Check out the North End Farmer's Market!

The sun has brightened, the tents are almost up and in just a little over a half an hour the North End Farmer's Market will be fully alive.  Today, will be the first Kid's Market of the Season.  So get ready and come out to enjoy the market activities!

North End Farmers Market Tomorrow!

Stop by the market tomorrow from 10AM -2PM.  The second market of the season will start with the opening of the Kids Market where kids in the free lunch program can get free coins  to shop at the market.  For more details on the program, stop by the market.

JONAH CENTER: CANOE AND KAYAK PADDLE ON JUNE 30

NEAT will be at the Jonah Center's Canoe and Kayak Paddle on. Join us if you can!

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public to a Saturday morning canoe and kayak paddle at high tide on the lower Mattabesset and Coginchaug Rivers, as well as the “Floating Meadows” where those two rivers converge. The tour departs from the boathouse ramp on the Connecticut River, next to Harbor Park in Middletown, on Saturday, June 30, at 9 a.m. Paddlers should return to the starting point within 3 hours after launching.

In addition to learning about the ecology of the river and freshwater tidal wetlands, participants will search for invasive and harmful water chestnut plants that have been found in other stretches of the river. Cynthia Boettner, an invasive plant specialist from the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge will be our guide for this effort. Participants will also be encouraged to pick up plastic bottles, cans, and other debris as part of the Jonah Center’s ongoing effort to beautify and protect our local waterways. Paddlers need to provide their own boats, paddles, drinking water, sunscreen, and life jackets. 

Also, thanks to the Jonah Center’s partnership with the North End Action Team (NEAT) and several generous sponsors, a group of fourth graders from Macdonough School in Middletown will be on board to explore this scenic waterway that surrounds their neighborhood.

Advance registration is requested but not strictly required. Visit www.thejonahcenter.org and click “send us a message” or call 860-398-3771. To help cover insurance costs for this event, each participant is asked to make a $10 donation to the Jonah Center. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, the trip will be held on July 14 at 9 A.M.

CHECK OUT ALMA MOYO!

Title of Event: Alma Moyo
Location: CFA Courtyard, 283 Washington Terrace, Middletown, Connecticut
Rain Location: Crowell Concert Hall, 50 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown, Connecticut
Date: Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 7pm
Fee: FREE!
Phone: 860-685-3355
Website: www.wesleyan.edu/cfa

Description: Founded 10 years ago in the South Bronx by lead singer and percussionist Alex LaSalle, the intergenerational band Alma Moyo performs Afro-Puerto Rican bomba folk music featuring dynamic drumming, dancing, and rich vocals. 

“With the heart and soul of Puerto Rican music, Alma Moyo generates life, heat and love.”
—My Latino Voice

PIANO AND GUITAR INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Green Street Arts Center is looking for talented, experienced, and dedicated piano and guitar instructors to teach in the Private Lessons Program.  This is a year-round program for students of all ages and backgrounds.  Please contact Susan at (860)685-7871 or email:  gsac@wesleyan.edu  and provide a resume and references.

Click here for more information about the Program. 

North End Farmers Market Season Begins...

In less than ten minutes, the stands will be ready, the music will start playing and the North End Farmers Market will officially begin. Stop on by and and take in the Market Energy.  For more information on vendors, entertainment and restaurants,  check out the North End Farmers Market website.

North End Farmers Market

Tomorrow, June 22, 2012 from 10 AM -2 PM, come out to the North End Farmer's Market! Check out the North End Farmers Market Website here for more info on vendors and entertainment and/or check us out on a Facebook here.

Beat the Heat!

Cooling centers are available for Middletown Residents:

Municipal Building Council Chambers, 245 Dekoven Drive, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

or 

The lobby of the Middletown Police Department, 222 Main St., which is open 24 hours a day. 

Other public facilities will be available as well, such as the Russell Library on Broad Street. Elderly persons are encouraged to use the Middletown Senior Center on William Street.

Transportation may be provided to the cooling center, officials said. Arrangements can be made by calling Middletown Area Transit (MAT) at 860-346-0212 (Ext. 7) until 6 p.m. each day.

The city will also be opening fire hydrant sprinklers at designated times and locations as follows: The Highlands Crescent Drive bus stop from noon to 4 p.m.; Maplewood Terrace from 2 to 5 p.m.; Summer Hill Road and Woodbury Circle from 2 to 5 p.m.; Macdonough School from noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Santangelo Circle from noon to 3 p.m. and Daddario Road from 6 to 8 p.m.

SNAP-ED Class at Family Wellness Center

This Friday The Family Wellness Center will hold its second SNAP-ED Class #2!

This event will be great for families to get tips on healthy eating.   Register and attend!

Where: Middletown Family Wellness Center

 When: Fridays

10:00 (discussion will start at 10:30)-11:30 am

June 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th

Who: Anyone interested including families w SNAP 

                    

Includes food demo, healthy family guidebook & prizes

Topics covered based on the NEW

choosemyplate model:

Fruits and Vegetables

Dairy Foods and Fats

Whole Grains

Protein and Physical Activity

For information and to Pre-register contact:

Anna Rogers

860-224-3642 x5172 or RogersA@chc1.com

Great Story about North End Business

Small Businesses Are Filling the Former Little Tibet in the North End

June 06, 2012|By SHAWN R. BEALS, sbeals@courant.com, The Hartford Courant

MIDDLETOWN — —
Less than a year after the landmark Little Tibet retail store closed at Main Street and Rapallo Avenue, the cavernous 9,000 square feet of retail space the store once occupied is nearly filled.
Building owners David and Connie Champiney have divided the space, and three new businesses have opened there since late last year, said Harold Murphy, the real estate broker for the building.

"They have been really putting their heart and soul into the building," Murphy said. "Having a third of the building go vacant was really a blow, but we're working with new people who are doing exciting new things. It's a lot of fun. A little scary at times, but it's exciting."
Tesoro, an artisan gift boutique, opened in December in the portion of the building closest to Rapallo Avenue. Phil Ouellette and Carrie Carella opened The Eli Cannon's Trading Co. in November and the NoRA Cupcake Co. in December. Another tenant is renting space for storage in the building.


 Click here for the full story!

5th Annual Father's Day Celebration at Donovan Park

Middletown United Fathers will hold their 5th annual Father's Day Celebration this Saturday, June 16th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Donovan Park in Middletown with family activities including bar-b-q and fish dinners, moon bounces, and face painting.  Father's Vs. Kids Basketball game at 11:30 a.m. RSVP PLEASE!!!!  CONTACT ATIA HART 860-759-2552.

*10 Free Haircuts will be provided for children from 9 a.m.-11:00a.m. on a first come first serve basis.

Check Izzi out Live on the Radio Tomorrow June 12th

Listen live to WMRD' CT Outdoors program  tomorrow June 12, 2012 from 12:30-1:00PM.  NEAT's own Izzi Greenberg will be featured on the show.  Check it out to hear updates and details on the North End Farmer's Market. You can now listen in real-time online at www.wliswmrd.net - just click on the red "on air" button.

Gallery WALK in Middletown North End

Gallery WALK, Middletown North End 

Every Third Wednesday of the Month
5-8PM June 20 . July 18 . August 15 . Sept 19 . Oct 17
Ursel’s Web - 140 Washington Street (860) 344-0041
Gallore Gallery - 68 Washington Street (860) 788-2467
Middletown Framing - 502 Main St (860) 347-0064
The Buttonwood Tree - 605 Main Street (860) 347-4957
Green Street Arts Center - 51 Green Street (860) 685-7871
MAC 650 Gallery - 650 Main Street (860) 347-0834
Tesoro - 680 Main Street (860) 704-0607
Eli Cannon’s Trading Co. - 696 Main Street (860) 788-3150
NORA Cupcake Co. - 700 Main Street (860) 788-3150
Eli Cannon’s - 695 Main Street (860) 347-ELIS
www.facebook.com/MiddletownNorthEndGalleryWalk

LAST CMI EVENT THIS SATURDAY-JUNE 9TH

Dear friends and neighbors, 

 

Hope you can join us this Saturday for the last spring CMI event! 

(We will return in the fall with plenty more music-making for families)

 

As always, bring friends, bring family - the event is FREE and open to all ages. If you're planning ahead, bring a dish for the potluck. And if you'd like to perform in our Open Mic, you can sign up with Edward when you arrive! It's a fun opportunity to share a special talent, a song, story, or just a silly joke with the group.

 

CMI - Songs and games

Saturday, June 9th 11am-1pm

Songs and games workshop, potluck lunch, Open Mic

At the Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green Street

 

CMI is the Community Music Initiative, a program run by the North End Action Team. Give us a call for more info:860 346 4845. 

HIKE TO CASTLE CRAIG ON JUNE 9TH

The long-awaited next hike of the season will be June 9, 2012 to Castle Craig. Hikers will meet early at the Green Street Arts Center, and will return from the hike in early afternoon. Sign-ups for the event are required. For more information and meeting time, please call the NEAT office  at 860-346-4845.   Hikes are for children ages 8-14. Hikers should wear comfortable shoes and bring bottled water.  If you would like to have a schedule of future dates, please contact us. Adults are also welcome.

Jonah Center: Canoe and Kayak Paddle on June 30

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public to a Saturday morning canoe and kayak paddle at high tide on the lower Mattabesset and Coginchaug Rivers, as well as the “Floating Meadows” where those two rivers converge. The tour departs from the boathouse ramp on the Connecticut River, next to Harbor Park in Middletown, on Saturday, June 30, at 9 a.m. Paddlers should return to the starting point within 3 hours after launching.

In addition to learning about the ecology of the river and freshwater tidal wetlands, participants will search for invasive and harmful water chestnut plants that have been found in other stretches of the river. Cynthia Boettner, an invasive plant specialist from the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge will be our guide for this effort. Participants will also be encouraged to pick up plastic bottles, cans, and other debris as part of the Jonah Center’s ongoing effort to beautify and protect our local waterways. Paddlers need to provide their own boats, paddles, drinking water, sunscreen, and life jackets. 

Also, thanks to the Jonah Center’s partnership with the North End Action Team (NEAT) and several generous sponsors, a group of fourth graders from Macdonough School in Middletown will be on board to explore this scenic waterway that surrounds their neighborhood.

Advance registration is requested but not strictly required. Visit www.thejonahcenter.org and click “send us a message” or call 860-398-3771. To help cover insurance costs for this event, each participant is asked to make a $10 donation to the Jonah Center. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, the trip will be held on July 14 at 9 a.m.

Sign up for a Board of Education Committee

Recognizing the value of parent and community contributions, the Board of Education is looking for volunteers to sign up to serve on their committees.

We are looking for volunteers to serve on the following committees: Budget, Communications, Curriculum and Policy.

Please go to our website at:

middletownschools.org  under the Board of Education heading to learn more about these opportunities and to place your name on a list of parents and community members interested in serving on BOE committees.

Ron Krom to be Honored for his Work!

Congratulations to our dear friend Ron Krom. Middletown is a better place to live because of the work you do. Click here for the story!

SUPPORT SNAP: CALL YOUR SENATOR TODAY!

June 2012
From our Friends at the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) Senate Farm Bill Immediate Action Needed:  Urge Blumenthal and Lieberman to Co-Sponsor Gillibrand Amendment to Restore SNAP Cuts Farm Bill Update This week, the Senate is expected to begin consideration of the Farm Bill (S. 3240).  The proposal includes a $4.5 billion cut to SNAP over 10 years by reducing the ability of states like Connecticut to take part in the "Heat and Eat" program (see description below).  The cut would mean that an estimated 85,000 Connecticut households would lose $100 per month in SNAP benefits.    Two Actions You Can Take This Week: 1. Please call Senator Blumenthal and Senator Lieberman and Senator Blumenthal's offices and ask them to support restoring SNAP cuts by co-sponsoring the Gillibrand Amendment. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has announced that she will introduce an amendment (pdf) to the Farm Bill that restores, over 10 years, the $4.5 billion cut to SNAP and invests $500 million in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack program.  She has circulated a "Dear Colleague Letter" in the Senate asking for cosponsors.  Please call Senator Blumenthal and Senator Lierberman's offices and ask them to support restoring SNAP cuts by co-sponsoring the Gillibrand Amendment. Senator Lieberman D.C. phone number: (202) 224-4041 Senator Blumenthal D.C. phone number: (202) 224-2823 2. Tweet at one of SNAP message each day this week. Click here for 14 sample SNAP tweets! Example:The SNAP Effect: fighting hunger and lifting people out of poverty. http://bit.ly/nUvvWq #SNAPworks FRAC's Farm Bill Action Plan The Farm Bill could be on the Senate floor for the next three weeks, and getting co-sponsors for the Gillibrand amendment is the first step in our work to support and protect SNAP. We need to maintain a strong and consistent call from organizations across the state and country while the Farm Bill is up for debate. Background on "Heat and Eat" "Heat and Eat" coordinates SNAP and the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by providing small cash LIHEAP benefits directly to SNAP households. This targeted LIHEAP benefit helps meet LIHEAP's requirement for outreach, simplifies the SNAP shelter deduction calculation, and, by increasing SNAP benefits to more realistic levels, alleviates some of the untenable "heat or eat" choices that households face.  Follow these links to  FRAC's Heat and Eat one-pager. Other Legislative Developments in Congress - House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Mark Up Scheduled The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee will be marking up its FY2013 funding bill at 10am EST, Wednesday, June 6. FRAC will post details at www.frac.org after the mark-up.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MONTHLY MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 will be our next Monthly meeting at 7 PM at the Green Street Arts Center. This month's agenda will focus on what is happening with the Board of Education?  Many changes are being made in our Middletown Schools.  This June let's take a moment to check in on what is happening, share our views and make plans to be part of the process. The full meeting agenda is below. Childcare and Pizza for the kids will be provided.  For more information, call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845.

North End Action Team, Inc.

General Meeting Agenda

06.06.2012

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Updates

    a. Cooking Classes
    3.  Billy Russo, Public Works: Bulky Waste Disposal
    4.  Schools
    a. What is happening at Board of Education?
    b. Committees on Hiring
    5.   Farmer’s Market Update: Starting Early June 22
    6.   Parking Update
    7.  Other Business

JOB POSTING: COMMUNITY MUSIC INITIATIVE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

The Community Music Initiative (CMI) seeks a Program Coordinator for  July 2012- June 2013.  If you or anyone you know is interested, please click here for more information on the job, NEAT, CMI and how to apply.  The deadline to apply is June 15th, so apply now and take advantage of opportunity!