Author Archives: Kristen Colombo

$$$ Saved + Tons of Pollutants Avoided = Big Wins For Our Community

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We are thrilled to have been awarded a grant through the Community Partnership Initiative. This is a partnership with the Sponsors of @Energize Connecticut and the City of Middletown to promote energy-saving solutions for our community. This kicks off a full year of focused efforts to promote the Home Energy Solutions-Income Eligible and Multifamily Initiative, including outreach to renters and landlords. 

What are some key things to know about these programs?

The average resident saves money with reduced energy bills after a Home Energy SolutionsSM (HES) visit.
These programs benefit single-family homeowners, renters and landlords with long term savings. Income-Eligible residents receive no-cost HES and boosted incentives like free insulation.

SIGN UP HERE TO VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Opportunities:  

  • Walking neighborhoods to share information about these programs
  • Talk to landlords you know in Middletown to get them involved 
  • Leading a sign-up event for your neighborhood
  • Landlords may volunteer to be advocates and champions 
  • Acting as an advocate in a local group, organization, business or place of worship 
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We’re celebrating fall with clean-ups!

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Thanks to Jonah Center clean-up volunteers! We had two successful September events. For both of these clean-ups, we joined other groups to maximize our fun and impact. First at Pameacha Pond with the Friends of Pameacha Pond. And the following week in Portland, with the Portland River Access Committee and Connecticut River Conservancy, Source to Sound event.

Our next event is now scheduled! You are invited to join us on Saturday, November 15th at 10AM for a Boat Launch and Midden Trail clean-up! Click here for details and to register for this event.

Jess Bucholz – Litter Clean-up Organizer

“I am always in awe of what a small group of determined people can accomplish in a short amount of time. I leave every litter cleanup event feeling like we’ve accomplished something positive together – and we have! The volunteers, who dedicate time to cleaning up messes that they did not make, are the kindest and most altruistic people you could hope to meet! Not only is litter cleanup a great way to feel connected to nature, it’s a great way to connect with amazing, helpful humans.” 

Click here for details and to register for our next clean-up event.

A New Path Forward: Mayor’s Walk Kicks Off Community Trail Development

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To date, thirty people supported the new trail at the Midden Lookout by attending public walks, including Mayor Gene Nocera, who is very interested in the community vision for this amazing space. It’s time to get more organized to keep this project going!

Walking at the Midden:
Acting Middletown Mayor, Gene Nocera!

Here are two ways to get involved:

Sign up here to join us at our next walk, Thursday, October 2nd at 5PM, for an early sunset view. Plus, an optional post-walk meet-up at Forest City Brewery.

Join our official “Trail Blazers” Group to commit to actively supporting the Midden Lookout Park and Trail. We’ll use the Trail Blazers distribution list to share milestones, public meetings, calls for time and talent, and moments to celebrate along the way. Keep reading for a recap of our walk with the Mayor.

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Our Next Litter Clean-Ups Are Scheduled!

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Join us for one or both dates! Click here for more details and to register.

  • Saturday, September 20th at Pameacha Pond, Middletown
  • Saturday, September 27th at Airline Rd, Portland

Litter clean-up events are a fun way to accomplish something good while socializing with like-minded friends and neighbors.

6 volunteers on litter clean up
You too can be a part of this crew!

The Cheapest Energy Is GREEN Energy

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The current administration, along with Republican lawmakers, is systematically dismantling policies related to climate. This includes many of the tax credits and economic incentives designed to drive green energy acceleration put into place by the Biden-Harris administration.

Deadlines for incentives are approaching but they aren’t here just yet.

There is still time to take advantage of clean technology offers that allow you to save now and save later with your future energy bills!

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Busting Solar Myths and Tips for Finding the Right Company 

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If you’ve been thinking about solar, get started now to take advantage of Federal Solar Incentives before they expire.  

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Grades Are In For Our Representatives

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The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) has released its annual Environmental Scorecard.

This is a tool we can all use to hold our lawmakers accountable.  

Which of your elected officials are regular champions of protecting our environment, healthy living and green economy?  

Which elected officials are marginal or failing us?

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The heat didn’t stop our work party at the landfill! 

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We are so thrilled to have awesome volunteers step up to help us on a hot, humid day in July. This crew showed up ready to work!  

Work Party – From left to right – Marek Kozikowski, Chantal Foster, Rob Evans, John Hall, Ann Percival, Nathaneal Rodbourn, Carl Lecce, Mick Bolduc, Mike Thomas, Kevin Markowski – Other volunteers not pictured– John LeShane, Kristen Colombo, Gary Middleton and James Sipperly

Before we arrived on site, Joe Pac (from Plummer Landscaping) kicked off the volunteer effort by driving a Brush Hog through Mugwort that was up to 5ft tall in some places.  

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Volunteer Opportunity: Help Build Middletown’s Next Nature Trail!

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We’re kicking off the transformation of the Middletown landfill summit into a nature trail loop on Thursday, July 17th at 9AM.  (Pictured – Aerial view before solar panels)

When this trail is complete, it will have educational signs, benches, and an elevated wildlife viewing platform.

 

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Walk With Us On The Landfill Trail

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This is a sneak “peak” of the view.
See the rest for yourself, join an upcoming walk with us!

– May afternoon at the retired landfill

Imagine yesterday’s trash as today’s treasure. At Middletown’s retired landfill, you can see stunning views of three rivers, a 1000-acre tidal marshland, the Arrigoni Bridge, and faraway hills. This quarter-mile path (rising 80 feet to the top) is next to the city’s transfer station and the Keating Building. It even has its own soundtrack…bird songs! This is a transformation in progress that’s worth seeing.

Join the Jonah Center for a short, invigorating walk! It’s about 10 minutes or less to get to the top where we can have a snack and take in the view together.

Ready to explore?
Come to a group walk: Sunday, June 8th, 9-10 AM and Saturday, July 19th, 9-10 AM
Sign up to walk with us or explore on your own and share your feedback!

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Saving Energy, Money, C02 and Air Quality Together

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While broader clean energy and energy conservation policy changes are under attack at the federal level of government, our collective, local actions have an impact. If you have had a home energy audit, installed solar or added a heat pump, let us know! Take our Energy Saver Survey (10 minutes or less) Continue reading to see what we’ve heard so far…

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A glimmer of good news this Earth Month…

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It’s official! The Middletown Resource Recycling Advisory Commission (RRA) is transitioning to the Middletown Sustainability Commission (MSC).  

How did this happen?  

Through the dedication of the RRA and resident advocacy, this important ordinance change has been discussed publicly and passed through the Public Works & Facilities Commission as well as the General Council before it moved forward to the Middletown Town Council for discussion and approval.  

On April 8th, Middletown Common Council members heard final public comments from the community and unanimously approved this change!  

Middletown Town Hall lawn, springtime tree with no leaves, Town sign and Tree City USA sign
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