Hello all!
I am happy to share that I will be engaging with a new role at the Meetinghouse as Catalyst for Community Engagement. I will be sharing monthly updates with the Meetinghouse community to describe all we have accomplished!
In early May, we hosted Margot Miller, an esteemed local musician, for her EP release show in Shield’s Hall. Opening the night was Old Milk Mooney and They’re There, a folk duo who serenaded the crowd with calm, relaxed, emotional narratives. They were followed by Chris Daly, whose powerful acoustic performance was full of wit – laughter interspersed every cheer. And finally, Margot Miller performed all of her new EP, as well as a lot more original songs at the request of audience members. It was the most successful concert night at the Meetinghouse yet – with overflow parking being used to its maximum capacity to fit a wide, inter-generational crowd seated on the floor on cushions, fold-up chairs, couches, all enjoying the music made right here in CT in community. Congrats, Margot!
Next, you may have noticed we have officially broken ground in the Meetinghouse backyard to begin the construction of a community garden! The garden is to be approximately 1000-2000 sq. feet and is located between the leaching fields behind the cafe. A group of volunteers are currently assembled and have formed the proposal and plan for its construction and uses.
There are three overarching goals for this garden.
- Firstly, to use the space efficiency to grow enough produce for the volunteers and Meetinghouse visitors to enjoy throughout the season.
- Second, to create an oasis of relaxation and connection to nature in a managed space which allows as many constructive plant and animal species to coexist in the same garden at once.
- Third, to facilitate educational experiences for all ages centered around organic agriculture, mutual inter-species development, and season to season fluidity mirroring nature’s “problem solving” capabilities.
If you are interested in helping out in any way, whether through getting your hands in the dirt or helping as we collect tools and infrastructure, please reach out to me at james@meetinghouse.life. Thank you!
Looking ahead to June, stay tuned for the following events:
June 15th at 7pm: Rewilding (A Short Film by Eliza Rose).
Rewilding is a film about self-discovery through nature, adventure, motion, and running away. It is an introspective journey about leaving home in hopes to find yourself. Join us for the first screening of Rewilding at Shield’s Hall. No cost to enter, but donations are encouraged!
June 27th at 6pm: Summerween Concert!
Join us for a spooky evening at the Meetinghouse! Featuring rock and roll by Lahnah on tour from Philly, alongside experimental rock by XUR, extravagant DJ’ing by ArfHudson, and the ethereal sounds of bird cagee from New Jersey. Dress up, costumes encouraged! Doors at 6pm, music at 6:30pm. $10 online or $12 at the door. By purchasing a ticket you are acknowledging that you are 18 years of age or older, or accompanied by a legal parent or guardian.
And more to be announced! Thank you!
James
