Middletown seeking to address rise in panhandling during pandemic
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MIDDLETOWN Law enforcement officials, business owners and the city are brainstorming ways to curb an increase in panhandling, which they say has become more pressing because of lower levels of foot traffic on Main Street during the pandemic.
Police Capt. Rich Davis and Mayor Ben Florsheim said there have been instances in which an individual has become aggressive when asking for money from a passerby, causing distress for those who are preoccupied by filling parking meters or attending to other tasks.
The mayor said panhandling can be done in different ways, simply asking for money, or when people are more demanding in their appeal.
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Middletown s 33-year Santa loves his role even in a pandemic year, keeps identity secret to kids
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Middletown’s Santa Claus of 33 years, retired fire marshal Al Santostefano, delighted those who participated in the recent Holiday on Main festivities downtown in COVID-19 friendly fashion. Artists at Kidcity Museum created a sleigh with Plexiglass separating children and families from Santa, who posed for photographs over 6 feet away on a red Vespa.Contributed photo / Bill DeKine, dekinephoto.comShow MoreShow Less
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Middletown’s own Santa Claus, Al Santostefano, was still able to visit with children during the recent Holiday on Main festivities by cleverly employing pandemic restrictions.Contributed photo / Bill DeKine, dekinephoto.comShow MoreShow Less