As Mother Nature's winds and waters subside, I find myself counting my blessings, again and again. Besides my home remaining solid and safe and not losing electricity, I'm grateful for the support of many in town who contributed to our 5 week summer camp. Sponsored by the City of Middletown's Commission on the Arts (MCA), as part of their KIDS ARTS program, this camp has been run in tandem with Oddfellows Playhouse for over 20 years! While Oddfellows' culminates with the Children's Circus, we finished up this year's program with "The Big Reveal". It was a great time as the kids presented their work, and they excitedly performed their best for the Mayor, the MCA and their friends and family. I am honored and grateful to be part of this Middletown tradition.
I would like to thank those who continue to support the Arts, even and especially in these challenging times. Along with our major sponsors: the MCA, Johnson Consulting and The Middlesex County Community Foundation, we also have the support of many local businesses. Many of them contributed to our newspaper, "The Friendly Times" which was created by the kids, and can be found at the Chamber of Commerce and other places along Main Street. Look for their advertisements, created by the kids! A hearty pat on the back to O'Rourke's Diner, Illiano's Restaurant, Fusion Bakery and The Green Dahlia, who also donated to "The Big Reveal" and helped to make the kids' night a special one. Thank you also to Jon Romeo, Kelly Swan, Jeremy Hungerford and Jay Jay Johnson, who were extremely kind and helpful when we invaded their space at MacDonough School for camp.
I am grateful to live in a city which recognizes the need for artistic education, and hope we continue to develop the natural talents of our youth. We are truly blessed here in Middletown for the richness of good people and I am especially grateful to two people who volunteered their time to making our program the success that it was. Erin St. Pierre served as an administrative assistant and substitute teacher, and Darrell Lucas volunteered to videotape the kids at camp and The Big Reveal, producing a terrific VIDEO SHOW which can be found on our website. Also there are more photos and the names of all the sponsors and the awesome teachers and counselors who contributed to our KIDS ARTS camp. (buttonwood.org) - THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Anne-Marie Cannata
Executive Director, North End Arts Rising, Inc.
(The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center)
Middletown, CT
Yes, we have received abundant blessings that we should not fail to show our gratitude to those people who have given a helping hand and who have shared their blessings. Especially to God who showers these blessings.
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