NEAT'S DECEMBER MEETING

Did You Know That There is a Proposed Development on Washington St. in the North End?

Where?

On the North side of Washington on the block between Pearl and High

What?

A multi-story complex with potentially 4-5 retail spaces on the ground (and maybe second) floor and office space on the top floors.  It will have parking behind it.

Retail names that have been mentioned are Starbucks, Chipotle and a national book chain

Why does this matter to you?

It could affect traffic patterns, diminish the neighborhood housing stock, create jobs and alter the landscape. 

Should it happen?

That’s up to you to decide.  Come to our neighborhood meeting to learn more about the facts and come up with an educated opinion.

NEAT NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Wednesday, December 5^th

7 pm, Green Street Arts Center

THIS WILL AFFECT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. WE MUST BE EDUCATED AND ACTIVE

Childcare and Dinner will be provided for the kids:  Open to all

Want more info?  Call NEAT at 860-346-4845 or email neat@neatmiddletown.org

Middletown’s Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation

RUSSELL LIBRARY PRESENTS

Middletown’s Celebration of the 150^th Anniversary of the

Emancipation Proclamation

Thursday, January 10, 2012, 6:00 pm

Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, CT

Moderated by Anita Ford Saunders

with presentations of

The Star-Spangled Banner

Middletown High School Chamber Choir Singers

Watch Night

Kate Rushin, Writer and Educator

A Civil War Christmas

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater

and selections by

Shiloh Baptist Missionary Church Male Chorus

The Emancipation Proclamation: Political Ploy or Courageous Gamble

Middletown High School Debate Club

Judges:  Patricia Charles, Superintendent of Schools

                        Honorable Daniel T. Drew, Mayor of Middletown

Audience Discussion

Lift Every Voice and Sing

Filming by Corporate Media Services, Middlesex Community College

Co-Sponsors

Friends of the Russell Library

Middletown Human Relations Commission

Other Exhibits

Middlesex County Historical Society

The Abolitionist Movement and Underground Railroad in Middletown

Olin Library, Wesleyan University

Original materials on Lincoln, Slavery, Abolitionism, and Colonization

La Feria de RSCO es el cinco de Diciembre

Esta es su Gran Oportunidad para explorer las escuelas y programas diversos de la region.  La Tercera de las cinco Ferias de Elección Escolar en la Región de “Greater” Hartford se llevará a cabo el miércoles en la Escuela Iman de Glastonbury-East Hartford en Glastonbury.
 
¿Desea explorar las muchas grandes oportunidades para la educación de su hijo dentro de la region de “Greater” Hartford?  Traiga a su familia a la tercera de las cinco Ferias Regionales de Elección de Escuelas en miércoles, 5 de diciembre del 2012, desde las cinco y media de la tarde hasta las siete y media de la noche en la Escuela Iman de Glastonbury-East Hartford, en la 95 de la calle Oak en Glastonbury.
 
Las ferias escolares de RSCO ofrecerán representantes e informacion sobre las docenas de escuelas imanes (“magnets”) como también las opciones de Elección Abierta (“Open Choice”) para estudiantes de Hartford y suburanos desde el nivel preescolar hasta el grado 12. 
 
Los Padres, abuelos, tutores y estudiantes pueden hablar con personal de la Oficina Regional para la Elección de Escuelas de “Greater” Hartford (RSCO) y sus socios:  el Consejo Educativo de la Región Capital, las Escuelas Publicas de Hartford, la Universidad Goodwin y el programa de las escuelas secundarias técnicas de Connecticut y tambien del Suffield Agriscience.
 
Para más información, llame a la Oficina Regional para la Elección de Escuelas (RSCO) al 860.713.6990 o visite nuestro sitio de Internet en www.choiceeducation.org.
 
INFORMACION DE LA FERIA DE RSCO
Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School
95 Oak Street, Glastonbury
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Regional School Choice Open House December 5, 2012

This is a Great Opportunity to explore the region’s diverse schools and programs.  Third of five School Choice Fairs in the Greater Hartford region to be held Wednesday at Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School in Glastonbury.

Want to explore the many great opportunities for your child’s education within the Greater Hartford region? Bring the family to the third of five Regional School Choice Fairs on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School, 95 Oak Street in Glastonbury.

The RSCO school fairs will feature booths and information about the dozens of magnet schools as well as Open Choice options for students from preschool to grade 12.
Parents, grandparents, guardians and students can chat with helpful staff at the Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) and its partners: the Capitol Region Education Council, Hartford Public Schools, Goodwin College, the Connecticut technical high school system and the Suffield Agriscience Program.

For more information, call the Regional School Choice Office at 860.713.6990 or visit our Web site at www.choiceeducation.org.
RSCO FAIR INFORMATION
Glastonbury-East Hartford Magnet School
95 Oak Street, Glastonbury
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

NEXT COMMUNITY MUSIC EVENT: BLUES!

   

 Introduction to the Blues with Tim McDonald

Saturday, December 1st 11am-1pm

Green Street Arts Center

FREE to participate, all ages welcome!

Anyone can sing the blues!  This easy and full-of-feeling style of music can help anyone feel good.  Tim McDonald is one of Connecticut's best musicians, and he'll be taking the group through an introduction to blues music. Afterward, we'll apply what we've learned and have some fun playing and singing together.  Each participant will be given their own harmonica to play and take home.  Feel like singing some blues?  Join us!

As always, this CMI Saturday Music Event includes a community potluck lunch at noon and a dance party after lunch.  For more information, contact CMI program coordinator, Carolyn Reeves: carolyn@neatmiddletown.org

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH END

Today at 4:00 pm the Mayor will host a press conference to announce his support for a proposed development on Washington St. in the North End (on the block between Pearl St. and High St.)  It would potentially include a Starbucks, a Chipotle and a national chain bookstore (which would double as the Wesleyan University bookstore).  it would take up four parcels of land and the developer apparently already has an option to buy some of them.

You can read about it on the Middletown Eye here and the Hartford Couranthere.  There is also an article on the Eye about the process for a development like this. Click here to read more.

This issue will be on NEAT's December agenda and we anticipate a presentation to help members learn more and figure out what their opinion is.  This will affect our neighborhood.  To what extent is yet to be determined.  It could change traffic patterns, it could change the landscape, it could bring jobs.  We need to figure out if the plusses outweigh the minuses and we need residents to be engaged and informed throughout the process.

You can check our local news sources for updates or contact the NEAT office.  We want you to stay informed and be involved.

COMMUNITY MUSIC INITIATIVE PRESENTS INTRO TO CAPOEIRA NOV. 17TH

INTRODUCTION TO CAPOEIRA

With Joel Melendez

Saturday, November 17, 11am-1pm

Green Street Arts Center

FREE to participate!

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art form that incorporates music, dance, and acrobatics.  At the November 17, CMI Music Event, Joel will introduce us to the instruments, music, and movements involved in this fun and exciting activity.

There’s a role for every age and experience level, whether it’s beating on a drum or learning a challenging dance or acrobatic move.  Join us for a musical day of Brazilian culture!

As always, this CMI Saturday Music Event includes a community potluck lunch at noon and a dance party after lunch.  For more information, contact CMI program coordinator, Carolyn Reeves: Carolyn@neatmiddletown.org.

New Scholarship Directory for Hartford Foundation for Public Giving

The Hartford Foundations' New College Scholarship Search Directory is here. packed with scholarship opportunities from the Hartford Foundation and other organizations in Greater Hartford that want to help students pay for college. Check out the opportunities and share it with friends.

MIDDNIGHT ON MAIN TICKETS ON SALE!!!

Online discount ends on Thanksgiving

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Middnight on Main! Enjoy more than 100 shows in four blocks of historic Main Street, Middletown, from 3 pm to 12 midnight in churches, storefronts and performance halls. Featuring singer-songwriter Dar Williams, PBS Kids' star SteveSongs, The Grand Slambovians & dozens of other musical and entertainment acts, like comedy, magic, dance, juggling, games, & more. Rooftop fireworks at 6 pm.

Middnight buttons are just $16 for adults and $6 for kids (age 2-12) through Thanksgiving, online only at www.Middnight.org. Regular price buttons are $20 for adults, $10 for kids (ages 2-12) available online and at several downtown locations starting on November 23rd

We are also encouraging people to sign up and volunteer on our website: http://middnight.org/volunteers.php  Each person who signs up for a 3 hour shift receives a free Middnight button. Go check out the updated schedule and list of performances and activities, like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiddnightOnMain and follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/MiddnightOnMain

New Haven Farmers Markets Still Accepting Federal Benefits

For those of you participating in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) or the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) please note you have until this Sunday, November 11 to redeem your checks at the following New Haven Farmers Markets:

Wooster Square Farmers' Market
Saturday, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Edgewood Park Farmers' Market
Sunday, 10:00am - 2:00pm

For a full market schedule and directions, please check their website at http://cityseed.org/

FERRY ST. GARDEN GROUNDBREAKING PLANTING

Join us on Saturday, November 10th at 1 PM for our first community planting day at the Ferry St. Garden! We will be planting a variety of flower bulbs (daffodils, tulips, etc.) and perhaps some edible winter greens. Bring a pair of gloves and a small shovel if you have one. If not, we will try our best to provide you with tools. Everyone is welcome for this exciting first day of planting in our newest community garden!

NEAT MEETING CANCELED DUE TO NOREASTER

This month's NEAT meeting will be canceled due to the Nor'easter. Please pass the information along.  We will send out an update when the meeting will rescheduled. Thanks!

Chasing Manet

The Vintage Players present

Chasing Manet

 by Tina Howe

November 16^th and 17^th at 7pm

 November 18^th at 3pm

Green Street Arts Center

51 Green Street, Middletown, CT

$10 Suggested Donation

Reservations are required.  Please call (860) 685-7797. 

ELECTION DAY TOMORROW TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012

Get out and vote on Election day tomorrow!  The entire North End is "Distict 1" which votes at Macdonough Elementary School on Spring St.  The actual voting takes place in the gymnasium, which is off Pease Ave.  Please use the Pease Ave. entrance to vote.  Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. 

For Election Information, check out the weblinks form NEAT's website here.
We hope to see you at the polls tomorrow!

NEAT MONTHLY MEETING ON SCHOOL OPTIONS K-12

Dear Parents and Community,

Mark Your Calendars: On Wednesday, November 7, 2012,  Christina LaPierre, Assistant Director of the CREC-RSCO School Choice Programs and  Karen Habegger, Principal of Thomas Edison High School & ACES program Rep will be at the NEAT Monthly Meeting to talk about School Choice Options for your K-12 child.  Take advantage and learn more about your child's school options. The meeting will take place during the NEAT monthly meeting at the Green Street Arts Center at 7PM.   

Deciding between local schools or magnet schools is a matter of what fits your child best.  Attend an event so you can make the best decision! Childcare and pizza dinner will be provided.

See you there!

UPDATE ON PARKING IN THE NORTH END

NEAT has received an update from the City on the State of Parking in the North End.

Please read the City's letter below. For a larger version, click on the image and magnify the image.

FERRY ST. GARDEN GROUNDBREAKING PLANTING

Join us on Saturday, November 10th at 1 PM for our first community planting day at the Ferry St. garden! We will be planting a variety of flower bulbs (daffodils, tulips, etc.) and perhaps some edible winter greens. Bring a pair of gloves and a small shovel if you have one. If not, we will try our best to provide you with tools. Everyone is welcome for this exciting first day of planting in our newest community garden!

NEXT COMMUNITY MUSIC EVENT: CAPOEIRA!

INTRODUCTION TO CAPOEIRA

With Joel Melendez

Saturday, November 17, 11am-1pm

Green Street Arts Center

FREE to participate!

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art form that incorporates music, dance, and acrobatics.  At the November 17 CMI Music Event, Joel will introduce us to the instruments, music, and movements involved in this fun and exciting activity. 

There’s a role for every age and experience level, whether it’s beating on a drum or learning a challenging dance or acrobatic move.  Join us for a musical day of Brazilian culture!

As always, this CMI Saturday Music Event includes a community potluck lunch at noon and a dance party after lunch.  For more information, contact CMI program coordinator, Carolyn Reeves: Carolyn@neatmiddletown.org

Jazz With A Conscience Concert

Wesleyan University’s Music & Public Life Present

JAZZ WITH A CONSCIENCE

Award Winning Composer and Pianist

Noah Baerman

Joined by Bassist Henry Lugo

& Drummer Vinnie Sperrazza

Friday, November 2^nd at 8pm

  Green Street Arts Center

 51 Green Street, Middletown, CT

Free Admission