TONIGHT: Groundbreaking Short Films at Green Street

File Under Miscellaneous: Short Films at Green Street
Friday, October 29 | 7 pm
Suggest donation: $5

Explore the Native American/First Nation experience, past and present, from the perspective of two provocative filmmakers.

Join Green Street tonight at 7pm for the next event in this fascinating and informative series. Montreal-based writer and director Jeff Barnaby (Mi’kmaq) will discuss The Colony and his new film, File Under Miscellaneous, both of which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. File Under Miscellaneous received a warm reception at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and has been called “a dark SciFi gem” by critic Todd Brown. Barnaby’s psychological thrillers will make you reconsider stereotypes of what Native/First Nations art “should be.” In addition, there will be a screening of Bruce Curliss’ (Nipmuc) short film Survivor, which deals with the atrocities committed against the Nipmuc at Deer Island. On October 30, 1675, Native people from what is now South Natick were removed to Deer Island in Boston Harbor. Without adequate food, clothing, or shelter, the majority of the people—mostly women, children, and elders—perished.

Director Jeff Barnaby was recently interviewed by The Hartford Courant, click here to read the article.

(Viewers should note that The Colony and File Under Miscellaneous are not suitable for viewers under the age of 18 without parental accompaniment.)

North End Farmers' Market Season Finale

Today from 10 to 2 in front of It's Only Natural Market, 575 Main Street

You don't want to miss it! Several fantastic guest vendors are joining us--Crystal Pistritto with beautiful hula-hoops, Whey Better Farm with soothing soaps, and Tschudin Chocolates with dessert delicacies. Plus, First and Last Tavern will serve up their tasty, soul-warming chili, voted best in this year's Middletown chili cook-off! This week is also your last chance to use WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program checks before they expire.

We would like to thank everyone involved with the market--vendors, volunteers, musicians, and all the shoppers that took time out of their busy Fridays to stop by. It's been great to see the North End Farmers' Market become a popular Middletown shopping destination as well as a great place to gather with friends over lunch and live music. Have a warm and healthy winter--we'll be back next year!

Green Street Arts Center’s Special Events October 22-24

On behalf of the Green Street Arts Center of Wesleyan University, we invite you to participate in a weekend of engaging and exciting events.

Dine & Donate
Friday-Sunday, October 22-24
Support the arts simply by dining on Main Street! Download, print, and present this coupon your server at one of the following local restaurants and they will generously donate a portion of your bill to Wesleyan’s Green Street Arts Center.

Esca Restaurant & Wine Bar
Fiore II Italian Restaurant
Mikado Japanese Cuisine
New England Emporium
Puerto Vallarta
Thai Gardens Restaurant
Typhoon Thai Cuisine

Green Street Open House
Saturday, October 23 | 2-4pm
FREE
Green Street celebrates Wesleyan Homecoming/Family Weekend in style. Join us for Salsa, West African Drumming and Dance, visual art projects for the whole family, and a spectacular performance by the popular band Buru Style! Enjoy tours, refreshments and a special pre-registration discount if you sign up for a Session Two class before you leave. Light refreshments will be served.

Sunday Salon: Hawaiian Nationhood and Indigenous Rights
with Professor J. Kehaulani Kauanui
Sunday, October 24 | 2-3:30pm
Suggestion donation: $5
This talk will address the outstanding Hawaiian independence claim and the persistent issue of sovereignty facing the Kanaka Maoli (indigenous Hawaiian) people. Come learn more about how the U.S. government came to acquire Hawai`i and the spectrum of political activism relating to self-determination and nationhood. For more information on any of these events or to reserve your seat call 860-685-7871 or email us at gsac@wesleyan.edu. Information about these and all of our programs and offerings can be found on our website: www.greenstreetartscenter.org. We hope you will join us this weekend and thank you, in advance, for your support of Wesleyan University's Green Street Arts Center.

The market is on!

The North End Farmers Market runs Fridays from 10 am - 2 pm in front of It's Only Natural Market,575 Main St.

The weather held out for us, so come on over to the market! There is a wide variety of local produce available, as well as Tschudin Chocolates, New Image Greenhouse (beautiful mums), and Pattie Palace serving up lunch.

See you there!

NEAT MENTORS SEEKING YOUTH MENTEES

NEAT's Mentoring program is up and running again and we have spaces for new kids to join the program. If you have a child ages 7-13, please call the NEAT office. The program asks that the pairs meet for one hour a week, not for homework or tutoring, but to build a one-one-one relationship. This program has been amazing for many North End kids and students alike. Please call NEAT if you're interested. 860-346-4845 or email neat@neatmiddletown.org

NEAT MEETING TONIGHT

Tonight, Thursday, Oct. 14th at 6:30, NEAT will host a meeting at the Green Street Arts Center to talk with Park and Rec Department Director, Ray Santostefano about a current site plan for the new Willy Pep Park at the corner of Green St. and deKoven Dr.

The current plan includes a small skate/bmx park and will have space for passive recreation (community garden or something like it) and potentially a small play scape for younger children. If you have questions or concerns about the potential park, please come to the meeting to get answers.

It is very important that the neighborhood has time to help plan this park. Please come out to participate.

There will be childcare and pizza for the kids.

Community Music takes Mtown by storm!

The Community Music Initiative has officially made its first splashes in Middletown with two successful music Saturdays! This new North End program is all about making music together – using music as a way to develop leadership, support our youth, encourage self-expression, and build community.

Active participation is the life of the program. A total of 17 people have volunteered officially in some way - as singing leaders, lunch organizers, set-up and clean-up workers, and performers. Everyone throws their full energy into the music as well. Our first workshop, on building drum kits from recycling, got the entire group spontaneously marching around the room. And at our singing workshop the next week, we had families swaying together as we sang “Lean on me” at the top of our lungs. Even outside the planned activities, community members can be found making music, like two youths who sat down at the piano during lunch to play together.

Our next event is October 23^rd, and North End resident Bill Carbone will bring his fabulous drumming skills to get us started on a drum marching band. Saturday events are FREE and open to EVERYONE, no matter what age you are or how much musical experience you have. Join us!

To learn more, visit http://neatmiddletown.org/community%20music.htm

NEAT IS HIRING!

You can go to NEAT's website to learn more about it. We are looking for a full-time community organizer and a part-time administrative assistant. We have a small but energetic team! We'd really like to hire someone from the North End (or Middletown at the least)...please spread the word. Here's more info:

Community Organizer Position Summary: This organizer will work directly with the Executive Director and community leaders from various sectors to organize, create and disseminate information that supports the goals of the North End Action Team. The organizer will focus on outreach, committee and program development, sustainability and campaign and event management. The position will report to the Executive Director. S/he must be willing to work a flexible schedule, as some weekend and evening work will be required. A background in community organizing or related field is strongly desired. Associates Degree or two years of higher education plus two years of directly related employment experience preferred

Administrative Assistant Position Summary: NEAT is seeking a P/T (20 hour per week) Administrative Assistant to perform diverse tasks. Associates Degree or two years of higher education plus two years of directly related employment experience preferred. Good interpersonal skills, reliability, ability to work with persons of all ethnic background. Experience with maintaining computer-based database and financial accounts. Writing correspondence using Word for Windows and email. Setting up and maintaining well organized file systems which maintain records for all transactions in an organized manner. Person to work under the direction of the Executive Director.

Community Music Saturday

This Saturday is a Community Music Saturday!

Come join us at our second event 11am-1:30pm. It's fun, educational, and best of all, it's FREE.

Saturday events include performances by community members, a workshop, a free delicious lunch and a big old jam session.

This week the workshop is group singing for all. We'll sing easy fun music together. No experience necessary. Upcoming dates are: Oct 9th, Oct 23rd, Nov 5th and Nov 20th.

Events are located at the Green Street Arts Center in Middletown, 51 Green Street. Starting at 11:00 am and ending at 1:15.

*No need to register: just show up!

This program is a project of the North End Action Team, 668 Main Street, 860 346 4845. If you have questions about the program or would like to help out, please call and ask for Emily. Or email emily@neatmiddletown.org.

Market Today

The North End Farmers Market runs Fridays from 10 am - 2 pm in front of It's Only Natural Market,575 Main St.

After last week's downpour, the market is on again today!

A wide variety of produce is still available:

• Apples (many varieties)
• Arugula
• Basil
• Beans
• Beets
• Bread
• Brussel Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cheese
• Cider
• Eggplant
• Fall squash
• Garlic
  
• Onions
• Pears
• Peppers
• Potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Radishes
• Salsa
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Zucchini
• And more!

Guest Restaurant: Iguanas Ranas, heroically stepping in after a last minute cancellation
Guest Vendor: New Image Greenhouse with colorful mums on sale for $6

Sizzling Salsa Nights at Green Street

Join local salsero Jason Pepin on Saturday, October 9th at 7pm at Green Street Arts Center for a sizzling Salsa Social. A Salsa Social is a one-night event where anyone can come to Green Street, get a taste of Salsa with a beginner lesson, and then spend a few hours immersing themselves in Latin culture. Music videos are projected on the walls, while sultry Latin rhythms fill the space of our beautiful Performance Studio.

Beginners are welcome for instruction from 7-8 pm (included in price of admission) and encouraged to join dancers of all levels as the fiesta unfolds. For more information visit Green Street's blog at www.greenstreet.blogs.wesleyan.edu. To reserve your spot call 860-685-7871 or email gsac@wesleyan.edu.

Salsa Socials
Saturdays, October 9 & December 11 | 7-10 pm
Regular: $8; Members/Family & Friends/Students/Seniors: $5
Green Street's resident salsero Jason Pepin presents two evenings of hot music, open floor, and the best dance crowd in Connecticut. Beginners welcome for instruction from 7-8 pm (included in price of admission).

SAVE ENERGY AND EARN $$$

Jonah Center WRAP Energy Services

In order to promote WRAP home energy services, the Jonah Center for Earth and Art, with the support of a grant from the Liberty Bank Foundation, will pay bonus payments of $25 each to anyone who obtains and submits through the Jonah Center or NEAT a qualifying Middletown resident’s application for WRAP energy services when that application results in a completed energy audit/services visit.

Here are the details:

WRAP services are offered to renters and homeowners who have a CL& P account AND whose income is below 60% of the state median. (See guidelines below.)

WRAP services lower annual energy costs by approx. $200, by sealing leaky windows, installing new light bulbs, and other measures. In some cases, the program will add insulation or replace an old, inefficient refrigerator or other appliance.

Individuals are eligible to receive a $25 payment for signing up their own household, but only after they have recruited at least 1 other qualifying household to participate. For example, if you sign up yourself and another household, you will get 2 bonus payments, or $50. You are then eligible for an additional $25 payment for each additional qualifying audit application you obtain.

Funding exists for a total of 40 bonus payments of $25 each. The bonuses will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and be discontinued after the funding is exhausted.

Bonus payments will be paid only after the audits are successfully completed. If the household named on the application does not qualify or does not follow through and allow the service to take place, no bonus payment will be made.

FAMILY PLAY DATE AT THE FAMILY WELLNESS CENTER

With Jo Allen

Jo is a dedicated student at Middlesex Community College. She is currently interning at the Family Wellness Center in Middletown. She has enjoyed working with children for many years.

Come Join us for a fun filled afternoon with many activities (mini-pumpkin decorating, foam painting) and Pizza for you and your child to enjoy. Parents &Children Ages birth-5 are welcome!

Tuesday, October 19 1 pm - 2:30 pm

Family Wellness Center

635 Main Street, Middletown

For more information & to register please contact

Julie Deak at 860-347-6971 x3662 or deakj@chc1.com

ST VINCENT DE PAUL AND AMAZING GRACE NEWS

Exciting news! St. Vincent de Paul Middletown has completed the purchase of the building at 16 Stack Street in Middletown’s North End for the new Amazing Grace Food Pantry!

Now comes the hard part – lots of work to get it ready to open on Nov. 1.

Right now we are looking for volunteers EVERY SATURDAY (except Oct. 2), 8am – 3pm. JUST SHOW UP. Please bring your own paint brush and rollers.

We also can use volunteers on weekdays – individuals or groups up to 5 people – but you need to let us know you are coming. Again, please bring your own paint brush and rollers. Reply to me at the above address or email Ron Krom, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Middletown – ron@svdplace.org . You can also call me at 860-347-1829.

And for the BIG MOVE the last weekend in October – Oct. 30 & 31 – we’ll need lots of volunteers to move EVERYTHING from the Main Street Extension location to Amazing Grace’s new home. Put that date on your calendar and let us know if we can count on you that day.COMING UP THIS SATURDAY --

ALSO: St. Vincent de Paul Middletown & Amazing Grace Food Pantry invite you to the 2010 Kickoff of The Amazing Challenge Saturday, October 2, 2010 6 – 8:30pm

Fox Parish Center at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 10 Elm Street, Middletown

Fill your bowl with soup –

Fill our bowl with donations.

Come and Enjoy a Delicious Soup Supper

Silent and Live Auctions, Short Program

EXCITING AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE:

*Signed UConn Women's 2010 Championship Basketball…

*4 day stay at a lovely cottage in Chatham, Mass…

*RCI week anywhere in the world..3-4 bedroom unit…

*Pearl/diamond sterling silver pendant…

*Red Sox Baseball signed by JD Drew…

*One year YMCA membership…

and more!

For more information, contact Claudia DeFrance, 860-930-3447 or www.svdmiddletown.org

New Skate Park in Town?

On Thursday, Oct. 14th at 6:30, NEAT will host a meeting at the Green Street Arts Center to talk with Park and Rec Department Director, Ray Santostefano about a current site plan for the new Willy Pep Park at the corner of Green St. and deKoven Dr.

The current plan includes a small skate/bmx park and will have space for passive recreation (community garden or something like it) and potentially a small play scape for younger children. If you have questions or concerns about the potential park, please come to the meeting to get answers.

From some experts: philosophy that should be considered.

"Skaters for Public Skateparks have been proponents of poured-in-place skateparks for years and believe that designing skate spaces that appeal to the wider public help illuminate the value and contribution of skateboarding youth. Landscape architects, community planners, and skaters are all aware of a new era in skatepark design. The spaces are more integrated, visually compelling, and structurally innovative. In recent years skatepark design has taken a dramatic turn toward architecturally arresting design. This shift has brought more people to the skateparks and has helped reestablish the skatepark as a prominent place to recreate, hang out, and develop skateboarding skills.

NORTH END FARMERS MARKET IS STILL GOING STRONG

The North End Farmers Market (in front of Its Only Natural Market from 10-2 on Fridays) is still great. Though many people are surprised to hear it, there is still a great variety of fresh produce to be had.

There are the traditional squash, pumpkins, apples and brussel sprouts that make you think of fall, along with this week's guest vendor who is bringing 9" pots of assorted Mums for $6. But, there are still some surprised. Many of the vendors still have tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, betts, corn, onions, string beans and more!

GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE AT MACDONOUGH

Last night, Conncan, a statewide educational advocacy group, hosted a gubernatorial debate at Macdonough School. You can go to the Middletown Eye to read more about it.

The forum was moderated by Robert Frahm of the Connecticut Mirror and Tom Monahan of NBC 30 and hosted by ConnCAN (Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now). ConnCAN chose Macdonough as the venue for the debate because the school has made “exceptional progress” in closing the achievement gap in Middletown.

“We celebrate Macdonough School as one of the success stories in closing the achievement gap in Connecticut,” Johnston said.

He went on to describe Macdonough as “an example of what is possible in public education in Connecticut today.” (copied from the Macdonough School Blog )

NEW PARK ON GREEN & DEKOVEN (and NEAT MEETING CHANGE OF DATE)

The corner of Green St. and deKoven Dr. is now the site of "Willy Pep Park", named in honor of great boxer who hailed from Middletown. The Park and Rec department is going through the process of designing the site and NEAT has invited them to come to our October NEAT meeting to discuss the issue. Their interest (after discussion with residents) is to put a well-designed skate park, some kind of recreational space for kids (a playscape or something similar) and some kind of passive recreation (maybe a community garden?). BUT, we want the North End to have a say in how this park is designed so that it works for the neighborhood.

Because of scheduling problems, they can't come to our regular NEAT meeting on Wed, Oct. 13th. So, we're moving the date of the NEAT meeting to the next day, Thursday, October 14th. We're going to do a lot of outreach to those who live in the Ferry, Green and Rapallo blocks, but spread the word to anyone that you may know. It's important to have good participation.

GARDEN PARTY PICTURES

Sorry it took me so long to get these out! Click here to see the pictures of the 2010 NEAT Garden Party. It was a wonderful event. Thanks to everyone who made it happen and to Citizens Bank for its generous sponsorship!

Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts Presents the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange

Wesleyan's Center for the Arts is generously offering free tickets to NEAT members for the Friday and/or Saturday evening performances of Drift. Please contact the NEAT office if you're interested. Tickets are limited, so call soon!! This is a great thing to bring kids to...we've taken them before and it's always interesting.

DRIFT

Dance Exchange Performs New Work by Company Member Cassie Meador
Plus, Excerpts of How to Move a Mountain and Blueprints of a Restless Nature

When: Friday & Saturday, October 1 & 2, 8pm

Where: CFA Theater

About: Farmland becomes a strip mall. Time passes. Businesses move out and a church takes over. The corn field that yielded to a supermarket is now a church sanctuary--complete with automatic doors. By turns comic, provocative, and wistful, Drift moves forward and backward in time. What happens when land changes hands? What becomes of people and their jobs? Where does our food come from? And what are California peaches doing in Georgia?

Five years after the premiere of Ferocious Beauty: Genome, the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange returns with a new work by company member Cassie Meador. They will also be performing excerpts from from How to Move a Mountain, which examines how our resources come to us and Blueprints of Relentless Nature which explores movement the concept of “pure” movement. The company is known for creating groundbreaking dance works that make meaningful connections between people and art and are performed by a multi-generational company. Presented in conjunction with the campus-wide exploration, Feet to the Fire: Feast or Famine. Co-sponsored by the College of the Environment.

Artist Website: http://danceexchange.org/

Video Excerpt of Drift: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=He7XsOdy7c