Friday, February 26, 2010

SPRING CLASSES FORMING AT THE GREEN STREET ARTS CENTER Learn Hip Hop Aerobics, Drawing, Screenwriting and More This Spring!

Middletown, Conn., February 24, 2010—Wesleyan University’s Green Street Arts Center is now accepting registrations for Spring classes, workshops and After School program offerings. Classes include Balinese Dance, Salsa, Drawing, Screenwriting, Acting and Creative Sound. Wesleyan professors who will present new research and cutting-edge information lead the informal Sunday Salon Discussion Series. Green Street will also host a free North End Family Morning this April. The Green Street Arts Center is located at 51 Green Street in Middletown. 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.

The Green Street Arts Center of Wesleyan University is a vibrant center for arts education, serving residents of the neighborhood and the region. In partnership with the City of Middletown, the North End Action Team (NEAT), and a variety of local arts groups, Green Street promotes communication through creativity and collaboration.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Success at Green Street's Feast for the Senses

We want to let you know about the success of the Green Street Arts Center’s silent auction. At A Feast For The Senses last Thursday, Green Street raised over $23,000 for its After School Arts and Science Program and its scholarship fund! The magical evening was filled with conversation, laughter, live music and salsa lessons, food from around the world, and over 175 unique items and experiences for guests to bid on.

All of the support you have demonstrated means so much to our students. This past year, 98% of all our students receive scholarship awards.

Green Street Also runs classes for adults on everything from sound recording to screen writing to hip-hop dance. You can still register! A full catalog and description of class is available at our website.

As guests entered Green Street they were greeted by the sounds of Wesleyan students Will Monson and Matt Bernstein playing saxophone and bass guitar. Throughout the evening participants enjoyed performances by hip hop troupe ThoroEnergy, a Carnatic Trio, John Bergeron playing keyboard, The Remainders rocking out on guitars, The Adam Kubota Band playing jazz music, and Jocelyn Pleasant and Friends on African drums.

Popular items from our auction included an instant wine cellar, handcrafted jewelry and XX, tickets to the Blue Man Group, Hartford Stage and other theatre and entertainment tickets, a ride to school on a fire truck, wine tastings across the state, framed photos and artwork, and family fun events.

For more information about Wesleyan University’s Green Street Arts Center, visit www.greenstreetartscenter.org. You can also call us at 860-685-7871 or email us at gsac@wesleyan.edu.

Photos by Matt Kabel

Saturday, February 13, 2010

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

Friday, February 12, 2010

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

Thursday, February 11, 2010

FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNER AND CREDIT COUNSELLING

With Rosa Carrero of Liberty Bank

Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17 & 24th

6:30-8:00 pm
Rosa Carrero from Liberty Bank present four info sessions designed to help people take the first steps toward buying a home. Topics include credit counseling (Session 1), finding the right home (Session 2), the lending process (Session 3) and understanding Legalities (Session 4). Participants in all four will receive A certificate of completion that meets one eligibility requirement for The City Of Middletown grant and down payment assistance, CHFA and CHFA Down payment assistance programs.

All workshops are FREE and open to everyone, though registration is required. Childcare is provided with notice. All workshops are being co-presented by the North End Action Team and the Green Street Arts Center. All workshops will take place at the Green Street Arts Center.

For more information, or to register, call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845 or email at neat@neatmiddletown.org. Or, come on in!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Snow BAN!!

Remember, there is a snow ban in effect tomorrow, so park smart and don't get towed!

NEAT Meeting Cancelled

Sadly, with the threat of terrible weather, we've decided to cancel the regular NEAT meeting and the Advisory Board Meeting scheduled for Wednesday February 10th. Please attend our next meeting on Wendesday, March 10th at 7 pm.