On Friday, #MiddletownRI staff displayed their Valentine's Day spirit with costumes, decorations and good cheer with the "Show Your Heart" contest. Here's to everyone who took part at the latest offering from the Middletown Employee Wellness Committee.
MIDDLETOWN SHOWS ITS HEART
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (FEBRUARY 14, 2025) – Middletown employees and residents showed their heart Friday.
To help celebrate Valentine’s Day, the Middletown Employee Wellness Committee asked staff to “Show Your Heart” as a way to foster positivity, teamwork and togetherness.
Almost from the moment the contest was announced, employees in several departments got into the Valentine’s Day spirit during down moments, decorating their offices and spreading goodwill and spirits.
Town Councilor Peter Connerton volunteered again to judge the entries, similart to the effort he and his team put into Halloween decoration contest last year.
“As a firefighter, we were always work on ways to build comradery and togetherness,” Connerton said. “Anytime I hear about employees working towards a common goal and having fun doing it, I’m going to do what I can to support that and it makes Middletown that much more of a welcoming place.”
Principal Planner Anita Guo was picked as the “Top Individual” winner, with staff at the Middletown Public Library named as the “Top Team” winners. It’s the second time in a row the library has won a Middletown Employee Wellness Committee contest.
In addition to the Employee Wellness “Top Team” statue, library staff took home gift cards from Siam Square restaurant at 238 East Main Road and Subway restaurant at 238 East Main Road as awards for their hard work. Guo, as the “Top Individual” winner, took home gift card to Subway as well.
Special thanks from The Employee Wellness Committee to Siam Square and Subway for donating to the cause and Middletown Preventon Coalition Director Lori Verderosa for her efforts.
Several staff members said they heard from residents and visitors about how much the “Show Your Heart” event meant to them and brightened their day.
Building Department Administrative Assistant Angela Marshall described a scene where one woman visiting her upstairs office was clearly having a tough time.
“She walked in and asked if she could have a lollipop and then saw all the decorations and a smile broke out on her face,” Marshall said. “When you see you can help turn someone’s day around like that, that just makes you feel good.”
Staff at the Middletown Public Library asked patrons directly what they enjoyed and loved about the West Main Road facility — and community as a whole. Everyone was encouraged to put their thoughts on hearts, which were then displayed on the front desk of the library for all to see.
“It was really cool to see what people had to say and what a positive impact we’re having on people and the community,” library Director Kimberly Usselman said. “There were so many different comments and it was such a positive event for everyone.”
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About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
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Matt Sheley
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401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov