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🌱 Patch AM: What does Arcfield’s takeover mean for Middletown’s 370 Rite-Solutions workers?

Spotted on the Middletown calendar: Wednesday Night Live at the Ganny

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Wednesday December 17th Patch AM
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Morning Middletown! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What does Arcfield’s takeover mean for Middletown’s 370 Rite-Solutions workers?
  • How did Middletown officers respond to the Brown University shooting?
  • Which former St. George’s pitcher just joined the Red Sox brain trust?

Also on today's calendar: Wednesday Night Live at the Ganny and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Middletown? Post it to Middletown photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Breezy with clouds and sun, with a high of 46 and low of 27 degrees.
  • Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 48, low: 44.
  • Friday: Windy with rain, with a high of 55 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rite-Solutions acquired by Virginia-based Arcfield (pbn.com subscription) — A major Middletown employer, Rite-Solutions, has been acquired by Virginia-based defense contractor Arcfield, raising big questions for the 370 people the company employs locally. Founded on West Main Road in 2000, Rite-Solutions recently secured a share of a massive $151 billion federal defense contract, and Arcfield says the deal will expand its national security and undersea warfare capabilities.
   

2. Newport police increase patrols in response to Brown University shooting, Bondi Beach attack (whatsupnewp.com) — Middletown officers were part of the Newport County Special Response Team that rushed to Brown University to support Providence police after a deadly campus shooting. Newport police have since stepped up patrols around schools and gathering spots, and local departments remain on alert following both the Brown incident and a separate terrorist attack in Australia.
   

3. Red Sox stay internal with promotion of Ben Buck to director of pitching (bostonglobe.com) — A front-office shuffle for the Boston Red Sox has a small Middletown connection. While Ben Buck is promoted to director of pitching, new assistant director and pitching strategist Quinn Cleary once played for St. George’s School in Middletown before starring at Yale and working in MLB development. Locals may enjoy tracking a former area student now shaping Red Sox pitching strategy.
   

4. Becoming a Centenarian (newyorker.com subscription) — A longtime New Yorker writer reflects on turning 100 while living with his wife Dodie in their Rhode Island home in Middletown, just over the line from Newport. He shares candid stories about aging, local medical care, help from the Middletown Fire Department after a fall, and how worsening vision and mobility are reshaping daily life. Alongside memories of artists and editors, he wrestles with what “home” means as Middletown becomes his primary base.
   

5. Obituary: Sharon Dwyer (1948-2025) (thenewportbuzz.com) — Middletown residents are mourning the passing of 77-year-old Sharon Ann Dwyer, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose funeral services include a chapel service at St. Columba Cemetery in town. A longtime Newport County local, she touched many lives through her work, volunteerism, and warm personality. Calling hours are December 17 and a Funeral Mass follows on December 18 in Newport.
   

📸 Around Middletown

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📣 Middletown Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday December 17
  • Preschool Storytime In-Person
    The Friends Room
    10:00 am
  • Hand-Dipped Candle Making Workshop at the Colony House Holiday Market
    The Colony House , Washington Sqaure, Newport
    1:00 pm
  • FIBER THERAPY In-Person
    The Friends Room
    6:00 pm
  • WEDNESDAYS: Trivia 6-8pm!
    Newport Vineyards & Restaurant , 909 E Main Rd , Middletown
    6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Recall Alert!
    White Castle has recalled its frozen 4-count cartons of Original Sliders due to undeclared milk and soy, both known allergens. Affected products will… (Nextdoor )
  • 🚧 Reminder: Starting tonight at 9 p.
    m., we will temporarily close the Newell Bridge in Cumberland for the installation of the final bridge beam as part of its reconstruction. The… (Nextdoor )
  • The Scotts Company LLC posted a job opening for Merchandiser - Middletown, RI in Middletown. Apply here.
  • Home Depot (Retail) posted a job opening for Freight/Receiving in Middletown. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Middletown here.

Ok Middletown! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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