Farmers Market Starts Friday July 2

First Market This Friday!

Come down and get your groceries for the holiday weekend!

North End Action Team is happy to announce the opening of the North End Farmers' Market in front of It's Only Natural Market (575 Main St.) The market features local vendors selling delicious fruits, vegetables, cheeses, baked goods, and more! Also look for live music, recipe samples, and food from local restaurants. We accept SNAP/EBT, Senior and WIC coupons. So come out to the market on Fridays between 10 and 2 to enjoy the summer weather, great food, and fun times!

The Featured restaurant of the week of July 2nd, 2010 is Iguanas y Ranas Taqueria. There lunch be a market special delicios fish tostadas for $2.00!

Our vendors include:

Beckett Farms

The Beckett family started farming in Glastonbury in 1973, when Chip's father bought the Old Cider Mill to keep it from being developed into condominiums after the original condo sale fell thru. Chip worked during off times in college and vet school until 1982, and returned to Glastonbury in 1983 to start his own practice and help out with the farm. In 1985, he bought the farm next door to build the veterinary clinic, Beckett and Associates, and adds the acreage to the Cider Mill property. Originally, we sold most things to the Cider Mill, along with wholesalers in Hartford. We have gradually sold to more stands and added farmer's markets two years ago, when his daughter, Leah, was old enough to drive to the markets. The CSA is the next evolution for our farm, to let people see and share what we do with our productive land and good weather.

Ceccarelli Farm

Ceccarelli Farm is run by Nelson Ceccarelli. The farm runs Farmer's Markets, Farm Stands, and Community Supported Agriculture. They sell to restaurants, grocery stores, school, cafeterias, inns, and personal chefs. Some of the vegetables they have are lettuce, cabbage, corn, eggplant, green beans, corn, summer squash, and tomatoes. They also have a list of recipes located on their website.

Chaplin Farms

Chaplin Farms is a family farm owned and operated by the Rose Family. The owner Stephen Rose is a fourth generation farmer and has been farming for over 20 years. At the farm they grow both traditional and heirloom vegetables. We will have strawberries, blueberries, plums, peaches, nectarines, pears and over 15 varieties of apples including Honey crisp, Macoun and Mutsu.

George Hall Farms

At George Hall Farm, they pride themselves on providing their local community with the freshest, high quality organic and conventionally grown produce. Currently, they have more than 60 acres in production with the majority of the land Certified Organic. Since 1966, they have been using sustainable techniques that are environmentally safe. Almost all of their produce is organic and their other conventional produce is grown with minimal or no pesticides. There produce comes to there members and customers at the height of freshness and nutritional value. They are Certified Organic through the Bay State Organic Certifiers of Massachusetts. They offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, a farm stand on the property, produce at many local Farmer's Markets, eggs and honey, and farming internships.

Gotta's Farm

They are the proud grower's of quality plants, fruits, and vegetables, and fun ornamentals since 1898. Gotta's Farm and Cider Mill is a 4th generation farm established in 1898. They now have two seasonal retail locations -- Gotta's Farm on Rte 17 and the QP Market on Rte 66, both in Portland, CT. They are the proud growers of quality plants, fruits, vegetables and full ornamentals, and they offer strawberries, peaches, apples and pears that you can pick yourself when they are in season. Gotta's Farm maintains a farmstand bakery with fabulous pies, breads, and cookies, and they participate in three regional Farmers' Markets. Gotta's Farm is now open for our 112th Season. All our annual flowering and vegetable plants are grown here from the best hybrid seed available. Come by and pick some of their delicious, fresh strawberries! There fields are located on Main St. in Portland, Connecticut
Picking hours are from 8am-8 pm

Rose's Berry Farm

There farm is now open on weekends and limited days during the week. Due to all the warm weather they had in May, the strawberries came early and are now at the end of the season. They now will have raspberry picking and hopefully blueberry picking within the next week and a half! They have made a few changes to their website as they aim to expand their online shopping as well as provide more up-to-date information regarding the farm. Many new products have been added to our online store, so check them out now! Rose's Berry Farm is about more than just berries. They have put together a variety of activities that appeal to people both young and old. You are invited to the farm each and every season to see for yourselves just how much fun the country has to offer! They also have recipes located on their website made with all the delicious fruits.

Click here to see a video of Rose's Berry Farm

Guest Vendors:

Beltane Farm

Starlight Farms

Urban Oaks

Whey Better Farm

Using your EBT card at the market

Find the table with the sign, "Use your EBT here!" Here, you can use your card to purchase $1.00 wooden coins, which will act as cash in the market.

You can then use your tokens to buy approved food items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I buy with my tokens?

Fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, dairy, maple and honey products, seeds and plants that produce food, baked goods, jams, and sauces are all okay. You cannot buy nonfood items, foods meant to be eaten on site, and vitamins.

Since the tokens are issued in dollar increments, what happens if I purchase something that is $2.50?

The vendors may choose to add product to your purchase to bring the value to an even dollar amount, or you can pay the $0.50 with your own change. Unfortunately, vendors cannot give cash change for any tokens.

Does it cost anything to purchase tokens?

Tokens are purchased with your EBT card, so there is no cost to you.

Do tokens ever expire?

You can use your tokens until the market ends in October. Any unused tokens can be returned and the value transferred to your benefits account.

What's in season in Connecticut?

Find the full-sized calendar here:USDA Connecticut Grown Crop Availability Calendar

Nutrition Tip of the Week!

In addition to livening your plate, including fruits and vegetables of different colors in your meal provides you with the widest range of nutrients!

For more information, visit www.neatmiddletown.org or call at (860) 346-4845

Do you work or live downtown? We will deliver to your home or office so you can go back handsfree, and don't have to worry about struggling with bags back to the office. We will deliver to Main St. or anywhere in the North End.

This week's featured restaurant is IGUANAS RANAS TAQUERIA

Iguanas Ranas is a local favorite serving affordable, fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine. They will be here this Friday with delicious lunch options to enjoy as you browse the market. Special market deal: Fish tacos for $2


Visit Iguanas Ranas online:
http://www.iguanasranastaqueria.com/

Recipe of the Week

Quinoa Summer Salad
Quinoa is a grain-like crop from the Andes of South America. With 11 grams of protein per cup, quinoa is extremely nutritious, and surprisingly tasty! This simple recipe can easily be adjusted to incorporate any of the vegetables you find at the market.

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups raw whole grain quinoa
  
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup lightly steamed broccoli florets
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• dash salt and pepper, to taste (sea salt tastes best)

Cook quinoa in vegetable broth until it fluffs up, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While quinoa is cooking, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves and salt and pepper.

When quinoa is finished cooking, allow to cool slightly, then toss with vegetables and lemon juice mix, stirring to combine well. Add more salt and pepper to taste, and chill before serving.

Makes 6 servings of quinoa salad

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/soupssalads/r/quinoasalad.htm

Have a great recipe idea? Send it to Emma at mendele@chc1 to be included in an upcoming newsletter!

What's in season in Connecticut?

Find the full-sized calendar here:USDA Connecticut Grown Crop Availability Calendar

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Middletown Considers Adding Public Bus Stop At Farm Hill School

By MONICA POLANCO, mpolanco@courant.com

June 23, 2010

MIDDLETOWN —
Clara Sancho, who does not own a car, has been largely unable to visit her son's elementary school for four years, but she hopes the Middletown Transit District will help change that by adding a public bus stop at the boy's new school, Farm Hill Elementary School.

School officials and the North End Action Team have asked that the bus stop be added so North End parents — whose children have been reassigned to Farm Hill as part of recent redistricting changes — can become part of the school community. One hundred fifteen students from the North End and the Traverse Square public housing development will attend the school in September.

More than 40 people attended a transit district public hearing last week to try to convince the transit district's board of directors that Farm Hill needs a bus stop.

"There's overwhelming support for the change," said Thomas Cheeseman, the transit district's administrator. "It's a logical move."

The board of directors is also considering adding other bus stops in Middletown — at the new Price Chopper supermarket on 855 Washington St. and along the medical corridor at 400, 410 and 412 Saybrook Road — and one in Cromwell at PriceRite, 136 Berlin Rd.

Cheeseman said he thinks the board will vote next month.

Supporters say the proposed Farm Hill bus stop would be a crucial link between school and home for parents without cars. They said it would allow parents to more easily attend parent-teacher conferences, parent teacher association events and pick up sick children.

School administrators encourage parents to become involved in their children's schools because they believe it improves academic achievement, said Pat Girard, Farm Hill's principal.

Izzi Greenberg, NEAT's executive director, said North End parents also want to fight the misperception that they don't care about their children's education because they don't attend school events.

Greenberg said that neither Farm Hill nor Van Buren Moody Elementary School — which some North End students attended — has a public bus stop or sidewalks.

The proposed change, Greenberg said, would give North End parents more self-respect, smooth their transition into a new school community and "level the playing field."

Sancho, a mother of three, said she has relied on the kindness of people such as Greenberg to drive her to Farm Hill but would love to travel there on her own. The school is about 2 miles from the North End.

Sancho's trips to her son's current school, Moody, have not always been smooth. Once, Sancho said, she took a taxi. The cab driver drove in circles around a construction detour and got lost, she said. At the end of the trip, which should have been three miles, the taxi meter read $50. Sancho had $20.

The driver threatened to call police, but Sancho gave him the $20 and walked away.

This fall, she hopes to avoid such drama.

Reprinted with permission from the Hartford Courant

Farmers Market Starts July 2

We're getting ready to start the 2010 season for the North End Farmers Market on Main St.

We have an amazing group of farms this year including Cicarelli Farms from Northford, George Hall (Ogre Farms) Organic Farm from Simsbury, Beckett Farms, Chaplin Farms, Gotta's Farm, Roses Berry Farm and Beltane Farms.

Additionally, there will be guest vendors each week selling soaps and other gift items. We'll have samples, recipes and more!

If you'd like to volunteer to help make the market a success, please contact NEAT at 860-346-4845 or neat@neatmiddletown.org

Otherwise, just prepare yourself to shop!!
The market runs Fridays from 10-2 and begins on July 2nd. It will go from July 2 through October. The market is happening in front of It's Only Natural Market, 575 Main St.

Come Support Farm Hill Bus Stop

There will be a public hearing tonight at 6:30 pm at the MAT Station on Main St. to determine if MAT (Middetown Area Transit) will put a bus stop at Farm Hill School.

The city bus currently doesn't stop at Farm Hill School. Next year, new families will be attending the school, many with barriers to transportation. Without access to the school, it is difficult for families to be involved in parent-teacher conferences, PTA or simply picking up a sick child.

NEAT has been in discussions with MAT (Middletown Area Transit)and they are in the process of reconsidering their routes. Their policy is that in order to make changes to a route, there must be a public hearing to determine if there is a need.

The public hearing will be held tonight, Wednesday, June 16th, at the MAT station on Main St (just two shops north of Javapalooza) at 6:30 pm. If you'd like to walk down with the North End group, you can meet us at 6 pm at the Green Street Arts Center parking lot. You can bring your kids, and in fact, it is probably better if you do. If it is raining, a bus will pick us up at 6 at the Green Street Arts Center and at 6:15 in the parking lot of Broad St. Books on Williams St. You can wait under the awning of both places.

If you don't feel that you are personally affected by this, just come and sit with your neighbors and help them get the access that they need. The more people we can get in the room, the more likely it will be that they create a stop at the school. This opportunity may not come up again for a few years, so we must act now!

NEAT will provide sheets with talking points to help you out if you wish to speak.

BREAKDANCING EVENTS THIS WEEKEND AT GREEN STREET

Middletown B-Boys: Film Screening and Breakdancing Event

Friday, May 21 | 7:00-9:00 PM

$8 non-members, $5 members/students/seniors- Tickets are valid for both events

Bridget Palardy will introduce her short documentary about the two b-boy crews currently operating in Middletown, followed by a cypher between prominent local breakdancers. According to Palardy, the film "is a portrait of the two crews as they negotiate religion, race, drug abuse and life in a small city." Middletown B-Boys recently won the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Jesse Thompkins III Artist Award of Distinction, and was officially selected by the Chicago International Hip Hop Film Festival. The award-winning film provides a glimpse into the lives of some of Middletown's most talented break dancers as well as background on our city's thriving hip hop culture. This is an event not to be missed! Call 860-685-7871 or visit our website for more info.

Click here to view a past local cypher.

Youth Dance Invitational

Saturday, May 22 | 1:00 - 04:00 PM

$8 Non-Members, $5 members/students/seniors- Tickets are valid for both events

The Youth Dance Invitational is a competition between the best local youth dancer hosted by ThoroEnergy, Of Shadow and Earth and Losst Unnown in collaboration with Green Street. The Youth Dance Invitational is a chance for kids ages 8-16 to compete against their peers and experience a larger hip hop and break dancing scene. Prizes will be awarded for the top dancers in a one-on-one b-boy/b-girl battle and hip hop freestyle categories. Come to dance or come to watch: call 860-685-7871 or email gsac@wesleyan.edu.

Unsure about all the jargon of the b-boying world? Visit our blog for an interview with b-boy Bryan Giles where he talks about his own experiences and explains some of the lingo.

Friday Night Hoops Starts Tonight

NEAT and Macdonough School will be hosting the "Friday Night Hoops" basketball block parties this summer every third Friday of the Month.

The first one is TONIGHT, May 21st at 6 pm. We'll have music, food and fun. Come on out and enjoy the park with your neighbors. It will be held at Donovan Park (next to Macdonough School). This event is open to everyone. We'll provide the food and music, just come over!

Welcome New Families

At NEAT's monthly meeting last night, North End families who currently attend Moody School came out to meet the principals of their new schools, Farm Hill and Macdonough.

Parents and kids were asking questions about curriculum, bussing, teachers and other topics of interest. Pat Girard, the principal of Farm Hill School and Jon Romeo, the principal or Macdonough both came with teachers and support staff to help ease the minds of the many families in attendance. All in all, a lot of information was shared.

If you'd like to learn more about either of these schools, please call the NEAT office.Also, on June 16th, there will be public hearing at the Middletown Area Transit station on Main St. to guage interest in having a public bus stop at Farm Hill School. This would be a great relief to the many parents without cars who will be attending, so come out and show support. The hearing is at 6:30. We'll share more information as we get closer.

Thank you to everyone in attendance!

North End PRIDE Day a Success

North End PRIDE Day on Saturday was a great day. There were groups from all over the neighborhood, from Wesleyan and from First Church, among others. Thank you to everyone for making the day such a success! Thank you to Glen Eason and Sherwin Williams in Cromwell for their donation of gloves and trash bags!

The slideshow is from the block party at Macdonough. Thanks to the school for making it possible. Enjoy!

Big Yellow School Bus

Normally, a school bus doesn't ride on the sidewalk, but things were a little different on High Street this morning.

Macdonough School celebrated their first "Walking Wednesday" as dozens of parents, teachers and kids of all ages carrying yellow balloons created a "Walking School Bus." It got a big laugh when an empty school bus happened to drive by as we waited to cross Liberty Street. Suggested by Macdonough parent Jeannie Nocera, the walk to school was a big success, as parents chatted and kids found their friends. Macdonough plans to continue the walks every Wednesday to encourage kids to be active and to support a healthy neighborhood.




After we all arrived at school, it was time for the monthly SURFS UP assembly. Instead of the usual singing of the school song by the kids, the teachers took the stage to perform in dark sunglasses. Nice job ladies and gentleman!


The theme of this month's assembly was volunteer appreciation, as members of the Mentor program, Wesleyan volunteers, PTA and other groups were recognized. Two Wesleyan students, Emily Troll and Alex Hartley (pictured here with Cathy Lechowicz, director of Wesleyan's Office of Community Service and Volunteerism and Macdonough Principal Jon Romeo), received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for their many years of contributions to Macdonough, including making cupcakes for every kid who took the CMT's!


Here's a slide show of photos from the morning, by Izzi Greenberg:

Posted by Jen Alexander at 11:18 AM

North End PRIDE Day: April 24th

NEAT's annual Earth Day clean up is coming up on April 24th and we're looking for volunteers. We hope that all North End residents will come out to sweep their street, help their neighbor with a project or work in the Erin Street Garden. The clean up is from 9-12 and NEAT will provide gloves, rakes, brooms and garbage bags. From 12-3, you can come down to Donovan Park (next to Macdonough School) for a neighborhood block party. We'll be cooking out, playing basketball and listening to music. Come on down and bring some friends.

We always love to have other groups join us, as well, so spread the word to your church or other groups that you may be a part of.

College Bound Mentoring Program Seeking Mentors

NEAT is starting a College Mentoring program and we're looking for mentors to work with students on meeting the deadlines for college readiness. NEAT has prepared a calendar to help you, so none of the information would be your responsibility to find, you just need to be interested in working with a student. Call or email NEAT for more information. 860-346-4845 or neat@neatmiddletown.org

Recycling Center Updates

Some updates from the Recycling Office from Kim O'Rourke, the Recycling Coordinator for the City of Middletown:

1. Compost from the city's leaves is available on a first come, first serve basis at the Middletown Recycling Center. Bring your own cans, buckets or barrels and load up. You must load yourself, so bring your own shovel too! The compost does tend to go fast, so I'd recommend getting there soon. The Recycling Center is open Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm and every Sat. through June 7am - 12noon.

2. Our brochure for the Spring Rain Barrel sale is available, but not on line yet. If you want a copy, email me your address and I'll snail-mail you one. Compost bins will also be for sale this spring… final details not available yet. However, I do know, that pick up for both Rain Barrels and Compost Bins will be Thurs. June 3 and Sat. June 5 at the Water and Sewer Dept.

3. Please give me your unwanted CD's! I use them for recycled art projects and appreciate all that I can get!!! Drop them off at the Dept. of Public Works in City Hall or mail them to me at PO Box 1300 Middletown CT 06457.

4. Don't forget our Paper Recycling Shred Fest on Sat. April 24th 9am - 12 noon. Anyone can bring up to six bags or boxes of papers to shred for free. Pro Shred will shred on site from 9am - 12 noon in the parking lot at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on HUNTING HILL AVE.

5. Welcome to the new folks on our list. Contact Kim if you'd like to be on it.

For More information, contact: Kim O'Rourke,Middletown Recycling Coordinator, 860-344-3526,kim.orourke@cityofmiddletown.com

Do You Worry About Foreclosure?

If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage and fear that you might be at risk of foreclosure, please attend one of our Foreclosure Intervention classes that are being held on the fourth Thursday of the Month at the Green Street Arts Center.

The next one is Thursday April 22nd at 6:00 pm.

NEAT, in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, will be presenting monthly workshops in foreclosure prevention. These are for people in any stage of foreclosure or for people who worry that they may be heading in that direction. Recently, many Middletown residents have been receiving legal orders because of past due water and sewer fees/taxes. If you are one of these people, or if you are having trouble with your mortgage payments for any reason, please attend a workshop. We may be able to help you keep your home.

All workshops are FREE and open to everyone, although registration is required. Childcare will be provided by request.

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

Do You Worry About Foreclosure?

If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage and fear that you might be at risk of foreclosure, please attend one of our Foreclosure Intervention classes that are being held on the fourth Thursday of the Month at the Green Street Arts Center.

The next one is Thursday April 22nd at 6:00 pm.

NEAT, in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, will be presenting monthly workshops in foreclosure prevention. These are for people in any stage of foreclosure or for people who worry that they may be heading in that direction. Recently, many Middletown residents have been receiving legal orders because of past due water and sewer fees/taxes. If you are one of these people, or if you are having trouble with your mortgage payments for any reason, please attend a workshop. We may be able to help you keep your home.

All workshops are FREE and open to everyone, although registration is required. Childcare will be provided by request.

Recycling Center Updates

Some updates from the Recycling Office from Kim O'Rourke, the Recycling Coordinator for the City of Middletown:

1. Compost from the city's leaves is available on a first come, first serve basis at the Middletown Recycling Center. Bring your own cans, buckets or barrels and load up. You must load yourself, so bring your own shovel too! The compost does tend to go fast, so I'd recommend getting there soon. The Recycling Center is open Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm and every Sat. through June 7am - 12noon.

2. Our brochure for the Spring Rain Barrel sale is available, but not on line yet. If you want a copy, email me your address and I'll snail-mail you one. Compost bins will also be for sale this spring… final details not available yet. However, I do know, that pick up for both Rain Barrels and Compost Bins will be Thurs. June 3 and Sat. June 5 at the Water and Sewer Dept.

3. Please give me your unwanted CD's! I use them for recycled art projects and appreciate all that I can get!!! Drop them off at the Dept. of Public Works in City Hall or mail them to me at PO Box 1300 Middletown CT 06457.

4. Don't forget our Paper Recycling Shred Fest on Sat. April 24th 9am - 12 noon. Anyone can bring up to six bags or boxes of papers to shred for free. Pro Shred will shred on site from 9am - 12 noon in the parking lot at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on HUNTING HILL AVE.

5. Welcome to the new folks on our list. Contact Kim if you'd like to be on it.

For More information, contact: Kim O'Rourke,Middletown Recycling Coordinator, 860-344-3526,kim.orourke@cityofmiddletown.com

FREE STI Testing

There will be a free STI testing event on April 13 from 10 am until 2 pm at Green Street Arts Center! Come out and support your health by being tested for sexually transmitted infections. There will be complementary refreshments!

Organized by Wesleyan University, in partnership with Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Family Practice Group of Middlesex Hospital.

If you have questions, contact asha.wesleyan@gmail.com

This is the Last Week to 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

School Redistricting Update

Last night, the Board of Education voted to approve the redistricting plan as recommended. For the Fall, 2010, they will be changing the attendance boundaries for all schools in Middletown.

How will this affect the North End? All students who currently attend Moody School will be moving to either Macdonough or Farm Hill for the upcoming school year. Children on Grand St, Miller St, Bridge St and Portland St will be attending Macdonough. Children who live on Main St, Rapallo Ave, DeKoven Dr, Ferry St and Green St. will be attending Farm Hill School, one of three schools that serves Middletown's downtown. Additionally, students who currently attend Macdonough, but live on Newfield St, Stoneycrest or Rose Circle will sadly be leaving Macdonough to attend Spencer School. Macdonough will also be welcoming new families from both Farm Hill and Snow School, all of whom live in the downtown area.

The board also voted to give children who are going into the 5th grade the option to stay at their old school to finish their 5th grade year. If you have a child that is currently in 4th grade and you are on a street that is set to move, you must inform the school of your choice by May 15th or you will automatically be placed at the new school.

NEAT has invited the principals of both Farm Hill and Macdonough to a North End "open house" to offer a chance for families that were at Moody school to meet their new principal. We're hoping to host it in place of the NEAT meeting on May 12th, but are still checking schedules. We'll let you know once a date is finalized.

You can see the detailed map of the new attendance boundaries if you click here.

To read more about this in the Hartford Courant, click here.

To read more about this in the Middletown Press, click here.

To read more about this in the Middletown Eye, clicke here.

Do You Worry About Foreclosure?

If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage and fear that you might be at risk of foreclosure, please attend one of our Foreclosure Intervention classes that are being held on the fourth Thursday of the Month at the Green Street Arts Center.

The next one is Thursday April 22nd at 6:00 pm.

NEAT, in partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven, will be presenting monthly workshops in foreclosure prevention. These are for people in any stage of foreclosure or for people who worry that they may be heading in that direction. Recently, many Middletown residents have been receiving legal orders because of past due water and sewer fees/taxes. If you are one of these people, or if you are having trouble with your mortgage payments for any reason, please attend a workshop. We may be able to help you keep your home.

All workshops are FREE and open to everyone, although registration is required. Childcare will be provided by request.

North End Family Morning

Saturday, April 10 | 10am-12pm

FREE

Join us this Saturday for the North End Family Morning, where you'll find fun for the whole family! From 10-11am, parents can join Dan Barry of De Fabrica Therapeutic Massage for a crash course in relaxation, and kids can learn the freshest hip hop choreography with Eric Quiñones of ThoroEnergy. The whole family is invited to join storytellers Agostino Arts from 11am-noon. The Green Street After School program will sponsor visual arts projects throughout the day. This event is presented in collaboration with the Connecticut Humanities Council, the Erin Street Community Garden and the North End Action Team. Best of all, this event is FREE.

Help your writing blossom and come to Writer's Out Loud: Literary Open Mic on Thursday evening, April 8th! Readings are limited to prose short stories or excerpts less than 10 minutes. Open mic sign up begins at 6:30pm; readings begin at 7:00pm.

Spring is also the perfect time to undertake new endeavors, which is why we have launched our brand new blog so you can stay up to date and informed on all that is happening at Green Street. Check it out for the latest photos and highlights from our programs, students, Membership partners, classes and events and more!

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 schores 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

This is the Last Week to 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 special 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

North End Family Morning

Activities for Adults and Children,
featuring Agostino Arts Storytellers

SATURDAY, April 10
10am-12noon
FREE
Green Street Arts Center

Join us!
Relaxation Crash Course for Parents
ThoroEnergy Hip Hop for Kids
Visual Arts Projects

and

Agostino Arts Storytelling Program
Folktales and original stories illustrated with elaborate face-painting of audience volunteers.

This event is presented in collaboration with the Connecticut Humanities Council, the Erin Street Community Garden and the North End Action Team.

North End Family Morning takes place this Saturday, April 10 from 10 to noon at the Green Street Arts Center, located at 51 Green Street in Middletown. Admission is free. For more information, call 860-685-7871 or visit www.greenstreetartscenter.org.

Sneaker Recycling

Sneaker recycling starts again on April 1st, 2010. Because of changes at the National Recycling Coalition this program will ONLY be offered April 1st – May 1st, so don’t miss out!!

If you have old sneakers, bring them to the Middletown Recycling Center or the lobby of Middletown City Hall (small amounts only to City Hall, please!) during the month of April and they will recycle them with Nike into athletic surfaces!

School Redistricting Update

Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 6th at 7 pm at Middletown High School, the Board of Education will be holding a public hearing and will cast the final vote on the redistricting of Middletown elementary schools. If you'd like to learn more, please call the NEAT office or email us. If you feel strongly about any of these recommendations, it's important to let the board know.

Click here to read more at Courant.com

Recommendations are (PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THESE WILL BE VOTED ON TOMORROW NIGHT):

1.a) The Attendance Boundaries will be changed for every elementary school. The board will get a spreadsheet showing the new capacities including free and reduced lunch percentages, minority percentages, special education percentages, maps and streets.

1.b) In addition, the current 4th grade students will be allowed to stay at their current schools, providing they provide their own transportation and inform the administration of their decision by no later than June 30, 2010, and if space is available.

1.c) The Board of Ed establish a committee to continue a review of the JCJ report to make future recommendations as they may apply to such items as magnet school, disparities, facility development, etc…

1.d) Recommend that the board direct the administration to meet with administrators and other appropriate parties to develop guidelines for each schools for welcoming students and families affected by redistricting.

2) The committee acknowledges that the decision to move Preschool to Snow School was a district decision made before the committee began its work.

3) Recommend that the board hold a special meeting to vote on the recommendations with a public hearing before March 23rd.

You can see the map of the proposed attendance boundaries if you click here.

The recommendation right now includes sending 80% of the neighborhood to Macdonough, with the exception of Main St., Rapallo Ave, deKoven Dr., Green St and Ferry St, which are recommended to attend Farm Hill, Middletown's other downtown school.
Read more about this on the Middletown Eye here and here

SUMMER PROGRAMS

The City Arts, Oddfellows and Summer School Programs are all accepting registration for summer camp. You can click here to be directed to the registration form for all of the city programs. They're inexpensive and fun and if you register soon, you may be able to get full day camp. Also, the summer Circus is back at Macdonough, so it's close

DO YOU WANT TO GARDEN?

NEAT's Erin St. Community Garden may have a few plots open for this growing season. If you're interested, send a note to neat@neatmiddletown.org and let us know your name, phone number and where you live.

Home Energy Audits

For those of you who are not eligible for the WRAP energy audit program (because your family income is over the limit: $5667 for a family of 5, etc..call or email for guidelines), you can take advantage of the discount now being offered for CL & P's other program, Home Energy Solutions.

CL&P is aggressively pushing Home Energy Solutions audits and energy services to meet their quotas. A coupon is available that will reduce the co-pay from $75 to $25. Email Hall.john987@sbcglobal.net to receive the coupon and apply. Residents are eligible to receive these energy services to further improve their home's energy efficiency every 18 months.

Send the following information:

Name:

Address:

Phone #s

CL&P account #

Yankee Gas account # (if applicable)

Free energy audits are available under the WRAP program to households with income less than 60% of the state median. Email for income guidelines

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 special 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

College Bound Mentoring Program: Mentors Wanted

NEAT is starting a College Mentoring program and we're looking for mentors. We are looking for adults to pair with a high school student to help them meet the benchmarks in the college application process. Call or email NEAT for more information. 860-346-4845 or neat@neatmiddletown.org

Redisctricting Recommendations

Monday night, the last meeting of the Board of Ed's Ad Hoc Feasibility Committee met to finalize recommendations to the Board on redistricting. If you'd like to see/hear the presentation to the Board of Ed, come to the meeting tonight at the Council Chambers at City Hall at 7 pm. If you can't make it, it should be on Public Access, but you never know.

Recommendations are (PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THESE HAVE NOT BEEN VOTED ON OR APPROVED):

1.a) The Attendance Boundaries will be changed for every elementary school. The board will get a spreadsheet showing the new capacities including free and reduced lunch percentages, minority percentages, special education percentages, maps and streets.

1.b) In addition, the current 4th grade students will be allowed to stay at their current schools, providing they provide their own transportation and inform the administration of their decision by no later than June 30, 2010, and if space is available.

1.c) The Board of Ed establish a committee to continue a review of the JCJ report to make future recommendations as they may apply to such items as magnet school, disparities, facility development, etc…

1.d) Recommend that the board direct the administration to meet with administrators and other appropriate parties to develop guidelines for each schools for welcoming students and families affected by redistricting.

2) The committee acknowledges that the decision to move Preschool to Snow School was a district decision made before the committee began its work.

3) Recommend that the board hold a special meeting to vote on the recommendations with a public hearing before March 23rd.


View Attendance Boundaries in a larger map

As a member of the committee, I worked for the priorities of the North End, as established in a community meeting held at Macdonough School in December, where over 100 people were in attendance. Those priorities were:

1) That as many North End children be able to attend Macdonough as possible
2) That those who cannot attend (overcrowding concerns) be districted to a school that is logical and convenient.
3) That Macdonough School change as little as possible (magnet schools were in discussion at that time)
4) That 5th graders be allowed to stay and graduate at their current school.

I believe we came as close as we could to fulfilling these priorities. The recommendation right now includes sending 80% of the neighborhood to Macdonough, with the exception of Main St., Rapallo Ave, deKoven Dr., Green St and Ferry St, which are recommended to attend Farm Hill.

I voted to make Macdonough a school of choice so that ALL North End kids would have the ability to lottery into Macdonough, but the committee did not think that was best for the district as it did not guarantee compliance with racial balance laws.

You can email or call the NEAT office if you have any concerns or questions. I'm happy to help people craft speeches to the board of ed or just help you understand how this will impact your family.

Our phone number is: 860-346-4845 or email at neat@neatmiddletown.org

Izzi Greenberg

CHEF TRAINING PROGRAM

The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Office of Workforce Competitiveness is sponsoring a Cook-Chef Training Program. The class is limited to 10 participants on a first come first serve basis.

Due to the overwhelming need for a skilled workforce in the cook-chef occupation, and the expansion of tourism in the State, the chamber will offer this 60 hour training program. Participants will be selected from the following groups: (1) upgrade skills of persons already employed in a restaurant who wants to upgrade their skills (2) provide training to newly hired low skills and low paying positions in food service.

Classroom training will be of 6 weeks duration, a total of 60 hours of classroom training starting on March 22nd. Class will run from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Classes will be held at Vinal Technical High School in their new state of the art culinary department. Nick Follacchio, retired culinary teacher, will be the classroom instructor. Nick has over 20 years experience in the culinary trade and classroom instruction. The classroom phase will be in conjunction with on-the-job training, and the employer will receive up to $1,000.00 reimbursement for this training. Participants will learn many new exciting techniques, and cover many topics from the basics of sanitation and cleanliness to food preparation and purchasing.

This is a great opportunity for member restaurants and their employees. The class fills up quickly, so if you are interested please contact Johanna Bond at 347-6924. Businesses should indicate whether the position would be an entry level or upgrade in present position.

NEAT's 2010 Advisory Board

North End Action Team: 2009-2010 Board of Directors and Officers

New Members Agreeing to Serve for the 2010 Term
Tonya Herring [owner of Angelo’s Tailoring]
Peter Harding [Harding Development ]
Rose Fountain [resident]

Terms Ending in 2009 and Members Have Agreed to Renew for 2010
Stacy Barka
Cookie Quinones
Rob Rosenthal
Michael Taylor {who also agreed to continue as treasurer}
Pam Wahl
Amy Waterman {who also agreed to continue as secretary}

Terms Ending in 2010
Lydia Brewster
Tina Brown
Ed Corvo (President)
Dave Davis or co-op member
Marilyn Dunkley
Bobbye Knoll
Steven Kovach
Frank Kuan
Stephen Lapenta
Deidre Lanham
(Acting) Chief of Police Patrick McMahon
Mandy Sickle Smith (Vice President)
Cynthia Spivey

SCHOOLS UPDATE

The city-wide redistricting proposal is moving along and a plan will be presented at the next board of ed meeting on March 9th at 7 pm in the council chambers at city hall.

The recommendation will affect the north end, and in fact, every school in the district. The plan isn't finalized, but it will likely include the redistricting of North End students out of Moody and some non-north end families out of Macdonough. If this will impact you, I urge you to call or email NEAT to get more information before attending the meeting.

The Committee that is making the recommendations is meeting for the last time on Friday, so I will be able to report on the recommendations at that time, once they are finalized. Don't hesitate to contact NEAT if you have any questions.

COMMUNITY POLICING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT THIS WEEK

Send us your hot spots! Bulky Waste has been piling up again and we're trying to figure out why. If you send us an email or go through the hot spots reporting form, you can let us know where there are problems. We meet on Friday, so send them before 10 am Friday, please. You can report any kind of Hot Spot, quality of life issue or concern anonymously.

FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNER AND CREDIT COUNSELING

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 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!

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.

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

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

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

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!

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.

Bulky Waste

I've noticed an increase in bulky waste in the North End, and I know I'm not the only one. If you live next to a pile, email or call NEAT(neat@neatmiddletown.org or 860-346-4845) and the city's Public Works department ((860) 344-3408)to report it. It's unsafe, unhealthy and unpleasant.

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 schores 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

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

NEAT Hiking Club Member Screens Documentary

Our Elders, Our Youth

Friday January 29, 6:00-8:30 PM

Green Street Arts Center

Admission: $5 suggested donation

Join Green Street's After School program students and local senior citizens in the gala premiere of a documentary film that attempts to bridge the gap between the oldest and youngest generations of Middletown residents, while confronting the perceptions each side has about the other. Acclaimed actress and director Janis Astor del Valle and Middlesex Community College Professor of Videography Dan Nocera will introduce the film and lead a post-film discussion.

How to Talk so Kids Will Listen

Thursdays | 7:30-9PM
January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11
FREE! Childcare provided

Being a parent can be a joyful experience, but it can also be a challenge. This educational workshop series can be a valuable resource for developing communication skills that will help you to better understand your children, and to be better understood by them.

This course offers parents and caregivers simple and productive ways to communicate with children that gets positive results. "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen" provides parents with the opportunity to share experiences, discuss and practice skills together, and role-play with each other, to develop skills that will benefit all relationships: at home, at work and elsewhere.

Topics include: Letting Kids Have Their Feelings, Engaging Cooperation, Alternatives to Punishment, Encouraging Autonomy, New Ways to Praise and Freeing Children from Roles.

This class is presented in partnership with the Family Wellness Center of the Community Health Center and the North End Action Team.

Contact Julie Deak to register: (860) 347-6971 x3662

NEAT at First Church: Please join us!

First Church on Court St. is hosting a “meet our neighbors” meeting will explore how NEAT and First Church might work together and build upon partnerships involving youth, outreach, and the Jonah Center, some of which we have already started. NEAT's director, Izzi Greenberg will be speaking and would love to have other NEAT members help to share our story or just meet people at the meet and greet.

11:30 am, 190 Court St. We hope you can make it. Please call 860-346-4845 for more information or email neat@neatmiddletown.org

NEAT meeting this Wednesday at 7 pm at the Green Street Arts Center

Wednesday, January 13: Monthly NEAT Meeting

Tomorrow, NEAT will be hosting its monthly NEAT meeting at 7 pm at the Green Street Arts Center. Childcare will be available and there will be pizza for the kids.

Topics include:

*Annual Election of our Advisory Board

*Jonah Center/NEAT Partnership

*School Redistricting Update

*City Foreclosures in the North End

*Jobs with the Census Bureau

We hope you can make it. Please call 860-346-4845 for more information or email neat@neatmiddletown.org

Rescheduled Schools Meeting Tonight!

Tonight: December, 14th.
Where: Macdonough School Cafeteria
Time: 6:00 pm.

Childcare and Dinner will be provided

What: Come discuss the future of our schools. The focus for this workshop will be North End schools, but the implications could touch all of downtown, as well as property values and quality of life. Everyone should attend this workshop.

Call NEAT if you have questions or need transportation 860-346-4845

Schools Meeting Postponed

Tonight's Important Schools Meeting is Postponed Until Monday, December 14th at 6:00 pm.

I hope you will be able to attend. We will have childcare and dinner.

Middletown Public Schools hired JCJ Architecture to figure out how to solve school overcrowding at Moody and bring Macdonough School into racial balance with the district's average. Whatever happens, the North End will be affected.

Our kids are at the heart of this study. North End children who attend Moody School may be districted to another school and the lines for who attends Macdonough may change. The report also suggests making Macdonough a magnet school to solve racial imbalance.

NEAT will be hosting a meeting this Monday, December 14th 6:00 pm at Macdonough School to discuss what the neighborhood wants its school to become.

It is very important that you attend this meeting. We will discuss what we want in a school, what we'd like to preserve, what our ideal attendance boundaries would be, and how to keep a community school and conform to the state's mandates.

This meeting will be run by NEAT and you will have the chance to express your views and concerns. Childcare will be provided and there will be dinner for everyone. This is open to anyone who would like to participate, no matter what school your child attends, or even if you don't have children.

The entire North End will be affected by this change, your property values depend on having a good school, your friends and neighbors will be affected.

Please call NEAT for more information or email neat@neatmiddletown.org. You can click here to get the links to the JCJ report.

Food Allergy Info

This is info about food allergies from a group that we have sometimes worked with. I hope this is helpful to you.

Oftentimes when we think about taking care of our health and keeping our families safe, there is one danger that is overlooked – Food Allergies.

Each year, food allergies send about 125,000 Americans to emergency rooms. Most of those serious reactions occur in schools and restaurants, not inside the food allergy sufferers’ own homes.

This shows that there is a serious lack of information out there among the general public about the dangers of food allergies. Could you imagine if there was a similar absence of knowledge about heart attacks or CPR?

Children, who can be unaware of the daily risks posed by the things with which they come in contact, are especially susceptible to the dangers of the outside world. It is often up to the adults in their lives to prevent situations that could trigger reactions. But when the adults are similarly unaware, even schools and playgrounds can suddenly become potentially hazardous minefields.

However, there is some good news. Researchers believe that they are only about ten years away from discovering treatments or even cures for food allergies if they are able to continue their work.

We can help! Write a letter to your congressman expressing support for food allergy research, and encourage everyone to do so as well.

As a community, it is our duty to be educated enough to protect the safety of all of our members. Learn how you can help today at www.faiusa.org.