Greening and Growing Middlesex County Since 1935

Rockfall Establishes High School Student Awards

Middlesex County Grades 9-12

Applications available April 22

 Permanent Awards Program to Recognize Green & Growing Students

In addition to its annual environmental certificates of appreciation and honor Rockfall this year will launch a permanent awards program highlighting youth achievement. The Virginia R. Rollefson Youth Environmental Leadership Awards, named for foundation former Executive Director Virginia R. “Ginny” Rollefson, will recognize Middlesex County high school students who are presently involved with significant programs and projects in areas of natural resource preservation, conservation or development.

Rockfall’s Annual Awards Subcommittee, including members Tom Odell (Chair,) Katchen Coley, and Raul deBrigard, has been working with county educators to establish criteria and help develop an application process that is thorough yet will mesh well with the rhythms and deadlines of the high school academic year.

“We are indebted to our Youth Award Advisors for their experience, time and enthusiasm,” says Tom. “They’ve enabled us to establish a process that is fair and manageable, while offering meaningful recognition for those already providing leadership for our next generation of environmental stewards.”

The Youth Award Advisors are:

Rebecca Isaacson, Dept. Head, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Middletown Regional Agricultural Science &Technology Center;

Oliver Barton, Principal, Old Saybrook High School;

Charles Renshaw, retired teacher, Old Saybrook High School. 

The award will include a cash gift for those individuals and/or groups honored, with up to two awards given each year.

This February, a mailing will be sent out to teachers, guidance counselors, principals and other educators announcing and explaining the awards program. The application process will open on Earth Day, April 22, and will close June 1. The winners will be selected and announced in October (in time for early-decision college applications), and the public presentation will be part of Rockfall’s Annual Meeting and Awards ceremony in November.

Application materials will be posted on Rockfall’s website in April. Those interested in Youth Award sponsorship opportunities are invited to contact Claire Rusowicz. 

Meet Your Greens--Middlesex County green drinks

Rep. Phil Miller at Tavern at the Armory

February 21

Join Us at Tavern at the Armory

Tuesday, Febraury 21, 2012

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CT State Representative Phil Miller will soon mark the end of his first year as a “freshman,” serving the 36^th Assembly District. The former First Selectman of Essex, Rep. Miller earned a 100% environmental rating this year from the CT League of Conservation Voters, was named Vice Chair of the legislature’s Environment Committee, and was appointed to serve on the bipartisan National Conference of State Legislature’s (NCSL) Nuclear Legislative Workgroup. Come meet Phil and learn about the Workgroup and the committee’s priorities for this year.

Tavern at the Armory

Located in the Inn at in a former National Guard Armory, the award-winning Tavern serves traditional regional and seasonal New England cuisine. Enjoy drink and appetizer specials!

70 Main Street Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860) 854-6300

http://www.innatmiddletown.com/tavern

Meet Your Greens--Middlesex County's monthly green drinks happy-hour network providing opportunities to make connections and exchange news about environmental issues in Middlesex County. Based on the popular Green Drinks in CT and nationwide, this informal gathering of people drawn from the community, nonprofit groups and the business world offers time to brainstorm ideas and plant seeds for collaboration. All are welcome with no reservations or advanced registration necessary.

Meet Your Greens meets generally every third Tuesday of the month.Venues and times change-- join our e-list for updates and invites by contacting Claire Rusowicz, crusowicz@rockfallfoundation.org; or Jennifer Weymouth, jaweymouth@yahoo.com. You can also join us on Facebook ("Meet Your Greens").

Volunteers Needed for Trail Clearing

Spruce-Up for spring in the Captain’s Field

March 31

Trail Clearing & Reblazing

Saturday, March 31, 2012

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Please join us as we get ready for the spring hiking season with some spring cleaning in Rockfall’s Captain’s Field.(click here)  This 16-acre forest on Cherry Hill Road abuts Wadsworth Falls State Park and comprises two trails-- one briefly joins the Orange trail in WFSP to form a.5 mile loop. Volunteers are needed to help clear away fallen branches, pick up trash not left behind by Mother Nature, check letterboxes and help reblaze the trail markings.

No experience is necessary. Bring gardening or other work gloves; if you can share simple clearing equipment such as snippers, please let us know. Also, bring a bag lunch and Rockfall will provide drinks and dessert. Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied at all times by a supervising adult.

R.S.V.P. by March 29 by contacting Tony Marino at the Rockfall office, (860)347-0340; tmarino@rockfallfoundation.org .

Parking and entrance: We’ll park and gather at the Wadsworth Falls State Park lot on the east side of Cherry Hill Road, near the Big Falls. Entrance to the Captain’s Field --walk south on Cherry Hill Road to the trailhead on the left.