Friday, October 31, 2008

NEAT provides students with free laptops

By SLOAN BREWSTER, Press staff
(reprinted with permission from the Middletown Press)

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


"We’re still learning," Claffey said.


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

We need people to:

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

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

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

PLEASE SIGN UP TO HELP. THIS ELECTION IS CRITICAL.

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

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT QUESTIONS

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

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

MIDDLETOWN

• Shall the revisions to the City Charter be approved?

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, October 30, 2008

YMCA Scholarships for North End Kids

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

NEAT Elections

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Letter to NEAT Members from Councilman Faulkner

Ms. Greenberg,

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

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

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

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

Grady Faulkner Jr.

Friday, October 24, 2008

New Laptops at Macdonough School

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

New Computers at Macdonough!

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

North End Vintage

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

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

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

Fast forward one year.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Macdonough School's Free Book Fridays

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

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

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

Monday, October 20, 2008

League of Women Voters Candidates Forum

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

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

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

This is a good chance to get informed!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Democracy Forum in ITowns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, October 10, 2008

North End Businesses in ITowns

Middletown's north end biz looking good
By
Melissa Pionzio

on October 1, 2008 5:53 PM |

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

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

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

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

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

Keep up the good work northenders!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

ODDFELLOWS PLAYHOUSE NEIGHBORHOOD TROUPES

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

NEAT Slate for Elections

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

BUILDING COMPUTER BASICS Classes

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

NEAT Democracy Forum Tomorrow

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

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

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

Monday, October 6, 2008

"Help is Here Express" Perscription Bus Tuesday



DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?

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

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

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

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

Sunday, October 5, 2008

SCHOOLS SUPPORT COMMITTEE

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

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

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

Saturday, October 4, 2008

MENTORING PROGRAM

NEAT's Mentoring program is up and running again and we have spaces for new kids to join the program.  If you have a child ages 7-13, please give me a call.  Your child would meet with her/her mentee for one hour a week.  This program has been amazing for many North End kids and students alike.  Please call NEAT if you're interested.  346-4845

Friday, October 3, 2008

Oct Board of Education Meeting

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