Alumni association receives grant

MOODUS — Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School students will be able to explore space and dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. They will take field trips to learn about building the tallest buildings, or perhaps to study rainforests in Brazil. Sure, you might say, maybe someday. At the middle school, someday is today, thanks to a grant from Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut, Inc.

Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut, Inc., owner of Millstone Power Station in Waterford, recently awarded the Hale-Ray Alumni Association a $3,000 grant, which will be used to expand the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program at Nathan HaleRay Middle School. Assistant Principal Roy Parker said that the grant will go towards purchasing 20 Google Expeditions devices. These devices will help students learn about the environment, alternative energy sources, and much more.

Dominion Energy and the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation accept applications from employees, and annually award about $20 million to organizations which are tax-exempt under Section 501(c) (3) of the IRS code. Grants are made in four focus areas:

Human needs grants that support increased food security, housing and shelter, and access to basic medical and health care.

Environmental stewardship grants to protect natural resources and help non-profit organizations make efficient use of energy.

Education grants to develop the capacity of the future workforce, especially in STEM and energy fields.

Community vitality grants to foster an appreciation of diversity, revitalize neighborhoods and ensure a vibrant community life through support of cultural endeavors.

Millstone Power Station provides approximately 50 percent of the electricity consumed in Connecticut. The station’s two active units generate enough power for more than one million homes and businesses, and is 98 percent carbon free. Dominion Energy grants are awarded primarily in areas where they provide electricity or natural gas services. Grants typically range from $1,000-$15,000 and where there is employee involvement in the effort.

Jennifer Rowland, Nuclear Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Coordinator at Millstone, submitted the grant application. She is a 1996 graduate of Nathan Hale-Ray High School and member of the Hale-Ray Alumni Association.

Article written and submitted by Kathleen Golec, Secretary, Nathan Hale-Ray Alumni Association.

Museum to hold Onrust Project benefit

ESSEX —Guests can experience the Netherlands as the Connecticut River Museum hosts a night to support The Onrust Project on Sept. 14, 5:30-8 p.m.

Enjoy Dutch culture with samples of traditional food and drinks, play classic Dutch tavern games, hear music, and witness a cannon demonstration – all from the museum’s north deck overlooking the Connecticut River.

The Onrust is a reproduction of the famed Captain Adriaen Block’s 1614 era vessel that was the first European vessel to chart and explore Long Island Sound, parts of Rhode Island, and the Connecticut River.

Catering by Selene will provide several traditional Dutch foods for people to sample. The cannon demonstration will be with one of the Onrust’s reproduction cannons.

A standard ticket includes the food and drink tasting, music, games and cannon demonstration with a cost of $30 for members/$40 for non-members. For tickets and information, go to www.ctrivermuseum.org or call 860-767-8269.

Vocal Chords resume rehearsals

MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords (a 2017 Middletown Commission on the Arts Advocacy Award Recipient) will resume rehearsals on Aug. 28 at 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis Church, Msgr. Fox Parish Hall, 10 Elm St., Middletown.

The rehearsals are in preparation for the upcoming Dec. 2 holiday concert. New members in all voice parts are always welcome. Members do not need to be a hospital employee or Middletown resident to join. Members are from Central and Southern CT and all walks of life. No auditions are necessary but a love of music, singing and a commitment to rehearse every week are required. New members will be accepted until Sept. 18.

This group has entertained audiences for 28 years with its lively concerts--promoting their mission to lift spirits, relieve stress and heal souls with music. In recent studies, it has been found that members take fewer medications, experience less depression and make fewer visits to the doctors. Proceeds from the concerts are given back in the form of scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing a career in nursing or music. $72,000 has been awarded thanks to our Fall Patron Drive and loyal followers.

Call 860-342-3120 (mention Vocal Chords) or visit us at Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords.

Library to hold ‘Evening with the Gillettes’

KILLINGWORTH — The Killingworth Library will present a program with Harold and Theodora Niver, aka William and Helen Gillette, on Thursday at 7 p.m.

“Not only do the Nivers talk about William and Helen Gillette, they become the Gillettes, flitting back and forth between being presenters and portrayers,” library members said.

The program takes place at the Killingworth Firehouse, 333 Route 81 in Killingworth.

Guests can learn about Gillette Castle in East Haddam, and what famous people visited the Castle; Gillette’s greater love, his wife Helen, and about Will’s love of cats.

Their costuming is authentic and period correct. Their knowledge of Sherlock Holmes, William Gillette and Gillette Castle is extensive. Because of their distinctive home, which is built around a Holmes theme, they have been in such magazines as US, Smithsonian, Fortune, Connecticut, and Yankee. TV segments include PM Magazine, ABC News, and CBS.

Since both Harold and Theodora are professional musicians, they’ll perform several songs from the English Music Hall era.

The program is free; advance sign-up is required. Call the Killingworth Library at 860.663.2000 or visit www.killingworthlibrary.org for additional details.