Central CT Loop Trail Study Report:
The engineering study to determine the best route for the Portland to Meriden section of the Central Connecticut Loop Trail (CCLT) is almost complete. The preliminary "preferred route" will be unveiled at a public meeting in the Middletown Council Chamber on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Thanks to Senator Matt Lesser, nearly $3 million of state funds has been awarded to this project. Come to learn more and celebrate this Jonah Center project milestone. Find more information here.
Don’t Overlook the Ballot Questions:
If you are in favor of preserving historic buildings, pay attention to the ballot questions on the Middletown and Portland ballots. In both cases, the future of beautiful stone schools will be affected. The re-use of such buildings is beneficial environmentally, culturally, and often financially. Read more here.
Motorboat Operators & Rowers Needed
The Jonah Center is looking for able-bodied individuals who have or are willing to obtain a CT Safe Boating Certificate to provide motorboat support for work parties removing invasive water chestnut plants (Trapa natans) in the Floating Meadows (Mattabesset River) next summer. This role does not require prior experience. We will train you. We also need rowers. Rowers are passengers in the motorboat while the 12-foot Jon boat is towed to the work area. Then the rowing begins. Details can be found here.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Video – Aphid-Ant Symbiosis:This 2-minute video shows a form of symbiosis between ants and aphids. Ants concentrate aphids in favorable locations on plants, from which the aphids extract sap. When the aphids’ abdomens are stimulated by the ants, the aphids secrete sugary “honeydew” which the ants consume and share. In return, the ants provide the aphids with protection from the elements and predators. Our thanks again to wildlife videographer Phil LeMontagne who took this video in his front yard. Click here or on the image beloiw to watch the video.
Wanted: Help With Street Tree Inventory
Middletown’s Urban Forestry Commission needs volunteers to help identify potential sites for new street trees. There will be a half-hour Zoom meeting in early to mid-November to train volunteers to use a smart phone app to record new tree locations based on simple criteria. Read more here, including how to sign up.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Join Our Litter Cleanup Network
The Jonah Center organizes litter cleanup events during the cooler months. On October 19, Pameacha Pond got cleaned up by 2 teams of volunteers, 1 on land and 1 on the water. The event comes out of a partnership between the Jonah Center and the Friends of Pameacha Pond and Long Hill Brook (FPPLHB). If you would like to participate in future litter cleanup events, send the words “Litter Cleanup” to us through the “Contact Tab” on our website. We will let you know when we have a site and a plan.
Annual Appeal
The Jonah Center has reached its 20th Anniversary! Over these decades, our projects have included a kayak and canoe launch at 181 Johnson Street, a multi-use trail adjacent to the public housing along Long Lane, and many sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. This past summer, we removed over 24,000 pounds of invasive water chestnut plants from the Mattabesset River. In mid-November, we will be sending our Annual Appeal letter, asking for your support in 2025. If you wish to go “paperless” you may contribute online here or send a check to The Jonah Center, P.O. Box 854, Middletown CT 06457. Your support keeps us going and is much appreciated.
