Macdonough School's Free Book Fridays

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

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

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

League of Women Voters Candidates Forum

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

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

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

This is a good chance to get informed!

Democracy Forum in ITowns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North End Businesses in ITowns

Middletown's north end biz looking good
By
Melissa Pionzio

on October 1, 2008 5:53 PM |

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

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

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

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

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

Keep up the good work northenders!

ODDFELLOWS PLAYHOUSE NEIGHBORHOOD TROUPES

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

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

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

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

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

NEAT Slate for Elections

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

BUILDING COMPUTER BASICS Classes

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

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

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

NEAT Democracy Forum Tomorrow

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

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

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

"Help is Here Express" Perscription Bus Tuesday

DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?

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

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

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

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

SCHOOLS SUPPORT COMMITTEE

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

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

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

MENTORING PROGRAM

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

Oct Board of Education Meeting

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

NEAT Schools Committee Meeting Wed 7pm

The NEAT Schools Committee will meet Wednesday Oct 1st at 7pm at the NEAT Office (668 Main St).  Sheila Daniels from the Middletown Board Of Education will be coming to meet with us and discuss how we can have open communication with the Board Of Education about the North End educational experience.  

We will have an open discussion time for fifteen minutes before and fifteen minutes after meeting with her to discuss any new issues.

This will be a great opportunity to start a relationship with the Board of Education and help ensure the success of our committee.

NEAT Holds Elections

It's time for NEAT to hold its annual elections.  Come to the October 8th NEAT meeting (6:30 at the Green Street Arts Center) and cast your ballot.  We will be electing officers and board members.  If you would like to nominate yourself or others, please contact NEAT at 346-4845 or email neat@neatmiddletown.org.

In addition to elections, this meeting will be a workshop about elections.  NEAT will be hosting a political forum, with a panel that includes State Senator Paul Doyle and Councilman Grady Faulkner, among others.  

Come to vote, or just come to learn about the political process and why you should care who represents you.  

The Teen Dreams Society, NEAT's youth leadership club, will also be running a voter registration booth at this meeting, so if you're not already registered, this is your chance.

Well Worth Saving...

It's been a whirlwind year for Macdonough Elementary School, the North End's main school for K-5. Earlier this year, budget problems faced the school board, and teachers, parents and neighborhood leaders fought successfully to keep the school open. Now, we have more cause to celebrate.

ConnCAN, a non-profit organization, and leader in the field of education has named Macdonough to be the third most improved schools in the state. The 2008 CMT scores showed an average of 21% increase in students "at goal" across the board. Also, ConnCAN highlights 10 schools state-wide as "success stories", with a video and spotlight on their website, and Macdonough was chosen for this honor, as well. The video will be filmed in the coming weekse.

Just a few years ago, Macdonough struggled to keep pace within the district. Now, it is in line with the district and state averages in math and reading and exceeds them in writing. The school has new leadership, dedicated teachers and a community that believes it can succeed. 

Congratulations to Teachers, Staff, Students, Parents and community members for proving that this school is well worth saving. 

MHS Voting Reforendum: Sept 23

A message for MHS PTA Co-President Yvette Henley
Just in case you haven’t heard, voting on an MHS referendum will be held on Tuesday, September 23. Passage of this referendum is absolutely critical to the success of the high school construction project and our city, overall. Passage has NO IMPACT on taxpayers. The increase in the project cost ceiling is needed to allow for over $1.3M in grants awarded to the project by the CT Clean Energy Fund and CT Innovations (Fuel Cell) and state legislature (Area of Assembly Generator) to be spent. Passage also changes the bond language to allow for other potential grants to be accepted. At present, these additional funds can not increase the bonding for the project and, therefore, will result in work to stop on demolition of Woodrow Wilson Middle School and construction of the new high school athletic fields. Again, a yes vote will not change the cost to taxpayers.
Unfortunately, there is currently misinformation, confusion and apathy related to this referendum. Parents of children in the school system need to understand the importance of participating in this vote on Sept 23. Voting will be held at Moody School , City Hall and South Fire from 12 to 8pm.

Dist. 1 MacDonough School will vote at City Hall, 245 deKoven Drive.

Voter Registration Bus Stops

As a very important election nears, the Teen Dreams Society is looking for more places to register North End residents. If you have any suggestions, we'd love to hear them. You can call the NEAT office (346-4845) or email alicia.mcavay@neatmiddletown.org with your ideas.

If you not registered, or would like to volunteer to register people in your neighborhood, please don't hestitate to call!

Moody PTA Meeting Recap

A group of Moody parents and grandparents from NEAT's new Schools Committee attended the school's first PTA on Tuesday night. We found many opportunities for Moody families to be involved, including baking something for the election day bake sale and volunteering at the fall book fair in October. Volunteer shifts can be as short as two hours and if there is interest, NEAT School's Committee could organize a group to do it together. The PTA is working hard to make sure Moody students can go on field trips, have extra supplies in the classroom, and some extra activities to make the year more fun. It would be great for us to help out in anyway we can.

Parents also brought up concerns about the lack of communication about the new lunch policy and no introduction letter from the new principal. Moody parents should expect two letters home addressing these things very soon.

We have also heard many different concerns about the buses. NEAT has requested a copy of the district bus policy and will have it available on this blog and at our office. If you have concerns, please look at the policy. We can discuss any further concerns at the Schools Committee meetings, the first Wednesday of each month.

Thanks to those people who came to the meeting. It was great representation from the North End.

Arts Explorers Program At Oddfellows Playhouse

Oddfellows Playhouse with collaboration with the Middletown Youth Services Bureau is forming a unique program called Arts Explorers. Art Explorers is a program blending intensive arts training with job readiness skills for students enrolled at Woodrow Wilson Middle School during the 2008-2008 school year. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about as well as "specialize" in three areas of artistic exploration (literary, performance, and visual arts). Working with professional mentor artists, by the end of the program students will have created and publicly released original work of art, from a new play, to a art gallery, to a literary magazine, or anything a mind can imagine!



Anyone willing to participate will receive a stipend for their work, PARTICIPATION IS LIMITED TO 24 STUDENTS so register early! Participants will commit to the program which will last for the school year and with meetings being held once weekly from 1-1/2-2 hours per week. All skills are encouraged to join and are welcome!

Here are some benefits of the program..

Make some money!

Have fun!

Make new friends!

Learn new skills!

Transportation is provided!

For more information contact:

Jeffrey Allen
Oddfellows Playhouse
128 Washington St.
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: 860-347-6143
Email:Jeffrey@oddfellows.org


Program is expected to begin in October!!!

Hiking Trip Part 2

The mountain we climbed was Mt Monadnock, which is, according to Bill Warner, the second most climbed mountain in the country. It was a very challenging climb and some of us felt the accomplishment for many days...with both mind and body receiving benefits. No moose sightings this year but Izzi, Rachel, and Katya's cooking sure tasted good when we got back to the AMC lodge. Outhouse humor was in full force and in keeping with the traditions of the NEAT Hiking Club. Wisely NEAT staff withheld the details of plumbing deficits from Shaniece, hoping to surprise her with the excitement of her first outhouse experience until arrival at the lodge. Shawn forgot to share that he was the first to take the polar plunge. His example set the bar for the rest of the, not to be outdone, North End thrill seekers including a relay team that would make Michael Phelps proud.

The NEAT Hiking Club is paid for a grant from the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Prevention Council. Many thanks for their continued support.