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Volume 23, Number 52
The Rockfall Foundation: Environmental stewards By Bronwyn Commins Special to Town Times
On a recent Saturday, I awoke at 1 a.m. to learn that one of my best friends had lost his job. The arthouse theater at which he worked was closing. We all have stories like this. We know someone who will suffer financial losses, or we have elderly relatives about
whom we are concerned, and there seems to be no respite from the grief of it all. As you might have guessed, it is not found by watching CNN, or checking the stock market, or lamenting the fact that you did not buy more toilet paper when you could have. It is in getting outside to be with other people. Yes, I said it: with other people.
The mission of this foundation is to promote and support environmental education and conservation in the Lower Connecticut River Valley.
Wadsworth Falls, meeting location for the Rockfall Foundation’s latest work party.
According to its mission: “We envision a healthy and happy quality of life for all, achieved through wise environmental stewardship, planning, and environmen-
Seasoned therapist settles in at Red Barn By Everett Bishop Town Times
When it comes to therapy, Michelle Pellin has embraced a jack of all trades approach, offering a range of options to her clients.
Except there is.
At this dark time, we still long for ways to stay connected, and that longing is eased through the great work of groups such as the Rockfall Foundation.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Volunteer Robb Evans at Wadsworth Falls. Photos by Bronwyn Commins
tal education, and the experience of a meaningful connection with nature now and for future generations.” Recently, I ventured out with this amazing team and spent two hours helping to clear invasive plants from Rockfall Forest, the land behind Wadsworth Park. It is an See Rockfall, A11
Heading into her second year at the Red Barn, Pellin has been in the field since 2011 when she started as a social worker. After receiving her license in 2014, Pellin waited a few years before striking out on her own and opening her practice in Durham in September 2018. The Red Barn in Durham, New Earth Holistic Therapies and Art Center, 352 Main St., provides a wide range of therapeutic services, including practices such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, meditation and Reiki. The center also has classes geared toward healthy living, as well as musical performances. A salt cave,
Michelle Pellin stands in the lobby of her office inside the lower level of the Red Barn in Durham.
aroma therapy and massage therapy are just a few of the options available. Customer Ann Bouchard described the Red Barn as “a one stop shop for health and wellness.” “I’m really happy to be where I am, it’s completely changed my life,” Pellin said. “There’s such a network See Therapist, A11
Gov. Lamont orders all schools remain closed until April 20 By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff
“The extended period of ‘inschool class cancellations’ is consistent with the longer Gov. Ned Lamont said Mon- term closures the federal day he is ordering all schools CDC suggested could take to remain closed until at place,” Peter Yazbak said in least April 20 instead of the an e-mail. original order to close until School leaders continue to March 31. The extension is fine tune their remote learnwithin with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ing programs during the closure. guidelines, said a spokesman for the state De- “It appears the governor will partment of Education.
now keep schools closed until at least April 20th,” said Meriden Superintendent of Schools Mark Benigni. “MPS will continue to provide distance learning for all of our students. I am so proud of our students, staff and families. They have truly embraced distance learning and they are making the most of a challenging situation.”
Lamont announced Tuesday that the number of infections across the state jumped by more than 200 since Monday, to a total of more than 600 positive cases. Twelve patients had died as of Tuesday. Two cases have been confirmed in Meriden, three cases in Southington, two in Berlin and one in Plainville.
The largest number of COVID-19 cases in Connecticut continue to be in Fairfield County. The worst is yet to come, according to state epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Cartter. He said he believes there are likely thousands in Connecticut who have COVID19 and either aren't showing See Schools, A11