[BwayDems] Upcoming events, meetings & opportunities from Sen. Espaillat <12/23/14 edition; 82 items>

[Elizabeth Lorris Ritter]

[image: Inline image 1]

*Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014*



*Dear Neighbor,*



*Not surprisingly, there are several celebrations and ways to share the
holidays with your neighbors, as well as a number of classes and job
opportunities to start 2015 in a new way. Register now for one a Grant
writing workshop, (See “Classes, workshops & other educational
opportunities” Section). Note important changes to SCRIE/DRIE in the
“General information” section. Mark your January calendars for Marble Hill
Town Hall and informational forums on Housing. And of course, in this
holiday season, remember the many ways you can build and strengthen
community by helping your neighbors, including the Senator’s Three Kings
Day Toy Drive, and tomorrow’s visit to the VA Hospital with the Inwood
Rotary. *



*A Hanukah sameach, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwaanza: joy &
peace in whatever it is you may celebrate (or not) this season. *



****Note for residents of Pinnacle buildings: **As the result of a class
action settlement, rent-regulated tenants in buildings owned by Pinnacle
are eligible to receive damages for actions from 2004 to 2010. Read the
Legal Aid Society's flyer online (in **English*
<http://www.scribd.com/doc/236825665/Pinnacle-Flyer-English> *and **Spanish*
<http://www.scribd.com/doc/236825177/Pinnacle-Flyer-Spanish>*), or call our
office **(212-544-0173* <%28212-544-0173>*) or **888-736-8115*
<888-736-8115> *for information. The filing deadline has been extended to
December 31st.****



*Scroll down for information about things happening:*

·         *This week ( items)*

·         *This weekend ( items)*

·         *Next week ( items)*

·         *Next weekend ( items)*

·         *Looking ahead / Save-the-Date! ( items)*

·         *How You Can Help ( items): **share your money / stuff / time*

·         *Classes, workshops & other educational opportunities ( items)*

·         *Vocational training & job postings ( items)*

·         *Loans, Grants, Contests & Awards ( items)*

·         *Health, recreation & fitness ( items)*

·         *Traffic & Transit ( items)*

·         *LG / Palisades update*

·         *General information, ongoing events & news-you-can-use ( items)*



*Please share this e-mail with friends/neighbors. If you know someone who’d
like to subscribe, have them e-mail me with their ZIP code. If you have an
event you’d like to list here, email me the details (text or .doc format,
please, not .pdf or .jpg).*



*Best,*

*Liz Ritter*







****THIS WEEK*** (10 items)*

*Hanukah* *Hanukah sameach *(“Happy Hanukah”) to all who celebrate! Tonight
is the festival’s last night.



*No Name *is a “workout show,” wherein talented performers are encouraged
to play and try out new comedic or storytelling material. The audience is
invited to hang out afterward to share feedback, shoot the breeze, and get
on the mic themselves. Hosted every Tuesday by *Eric Vetter**.* *Tuesday,
December 23rd, 7pm – 9pm.*



*Jazz for Young People presents “Swingin’ in the Holiday” *This all-ages
jazz concert will ring in the holidays with a swinging collection of the
best loved songs of the season. *David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center.
FREE.** Tuesday, December 23rd at 7:30pm.*



*Jazz Wednesdays *Enjoy Bill Wurtzel’s jazz trio performing standards
dating from 1800 to 1920, the years during which the artworks in *A Shared
Legacy: Folk Art in America* were produced. *American Folk Art Museum, Two
 Lincoln Square (Columbus Avenue at W. 66th Street). FREE.** Wednesday,
December 24th, 2pm - 3pm.*



*Christmas Eve Visit to Hospital Veterans *Help the Inwood Rotary bring
holiday cheer to hospitalized veterans at the Bronx VA Hospital, bearing
cards, gifts, and maybe even pizza. We will meet at the Dunkin Donuts at
Broadway & W. 207th Street at 6:20pm to travel together to the VA, or meet
at the VA (130 Kingsbridge Road, enter on Webb Ave.) at 6:40pm. Please
bring cards, a few dollars for cab fare. Donations to buy VA coupon gift
booklets for the vets, or other gift donations such as socks, hats, gloves
are also appreciated. If you have questions, feel free to email
kywilliams2 at aol.com or call 212-304-8882. *Wednesday, December 24th *



*Community Service Project *In town on Christmas morning, and not otherwise
observing the holiday? Join the Fort Tryon Jewish Center community in
bringing baked goods and big thanks to those who keep the city running 365
days a year. We will gather at W. 181st & Ft. Washington Ave., and walk
around the neighborhood for about an hour, stopping at the police station,
firehouse, and subway stations. All are welcome. Please bring a treat to
distribute. Questions / RSVPs to Sarah Wolk (sarahrwolk at gmail.com). *Thursday,
December 25th at 10:30 am*



*PJ Library at the Y Baking Event *The PJ Library at the Y invites you to
step inside and create your own “Babka Bites,” an amazingly delicious Paula
Shoyer creation. Paula has been featured on television shows as well as
public appearances across the country. Her recipes are always easy,
delicious and fun to do. At the YM/YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood, 54
Nagle Ave., near Broadway. Free and open to the public. For more
information, email Cyndi Rand: crand at ywashhts.org, or call
212-569-6200. *Thursday,
December 25th, 11:30am – 1:30pm.*



*Community Meal *A holiday meal with all the trimmings with your neighbors
at the Prince Hall Masons Lodge. Free and open to the public. 454 Prince
Hall Plaza (W. 155th St. at St. Nicholas Ave.) *Thursday, December 25th,
noon – 4pm. *



*Chinese-American: Exclusion/Inclusion *explores the centuries-long history
of trade and immigration between China and the United States—a history that
involved New York from its very beginnings—and will raise the question
“What does it mean to be an American?” The exhibit narrative extends from
the late eighteenth century to the present and includes all regions of the
country, thus interpreting the Chinese American saga as a key part of
American history. At the *New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park
West.* *Admission is pay-as-you-wish. **Friday, December 26th, 6pm – 8pm.*



*Christmas Cantata *Award-winning Gracias Choir & Orchestra perform holiday
classics. At United Palace, 4111 Broadway at W. 175th St. For tickets, call
888-466-9846 or visit iyfusa.org. *Friday, December 26th at 7pm & Saturday,
December 27th at 5pm*.







****THIS WEEKEND*** (2 items)*

*Story Time for Kids (ages 3 and up)* Story Time is back! Bring your kids
to hear their favorite stories read out loud by experienced, trained
readers. At Word Up! Community Bookstore, 2113 Amsterdam Ave. at W. 165th St.
*Saturdays, noon – 1pm.*



*Live Music at WordUp: *Folk Singer-Songwriters Ryan Pratt, Benjamin Greer,
and WordUp volunteer GioSafari team up for an evening of folk—in all its
acoustic, melodic, and subversive glory—to take the chill off of a late
December Saturday night. *Saturday, December 27th, 6pm – 8pm.*







****NEXT WEEK*** (2 items)*

*Hey knitters (and crocheters), *come to the library on Tuesday mornings
and join our new knitting circle! A great way to meet your neighbors! At
the Inwood Branch Public Library, 4790 Broadway. *Every Tuesday at 11:30am.*



*Do you or your family need health insurance? *In-person assistance in
English and Spanish for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and NYC Qualified
plans. At NoMAA, 178 Bennett Ave. 3rd floor. For more information,
call 212-233-8955
ext.127 <212-233-8955%20ext.127>. *Every Tuesday, 1pm - 6pm*







****NEXT WEEKEND*** (3 item)*

*Treecycle at MulchFest *NYC Parks will host the annual MulchFest at
locations citywide. Bring your holiday tree to one of over 80 designated
parks to be recycled into mulch that will nourish plantings across the city
or your own garden! This year, be one of thousands of New York households
to help the environment and the community by bringing your tree to our
nearest collection site. There will be 36 chipping sites and 47 drop-off
sites throughout the five boroughs. In this District, drop-off locations
include Bennett, Inwood Hill, J. Hood Wright and Morningside Parks;
chipping at Riverside Park (W. 83rd St.). It’s easier than ever! Remember
to remove all lights and decorations before bringing the tree to a
MulchFest site. Patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the free mulch
available at each chipping site. Free mulch collection bags are provided
for your convenience. And this year, you can *bring your tree to a drop-off
site* *beginning Jan. 3rd. *For more information about MulchFest and a list
of sites in your borough, visit
http://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/mulchfest. *Drop-offs begin
Jan. 3rd; **mulching on Saturday, January 10th* *& Sunday, January 11th*,
10am – 2pm.



*The Palisades Meetup-Cleanup* meets on the first Sunday of every month at
Ross Dock, where they assemble to clean up the trash on the trails and
picnic grounds. This is a joint effort between the Palisades Interstate
Park and the Appalachian Mountain Club. For more information, visit
www.njpalisades.org. *Sunday, January 3rd, 10am – 1pm.*



*Word at 4F Slam Finals *Experience the finals of the biweekly uptown
poetry slams organized by Word at 4F, the nomadic open mic series started by
Angy Abreu and Rammer Martínez Sánchez. Kick off your new year with fierce
poetry and good company. Admission: $5 at the door. *Saturday, January 3rd,
8pm – 11pm *(doors at 7pm).







****LOOKING AHEAD / SAVE THE DATE*** (15 items)*

*Three Kings’ Day Toy Giveaway *Free toy for kids ages 3-8.
First-come/first-serviced. Children must be accompanied by an adult. At 809
Restaurant (Dyckman St. @ Nagle Ave.) For more information or if you are
interested in donating toys to this event, please email
eventsRSVP at adrianoespaillat.org. *Tuesday, January 6th, 5pm – 7pm.*



*Are you ready to welcome a new family member? *Join us for one of our free
workshops for expectant parents. Couples are often anxious and excited
about what to expect and how to prepare for the big day. While respecting
the values and dynamics of each family, these talks will help you to
understand labor and the pivotal role each parent can take in the process,
explore choices of delivery and enhance your communication with your
medical provider. Sponsored by the Y Beginnings Parent Center of the
YM&YWHA of Washington Heights/Inwood. Free and open to all. Two more
sessions: *Tuesday, January 6th* at Mount Sinai Jewish Center (135 Bennett
Ave.); *Tuesday, January 20th *at the Castle Village Community Room (110
Cabrini Blvd.); all sessions *7pm – 8pm.*



*Housing Clinic: Harassment *Next month's free housing clinic focuses on
landlord harassment. The evening features a presentation followed by a Q&A.
Free and open to the public. As always you also have the opportunity to
meet with an attorney, free of charge. (Bilingue: Español) At Goddard
Riverside, 593 Columbus Avenue (between W. 88th & W. 89th Streets). These
clinics are presented monthly, on the first Wednesday of the month. For
questions, contact the Urban Justice Center at (646) 459-3017. *Wednesday,
January 7th, 6pm-8pm. *(Sign-up sheet starting at 6pm each evening.)

*Jazz Legends for Disability Pride Concert *As you may or may not know,
2015 is the 25th Anniversary of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990)! There will be a Jazz Legends for Disability Pride NYC Concert, which
is a fundraiser for a Disability Pride NYC Parade in July. At the Quaker’s
Friends Meeting House, 15 Rutherford Place. Featuring Ron Carter, Benny
Golson, Brad Mehldau, Jimmy Cobb, Harold Mabern, George Coleman, Bill
Charlap, Buster Williams, Russell Malone, Eric Alexander , Peter Bernstein,
Mike LeDonne, Renee Rosnes, Joe Farnsworth, Kenny Washington, John Webber,
+ more, and supported by New York City Winter Jazzfest. For more
information, visit http://disabilitypridenyc.com/
http://lepoissonrouge.com/lpr_events/jazz-legends-play-for-disability-pride-nyc-january-8th-2014/.
For accommodations, email edith at disabledinaction.org. *Thursday, January
8th, 7pm – 9:30pm. *



*District 6 Capital Plan *The District 6 Community Education Council will
be presenting on the capital plan for D6 schools. The time has come to ask
the Department of Education to prioritize major school repairs, science lab
upgrades, technology upgrades and other system upgrades to make our schools
more conducive to teaching and learning. Want to make sure your voice is
heard? Email CEC6 at schools.nyc.gov for more information or to share what you
think your school needs. And be sure to come to our public meeting to hear
from the CEC on the Capital Plan for our district. At 4360 Broadway. Call
917-521-3793 for more information. Child Care will be provided. *Thursday,
January 8th at 7pm *



*Treecycle at MulchFest *NYC Parks will host the annual MulchFest at
locations citywide. Bring your holiday tree to one of over 80 designated
parks to be recycled into mulch that will nourish plantings across the city
or your own garden! This year, be one of thousands of New York households
to help the environment and the community by bringing your tree to our
nearest collection site. There will be 36 chipping sites and 47 drop-off
sites throughout the five boroughs. In this District, drop-off locations
include Bennett, Inwood Hill, J. Hood Wright and Morningside Parks;
chipping at Riverside Park (W. 83rd St.). It’s easier than ever! Remember
to remove all lights and decorations before bringing the tree to a
MulchFest site. Patrons are encouraged to take advantage of the free mulch
available at each chipping site. Free mulch collection bags are provided
for your convenience. And this year, you can *bring your tree to a drop-off
site* *beginning Jan. 3rd. *For more information about MulchFest and a list
of sites in your borough, visit
http://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/mulchfest. Drop-offs begin
Jan. 3rd*; mulching on Saturday, January 10th* *& Sunday, January 11th**,
10am – 2pm.*



*Rally for Community Space at the GWB **With the millions of public funds
going towards the renovation of the GWB Port Authority Bus Terminal, how
much is the community REALLY getting in return?* The *People’s Theatre
Project, Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and Northern
Manhattan Improvement Corporation* invite the entire community to march
together to let the Port Authority know that their renovation needs to
include at least *10,000 square feet of community space for Northern
Manhattan.* What they are giving now is simply NOT ENOUGH! Join our march
to demand more safe spaces where we can come together! *YES WE CAN!* Meet a*t
the corner of W. 178th St. & Broadway.* *Saturday, January 10th at 11am.*



*CUNY in the Heights Open House* CUNY in the Heights is a part of the
Continuing Education Workforce Development Division of Hostos Community
College. CUNY in the Heights serves the Inwood, Washington Heights and
Northern Bronx communities, providing a variety of quality license,
certification, and certificate programs. We offer courses such as Certified
Nursing Assistant , Clinical Medical Assistant , Dental Assistant,
Phlebotomy, Medical Billing and Coding, Dialysis Technician, Teacher
Assistant, Personal Fitness Trainer, English as a Second Language, Computer
graphic classes Children’s Academic, and recreational course and many more.
We offer a pipeline for a diverse student body, from the student who has
chosen to change career paths, to the student who is not ready for a degree
program and all the students in between. In addition, we have a vast amount
of children’s programming for parents looking for a safe fun and quality
program for their children. We at CUNY in the Heights think about our
students first and want to make sure they are receiving a quality programs
at an affordable price. Students are always welcome to come visit our
school located at 5030 Broadway (between W. 213th and W. 214th Streets);
you can also call us at 212-567-7132 or visit www.CUNYintheHeights.com
<http://www.cunyintheheights.com/>. Or com to our Open House: *Saturday,
January 10th, 11am-2pm & Wednesday, January 14th, 5pm-8pm.*



*Gallery Opening* José Morillo solo exhibition, “Somewhere in the
Caribbean,” debuts at WordUp Community Bookshop, 2113 Amsterdam  Ave. @ W.
165th St. *Sunday, January 11th, 3pm – 5pm.*



*Education Lobby Day *This is the day where parents from all over NYC
travel to our State Capital and advocate for more funding for our schools.
If you think, you're school can benefit from more funding and resources
then this is the trip for you. For every 50 parents we register, we get a
bus sponsored by the Alliance for Educational Equity (AQE) to take us up
there. It is a great experience! Children are also welcomed. Breakfast and
lunch will also be provided. If you are interested or are planning to
register parents from your school please email dpcouncil6 at schools.nyc.gov.
Get on the bus! We can do it! *Monday, January 12th. *



*Grant Writing Workshop *This can be especially useful in applying for
grants to pay for programs or other exciting and key projects for your
school. If you can't go yourself, make sure you share the information with
someone that can put it to good use for our schools and community. Space is
limited so make sure to reserve your space early! At the National Center
for Community Schools, 61 Claremont Ave., 1st floor. Contact Karla Bueno
for registration & other questions/concerns: kbueno at childrensaidsociety.org
/ 917-286-1540. *Tuesday, January 13th**, 10am to 2:30pm; registration
deadline is January 6th*.



*Daedalus String Quartet* The Hudson View Gardens Performing Arts Group is
thrilled to present the Daedalus String Quartet, lauded by The New Yorker
as “a fresh and vital young participant in what is a golden age of American
string quartets.” Critics and listeners alike have praised the quartet’s
technical finish, interpretive unity and sheer gusto of its performances.
Their performances have been described as “insightful and vibrant” and
“luminous” with “impressive intensity”, “riveting focus”, “rockets of
blistering virtuosity”, “silvery beauty” and “magic that hushed the
audience”. Don’t miss this award-winning quartet as it prepares for its
upcoming Lincoln Center performance in a program which includes quartets by
Bartok and Sibelius. In the Lounge at Hudson View Gardens, 128 Pinehurst
Ave. at W. 183rd Street. $12 donation includes post-concert reception with
the artists. For further information or if you want to help, call
212-923-7800 x.1511. *Sunday,* *January 18th at 5pm.*



*Marble Hill Town Hall* Sponsored by Councilmember Rodriguez, Sen.
Espaillat and the Housing Committee of Bronx Community Board 8, to discuss
a variety of issues at the Marble Hill NYCHA houses, including, as well as
a panel to discuss security & safety, illegal dumping (education and
enforcement), grounds maintenance, apartment repairs (increase repair time,
propose evening repair schedule, parking rules & regulation, and to
increase awareness of youth services and other resources in Marble Hill. At
St. Stephen's United Methodist Church, 146 W. 228th St. For more
information please contact Tony Edwards at the Council Member’s District
office at 917-521-2616.*Wednesday, January 21st at 7pm.*



*Affordable Housing Forum *The need for affordable housing and stronger
protections for the housing we already have is the number one concern heard
from residents of our district. Join Councilmember Mark Levine for a
conversation with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development
(HPD) and the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC) on what is
being done and the services they can offer to you. As part of the forum,
HPD will lead a presentation on Housing Connect, the new, easy way to apply
for affordable housing around the city. NMIC will also have an attorney
present on how you can keep the affordable housing you have, and organizers
from NMIC and PALANTE will discuss ways you can work with your building and
your neighbors to push for better housing conditions. At the Riverstone
Senior Center Community Room, 99 Fort Washington Avenue at W. 163rd St. To
RSVP or for more information, *To RSVP or for more information, contact* Heidi
Lopez: hlopez at council.nyc.gov / 212-928-6814. *Wednesday, January 28th,
6:30pm – 8:30pm**.*


*2015 is Morris-Jumel Mansion's 250th* *Anniversary!* And to celebrate,
we're teaming up with the Public Theater to present a special benefit
performance of “*Hamilton”*, the raucous, much-anticipated, new musical
written and played by Tony-award-winner and good friend of the Mansion,
Lin-Manuel Miranda. Fusing contemporary hip-hop and classic Broadway style,
“*Hamilton*” charts the origins, rise and dramatic death of one of
America’s greatest minds. The Morris-Jumel is giving history and theater
lovers the chance to not only see the show, but also mingle with fellow
friends of Morris-Jumel at a pre-performance cocktail reception and meet
and talk with Lin-Manuel and the director, Tony-award nominee Thomas Kail,
at an intimate post-show Q&A. To learn more, and to purchase tickets,
please call Morris-Jumel at 212-923-8008, go to
http://morrisjumelmansion.brownpapertickets.com/ or visit the Mansion in
person. Hurry: SPACE IS LIMITED! Proceeds will go to the underwriting of
Morris-Jumel's extensive array of educational and cultural
programming. *Thursday,
February 5th.*







****HOW YOU CAN HELP*** (10 items)*

*UNIDOS Coalition Survey on Underage Drinking: *The UNIDOS Coalition needs
you help! Please take a couple of minutes to complete the 2014 Community
Underage Drinking Survey. This survey is anonymous and helps further
alcohol abuse prevention programs in the Washington heights & Inwood
communities. Click here: http://sgiz.mobi/s3/327c685ed3a8. Questions/info:
Hannah Tejada, hannaht at inwoodics.org / 212-912-0034 x178.



*NYPL Oral Histories Project *The Washington Heights and Inwood
Neighborhood Oral History Project will begin in January 2015 and they need
interviewers. Interview your neighbors, family or friends and preserve
stories and memories about our community. Sign up for an interviewer
training session at one of our participating neighborhood libraries. Visit
http://oralhistory.nypl.org/neighborhoods/washington-heights-inwood website
for training session dates and times at all three WH/I library branches, or
contact Alexandra Kelly: alexandrakelly at nypl.org / 212-621-0552. For
information on the Harlem Oral Histories project, visit
http://oralhistory.nypl.org/neighborhoods/harlem or contact Ms. Kelly.



*Help WordUp in Its Next Phase of Growth & Service to the Community *Two
years ago, you helped bring back Word Up Community Bookshop by helping our
all-volunteer collective raise over $60,000 to find a permanent space. Six
months after exceeding our target, we signed a lease on a new home,
renovated the space, moved everything out of storage, and once again began
distributing books and resumed programming events. We held our grand
reopening at 2113 Amsterdam Avenue on July 26, 2013. *Help us embark on our
next phase: to raise $25,000 in order to increase significantly our
Spanish-language, bilingual, and youth-oriented inventory and programming
support.* With the help of crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, the groundswell
around “Giving Tuesday”, and a special opportunity at GivKwik, we hope to
meet our goal. By making more resources even more available for each other,
we can best allow for full participation from everyone in our neighborhood,
where a majority of residents are of Latino and/or Hispanic descent,
including many who speak and read primarily in Spanish, and where there are
more youth under 18 than in any other district in Manhattan. Check out our
Indiegogo campaign (
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/word-up-community-bookshop-para-siempre#home)
to keep Word Up sustainable in Washington Heights. In exchange for your
donation, we have great updated perks, including our first-ever logo
hoodie! Get yours today!



*Toy Drives *As you begin (or continue) your holiday shopping, remember
those less fortunate. There will be several toy drives throughout the
neighborhood, including one for Three Kings’ Day on January 6th for
Washington Heights & Inwood children ages 3-8. Sen. Espaillat,
Councilomember Rodriguez and a partnership of a dozen local businesses and
organizations will have an event for 1000 children at 809 Bar & Grill (112
Dyckman Street). For more information or if you are interested in donating
toys to this event, please email eventsRSVP at adrianoespaillat.org. *Event is
January 6th, 5pm-8pm; donations accepted through Jan 5th. *



*Mitzvah Day *In anticipation of the 3rd annual “Mitzvah Day,” a day of
social action projects with Beth Am, the People’s Temple, the Hebrew
Tabernacle, and the Uptown Church, please consider saving travel sized
toiletries to donate to assemble personal care kits for the homeless. We
also will be gathering handmade scarves, hats, cowls and mittens (and
gloves if you’re really ambitious!) to distribute to homeless LGBT youth.
Mitzvah Day will be held on January 11th, 10am – 2pm. If you’d need more
information or would like some FREE yarn (and needles/hooks) to make a
project, e-mail BethAmWaHI at gmail.com.



*Manhattan Community Board Applications are now available! *Manhattan’s 12
community boards are local organizations composed of 50 volunteer members
serving staggered two-year terms. Community boards are tasked with being
the independent and representative voices of their communities—the most
grass-roots form of local government. The boards are pivotal in shaping
their communities and work to enhance and preserve the character of the
city’s many unique neighborhoods. Each community board has a budget, a
district manager and staff, and has three distinct responsibilities:
monitoring the delivery of city services such as sanitation and street
maintenance; planning and reviewing land use applications including zoning
changes; and making recommendations for each year’s city budget. You can
apply online (
https://manhattancommunityboards.wufoo.com/forms/manhattan-community-board-application-2015/;
note: application must be completed in a single session) or print out an
application (
http://manhattanbp.nyc.gov/downloads/pdf/2015_CB_Application.pdf) and mail
it in. *Deadline:* *Friday, January 30th at 5pm*.



*NY Cares Coat Drives *Bring your gently-used coats to any of the Precincts
or to Stein-Perry real estate office (W. 187th St. btw. Cabrini Blvd., &
Ft. Washington Ave.) *now through December 31st.*



*Coat Drive in the Heights/Inwood *Give back this winter by donating your
new or used coats to our recently arrived immigrant families. These
families have faced several hardships, so let us make their winter a little
easier by helping them stay warm! 125 children and 75 adults from Guatemala
will be ever so grateful for your help. Drop off coats at Councilmember
Ydanis Rodriguez’ District Office, 618 W. 177th Street or 25 Post Avenue*,
by December 26th.*



*Forget, Tuesday, How About “Giving December?” *“Giving Tuesday” is behind
us, but it needn’t be over. There are many, many, many organizations in
need: Statement Arts, Word Up, PA’LANTE Harlem, the Dominican Women’s
Development Center, the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights,
the NY Immigration Coalition, Mazon, City Harvest, Fort Tryon Park Trust,
“Leave No Footprint”, Moose Hall Theatre, Network for Good, the Northern
Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA), NOW NY, the New York Public Library, CUNY
in the Heights, Inwood Community Services, New York Classical Theatre, W.
181st Street Beautification project, Dominican Women’s Development Center,
People’s Theatre Project… these are just a few of the e-blasts received by
our office. Please consider donating to one of these worthy groups (google
them for more information), or another organization of your choice.



*Christmas Morning Community Service Project *In town on Christmas morning,
and not otherwise observing the holiday? Join the Fort Tryon Jewish
Center community
in bringing baked goods and big thanks to those who keep the city running
365 days a year. We will gather at W. 181st & Ft. Washington Ave., and walk
around the neighborhood for about an hour, stopping at the police station,
firehouse, and subway stations. All are welcome. Please bring a treat to
distribute. Questions / RSVPs to Sarah Wolk (sarahrwolk at gmail.com). *Thursday,
December 25th at 10:30 am*







****CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES*** (7 items)*

*Free English Classes: Read / Write / Learn English! *Choose a class from
over 30 locations throughout the City, including the Inwood, Ft.
Washington, Washington Heights, Harlem, St. Agnes & Riverside branches. New
students *MUST* come to an Information Session first, and return for
testing. Information Sessions are at Harlem Library (9 W. 124th St. btw.
Lenox/5th Aves.) on 1/10/15 at 11am or 2pm or 1/14/15 at 1pm or 6pm; the
Bronx Library Center (310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. @ Briggs Ave.) on 1/12/15 or
1/20/15 at noon or 6pm; and at locations in lower Manhattan and on Staten
Island as well. Visitwww.nypl.org/english for more information and to
register.



*Winter Writing Workshops at Uptown Stories* Uptown Stories is a
not-for-profit organization that offers writing classes to kids ages 9 - 15
in fiction, creative non-fiction, and adventure writing. At Uptown Stories,
we believe that writing is an essential tool for self-expression, critical
thinking, and academic success. Our master teachers instruct students in
the essential craft elements, such as plot structure, character, setting,
point of view, and description, as well as inspiration, creating new
worlds, and tackling revision with enthusiasm. As part of a writing
community, students practice giving and receiving constructive feedback
while understanding that their opinions are expressed in a safe, welcoming
space. Classes meet on a ten-week cycle in the Hudson View Gardens Lounge
(Pinehurst Ave. @ W. 183rdSt.). Tuition is sliding scale. For more
information or to register, please visit UptownStories.com
<http://www.uptownstories.com/>. *Register now for workshops beginning the
week of January 5th.*



*Strong Fathers Stronger Families *is a free comprehensive workforce
program which combines job development with family support workshops.
Participants enroll in a two-week professional and parental development
course which aims to provide our participants with the skills they need to
obtain employment, pursue a career, and provide their children with a
strong support system. After graduating from the two week training course,
participants begin consulting with Job Developers to begin the process of
job placement. Our Job Developers offer a variety of employment
opportunities in industries such as building maintenance, construction,
food service, retail, administrative support and home health aide. Program
participants must be at least 18 years of age, have at least one child and
have documents proving eligibility to work in the US. Program services
offered include professional development and job placement, resume and
cover letter preparation, free benefits screenings, bilingual
(English/Spanish) classes, parental development workshops, child support
consultation, and free Metrocards. While we are a fatherhood program, our
program accepts men and women and our curriculum is designed for both
fathers and mothers. *New cohort beginning January 6th. *For more
information, please contact Oliver Grullon at the Northern Manhattan
Improvement Corporation: 212-453-5372 / olivergrullon at nmic.org.



*Grant Writing Workshop *The NYC Prevention Resource Center announces another
session of their popular Grant Writing for Beginners Workshop. Join us for
this interactive workshop, where you will receive an A-Z overview of the
grant writing process and learn the core components of a grant proposal.
Grant-maker guidelines will be identified and the Common Application Form
will be reviewed and discussed. This training will be facilitated by JuIie
Marks of Volunteer Management Group. Lunch will be provided. Space is
limited so make sure to reserve your space early! At the National Center
for Community Schools, 61 Claremont Ave., 1st floor. Contact Karla Bueno
for registration & other questions/concerns: kbueno at childrensaidsociety.org
/ 917-286-1540. *Tuesday, January 13th**, 10am to 2:30pm; registration
deadline is January 6th*.



*Grant Writing Workshop for Public School Parents *Join the UFT for a mini
workshop on grant writing presented by the NYC Foundation Center. Learn how
you can raise additional funds for your school. ight refreshments will be
served. Free, but you must RSVP to fstreich at uft.org or 212 701 9464. LAt
the UFT Manhattan Borough Office, 52 Broadway, 10th floor. *Thursday,
January 8th at 9am or Tuesday, January 13th at 6pm.*



*Microsoft Digital Literacy Classes at the SUNY ATTAIN Lab *There are still
have a couple seats left in the SUNY ATTAIN Lab’s Microsoft Digital
Literacy course in January. This is a technical computer basics course and
a prerequisite for anyone interested in Microsoft Office classes or the
Office Professional Training Program. Contact Joseph Contreras (
jcontreras at armorytrack.com / 212.923.1803 x.7038) to register. This class
is in English. Spanish-speaking students should contact Mr. Contreras. for
information on Spanish classes: Those who cannot attend the January class
may begin to register for the February class. *Monday-Friday, January 5th –
16th, from 10am – 4pm.*



*Introduction to Community Based Participatory Research (Free Course) *As
part of the mission of the Columbia University Irving Institute for
Clinical and Translational Research to foster community engaged research
between academic and community stakeholders, the Community Engagement Core
Resource (CECR) offers an introductory course on Community Based
Participatory Research (CBPR). The course is open to Columbia University
faculty and high level administrators of community and faith-based
organizations in northern Manhattan. Participants will gain an appreciation
of all the components involved in CBPR and sound health research through
co-learning and practicing various parts of the research process in
community-academic partner pairs. These partnership pairs will develop a
research proposal with a CBPR approach for funding consideration by the
Irving Institute. Topics covered include: definitions of community, issues
of power and control, engagement and participation, the appropriate use of
qualitative and quantitative methods, and research design. The course is
free to all admitted participants. Applicants must: hold the title of
Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director, or other high level
administrator at an organization serving northern Manhattan (Harlem,
Washington Heights, Inwood); commit to attend all 10 class sessions and
stay for the entire duration of the class session; and commit to submitting
a proposal for pilot funding with an academic partner. Classes will be held
at Columbia Community Partnership for Health, 390 Ft. Washington Ave.
, on *Tuesday
afternoons from 4pm – 6:30pm (March 3, 10, 24, 31; April 7, 21; May 5, 19;
June 2, 16).* For more information or to request an application contact
Alejandra N. Aguirre: ana2104 at columbia.edu / 646-697-2272.







****VOCATIONAL TRAINING & JOB POSTINGS*** (10 items)*

*Adult ESL Teacher *The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School seeks an
experienced English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for Adults. This
individual will be teaching 2 courses (beginner / intermediate) adult
family members of TEP students and to other interested parents. Many adult
family members of TEP students are native Spanish speakers interested in
learning or improving their English language skills. Each course would be
for an hour-and-a-half, twice a week – specific class times are somewhat
flexible depending on the availability of the instructor, with early
evening as the preferred time – and will take place in a TEP classroom.
Applicants must be fully bilingual (English / Spanish); have prior
experience as an ESL teacher of adults; and have identified the specific
course materials and curriculum that will be used. Click here for a
complete job description, including application instructions:
http://www.tepcharter.org/Part-Time-English-as-a-Second-Language-Teacher.php
.



*The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School is seeking strong candidates* for
the following part-time roles:

·         *Lunch/Recess Coaches*: Lunch/Recess Coaches work in pairs and
are responsible for supervising 35-minute lunch and recess periods for
students in 5th - 8th grades. Lunch coaches work Monday-Friday, 10:15am
-1:15pm (9:30am on Mondays for meetings), and must be able to commit
through June 2015 (the end of the school year).Details here:
www.tepcharter.org/recesscoach.php.

·         *After School Activity Supervisor*: Supervisors work 3:45pm -
5:15pm, Monday through Thursday. Additionally, there is a weekly meeting on
Mondays from 3:15pm - 3:45pm. Supervisors must commit to working for the
entire school year (through June 18th). The Supervisor is responsible for
maintaining student safety and organization at all times. Supervisors
enforce strong entrance and exit procedures, assign seats, take attendance,
ensure all equipment is cared for, and that classrooms are complete clean
and organized. Supervisors are ACTIVE at all times, circulating amongst
students to ensure students are on task, providing support as necessary and
promoting strong work habits and conduct. Details here:
www.tepcharter.org/afterschoolsupervisor.php.



*Employment Opportunities with the State of New York Unified Court System*

·         Principal Management Analyst, base salary: $96,257;
qualifications: one year in the Senior Management Analyst title; or
Master`s degree in Public or Business Administration from an accredited
college or university and four (4) years of relevant experience; or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.

·         Senior Management Analyst, base salary: $86,594; qualifications:
one year in the Management Analyst title; or Master`s degree in Public or
Business Administration from an accredited college or university and four
(4) years of relevant experience; or An equivalent combination of education
and experience.

·         Management Analyst, base salary: $73,730; qualifications: one year
in the Principal Court Analyst title; or Master`s degree in Public or
Business Administration from an accredited college or university and three
(3) years of relevant experience; or An equivalent combination of education
and experience.

Positions in either Troy, NY or New York City. (Positions located in New
York, NY are entitled to an additional $3,697 in location pay.) All
interested persons meeting the minimum qualifications are encouraged to
submit a UCS-5 Application for Employment form (obtainable from any
administrative office in a court building or on the web at
www.nycourts.gov/careers/UCS5.pdf) and a resume to Susanne Sloan, Principal
Court Analyst, Office of Court Administration, Division of Technology, 125
Jordan Road, Troy, NY 12180 / dotapply at nycourts.gov. *APPLICATIONS MUST BE
POSTMARKED OR RECEIVED BY: January 5, 2015*



*Visitor Services Manager *The Morris-Jumel Mansion seeks a full-time (5
days a week, weekend work required) Visitor Services Manager. The Visitor
Services Manager is responsible for guaranteeing exceptional service
delivery and best practices that ensure the goals and mission of MJM are
clearly reflected at all times. She/he will work with the Executive
Director to ensure that the front of house operations of MJM run smoothly
and efficiently. The Visitor Servicesw manager will develop and implement
attendance programs in an effort to drive high traffic of visitors to the
Museum; lead and manage a team of professionals focused in the various
business operations of retail, ticketing and facilities rentals as well as
membership programs; create and manage the rental system and process for
the various facility rental opportunities within the Museum (i.e. wedding
rentals, corporate events, etc.; create and implement an operational plan
for the retail operations of the Museum, both physical on-site and virtual;
and assist with special events and other projects as agreed with the
Executive Director. Minimum of two years of operational experience focused
in museum/historic house, retail, hospitality, arts and culture or
entertainment related industries preferred. Well-organized and
detail-oriented self-starter with a desire to grow professionally in the
field of museums. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a
talent for conveying ideas to others. A demonstrated appreciation of,
sensitivity to, and insight into contemporary art. Working knowledge of new
technologies and ideas in cultural programming and museum practice. Bi-lingual
(Spanish) highly preferred. If interested in this position please submit a
cover letter, resume and salary requirements to Carol S. Ward, Executive
Director via email at director at morrisjumel.org, please submit in MS Word or
PDF formats. Any questions can be directed to Ms. Ward at 212-923-8008.


Temporary Snow Removal Jobs with the Department of Sanitation You can
register with the City as a temporary snow laborer during major snow events
at any Sanitation Garage from Monday-Saturday, 7am – 3pm, except on City
holidays. In order to register, you must be at least 18 years of age,
eligible to work in the United States, and able to perform heavy physical
labor. Pay is $12/hour and increases to $18/hour after working 40 hours a
week. Payment is made by check and normally takes about 4 to 6 weeks, but
can take up to 12 weeks. Visit
http://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/service/3480/snow-removal-employment for
more info.   Jobs at the Doe Fund There are several open positions at The
Doe Fund, including bilingual case coordinators based in Manhattan. Visit
http://www.doe.org/careers.cfm#results for more info. The Doe Fund is a
great organization that works to break the cycles of homelessness,
addiction, and criminal recidivism by bringing people back into the
workforce and put them on jobs that benefit the community such as street
cleaning along busy corridors.


Opportunities for Youth Sponsored by the Northern Manhattan Improvement
Corporation ·         Youth Build Northern Manhattan Calling out of school
17-24 year olds: work toward your GED or high school diploma while learning
job skills by building affordable housing in your own community. The
program also includes leadership development and other trainings. For
further information, call Edwin at 212-453-5381 or visit
https://youthbuild.org/siteview/72146/info . (Note: NMIC recently moved
down the block to 45 Wadsworth Ave.)

·         *Young Adult Internship Program *YAIP is a 14 week intensive
internship and job training program for young adults between the ages of
17-24 living in New York City who are currently unemployed and do not have
a bachelors or associates degree. The program pays a stipend of $2,800 and
is designed to help young adults get on track for a new and exciting
career. To apply, visit NMIC at 45 Wadsworth Avenue at W. 176th Street
between noon - 4pm. Visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/jobs/internship
for more information.



*Columbia University’s Finance Division has a number of open positions **in
the Controller’s Office (Tax Accountant, #074164; Director, Tax, #074172;
Capital Asset Accountant, #076174; Overpayment Recovery Analyst, Payroll,
#076148; Senior Labor Analyst, Payroll, #076145; Financial Operations
Compliance Manager, Endowments, #076281; Associate Director, Compliance,
Student Financial Affairs, #075735); Financial Services Management (FIS
Manager, Applications Support, #075355); Internal Auditor (Auditor,
#074625; Senior Auditor, #07462); Office of Management & Budget (Budget
Director, #075262); Procurement Services (Analyst, Vendor Management,
#075748; Contract Officer II, Service Agreement, 076239); Registrar
(Scheduling Analyst, 075902); Treasury (Associate Director, Global Treasury
Operations & Cash Analysis, #075104; Associate Director, International
Financial Operations, #076205). *To view the full posting, visit
https://jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1419279148281
and search by the requisition number. Should you have any questions about th
ese positions, email financehr at columbia.edu.



*The NYC Web Development Fellowship* *is now accepting applications for its
next training,* which begins in January and will train participants in the
skills necessary to kick off careers in web development. They are looking
for NYC residents ages 18 – 26 who do not have a four-year college degree,
and who do not have professional web development experience. The program
includes a five-month on-campus training, a 12-week paid internship in
companies like BuzzFeed and Microsoft, and placement in technology jobs
paying $65,000 or more. They have already seen great outcomes from past
cohorts’ participants: 96% of participants from the first cohort are now in
jobs with companies like Intel, Etsy, and Venmo at an average annual salary
of $70,000. If you have any questions about the opportunity, the Web
Development staff at the Flatiron School (nycworkforce1 at flatironschool.com)
would be happy to speak with you. For more information, visit
http://flatironschool.com/nycworkforce1/.



*Bookkeeper Wanted *The Hebrew Tabernacle of Washington Heights, located at
W. 185th St. & Ft. Washington Ave., is looking for a part-time Bookkeeper.
Ten hours a week, flexible schedule. $20/hour, no benefits. Duties include
managing non-profit ledgers in QuickBooks, accounts payable, accounts
receivable, balance sheet, deposits. Please contact Sheldon Koy and send a
resume to skhspr at gmail.com or call 212-568-8304 and leave your name and
contact info.







****LOANS, GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, CONTESTS & AWARDS*** (6 items)*

*Citizens Committee for NYC’s Neighborhood Grants *award micro-grants of up
to $3,000 to resident-led groups to work on community and school
improvement projects throughout the city. They prioritize groups based in
low income neighborhoods and Title I public schools. Recent awards have
enabled neighbors to come together to make healthy food available in their
communities, transform empty lots into community gardens, organize tenants
to advocate for better housing conditions, and start school recycling
drives. Info: Arif Ullah at aullah at citizensnyc.org or Wilfredo Florentino
at wflorentino at citizensnyc.org, or call 212-822-9580/9568. *Deadline:
January 27th, 2015.*



*Pinnacle* *Settlement Legal Help Project - Extension of Filing Deadline *
The Pinnacle Settlement Legal Help Project is jointly run by The Legal Aid
Society and Legal Services NYC. As part of the settlement of a class action
lawsuit against the landlord PinnacleGroup for the rent overcharge and
harassment of over 31,000 tenants citywide, our agencies are offering free
legal services to current and former Pinnacle tenants regardless of income
to help them submit and prosecute damages claims against Pinnacle as well
as insure compliance with new rules designed to protect the Pinnacle tenants.
The *deadline to file claims *has been *extended* *to December 31st.* If
you have any questions, please call our office (212-544-0173) or
888-736-8115 for further assistance.



*Dyckman Institute Scholarships *for WH/I High School students interested
in attending Columbia University. CU encourages all outstanding HS seniors
from WH/I to apply for admission to Columbia College or the FU Foundation
School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. There are over 300
individually-named need-based scholarships available to Columbia students.
One of these, the Dyckman Institute Scholarship, provides financial support
exclusively to students from Washington Heights/Inwood who would not
otherwise be able to afford the full cost of attending Columbia. Last year
18 undergraduate students from WH/I received $739k in need-based
scholarships from Columbia Collage & SEAS. Learn more about CU and the
Dyckman Institute Scholarship by contacting the Undergraduate Admissions
Office at 212-854-2522 or visiting http://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/
.



*2015 Uptown ArtStroll Poster Contest *The central theme is “How do we get
uptown?” Take the ___ uptown. (i.e. train, bus, etc.). The image should
include elements of uptown’s diverse arts and cultural scene and must
include “Uptown Arts Stroll” in the design. Artist must be a Washington
Heights-Inwood or West Harlem resident (West 135th – W. 220th Street);
artist may submit only one image for consideration. A panel of
distinguished judges, drawn from the local arts community, will select the
finalists. Consideration will be given to eye-catching original and
unpublished images that reflect the elements identified above. Selected
finalists agree to bring a hard copy of the image (do not include artist’s
name), on foam or paperboard, 24” x 18”, to exhibit at the NoMAA Artists’
Salon on Monday, March 16th at 809 Restaurant, 112 Dyckman Street, where
the winning image will be selected by community vote. Grand Prize winner
will receive a $500 honorarium and exclusive graphic representation
throughout the 2015 Uptown Arts Stroll For details on submission
requirements please email nomaaprog at nomaanyc.org or visit
nomaanyc.org. *Deadline:
Tuesday, February 17th at 5pm.*



*Above the Bridge: Calling All Writers *We wish you all a wonderful holiday
season and a most joyous 2015! (Maybe make "Writing for Above the Bridge" a
New Year's resolution?) We are taking off January, but will be back in
February with one of our favorite themes, "Love/Sex/Passion."  It's always
a fun one, and we promise it will warm up your winter just a little bit!
Above the Bridge is a playground for writers. It is a place to encourage
and cultivate neighborhood writers and provide them with an audience for
their work. Here's How It Works: a theme is chosen for each month. Writers
may submit five minutes of material of any genre or style (poetry, plays,
fiction, non-fiction, blogs, etc.) that reflect the month's theme. Pieces
will be chosen by the Above the Bridge selection team to be read by the
author at the next reading series. There will be a short rehearsal
immediately prior to the event. Writers must live in Washington Heights or
Inwood. Please attach your name, address and phone number with your
submission. Pieces should be no longer than 5 minutes, but all work will be
considered. You do not have to be a professional writer. New and existing
works accepted. Send all submissions or inquiries to
abovethenbridge at gmail.com; please write "February Submission" in the
subject line. Also, please make sure that your name is also attached to
your piece. We're just looking out for you and your precious work! *Writers
Cafe is on Monday, February 2nd; submissions are due on Sunday, January
25th.*



*Third Annual “Big Apple” Awards to Recognize Teacher Excellence *The “Big
Apple Awards”, overseen by the Department of Education in partnership with
the Fund for Public Schools celebrate educators across the City and honor
teachers who inspire students, model great teaching, and enrich their
school communities. Students, families, educators, and community members
can nominate a standout teacher in their life by visiting
http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/BigAppleAwards/default.htm. Nominees must be
current, full-time public school teachers who have demonstrated exceptional
success in impacting student learning, in their instructional practices,
and in their professional contributions to their school community.
Following the open nomination period, a select group of up to 500 nominees
will be invited to complete a comprehensive application for the “Big Apple
Awards”. The DOE will interview up to 100 semi-finalists, and visit the
classrooms of 40 finalists. The rigorous process will culminate with a
celebration in June honoring up to 12 outstanding educators as recipients
of the “Big Apple Awards”. The recipients will spend the 2015 – 16 school
year representing teachers citywide as teacher leaders and members of the
Chancellor’s Advisory Group, while continuing to educate and inspire
students in the classroom. For more information, visit the “Big Apple
Awards” website above, speak to your parent coordinator, or email
teacherexcellence at schools.nyc.gov. Teachers may also call HR Connect with
additional questions. *An open, citywide call for nominations continues
through January 19th.*







****HEALTH, RECREATION & FITNESS*** (6 items)*

*Do you or your family need health insurance? *In-person assistance in
English and Spanish for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and NYC Qualified
plans. At the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA), 178 Bennett
Ave. 3rd floor.
For more information, call 212-233-8955 ext.127. *Every Tuesday, 1pm - 6pm.*



*Yoga at the Mansion *Awesome Asana is moving inside for the Fall Season!
Join Chelsea in our Octagon Drawing room for sessions appropriate for all
levels of fitness. Awesome Asana is a budding yoga project in Washington
Heights developed by teacher Chelsea Best. The concept behind Awesome is
collaborative, bringing yoga and artists together locally to build a
stronger community in our neighborhood. Chelsea’s teaching style offers
yogis from all levels and backgrounds the opportunity to practice together.
Her Vinyasa Flow class is designed to awaken the spirit and bring the body
and mind back to a place of peace. Classes are $5 suggested donation and no
advanced registration is required. At the Morris-Jumel Mansion, between W.
160th and W. 162nd Streets just east of St. Nicholas Avenue. For more
information, call 212-923-8008 or visit www.morrisjumel.org.* Thursdays &
Sundays at 1pm*



*Ongoing Weekly Fitness, Health & Lifestyle Programs at Isabella:*

·         Fitness Gets Personal: Mondays, 11am – noon (Recreation Hall)

·         Tai Chi: Tuesdays, 9:30 am – 10:45 am (525 Audubon Ave., Room
1412)

·         La Salud Mental y el Bienestar: Miércoles de 9:30 am – 10:45 am.
Únase a este grupo de apoyo para obtener la salud mental que usted
necesita. Se requiere un compromiso de 12 semanas. (525 Audubon Ave., 1er
Piso. Marketing Conference Room.) Es necesario inscribirse.

·         Walking Works Wonders: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8am –
9am (Rec. Hall)

·         Mental Health and Wellness Group: Fridays (beginning 9/26),
9:30am – 10:45am. Join this support group as a continuation of the “How to
Control Your Life” series. Vonalis Pina will continue weekly discussions on
how to better manage daily stresses in a more intimate setting. A 12 week
commitment is required. Light breakfast will be provided. (525 Audubon
Avenue, 1st floor Marketing Conference Room.)

All classes at 515 Audubon Ave. @ W. 190th St., unless otherwise noted. For
more information and to register, call Marilyn Pacheco at 212-342-9224 – Se
habla Español



*Saturday Night Lights Weekend Professional Sports Training *and weekday
academic support for kids ages 11- 18. Drill & Play (Basketball) at George
Washington High School (549 Audubon Ave. at W. 192nd St.) Saturdays, 5pm –
7pm and 7pm – 9pm. & Manhattanville Community Center (530 W. 133rd St. btw
Amsterdam Ave/B’way). Fridays, 5pm – 7pm & 7pm – 9pm. AllStarr Volleyball
at the PAL Armory (218 Ft. Washington Ave., enter on W. 169th St.),
Saturdays, 5pm – 7pm & 7pm – 9pm. For information call 212.678.0647 or
visit www.manhattanda.org/saturday-night-lights.



*Free Zumba Classes *There will be Free Zumba classes for all Northern
Manhattan residents in IS 52 on *Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from
6-7pm. *(No classes for Christmas & New Year’s holidays.)



*Athletics and Activities at Riverbank State Park *Registration opening
soon for Winter activities and athletics at Riverbank State Park! All ages
are welcome to participate in free or low-cost programs such as swim
classes, music and dance lessons. For program details and application form,
visit
http://nysparks.com/parks/attachments/Riverbank2014FallWinterProgramGuideinEnglish.pdf
or
http://nysparks.com/parks/attachments/Riverbank2014FallWinterProgramGuideinSpanish.pdf
. *Winter registration open December 20th-28th *for classes beginning
January 2nd.







****TRAFFIC & TRANSIT*** (2 items)*

*W. 215th Step Street Construction:* This week’s work includes pouring the
last stairs on north side by Broadway, and continue pouring parapet walls
moving towards Broadway. In observance of Christmas, there will be no work
on December 25th. For more information, call Tanya Pazmino at 646-649-2915
or email 215ssccl at gmail.com. *7am – 5pm weekdays’ 8am – 4pm Saturdays.*



*Work on the High Bridge: *Includes repairs to the steel span; installation
of safety fence, posts and cable; replace rivets and repair steel in lower
deck; stone cleaning and pointing operations; coping stone cleaning and
crack repairs; electrical conduit installation; viewing platform
installation. There will also be installation of the scaffolding and
containment system on spans 4, 5 & 6, and shield removal on span 11 which
will cause a nighttime partial road closure on northbound Underhill Ave. in
the Bronx. For more information, call Marlyn Nuñez at 718-588-2564 or email
highbridgeccl at gmail.com. *Week of December 22nd – 26th. 7am – 3:30pm *and
9pm – 5am (span work only)







****LG/USA PALISADES UPDATE****

It might seem that things have been quiet on the Protect the Palisades
front, but actually, we have important developments to report. Chief among
them: the Borough of Englewood Cliffs rolled back its zoning to its
long-standing 35-foot limit in late August under pressure from Concerned
Residents of Englewood (CREC), a local group that formed earlier in the
year. (
http://www.northjersey.com/news/law-allowing-taller-buildings-repealed-1.1070584)
This significant victory doesn’t change LG’s zoning variances, which gives
it permission to build its 143-foot headquarters tower. But it undermines
LG’s claim that there is support for high-rise development in Englewood
Cliffs.



Want other evidence that LG has little local support for its plans to mar
the Palisades? Just a few weeks ago, the Bergen County League of
Municipalities, which represents the country’s 70 boroughs and townships,
called on LG to lower the height of its Englewood Cliffs headquarters.
Eight local Bergen County governments have voted to oppose the LG project,
too, with several making their voice known in the last weeks. Thank the
officials of Alpine, Closter, Englewood, Glen Rock, Harrington Park, Leonia,
New Milford, Palisades Park, and Woodcliff Lakes for their votes.
Westchester County also passed a resolution against the LG tower this
summer (
http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2014/06/26/westchester-co-committee-opposing-lg-development-on-palisades/),
and the New York City Council is considering one.



And as you may have heard, there have also been some discussions between LG
executives and representatives of our coalition to explore whether this
controversy can be resolved in a way that protects the views and integrity
of the Palisades while allowing LG to stay in Englewood Cliffs.

This kind of pressure—plus the grassroots work many of you have
participated in—has made a tremendous difference in our battle.



To get on the mailing list for more updates, sign the petition at the
Protect the Palisades site: http://www.protectthepalisades.org/
<http://www.protectthepalisades.org/?e=cf0bedbdf42aeacafc94d8c2a61f88876a140499&utm_source=protectthepalisadesorg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=update11dec14&n=8>.
In the meantime, take a look and share this great video (
http://vimeo.com/97688891) produced earlier this year by the Palisades Park
Conservancy. (Its title, “The Perils to the Palisades,” is a clever
reference to “The Perils of Pauline,” a groundbreaking film serial from
1914.)







****GENERAL INFORMATION, ONGOING EVENTS & NEWS-YOU-CAN-USE*** (8 items)*

*2015 is the* *International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies* On
December 20, 2013, the UN General Assembly’s 68th Session proclaimed 2015
as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015).
This International Year has been the initiative of a large consortium of
scientific bodies together with UNESCO, and will bring together many
different stakeholders including scientific societies and unions,
educational institutions, technology platforms, non-profit organizations
and private sector partners. In proclaiming an International Year focusing
on the topic of light science and its applications, the United Nations has
recognized the importance of raising global awareness about how light-based
technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to
global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health. Light plays
a vital role in our daily lives and is an imperative crosscutting
discipline of science in the 21st century. It has revolutionized medicine,
opened up international communication via the Internet, and continues to be
central to linking cultural, economic and political aspects of the global
society. Watch this space for details of upcoming art installations and
other events.



*Selfless Selfies at NoMAA* presenting black & white images by uptown
photographers that narrate stories from our uptown communities, Washington
Heights-Inwood, El Barrio, Central and West Harlem. At the Northern
Manhattan Arts Alliance, 178 Bennett Ave. at W. 189th St., 3rd fl.; call
212-568-4396 for more information. And check out this blurb from the NY
Daily News: http://nydn.us/1CeLFAb (“New Washington Heights photo show
captures everyday life uptown. The 30 photographers featured in the show
snapped black and white photos in the upper Manhattan neighborhoods of
Marble Hill, Washington Heights, Inwood, Hamilton Heights, Central Harlem
and El Barrio. Curators expect the shots to spark a dialogue about
gentrification.”) *Exhibit extended through January 16th, 11am-6pm
weekdays, and by appointment.*



*Exhibit Time and Distance by local artist Dan Ault *At the Washington
Heights Public Library, 1000 St. Nicholas Ave. (at W. 160th St.) NYC. Visit
http://www.artwanted.com/artist.cfm?ArtID=29640 for more information. *Through
December 31st.*



*Tribute to the Disappeared*: an art project in homage to the men and women
disappeared in Mexico and around the globe. Just as the Aids Memorial Quilt
brought attention to the AIDS epidemic, we hope to bring public attention
to another epidemic: the loss of innocent lives lost to the drug war,
poverty, and migration. We invite you to participate in this important
exhibition by contributing works on the theme, "Tribute to the
Disappeared," and related themes, such as solidarity, peace/war, human
rights, loss and hope, etc. Open to all artistic interpretations, from
literal to abstract. New and existing images welcome. All media accepted,
all works to be presented digitally (drawing, painting, collage,
photography, mixed media, textile, embroidery, digital, etc.) Literary
works will be presented as jpg images. All work must be sent via email.
Preferred Image size: 8x8 inches (20x20cm) 300dpi. Format: Jpg (Max file
size 2MB). Artists will allow the use of their images for non-commercial
purposes in the context of the project, but keep the copyright and original
art. Please email images to: tributenow at gmail.com. (Please include artwork
information, such as artist's name, title, date, media and size. Feel free
to send a 1-paragraph bio and a link to your website.) For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/tributetothedisappeared
/ <https://www.facebook.com/tributetothedisappeared%20/>
https://www.facebook.com/events/775870205813395/?ref=22. *Deadline: ASAP!
The project is ongoing.*



*Gold Wing Thanks-Giving* Exhibit up until the end of December, 2014. This
is a lovely exhibit - nine people describing stories in their lives which
changed them into the people they are today. Awesome stories - a gang
leader who becomes a church leader thanks to a woman who didn't want him
dating her daughter, a daughter who is able to rescue her parents from Hell
because she was given a job that allowed her the time to get an affidavit.
A little boy who delivered turkeys with his parents. Nine wonderful stories
! Free admission. At the Hebrew Tabernacle, 551 Fort Washington Ave. @ W.
185th St. Call 212-568-8304 for hours. *Through the end of December*.



*Mandatory Electronics Recycling *Effective January 1st, certain electronic
equipment (such as computers, televisions, phones) will be banned from
disposal, and there will be no more curbside recycling. Recycling
electronics keeps potentially harmful materials out of the waste stream and
the environment. There are many free places to drop off your old
electronics for recycling, and if you live in a building with more than 10
units, you may be eligible for a free recycling container in your basement.
Learn more here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFhFk_sbKZA&feature=youtu.be.



*Changes to the Senior Citizen & Disabled Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE /
DRIE) *We recently changed the law to raise the SCRIE/DRIE household income
cap to $50,000. For assistance qualifying for SCRIE/DRIE or to RSVP to
attend an upcoming forum, call Sen. Espaillat’s office: 212-544-0173. You
qualify for SCRIE or DRIE if you:

·         Are at least 62 years old or receive SSI, SSDI, a VA disability
pension or compensation, or disability related Medicaid if you’ve received
SSI or SSDI in the past

·         Have a total annual household income of $50,000 or less

·         Pay more than one-third of the household’s total monthly income
for rent

·         Live in a rent-controlled, rent-stabilized or Mitchell-Lama
apartment, a Redevelopment Company development, HDFC or federally-assisted
co-op

·         Do not live in NYCHA, Section 8 or similar housing



·         What you should bring in order to apply:

·         Proof of your date of birth (driver’s license, birth certificate,
passport, government ID, etc.)

·         Proof of income for yourself and all household members for 2013,
including any W-2 forms, 1099 forms, pension or SSI/SSDI statements, etc.

·         Your prior and current lease, signed by both you and your
landlord. If you are a rent-controlled tenant without a lease, bring a
Notice of Maximum Collectible Rent, and Certification of Fuel Cost
Adjustment for 2013

·         Any notices of Major Capital Improvement charges you received in
the past 2 years

·         A tax statement, if you filed taxes for 2013



*Now that the weather is really cold... Heat Season began October 1st *The
NYC Housing Maintenance Code and State Multiple Dwelling Law requires
building owners to provide heat and hot water to all tenants. Building
owners are required to provide hot water 365 days per year at a constant
minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Between October 1st and May
31st, a period designated as "Heat Season," building owners also are
required to provide tenants with heat as follows:

·         Between the hours of 6am and 10pm, if the outside temperature
falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least
68 degrees Fahrenheit; and,

·         Between the hours of 10pm and 6am, if the temperature outside
falls below 40 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least
55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tenants who are cold in their apartments should first attempt to notify the
building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored,
the tenant should call NYC311 Customer Contact Center (you can access 311
outside of the City by dialing 212-NEWYORK) or visiting
http://www1.nyc.gov/311/. The Center is open 24-hours a day, seven-days a
week. (You may also file a complaint online for heat and hot water
conditions.)







--------

Elizabeth Lorris Ritter

Community Liaison

State Senator Adriano Espaillat, 31st SD

5030 Broadway, Suite 701 NYC 10034

(212) 544-0173 (ph)

(212) 544-0256 (fx)
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