Farmers Market News of the Week

The North End Farmers Market on Main St. had its first market of the year this past Friday.

There were hundreds of people shopping, eating, chatting with friends and listening to the old-timey sounds of the blugrass jam. The line for fish tostadas was 10 deep for about an hour, and the chefs had to keep running back to the restaurant to restock. The bike rack was full and so were the bellies.

There was amazing fresh produce from six CT farms, incredible fresh baked goods (scone, anyone?) from O'Rourkes Diner and beautiful soaps from our guest vendor, Whey Better Farms.

Click here to see pictures of the Market

This market will come again this Friday from 10-2 in front of It's Only Natural Market. We'll have the same great lineup of farms and breads but this week's guest vendor will be selling handmade hoola hoops. If you've never wiggled with a really good hoop around your waist, come down and try one out. It's really fun.

This week's guest restaurant will be Patty Palace with drinks by Javapalooza.

Guest Vendor July 9:

Crystal Pistritto's Handmade Hoola Hoops

Nutrition Tip of the Week!
Calcium is in more than dairy! Broccoli, kale, turnip greens, and collards are all calcium-rich and thus promote strong bones, teeth, and muscles!

This week's featured restaurant is Patty Palace

Patty Palace will be selling fresh Jamaican Beef Patties and other specialties...to be announced!

What's in season in Connecticut?

Find the full-sized calendar here:USDA Connecticut Grown Crop Availability Calendar

Recipe of the Week Cucumber Soup Great for a hot summer day! Ingredients 2 1/4 cucumbers, peeled and cut into chunks 3 garlic cloves, peeled 1/2 cup plain yogurt, preferably a thicker variety like Brown Cow or any Greek yogurt 1 1/2 teaspoons white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon salt Cracked black pepper 1/2 cup mint 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Procedure Place cucumbers and garlic in food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Add yogurt, vinegar, salt and a few cracks of black pepper and combine. Chop the mint and add. Stir in the olive oil. Chill for at least a half hour. Serves four as a starter. Have a great recipe idea? Send it to Emma at mendele@chc1 to be included in an upcoming newsletter!

This Week's vendors include:

Beckett Farms

The Beckett family started farming in Glastonbury in 1973, when Chip's father bought the Old Cider Mill to keep it from being developed into condominiums after the original condo sale fell thru. Chip worked during off times in college and vet school until 1982, and returned to Glastonbury in 1983 to start his own practice and help out with the farm. In 1985, he bought the farm next door to build the veterinary clinic, Beckett and Associates, and adds the acreage to the Cider Mill property. Originally, we sold most things to the Cider Mill, along with wholesalers in Hartford. We have gradually sold to more stands and added farmer's markets two years ago, when his daughter, Leah, was old enough to drive to the markets. The CSA is the next evolution for our farm, to let people see and share what we do with our productive land and good weather.

Ceccarelli Farm

Ceccarelli Farm is run by Nelson Ceccarelli. The farm runs Farmer's Markets, Farm Stands, and Community Supported Agriculture. They sell to restaurants, grocery stores, school, cafeterias, inns, and personal chefs. Some of the vegetables they have are lettuce, cabbage, corn, eggplant, green beans, corn, summer squash, and tomatoes. They also have a list of recipes located on their website.

Chaplin Farms

Chaplin Farms is a family farm owned and operated by the Rose Family. The owner Stephen Rose is a fourth generation farmer and has been farming for over 20 years. At the farm they grow both traditional and heirloom vegetables. We will have strawberries, blueberries, plums, peaches, nectarines, pears and over 15 varieties of apples including Honey crisp, Macoun and Mutsu.

George Hall Farms

At George Hall Farm, they pride themselves on providing their local community with the freshest, high quality organic and conventionally grown produce. Currently, they have more than 60 acres in production with the majority of the land Certified Organic. Since 1966, they have been using sustainable techniques that are environmentally safe. Almost all of their produce is organic and their other conventional produce is grown with minimal or no pesticides. There produce comes to there members and customers at the height of freshness and nutritional value. They are Certified Organic through the Bay State Organic Certifiers of Massachusetts. They offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, a farm stand on the property, produce at many local Farmer's Markets, eggs and honey, and farming internships.

Gotta's Farm

They are the proud grower's of quality plants, fruits, and vegetables, and fun ornamentals since 1898. Gotta's Farm and Cider Mill is a 4th generation farm established in 1898. They now have two seasonal retail locations -- Gotta's Farm on Rte 17 and the QP Market on Rte 66, both in Portland, CT. They are the proud growers of quality plants, fruits, vegetables and full ornamentals, and they offer strawberries, peaches, apples and pears that you can pick yourself when they are in season. Gotta's Farm maintains a farmstand bakery with fabulous pies, breads, and cookies, and they participate in three regional Farmers' Markets. Gotta's Farm is now open for our 112th Season. All our annual flowering and vegetable plants are grown here from the best hybrid seed available. Come by and pick some of their delicious, fresh strawberries! There fields are located on Main St. in Portland, Connecticut
Picking hours are from 8am-8 pm

Rose's Berry Farm

There farm is now open on weekends and limited days during the week. Due to all the warm weather they had in May, the strawberries came early and are now at the end of the season. They now will have raspberry picking and hopefully blueberry picking within the next week and a half! They have made a few changes to their website as they aim to expand their online shopping as well as provide more up-to-date information regarding the farm. Many new products have been added to our online store, so check them out now! Rose's Berry Farm is about more than just berries. They have put together a variety of activities that appeal to people both young and old. You are invited to the farm each and every season to see for yourselves just how much fun the country has to offer! They also have recipes located on their website made with all the delicious fruits.

Click here to see a video of Rose's Berry Farm

Using your EBT card at the market Find the table with the sign, "Use your EBT here!" Here, you can use your card to purchase $1.00 wooden coins, which will act as cash in the market. You can then use your tokens to buy approved food items. Frequently Asked Questions What can I buy with my tokens? Fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, dairy, maple and honey products, seeds and plants that produce food, baked goods, jams, and sauces are all okay. You cannot buy nonfood items, foods meant to be eaten on site, and vitamins. Since the tokens are issued in dollar increments, what happens if I purchase something that is $2.50? The vendors may choose to add product to your purchase to bring the value to an even dollar amount, or you can pay the $0.50 with your own change. Unfortunately, vendors cannot give cash change for any tokens. Does it cost anything to purchase tokens? Tokens are purchased with your EBT card, so there is no cost to you. Do tokens ever expire? You can use your tokens until the market ends in October. Any unused tokens can be returned and the value transferred to your benefits account.

For more information, visit www.neatmiddletown.org or call at (860) 346-4845

Do you work or live downtown? We will deliver to your home or office so you can go back handsfree, and don't have to worry about struggling with bags back to the office. We will deliver to Main St. or anywhere in the North End.

What's in season in Connecticut?

Find the full-sized calendar here:USDA Connecticut Grown Crop Availability Calendar

NORTH END FARMERS MARKET IS HERE!

On Friday, July 2 from 10-2, the North End Farmers Market will begin in front of It's Only Natural Market on Main St. You should get a seperate email from NEAT with all of the exciting updates from the market. There was too much for one email!

THURSDAY NIGHT HERB GARDEN CONCERT SERIES

For four consecutive Thursday evenings in July, the North End of Middletown will come alive with the sounds and sights of free music at the annual summer concert series, beginning July 1 at 6:30 p.m.

The concerts will take place at the Luis Lopez Community Garden, located on the 600 block of Main Street (corner of Green Street) in Middletown. Sponsored by the Community Health Center, Inc., with support from the Middletown Commission on the Arts, the concerts are free, open to the public, and family-friendly.

July 8: Buru Style, World, Reggae, Funk.

6:30-8:30

Rain Date: July 29

July 15: Melvin Sparks with special guest David Davis, Soul-Jazz.

6:30-8:30

Rain Date: July 29

July 22: The Downshift Band, Jazz, Pop, Rock.

6:30-8:30

Rain Date: July 29

SAVE THE DATE FOR NEAT'S GARDEN PARTY

NEAT's annual garden party will be held on Thursday, August 12th this year. We need volunteers for the party planning committee, so if you're interested, please contact NEAT.

Cooling Center Opened: Sprinkler Openings Scheduled

From the Middletown Police Department

Mayor Sebastian Giuliano announced that the City of Middletown will be opening a cooling center and taking other measures to help residents cope with the ongoing heat wave.

The cooling center will be at Middletown High School, 200 LaRosa Lane (formerly Wilderman’s Way) for those who require relief from the heat. It will be open until 9 P.M. today and from 9 A.M – 9 P.M. Wednesday through Friday. Only water will be provided. Domestic animals will be allowed. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in carriers. Updated vaccination records are requested.

Transportation may be provided to the cooling center. Arrangements can be made by calling Middletown Area Transit (MAT) at 860-346-0212 (Ext. 7) until 6 P.M. each day. After those hours, contact Middletown Emergency Management at 860-343-8002.

The City of Middletown will also be opening fire hydrant sprinklers at designated times and locations as follows:

• The Highlands Crescent Drive bus stop from 12 P.M. – 4 P.M.
• Maplewood Terrace from 2 P.M. – 5 P.M.
• Summer Hill Road and Woodbury Circle from 2 P.M. – 5 P.M.
• Macdonough School from 12 P.M. – 3 P.M. and 6 P.M. – 8 P.M.
• Snow School from 12 P.M. – 3 P.M. and 6 P.M. – 8 P.M.

A Community Gathering Around Internationally Inspired Art

Our first event, A Trio of Solos will be held on Thursday, July 8 from 7-9pm and we hope that you will join us.

A Trio of Solos is a community event featuring three incredibly talented artists who will be displaying their work during our first North End Night event. Guests will enjoy live music from Ceol Go Maidin (formerly The O'Rourke's Irish Session Band), food and art (some of which will be available for purchase). Meredith Arcari, Susan Aranoff, and Jennifer Theokary will fill Green Street with their paintings, prints, jewelry, sculpture and collage work. For more information about the artists and the event, please visit our blog.

A Trio of Solos
Thursday, July 8, 2010
7-9pm
Regular Price $8; Member Price $5
For tickets call (860) 685-7871 or email gsac@wesleyan.edu
Tickets will also be available at the door.

Fun at the Farmers Market

The North End Farmers Market on Main St. had its first market of the year this past Friday.

There were hundreds of people shopping, eating, chatting with friends and listening to the old-timey sounds of the blugrass jam. The line for fish tostadas was 10 deep for about an hour, and the chefs had to keep running back to the restaurant to restock. The bike rack was full and so were the bellies. There was amazing fresh produce from six CT farms, incredible fresh baked goods (scone, anyone?) from O'Rourkes Diner and beautiful soaps from our guest vendor, Whey Better Farms.

This market will come again this friday from 10-2 in front of It's Only Natural Market. We'll have the same great lineup of farms and breads but this week's guest vendor will be selling handmade hoola hoops. If you've never wiggled with a really good hoop around your waist, come down and try one out. It's really fun.

Here are some pictures from the first market.

First Farmers Market Today!

Come down and get your groceries for the holiday weekend!

Summer is here and it's market season! Today is opening day of the North End Farmers' Market, in front of It's Only Natural Market (575 Main St.) The market features local vendors selling delicious fruits, vegetables, cheeses, baked goods, and more! Also look for live music, recipe samples, and food from local restaurants. We accept SNAP/EBT, Senior and WIC coupons. So come out to the market today and every Friday between 10 and 2 to enjoy the summer weather, great food, and fun times!

The Featured restaurant for today's market is Iguanas y Ranas Taqueria. There lunch be a market special delicious fish tostadas for $2.00!

Our vendors include:
Beckett Farms

The Beckett family started farming in Glastonbury in 1973, when Chip's father bought the Old Cider Mill to keep it from being developed into condominiums after the original condo sale fell thru. Chip worked during off times in college and vet school until 1982, and returned to Glastonbury in 1983 to start his own practice and help out with the farm. In 1985, he bought the farm next door to build the veterinary clinic, Beckett and Associates, and adds the acreage to the Cider Mill property. Originally, we sold most things to the Cider Mill, along with wholesalers in Hartford. We have gradually sold to more stands and added farmer's markets two years ago, when his daughter, Leah, was old enough to drive to the markets. The CSA is the next evolution for our farm, to let people see and share what we do with our productive land and good weather.

Ceccarelli Farm

Ceccarelli Farm is run by Nelson Ceccarelli. The farm runs Farmer's Markets, Farm Stands, and Community Supported Agriculture. They sell to restaurants, grocery stores, school, cafeterias, inns, and personal chefs. Some of the vegetables they have are lettuce, cabbage, corn, eggplant, green beans, corn, summer squash, and tomatoes. They also have a list of recipes located on their website.

Chaplin Farms

Chaplin Farms is a family farm owned and operated by the Rose Family. The owner Stephen Rose is a fourth generation farmer and has been farming for over 20 years. At the farm they grow both traditional and heirloom vegetables. We will have strawberries, blueberries, plums, peaches, nectarines, pears and over 15 varieties of apples including Honey crisp, Macoun and Mutsu.

George Hall Farms

At George Hall Farm, they pride themselves on providing their local community with the freshest, high quality organic and conventionally grown produce. Currently, they have more than 60 acres in production with the majority of the land Certified Organic. Since 1966, they have been using sustainable techniques that are environmentally safe. Almost all of their produce is organic and their other conventional produce is grown with minimal or no pesticides. There produce comes to there members and customers at the height of freshness and nutritional value. They are Certified Organic through the Bay State Organic Certifiers of Massachusetts. They offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, a farm stand on the property, produce at many local Farmer's Markets, eggs and honey, and farming internships.

Gotta's Farm

They are the proud grower's of quality plants, fruits, and vegetables, and fun ornamentals since 1898. Gotta's Farm and Cider Mill is a 4th generation farm established in 1898. They now have two seasonal retail locations -- Gotta's Farm on Rte 17 and the QP Market on Rte 66, both in Portland, CT. They are the proud growers of quality plants, fruits, vegetables and full ornamentals, and they offer strawberries, peaches, apples and pears that you can pick yourself when they are in season. Gotta's Farm maintains a farmstand bakery with fabulous pies, breads, and cookies, and they participate in three regional Farmers' Markets. Gotta's Farm is now open for our 112th Season. All our annual flowering and vegetable plants are grown here from the best hybrid seed available. Come by and pick some of their delicious, fresh strawberries! There fields are located on Main St. in Portland, Connecticut
Picking hours are from 8am-8 pm

Rose's Berry Farm

There farm is now open on weekends and limited days during the week. Due to all the warm weather they had in May, the strawberries came early and are now at the end of the season. They now will have raspberry picking and hopefully blueberry picking within the next week and a half! They have made a few changes to their website as they aim to expand their online shopping as well as provide more up-to-date information regarding the farm. Many new products have been added to our online store, so check them out now! Rose's Berry Farm is about more than just berries. They have put together a variety of activities that appeal to people both young and old. You are invited to the farm each and every season to see for yourselves just how much fun the country has to offer! They also have recipes located on their website made with all the delicious fruits.

Click here to see a video of Rose's Berry Farm

Guest Vendors for this week:

Beltane Farm

Whey Better Farm

Using your EBT card at the market

Find the table with the sign, "Use your EBT here!" Here, you can use your card to purchase $1.00 wooden coins, which will act as cash in the market.

You can then use your tokens to buy approved food items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I buy with my tokens?

Fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, dairy, maple and honey products, seeds and plants that produce food, baked goods, jams, and sauces are all okay. You cannot buy nonfood items, foods meant to be eaten on site, and vitamins.

Since the tokens are issued in dollar increments, what happens if I purchase something that is $2.50?

The vendors may choose to add product to your purchase to bring the value to an even dollar amount, or you can pay the $0.50 with your own change. Unfortunately, vendors cannot give cash change for any tokens.

Does it cost anything to purchase tokens?

Tokens are purchased with your EBT card, so there is no cost to you.

Do tokens ever expire?

You can use your tokens until the market ends in October. Any unused tokens can be returned and the value transferred to your benefits account.

What's in season in Connecticut?

Find the full-sized calendar here:USDA Connecticut Grown Crop Availability Calendar

For more information, visit www.neatmiddletown.org or call at (860) 346-4845

Farmers Market Starts Friday July 2

First Market This Friday!

Come down and get your groceries for the holiday weekend!

North End Action Team is happy to announce the opening of the North End Farmers' Market in front of It's Only Natural Market (575 Main St.) The market features local vendors selling delicious fruits, vegetables, cheeses, baked goods, and more! Also look for live music, recipe samples, and food from local restaurants. We accept SNAP/EBT, Senior and WIC coupons. So come out to the market on Fridays between 10 and 2 to enjoy the summer weather, great food, and fun times!

The Featured restaurant of the week of July 2nd, 2010 is Iguanas y Ranas Taqueria. There lunch be a market special delicios fish tostadas for $2.00!

Our vendors include:

Beckett Farms

The Beckett family started farming in Glastonbury in 1973, when Chip's father bought the Old Cider Mill to keep it from being developed into condominiums after the original condo sale fell thru. Chip worked during off times in college and vet school until 1982, and returned to Glastonbury in 1983 to start his own practice and help out with the farm. In 1985, he bought the farm next door to build the veterinary clinic, Beckett and Associates, and adds the acreage to the Cider Mill property. Originally, we sold most things to the Cider Mill, along with wholesalers in Hartford. We have gradually sold to more stands and added farmer's markets two years ago, when his daughter, Leah, was old enough to drive to the markets. The CSA is the next evolution for our farm, to let people see and share what we do with our productive land and good weather.

Ceccarelli Farm

Ceccarelli Farm is run by Nelson Ceccarelli. The farm runs Farmer's Markets, Farm Stands, and Community Supported Agriculture. They sell to restaurants, grocery stores, school, cafeterias, inns, and personal chefs. Some of the vegetables they have are lettuce, cabbage, corn, eggplant, green beans, corn, summer squash, and tomatoes. They also have a list of recipes located on their website.

Chaplin Farms

Chaplin Farms is a family farm owned and operated by the Rose Family. The owner Stephen Rose is a fourth generation farmer and has been farming for over 20 years. At the farm they grow both traditional and heirloom vegetables. We will have strawberries, blueberries, plums, peaches, nectarines, pears and over 15 varieties of apples including Honey crisp, Macoun and Mutsu.

George Hall Farms

At George Hall Farm, they pride themselves on providing their local community with the freshest, high quality organic and conventionally grown produce. Currently, they have more than 60 acres in production with the majority of the land Certified Organic. Since 1966, they have been using sustainable techniques that are environmentally safe. Almost all of their produce is organic and their other conventional produce is grown with minimal or no pesticides. There produce comes to there members and customers at the height of freshness and nutritional value. They are Certified Organic through the Bay State Organic Certifiers of Massachusetts. They offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, a farm stand on the property, produce at many local Farmer's Markets, eggs and honey, and farming internships.

Gotta's Farm

They are the proud grower's of quality plants, fruits, and vegetables, and fun ornamentals since 1898. Gotta's Farm and Cider Mill is a 4th generation farm established in 1898. They now have two seasonal retail locations -- Gotta's Farm on Rte 17 and the QP Market on Rte 66, both in Portland, CT. They are the proud growers of quality plants, fruits, vegetables and full ornamentals, and they offer strawberries, peaches, apples and pears that you can pick yourself when they are in season. Gotta's Farm maintains a farmstand bakery with fabulous pies, breads, and cookies, and they participate in three regional Farmers' Markets. Gotta's Farm is now open for our 112th Season. All our annual flowering and vegetable plants are grown here from the best hybrid seed available. Come by and pick some of their delicious, fresh strawberries! There fields are located on Main St. in Portland, Connecticut
Picking hours are from 8am-8 pm

Rose's Berry Farm

There farm is now open on weekends and limited days during the week. Due to all the warm weather they had in May, the strawberries came early and are now at the end of the season. They now will have raspberry picking and hopefully blueberry picking within the next week and a half! They have made a few changes to their website as they aim to expand their online shopping as well as provide more up-to-date information regarding the farm. Many new products have been added to our online store, so check them out now! Rose's Berry Farm is about more than just berries. They have put together a variety of activities that appeal to people both young and old. You are invited to the farm each and every season to see for yourselves just how much fun the country has to offer! They also have recipes located on their website made with all the delicious fruits.

Click here to see a video of Rose's Berry Farm

Guest Vendors:

Beltane Farm

Starlight Farms

Urban Oaks

Whey Better Farm

Using your EBT card at the market

Find the table with the sign, "Use your EBT here!" Here, you can use your card to purchase $1.00 wooden coins, which will act as cash in the market.

You can then use your tokens to buy approved food items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I buy with my tokens?

Fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, dairy, maple and honey products, seeds and plants that produce food, baked goods, jams, and sauces are all okay. You cannot buy nonfood items, foods meant to be eaten on site, and vitamins.

Since the tokens are issued in dollar increments, what happens if I purchase something that is $2.50?

The vendors may choose to add product to your purchase to bring the value to an even dollar amount, or you can pay the $0.50 with your own change. Unfortunately, vendors cannot give cash change for any tokens.

Does it cost anything to purchase tokens?

Tokens are purchased with your EBT card, so there is no cost to you.

Do tokens ever expire?

You can use your tokens until the market ends in October. Any unused tokens can be returned and the value transferred to your benefits account.

What's in season in Connecticut?

Find the full-sized calendar here:USDA Connecticut Grown Crop Availability Calendar

Nutrition Tip of the Week!

In addition to livening your plate, including fruits and vegetables of different colors in your meal provides you with the widest range of nutrients!

For more information, visit www.neatmiddletown.org or call at (860) 346-4845

Do you work or live downtown? We will deliver to your home or office so you can go back handsfree, and don't have to worry about struggling with bags back to the office. We will deliver to Main St. or anywhere in the North End.

This week's featured restaurant is IGUANAS RANAS TAQUERIA

Iguanas Ranas is a local favorite serving affordable, fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine. They will be here this Friday with delicious lunch options to enjoy as you browse the market. Special market deal: Fish tacos for $2


Visit Iguanas Ranas online:
http://www.iguanasranastaqueria.com/

Recipe of the Week

Quinoa Summer Salad
Quinoa is a grain-like crop from the Andes of South America. With 11 grams of protein per cup, quinoa is extremely nutritious, and surprisingly tasty! This simple recipe can easily be adjusted to incorporate any of the vegetables you find at the market.

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups raw whole grain quinoa
  
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup lightly steamed broccoli florets
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• dash salt and pepper, to taste (sea salt tastes best)

Cook quinoa in vegetable broth until it fluffs up, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While quinoa is cooking, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves and salt and pepper.

When quinoa is finished cooking, allow to cool slightly, then toss with vegetables and lemon juice mix, stirring to combine well. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and chill before serving.

Makes 6 servings of quinoa salad

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/soupssalads/r/quinoasalad.htm

Have a great recipe idea? Send it to Emma at mendele@chc1 to be included in an upcoming newsletter!

What's in season in Connecticut?

Find the full-sized calendar here:USDA Connecticut Grown Crop Availability Calendar

---

Middletown Considers Adding Public Bus Stop At Farm Hill School

By MONICA POLANCO, mpolanco@courant.com

June 23, 2010

MIDDLETOWN —
Clara Sancho, who does not own a car, has been largely unable to visit her son's elementary school for four years, but she hopes the Middletown Transit District will help change that by adding a public bus stop at the boy's new school, Farm Hill Elementary School.

School officials and the North End Action Team have asked that the bus stop be added so North End parents — whose children have been reassigned to Farm Hill as part of recent redistricting changes — can become part of the school community. One hundred fifteen students from the North End and the Traverse Square public housing development will attend the school in September.

More than 40 people attended a transit district public hearing last week to try to convince the transit district's board of directors that Farm Hill needs a bus stop.

"There's overwhelming support for the change," said Thomas Cheeseman, the transit district's administrator. "It's a logical move."

The board of directors is also considering adding other bus stops in Middletown — at the new Price Chopper supermarket on 855 Washington St. and along the medical corridor at 400, 410 and 412 Saybrook Road — and one in Cromwell at PriceRite, 136 Berlin Rd.

Cheeseman said he thinks the board will vote next month.

Supporters say the proposed Farm Hill bus stop would be a crucial link between school and home for parents without cars. They said it would allow parents to more easily attend parent-teacher conferences, parent teacher association events and pick up sick children.

School administrators encourage parents to become involved in their children's schools because they believe it improves academic achievement, said Pat Girard, Farm Hill's principal.

Izzi Greenberg, NEAT's executive director, said North End parents also want to fight the misperception that they don't care about their children's education because they don't attend school events.

Greenberg said that neither Farm Hill nor Van Buren Moody Elementary School — which some North End students attended — has a public bus stop or sidewalks.

The proposed change, Greenberg said, would give North End parents more self-respect, smooth their transition into a new school community and "level the playing field."

Sancho, a mother of three, said she has relied on the kindness of people such as Greenberg to drive her to Farm Hill but would love to travel there on her own. The school is about 2 miles from the North End.

Sancho's trips to her son's current school, Moody, have not always been smooth. Once, Sancho said, she took a taxi. The cab driver drove in circles around a construction detour and got lost, she said. At the end of the trip, which should have been three miles, the taxi meter read $50. Sancho had $20.

The driver threatened to call police, but Sancho gave him the $20 and walked away.

This fall, she hopes to avoid such drama.

Reprinted with permission from the Hartford Courant

Farmers Market Starts July 2

We're getting ready to start the 2010 season for the North End Farmers Market on Main St.

We have an amazing group of farms this year including Cicarelli Farms from Northford, George Hall (Ogre Farms) Organic Farm from Simsbury, Beckett Farms, Chaplin Farms, Gotta's Farm, Roses Berry Farm and Beltane Farms.

Additionally, there will be guest vendors each week selling soaps and other gift items. We'll have samples, recipes and more!

If you'd like to volunteer to help make the market a success, please contact NEAT at 860-346-4845 or neat@neatmiddletown.org

Otherwise, just prepare yourself to shop!!
The market runs Fridays from 10-2 and begins on July 2nd. It will go from July 2 through October. The market is happening in front of It's Only Natural Market, 575 Main St.

Come Support Farm Hill Bus Stop

There will be a public hearing tonight at 6:30 pm at the MAT Station on Main St. to determine if MAT (Middetown Area Transit) will put a bus stop at Farm Hill School.

The city bus currently doesn't stop at Farm Hill School. Next year, new families will be attending the school, many with barriers to transportation. Without access to the school, it is difficult for families to be involved in parent-teacher conferences, PTA or simply picking up a sick child.

NEAT has been in discussions with MAT (Middletown Area Transit)and they are in the process of reconsidering their routes. Their policy is that in order to make changes to a route, there must be a public hearing to determine if there is a need.

The public hearing will be held tonight, Wednesday, June 16th, at the MAT station on Main St (just two shops north of Javapalooza) at 6:30 pm. If you'd like to walk down with the North End group, you can meet us at 6 pm at the Green Street Arts Center parking lot. You can bring your kids, and in fact, it is probably better if you do. If it is raining, a bus will pick us up at 6 at the Green Street Arts Center and at 6:15 in the parking lot of Broad St. Books on Williams St. You can wait under the awning of both places.

If you don't feel that you are personally affected by this, just come and sit with your neighbors and help them get the access that they need. The more people we can get in the room, the more likely it will be that they create a stop at the school. This opportunity may not come up again for a few years, so we must act now!

NEAT will provide sheets with talking points to help you out if you wish to speak.

BREAKDANCING EVENTS THIS WEEKEND AT GREEN STREET

Middletown B-Boys: Film Screening and Breakdancing Event

Friday, May 21 | 7:00-9:00 PM

$8 non-members, $5 members/students/seniors- Tickets are valid for both events

Bridget Palardy will introduce her short documentary about the two b-boy crews currently operating in Middletown, followed by a cypher between prominent local breakdancers. According to Palardy, the film "is a portrait of the two crews as they negotiate religion, race, drug abuse and life in a small city." Middletown B-Boys recently won the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Jesse Thompkins III Artist Award of Distinction, and was officially selected by the Chicago International Hip Hop Film Festival. The award-winning film provides a glimpse into the lives of some of Middletown's most talented break dancers as well as background on our city's thriving hip hop culture. This is an event not to be missed! Call 860-685-7871 or visit our website for more info.

Click here to view a past local cypher.

Youth Dance Invitational

Saturday, May 22 | 1:00 - 04:00 PM

$8 Non-Members, $5 members/students/seniors- Tickets are valid for both events

The Youth Dance Invitational is a competition between the best local youth dancer hosted by ThoroEnergy, Of Shadow and Earth and Losst Unnown in collaboration with Green Street. The Youth Dance Invitational is a chance for kids ages 8-16 to compete against their peers and experience a larger hip hop and break dancing scene. Prizes will be awarded for the top dancers in a one-on-one b-boy/b-girl battle and hip hop freestyle categories. Come to dance or come to watch: call 860-685-7871 or email gsac@wesleyan.edu.

Unsure about all the jargon of the b-boying world? Visit our blog for an interview with b-boy Bryan Giles where he talks about his own experiences and explains some of the lingo.

Friday Night Hoops Starts Tonight

NEAT and Macdonough School will be hosting the "Friday Night Hoops" basketball block parties this summer every third Friday of the Month.

The first one is TONIGHT, May 21st at 6 pm. We'll have music, food and fun. Come on out and enjoy the park with your neighbors. It will be held at Donovan Park (next to Macdonough School). This event is open to everyone. We'll provide the food and music, just come over!

Welcome New Families

At NEAT's monthly meeting last night, North End families who currently attend Moody School came out to meet the principals of their new schools, Farm Hill and Macdonough.

Parents and kids were asking questions about curriculum, bussing, teachers and other topics of interest. Pat Girard, the principal of Farm Hill School and Jon Romeo, the principal or Macdonough both came with teachers and support staff to help ease the minds of the many families in attendance. All in all, a lot of information was shared.

If you'd like to learn more about either of these schools, please call the NEAT office.Also, on June 16th, there will be public hearing at the Middletown Area Transit station on Main St. to guage interest in having a public bus stop at Farm Hill School. This would be a great relief to the many parents without cars who will be attending, so come out and show support. The hearing is at 6:30. We'll share more information as we get closer.

Thank you to everyone in attendance!

North End PRIDE Day a Success

North End PRIDE Day on Saturday was a great day. There were groups from all over the neighborhood, from Wesleyan and from First Church, among others. Thank you to everyone for making the day such a success! Thank you to Glen Eason and Sherwin Williams in Cromwell for their donation of gloves and trash bags!

The slideshow is from the block party at Macdonough. Thanks to the school for making it possible. Enjoy!

Big Yellow School Bus

Normally, a school bus doesn't ride on the sidewalk, but things were a little different on High Street this morning.

Macdonough School celebrated their first "Walking Wednesday" as dozens of parents, teachers and kids of all ages carrying yellow balloons created a "Walking School Bus." It got a big laugh when an empty school bus happened to drive by as we waited to cross Liberty Street. Suggested by Macdonough parent Jeannie Nocera, the walk to school was a big success, as parents chatted and kids found their friends. Macdonough plans to continue the walks every Wednesday to encourage kids to be active and to support a healthy neighborhood.




After we all arrived at school, it was time for the monthly SURFS UP assembly. Instead of the usual singing of the school song by the kids, the teachers took the stage to perform in dark sunglasses. Nice job ladies and gentleman!


The theme of this month's assembly was volunteer appreciation, as members of the Mentor program, Wesleyan volunteers, PTA and other groups were recognized. Two Wesleyan students, Emily Troll and Alex Hartley (pictured here with Cathy Lechowicz, director of Wesleyan's Office of Community Service and Volunteerism and Macdonough Principal Jon Romeo), received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for their many years of contributions to Macdonough, including making cupcakes for every kid who took the CMT's!


Here's a slide show of photos from the morning, by Izzi Greenberg:

Posted by Jen Alexander at 11:18 AM

North End PRIDE Day: April 24th

NEAT's annual Earth Day clean up is coming up on April 24th and we're looking for volunteers. We hope that all North End residents will come out to sweep their street, help their neighbor with a project or work in the Erin Street Garden. The clean up is from 9-12 and NEAT will provide gloves, rakes, brooms and garbage bags. From 12-3, you can come down to Donovan Park (next to Macdonough School) for a neighborhood block party. We'll be cooking out, playing basketball and listening to music. Come on down and bring some friends.

We always love to have other groups join us, as well, so spread the word to your church or other groups that you may be a part of.

College Bound Mentoring Program Seeking Mentors

NEAT is starting a College Mentoring program and we're looking for mentors to work with students on meeting the deadlines for college readiness. NEAT has prepared a calendar to help you, so none of the information would be your responsibility to find, you just need to be interested in working with a student. Call or email NEAT for more information. 860-346-4845 or neat@neatmiddletown.org

Recycling Center Updates

Some updates from the Recycling Office from Kim O'Rourke, the Recycling Coordinator for the City of Middletown:

1. Compost from the city's leaves is available on a first come, first serve basis at the Middletown Recycling Center. Bring your own cans, buckets or barrels and load up. You must load yourself, so bring your own shovel too! The compost does tend to go fast, so I'd recommend getting there soon. The Recycling Center is open Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm and every Sat. through June 7am - 12noon.

2. Our brochure for the Spring Rain Barrel sale is available, but not on line yet. If you want a copy, email me your address and I'll snail-mail you one. Compost bins will also be for sale this spring… final details not available yet. However, I do know, that pick up for both Rain Barrels and Compost Bins will be Thurs. June 3 and Sat. June 5 at the Water and Sewer Dept.

3. Please give me your unwanted CD's! I use them for recycled art projects and appreciate all that I can get!!! Drop them off at the Dept. of Public Works in City Hall or mail them to me at PO Box 1300 Middletown CT 06457.

4. Don't forget our Paper Recycling Shred Fest on Sat. April 24th 9am - 12 noon. Anyone can bring up to six bags or boxes of papers to shred for free. Pro Shred will shred on site from 9am - 12 noon in the parking lot at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on HUNTING HILL AVE.

5. Welcome to the new folks on our list. Contact Kim if you'd like to be on it.

For More information, contact: Kim O'Rourke,Middletown Recycling Coordinator, 860-344-3526,kim.orourke@cityofmiddletown.com

Do You Worry About Foreclosure?

If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage and fear that you might be at risk of foreclosure, please attend one of our Foreclosure Intervention classes that are being held on the fourth Thursday of the Month at the Green Street Arts Center.

The next one is Thursday April 22nd at 6:00 pm.

NEAT, in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, will be presenting monthly workshops in foreclosure prevention. These are for people in any stage of foreclosure or for people who worry that they may be heading in that direction. Recently, many Middletown residents have been receiving legal orders because of past due water and sewer fees/taxes. If you are one of these people, or if you are having trouble with your mortgage payments for any reason, please attend a workshop. We may be able to help you keep your home.

All workshops are FREE and open to everyone, although registration is required. Childcare will be provided by request.

College Bound Mentoring Program/Free SAT Prep

NEAT is starting a College Mentoring program and we're looking for high school Juniors. As part of the program, we'll be hosting, in partnership with Wesleyan's Upward Bound program, a FREE 8 week SAT Prep course that will help students increase their scores on the SAT. Additionally, students can opt in to the college mentoring program and have help with the college application process. Call or email NEAT for more information. 860-346-4845 or neat@neatmiddletown.org

Do You Worry About Foreclosure?

If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage and fear that you might be at risk of foreclosure, please attend one of our Foreclosure Intervention classes that are being held on the fourth Thursday of the Month at the Green Street Arts Center.

The next one is Thursday April 22nd at 6:00 pm.

NEAT, in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, will be presenting monthly workshops in foreclosure prevention. These are for people in any stage of foreclosure or for people who worry that they may be heading in that direction. Recently, many Middletown residents have been receiving legal orders because of past due water and sewer fees/taxes. If you are one of these people, or if you are having trouble with your mortgage payments for any reason, please attend a workshop. We may be able to help you keep your home.

All workshops are FREE and open to everyone, although registration is required. Childcare will be provided by request.

Recycling Center Updates

Some updates from the Recycling Office from Kim O'Rourke, the Recycling Coordinator for the City of Middletown:

1. Compost from the city's leaves is available on a first come, first serve basis at the Middletown Recycling Center. Bring your own cans, buckets or barrels and load up. You must load yourself, so bring your own shovel too! The compost does tend to go fast, so I'd recommend getting there soon. The Recycling Center is open Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm and every Sat. through June 7am - 12noon.

2. Our brochure for the Spring Rain Barrel sale is available, but not on line yet. If you want a copy, email me your address and I'll snail-mail you one. Compost bins will also be for sale this spring… final details not available yet. However, I do know, that pick up for both Rain Barrels and Compost Bins will be Thurs. June 3 and Sat. June 5 at the Water and Sewer Dept.

3. Please give me your unwanted CD's! I use them for recycled art projects and appreciate all that I can get!!! Drop them off at the Dept. of Public Works in City Hall or mail them to me at PO Box 1300 Middletown CT 06457.

4. Don't forget our Paper Recycling Shred Fest on Sat. April 24th 9am - 12 noon. Anyone can bring up to six bags or boxes of papers to shred for free. Pro Shred will shred on site from 9am - 12 noon in the parking lot at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on HUNTING HILL AVE.

5. Welcome to the new folks on our list. Contact Kim if you'd like to be on it.

For More information, contact: Kim O'Rourke,Middletown Recycling Coordinator, 860-344-3526,kim.orourke@cityofmiddletown.com

FREE STI Testing

There will be a free STI testing event on April 13 from 10 am until 2 pm at Green Street Arts Center! Come out and support your health by being tested for sexually transmitted infections. There will be complementary refreshments!

Organized by Wesleyan University, in partnership with Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Family Practice Group of Middlesex Hospital.

If you have questions, contact asha.wesleyan@gmail.com

This is the Last Week to Get Your Taxes Done For Free!

Income under $50,000? Then You Can Save Money
January 21st- April 10th
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5pm-8pm
Saturdays, 10am-3pm

* IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers
*Quick refunds to bank account or specail debit card
*File even if you don't owe taxes: you may qualify for money from the government (EITC)

MUST HAVE A APPOINTMENT CALL 211

This is Sponsored by the Middlesex VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Coalition Partners include Middlesex United Way and Middlesex Coalition for Children. Must Call 211 for the Appointment, why pay for someone to do your taxes, don't you want ALL your money?

What you need to bring-
* Valid picture ID
*Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) for you, your spouse and any dwpendents with you born before Dec. 31, 2009
*Birth dates foryou, your spouse and dependents
*Income documentation including W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, etc. from all employers
*Interest and dividend statements from banks or other financial institution (Forms 1099)
*Total paid for child care, if any. Bring the child care provider's name, address and tax ID or Social Security number
*Last year's federal and state tax returns, if available
*Current year's tax package, if you received one
*Education expenses and student loan information, if any
* Documentation of property tax payments (home, auto)
*If you wish to itemize deductions you also need to bring a list of your medical, interest, charitable donation, miscellaneous expenses and a list of the taxes you paid

*If you took advantage of any of the special tax credits related to the Economic Recovery Act (first-time home buyer, purchase of a new care after Feb. 16, energy improvements, etc.), please bring all related documents (price paid, receipts, taxes, etc.)
*If you run a small private business (day care, handyman, etc), documentation of income and expenses
*If you are married filing jointly, bring your spouse