Middnight On Main

SATURDAY DECEMBER 31, 2011
3 PM TO MIDNIGHT
WWW.MIDDNIGHT.ORG

FIREWORKS AT 6PM

Enjoy more than 100 performances and activities at more than 12 locations within 4 blocks of Main Street.

Magic. Sword Swallowing. Rock Bands. Chess Matches. Japanese Taiko Drumming. Comedy. Irish Step Dance. Crafts. Kidcity Play. Jazz. Contra Dance. Roller Skating. Gospel Funk. Speed Dating. Funny Films. Piano Sing-a-long. Brazilian Capoeria. Fiddle Music. Break Dance Lessons. Wizard Rock. Matt's Physics Lab. Hula-hooping. West African Drumming & more!

Slate for Advisory Board Elections

Voting for the Advisory Board Elections will take place at our January 4, 2012 General Meeting.

The following is the slate of nominees up for election:
(Terms are for two years.)

Cookie Quinones
Michael Taylor
Rob Rosenthal
Carlton Dobson
Dmitri D'Alessandro

Sandra Wise

Hope to see you tonight and please come out to our January meeting to vote!

NEAT HOLIDAY PARTY!!

NEAT ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY DECEMBER 7, 2011

Join us for NEAT's annual holiday party. The party will be help this Wednesday night at 7 pm at the Green Street Arts Center. The event is a potluck so feel free to bring your favorite desert savory or sweet to share with the group. If you don't have time to whip up a dish feel free to join us anyway. We will bring extras.

The NEAT Glee club will be there to perform a song.

We look forward to seeing our friends, neighbors and stakeholders!

If you know that you will be attending and bringing a dish let us know (you can comment here or call the office) (860) 346-4845

Thank you!

Choice Application Period is Open!

The Greater Hartford Regional Open Choice Application period is now open. Open Choice gives you choices on what school you would like your child to attend in the Greater Hartford Area. The application deadline is January 20, 2011. The website has more details so please take a look. More information from NEAT will be available. Information is available in Spanish.

YOUR ACTION NEEDED FOR MIDDLETOWN BIKE-WAY

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public – especially those who ride bicycles and are interested in making our city more “bicycle-friendly” – to attend 2 important meetings. The reason: Middletown has an excellent chance to receive $800,000 in U.S. Dep’t of Transportation funds for infrastructure to make urban areas more bicycle-friendly.

The first meeting is on Tuesday, November 29, at 5:30 p.m. in Room 208 of City Hall. Middletown’s Director of Planning, Conservation and Development, Bill Warner, will present a bicycling “master plan.” Public input on the details of the plan and support for the project in general is being sought.

To meet the grant application deadline of December 21, this matter needs to come before the Common Council at the Dec. 5, 7 p.m. meeting in the Council Chambers. A public demonstration of support by large attendance and some spoken testimony at the beginning of this meeting is needed. We hope Middletown will take advantage of this exciting opportunity to join sustainability-minded communities around the nation and become more bicycle-friendly.

END HUNGER CT SNAP ALERT: REPLACEMENT SNAP

If you or someone you know received SNAP benefits in October then an automatic 15% of those benefits will be added into your or their account as replacement for lost food from the early winter storm Albert.

SNAP recipients will receive an automatic 15% replacement of SNAP benefits, which will be added to EBT cards and made available next week.

SNAP recipients will also receive a replacement for the supplement issued on October 11th for Tropical Storm Irene.

Request for additional funds over the 15% replacement can be requested by calling 2-1-1 or visiting their website no later than midnight Friday, November 18th.

The amount of the 15% mass reissuance, plus the individual replacement request, cannot be more than their October benefits, including any TS Irene supplements received on Oct. 11th.

COMMUNITY MUSIC INITIATIVE UPCOMING EVENT

Community Music is meeting this Saturday, November 19th, 11-1 for Jamaican Drumming and Singing and a big old potluck-style lunch. Bring friends and family and a lunch contribution if you're planning ahead! This program is great for families with kids age 5-13. CMI meets at the Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green Street. See you then! Contact, Emily or the NEAT office for more details. No sign-ups are required.

Urgent Need for Turkeys Issued to Fill Thanksgiving Baskets

The Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project (MCTP) has registered 350 Middletown families for Thanksgiving baskets this year. However, with less than two weeks remaining until Thanksgiving, the MCTP is falling short of turkey donations to fill those baskets.

“The MCTP is short approximately 100 turkeys to make the holiday meals complete,” said Brenda Simmons, project manager of MCTP.

The public is being asked to donate frozen turkeys. If you can help, a refrigerated truck will be stationed at Fellowship Church, 1002 Saybrook Road in Middletown on this Saturday, November 19^th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to receive turkey donations. The truck has been donated by Jukonski Trucks of Middletown.

For additional information and other ways to help, call Brenda Simmons at (860) 346-8695.

State Senator Paul Doyle Helps North End Action Team, Inc. Secure Needed Funds for Youth Entrepreneur Program

State Senator Paul Doyle recently helped secure a $10,000 grant from AT&T
Connecticut to help fund the North End Action Team’s Youth Entrepreneur Program.

The North End Action Team (NEAT) is a grassroots community organization dedicated
to the revitalization and development of indigenous participation and leadership within
the North End neighborhood of Middletown, CT. NEAT’s goal is to identify priorities,
convene process, build partnerships and find solutions to neighborhood issues that lead
to the development of the North End as a socially and economically vibrant
neighborhood.

The Youth Entrepreneur Program is designed to engage local at-risk youth to develop
entrepreneurial skills through the creation of a small business – from the beginning idea
through creating and marketing the product and designing and implementing a retail
space.

“There is a growing need for programs that can create job opportunities and build
workforce-based skills for local youths,” stated State Senator Paul Doyle. “This grant
from AT&T will help to provide program participants with real world experiences and
skills that they can take with them into their careers.”

“NEAT’s Youth Entrepreneur Program will help students develop the networking and
social skills needed to succeed,” stated Izzi Greenberg, Executive Director of NEAT.
“Thanks to Senator Doyle and AT&T, the program will be able to help students identify
their specific talents and interests that will help them thrive in the future.”

"We commend Senator Doyle for his efforts to help NEAT’s Youth Entrepreneur
Program” stated Abby Jewett, Director, External & Legislative Affairs “When we learned
from Senator Doyle about the need for program funding, we were happy to help."

Swearing In Ceremony

The Swearing in Ceremony for

Mayor-Elect Daniel T. Drew
Common Council
City Treasurer
Planning & Zoning
Board of Education
Board of Assessment Appeals

Will be Tuesday, November 15th , 2011 at 7 pm

Woodrow Wilson Middle School, 370 Hunting Hill Avenue, Middletown CT 06457

Reception to follow in the Cafeteria. Light refreshments will be served.

The Public is Invited and Encouraged to Attend

NEAT MEETING TOMORROW

Please join us for the monthly NEAT meeting at 7:00pm. The November meeting will be dedicated to a community conversation about the Green Street Arts Center.

If you are an active Green Street participant or if you have never been to Green Street, we want to hear from you! We want to engage in a meaningful conversation about what Green Street means to the community and what you would like to see from GSAC in the coming years.

If you don't join us and share your thoughts we won't know what you want!

Refreshments will be served. Childcare and pizza for the kids will be available.

A GUIDE TO WRITE IN CANDIDATES

A few candidates are running as Write -In Candidates. If you are interested in any write-in candidates for any position, location the section where the position is located (horizontal line at top). Then locate the write in votes line (vertical line on the left). At the the intersection, you may write in any candidates you would like. Please make sure to shade in the circle for your write-in candidate. You do not need to vote for the full number of candidates indicated on the ballot but you cannot vote for more. Please write the candidates name in clearly and legibly.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2011

Tomorrow, Tuesday November 8, 2011 is Election Day. Please get out and vote! Exercise your rights! Polls are open from 6-8pm. The North end is in District One and votes at Macdonough School.

NEAT will have an informational table available near the North End's Voting Site at Macdonough School (Pease Avenue Entrance). The table will have voter's information. If you would like to volunteer to help with NEAT's nonpartisan election table please call us at 860-346-4845 or email us at neat@neatmiddletown.org. Shifts are open from 6-8am and from 6-8pm. Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered to help!


Even though our local press has done a good job of reporting on elections, NEAT members asked for the information all in one place. In response, NEAT has created a Candidate Guide for your added convenience. Please click on guide for more information. Also, NEAT has send out an email to everyone on our email list. Please take the time to read the information presented. As a reminder, NEAT does not endorse any candidate nor does NEAT endorse the information or opinions presented. These are mainly links to possible resources:

Local Press Sites:

List of 2011 Candidates by Position
Middletown Eye
Middletown Patch
Middletown Press
The Hartford Courant


If you have any questions, please call NEAT at 860-346-4845, stop-in or stop by our election table near Macdonough. NEAT volunteers will be there throughout the day.
See you at the polls!

OUR LAST MARKET!

There is still time to shop at the last North End Farmer's Market of the season. Come out for one last round of farm fresh produce!

CITY OF MIDDLETOWN NEW WEBSITE

Check out the new CITY OF MIDDLETOWN website. Middletown is stepping up it's use of technology. The website promises to be more user-friendly and eye-catching. In addition, more information will be readily accessible and updated regularly. For a quick look, below is a snapshot of the site. If you have some basic questions, this site may just provide some answers. Take some time to navigate if you can!

The Nightmare on Green Street...

Willy Pep Park Ribbon Cutting Tomorrow!

What happens when neighborhood kids need a skate park? They organize. They go to meetings. They put up with a lot of setbacks and persist. And once it's built, they celebrate.

Come and celebrate with us tomorrow, October 19, 2011 from 3:00 to 3:30pm at the Willy Pep Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

THREE more markets!

THREE more weeks to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies right in our own backyard!

North End Farmers Market

Fridays 10-2

Corner of Liberty and Main

860 346 4845

www.northendfarmersmarket.org

*We accept WIC, SNAP/EBT, and Senior Farmers Market Vouchers.

And we can double your money for fruits and veggies with our Double Dollars program!

Special this week:

A visit from Double G Alpaca Farm!

Carol will be bringing wool and wool products to share with us. She'll also be doing a spinning demonstration. Not to be missed.

Smoothies and sandwiches!

Raw Youniverse (raw organic smoothies) and the Whey Station (gourmet grilled cheese) are back again this week. Come on out for lunch.

Bluegrass by the Mattabassett String Collective!

If you missed these guys earlier in the summer, here's your chance to hear them again. With classic harmonies and great fiddling and picking, the Mattabassett String Collective is sure to put a smile on your face and get your toes tapping.

Music is from 12-1.

REGISTER FOR THE ROCKFALL 25TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM!

This Thursday October 13, 2011 is the Rockfall Foundation's 25th Annual Symposium titled Our Future Food Security: National Issues Local Response. This important event will look at ways in which Middletown can

* plan and reclaim its agricultural legacy

* create a healthful, sustainable food system

* maximize community self-reliance?

There is still time to register. The event starts at 8:30 am to 12:15pm a the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Center with an optional lunch and Common Gardens Tour at the Grace Episcopal Church. It features keynote speaker Mark Winne and discussion panel moderated by Susan Campbell. Amongst the discussion panelists is our very own Izzi Greenberg. Registration, more details and location information can be found through the following link.

North End Farmers Market - tomorrow!

Apples and squash and potatoes - oh my!

Fall produce is in full swing, come get your own!

North End Farmers Market

Fridays July-October

10-2

Corner of Liberty and Main

*We accept WIC, EBT/SNAP, and Senior coupons.

Visit www.northendfarmersmarket.org for more info.

Or contact the North End Action Team at 860 346 4845.

Music

Izaach Lichter-Marck is bringing his banjo and his friends to serenade us with old-timey tunes during the lunch hour. It's 12-1. Be there be square!

Special guest vendor

Raw Youniverse is back again with delicious raw smoothies, and what a variety of delicious options!

Lunch

They Whey Station will be providing gourmet grilled cheese and local cheese by the pound.

Community Music is back!

Hey everyone!

The Community Music Initiative (CMI) is starting up this Saturday at the Green Street Arts Center with a great event from 11-1.

There will be African Drumming with Jocelyn Pleasant and a big community lunch as always. Bring a dish or drink to share!

The event is FREE and open to all ages. Kids under age 12 need to attend with a guardian over age 15. Kids 12 and over are welcome to come on their own.

For photos and memories of last year, to get a sense of what CMI is all about, please LIKE us on Facebook.

Please give us a call with any questions or suggestions (860 346 4845).

Hope to see you there!

-Emily

Farmers Market - it's that time of the week!

One month left!

North End Farmers Market

Fridays July-October

10-2

Corner of Liberty and Main

*We accept WIC, EBT/SNAP, and Senior coupons.

Visit www.northendfarmersmarket.org for more info.

Or contact the North End Action Team at 860 346 4845.

Music

Izaach Lichter-Marck is bringing his banjo and his friends to serenade us with old-timey tunes during the lunch hour. It's 12-1. Be there be square!

Lunch

Eli Cannon's is bringing us two signature wraps - yum! The Zen (portabello mushroom and hummus) and the Knapp Wrap (smoked turkey, bacon, swiss). Enjoy!

Special guest vendor

Raw Youniverse is back again with delicious raw smoothies, and what a variety of delicious options!

They Whey Station will be providing gourmet grilled cheese and local cheese by the pound.

October 5th Meet the Candidates Night

NEAT's invites you to Meet the Candidates Night on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 7:00pm at the Green Street Arts Center. This will be an informal meet and greet where you can bring your questions and be heard. Take the opportunity to meet the candidates and be informed. Free Dinner and childcare will be provided. Also, you can register to vote at the event!

FREE Foreclosure Prevention Clinics

Know Your Rights in the Foreclosure Process

Who Can Attend: Any homeowner who is facing foreclosure or having trouble paying his/her mortgage.Registration by phone is requested before the event. There is no charge to attend.

What: The clinics will offer homeowners information about the judicial foreclosure and mediation process along with guidance on how to prepare and what
documents to bring to court. Referrals to housing counseling agencies will also be made.

Register by calling:
(203) 777-6925 ext. 26

When:
September 27, 2011
November 22, 2011
January 24, 2012
March 27, 2012
May 22, 2012

July 24, 2012


Where: Meriden City Hall
142 East Main St.
Meriden, CT
Room 28

All clinics will begin at 5:30 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m.
Clinics are brought to you by the following Groups: