#Hotel Middletown

[thehubmiddletown]

Plan your Holiday at Middletown, NJ

Are you feeling down because of holiday blues or the dull Winter weather? Don't worry, we have a lot of exciting and enjoyable events planned for you in the wonderful state of New Jersey.

Book your stay at The Hub Middletown, New Jesey for this holiday season.

Location : 750 State Route 35, Middletown, NJ, 07748, US

Phone : (732) 671-3400

Fax : (732) 671-3911

Email : reservations@thehubmiddletown.com

[performance-gmc-caddy]

Situated about an hour and a half from Columbus, Ohio, Middletown, OH is a super city to visit with a lot of exciting attractions to please people of all ages! Whether you’re interested in wildlife sanctuaries, casino games, family-friendly fun, or romantic parks, you’ll find it all right here. This guide will take a look at some of the best hotels and places to stay for your next visit to the Middletown area.

[beardedmrbean]

Homeless veterans have been booted from hotels in upstate New York to presumably make room for the growing influx of migrants flowing from the southern border, according to a nonprofit working with the veterans. 

CEO of the Yerik Israel Toney Foundation Sharon Toney-Finch told the New York Post she was notified by veterans that they were getting kicked out of the hotels they were being housed at as they waited for more permanent housing options. 

Although they were not told explicitly it was due to the migrant surge, she said that was evident given the timing as officials battle the border surge and spillover amid the end of Title 42. 

New York State Assemblyman Brian Maher, R., slammed the Biden administration and New York officials for allowing them to be kicked out of their hotels during "Fox & Friends First."

"So the Biden administration, Governor Hochul, and the city of New York, they all have a part in this, and it's a total embarrassment," Maher told co-host Joey Jones Monday. "It's a slap in the face to veterans, to citizens of New York in this country, who are really being cast aside to allow for asylum seekers to come here."

"At the end of the day, when it comes to this particular situation, you had combat veterans who were homeless, who were told to get out of their hotel," he continued. "After one day, Sharon and her team scrambled to find them locations, and right now, what we've tried to do is let those veterans know we appreciate them. We're embarrassed by what's happened to them, but we have their backs."

There were reportedly 20 veterans who were told they would no longer receive temporary housing at the hotels – 15 of those former service members were at the Crossroads Hotel in Newburgh. 

This is the same hotel migrants arrived at last week in New York City Mayor Eric Adams' attempt to alleviate the impact of the southern border surge on the Big Apple's already-strained resources. 

The other five veterans were at either the Super 8 or the Hampton Inn & Suites in Middletown. Since the calls, the veterans were re-housed at a Hudson Valley hotel about 20 minutes away. 

The surge is even derailing weddings, with one Florida couple reporting the hotel canceled rooms previously booked for her out-of-town guests. 

"We just know about 20 veterans, and we know about weddings whose parties have been canceled," Maher said. "We don't know how far-reaching this is, and what Sharon has been hearing is throughout the country, other veterans organizations and other organizations that really help at-risk Americans are coming forward and letting her know, hey, it's happened to us, but they're afraid to speak out."

Toney-Finch, a disabled veteran who began the nonprofit to raise awareness on veteran issues, said the individuals were only at the hotels for a couple of weeks when they were told they had to leave. 

They were originally supposed to stay there for up to four weeks until the group was able to secure more permanent housing options. 

"Sharon spoke out, and now she's getting hate messages. She asked me to handle this interview today because she wants to focus on the veterans," Maher said. "And by the way, one of these veterans, 30 years old, he was there for the Afghanistan pullout. For me, one of the most embarrassing moments for our country in our history. And after getting home, he was kicked out of this hotel trying to reintegrate back into our society."

Adams previously said the city will weigh "all options" to house asylum seekers as it grapples with housing potentially hundreds of migrants arriving each day, coinciding with the end of Title 42. 

He has bussed the city's overflow of migrants into upstate New York against the wishes of city officials, as the fallout from the ending of the COVID-era policy continues. 

[lboogie1906]

Ed Bullins (July 2, 1935 - November 13, 2021) was born in Philadelphia and was a playwright. He was the Minister of Culture for the Black Panthers. He has won numerous awards, including the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and several Obie Awards. He was among the best-known playwrights of the Black Arts Movement.

After completing his GED., he enrolled in Los Angeles City College and began writing short stories for the Citadel, a magazine he started. He moved to San Francisco and joined the creative writing program at San Francisco State College, where he started writing plays. His first play was How Do You Do, followed by Clara’s Ole [Old] Man and Dialect Determinism.

His plays were produced at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. Street Sounds were produced at La MaMa and then toured to Middletown, Connecticut. His next production at La MaMa was a set of four one-acts, called Short Bullins. The four works were How Do You Do?, A Minor Scene, Dialect Determinism, and It Has No Choice, and the production featured music by Aaron Bell. These four one-acts, along with another work called Clara’s Ole [Old] Man, toured Italy alongside Black Terror, with performances in Venice and Milan. He performed in The Hotel Play at La MaMa. Clara’s Ole Man was produced again at La MaMa.

He was a playwright-in-residence at the American Place Theatre. He was on staff at the Public Theater with the New York Shakespeare Festival’s Writers’ Unit. He wrote two children’s plays, titled I am Lucy Terry and The Mystery of Phillis Wheatley. He wrote the text for two musicals, titled Sepia Star and Storyville.

He returned to school and received a BA in English and Playwriting from Antioch University. He became a professor at Northeastern University, where he was a distinguished Artist-in-Residence. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[hotnew-pt]

DVIDS - Notícias - Divisão NUWC Newport, prioridades da Marinha focam no Dia da Indústria do Consórcio de Inovação Tecnológica Submarina #ÚltimasNotícias

Hot News NEWPORT, RI – Mais de 200 parceiros da indústria se reuniram para um Dia da Indústria com o Consórcio de Inovação Tecnológica Submarina (UTIC) para aprender sobre a mais nova colaboração da Divisão Newport do Centro de Guerra Submarina Naval (NUWC) e do Comando de Sistemas Marítimos Navais (NAVSEA). O evento foi realizado no Wyndham Newport Hotel em Middletown, Rhode Island, no dia 15…

[middleland]

Architecture detail for the US Hotel building in Middletown, Ohio. by Ken

[avion122]

Getting to and from the Airport in Style: Rhode Island Transfer Services

Traveling to and from the airport can be a mundane and stressful part of any journey. However, in the picturesque state of Rhode Island, where elegance and charm are a way of life, airport transfer services offer an opportunity to turn this routine task into a stylish and comfortable experience. Rhode Island's transfer services cater to both residents and visitors, providing a range of options for those who seek a touch of luxury and convenience in their airport transportation. In this article, we will delve into the significance of airport transfer in Rhode Island, the diverse options available, and how they allow travelers to arrive and depart in style.

The Role of Airport Transfer Services:

Rhode Island, with its vibrant cities, coastal beauty, and cultural attractions, draws travelers from around the world. T.F. Green Airport in Warwick and Newport State Airport in Middletown serve as gateways to the state's unique offerings. To cater to the transportation needs of these travelers, airport transfer services play a crucial role.

Airport transfer services in Rhode Island are designed to alleviate the stress and inconveniences often associated with airport travel. They offer a seamless and stylish means of getting to and from the airport, ensuring that travelers can focus on enjoying their trip or returning home with ease.

Advantages of Airport Transfer Services:

Convenience: Airport transfer services provide a door-to-door experience, eliminating the need for travelers to navigate traffic, parking, or public transportation. This convenience is particularly valuable for those with tight schedules or special requirements.

Comfort: Transfer services offer well-maintained and comfortable vehicles, ensuring a relaxing journey. Passengers can enjoy spacious interiors, climate control, and often, entertainment systems.

Punctuality: Professional drivers adhere to schedules, ensuring that travelers arrive at the airport or their destination on time. This reliability is especially crucial for business travelers and those with connecting flights.

Cost-Effective: Depending on the number of passengers, airport transfer services can be a cost-effective alternative to taxis or rental cars, particularly for groups.

Stress Reduction: Traveling can be stressful, especially when dealing with luggage and tight schedules. Airport transfer services alleviate this stress, allowing passengers to travel with peace of mind.

Options in Rhode Island Airport Transfer Services:

Rhode Island offers a range of transfer services to cater to various needs and preferences:

Luxury Limousines: Limousines are a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Travelers can choose chauffeur-driven limousines for a stylish and comfortable ride.

Private Car Services: Private car services offer exclusivity and flexibility. Passengers can book a private vehicle, whether it's a sedan, SUV, or executive car, to suit their needs.

Shared Shuttles: Shared shuttles are an economical option for solo travelers or those on a budget. Passengers share the ride with others traveling to similar destinations.

Hotel Shuttle Services: Many hotels near Rhode Island airports provide complimentary shuttle services for their guests. Travelers staying at these hotels should inquire about the availability of such services.

Executive Transfers: Executive transfer services offer premium features like leather seating, extra legroom, and Wi-Fi. These are ideal for business travelers or those who prefer added comfort.

Enjoying Stylish Airport Transfers in Rhode Island:

To make the most of airport transfer services and arrive or depart in style, consider the following tips:

Booking in Advance: It is advisable to book your airport transfer service in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This ensures availability and allows you to plan your itinerary effectively.

Confirm Pickup Details: Double-check the pickup location and time with your transfer service provider to avoid any last-minute confusion or delays.

Arrive Early: Arriving at the designated pickup location a bit early ensures that you don't miss your transfer, especially when catching a flight.

Pack Efficiently: When traveling with luggage, be mindful of size and weight restrictions to avoid additional fees or inconveniences during your transfer.

Tipping: While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary to tip your driver if you received good service.

Conclusion:

In Rhode Island, where charm, elegance, and scenic beauty are abundant, airport transfer services offer travelers a stylish and convenient means of getting to and from the airport. These services ensure that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination, allowing passengers to relax and focus on their trip or return home with ease.

As the first and last impression of Rhode Island for many travelers, airport transfer services play a significant role in shaping the overall travel experience. They align perfectly with the state's commitment to providing a warm welcome and ensuring a memorable stay for visitors.

[kararagrill]

The Ultimate Guide to Happy Hour in Middletown

After a long day at work or a tiring week, there's nothing better than relaxing and having a drink with friends during happy hour. Luckily, Middletown, PA has a variety of great spots for happy hour, no matter what your taste. Here's our ultimate guide to the Best happy hour Middletown PA.

American Grill: Known for its delicious burgers and pub-style fare, American Grill is a great spot for happy hour. Every day from 4 pm to 6 pm, they offer discounted appetizers and drink specials, including $2 domestic beers and $3 house wines.

The Brownstone Lounge: Located in the historic Union Hotel, The Brownstone Lounge offers a cozy atmosphere and great drink deals. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm and includes $1 off all draft beers, $2 off all craft beers, and half-price appetizers.

Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works: If you're a fan of craft beer, Tattered Flag Brewery & Still Works is the place to be. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm and includes $1 off all draft beers and $5 house cocktails.

El Sol Mexican Restaurant: For a taste of something different, head to El Sol Mexican Restaurant for their happy hour specials. From 3 pm to 6 pm Monday through Friday, they offer discounted margaritas, beer, and appetizers.

T.J. Rockwell's American Grill & Tavern: Another great spot for happy hour is T.J. Rockwell's. From 4 pm to 6 pm Monday through Friday, they offer discounted appetizers and drink specials, including $2 domestic beers and $4 house wines.

No matter what your preference, Middletown has plenty of options for happy hour. So gather some friends and enjoy some discounted drinks and appetizers after work or during the weekend.

[onlywaynews]

Более 200 школ закрыты в Уэльсе. Сегодня утром из-за снега и сильного ветра, закрыли некоторые дорог, в том числе: A55 в западном направлении между перекрестками 36A и 35 в Броутоне, Флинтшир A542 Horseshoe Pass, Денбишир в обоих направлениях между Лланголленом и Пен-и-Стрытом A543 в обоих направлениях в Пентрефоэлас, Конуи A4086 в обоих направлениях от Capel Curig свернуть, Caernarfon до The Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis, Gwynedd A458 в обоих направлениях от Criggion Lane, Garreg Bank, до The Church, Middletown на севере Поуиса Желтое предупреждение о снеге и льде действует до 14:00. Водители, направляющиеся на восток через Пеннины из Большого Манчестера, застряли на несколько часов ночью, так как на автомагистрали M62 выпал сильный снег. Для многих людей в Великобритании ожидается трудная поездка на работу, сильный ветер со скоростью 50 миль в час и до 40 см снега. 🇬🇧 'Never seen anything like it' - drivers describe snow chaos ◻️ Drivers heading east across the Pennines from Greater Manchester have been stuck for several hours overnight as heavy snow fell on the M62 motorway ◻️ Heavy snow overnight has brought treacherous conditions to parts of the UK with amber weather warnings still in place for two parts of the UK ◻️ The Met Office says "significant disruption" is expected in parts of north Wales and an area of northern England stretching from Stoke to Durham ◻️ A difficult commute is expected for many people, snow will clear through the morning ◻️ Some areas may have experienced 50mph winds and up to 40cm (1ft 3in) of snow - and many school closures are expected Weather in the UK. ONLYWAY.NEWS

[ultraheydudemestuff]

Hotel Manchester

1027 Manchester Ave.

Middletown, OH

The Hotel Manchester, also known as the Manchester Inn, in Middletown, Ohio, was built in 1922, once hosted John Philip Sousa and former President Ronald Reagan, and served as the home base for AK Steel executives. Its second-floor ballroom has one of the largest wooden dance floors in Ohio. It closed in 2011, was nominated to be included on the National Register of Historic Places, and was added to the list on September 10, 2014.

[thehubmiddletown]

[daloy-politsey]

Please help Joseph Kraus get the state-mandated secular education he never received at his ultra-Orthodox Jewish school.

We’re raising $5000 or more to pay for special tutors that will help him learn to read and write English and participate in society as an independent adult.

We are documentary filmmakers who have filmed his story and care about him.

Joseph Kraus left his Hasidic Orthodox home in Kiryas Joel, New York, in November 2020 because he wanted to get an education. He was 17 but could barely speak English and certainly couldn’t read or write it.

To educate himself enough to prepare for his move, Joseph managed to buy a smartphone. Hiding in the woods behind his home, he spent hours each day Googling and watching YouTube videos to learn about the outside world. He started blindly calling social service organizations, using his limited English, trying to find somebody who could help him.

The only person who responded was the supervisor of a suicide hotline, who spent hours on the phone with him answering his questions.

When Joseph decided he was ready to leave, the supervisor advised him to go to Old Navy, buy some clothes, cut off his beard and side locks at a barber and check into a youth shelter in nearby Middletown, New York. At Old Navy, he purchased a pair of women’s pants by mistake, because he didn’t know there was a difference.

He spent the next few months in a series of shelters during the height of the pandemic, learning English by watching television. When he tried to attend public high school in upstate New York, he found he couldn’t understand what the teachers said. He told me that he didn’t even know the alphabet.

When he heard that jobs were available in Texas, he went from airline to airline at JFK, asking for the cheapest fare. This looked so suspicious that he was picked up by the police and taken to a psychiatric hospital for evaluation. Somehow, he found his way to Houston, where he hid all his belongings in some bushes and started looking for a job. He came back to find everything stolen.

We caught up with Joseph when he was in a foster care home in Galveston, just before his 18th birthday. When we interviewed Joseph on two occasions, we found him remarkably articulate and insightful about his situation. And yet, his life at this point — the life of a refugee without a safety net — was total chaos.

At one point, somebody gave him a room in an upstate New York hotel under construction. When that ended after just a few weeks, he found himself in a Wal-Mart parking lot at 4 a.m. near his hometown of Kiryas Joel.

Now Joseph is settled in upstate New York but the road ahead is steep. It will likely take him months or years to learn what he needs to get his GED or to read newspapers.

Documentary filmmakers are supposed to be objective observers of their subjects, but we found ourselves trying to help him out. We contacted synagogues, asking for volunteers who might want to serve as this young man’s advocate as he works his way through the social service system — without much luck.

Now we’ve found specialized literacy tutors at a major NYC university who have promised to help him, but we need to raise $5000 or more to fund this literacy project.

Please give what you can!

[homecollectionshop-blog]

#bag #bags #suit #tie #shirt #travel #travelbag #dress #suitdress #california #newjersey #georgia #texas #florida #newyork #delawara #middletown #hotel #air (United States of America (USA)) https://www.instagram.com/p/B87otWkhoSo/?igshid=omo6qkvlpre7

[joinxthexcoven]

CASTING CALL IN & AROUND MIDDLETOWN, NY:

Note: We care more about how you carry the character than your appearance, but here are some general guidelines. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are a plus.  We cannot provide transportation, unless it is discussed first. Food will be provided. This is not a paid gig. We’re disabled, and on an extremely small budget.

Plot:  Estranged siblings, Hunter and Atlas, embark on a perilous journey to save their father who they believe to have been abducted by a dark force. Join them on a journey of self discovery, magic and family.

Roles We Are Currently Looking For:

Dad: the father of a 32 year old, so you must look the part. Caucasian. Light eyes a plus, but not required. Same with hair. He’s a hunter, so he’s a bit rough around the edges, but kind of eccentric. He’s very knowledgeable on the occult and a little distant and paranoid. Fake blood may be involved.

Coven Member: This role will be filled over the internet. Any Gender (read Will/Willow for more info), ethnicity and Appearance. This character is knowledgeable on the occult and good friends with Dad.

Will/Willow: no gender preference. You will portray it the way you identify, or are comfortable identifying. If you are trans, it is your choice whether your character is trans or cis. We won’t out you, and we certainly won’t force you into a gender role based on “how well you pass.” Any ethnicity. Well-dressed. This character carries an air of self-importance and sophistication. They are power hungry and motivated. They are knowledgeable. Fake blood will be involved. This character is our villain.

Background Extras: to portray ghosts and monsters. You may need to wear latex and/or fake blood on your skin.

***Please remember that your clothing cannot have visible labels or brands. Please do not wear something expensive/irreplaceable, as FX liquids may stain.

--- 

We are also looking for filming locations (homes, coffee shop, pub, hotel room, library, etc), FX, and hair/makeup artists in and around Middletown, NY as well as musicians to feature in our film!

Please submit current headshots and bodyshots, along with your name, age, and role you are interested in auditioning for to twinravensproduction@gmail.com with "Auditions - Name - Role" as the subject.

Any other applications (hair/makeup, music, location, etc,) volunteering, or inquiries can be sent to the same email, with the topic as the subject.

If you want to help in any other way, PLEASE SHARE THIS POST PUBLICLY! Print it out and post it in local places. You can also donate money to us, so that we can rent hotel rooms or other set locations for filming.

[drmmyrs]

The Way I Loved You (Poppy x MC)

Soo bear with me since I think this might be a long series. This part is mostly just establishing the story so there is little to no fluff yet.

But stiiill, let me know what you guys think and I’d really appreciate feedback/constructive criticism. Hope you enjoy and if not, thanks for reading anyways :)) 

tag list: @whackawriting @samanthadalton @crazzyplays @uselesslesbianfr (ithis is my taglist I thiiink, but if you wanna be added or removed just let me know)  

Pairing: Poppy x MC (Bea)

Word Count: 1650

Warning: Little swearing (at least for this part)

A/N: This is from the part before Poppy and MC were paired for a project

Bea had been at Belvoire for two months now, but she still wasn't used to waking up on a queen-sized canopy bed fitted with luxe sateen sheets in a bedroom which probably cost more than her family's house back at Farmsville. She glanced at the clock–11:30 am. She still had some time to spare before her first class. How people managed to wake up early on this luxurious bed made of clouds, she didn't know.

After a few more minutes of daydreaming, Bea begrudgingly pulled herself out of bed. She was preparing her outfit when the smell of heaven wafted through the bedroom door–bacon and pancakes. Like some kind of puppet on strings, Bea let herself be led by the delicious aroma to the kitchen where Zoey was expertly pouring pancake batter on a pan.

"I didn't know I was roommates with a master chef," Bea jested.

Zoey turned around at Bea's voice, and as she saw her, a smirk crawled up her lips.

"Well, don't you look sexy." Zoey eyed Bea up and down with an amused look on her face.

Bea glanced down at her outfit and saw that she was still in her pajamas. "Whatever Zo, not everyone can rock designer outfits even in bed."

"Hey, I'm not complaining. Besides, Spongebob PJs do have a certain charm."

Bea rolled her eyes while smiling. "So, what are we having for breakfast?"

"I'm pretty sure it's lunch. And aren't you supposed to be in class, like, right about now?"

"Nah, my Tuesday classes aren't until one o'clock."

Zoey stared at Bea. "Babe, it's Wednesday."

Bea's eyes widened at Zoey's words. "No, no, no, Professor Roberta is gonna kill me."

Bea rushed to her room and hastily changed her clothes faster than she thought was possible. She contemplated going to class au naturel, but ultimately decided against it. Bea was not ugly by any means without makeup, but in a sea of extremely contoured cheeks and false eyelashes, having no makeup was basically social suicide, especially since Poppy was in that class. Ugh, great. Of course, I'm late to the only class I have with Poppy.

When Bea thought she was presentable enough, she sprinted out the door but not before grabbing a handful of pancakes and shoving it to her mouth, looking like a chipmunk in the process. The T is gonna have a field day if someone saw me like this. Bea slowed her sprint to a stride as she swallowed the last of the pancakes.

Bea arrived in class forty-five minutes late.

"Look who finally decided to join us," Professor Roberta said in disdain.

"Sorry Professor, won't happen again."

"I'm sure it won't. And since you decided to join us so late, you're gonna have to work with Ms. Min-Sinclair over here for your community service project."

Oh hell no.

Sure enough, Poppy was sitting alone, glaring at her, and Bea could almost swear she could see smoke coming out of her nose.

Bea hesitantly sat down beside Poppy.

"Look Poppy, let's be civil about this and finish this project fast so we–"

"We're not going to do anything, Farmsville. I will ace this project and you will stay out of my damn way."

"Like hell I'm gonna let you take all the credit."

"Is there a problem here?" The professor glowered at Poppy and Bea.

"None professor, we were just calmly discussing the details of the project," Poppy responded with a fake smile.

Bea rolled her eyes. Kiss ass.

Once the professor was out of earshot, Poppy sharply turned to Bea. "Be ready on Friday, we're going to a foster home in Middletown."

"Middletown? But that's like an hour away!"

"I don't see you coming up with better ideas," Poppy hissed.

"I–I–"

"I thought so. Do not be late, Farmsville. I don't want you taking more of my time than you already do," Poppy said with a glare before she grabbed her Chanel purse and strode away.

***

Back at her dorm, Bea was resting her head on her hands on the dining table when Zoey arrived.

Upon seeing Bea, Zoey immediately took a seat beside her and placed her hand comfortingly on her shoulder. "Aww, babe. Was Professor Roberta that mad?"

Bea turned to face Zoey. "No, but it was much, much worse."

Zoey raised her eyebrow.

"I was paired with Satan for our project."

"Poppy?"

Bea nodded. "She even wanted to do the project in Middletown. Middletown. That's like an hour away! I mean surely there has to be another community that needs servicing that doesn't require an hour drive with Poppy."

Zoey pretended to think thoughtfully. "Hmm, maybe she finally found a way to get rid of you permanently?"

"I'm serious, Zo." Bea glared at Zoey.

Zoey laughed. "Okay, okay, sorry. But do bring holy water just in case."

Bea groaned and stood up from the chair before ambling to her bedroom. "I'm going to bed."

Before Bea was able to shut the door, Zoey called out after her. "You'll survive, babe! Give her hell for me."

***

Just a few minutes after Bea got back from her classes, she heard the sound of consecutive horns outside which she immediately knew were from Poppy. No one else is obnoxious enough to disturb an entire dormitory. With a sigh, Bea grabbed her things and trudged outside.

When Bea got outside, Poppy's Range Rover was parked at the curb. Bea walked to the passenger's side and opened the door.

"Be a dear will you and don't touch anything, I don't want your filthy hands staining my car."

Bea rolled her eyes. Hello to you, too.

The first few minutes of the drive were silent except for the light rain that started drizzling on the windshield, that is, until Bea asked Poppy, "why are we going all the way to Middletown anyway? There's probably some–"

"Remember that time when I asked for your opinion?"

Bea just glared at Poppy.

"Me neither. So, shut up, Hughes."

"How about you take a day off from being a bitch, Poppy. Seeing that you've had your whole life being just that," Bea rebuked.

The entire car ride was spent with both girls hurling insults at each other that it was honestly surprising that Poppy didn't kick Bea out of the car in the middle of the road.

After one looong hour, they finally arrived.

"Don't get in my way, Farmsville," Poppy warned as she approached the house and rang the doorbell. After a few moments, a middle-aged woman opened the door.

"Poppy! What a pleasant surprise. Come on in." The woman gestured them inside.

Hang on, how does she know Poppy?

The woman led Bea and Poppy to a couch and asked them if they wanted something to drink, to which both of them politely declined.

"So, Brenda. How is the family?" Poppy was wearing a smile that might actually be... genuine?

Bea stared at Poppy in shock. Not only were they on a first-name basis, but Poppy was actually nice to someone that doesn't involve sucking up.

"They're doing great! Thomas actually just got promoted recently so we're gonna take the kids somewhere nice sometime next week."

"That's amazing, send Thomas my regards."

Okay, what the hell is happening?

After a few more polite conversations, Brenda turned to Bea. "You haven't introduced me to your friend yet." Brenda extended her hand to Bea. "I'm Brenda."

Bea wore her biggest smile as she shook Brenda's hand. "Bea. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Poppy cleared her throat. "Actually, we came here for a community service project, and we were hoping that we could throw the kids a small party and maybe at the same time we can do a photography shoot that can be shared to prospective families. Do you think we can do that?"

"Oh, certainly! I'm sure the kids would love that."

"That's great to hear. Where are they anyway?"

"They're actually out there playing with the toys you sent them. Come on, I'll lead you to them." Brenda stood up and walked towards the back door.

Poppy started to follow her but turned around when she noticed Bea was still sitting down.

"If you're just gonna sit there like a half-wit, do us a favor Farmsville, and do it far away from here."

Still in disbelief, Bea stood up and followed Poppy and Brenda to the yard where Poppy was greeted enthusiastically by five kids. She watched as Poppy played with them with such kindness and compassion that she couldn't help but smile as most of her anger towards the blonde was replaced with warmth and some other indescribable feelings. After a few more games where Bea was basically manhandled by Poppy to join, all of them went back inside exhausted. As it was already getting late, Bea and Poppy said their farewells to Brenda and the kids with a promise of returning on Sunday for the party and went back on the road.

Bea had so many questions she wanted to ask Poppy but the look on Poppy's face implied that she probably won't be answering any of those. A few minutes later, there was suddenly a huge downpour of rain that Poppy had to park the car. Bea then received a text from Zoey, and as she read it, a look of dread flashed across her face.

Poppy frowned upon seeing the look on Bea's face. "What is it now?"

"There's a typhoon. We're stuck here."

***

Bea and Poppy managed to find a decent hotel nearby where they decided to stay until the typhoon passed.

"Two rooms, please. And make them as far away as possible," Poppy said to the receptionist while handing him her credit card, giving Bea a glare at the last sentence.

And here I thought we're finally making progress.

"I'm sorry Ms. Min-Sinclair, we only have one more room available for tonight."

[princessgracekelly1956]

The Evening Journal (Wilmington, Delaware) - March 20, 1973

Wilmington-born Artist Reynolds Thomas Rises in Fame, Now Painting Pope Paul

By BETTY BURROUGHS

During Pope Paul VI's Jan. 24 audience, acclaiming peace in Vietnam, a bearded man sat next to the papal throne sketching the pontiff.

The artist, one of a large group of Americans in this special audience, was Wilmington-born Reynolds Thomas, who is working on a portrait of the Pope.

From preliminary studies from life, Thomas will create the portrait to be presented when completed to Paul VI.

While he is working on the portrait, Thomas and his wife, the former Contessa Eva Baiardi, are living on the Italian Riviera at Genoa. He has his studio nearby on the sea.

This Riviera spot also was the artist's base while completing a commissioned portrait of Princess Grace of Monaco in 1971.

Since 1960, Thomas has spent much of his time in Europe where he is hailed by art critics as "the great American realist painter of international fame."

Last Dec. 8 in Rome, Thomas was awarded the first prize trophy in the International Exhibition of Painting and Sculpture for his portrait of Princess Grace.

The same painting was honored a year earlier, at the International Grand Prix of Contemporary Art of Monaco. It also was loaned from the Delaware artist's last American exhibit at Country Art Gallery, Long Island, N.Y., in October 1971.

Thomas met the former Hollywood star Grace Kelly of Philadelphia through a mutual friend when he first began painting in Europe. The princess sponsored several of the American artist's shows and has some of his paintings.

Thomas says when he asked the princess to sit for a portrait, he told her, "I would like to do a portrait of a classic American beauty."

It took two summers but only two weeks working time for Thomas to finish the portrait. Princess Grace sat for him in her garden in the evening.

Thomas, 46, married the contessa, his third wife, in late 1970. His second wife, American-born Bettina Weydert, whom he met and married in Switzerland in 1962, died there in early 1970. She was a teacher and a writer.

The artist's first wife has remarried and lives in Wilmington, as do their daughters, Cathy Thomas, a student at the University of Delaware, and Susan Thomas. Their son, David Thomas, lives in Middletown.

Reynolds' brother, Edwin R. Thomas, lives in Chadds Ford, Pa., and a sister, Mrs. Alfred Childs, lives in Penn Acres.

The artist visited relatives and friends In this area at Christmas time. He began work on the Pope's portrait soon after his return to Italy.

After leaving Wilmington in 1960, Thomas went to Europe. More than a year of painting and exhibiting in France, Switzerland and Italy, followed, then he returned to the United States where he had several showings.

In 1963, he accepted the invitation of Princess Grace to hold a one-man exhibit at the Galerie Rauch in Monaco.

In the mid-60s, Thomas and his second wife, Bettina, came back to their homeland, settling in Camden, Maine. He set up a studio there and had shows at the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland as well as in New York.

In 1968, the Thomases returned to Switzerland where her death later delayed his completing a portrait of Princess Grace.

In the last few years, Thomas has made his greatest advance in the international art scene.

Praised primarily for his landscapes, he also is in demand as a portraitist. He works both in water colors and oils.

Paintings by Reynolds Thomas are included in museum and private collections in the United States and on the continent. Many are in the homes of Delawareans, at the Hotel du Pont and Wilmington Trust Co.

His "Maine Barn" is owned by artist Andrew Wyeth of Chadds Ford.

Born and reared in Wilmington, Thomas was a 1954 graduate of Pierre S. du Pont High School. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and the School of Fine Arts in Mexico. He had his first one-man show in Wilmington in the late 1950s.

One Italian art editor, Mario Portalupo, writes that the delicate reality of Thomas' paintings, "his photographic key," places him in a class with "that great American painter, Andrew Wyeth."

While enjoying what is called. "a quiet renown" in Italy, Thomas and his wife live in an 11th floor apartment in Genoa's newest and most modern high-rise, Torre Cantore.

From there Thomas makes frequent trips to Rome and the Vatican to work on the Pope's portrait.

The contessa is Catholic. Reynolds is not. Both are on cordial terms with the Pontiff who has shown pleasure with the preliminary drawings which will lead to the final portrait.

As a study in contrasts, among other famous persons Thomas has painted is baseball great Casey Stengel.