North End Farmers' Market Season Finale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The market is on!

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

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

See you there!

NEAT MENTORS SEEKING YOUTH MENTEES

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

NEAT MEETING TONIGHT

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

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

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

There will be childcare and pizza for the kids.

Community Music takes Mtown by storm!

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

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

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

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

NEAT IS HIRING!

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

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

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

Community Music Saturday

This Saturday is a Community Music Saturday!

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

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

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

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

*No need to register: just show up!

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

Market Today

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

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

A wide variety of produce is still available:

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

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

Sizzling Salsa Nights at Green Street

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

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

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

SAVE ENERGY AND EARN $$$

Jonah Center WRAP Energy Services

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

Here are the details:

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

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

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

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

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

FAMILY PLAY DATE AT THE FAMILY WELLNESS CENTER

With Jo Allen

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

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

Tuesday, October 19 1 pm - 2:30 pm

Family Wellness Center

635 Main Street, Middletown

For more information & to register please contact

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

ST VINCENT DE PAUL AND AMAZING GRACE NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fill your bowl with soup –

Fill our bowl with donations.

Come and Enjoy a Delicious Soup Supper

Silent and Live Auctions, Short Program

EXCITING AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE:

*Signed UConn Women's 2010 Championship Basketball…

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

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

*Pearl/diamond sterling silver pendant…

*Red Sox Baseball signed by JD Drew…

*One year YMCA membership…

and more!

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

New Skate Park in Town?

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

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

From some experts: philosophy that should be considered.

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

NORTH END FARMERS MARKET IS STILL GOING STRONG

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

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

GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE AT MACDONOUGH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GARDEN PARTY PICTURES

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

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

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

DRIFT

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

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

Where: CFA Theater

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

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

Artist Website: http://danceexchange.org/

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

NEAT is Hiring!

NEAT is looking for a community organizer and an administrative assistant to add to our (small) team. If you think this might be for you, go to our website and check out the postings. You can apply online.

Homeownership Classes Starting Tonight

Becoming a Homeowner: First Time Homebuyer Seminar
Instructor: Rosa Carrero
Tuesdays | 6-8 pm | Free
September 28; October 5, 12, 19
Childcare will be provided
Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green St.

Rosa Carrero from Liberty Bank presents four info sessions designed to help you take the first steps toward buying a home. Topics include budgeting and credit counseling (Session 1), the lending process (Session 2), working with the realtor (Session 3), and understanding legalities (Session 4). To register call 860-346-4845 or just show up.

This program is presented in partnership with the North End Action Team.

Opening Evening & Mural Unveiling at Green Street Arts Center

A Free Sample of Green Street’s Fall Semester Classes Plus the Unveiling of a New Mural

Join teaching artists, students, and friends of Wesleyan University’s Green Street Arts Center on Friday, September 10 for a celebration of creativity. Guests can preview Green Street’s fall calendar with mini-classes in Salsa dance, West African Drumming and Dance and more. There will also be performances featuring music and dance from around the world, visual arts projects for the whole family, food from Green Street’s partner restaurants and guided tours. The festivities start at 5:30pm at 617 Main Street for the official opening of Green Street’s new mural, on the wall of St. Vincent DePaul place. At 6pm, the event moves across the street to Green Street Arts Center and then concludes at 8pm. This event is free and open to the public.

This event is the kick-off event for Green Street’s Fall Season of classes and events, which starts on September 13th and features such classes as Tai Chi, Yoga, West African Drumming, Writing Workshop, and Sound Recording.

To register for classes or request more information, visit www.greenstreetartscenter.org or call (860) 685-7871. Green Street Members receive 20% off of all classes. Registration is now available online. Wesleyan University’s Green Street Arts Center is located at 51 Green Street in Middletown, Connecticut.

Quote:
“Our community truly shines when it comes together—as it so often does—in celebration of creativity. Opening Evening is an opportunity for us to celebrate ourselves, and for new members of our artistic community to meet and join us.”—Sarah-Jane Ripa, Artistic and Education Coordinator, Green Street Arts Center

“Watching the mural come together over the last few months has been truly inspirational—an incredible example of community collaboration, partnership and human bonding. I hope everyone will join us as we celebrate its official unveiling and all of the people who made it come alive.” —Jessica Carso, Managing Director, Green Street Arts Center

Green Street Arts Center of Wesleyan University is a vibrant center for arts education, serving the community and Greater Middletown region. Created in collaboration with the City of Middletown and the North End Action Team, Green Street is housed in the former schoolhouse at 51 Green Street. Programming includes an After School Arts & Science Program and a wide range of affordable classes and workshops for people of all ages in music, dance, visual arts, theater, sound recording, media arts and creative writing. Green Street enables people from all walks of life to converge in one special place, a place that encourages us all to learn more about the world we share and to appreciate people’s differences and similarities, respecting who we are as individuals through the arts.

Cheese Truck at the Market Today!

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

Today at the market, we'll have a great line-up of produce and dessert vendors, and our special guest lunch will be the Caseus Cheese Truck! Check out the website of this New Haven favorite. It looks REALLY good.

NEAT's annual garden party Tonight!

NEAT's Annual Garden Party is this evening at 5:30. It's such a great party, and a wonderful time for our community to celebrate. If you haven't seen how beautiful the Erin St. Garden is, now is the time. The sunflowers are literally 12 feet high.

Please join us.


Tonight, Thursday, August 12, 2010
Five-thirty in the evening

This is a very special party...it's NEAT's TENTH garden party and we'll have 10 years of memories displayed and a beautiful birthday cake donated by Sweet Harmony Cafe.

The Suggested donation (tax deductible) is: $30 individual, $50 family. The party is free to North End residents and NEAT members or anyone who wants to volunteer at the party. Come help out, meet new people, catch up with old friends or experience what the North End has accomplished in 10 years!

There will be a great dinner provided by area restaurants and music featuring a performance by Bill Carbone and Friends. The party will be held in the Erin Street Community Garden on the corner of Erin and High Streets in Middletown.

No RSVP necessary, just come down.

Call NEAT for more details: 860-346-4845

Citizens Bank is proud to be the Signature Sponsor of the North End Action Team’s Tenth Annual Garden Party.

NEAT's TENTH Annual Garden Party is Coming Up!

The North End Action Team Cordially Invites you to the

*Tenth Annual*

Erin Street Community Garden Party

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Five-thirty in the evening

This is a very special party...it's NEAT's TENTH garden party and we'll have 10 years of memories displayed and a beautiful birthday cake donated by Sweet Harmony Cafe.

The Suggested donation (tax deductible) is:

$30 individual, $50 family

The party is free to North End residents and NEAT members or anyone who wants to volunteer at the party. Come help out, meet new people, catch up with old friends or experience what the North End has accomplished in 10 years!

Heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by area restaurants

Featuring a performance by Bill Carbone and Friends

The party will be held in the Erin Street Community Garden on the corner of Erin and High Streets in Middletown.

You can RSVP to NEAT, 668 Main St., Middletown, CT 06457

or donate online at http://neatmiddletown.org/contribute.htm

Call NEAT for more details: 860-346-4845

Citizens Bank is proud to be the Signature Sponsor of the North End Action Team’s Tenth Annual Garden Party.

Market Updates August 6th

The North End Farmer Market will run today, Friday, from 10-2 in front of It's Only Natural Market, 575 Main St.

I can't believe it's already August! Watermelon is finally in season, and we're beginning to see pears and apples. We have the same great line-up of farmers returning to the market this Friday, as well as Starlight Gardens, which sells heirloom tomatoes, O'Rourke's, Linda's Sweet Memories, and Crystal Pistritto's hula hoops. The Cardinals Nest will sell delicious homemade pizza for lunch, and Vecchitto's truck will be back.

Looking for interesting ways to prepare your vegetable purchases? 'Recipes for Health' from the New York Times, featuring a lot of the local produce we have at the market, is a great resource. This week's recipe, Zucchini "Pasta," is from this collection.

NEW: North End Farmers Market tote bags are now available! They are printed on ECOBAGS® 10 oz. Recycled Canvas Tote with double stitched seams and stress points. Super-sized to hold all your market goodies, this bag folds easily to fit into smaller spaces and will last for years. You can get a bag for $10 at the market, or donate $15 to NEAT and we'll mail you one. (You can always give more to support the market. Your contribution is tax deductible.) Visit neatmiddletown.org for more info and to order your bag!

Also, if you haven't already, please join us on facebook! "Like" the North End Farmers' Market and use this as a forum to discuss recipe ideas and share photos.

The restaurant of the week is CARDINALS NEST and guest vendors are STARLIGHT GARDENS, CRYSTAL'S HULA HOOPS and VECCHITTOS ITALIAN ICE.

Click Here for the recipe of the week: Zucchini "pasta"

Meet Your Vendor

Each week we profile a vendor from the market. This week, it's Tom from Ceccarelli Farm.

Farmers' markets are all about knowing where your food comes from. Whereas supermarkets shelves are stocked with produce that was likely picked from industrial-scale farms up to two weeks in advance, farmers' markets are much more intimate. The produce is local and fresher, and you are free to talk with the person who grew your food. Here we feature an interview with a vendor from the North End Farmers' Market, seeking to promote connections between buyers and sellers.

Name: Tom Dilella

Farm: Ceccarelli Farms

Location: Old Post Rd, Northford, CT

Tom's favorite product: Can't choose

Customers' favorite: Corn

Why are local farms important?

"The reason local farms are important is because it's just not natural for food to come from far away. Food that is closer is more nutritional, and it allows you to better connect with your surroundings. People easily forget where their food come from. Lastly local food is better, fresher, and something all the people from the community can share."

How is this growing season?

"The weather has been real erratic--heavy rains, hot periods. But the farm is doing really well even with the unpredictable weather. It is what it is. If it's always hot no greens, rainy no corns. The weather has been extreme."

What do you like about the North End Farmer's Market?

"You get in touch with different people and vendors, great coming out and having fun, and being in a new location."

Recipe of the Week: Zucchini "Pasta"

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds zucchini (or a combination of yellow and green zucchini)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

• 3/4 cup fresh tomato sauce (optional)

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, for serving (more to taste)

Directions

1. Using a vegetable peeler, cut the zucchini into lengthwise ribbons. Peel off several from one side, then turn the zucchini and peel off more. Continue to turn and peel away ribbons until you get to the seeds at the core of the zucchini. Discard the core. You can also do this on a mandolin, adjusted to a very thin slice.

2. Cook the zucchini strips in two batches. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add the zucchini ribbons and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, tossing and stirring the zucchini, for two to three minutes, until softened and beginning to turn translucent. Adjust salt and add freshly ground pepper to taste, and transfer to a serving dish. Repeat with the remaining olive oil and zucchini. Serve, topping with tomato sauce and freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Yield: Serves four

Advance preparation: This dish is best served right away. But you can enjoy leftovers, which I like to eat cold, doused with lemon juice and a drop of olive oil

Today at the Market

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

North End Farmers' Market returns today, Friday from 10 to 2 with the same great line-up of farmers, O'Rourke's Diner, Linda's Sweet Memories, and Whey Better Soaps.

Jerkfish Restaurant will sell authentic Jamaican food for lunch, and the Vecchitto's truck will be back (the forecast is warm and sunny, perfect for Italian ice!) String Band Madness will return with their sweet, old-timey sounds.

Despite steady rain, many people gathered last week at the market to buy local produce, hula hoop with Crystal Pistritto's beautiful hoops, and listen to the Wesleyan Ghanaian Drumming Ensemble. Rain or shine, the market goes on!

In the news: The Kids Market was featured in the Hartford Courant this week. Read about it here.

Also, if you haven't already, please join us on facebook! "Like" the North End Farmers' Market and use this as a forum to discuss recipe ideas and share photos.

NEAT's Director and NEFM Market Master, Izzi Greenberg was on CT Outdoors radio show on WMRD this week. Click here to listen to the audio. They talked about the North End, the Farmers Market and other programs in the community.

Farmers Market Today

The North End Market will run today, Friday, from 10-2 in front of It's Only Natural Market, 575 Main St.

The Guest Vendor will be: Linda's Sweet Memories Baked goods

The Guest Restaurant will be: Iguanas y Ranas (Was supposed to be Typhoon, but they had a last minute emergency)

The Music will be: The Atticus Kelly Quartet (jazz)

As Always, we'll have a great variety of locally produced and organic foods and products.

Hope to see you there!

Here are some pics of last week's market. If you missed Crystal's amazing hoola hoops, she'll be back next week!

North End Nights with Floating Theater Company

In Your Face: Untamed and Unapologetic
Presented by the Floating Theater Company

Thursday, July 15, 2010 7pm

Floating Theater Company returns to Green Street Arts Center of Wesleyan University for their annual staged reading of new plays by Connecticut writers. This year’s theme is IN YOUR FACE, nine short works based on social and political topics. Please Note: Mature subject matter and language may not be suitable for children.

In these new works, playwrights take on a variety of contemporary themes from corporate greed to gun control. The adult situations and language used in the works expand upon themes including the circus-like politics surrounding a women's right to choose, labor and safety issues for American factory workers, and sexual identity and self-expression.

The Floating Theater Company (FTC), with co-directors Jean Wertz and Jenny Lecce, provides support to playwrights and actively seeks to partner with existing theater companies and Connecticut actors in the development of new works.

Tickets are $8; Member Price $5. For tickets call (860) 685-7871 or email gsac@wesleyan.edu. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

SAVE ENERGY AND EARN $$$

Jonah Center WRAP Energy Services

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

Here are the details:

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

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

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

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

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

SAVE ENERGY AND EARN $$$

Jonah Center WRAP Energy Services

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

Here are the details:

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

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

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

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

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

SUMMER LUNCH AND THE NORTH END KIDS MARKET PROGRAM

CRT is hosting free summer lunch this season at the Salvation Army on Main St.

Send your children to a safe, supervised area for a FREE, healthy lunch and fun in the sun with friends!

Salvation Army: 515 Main Street 6/28 to 8/27

--Snacks will be served Monday through Friday 10am to 10:30am--

--Lunch is servedMonday through Friday noon to 1 pm--

Activities include crafts, games, and raffles.

For more information, dial 347-4465 OR 2-1-1

Also, NEAT and the Community Health Center are sponsoring a North End Kids Market which gives any child that attends the summer lunch program on Fridays $5 to spend at the North End Farmers Market. The kids take a field trip over and get to buy whatever fresh fruits and vegetables they would like. Send your kids on Fridays to visit the market. Last week was so much fun!