Voters from Middletown's North End Exercise Their Right to Vote

Here is a pretty cool slide show featuring Middletown residents from the city's north end neighborhood who took part in yesterday's election. I received these images from Izzi Greenberg, executive director of the North End Action Team (NEAT), which was very instrumental in registering many Middletown voters in time for this year's election, and also operated an informational booth outside the polls at Macdonough School yesterday.

Please take a minute to view the slide show, the people featured seem so excited and proud to be participating in this year's election!

When I visted Macdonough yesterday to talk with voters, Izzi told me that the NEAT table, which provided information on how to use the voting machines, a list of the candidates that were runnning and explanations on Questions 1 and 2 regarding the Constitutional Convention and 17-year-old voters, was well visited throughout the day.

"We wanted to make sure the neighborhood has an educated vote," Izzi said yesterday. "So we set up this table and it has been amazing!"

Right up to election day, Middletown voters, many of them first-timer voters, were calling NEAT headquarters with all kinds of election-related questions, said Izzi.

I'm so glad there are organizations out there like NEAT, who are available to help people to become part of this important process. So many of us take voting for granted. I hope all these new voters will continue to use their new-found voting power at every election, so they can really have a say in who makes the decisions in Middletown.

Obama’s victory electrifies North End

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 10:07 PM EST
By SLOAN BREWSTER, Press staff


MIDDLETOWN — Word on the street in the North End of town Wednesday was all happiness and downright pride in the election of Barack Obama.

"He showed that he’s not just there for black people," Middletown resident Judy Rollins said. "He’s here for everyone."

While she believes the president elect will be there for people of all races, Rollins also thinks he will cut through racial divides and bring the country a step closer to ending racism. She was not comfortable discussing her personal battles, but said all African Americans deal with bigotry.

"As a black person, we all experience it," Rollins said.

George Guiont, 59, remembers when civil rights changed life in the country, specifically in the south. In 1965, he was one of the first black children transferred to an all-white school in North Carolina.

He remained there only three weeks.

"I just got tired of the cranks, the ignorance," Guiont said. "I was full of hatred then."

Guiont lost his parents at a young age; his mother died when he was 7 and his father passed when he was 13. Their deaths left him angry and made it even more difficult to deal with racial tensions at school. He ended up dropping out.

But the man does not pass blame or expect the government, Obama or otherwise, to solve his problems.

"My life’s not going to change," he said. "I have to make a change."

Still, Giuont believes Obama will bring change to the country as a whole. He is particularly interested in seeing an end come to the war in Iraq.

Dorothy Goss, 73, also remembers the civil rights movement, though she experienced it in a different manner. The Westbrook resident lived in Essex in 1958 and was a landlord who rented to a black family — a decision many of her neighbors did not appreciate. They did not look too fondly upon her for her political actions either, especially when she participated in a civil rights march on Washington in 1968.

"I’ve been called the n-word-lover I don’t know how many times," Goss said.

During a telephone call to The Press Wednesday, Goss expressed excitement about Obama’s election.

"In my lifetime, I’ve never expected this to happen," she said. "I believe Obama will be great not because he’s a man of color, but because of who he is. He stands up for all people no matter who they are. To me, you have to love people for who they are and not what they take from society, but what they give society. Thank God I lived long enough to see a person of color become our president."

Between moments of elation and exclamations of glee, folks walking in the North End took a few moments to share ideas on which of Obama’s policies they most anticipate.

Rollins looks forward to seeing life improve for the middle class. "He’s starting with the middle," she said. "I think everyone else started out with the upper class. I’m very proud."

Rohanna Powells, an 18-year-old who voted for the first time Tuesday, believes Obama’s economic policies will benefit the country and is pleased with his plans for early childhood education.

Marsha Jean-Charles shares her co-workers thoughts on education — both young women work at the North End Action Team office.

"It’s about making sure schools are adequately funded and higher quality teachers," Jean-Charles said.

Jean-Charles, a student at Wesleyan University, said the campus grew loud with cheer when Obama was declared victorious.

"I personally was crying," she said.

NEAT Executive Director Izzi Greenberg said she was inspired by the number of people who came to Macdonough School Tuesday to learn about Obama and McCain. The organization set up a table and passed on information about both candidates. Greenberg was surprised and impressed by the number of people who came.

"The people who showed up, the wide variety of people who came, really blew me away," Greenberg said. "People were pumped."

While Greenberg said NEAT does not endorse any candidate, she said people in the North End seemed optimistic Obama would work on issues to benefit inner-city areas.

"A lot of people in the neighborhood are really excited," she said. "People of color are feeling really empowered."

Guiont shares the hopefulness.

"When you start talking about helping people, I’m down with that," he said. "When you start talking about lifting them up, everybody’s down with that."

URL: http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2008/11/05/news/doc49125d7304d67949361402.prt

© 2008 middletownpress.com, a Journal Register Property

Working the Polls at City Hall

My name is Rohanna Powell, and I work at the North End Action Team. This election was my first time voting, It had to be one of the most exciting things I have ever did.

I knew this election is going to bring a lot of change about, not just the fact that Barack Obama is the first African-American president. I did an absentee ballot and I was in a room by myself and I was still really excited.

I worked at City Hall yesterday to help with the absentee ballots, and I thought it would go by really slow, that I wouldn't have much to do. But we had our work cut out for us. There were so many people who came in the minute the doors opened at 6:00am and there were people there until 8:00pm.

It was really amazing and it made me feel really special that I help out at the polls and helped to get people's vote out.

MacDonough students get technical through donor generosity

By 

Melissa Pionzio

 on November 6, 2008 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

He's not doing it in this photo, but when I sat down next to 8-year-old Elvis Lozada last night, during a session of the MacDonough School computer club, he was drumming his fingers and bopping around in his chair to the music he had created on an XO mini laptop computer.

"I also get to chat and you can do "Tan Tan Jam" and use instruments, where you press numbers and letters and they turn into songs," said Elvis, who also often takes the laptop home to use. "I show my sister how to use it too, so probably when she is a third grader, whe can sign up for the computer club."

So not only can Elvis make his own music, connect to the Internet (for free with supervision), chat with his fellow computer club members via email and play all kinds of educational games, he also serves as teacher to his family members and is trusted to take care of the computer when he takes it home.

That's in addition to his regular day at school. Unique way to learn no?

Elvis and fellow computer club members' ability to use this compact, little green marvel of technology was made possible by the North End Action Team (NEAT), through a program called "Give One Get One."

Here's how it works. When you purchase one of these XO laptops, either through NEAT or at  http://wiki.laptop.org/go/North_End_Childrens_Project, one laptop is sent to a child in Nigeria and the other to you, the buyer. You can either keep the XO for your own use, or turn around and donate it to a child like Zionique Walker-Elson and Josh Zona pictured above, right here in in Middletown. So far, MacDonough students have 17 XO laptops to use, which they do a good job of sharing during their bi-weekly afterschool computer club.

Here's hansome little Marc Torres, who was learning French with the help of his XO. He told me he wants to go to France some day, so he needs to learn French to communicate. Great goal Marc!  "I learned ensemble means together and la banque means bank," he said.

"I like teaching the kids how to use the computer, things they will use in the older grades, this gets them set for it," said MacDonough third grade teather Teresa Morello, chatting via computer in this photo with Nichoals Deren and Jonathan Shaw. "This thing is about creativity, with writing programs, they are doing their own thing." 

                                                                                                    NEAT executive director Izzi Greenburg is very excited about this grassroots program. It is her goal to provide all of the children at MacDonough with an XO computer. She is also talking with Wesleyan University students to come work with the kids on the computers, either during classtime or the computer club, so the teachers will have more time to work with the students.

"We want this to be a whole new way of learning," she said. "I want to create programs that are exclusive to this neighborhood, that will be incentive for people to come here and decrease the transiency."

Engaging, fun, community-based programmin in a safe environment - what neighborhood doesn't need that?

Categories:

 

• Middletown

Tags:

 

• Macdonough School,
 
• middletown.,
 
• North End Action Team,
 
• XO Computers

Reprinted with permission by the Hartford Courant

North End Voters

District 1 Raw Data

1228/1735 registered voters voted- way more than ANY of the poll workers could remember.
70.8% of registered voters (turn out in this district is sometimes as low as 20%)
Referenda
1 Yes: 355 NO: 719
2. YES 768 NO: 292
3. YES 603 NO: 327
4. YES 773 NO 193
5. YES 760 NO 325
PresidentMcCain 207 Obama 986 Nader 30
3rd CongressionalDeLauro 944 Itshaky 119 Ferrucci 56
9th State SenateCapenera 279 Doyle 816
33rd State Leg.Serra 831 Johnson 280
RegistrarGionfriddo 217 Faracci 815

Great Day at the Polls

It was an amazing day at District 1's only polling place, Macdonough School. The entire North End votes here, and the turn out was awesome. Many groups, including NEAT's own youth leadership group, the Teen Dreams Society were registering North End voters and apparently voter registrations were up this year from 1200 to over 1700. At 5:00pm when I left, over 1000 people had voted, with three hours to go!

I was helping to man a table for NEAT that offered info about how to vote, and who the candidates are, among other things. It was so inspiring to see the number of people that were first time voters, coming out to make their voice heard.

People were leaving the school with tears in their eyes, moved by this election and the possibilites that lie ahead.
I'll keep you posted at 8:00 and we'll see what happens here....May the best man win!

NEAT provides students with free laptops

By SLOAN BREWSTER, Press staff

(reprinted with permission from the Middletown Press)

MIDDLETOWN — It may sound like a dream, but a delivery of free XO laptops for Macdonough School was actually quite real.

Now, children can delightfully study, learn and play on the dust-, wind- and water-proof computers with rubber keyboards. They even get to bring them home.

Wednesday afternoon, students in an after-school computer club took advantage of the laptops, which they came by via the One Laptop Per Child program and the kind heart of North End Action Team Executive Director Izzi Greenberg.

Most folks who know Greenberg speak of how she can’t avoid doing whatever it takes to improve the North End and, specifically, its school — Macdonough. That’s why when she came upon the opportunity to get laptops for the school, she jumped on it.

The story of how the idea was born was a bit convoluted and involved a woman whom Greenberg said has "disappeared." Ultimately, the woman helped Greenberg get connected with One Laptop Per Child and laptop.org. After some footwork, the mail just started coming.

"We just started getting donations," Greenberg said. "We just started getting computers sent to us … people just started sending us computers."

In truth, the computers Greenberg and NEAT supplied to the school are gently used.

XOs are not available for individual sale. They must be purchased in pairs — one for the buyer and one for a child in a third world country — but people who no longer need the XOs can sell them on eBay or donate them to children in need.

Between donations, which allowed NEAT to buy laptops on eBay, and donated computers that have arrived through the mail, the elementary school has been given 15. Greenberg wants more, however.

"The goal ultimately is to have one of these for every kid in the school," she said.

At this time, 24 children are divided into two groups and alternate weeks they use the laptops in their after-school program. Once a week, a child may take one home.

"The sense I’ve gotten is these things are such a good learning tool," Greenberg said.

Children can go online or chat computer to computer. They can create their own programs, read books, make videos and enjoy a variety of uses for the computers.

Fourth-grader Kimberly Chambers likes the program TamTam, which allows children to write music. "You can make music on there," she said happily. "That’s my favorite."

"If you had 10 kids with their computers you could have each one of them program their unique sound," Greenberg said. "And they’d be an orchestra."

Since the XOs are available mostly for children in third world countries, they have not been used in many communities in the United States. In fact, Middletown is one of two cities in the country to get them, Greenberg said. Birmingham, Ala., is purchasing the laptops for all children in its school district.

"So the cool thing is we are one of the first communities to get these," Greenberg said.

While that makes for good news, it also means there is no model to follow, and Greenberg and the school are basically winging it and learning as they go.

Fourth-grade teacher Sarah Claffey and third-grade teacher Teresa Morallo run the computer club and help students figure out how to use the laptops.

"We’re still learning," Claffey said.

Children write stories in a journal on the laptop, learn vocabulary through a Web site called freerice.com and have access to multiple books they can read on the small computer screen, Claffey said.

"I think that the fact that it’s a computer and it’s technology … its motivation," she said. "It gets them motivated to read. I have kids that tell me they don’t have books at home … This changes that."

Morello taught a group of students during a meeting of the computer club.

"Now you need to find a circle," she advised students following her lead. "There is a green circle and you’re going to click on it … "

After some guidance, students wandered off to sit alone or in groups to work. There was laughter and seeming creativity going around the classroom where students talked of making videos and teased one another on their performances.

Greenberg hopes the rest of the city will want to follow Macdonough’s lead.

Students from the "generally under-served" neighborhoods of the North End are now bringing home computers and therefore can teach their parents about technology.

"The kid comes home and says, look I learned how to make a program,," Greenberg said.

"And you’ve changed that whole dynamic from insecurity to empowerment."

Nov. 4th...Get Out And VOTE!!

Next week is a very important election. We will be deciding who is our next president and who represents us in State Senate and the State House of Representatives. Nationally, this is a historic election and locally, we are chosing people who will really affect our day to day life. I urge you all to get out and vote!! IF you have any questions about candidates, how to use the voting machines, reforendum questions or anything else, please contact the NEAT office. I'll send this out again next week as the election draws nearer.

As part of the North End votes campaign, we need volunteers this week to help out. If you can help with any of the following activities, please contact the NEAT office to sign up. A neighborhood that votes is empowered!!

We need people to:

1) Make phone calls to registered North End voters reminding them to vote. NEAT has a phone list and you could make calls from your home or from the NEAT office. You could do as many or as few as you are able

2) take a shift at Macdonough School (the North End's only polling place) to hand out "North End Votes" stickers and to answer questions (don't worry, we'll give you cheat sheets!)

3) offer to walk or drive your neighbors to the polls, or call NEAT if you know of a neighbor who needs a ride.

PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP. THIS ELECTION IS CRITICAL.

Also on the ballot are important reforendum questions. They are confusing, I know, so please contact NEAT if you do not understand the question or its implications, or if you need more information.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT QUESTIONS

• Shall there be a Constitutional Convention to amend or revise the Constitution of the State?

• Shall the constitution of the state be amended to permit any person who will have attained the age of eighteen years on or before the day of a regular election to vote in the primary for such regular election?

MIDDLETOWN

• Shall the revisions to the City Charter be approved?

• Shall the proposed corrections to the Charter regarding grammar, spelling, terminology, consistency, and other corrections of a technical nature, be approved?

• Shall the $4.5 million appropriation and bond issuance authorization for city water and sewer improvements consisting of 1) Westfield Service Area Water Pressure Enhancement, 2) Route 66 Water and Sewer installation, 3) Well Field Planning, 4) Equipment and Material Purchases, as adopted by the Common Council, be approved?

Presidential Candidates on the CT Ballot
*John S. McCain, III - President
(Republican, Conservative Party of New York , Independence Party of New York)
*Ralph Nader - President
(No Party Affiliation, Independent, Write-In, Natural Law Party, Alaskan Independence, Ecology Party of
Florida, New Mexico Independent Party, Nominated by Petition, Nomination by other than Primary, Peace, Populist)
*Barack H. Obama, Jr. - President
(Democratic, Democratic/Farmer/Labor, Democratic-NPL, Working Families Party of New York)

Congressional
Rosa L. DeLauro - U.S. House
District 3 (Democratic, Working Families)
Ralph A. Ferrucci - U.S. House
District 3 (Green Party)
Bo Itshaky - U.S. House
District 3 (Republican)

State Legislative
Catherine M. Johnson - State House
District 33 (Republican)
Joseph C. Serra - State House
District 33 (Democratic, Working Families)
Ralph Capenera - State Senate
District 9 (Republican)
Paul R. Doyle - State Senate
District 9 (Democratic)

YMCA Scholarships for North End Kids

The Middlesex YMCA has offered NEAT scholarships for swim classes for kids 6 mos. to 12 years. If your child would enjoy participating, please call NEAT for more details. 860-346-4845.

NEAT Elections

NEAT held elections on October 8th and we now have 10 new board members and some new officers. Congratulations to Ed Corvo, NEAT's new president and Mandy Sickle-Smith, NEAT's new Vice President. 50% of the board was also elected. Congratulations to the Newly elected Advisory Board including: Deirdre Lanham, Tyechea Hunden, Cynthia Spivey, Tina Brown, Marilyn Dunkley, Bobbye Knoll, Steven Kovach, Dominick Grant and Lydia Brewster.

Letter to NEAT Members from Councilman Faulkner

Ms. Greenberg,

I'd like to thank you and the members of NEAT for inviting me to participate in the panel discussion. As a Councilman, I rely on the citizens for input on a wide range of issues I am called upon to vote on and make decisions. Feel free to contact me anytime for your events and especially in the area of Youth development where I have years of experience in programming.

Since we spent a lot of time on Politics, I want to at share my recommendations on opportunities for citizen participation.

* Finding and Contacting political leadership - Email or Snail mail, an elected official is always available for contact. DON'T use it to gripe, but OFFER your ideas for solutions on issues or to Alert them to things that may not be visible to them. THERE ARE public computers available in the Library!
* Write Letters to Newspapers - Every news outlet (including Blogs online) accepts letters to be published by citizens. Some even have Awards for most effective writers. Use this access to constructively highlight issues of concern so others can see and join your cause; maybe even find you're not alone. You can also propose solutions there as well as ask questions.
* Participate in Boards & Commissions - you can join these as members or ATTEND them (their meetings are open to the public). The Public is allowed to speak on a limited basis, but the opportunity is there.
* Join a Political Party - the US uses a Party system, joining a Party (or visiting their monthly meetings) can give you an idea how things work at the grass roots level. You can also gain (informal) access to elected officials.

Just a few ideas to pass along, but to be honest, you have good leadership in NEAT who implore these options and can reinforce them. Thanks again for the honor and I look forward to seeing you all, often!

Grady Faulkner Jr.

New Laptops at Macdonough School

A few weeks ago a bunch of new laptop computers were delivered to Macdonough School. The laptops are spillproof, dustproof and drop-proof. They weigh just three pounds and have an incredible assortment of capabilities. And they were free.

Thanks to the North End Action Team (NEAT), Macdonough School's students have access to one of the newest and hottest educational tools on the market, the XO laptop computer. It’s an effort by One Laptop Per Child to develop a low-cost, high-potential computer for educationally underserved children.

For those who may be fooled by their appearance, be assured that these computers are no toys! They have a built in video camera, word processor, calculator, PDF textbook reader, a few games, music programs, a painting application, a chat program, and yes, they can access the internet too!

Two of Macdonough's teachers have taken on the challenge of introducing the XO laptops in an after school program for the school's third, four, and fifth grade students. Sarah Claffey and Teresa Morello have been providing an overview of the laptops to get children started. Once oriented, the students have the option of taking the computers home for a few days to share new learning with their families. The laptops are also making their way into classrooms to support a variety of learning activities.

About two dozen computers have been donated to NEAT to date, although Izzi Greenberg, NEAT’s Executive Director, is actively seeking donations through the One Laptop Per Child Foundation. For more information, please contact NEAT at 346-4845.

New Computers at Macdonough!

A few weeks ago a bunch of new laptop computers were delivered to Macdonough School. The laptops are spillproof, dustproof and drop-proof. They weigh just three pounds and have an incredible assortment of capabilities. And they were free.
Thanks to the North End Action Team (NEAT), Macdonough School's students have access to one of the newest and hottest educational tools on the market, the XO laptop computer. It’s an effort by One Laptop Per Child to develop a low-cost, high-potential computer for educationally underserved children.
For those who may be fooled by their appearance, be assured that these computers are no toys! They have a built in video camera, word processor, calculator, PDF textbook reader, a few games, music programs, a painting application, a chat program, and yes, they can access the internet too!
Two of Macdonough's teachers have taken on the challenge of introducing the XO laptops in an after school program for the school's third, four, and fifth grade students. Sarah Claffey and Teresa Morello have been providing an overview of the laptops to get children started. Once oriented, the students have the option of taking the computers home for a few days to share new learning with their families. The laptops are also making their way into classrooms to support a variety of learning activities.
About two dozen computers have been donated to NEAT to date, although Izzi Greenberg, NEAT’s Executive Director, is actively seeking donations through the One Laptop Per Child Foundation. For more information, please contact NEAT at 346-4845.

North End Vintage

MIDDLETOWN - Sandy Fernandes was cruising Craigslist one day when she came across a sales listing for a wardrobe's worth of vintage clothing. Inspired, she called her sister Debbie, a former fashion merchandising student living in New York.

After looking at the items on the online-classifieds site, the sisters went to see the clothing in person.

"We took a look at it and loved it," Sandy said. "We said, 'Why don't we open up a store?'"

Fast forward one year.

Sisters and business partners Sandy, 25, and Debbie Fernandes, 23, opened the doors Tuesday to Desa Vintage.

"I think we had the entrepreneurial gene," Sandy said.

Desa Vintage specializes in women's apparel and accessories as well as some men's apparel. Blouses start at $8, the average dress is about $24 and jackets run $54 and up.

Debby and Sandy select the pieces at estate sales, flea markets, antique stores, thrift stores and consignment shops, sifting through for "keepers," Sandy said.

"We try to ask ourselves if we would wear it," she said.

The Main Street boutique sells unique pieces in good condition, Sandy and Debbie said.

"You're going to be the only one wearing it," Debbie said. "You won't find it anywhere around here."

Everything is dry cleaned before it is put in the store.

"Being from New York, I have shopped at a lot of vintage clothing stores," Debbie said. "I wanted something that didn't smell like it was grandma's basement."

Sandy also wanted to make sure Desa Vintage had a boutique feel.

"We didn't want to be considered a more upscale Salvation Army."

When Debby and Sandy decided to go into business together, they were looking at retail space in towns such as West Hartford and Avon, but Middletown had more of the downtown appeal they were looking for.

"We were looking for something that was more up and coming," Sandy said.

"The other towns we were looking at were more cookie-cutter," Debbie said. "You need a more eclectic mix of people."

A more liberal demographic that includes the student population at Wesleyan University seemed like a fit.

"I think Wesleyan students are our target market," Debbie said. "They want something different - not something everyone is wearing.

Desa Vintage is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The boutique is closed Mondays.

Sandy and Debbie decided to stay open Sundays because of the student foot traffic downtown.

"Through the renovations, we noticed that a lot of students would walk by to go to the diner," Debbie said. "I think because students aren't in class, they're walking around."

Sandy and Debbie have had a great deal of support from their families as they got the store ready for Tuesday's opening.

Their brother, Brian, built the fitting room, and their father hung clothing racks and made a radiator cover that doubles as a display area for jewelry.

"We have a lot of help from our family," Debbie said. "Everything in here is thanks to one of them."

Desa Vintage is at 534 Main St. in Middletown. For information, call (860) 704-0870.
Printed with permission by the Middletown Press.

Macdonough School's Free Book Fridays

Thanks to the generous donations of area residents, "Free Book Friday" is back again this year at Macdonough School.

A few Fridays each month, every student at Macdonough School has the opportunity to select a gently used book to bring home to read. The books are theirs to keep! The Free Book Friday program is part of a school-wide initiative to promote literacy at home.

Anyone looking to make a donation of gently used children’s books for the Free Book Friday program, can contact the school at 347-8553.

League of Women Voters Candidates Forum

The Greater Middletown League of Women Voters is sponsoring a candidates forum on Tuesday, October 21st, at 7:00 PM, in the Council Chambers of Middletown City Hall. Members of the audience can submit written questions to the candidates, on index cards available that night. Candidates will each give two minutes of remarks and then have a minute to answer each question from the audience. Candidates include:

State Senate Districts (incumbents first):
9 - Paul Doyle (D), Ralph Capenera (R)
13 - Thomas Gaffey (D), Tim Lenox (R)

State Representative Districts (Incumbents first):
32 - James O'Rourke (D), Scott Adamsons (R)
33 - Joseph Serra (D), Catherine Johnson (R)
34 - Gail Hamm (D), David Bauer (R)
100 - Raymond Kalinowski (R), Matthew Lesser (D)

This is a good chance to get informed!

Democracy Forum in ITowns

Upcoming events offer info on political peeps and process
By
Melissa Pionzio
on October 2, 2008 5:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you are unsure of what politicians represent you in the Middletown area or what their political views and platforms are, let me tell you about two upcoming events that will enable you to meet those individuals who are running for office in the upcoming election, hear first-hand what they have to say, ask them a question or two and maybe learn a few useful things about the political process.

The first is a Political Forum hosted by the North End Action Team on Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Green Street Arts Center on Green Street. The event is part of NEAT's voter registration campaign.

Izzi Greenburg, executive director of NEAT, told me the featured panelists will include State Senator Paul Doyle, Common Counselor, Grady Faulkner, Rich Lion,of the CT Libertarian Party and Ken Hiscoe, former district director for Nancy Johnson. Mayor Giuliano will give opening remarks.

"The goal is to educate people about the political process and help them understand why civic engagement is important for everyday people,"Izzi said. "It is important that residents know who they are voting for and why."

The forum, she said, will not be a debate, but a conversation about civic engagement and the political process. But the part I like the most is the way NEAT is getting local kids involved. Their Teen Dreams Society, which is a youth leadership program, will be doing voter registration and help to moderate.

Perhaps there are a few future politicians or civic leaders in the making here?

North End Businesses in ITowns

Middletown's north end biz looking good
By
Melissa Pionzio

on October 1, 2008 5:53 PM |

It is nice to see the sprucing up that has been going on around Main Street and Rapallo Avenue in Middletown.

The North End Action Team (NEAT) headquarters, located in storefront space on the corner of Main in Rapallo, looks impressive with a new sign and bright blue paint job, and just today I watched as Middletown resident Pedro Barrio, a self-employed painter and carpenter, put a few final strokes of paint on the front of the Realto Cafe.

Here too, the color is bright blue with white trim. Is there a theme catching on in the north end with this bold blue color? On the door of the cafe, a hand written sign read, neat attire only and included a posting of coming events being offered there.

Pedro, who paused to admire his work every now and then, told me he has been working on a few improvements to the building, which has apartments upstairs. That portion of the building also looks as though it has had a face lift with mod looking, creamy stucco-like finish.

"I try to help him out," Pedro said of the Realto's permittee Carlton McCalla. "I did some painting inside, put up some sheet rock and did a porch in back."

Keep up the good work northenders!

ODDFELLOWS PLAYHOUSE NEIGHBORHOOD TROUPES

Oddfellows Playhouse Troupes Program is a FREE arts-based after school program for neighborhood families. Our bus will provide pick-up and drop-off to most locations in the North End.

North End Junior Troupe: (10-14 years) Wednesdays and Fridays 4:30-5:45

North End Tiny Troupe: (5-9 years)Mondays and Fridays 4:30-5:45

To register for the North End Troupe or for more information- Contact Bobbye at Oddfellows 347-6143

Visit www.oddfellows.org for additional information, or simple call 860-347-6143.  Transportation is available to and from the Playhouse.                         

NEAT Slate for Elections

For your information, this is the list of people that will be presented for the advisory board and will be voted upon at NEAT's Democracy Forum:
Ed Corvo
Mandy Sickle- Smith
Deirdre Lanham
Tyechea Hunden
Cynthia Spivey
Tina Brown
Marilyn Dunkley
Bobbye Knoll
Steven Kovach
Dominick Grant
Lydia Brewster

BUILDING COMPUTER BASICS Classes

Thursdays in October, NEAT will be hosting another Building Computer Basics class, this time, with an emphasis on the types of programs that are common for home and office use.  If you want to make a family budget, make a resume, write a thank you note, but are unsure how, this is a great class to get you started on using the very common Microsoft Office programs.  These classes run Thursdays in October. 

All classes are free and open to everyone. Childcare will be provided, but please let us know in advance if you need it.  Please call the NEAT office (346-4845) to register or email to neat@neatmiddletown.org

All classes will be held at the Green Street Arts Center.  These "Art of Living" classes are run in partnership with the Green Street Arts Center, with Support from Liberty Bank and funding from the Bank of America. 

NEAT Democracy Forum Tomorrow

On Wednesday, October 8th at 6:30pm at the Green Street Arts Center, The North End Action Team and its youth leadership group, the Teen Dreams Society, will be hosting a Democracy Forum, featuring panelists State Senator Paul Doyle, Common Counselor, Grady Faulkner, Rich Lion,of the CT Libertarian Party and Ken Hiscoe, who was the District Director for Nancy Johnson. The forum is open to the public, and the goal is to educate you about the political process and understand why civic engagement is important for everyday people. This is part of NEAT's broader voter registration campaign, and hope to not only increase voter registration and participation, but also help people understand their role in the political process and demystify the roles of politicians. It is important that residents know who they are voting for and why. That said, this is not a debate. It is a conversation about civic engagement and the political process. Save the Date!!

Also, NEAT will be holding elections at this monthly meeting. It is time to elect new officers and a new advisory board. Please come and VOTE!

Childcare will be provided and there will be pizza for the kids.

"Help is Here Express" Perscription Bus Tuesday

DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?

If you are uninsured or struggling, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance may be able to help. Come find out if you may qualify for one or more of 475 patient assistance programs, many of which offer free or nearly free prescription medicines for those in need. There's a fast, free and convenient way to see if you may qualify… The "Help Is Here Express” is Coming! Tuesday, October 7th 10:00 am to 12:00 pm In front of the North End Action Team’s Office 668 Main Street, Middletown.

The “Help is Here Express” is equipped with computer terminals and phones so people can find out (for free) if they may be eligible for help. Trained specialists will be on board to make sure the process is quick and easy.

Call NEAT for more information at 346-4845 neat@neatmiddletown.org

*Bring a list of your prescriptions with you Sponsored by America’s Pharmaceutical Research Companies and the North End Action Team

SCHOOLS SUPPORT COMMITTEE

The Schools Committee is a place where we can work together to make positive changes for North End families with in Middletown Schools. Come discuss any problems that you and your family may have with your school and the school experience with other families just like you.

As a committee we will:
• Create a place to share your experiences and find out what the education issues are for North End families
• Attend Middletown Board of Education Meetings to be sure we are up to date about BOE issues and show that we want to be involved with policy decisions
• Support local allies with in the schools, including teachers, community advocates, and Board of Education members who advocate for positive policies for North End parents
• Work to find real solutions to these issues and advocate for ourselves, our families, and our neighborhood so necessary changes are made and our solution can be successful
• Join and support your school’s PTA.

If you are interested in better education and better school experiences for North End families, please sign up for this committee. For more information or to sign up, call the NEAT office at 346-4845 or email Alicia at alicia.mcavay@neatmiddletown.or

MENTORING PROGRAM

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 give me a call.  Your child would meet with her/her mentee for one hour a week.  This program has been amazing for many North End kids and students alike.  Please call NEAT if you're interested.  346-4845

Oct Board of Education Meeting

The October Board of Education Meeting will now be on October 21st, rescheduled from October 14th, at 7pm at Middletown High School. NEAT's Schools Committee will be attending and we are looking for others to join us. It is important that the Board of Education see our commitment to ensuring a positive public education experience for North End Families. We will set up a car pool for those that are interested that will leave from the NEAT office (668 Main St) at 6:45pm. Please call Alicia at the NEAT office (346-4845) with any interests or questions.

NEAT Schools Committee Meeting Wed 7pm

The NEAT Schools Committee will meet Wednesday Oct 1st at 7pm at the NEAT Office (668 Main St).  Sheila Daniels from the Middletown Board Of Education will be coming to meet with us and discuss how we can have open communication with the Board Of Education about the North End educational experience.  

We will have an open discussion time for fifteen minutes before and fifteen minutes after meeting with her to discuss any new issues.

This will be a great opportunity to start a relationship with the Board of Education and help ensure the success of our committee.

NEAT Holds Elections

It's time for NEAT to hold its annual elections.  Come to the October 8th NEAT meeting (6:30 at the Green Street Arts Center) and cast your ballot.  We will be electing officers and board members.  If you would like to nominate yourself or others, please contact NEAT at 346-4845 or email neat@neatmiddletown.org.

In addition to elections, this meeting will be a workshop about elections.  NEAT will be hosting a political forum, with a panel that includes State Senator Paul Doyle and Councilman Grady Faulkner, among others.  

Come to vote, or just come to learn about the political process and why you should care who represents you.  

The Teen Dreams Society, NEAT's youth leadership club, will also be running a voter registration booth at this meeting, so if you're not already registered, this is your chance.

Well Worth Saving...

It's been a whirlwind year for Macdonough Elementary School, the North End's main school for K-5. Earlier this year, budget problems faced the school board, and teachers, parents and neighborhood leaders fought successfully to keep the school open. Now, we have more cause to celebrate.

ConnCAN, a non-profit organization, and leader in the field of education has named Macdonough to be the third most improved schools in the state. The 2008 CMT scores showed an average of 21% increase in students "at goal" across the board. Also, ConnCAN highlights 10 schools state-wide as "success stories", with a video and spotlight on their website, and Macdonough was chosen for this honor, as well. The video will be filmed in the coming weekse.

Just a few years ago, Macdonough struggled to keep pace within the district. Now, it is in line with the district and state averages in math and reading and exceeds them in writing. The school has new leadership, dedicated teachers and a community that believes it can succeed. 

Congratulations to Teachers, Staff, Students, Parents and community members for proving that this school is well worth saving. 

MHS Voting Reforendum: Sept 23

A message for MHS PTA Co-President Yvette Henley
Just in case you haven’t heard, voting on an MHS referendum will be held on Tuesday, September 23. Passage of this referendum is absolutely critical to the success of the high school construction project and our city, overall. Passage has NO IMPACT on taxpayers. The increase in the project cost ceiling is needed to allow for over $1.3M in grants awarded to the project by the CT Clean Energy Fund and CT Innovations (Fuel Cell) and state legislature (Area of Assembly Generator) to be spent. Passage also changes the bond language to allow for other potential grants to be accepted. At present, these additional funds can not increase the bonding for the project and, therefore, will result in work to stop on demolition of Woodrow Wilson Middle School and construction of the new high school athletic fields. Again, a yes vote will not change the cost to taxpayers.
Unfortunately, there is currently misinformation, confusion and apathy related to this referendum. Parents of children in the school system need to understand the importance of participating in this vote on Sept 23. Voting will be held at Moody School , City Hall and South Fire from 12 to 8pm.

Dist. 1 MacDonough School will vote at City Hall, 245 deKoven Drive.

Voter Registration Bus Stops

As a very important election nears, the Teen Dreams Society is looking for more places to register North End residents. If you have any suggestions, we'd love to hear them. You can call the NEAT office (346-4845) or email alicia.mcavay@neatmiddletown.org with your ideas.

If you not registered, or would like to volunteer to register people in your neighborhood, please don't hestitate to call!

Moody PTA Meeting Recap

A group of Moody parents and grandparents from NEAT's new Schools Committee attended the school's first PTA on Tuesday night. We found many opportunities for Moody families to be involved, including baking something for the election day bake sale and volunteering at the fall book fair in October. Volunteer shifts can be as short as two hours and if there is interest, NEAT School's Committee could organize a group to do it together. The PTA is working hard to make sure Moody students can go on field trips, have extra supplies in the classroom, and some extra activities to make the year more fun. It would be great for us to help out in anyway we can.

Parents also brought up concerns about the lack of communication about the new lunch policy and no introduction letter from the new principal. Moody parents should expect two letters home addressing these things very soon.

We have also heard many different concerns about the buses. NEAT has requested a copy of the district bus policy and will have it available on this blog and at our office. If you have concerns, please look at the policy. We can discuss any further concerns at the Schools Committee meetings, the first Wednesday of each month.

Thanks to those people who came to the meeting. It was great representation from the North End.

Arts Explorers Program At Oddfellows Playhouse

Oddfellows Playhouse with collaboration with the Middletown Youth Services Bureau is forming a unique program called Arts Explorers. Art Explorers is a program blending intensive arts training with job readiness skills for students enrolled at Woodrow Wilson Middle School during the 2008-2008 school year. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about as well as "specialize" in three areas of artistic exploration (literary, performance, and visual arts). Working with professional mentor artists, by the end of the program students will have created and publicly released original work of art, from a new play, to a art gallery, to a literary magazine, or anything a mind can imagine!



Anyone willing to participate will receive a stipend for their work, PARTICIPATION IS LIMITED TO 24 STUDENTS so register early! Participants will commit to the program which will last for the school year and with meetings being held once weekly from 1-1/2-2 hours per week. All skills are encouraged to join and are welcome!

Here are some benefits of the program..

Make some money!

Have fun!

Make new friends!

Learn new skills!

Transportation is provided!

For more information contact:

Jeffrey Allen
Oddfellows Playhouse
128 Washington St.
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: 860-347-6143
Email:Jeffrey@oddfellows.org


Program is expected to begin in October!!!

Hiking Trip Part 2

The mountain we climbed was Mt Monadnock, which is, according to Bill Warner, the second most climbed mountain in the country. It was a very challenging climb and some of us felt the accomplishment for many days...with both mind and body receiving benefits. No moose sightings this year but Izzi, Rachel, and Katya's cooking sure tasted good when we got back to the AMC lodge. Outhouse humor was in full force and in keeping with the traditions of the NEAT Hiking Club. Wisely NEAT staff withheld the details of plumbing deficits from Shaniece, hoping to surprise her with the excitement of her first outhouse experience until arrival at the lodge. Shawn forgot to share that he was the first to take the polar plunge. His example set the bar for the rest of the, not to be outdone, North End thrill seekers including a relay team that would make Michael Phelps proud.

The NEAT Hiking Club is paid for a grant from the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Prevention Council. Many thanks for their continued support.

Moody PTA Meeting tonight! at 7pm

Moody's PTA will have their school year kick off meeting on Tuesday Sept 16th at 7pm. We strongly encourage North End parents to be involved with the PTA. The more representation we have, the better we can make the school for North End students. If there is interest we will set up a carpool and ride share through NEAT. Please call the NEAT office for more information (346-4845) or email alicia.mcavay@neatmiddletown.org

September NEAT Meeting

September's NEAT Meeting was really great and we covered a lot.

Sadly, our President Cookie Quinones announced her resignation last night. She has served with us for four years and helped us accomplish so much. She is now busy with so many positive things in her life that we will be seeing her now as NEAT member instead of as the President. Thank you so much for your service, Cookie.

As we've written about on previous blogs, the transfer of Donovan Park, or MacDonough School's playground, to the Board of Ed has been approved. The final approval needs to be made by the Common Council before it is official. NEAT members were a large part of the process to make this change (see blogs "Problems In Donovan Park" and Donovan Park update for more information). It would be great if we could see this all the way through by going to the Common Council Meeting in support of the transferring the park. We will let everyone know when that meeting will be.

It's time to elect NEAT officers and board members and we are looking for a nominating committee. This is a quick and easy committee to join. If you'd like to help with the nominations or have ideas of who might make a good board member, call the NEAT office (346-4845)or email izzi.greenberg@neatmiddletown.org to sign up.

The 2008 election is coming up quickly and it is VERY important that North End residents vote. We will be holding voter registration drives around the North End in the next few weeks. If you are not registered, please come by the NEAT office or one of our registration tables (look for the Teen Dreams Society) and we will help you to register and give you some information about how to vote and where to vote. Anyone interested in helping register people in your neighborhood, please call the NEAT office or email alicia.mcavay@neatmiddletown.org.

NEAT will be hosting a democracy forum at the next NEAT meeting on October 15th. We will be discussing how voting effects you, your family, and your neighborhood. We are still in the planning process, so if you have any ideas, please feel free to share them with us, call the office or email izzi.greenberg@neatmiddletown.org.

The NEAT Schools Committee formed at the last meeting and we are looking for more members. The committee will come together to talk about the school experience for North End families. We will discuss issues within the schools for North End parents, attend Board of Education Meetings, PTA meetings, and work to support local allies within Middletown's schools. For more information or to join call NEAT or email alicia.mcavay@neatmiddletown.org.

Thanks to everyone who was a part of last night's meeting. We had some great participation and great ideas. See you all next month.

NEAT's Schools Committee

The Schools Committee is a place where we can work together to make positive changes for North End families with in Middletown Schools. Come discuss any problems that you and your family may have with your school and the school experience with other families just like you.

As a committee we will:

• Create a place to share your experiences and find out what the education issues are for North End families

• Attend Middletown Board of Education Meetings to be sure we are up to date about BOE issues and show that we want to be involved with policy decisions

• Support local allies with in the schools, including teachers, community advocates, and Board of Education members who advocate for positive policies for North End parents

• Work to find real solutions to these issues and advocate for ourselves, our families, and our neighborhood so necessary changes are made and our solution can be successful


• Join and support your school’s PTA.


If you are interested in better education and better school experiences for North End families, please sign up for this committee. For more information or to sign up, call the NEAT office at 346-4845 or email Alicia at alicia.mcavay@neatmiddletown.org.

ODDFELLOWS PLAYHOUSE FINANCIAL AID

Oddfellows Playhouse has additional financial aid and scholarship slots for fall classes, so this is a great chance to try out something new or take a class you've been holding off on. Spaces are available for classes in all three age levels, but are going fast. You can call the Playhouse at 860-347-6143 to register.

Stage 1 (ages 6-8)

Stage 2 (ages 9-11)

Stage 3 (ages 12-14)

Teen Rep (ages 14-19) in High School or recent graduate

There are still spots available in the toddler/pre-schooler classes, but financial aid is more limited.

Also, the North End Troupes are starting up soon. This is open to kids of many ages and is FREE! The North End Troupe meet twice a week. Snack is provided.

Visit www.oddfellows.org for additional information, or simple call 860-347-6143. Transportation is available to and from the Playhouse.

Moody PTA Meeting Tues 16th

Moody's PTA will have their school year kick off meeting on Tuesday Sept 16th at 7pm. We strongly encourage North End parents to be involved with the PTA. The more representation we have, the better we can make the school for North End students. If there is interest we will set up a carpool and ride share through NEAT. Please call the NEAT office for more information (346-4845) or email alicia.mcavay@neatmiddletown.org

My Hike to Mount Menadanock By Shawn Grimes

On August 23, 24, and 25, 2008 10 adults 14 kids and 2 young children went to Russell Massachusetts to go hiking at Mount Menadanock. We all stayed in a cabin in a camp called Noble View. The first day we got there everyone helped to unpack all the supplies for our three day stay. We then went hiking to a gorgeous swimming hole where the water was crystal clear and ice cold. There was also a pretty waterfall. We then hiked back to the cabin where we were staying. The next morning every one woke up at 7:00 A.M to get ready go hiking. We all got in the car and made our way up to Mount Menadanock. The hike took five hours and the view was amazing. We went back to our camp and ate supper and played some games. Then on Monday morning we got all packed up and hit the road back for Connecticut. I was really lucky to go because they only choose a limited number of people. So if you get the chance to go on the three day hike you should come because it is really fun.

The NEAT Hiking Club is paid for a grant from the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Prevention Council. Many thanks for their continued support.

MacDonough PTA Meeting Sept 11th

The MacDonugh PTA will be meeting tomorrow, Thursday Sept 11, at 3:30 in the school's library. If you are a MacDonough parent, this a great time to join the PTA and help us make this a great year. We strongly encourage new members to come by and want to get as many parents involved as possible. Please call the NEAT office (346-4845) or MacDonough School (347-8553) with any questions and to find out how you can volunteer with the PTA.

Register to Vote!

We're inching up to the 2008 election and many North End residents are not yet registered to vote. I can't stress enough how important voting is for a neighborhood like ours. So, we're launching a voter registration campaign. Our teen leadership group, the Teen Dreams Society, will be doing voter registration drives and, along with other NEAT members, intend to hold a political forum in October.

In the meantime, are you registered to vote? Are you confused about the registration process? Do you have a criminal record and don't think you can vote? You may be wrong. Please contact the NEAT office if you would like help registering to vote or would like more information about the process.

If you're interesting in helping with NEAT's North End Votes campaign, please email izzi.greenberg@neatmiddletown.org or call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845.

Building Computer Basics

In October, NEAT will be hosting another Building Computer Basics class, this time, with an emphasis on the types of programs that are common for home and office use. If you want to make a family budget, make a resume, write a thank you note, but are unsure how, this is a great class to get you started on using the very common Microsoft Office programs. These classes run Thursdays in October.

All classes will be held at the Green Street Arts Center. These "Art of Living" classes are run in partnership with the Green Street Arts Center, with Support from Liberty Bank and funding from the Bank of America.

All classes are free and open to everyone. Childcare will be provided, but please let us know in advance if you need it. Please call the NEAT office (346-4845) to register or email to neat@neatmiddletown.org

Teen Dreams Update

The Teen Dreams Society held it's second voter registration drive at Macdonough's Back to School Bash and it was a great success. The group has now registered 30 North End residents to vote, getting closer to a goal of at least 60 new North End voters. Don't worry if you missed us, we will be set up all around the North End at different times before the election and will be happy to help you register and get to know more about voting and how it really does matter for you and your family.

If you have any questions about registering to vote, how or where to vote, or just want to register and you're afraid you'll miss us, give Izzi or Alicia a call at the NEAT office at 346-4845 or email neat@middletown.org.

Amazing Grace Food Pantry needs your help

The supply of food at Amazing Grace is very, very low. Late summer is always difficult at the pantry, but the situation this year is dire.

Kathleen Kelly, coordinator at Amazing Grace, is buying many cases of food at local grocery stores just to keep a cross section of nutritious items on the shelves for our shoppers. And she tells us that many more people are coming in asking for help – most talking about how hard they are working trying to make ends meet.

We appreciate all you do to keep the shelves stocked, but if you are able to help out with these specific items, it would be greatly appreciated. Please pass this appeal on to others who might be willing to donate, or distribute it through your e-mail or print networks – friends, co-workers, faith communities, clubs, etc.

Here is what is most in need:
SOUP & PASTA SAUCE top the list
CANNED FRUIT
CANNED BEANS (any kind except baked beans)
CEREAL (any kind except Corn Flakes)
PASTA (any kind except elbows)
SIDE DISHES (boxed potatoes, hamburger helper, rice dishes, etc.)
JUICES
at the bottom of the list is BAKING MIXES (cakes, brownies, etc.)

The usual drop-off times are noon - 4pm, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays - at the pantry, 139 Main St. Ext., Middletown. Volunteers are often at Amazing Grace at other times, so call 860-347-3222 if you need to arrange another drop-off time.

Home-ownership Workshops

Do you want to take your first steps toward owning a home? Are you interested in improving your credit to prepare for -? NEAT is hosting another round of Credit Counseling and Home-ownership Workshops in September, running every Thursday at 6:00 pm.

Rosa Carrero from Liberty Bank will present four info sessions designed to help people take the first steps toward buying a home. Topics include credit counseling (Session 1), finding the right home (Session 2), the lending process (Session 3) and understanding Legalities (Session 4). Participants in all four will receive A certificate of completion that meets one eligibility requirement for The City Of Middletown grant and down payment assistance, CHFA and CHFA Down payment assistance programs. If you have taken these classes before and want to brush up, or if you missed a class and want to catch up, please give us a call.

All classes are free and open to everyone. Childcare will be provided, but please let us know in advance if you need it. Please call the NEAT office (346-4845) to register or email to neat@neatmiddletown.org

Back-to School Info

Its that time of year again. The first day of school is Thursday, September 4th but there are a few other dates to remember:

Macdonough: Sept 2: 3:30-4:15 Kindergarten open house, 4:15-5:00 pm, grades 1-5 open house, 5:00-7:00 pm back to school bash. Please come!!

Sept 4, First day of School at 9:05! All students meet on the playground to meet your class. The PTA will be sponsoring a welcome breakfast for new families from 9:05-9:30 am in the Cafeteria, but any parents are welcome to come and help welcome new families. There is a back to school celebration assembly 9:30 am. All families and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend

If you have any questions, please call the school at: 860-347-8553
Also, in case you are looking for them, teachers assignment letters were mailed out today.

Moody School: August 28 Kindergarten Open House for parents at 3:00 pm and for students at 5:45 pm. September 3 Meet and Greet for Grades 1-5 4-5pm.
You can call Moody at 860-347-2561

If you aren't sure which elementary school your child will be attending, please call the curriculum office at 638-1440. You can also always call the NEAT office with other questions and we can help you figure it out. 346-4845.