
More information here.