www.towntimes.com
Volume 26, Number 3
Friday, April 17, 2020
Too sedentary these days? Try a virtual 5K By Everett Bishop Town Times
Middlefield’s Park and Recreation Department is ready to sprint into spring, are you?
While residents are confined to their houses, town government continues to find ways to switch the focus from isolation to activities. However, with town parks and fields closed, opportuni-
ties to stay active are restricted. So, the Park and Recreation department announced recently it would be hosting a virtual 5K for town residents.
SOCIAL DISTANCING ON MOUNT HIGBY
Between now and the April 29 deadline, residents can participate in their own 5K, at their own pace, and submit their results via a photo of their smartwatch, app or treadmill. “Our local businesses are seeing a dramatic hit to their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The same businesses that have supported our teams and nonprofits with donations, sponsorships, and support, now need our help,” said Recreation Director Hannah Malcolm. “This virtual walk/ run is being set up with two goals in mind: Support our local businesses and to encourage you to get out and do a 5K at your own convenience.” The fee to participate is $25.
ABOVE: Leela Schrayter, of Meriden, and her dog, Kalea, enjoy the view from the top of Mount Higby in Middlefield last Tuesday. Leela had planned to move to California but due to travel restrictions she won’t be able to make the move until summer. Photos by Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal
RIGHT: Eric Liesener, 13, leads the way as his dad, Jan Liesener, mom Lisa Liesener and sister Lena Liesener 11, all from Middletown, climb down the Mount Higby portion of the Mattabesett Trail in Middlefield.
In order to spur income for local businesses, participants will be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift card to a business in Durham or Middlefield. Additional $10 gift cards will be given to the top finishers. “I think it’s a great idea. And Hannah comes up with some creative, new ways of doing things. I’m not surprised she came up with this,” said First Selectman Edward Bailey. “Anything that gives people a diversion while practicing social distancing is important.” Those interested in learning more about the virtual 5K can visit the Middlefield Park and Recreation Facebook page, or sign up at middlefieldct.recdesk.com.
Volunteers making protective masks for local seniors By Everett Bishop Town Times
In light of the COVID pandemic and subsequent shortages of protective face masks, Middlefield residents have answered the call of duty in their community by sewing face masks.
senior residents are offered three frozen microwavable meals to bring home. Fearful of catching the virus, one senior inquired about the possibility of providing masks at pick up.
“She asked if I had any masks, and in my mind, I said ‘Well, I haven’t added “I actually got a request from that to my list of things that I one of my seniors to do this,” need to sew,’” said D’Orvilsaid Sue D’Orvilliers, direcliers. tor of senior and social serSeeing a need for face masks vices. in the community, D’OrvilAccording to D’Orvilliers, liers tackled the challenge the request came when a se- head on. But not without a nior arrived at the Commu- little help from a friend. nity Center to pick up their See Seniors, A17 weekly meals. On Mondays,