NEWS RELEASE - Updated April 12, 2004

March 25, 2004

HARTFORD –The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) has been providing the region with clean, clear water and more for 75 years.  Now, it’s inviting you to take an active role in making our world greener during the MDC Earth Day Celebration at the Charter Oak Landing in Hartford.  On the banks of the spectacular Connecticut River you’ll be able to participate in lots of fun environmental activities on Sunday, April 25 from 1:00 to 4:30 PM. 

The MDC is encouraging families, neighbors and civic or school groups to create any kind of boat out of something recyclable found in or around your home. Bring your boat to our event for a chance to win one of many fabulous prizes.  There are no size limitations, just use your imagination and put some materials to good use that might otherwise have to be taken to a dump.  No, the boats do not need to float or travel any distance on water.  Judging will be done by representatives of the MDC, Riverfront Recapture and The River 105.9 and based only on creativity.  In fact, everyone who attends this free, family event will be eligible to win the prizes.

Exciting music and rhythmic entertainment will be provided by Heidi Kirchofer and Joel Melendez of Matica.  This amazing duo will use handmade instruments such as drums and devil sticks.  Their performance will also include ball and club juggling as well as showing children and their parents how to make devil sticks out of recyclable materials.  Keep your eyes to the sky because throughout the day Heidi will be walking on stilts and Joel will show you some amazing tricks while riding his unicycle.

This Earth Day celebration will also include a look inside two unique Hybrid cars to see how they operate using an electric motor and a fuel conserving gas engine.  Riverfront Recapture will have a number of hand-crafted boats on display including kayaks, shells and more.  Brian Kleinman and his Riverside Reptiles will allow event participants to touch and look into the eyes of some captivating critters while he explains the natural history and habits of these diverse reptiles, amphibians and snakes.  There will be environmental exhibits, games and an appearance by The River 105.9’s radio van playing music, handing out prizes and $10 discount coupons, limit one per person, for Best Cleaners environmentally friendly dry cleaning products and services.  Everyone attending the event will also have a chance to win a brand new kayak, no purchase necessary.

Educational tours will be offered at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 PM to the nearby MDC Water Pollution Control Facility.  Guided by MDC engineers, visitors will get a rare chance to see how the MDC treats waste water before it goes to the Connecticut River.  You’ll uncover some of the secrets of how the Connecticut River is kept clean during these fascinating, free behind the scenes tours.  Children must be accompanied by an adult, but please wear closed toed shoes for the tours.

The Knox Parks Foundation will help children plant a seed in a pot that they can take home and watch grow.  The Hartford Neighborhood Environmental Partnership (HNEP) will have many ideas for saving the planet, starting in your own backyard!  These are just some of the attractions at the MDC’s Earth Day Celebration.

The MDC Earth Day Celebration at the Connecticut River is being presented in cooperation with Riverfront Recapture.  This is the 33^rd anniversary of Earth Day and the MDC wants everyone to learn about recycling, hear some wonderful music, explore environmental exhibits and play interactive games with the Connecticut River as a backdrop.  All activities are free.  Just pack a lunch or purchase food from vendors.  For more information call (860) 278-7850, ext. 3209 or visit online at www.themdc.com.

DIRECTIONS to Charter Oak Landing

From North of Hartford, take I-91 South to Brainard Road, exit 27. At the end of the ramp, turn left. At the light in front of McDonald's turn left. Follow to the next light and turn left onto Reserve Road. Pass CT Regional Market on your left, the entrance to the park will be on your right.

From South of Hartford, take I-91 North to exit 27, Brainard Road. Turn left at the light and stay in the right hand lane. Go straight through the next intersection at McDonald's. Follow to the next set of lights and turn left onto Reserve Road. Pass CT Regional Market on your left, the entrance to the park will be on your right.

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Contact: Matt Nozzolio
(860) 278-7850, ext. 3209