CREDIT COUNSELING CLASSES

NEAT will be holding Credit counseling classes in cooperation with Rosa Carrero, the Community and Housing Development Officer for NAACP. Did you know that you have rights even if you owe money to a credit card company? They cannot call you between certain hours, contact family members or even call you at work? Learn about these topics and much more in the upcoming informational seminars at the NEAT office located at 654 Main Street beginning on June 28^th from 6-7pm. The first class is titled "Building the Perfect Credit Fair Debt Collection." Please sign up with NEAT by calling (860) 346-4845 and/or emailing bobbye@neatmiddletown.org.

Amazing Grace has a new walk in fridge!

Great news for our friends at Amazing Grace.

Amazing Grace Food Pantry now has a spacious refurbished walk-in refrigerator! Don and Ann Marie Sataline, owners of It’s Only Natural Market at 575 Main Street in Middletown’s North End, very generously facilitated this much-needed acquisition. The pantry is now able to accept and properly store a significant supply of fresh produce. This new storage has the potential to greatly expand the nutritious food available to those families who come to Amazing Grace for some of their groceries.

In recent years the Master Gardeners at the University of Connecticut Extension Center in Haddam and many local gardeners have generously donated fresh produce to Amazing Grace. We hope that other backyard gardeners will follow their lead and increase the supply of fresh vegetables and fruit for our shoppers.

If you know gardeners who tend to have excess bushels of tomatoes and gigantic zucchinis and more, please spread the word. There are many families who would greatly enjoy some of their surplus produce. Just bring it on down to Amazing Grace and we’ll be sure it gets to families who can really use it.

Produce, and other food items, can be dropped off at the pantry at 16 Stack Street on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am – 5pm and on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. Shopping hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 – 4pm and Saturdays from 10am – 1pm.

Arrigoni Bridge update

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that motorists can expect the

Arrigoni Bridge in Portland and Middletown to be permanently reduced to a single lane in

each direction beginning Tuesday morning, June 28, 2011. The contractor will be installing

barriers, markings and work zone devices starting Monday night, June 27, in preparation for

the first of three construction stages to replace the main-span deck.

The town of Portland is changing Silver Street to one way to assist in traffic flow resulting in

no access from Silver Street to Main Street.

A portable smart work zone system which provides speed and delay information as well as

camera views of Route 66 & 17 in Portland and Route 66 at St. John Square in Middletown

has also been installed to provide motorists with real-time traffic conditions. The public can

access the system website at www.arrigonibridge.com

The project involves the rehabilitation of Bridge No. 00524 (Arrigoni Bridge) carrying Route

66 over Route 9, Connecticut River, P&W Railroad, and local roads. The rehabilitation

includes replacement of the concrete filled steel grid deck and sidewalks on the main spans.

All work will be completed from the bridge and from a temporary work platform suspended

below the bridge. Other work includes replacement of elastomeric bearings, pedestal repairs

on the Portland side, new bituminous overlay on the main spans, and new expansion joints.

For more information on the Arrigoni Bridge Project visit the Department’s website at

www.ct.gov/dot/Arrigoni Any questions or comments related to the Arrigoni Bridge should

be sent to DOT.Arrigoni@ct.gov

Hike With Us

Who says there is nothing to this summer? The hiking club has had strong turnouts thus far. Our last hike had a huge turnout as we celebrated CT Trails Day. If you would like to join in the fun, our next hike will be June 18, 2011 to Lake Besek, Powder Ridge. Hikers will be meeting at the Green Street Arts Center at 8:30am and we will be back early afternoon. Hikes are for children ages 8-14. Sign-ups for the event are required. If you are interested in signing up, please call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845. Hikers should wear comfortable shoes and bring bottled water. If you would like to have a schedule of future dates, please contact us. Adults are also welcome.

Macdonough Book Fair Today

Today, June 16, 2011 is the Macdonough Book Fair's last day from 12-4pm and from 6:30-7:30pm. If the book fair does not make at least $2000, then Macdonough does not receive any commission. Help Macdonough with its goal. Please come out today to show your support and to take advantage of the books and other items being sold.

JONAH CENTER RIVER PADDLE

Looking for something to do on Saturday afternoon? Come out to the Jonah Center River Paddle launching at 2:30 pm from Harbor Park Middletown. Bill Yule, Naturalist at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, will be our educator on this paddle. We will stop for commentary and questions at Wilcox Island, the confluence of the Mattabesset and Coginchaug Rivers, the open water of the Boggy Meadows, the proposed site of Middletown’s kayak launch, and at a sandy beach on the Coginchaug. Bill spent many hours paddling and exploring this area as a child, so he has observed its character and changes over a number of decades.

Paddlers need to provide their own boats, life jackets, paddles, drinking water, and snacks. Advance registration is not necessary, and there is no charge for the event. You may call 860-398-3771 for more information or in case of possible cancellation due to weather.

If you need a boat, let the NEAT office know. Call at (860) 346-4845.

From what I hear, it's ''SUPER FUN."

Check Izzi out on the Radio Today!

Izzi's live on the radio with Suzanne Thompson's program CT Outdoors. To listen live, tune your radio to WMRD 1150 AM today at 12:30 PM.

CHECK OUT NEAT'S NEW WEBSITE!

It is the same address but with a new look! There are still a few kinks and if you find one, let us know by emailing at neat@neatmiddletown.org. Here's the link: www.neatmiddletown.org. Be sure to check out our North End Nights Page for upcoming summer events.

North Village Condo Open House Tomorrow

Join us tomorrow from 1-3 for the North Village Condo Open House.

The completion of this project signals a new phase in the life of Middletown's North End. If you haven't seen the dramatic changes that have taken place over the last few years, now is your chance!

All seven units in the condo association will be open for people to come in and check out. There are buildings on Rappallo, Green & Ferry Streets. Just look for the balloons. We will also have Neighborhood Ambassadors on site to answer any question that people might have about why the North End is a great place to live.

For more information on the North Village project check out the great article in today's Hartford Courant. Rehabbed Condo's go on the market.

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.

www.northvillagemiddletown.org

Rehabbed Condos Go Up For Sale In North End

Check out this great story about the North Village Condo project and about the wonderful North End! We hope to see you tomorrow at the open house. Bring a friend.

Rehabbed Condos Go Up For Sale In North End

CT TRAILS DAY

This past Saturday, NEAT led hikers from Middletown in celebration of CT Trails Day. The hikers made their way through Wilcox Woods, Lamentation Loop. It was a great event for everyone who came. Thanks to Matt Dodge and Bill Warner from the Middletown Planning Department for leading such a great hike.

If you would like to join in the fun, our next hike will be June 18, 2011. Hikers will be meeting at the Green Street Arts Center at 8:30. Hikes are for children ages 8-14. Sign-ups for the event are required. If you are interested in signing up, please call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845. Hikers should wear comfortable shoes and bring bottled water. If you would like to have a schedule of future dates, please contact us. Adults are also welcome.

OPEN HOUSE!

Come out to the Open House, this Saturday, June 11th from 1-3pm on Ferry St., Green St. and Rapallo Ave. (look for the balloons)

NEAT members have been working hard for years to create new, affordable homeownership in the North End. Please come out and experiece our success. Come if you're curious, or bring a friend who is looking for a home. We're also looking for "North End Ambassadors" to be on site talking to potential buyers about what it's like to live in this neighborhood. Call NEAT if you're interested. 860-346-4845.

• Handicap accessible units available
  
• Within walking distance to all major downtown conveniences
  
• Down payment and closing cost assistance options available soon (Call for Details)

Realtors and community members will be on hand to answer any questions you have. For more details on this Open House Event, call (860) 346-4845. Also, find us on the web at www.northvillagemiddletown.org. While your here, enjoy some of the local arts events at the Green Streets Arts Center and Buttonwood Tree. These kid-friendly events are great for the entire family.

NEAT Hike Tomorrow!

Join us this Saturday for the NEAT sponsored Connecticut Trails Day Celebration Hike in the Wilcox Woods Conservation Area.

We will be meeting at the Green Street Arts Center at 10:15 to carpool to the hiking area. You can also join us at 11 am at Footit Road (follow signs to conservation area).

Bring appropriate shoes, a water bottle and a backpack if you have them.

CALLING ALL NORTH END RESIDENTS - IT'S PARADE TIME!

The North End Action Team will be marching in this year's Memorial Day Parade and everyone is invited to join us. It's a great chance for us to have some fun as a community and enjoy a fabulous festive day! The parade is this Monday, the 30th. We will meet at the corner of Pease and Stack Streets at 9:30am. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Please call the office (860 346 4845) or Emily (339 440 0532) to confirm your attendance.

Kazoos will be provided by the Community Music Initiative, as well as CMI t-shirts for anyone who has attended at least two CMI events. We'll also have sunscreen and water in case it's a beautiful sunny day.The parade goes from the North End all the way to the South Green. It begins promptly at 10:30.

Photo of the Day!

Community Music Photo:

Singing:

WE WILL ROCK YOU!

Look out for more community music pictures to come!

PHOTO OF THE DAY FROM CMI

COMMUNITY MUSIC PHOTO OF THE DAY:

THIS PICTURE IS FROM THIS PAST SATURDAY'S EVENT. THE KIDS ARE PLAYING ON THE UKELELE!
MORE PICS AND POSTS TO COME FROM OUR LAST EVENT!

Hiking Club Canceled for May 22, 2011

Unfortunately, due to unfavorable weather conditions, this weekend's hike has been canceled. The next regular scheduled hike will be in June. More information and dates will be forthcoming. Please look out for an email and blog posting with further details. Sorry for the change but hope to see you at the next hike in June!

The Connecticut Humane Society Pet Food Pantry

The current economy as well as catastrophic events place many families in a position they never thought they would face; deciding whether or not they can afford to keep their beloved pet. At the Connecticut Humane Society we understand… Now operating out of the Newington shelter is our pet food pantry program for people in financial need. Our goal is to provide people with quality pet food so they don’t have to choose between feeding their family and feeding their pet.

Due to the huge turnout, they are in need of donations. Donation information is on their website. In addition, there are special requirements in order to receive these benefits. For more information on these requirements and what you need to bring, please visit the website.

Where is the pet food pantry located? At the garage that is on the Newington property at 701 Russell Road but separate from the main building. The distribution will occur from the middle bay.

When will the pet food be distributed? Pet food will be distributed while supplies last on the following dates: May 20, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm June 3, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm June 17, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm July 1, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm July 15, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm August 5, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm August 19, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Future dates will be announced and posted on this page in the near future.

HELP BABIES IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY STAY HEALTHY AND HAPPY!

The following is an appeal from the Middlesex Diaper Committee.

Dear friends,

Thousands of babies in Middlesex County live in families too poor to buy enough disposable diapers to diaper them properly. Healthy babies need clean diapers to avoid diaper rash and other conditions that lead to poor health, behaviors and outcomes. Day care centers require disposable diapers...but food stamps and other programs do not cover diapers. And most laundromats do not allow cloth diapers to be washed in their facilities. Food comes first, so diapers, so necessary to prevent infection, discomfort and major illnesses, often are left on the store shelf. Through the efforts of the Middlesex Diaper Committee, Middlesex County is now a service area of The Diaper Bank. The Diaper Bank is the most cost-effective way to provide diapers to families in need of them. Last month The Diaper Bank began distributing 120,000 diapers a year through Maternal & Child Health Programs at Middlesex Hospital, Early Head Start, Even Start at Middletown Adult Education and the Family Wellness Center at the Community Health Center. To continue our wonderful partnership with the Diaper Bank, we need to raise $25,000. We hope you will help.

For a timely gift of $25 or more, we will send your special person a lovely card in time for Mothers or Fathers Day, in your name. Just think, your gift to The Diaper Bank/Middlesex County can honor the person most important to you and help provide diapers to the most vulnerable families right here in our community.

Please click here to read the flyer for more information and access the reply form here to help or you may contribute on line at www.thediaperbank.org and write in "Middlesex County" in the designation box. Want to save on paper and postage and pay securely by credit card? Click here. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration to promote wellness in our community.

Most Sincerely,
Patti Anne Vassia
Chair Middlesex Diaper Committee

Final Community Music event for the school year...

Last chance! (Until our summer events start up - stay tuned).

CMI is a great place for kids and families to make music together and get connected to the community. It's fun, educational, and FREE.

If you have questions, need transportation, or want to learn more, please contact NEAT (860 346 4845), or the coordinator Emily (339 440 0532).

This Saturday, the 14th

10:30-1

Green Street Arts Center

51 Green Street

The schedule:

1) Performances by CMI students

2) Musical playshop - improvise! With our new workshop leader, Julie Cook.

3) Community lunch (bring a dish to share)

4) Music games

Hope to see you there! Bring friends, neighbors, and family. Everyone is welcome.

Green Street Benefit Concert featuring Tierney Sutton '86

Friday, May 20, 2011 | 8pm
Crowell Concert Hall
$65 post-performance meet and greet reception with Tierney Sutton ’86 and preferred seating at the performance; $40 performance only; $25 performance only for students and GOLD (graduates of the last decade) Note: For GOLD purchasers, please select the Wesleyan student rate when buying your tickets online

Click here to purchase your tickets or call 860-685-3355

Support the After School Arts & Science Program at Wesleyan’s Reunion & Commencement Weekend with renowned jazz vocalist and Wesleyan alumnus Tierney Sutton ’86. Sutton was an undergrad at Wesleyan when she first discovered jazz music and decided to become a performer. Since then, she has graced the stages of many prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, Birdland, the Rainbow Room, and the Montreal Jazz Festival. Returning to where it all began, Sutton, joined by flutist Hubert Laws and guitarist Larry Koonse, will be performing at Crowell Concert Hall for this season’s benefit concert for Green Street’s After School Program.

Community Music Continues!

Don’t miss these upcoming opportunities to make music with your family, friends, and neighbors:

May 14^th – Community Music Saturday (last Saturday event this school year)

Julie Cook will be leading us in a musical playshop where we will improvise in a group, making up our very own music. As usual, the event will also include performances by music learners, a communal lunch, and music games to finish.

Green Street Arts Center, 10:30am-12am

May 30^th

CMI and NEAT march in the Memorial Day Parade

Muster time is 9:30 at Macdonough School. Bring and NEAT or CMI t-shirt, or we’ll provide one. We’ll also have kazoos and drums, a giant banner, and lots of loud voices to sing with. Cross your fingers for good weather!

Macdonough School

9:30-12

June 11^th – Open House day at Green Street

Community Music will be leading a singing circle as part of Green Street’s Open House. Come visit us and raise your voice in song! For more about Open House, call Green Street at 860 685 7871 or visit their website

Summer fun

Where is CMI over the summer?

1) leading field trips to great concerts around Middletown

2) hosting music-making before concerts at the NEAT evening markets

(July 19^th, August 9^th, and September 20^th)

3) spontaneous music at North End Farmers Markets on Fridays

(July-October)

And next year?

Community Music has been fully funded for next year! Stay tuned for a complete description of all the awesome events and programming coming up.

NEAT MONTHLY MEETING - Wednesday at 7 pm

NEAT MEETING WEDNESDAY NIGHT

Please join us for the May NEAT meeting

Wednesday May 4^th at 7 pm at the Green Street Arts Center

We will be discussing ways to improve the parks and public spaces in the North End.

The North End Parks include Donovan Park (Macdonough school), Roosevelt Park (Miller St.), The park behind Wharfside Commons and Willie Pep Park (Bottom of Green Street).

We need to hear from you about what you would like to see in the parks. If we don’t hear from you then we won’t know what you want.

For more information call Bobbye at (860) 346-4845

FREE CHILDCARE IS PROVIDED FOR NEAT MEETINGS

PRIDE DAY

Thank you to everyone who came out for the 2011 North End PRIDE day. It was a great event thanks to all of you.