Oddfellows Awarded State Grant

State Rep. Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, whose district also includes Durham, and Middlefield, announced that Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown will receive a $7,116.00 grant from the Connecticut Arts Endowment Fund.

Oddfellows Playhouse lost 35 years' worth of theater costumes, props and financial documents when the building in which they were stored at 501 Main St., collapsed Feb. 2 from the weight of accumulated ice and snow.

On Jan. 18, a major roof leak forced Oddfellows offices to close and classes to relocate.

"I couldn't be more thrilled that this grant will go to support Oddfellows," Lesser said in a recent press release. “Oddfellows has suffered greatly, and we need to do all we can to keep this institution going."

In addition to the grant for Oddfellows, Lesser also announced that the Artfarm and the Greater Middletown Chorale will receive smaller amounts.

Oddfellows Playhouse is located at 128 Washington St., Middletown.  For more than 35 years Oddfellows Playhouse has been more than just a performing arts program. It aims to make a positive difference in the lives of 2,000 young people each year by using the arts as tools to build self-confidence, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility, and an appreciation for the richness and diversity of the world in which we live, the release states.