Meet Your Greens with Durham's Laura Francis

Meet Your Greens:
Durham & Sustainable CT
with Laura Francis, First Selectman, Durham

Thursday, September 16 at 5:30pm
Wadsworth Mansion
421 Wadsworth Street, Middletown

Join us on Thursday, September 16 to hear from speaker Laura Francis, First Selectman of Durham. Laura will talk about Durham's experience with Sustainable CT and how their best practices have helped the town. 

Per Sustainable CT's website:
"Sustainable CT is a voluntary certification program to recognize thriving and resilient Connecticut Municipalities. An independently funded, grassroots, municipal effort, Sustainable CT provides a wide-ranging menu of best practices. Municipalities choose Sustainable CT actions, implement them, and earn points toward certification. 

Sustainable CT also provides opportunities for grant funding to help communities promote economic well-being and enhance equity, all while respecting the finite capacity of the natural environment. The program is designed to support all Connecticut municipalities, regardless of size, geography, or resources. Sustainable CT empowers municipalities to create high collective impact for current and future residents."

No registration required – we hope to see you there! Rain or shine!

Feel free to join our Facebook event page and invite your friends.

We will meet at Wadsworth Mansion, 421 Wadsworth Street, Middletown. 

Plan to arrive around 5:30, with our speaker beginning at 5:45. 
Bring your own food & drink. Free to participate.

Meet Your Greens is a monthly networking opportunity for anyone interested in making connections and exchanging news about emerging environmental issues to help keep the Lower Connecticut River Valley communities green and growing. See here to learn more about Meet Your Greens: https://www.rockfallfoundation.org/programs/meet-your-greens/

Friends of Russell Library Launch New Book Sales

 Beginning on Wednesday September 15, The Friends' Book Nook will be up and running on the second floor of Russell Library, near the computer area and the elevator entry. There will be a wide selection of fiction, poetry, non-fiction, graphic novels, oversize books, and books for children and young adults. There will be a cash box for payment on the honor system: donations are welcome!  Prices range from $2 to a dime. The funds are used to help the library provide programs, museum passes, and summer reading programs. Do stop by and see what reading treasures you can find.

Middletown, CT - Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater in Middletown is holding an Open House on Saturday, Sep. 11, 2021 from 3pm to 5pm. Parents and kids are welcome! Tour the theater! See the classrooms! Learn what we do and what programs are available. Register for classes on the spot! Whether you have never been to Oddfellows before, or you are a long-time participant, drop in anytime between 3 and 5, enjoy a snack with staff and learn about what’s up at Oddfellows this fall.

Oddfellows is returning to in-person programming in its facility at 128 Washington Street in Middletown. The three classrooms and theater in the building have all been upgraded with high volume air purification systems and the Playhouse is following all State and Federal guidelines to ensure a safe return to in-person programs & has been personally evaluated & approved by Dr. Sten Vermund, Dean of Yale School of Public Health. Classes in theater, dance, circus, music and visual art will be offered for ages 3 - 20, and teenagers are invited to audition for our fall mainstage production.

At the Playhouse, professional teaching artists lead engaging programs that build confidence, creativity and collaboration by getting every student actively involved in artistic self-expression. Students work together and learn to support one another. Oddfellows’ programs are inclusive, embracing children from all backgrounds and circumstances and creating a safe space where all students can grow together in a mutually supportive setting. In partnership with ARTFARM, advanced circus training is available through Circophony Teen Circus.

Our building and staff are ready for COVID-safe gathering. Below you will find our Fall 2021 Program Schedule.

Circophony Teen Circus offers fall circus training to ages 12 - 20

Saturday Circrobatics classes are available for ages 3 - 5 and 6 - 8. Circrobatics combine circus, acrobatics and creative movement.

Teen Repertory Company auditions, open to ages 14 - 20, will be held September 15 & 16, from 6:30 - 9 pm.

Stage One classes for ages 6 - 8 include Fairy Tale Theater, Hip Hop Dance, Circus I, Musical Mentoring, and Story Theater From around the World.

Stage Two classes for ages 9 - 11 include Theater Improv, Hip Hop Dance, Musical Mentoring, Circus II and a Tom Sawyer Mini-Production.

Stage Three (also known as Junior Repertory Company) classes for ages 12 - 14 include Acting & Scene Study, The Art of Being an Artist, Introduction to Shakespeare and Hip Hop Dance.

For more details on times, tuition and class descriptions, please go to www.oddfellows.org. If you have specific questions, email info@oddfellows.org or call (860) 347-6143. Financial Aid is available for all programs. It is the Playhouse policy that the arts should be available to every young person regardless of ability to pay - no one is turned away for lack of funds.

Oddfellows Playhouse, founded in 1975, is Connecticut’s oldest and largest performing arts program for young people. Oddfellows programs are made possible with support from the Middletown Commission on the Arts; Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD; The Fund for Greater Hartford; American Savings Foundation; State of Connecticut Judicial Branch (Youth Violence Prevention); Middletown Youth Services Bureau; Community Foundation of Middlesex County; Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation; Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund; Middlesex United Way; CHEFA Cultural Relief Grant; New England Foundation for the Arts/New England Arts Resilience Fund; George & Grace Long Foundation; and many generous individual donors. 

The Right Way to Dispose of Your Tech-Waste and Sensitive Documents

 

Happy Labor Day! The History of Labor Day.

Happy Labor Day September 6, 2021

 

Happy Labor Day 2021 Everyone!  Labor Day is the unofficial last day of summer before everyone either returns to school, college or work from their summer vacation.   The first Monday of September has been designated Labor Day since 1894 by President Grover Cleveland and the United States Congress.

 

Why do we celebrate Labor Day and how did it come about?  

 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website it “is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”  New York City had the distinction of celebrating the first Labor Day holiday on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 “in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union” according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.  Two years later in 1894 twenty-three additional states embraced the idea of a Labor Day holiday and on June 28, 1894, President Cleveland signed legislation from Congress “making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.” 

 

To find out more information about Labor Day please go to https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history.

 

Again, Happy Labor Day and Enjoy the videos.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwbzxemJZIc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfxXfdgPZSY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3ZMfPXgd_M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbxUSsFXYo4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybtl9qVFAjc

 

 

MIDDLETOWN’S CLEAN ENERGY TASK FORCE Kicks off Funding Campaign and HeatSmart Program

 

The City of Middletown, through its Clean Energy Task Force (CETF) and its CHEER Middletown program, has partnered with SustainableCT’s Matching Grant program and People's Action for CleanEnergy (PACE) to provide important energy-related programming in the City of Middletown.

CHEER is CETF’s program helping local residents address health and safety barriers in their homes in order to facilitate energy efficiency improvements and improve access to lower cost renewable energy. The HeatSmart program helps residents explore ways to improve how they heat and cool their homes by using efficient, electric heat pump systems.  Together, the programs provide information and resources including educational events, home energy assessments, and connections with energy and remediation experts as well as local heat pump installers. 

Both programs kicked-off on July 22, 2021 with a meet and greet at the Powder Hollow Brewery on Washington Street in Middletown. A banner announcing the programs is currently hanging above Main Street.

CHEER is expanding their program through the funding campaign to provide additional outreach and improvements to more homes in Middletown. To date, the program has accomplished nearly $100,000 in improvements. The project’s organizers are calling on the community to join the initiative by donating to a crowdfunding campaign or volunteering in the effort. If the campaign reaches its $15,000 goal by its deadline of September 22, 2021, it will receive a matching grant of $15,000 from Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund, an innovative funding resource for public, community-led sustainability projects. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/cheer. 

HeatSmart Middletown provides information about energy audits and heat pumps. Middletown residents can sign up at heatsmartct.org/middletown. Residents are encouraged to register for the program to receive support and evaluation of the application of heat pumps in their home.

Middletown Mayor Ben Florsheim notes the benefits of the programs. “Energy Efficiency and electrification of heating and transportation are consistent with the Middletown Energy Plan and an essential element to achieving a carbon-free economy. The HeatSmart and CHEER programs help the City and our residents achieve these important goals.”

The funding campaign will be active through September and the HeatSmart program runs through the end of 2021.

 

For more information please contact Michael Harris, the Middletown Energy Coordinator at 860-638-4854, or Ray Evans at 860-740-2901.

2021 Saint Sebastian's Church Centennial Anniversary Celebration Is Delayed Until May 2022 Due To COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 SAINT SEBASTIAN’S CHURCH FESTIVAL IS OFF FOR THE 2^ND YEAR IN A ROW DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

The 2021 Saint Sebastian's Church Festival Centennial Anniversary Celebration has been cancelled and for the second year the festival will not be held due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Church organizers are not calling it a cancellation but rather a postponement of the feast until May 2022. There will not be any outside celebrations including the Annual "I Nuri Run" and the Laser Show on Saturday. The only remnants of the feast that will continue will be the High Mass in honor of Saint Sebastian on Sunday, September 19th and a church raffle.

 

Reverend Father James Thaikoottathil stated, "External feast celebrations are canceled for this year." The Tri-Chairmen and the Feast Secretary Dr. Gene Nocera, Salvatore Nesci, Frank Marchese & Karen Nocera stated "We hope your great anticipation for the Feast of Saint Sebastian can wait a little longer; we're postponing our Feast planned for September to May 2022. We're waiting to celebrate together after the latest coronavirus crisis has passed in our community and we can safely congregate in our usual large groups setting in and outside the church. Mass will be held on Sunday, September 19th at 11 a.m... No other activity is planned on the church grounds. Thank you for your understanding and we pray for your continued safety."

 

Nocera explained why the feast committee postponed the festival until next May 2022. "It is clear that with the Delta Variant that we had to come up with some strategies to control but it is a small site. Our site is not a site that we can control who comes in and who goes out. A small site and a big crowd."

 

The High Mass on Sunday, September 19th will still be broadcast on local radio stations WLIS/WMRD AM 1150 & 1420. 

Nocera said for the mass parishioners would have to wear their mask during the service and possibly social distance too. "Masks will be required or recommended of course. At this time, we haven't heard of restrictions of the size in the church. This could happen. Our Health Director recommends mask wearing in all public places indoors. We are recommending parishioners wear masks during the mass."  The mass will be celebrated by “Diocese of Norwich Bishop Michael Cote and will be Co-Celebrating the mass with priests from Connecticut,” according to Nocera.  

 

During the High Mass the original statue of Saint Sebastian will be unveiled.  This item from Sebastiano Marchese was the statue that “… the devotees carried in the procession on the first feast in 1921,” according to Father James Thaikoottathil.

 

The local, state and community leaders have been notified that the feast has been postponed and they are still free to come for the High Mass on Sunday according to Nocera.

 

There is a possibility after the latest COVID-19 Delta Variant surge has cleared that there may be a way to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary according to Nocera. "There could be. We may have a dinner, but it hasn't been planned. Our main concern is the safety. We are monitoring the positivity rate. In Middlesex county it is 4% right now per 100 individuals. It is predicted it will rise to 6-7% in the next 30 days."

 

"A Century of Devotion" an exhibit about the Saint Sebastian’s Festival will open towards the end of September 2021 at the Middlesex County Historical Society located at 151 Main Street in Middletown. The time and dates will be announced according to Dr. Jesse Nasta, Executive Director.  Nasta stated the exhibit will be up until June 2022.

 

Dr. Anthony Fauci stated on Monday, August 23, 2021 if most eligible people get vaccinated, we could have some control of the COVID-19 Virus by the Spring of 2022.  If you already had your COVID-19 Vaccines, please do not forget to get your booster shot when it’s time.

 

If you have not been vaccinated against the COVID-19 Virus, please get your shot.  Please click on the links below to find out how to get yours.

 

https://portal.ct.gov/vaccine-portal

https://portal.ct.gov/vaccine-portal/COVID-19-Vaccination-Walkup

 

Enjoy the video.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-1Jf0i3BpE

 

 

 

 

The Rockfall Foundation hosts Repair Café in October - Volunteers Needed!

 

In cooperation with City of Middletown Recycling & Public Works and RiverCOG, The Rockfall Foundation will be hosting a Repair Café on Saturday, October 16 at The Rockfall Foundation at the deKoven House Community Center in Middletown. Skilled volunteers will help fix and teach you how to fix your things—saving you money and keeping items working and out of the garbage. Tool use and help is free. Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary replacement parts.

What do you need fixed?

Electronics & electrical

Jewelry

Sewing & Mending

Knife Sharpening (in limited quantities)

Small Appliances (no TVs or large appliances)

Woodwork/Furniture

Laptops

Bicycles

Smart Phones & Tablets

Toys

Lamps

& more!

Coffee and snacks will be served. Please bring your travel mug.

Volunteer with us!

Are you handy? Are you the person friends and family members come to with broken items? Have a skill to offer? We are looking for volunteers skilled at fixing household items like the ones listed above! Any repair skill is welcome—including sharpening knives, patching jeans, and getting toasters to pop without burning the English muffins!

To volunteer call 860-347-0340 or email liz@rockfallfoundation.org. 

TODAY, August 26, the Ethyl Lee Ensemble, with Kitty Kathryn, at Spear Park, 6-8pm

        ~ Summer Sounds ~
                 Middletown City Arts Concert

Thursday, August 26, 6-8 pm
at Middletown's Spear Park,
Main & William Streets

The Ethyl Lee Ensemble performs, 
with Kitty Kathryn!

The weather looks hot, but there's lots of shade at Spear Park.

So bring your chairs, blankets & coolers, and chill! 

The Ethel Lee Ensemble is noted for playing a variety of enjoyable music, including jazz, blues, rock and roll, and Motown. This talented group includes Ethel Lee, vocalist, Ralph Whittle, keyboard, Steve Bulmer, bass, Ed Brainerd, trumpet, Mark Barowsky, saxophone, and Clark Seibold on drums.

Once known as Connecticut's Sarah Vaughn, Kitty Kathryn is Middletown's Music Ambassador. Pianist Doug Schlink will accompany her.

Thank you for supporting live music!

Climate Equity

 

Cats in the Castle, a fundraising event benefiting homeless cats and kittens 9/11/2021

 

Cat Tales presents the Annual Cats in the Castle, a fundraising event benefiting homeless cats and kittens.

WHEN: Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 6-10PM

WHERE: Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, CT

WHAT: Appetizers, Dinner, Beer & Wine, Desserts, Silent Auctions, Raffles

INFO: 860-344-9043

TICKETS: www.CatTalesCT.org/CITC

Your attendance saves lives! All funds raised go directly to homeless cats and kittens under the care of Cat Tales Non-Profit Rescue in Middletown, CT. Must be 21 years or older to attend.

*Cat Tales, in conjunction with the Aqua Turf Club, is planning this event with all recommended safety measures and in compliance with current State of Connecticut, Federal | CDC regulations.

POSTPONED: The Ethel Lee Ensemble performs NEXT Thursday

 Summer Sounds ~

Middletown City Arts Concert

Thursday, August 26, at Spear Park,
Main & William Streets
6-8 pm

The Ethyl Lee Ensemble,

with Kitty Kathryn!

Bring your chairs, blankets & coolers, and chill! 

Ethyl Lee sings with the Ethel Lee Ensemble,
and Kitty Kathryn, NEXT Thursday, August 26, 6-8
at Middletown's Spear Park. 

Be sure to check for change of plans at  https://www.facebook.com/CityArtsOffice  

The Ethel Lee Ensemble is noted for playing a variety of enjoyable music, including jazz, blues, rock and roll, and Motown. This talented group includes Ethel Lee, vocalist, Ralph Whittle, keyboard, Steve Bulmer, bass, Ed Brainerd, trumpet, Mark Barowsky, saxophone, and Clark Seibold on drums.

Once known as Connecticut's Sarah Vaughn, Kitty Kathryn is Middletown's Music Ambassador. Pianist Doug Schlink will accompany her.

Thanks for supporting live music!