Summer Utility Assistance Program Open

If you need assistance with utility bills and are in an emergency situation, Operation Fuel is now taking applications for the Summer Utility Assistance program. The program provides a one-time cash grant of up to $500 (paid directly to the utility) to help income eligible households in an emergency situation. Emergencies include job loss and certain medical conditions. Assistance is for heat or non-heat gas or electric utilities. Households that have received assistance from Operation Fuel over the past 12 months are not eligible to apply. The program will end by October 31st. Dial 2-1-1 for more information.

NORTH VILLAGE CONDOMINIUMS

North Village Condominiums are now available to own with no money down and closing cost assistance. Eligible buyers can own a two-bedroom home in downtown Middletown for as little as $696 per month (including mortgage, taxes, condo fee and insurance); or $810 per month for a new 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath; or $935 for a 1,772 sq. ft. 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit.*

To read more about it what the condos have to offer, click here. 

NEAT MONTHLY MEETING

Wednesday, August 1, 2012 will be NEAT's monthly 

meeting at 7:00PM at the Green Street Arts Center. NEAT'smeeting will be a community discussion focusing on the 

community's relationship with the police department.  This 

meeting will provide a great opportunity to gather together.  

Pizza dinner will be served; & childcare care will also be 

provided. Look for more information next week.

Free Haircuts for Kids in grades K-6!

Get your child's hair cut for FREE in August! JCPennys is giving free haircuts to kids entering grades K-6. Walkins are welcome August 1st (only), any other day in August, call 1 855-527-5437 to schedule an appointment.

CHC SUMMER CONCERT SERIES TONIGHT!

The North End of Middletown comes alive with the sounds of family-friendly music, part of the annual summer concert series hosted by Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC). Tonight is the last one:


July 26^th – Girl Howdy (rain date Aug. 16^th)
This five piece honky-tonk band features an all-gal front line on guitar, steel guitar, piano, and vocals. With tight harmonies and punchy arrangements, their music is infectious and “one heck of a good time.” Returning from the Summer Concert Series 2011!

NORTH VILLAGE CONDOS OPEN HOUSE!

North Village Condominiums are now available to own with no money down and closing cost assistance. Eligible buyers can own a two-bedroom home in downtown Middletown for as little as $696 per month (including mortgage, taxes, condo fee and insurance); or $810 per month for a new 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath; or $935 for a 1,772 sq. ft. 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit.*

Michael Taylor, Executive Director of Nehemiah Housing Corporation, will present an information session Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 7pm at First Baptist Church, 93 Main Street, Middletown, CT. The event is free and open to the public.

Open Houses featuring all three condo locations, including 43 Ferry Street, will take place July 28, 1-3 pm. Interested homebuyers can also call Denise Reale, of Century 21 Realty, at 860-729-8172, for more information or to schedule a tour of a unit at their convenience.

Click here.

NEAT and COMCAST CARES DAY VIDEO!

What is NEAT doing in the North End?  Check out this video created by Comcast about NEAT!  The video documents NEAT and Comcast Volunteers working on the Portland street garden and highlights NEAT's work in the neighborhood.  Thank you to Comcast for your support!

Click on the link here to see the video.

NEED INFORMATION ON MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE?

The State of Connecticut is sponsoring a free, mortgage-assistance event for homeowners who need information or help with loan modifications, foreclosure prevention, state and federal assistance programs and other lending-related issues.

The event, sponsored by Governor Dannel Malloy, the Attorney General and the Department of Banking, will be held Tuesday, July 10 from 10am to 7pm at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. Participants will be able to meet with mortgage lenders and loan servicing companies. For more information including a full list of participating banks and agencies visit www.ct.gov/dob/homeowner.

United Way of Connecticut provides services with support from the State of Connecticut and Connecticut United Ways.

CHC SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Beginning Thursday July 5^th, the North End of Middletown comes alive with the sounds of family-friendly music, part of the annual summer concert series hosted by Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC).

The line-up for CHC’s summer concert series this year includes:

July 5^th - Kim Myers (rain date Aug. 2^nd)
With 35 years of music-making behind him, Kim Myers brings a warm and joyful presence to the stage, whether he is crooning “Georgia” or letting loose with “Oh when the saints.” After his performance at Mohegan Sun last fall, we are thrilled to bring Kim Myers to his hometown, Middletown.
 

CHECK OUT THE BAND ALMA MOYO

Title of Event: Alma Moyo
Location: CFA Courtyard, 283 Washington Terrace, Middletown, Connecticut
Rain Location: Crowell Concert Hall, 50 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown, Connecticut
Date: Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 7pm
Fee: FREE!
Phone: 860-685-3355
Website: www.wesleyan.edu/cfa

Description: Founded 10 years ago in the South Bronx by lead singer and percussionist Alex LaSalle, the intergenerational band Alma Moyo performs Afro-Puerto Rican bomba folk music featuring dynamic drumming, dancing, and rich vocals. 

“With the heart and soul of Puerto Rican music, Alma Moyo generates life, heat and love.”
—My Latino Voice

CELEBRATE 4TH OF JULY!

We hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July!  Mayor Drew announced that the City, along with the Commission on the Arts will be presenting a celebration of Independence Day on Today Tuesday, July 3rd this year. All downtown parking will be free during the event.

The pre-Independence Day Fireworks Festival will kick off at 6PM with music, activities for children, and select vendors. The festival will take place on the front lawn of the city hall municipal building, 245 deKoven Dr. The fireworks will begin at 9:30PM off the River near Harbor Park.

Three groups will be performing, the Middletown High School Jazz Band, Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze, and the Middletown Symphonic Band. The Symphonic Band will also accompany the fireworks.

Rain date is Friday, July 6 for the fireworks. We hope to see you there!

Check out the North End Farmer's Market!

The sun has brightened, the tents are almost up and in just a little over a half an hour the North End Farmer's Market will be fully alive.  Today, will be the first Kid's Market of the Season.  So get ready and come out to enjoy the market activities!

North End Farmers Market Tomorrow!

Stop by the market tomorrow from 10AM -2PM.  The second market of the season will start with the opening of the Kids Market where kids in the free lunch program can get free coins  to shop at the market.  For more details on the program, stop by the market.

JONAH CENTER: CANOE AND KAYAK PADDLE ON JUNE 30

NEAT will be at the Jonah Center's Canoe and Kayak Paddle on. Join us if you can!

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public to a Saturday morning canoe and kayak paddle at high tide on the lower Mattabesset and Coginchaug Rivers, as well as the “Floating Meadows” where those two rivers converge. The tour departs from the boathouse ramp on the Connecticut River, next to Harbor Park in Middletown, on Saturday, June 30, at 9 a.m. Paddlers should return to the starting point within 3 hours after launching.

In addition to learning about the ecology of the river and freshwater tidal wetlands, participants will search for invasive and harmful water chestnut plants that have been found in other stretches of the river. Cynthia Boettner, an invasive plant specialist from the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge will be our guide for this effort. Participants will also be encouraged to pick up plastic bottles, cans, and other debris as part of the Jonah Center’s ongoing effort to beautify and protect our local waterways. Paddlers need to provide their own boats, paddles, drinking water, sunscreen, and life jackets. 

Also, thanks to the Jonah Center’s partnership with the North End Action Team (NEAT) and several generous sponsors, a group of fourth graders from Macdonough School in Middletown will be on board to explore this scenic waterway that surrounds their neighborhood.

Advance registration is requested but not strictly required. Visit www.thejonahcenter.org and click “send us a message” or call 860-398-3771. To help cover insurance costs for this event, each participant is asked to make a $10 donation to the Jonah Center. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, the trip will be held on July 14 at 9 A.M.

CHECK OUT ALMA MOYO!

Title of Event: Alma Moyo
Location: CFA Courtyard, 283 Washington Terrace, Middletown, Connecticut
Rain Location: Crowell Concert Hall, 50 Wyllys Avenue, Middletown, Connecticut
Date: Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 7pm
Fee: FREE!
Phone: 860-685-3355
Website: www.wesleyan.edu/cfa

Description: Founded 10 years ago in the South Bronx by lead singer and percussionist Alex LaSalle, the intergenerational band Alma Moyo performs Afro-Puerto Rican bomba folk music featuring dynamic drumming, dancing, and rich vocals. 

“With the heart and soul of Puerto Rican music, Alma Moyo generates life, heat and love.”
—My Latino Voice

PIANO AND GUITAR INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Green Street Arts Center is looking for talented, experienced, and dedicated piano and guitar instructors to teach in the Private Lessons Program.  This is a year-round program for students of all ages and backgrounds.  Please contact Susan at (860)685-7871 or email:  gsac@wesleyan.edu  and provide a resume and references.

Click here for more information about the Program. 

North End Farmers Market Season Begins...

In less than ten minutes, the stands will be ready, the music will start playing and the North End Farmers Market will officially begin. Stop on by and and take in the Market Energy.  For more information on vendors, entertainment and restaurants,  check out the North End Farmers Market website.

North End Farmers Market

Tomorrow, June 22, 2012 from 10 AM -2 PM, come out to the North End Farmer's Market! Check out the North End Farmers Market Website here for more info on vendors and entertainment and/or check us out on a Facebook here.

Beat the Heat!

Cooling centers are available for Middletown Residents:

Municipal Building Council Chambers, 245 Dekoven Drive, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

or 

The lobby of the Middletown Police Department, 222 Main St., which is open 24 hours a day. 

Other public facilities will be available as well, such as the Russell Library on Broad Street. Elderly persons are encouraged to use the Middletown Senior Center on William Street.

Transportation may be provided to the cooling center, officials said. Arrangements can be made by calling Middletown Area Transit (MAT) at 860-346-0212 (Ext. 7) until 6 p.m. each day.

The city will also be opening fire hydrant sprinklers at designated times and locations as follows: The Highlands Crescent Drive bus stop from noon to 4 p.m.; Maplewood Terrace from 2 to 5 p.m.; Summer Hill Road and Woodbury Circle from 2 to 5 p.m.; Macdonough School from noon to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Santangelo Circle from noon to 3 p.m. and Daddario Road from 6 to 8 p.m.

SNAP-ED Class at Family Wellness Center

This Friday The Family Wellness Center will hold its second SNAP-ED Class #2!

This event will be great for families to get tips on healthy eating.   Register and attend!

Where: Middletown Family Wellness Center

 When: Fridays

10:00 (discussion will start at 10:30)-11:30 am

June 15^th, 22^nd and 29^th

Who: Anyone interested including families w SNAP 

                    

Includes food demo, healthy family guidebook & prizes

Topics covered based on the NEW

choosemyplate model:

Fruits and Vegetables

Dairy Foods and Fats

Whole Grains

Protein and Physical Activity

For information and to Pre-register contact:

Anna Rogers

860-224-3642 x5172 or RogersA@chc1.com

Great Story about North End Business

Small Businesses Are Filling the Former Little Tibet in the North End

June 06, 2012|By SHAWN R. BEALS, sbeals@courant.com, The Hartford Courant

MIDDLETOWN — —
Less than a year after the landmark Little Tibet retail store closed at Main Street and Rapallo Avenue, the cavernous 9,000 square feet of retail space the store once occupied is nearly filled.
Building owners David and Connie Champiney have divided the space, and three new businesses have opened there since late last year, said Harold Murphy, the real estate broker for the building.

"They have been really putting their heart and soul into the building," Murphy said. "Having a third of the building go vacant was really a blow, but we're working with new people who are doing exciting new things. It's a lot of fun. A little scary at times, but it's exciting."
Tesoro, an artisan gift boutique, opened in December in the portion of the building closest to Rapallo Avenue. Phil Ouellette and Carrie Carella opened The Eli Cannon's Trading Co. in November and the NoRA Cupcake Co. in December. Another tenant is renting space for storage in the building.


 Click here for the full story!

5th Annual Father's Day Celebration at Donovan Park

Middletown United Fathers will hold their 5th annual Father's Day Celebration this Saturday, June 16th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Donovan Park in Middletown with family activities including bar-b-q and fish dinners, moon bounces, and face painting.  Father's Vs. Kids Basketball game at 11:30 a.m. RSVP PLEASE!!!!  CONTACT ATIA HART 860-759-2552.

*10 Free Haircuts will be provided for children from 9 a.m.-11:00a.m. on a first come first serve basis.

Check Izzi out Live on the Radio Tomorrow June 12th

Listen live to WMRD' CT Outdoors program  tomorrow June 12, 2012 from 12:30-1:00PM.  NEAT's own Izzi Greenberg will be featured on the show.  Check it out to hear updates and details on the North End Farmer's Market. You can now listen in real-time online at www.wliswmrd.net - just click on the red "on air" button.

Gallery WALK in Middletown North End

Gallery WALK, Middletown North End 

Every Third Wednesday of the Month
5-8PM June 20 . July 18 . August 15 . Sept 19 . Oct 17
Ursel’s Web - 140 Washington Street (860) 344-0041
Gallore Gallery - 68 Washington Street (860) 788-2467
Middletown Framing - 502 Main St (860) 347-0064
The Buttonwood Tree - 605 Main Street (860) 347-4957
Green Street Arts Center - 51 Green Street (860) 685-7871
MAC 650 Gallery - 650 Main Street (860) 347-0834
Tesoro - 680 Main Street (860) 704-0607
Eli Cannon’s Trading Co. - 696 Main Street (860) 788-3150
NORA Cupcake Co. - 700 Main Street (860) 788-3150
Eli Cannon’s - 695 Main Street (860) 347-ELIS
www.facebook.com/MiddletownNorthEndGalleryWalk

LAST CMI EVENT THIS SATURDAY-JUNE 9TH

Dear friends and neighbors, 

 

Hope you can join us this Saturday for the last spring CMI event! 

(We will return in the fall with plenty more music-making for families)

 

As always, bring friends, bring family - the event is FREE and open to all ages. If you're planning ahead, bring a dish for the potluck. And if you'd like to perform in our Open Mic, you can sign up with Edward when you arrive! It's a fun opportunity to share a special talent, a song, story, or just a silly joke with the group.

 

CMI - Songs and games

Saturday, June 9th 11am-1pm

Songs and games workshop, potluck lunch, Open Mic

At the Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green Street

 

CMI is the Community Music Initiative, a program run by the North End Action Team. Give us a call for more info:860 346 4845. 

HIKE TO CASTLE CRAIG ON JUNE 9TH

The long-awaited next hike of the season will be June 9, 2012 to Castle Craig. Hikers will meet early at the Green Street Arts Center, and will return from the hike in early afternoon. Sign-ups for the event are required. For more information and meeting time, please call the NEAT office  at 860-346-4845.   Hikes are for children ages 8-14. Hikers should wear comfortable shoes and bring bottled water.  If you would like to have a schedule of future dates, please contact us. Adults are also welcome.

Jonah Center: Canoe and Kayak Paddle on June 30

The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public to a Saturday morning canoe and kayak paddle at high tide on the lower Mattabesset and Coginchaug Rivers, as well as the “Floating Meadows” where those two rivers converge. The tour departs from the boathouse ramp on the Connecticut River, next to Harbor Park in Middletown, on Saturday, June 30, at 9 a.m. Paddlers should return to the starting point within 3 hours after launching.

In addition to learning about the ecology of the river and freshwater tidal wetlands, participants will search for invasive and harmful water chestnut plants that have been found in other stretches of the river. Cynthia Boettner, an invasive plant specialist from the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge will be our guide for this effort. Participants will also be encouraged to pick up plastic bottles, cans, and other debris as part of the Jonah Center’s ongoing effort to beautify and protect our local waterways. Paddlers need to provide their own boats, paddles, drinking water, sunscreen, and life jackets. 

Also, thanks to the Jonah Center’s partnership with the North End Action Team (NEAT) and several generous sponsors, a group of fourth graders from Macdonough School in Middletown will be on board to explore this scenic waterway that surrounds their neighborhood.

Advance registration is requested but not strictly required. Visit www.thejonahcenter.org and click “send us a message” or call 860-398-3771. To help cover insurance costs for this event, each participant is asked to make a $10 donation to the Jonah Center. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, the trip will be held on July 14 at 9 a.m.

Sign up for a Board of Education Committee

Recognizing the value of parent and community contributions, the Board of Education is looking for volunteers to sign up to serve on their committees.

We are looking for volunteers to serve on the following committees: Budget, Communications, Curriculum and Policy.

Please go to our website at:

middletownschools.org  under the Board of Education heading to learn more about these opportunities and to place your name on a list of parents and community members interested in serving on BOE committees.

Ron Krom to be Honored for his Work!

Congratulations to our dear friend Ron Krom. Middletown is a better place to live because of the work you do. Click here for the story!

SUPPORT SNAP: CALL YOUR SENATOR TODAY!

June 2012
From our Friends at the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) Senate Farm Bill Immediate Action Needed:  Urge Blumenthal and Lieberman to Co-Sponsor Gillibrand Amendment to Restore SNAP Cuts Farm Bill Update This week, the Senate is expected to begin consideration of the Farm Bill (S. 3240).  The proposal includes a $4.5 billion cut to SNAP over 10 years by reducing the ability of states like Connecticut to take part in the "Heat and Eat" program (see description below).  The cut would mean that an estimated 85,000 Connecticut households would lose $100 per month in SNAP benefits.    Two Actions You Can Take This Week: 1. Please call Senator Blumenthal and Senator Lieberman and Senator Blumenthal's offices and ask them to support restoring SNAP cuts by co-sponsoring the Gillibrand Amendment. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has announced that she will introduce an amendment (pdf) to the Farm Bill that restores, over 10 years, the $4.5 billion cut to SNAP and invests $500 million in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack program.  She has circulated a "Dear Colleague Letter" in the Senate asking for cosponsors.  Please call Senator Blumenthal and Senator Lierberman's offices and ask them to support restoring SNAP cuts by co-sponsoring the Gillibrand Amendment. Senator Lieberman D.C. phone number: (202) 224-4041 Senator Blumenthal D.C. phone number: (202) 224-2823 2. Tweet at one of SNAP message each day this week. Click here for 14 sample SNAP tweets! Example:The SNAP Effect: fighting hunger and lifting people out of poverty. http://bit.ly/nUvvWq #SNAPworks FRAC's Farm Bill Action Plan The Farm Bill could be on the Senate floor for the next three weeks, and getting co-sponsors for the Gillibrand amendment is the first step in our work to support and protect SNAP. We need to maintain a strong and consistent call from organizations across the state and country while the Farm Bill is up for debate. Background on "Heat and Eat" "Heat and Eat" coordinates SNAP and the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by providing small cash LIHEAP benefits directly to SNAP households. This targeted LIHEAP benefit helps meet LIHEAP's requirement for outreach, simplifies the SNAP shelter deduction calculation, and, by increasing SNAP benefits to more realistic levels, alleviates some of the untenable "heat or eat" choices that households face.  Follow these links to  FRAC's Heat and Eat one-pager. Other Legislative Developments in Congress - House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Mark Up Scheduled The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee will be marking up its FY2013 funding bill at 10am EST, Wednesday, June 6. FRAC will post details at www.frac.org after the mark-up.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MONTHLY MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 will be our next Monthly meeting at 7 PM at the Green Street Arts Center. This month's agenda will focus on what is happening with the Board of Education?  Many changes are being made in our Middletown Schools.  This June let's take a moment to check in on what is happening, share our views and make plans to be part of the process. The full meeting agenda is below. Childcare and Pizza for the kids will be provided.  For more information, call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845.

North End Action Team, Inc.

General Meeting Agenda

06.06.2012

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Updates

    a. Cooking Classes
    3.  Billy Russo, Public Works: Bulky Waste Disposal
    4.  Schools
    a. What is happening at Board of Education?
    b. Committees on Hiring
    5.   Farmer’s Market Update: Starting Early June 22
    6.   Parking Update
    7.  Other Business

JOB POSTING: COMMUNITY MUSIC INITIATIVE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

The Community Music Initiative (CMI) seeks a Program Coordinator for  July 2012- June 2013.  If you or anyone you know is interested, please click here for more information on the job, NEAT, CMI and how to apply.  The deadline to apply is June 15th, so apply now and take advantage of opportunity!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MONTHLY MEETING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

Next Wednesday, June 6, 2012 will be our next Monthly meeting at 7 PM at the Green Street Arts Center. This month's agenda will focus on What is happening with the Board of Education?  Many changes are being made in our Middletown Schools.  This June let's take a moment to check in on what is happening, share our views and make plans to be part of the process.  Childcare and Pizza for the kids will be provided.  For more information, call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845.

FREE COOKING CLASSES

NEAT will hold a six week cooking class this summer in partnership with Cooking Matters.  Learn great tips on how to use economical, healthy food to feed yourself and your family. The first class will begin on Wednesday, June 6th from 5:30 PM.  Please call the NEAT office to sign up, or email Bobbye@neatmiddletown.org.

HIKE TO CASTLE CRAIG ON JUNE 9TH

The long-awaited next hike of the season will be June 9, 2012 to Castle Craig. Hikers will meet at 8:30 AM  at the Green Street Arts Center, and will return from the hike in early afternoon. Sign-ups for the event are required. If you are interested in signing up, please call the NEAT office  at 860-346-4845.   Hikes are for children ages 8-14. Hikers should wear comfortable shoes and bring bottled water.  If you would like to have a schedule of future dates, please contact us. Adults are also welcome.

COMMUNITY POLICING: SEND US YOUR HOT SPOTS

Do you have a hot spot issue you would like addressed or concerns that need to be addressed? Tell us about trash, crime and any other quality of life issue you may be facing on your block. SEND US YOUR HOT SPOTS BEFORE THE NEXT JUNE 1, 2012 Community Policing and Code Enforcement Meeting!  You can enter a hot spot directly on NEAT's website (NOTE: please scroll to bottom of page link).  You can also drop in to the office and speak with our staff!

Free talk at MAC 650 on Wednesday May 30th.

 

STRINGS - a special talk with Jef Johnson

Free to Public

7:00 pm Wednesday May 30, 2012

MAC 650 Gallery & Artist Co-Op

650 Main Street, Middletown, CT 

 

 

Jef Johnson is a leader in the field of performance theory. His research focuses on naive experience, consciousness, play, patterned behavior and social identity. He is a principle artist in the Broadway and International touring company of Slava’s Sn...owshow. He has also worked with Cirque du Soleil as clown-animator, special artistic consultant and workshop director. He has been investigating personal perception, performance and play for the past 25 years and has more than 20 years of experience working in live performance. He has given Master Classes, Conferences and Workshops to many organizations, theaters and universities including Cirque du Soleil, Slava’s Snowshow, Circo Sentido, Circo de Mente, Camp Broadway, University of Houston, University of Pennsylvania, Colombia University, University of Minnesota, CUNY, SUNY, NYU, UNAM, UDEM, UQROO, and CENART. He is director of Mascara/Clown and is on the faculty of the Nouveau Clown Institute in Barcelona, Spain. Currently he is in Mexico, conducting research into the nature of human consciousness, creative association and social performance. Drawing from Clown, Mask and Butoh, his work has initiated deeper investigation into the primary essence of human experience, character and performance.

 

May 25th is last day to Apply for Schools!

Attention Parents and their kids!  The Regional School Choice Office deadline  approaches. It is you last chance to apply  for available seats in six (6) new schools and five (5) existing magnet schools. Seats are available in the following grades: PK3, PK4, Kindergarten, elementary grades 1 through 4; middle-school grades (6,7,8) and in high school, grade 9 only. The deadline for submitting a lottery application is Friday, May 25, 2012. Click here for  descriptions of the 6 new schools and 5 existing magnet schools, which have available seats.

If you would like more information about these opportunities, please call RSCO at 860-713-6990 or visit the RSCO website. For a direct link, click here.  If you need assistance, please feel free to stop by the NEAT office and use our computers.  Our staff would be happy to assist.

COOKING CLASSES

NEAT will hold a six week cooking class in its office on Main St. this summer.  Learn great tips on how to use economical, healthy food to feed yourself and your family. The first class will begin on Wednesday, June 6th from 5:30 PM.  Please call the NEAT office to sign up, or email Bobbye@neatmiddletown.org

.

REGIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE FAIR TONIGHT MAY 23RD 2012

There will be a New Schools and Opportunities (NSO) Fair located at 43 Vernon Street, Learning Corridor/Commons Building, Hartford on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 5pm - 7:30pm. This will be the final fair so please attend if you are interested.

CMI - music for families this Saturday!

Hey everyone! The Community Music Initiative (CMI) has only TWO more events before the summer. Hope you can join us!

THIS Saturday, May 26th - Fun with Rhythms
And also Saturday June 9th - Games and Songs
11am-1pm, at the Green Street Arts Center

These events are great for families, open to all ages, and best of all, FREE! We start with a workshop at 11am, then break for a potluck lunch, and finish up with an Open Mic. Bring a song or story to share, or even a silly joke, and sign up when you arrive. Hope to see you Saturday!

CMI is a program of the North End Action Team. Give us a call for more info: 860 346 4845. You can also email me directly at emily@neatmiddletown.org.

SONG-DANCES AT CMI - THIS SATURDAY, MAY 14TH

Join us at Community Music this Saturday at 11am for Song-dances with Emily Troll. Learn silly musical games and dances, then join us for a potluck lunch and Open Mic. This week our Open Mic will feature Alexis, of the North End Glee Club, singing 'Try Again' as well as a few other special musical guests. Bring a story or a song to share and sign up when you arrive!

 

The event is from 11am-1pm at the Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green Street. It's FREE! And open to all ages. 

 

We only have two more events after this weekend, so come check it out before we break for the summer!

 

CMI is a program of NEAT. More info at www.neatmiddletown.org/cmi

 

Next event: May 26th, Fun with Rhythms led by Edward Leonard.

APPLY NOW: NEW SCHOOL CHOICE LOTTERY

Attention Parents and their kids!  The Regional School Choice Office has announced that it has started another application and lottery process for available seats in six (6) new schools and five (5) existing magnet schools. Seats are available in the following grades: PK3, PK4, Kindergarten, elementary grades 1 through 4; middle-school grades (6,7,8) and in high school, grade 9 only. The deadline for submitting a lottery application is Friday, May 25, 2012. Click here for  descriptions of the 6 new schools and 5 existing magnet schools, which have available seats.

If you would like more information about these opportunities, please call RSCO at 860-713-6990 or visit the RSCO website. For a direct link, click here.  If you need assistance, please feel free to stop by the NEAT office and use our computers.  Our staff would be happy to assist.  This week the NEAT office will be open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you need assistance after hours this week, please call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845 and if possible, we can schedule someone to be available later in the day. Next week, the NEAT office will return to its normal schedule and be open until 5:00 PM.

MONTHLY NEAT MEETING

This Wednesday, May 2, 2012  let's get together at the Green Street Arts Center for our NEAT Monthly Meeting at 7:00pm.   This month the meeting will be an Open Forum for residents to share their updates and concerns. 

Childcare and Pizza for the kids will be provided.  If you are bringing your child, wear clothes that can get dirty.
This week, as a special treat, kids will be working with Wesleyan Students on a Visual Arts Project.

Loan Scams Make National Headlines Again

ATTENTION RESIDENTS: LOAN SCAMS ARE ON THE RISE!

As you may have seen in the April 19 New York Times article, loan scams are on the rise again. The FTC has issued a consumer alert on mass joinder lawsuits and New York Attorney General Eric Holderman has warned about scams associated with the $25 billion mortgage settlement between banks and states.

To protect homeowners from falling victim to such scams, NeighborWorks continues to publicize these twists via the Loan Scam Alert campaign website and its social media channels.

You can do your part by reading tips from the Loan Scam Alert team on the top three signs of a scam and by spreading the word about scams in your community.

COMMUNITY MUSIC

Community Music is back, THIS Saturday April 28th! It's African Drumming and Dance led by Jocelyn Pleasant. The event includes the workshop, a potluck lunch, and an open mic after lunch. Bring songs and instruments to share! Start time is 11am.

Community Music - African drumming and dance

Saturday April 28th 11am-1pm

At the Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green Street

CMI is a program of NEAT. More info at www.neatmiddletown.org/cmi

BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET MEETING

The final Board of Education Budget Meeting is this week. This will be your chance to hear important budget details. You can also access the proposed budget here.  On April 26TH @7 PM, it is the community's turn to share thoughts, make comments and be informed about public opinion on the budget.  The meetings will both take place at City Hall's Council Chambers at 245 Dekoven Rd. Attend and be informed!

Check out the pics from North End PRIDE Day, 2012.  There were projects all over the neighborhood including opening up the established Erin St. Community Garden, working in the up and coming Ferry St. Community Garden and general cleaning.

Because we had so many volunteers, we were able to build the amazing Alondra Hernandez Community Garden in one day!  We still have more to plant, but we're well on our way to a new community space.  For those who remember what 20 Portland St. looked like last year (see below for a reminder), this garden is a big change.  The Mayor declared Saturday North End PRIDE Day in the City of Middletown, which was quite an honor for our residents and their hard work.

Thank you to our amazing residents, volunteers, Comcast Cares Volunteers, Macdonough School, the Young Democrats, the Republican Town Committee, Minuteman Press, Sherwin-Williams of Cromwell, Stone Depot, Home Depot, Gorilla Graphics, St John's School in Old Saybrook, Ballek's Garden Center, CT SignCenter and the City of Middletown Public Works Department for all of the help!!  Comcast even gave the North End Action Team and Macdonough School a grant to help support our programs.



*History: When 20 Portland St. was condemned and taken in foreclosure, the city offered the lot for free (and they were going to give $$ to help rehab) to anyone willing to take the lot and rehab the buildings. The houses were in such bad shape that the city couldn't find any takers.  They were a safety concern and were bringing down the quality of life for the people who lived around them.

The city ultimately tore down the properties and issued an RFP (Request for Proposals) for ideas with what to do with the space.  NEAT submitted a proposal along with residents of Portland St. that was approved. So, NEAT now has control over the site and we built a garden this week as a partnership between NEAT and Comcast Cares Day.

GET YOUR PRIDE ON!

This Saturday April 21, from 9 am -1 pm, we will be celebrating our Pride with cleanup and beautification projects all over the North End. We hope that you have seen information about Pride Day in our emails and our newsletter. We are very excited about this years event. We have some exciting projects planned including breaking ground on two new community gardens!

Pride Day is about more than Spring cleaning. It is about getting our residents, our local businesses, and friends of the North End outside together working on common goals and building relationships. We love our neighborhood and want to take time to celebrate it.

As a friend of the North End we hope that you will join us on Saturday and spread the word in your organization. We have numerous projects that need volunteers. If you are a business or organization that is located in the North End you can also organize a project at your site. if you would like to sign up to work on a project, or are willing to join in on the project that needs you most you can call the NEAT office at 860-346-4845

Projects include:

Breaking ground at the Alondra Hernandez Memorial Garden
Breaking Ground at the Ferry Street Garden
Waking up the Erin Street garden
Miller/Bridge street park clean up
Block by block clean up and trash pick up

NEAT will provide the work gloves, water, tools, and trash bags.

We are excited to have volunteers from the neighborhood, Macdonough School, Comcast, The Young Dems, and Wesleyan University. We would love to have you join us as well!

We hope to see you on Saturday!

MEN'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS DAY - APRIL 14

This FREE event is designed to provide access to healthcare and community services for men who have limited or no health insurance. It will be Saturday, April 14, 2012 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church 24 Old Church Street Middletown, CT. There will be Prostate cancer screening and education, foot care, medical assessment of health concerns, basic eye exams, blood pressure screenings, smoking cessation, cancer prevention education, physical therapy, mental health services and massage therapy/reflexology. Registration is required by calling (860) 358-2043.

COMMUNITY MUSIC INITIATIVE: Looking for something fun to do over the school vacation?

Community Music is back, THIS Saturday April 14th! It's Fun with Rhythms led by our own Edward Leonard. Get ready for some drumming, singing, and general silliness. The event includes the workshop, a potluck lunch, and an open mic after lunch. Bring songs and instruments to share! Start time is 11am.

Community Music - Fun with Rhythms

Saturday April 14th 11am-1pm

At the Green Street Arts Center, 51 Green Street

CMI is a program of NEAT. More info at www.neatmiddletown.org/cmi

Join us for North End Pride Day!

NORTH END PRIDE DAY-SAVE THE DATE APRIL 21ST

It's getting warmer which means, we will soon be having our Annual North End Pride Day!

This year North End Pride Day will be April 21st, 2012 at 9:00 AM. Save the date and let's spend the day together beautifying our neighborhood and having fun!

Here are some of the projects we are planning for the day:

Clean up your yard!
Help clean your neighbors yard!
Be a block captain and organize a clean-up for your street!
Join one of our neighborhood teams!
Garden at the Erin Street Garden!
Help to break ground on the New Portland Street gardens!
Volunteer to help out by calling the NEAT office(860) 346-4845.

MEN'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS DAY - APRIL 14

This FREE event sponsored by the Middlesex Hospital is designed to provide access to healthcare and community services for men who have limited or no health insurance. It will be Saturday, April 14, 2012 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church 24 Old Church Street Middletown, CT. There will be Prostate cancer screening and education, foot care, medical assessment of health concerns, basic eye exams, blood pressure screenings, smoking cessation, cancer prevention education, physical therapy, mental health services and massage therapy/reflexology. Registration is required by calling (860) 358-2043.

HUSKY HEALTH PROGRAM

An informational forum for HUSKY Health Program Members to discuss the changes in the HUSKY and Medicaid programs is scheduled for Wednesday, April 11, from 1 to 3 PM. at the YMCA at 99 Union St. in Middletown. If you or anyone you know uses this program, please advise them of this important event to learn about changes and new healthcare options.

SESAME STREET'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT: EATING WELL ON A LOW BUDGET

Parents, caregivers, and providers, check out Sesame Street's Food for Thought on EATING WELL ON A LOW-BUDGET! Food for Thought: Eating Well on a Budget is a bilingual, multimedia program designed to help support families who have children between the ages of 2 and 8 and are coping with uncertain or limited access to affordable and nutritious food. The website has great resources to empower parents, kids and community members to eat healthy. Check it out by clicking here.

April 2nd, Town Hall Meeting with Governor Dan Malloy on Education

The Connecticut State Conference of NAACP & Middlesex County NAACP Branch
will be hosting A Town Hall Meeting with Governor Dannel P. Malloy. Governor Malloy will discuss his Education Reform Bill SB24 with the NAACP on Monday, April 02, 2012 at 6:30 P.M. The meeting will take place at the Shiloh Baptist Church located at 346 Butternut St Middletown, CT 06457. Here is your opportunity to have your questions answered! This is your opportunity to speak out for your child and for the children in your communities!