Ädelbrook dedicates new sensory playground

CROMWELL » On Thursday, June 29, Ädelbrook held a dedication for the new sensory playground and outdoor classrooms for the 70 students attending its Learning Center in Cromwell. In 2013 Ädelbrook began working with Kidspace, Inc., based in Canton, to design and build sensory sensitive-educational and play areas in Cromwell for students ages 9-18. Headed by an Industrial Designer Tom Bush, the firm has specialized in designing and building playgrounds and outside activity space for schools working with students with disabilities. An age appropriate sensory playground was completed last year at Ädelbrook’s Learning Center in Manchester for children ages 3-11.

Working mainly with students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder the Agency researched the many positive benefits of frequent outdoor experiences as a part of children’s everyday lives. Some studies have even shown that increased outdoor experience can make children happier and for those with attention deficits, there is an implication that time spent in nature can help children to focus.

Ädelbrook wanted to capitalize on this by providing residents and students with areas for both fun and study where they could integrate the outdoors and nature for individuals of every ability. “We are thrilled that the students at The Learning Center can utilize the outdoor learning classrooms and playground to make learning a multisensory experience that engages the senses of students to retain an intimate physical memory of activities that are synergetic,” states Michelle Andrews, Director of Education at The Learning Center.

The playground and classrooms offer opportunities for movement, interaction, and self-discovery for all learners with differing motor skill capabilities. There are different stations including high and low bars, a slide, swings, cargo nets, balance beam, tunnel, and several different seating options for a quiet break. There is also a theater setting which students can use formally and informally for productions, role playing, movement and social skill activities.

Additionally, a sensory playground and classroom area expands the therapeutic observation areas and allows staff to see children away from humming lights, echoing hallways, and dozens of voices.

This playground and outdoor classroom is just another example of Ädelbrook finding innovative ways to provide beneficial learning experiences to those they serve. Many thanks to the golfers and sponsors of our annual Golf for Kids event, participants at our Cheers to Ädelbrook, the Stop & Shop Foundation, the Liberty Bank Foundation, the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Cape Cod Covenant Church, Hartford Wolf Pack Foundation, Frontier Communication, GKN Foundation and numerous individual donations.

ARTFARM to perform ‘Hamlet’ at MxCC

MIDDLETOWN » The Middletown-based theatre company ARTFARM brings Shakespeare to the Grove at Middlesex Community College for the twelfth year with a groundbreaking production of Hamlet running July 12-23.

“This is not the Hamlet that you read in high school,” said Executive Director Dic Wheeler, who is directing this summer’s production, “This is a fast-paced, contemporary Hamlet which is all about action and reaction in a highstakes world.”

Wheeler has condensed Shakespeare’s mammoth masterpiece to a swift two-hour cut which utilizes 11 actors.

“With this streamlined cut we’re really getting to the bones of the story,” said Marcella Trowbridge, Artistic Director of Artfarm, “and a lot of that is about taking action in the face of corruption, in the face of an unjust government. And I think that right now it feels resonant. It feels crucial and vital for a play that’s over 400 years old.”

The full cast includes Alex Kydd, Peter Loffredo, J. Golden, Nick Perry, Cassandra Spadory, Nathan Tracy, Jacob Harris Wright, Alice Wilkinson, and Equity actors Callie Beaulieu as Queen Gertrude and Noah Tuleja as King Cladius.

Artfarm’s Hamlet will run Wednesday July 12 through Sunday July 16 and Wednesday July 19 through Sunday July 23 at 8 p.m. in the Cedar Grove on the campus of Middlesex Community College. Patrons are encouraged to come early and enjoy a picnic overlooking the Connecticut River Valley before the show.

Middlesex Community College is located at 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids. July 12 is a “Pay-WhatYou-Can” preview. For tickets and information, contact ARTFARM at 860-346-4390, email info@art-farm.org, or go to www.art-farm.org.

Shakespeare in the Grove 2017 is made possible by support from the Middletown Commission on the Arts, Pratt & Whitney, and generous donors and businesses. Shakespeare in the Grove is co-sponsored by Middlesex Community College.