Volume 3 Issue 4                                                                                                                                                                        November 25, 2015
Letter from Laurie
Dear Friend,

We are less than two months away from ushering a new year - 2016. The past eleven months have been full of exciting and at times challenging experiences that have tested our faith but also strengthened community relations across the 35th Council District.

As we prepare to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, let us remember to give thanks for good health, family, friends, and so much more. 

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is among the many illnesses or diseases that are directly linked to our diet. More than 29 million Americans have diabetes; and one in four does not know. Non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native adults are about twice as likely to be diagnosed diabetes as non-Hispanic white adults. Additionally, 208,000 people younger than 20 years have been diagnosed with diabetes (type 1 or type 2). I encourage you to eat well. 

Lastly, I invite you to join me for our second session of Fit in the 35th. We will participate in a Jazz Funk dance class at the Mark Morris Dance Center on Monday, December 14 at 7PM. The venus is located at 3 Lafayette Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217. To RSVP, contact Shakti Robbins at [email protected].

On behalf of my staff and I, I wish you a happy and safe holiday. 

Yours in Partnership,
Laurie A. Cumbo
Member of the New York City Council
Legislative Updates
The following b ills were introduced or co-sponsored by Council Member Cumbo:

Int 730: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to reports on school discipline and police department activity in schools.

Int 784: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the creation of an inmate bill of rights.

Int 952: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of education to report information regarding comprehensive health education. (prime sponsor)

Int. 957: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring transparency from the department of education on instructors receiving training in sexual health education.

Int 960: A Local Law to amend the New York city administrative code, in relation to creating a safe construction bill of rights

Int 968: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the police department to report on domestic violence crime statistics in public housing.

Int 969: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the creation of a small business disaster recovery and resiliency advisory board.

Res 874: Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would require institutions of higher education to provide survivors of sexual assaults that occur on campus with resources and assistance on obtaining information regarding their legal rights.

Int 949: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the Administration for Children's Services to report on programs and services provided to youth in placement and detention facilities.

Res 880: Resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to implement a uniform curriculum on healthy relationships for the purpose of domestic violence prevention in all schools.

Res 881: Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass and the President to sign S.713/H.R. 1340, also known as the International Violence Against Women Act of 2015.

Announcements
  1. Apply now to middle schools for the 2016-2017 school year. The application deadline is Tuesday, December 1. (read more)
  2. Open enrollment for health insurance coverage is now open in New York State. Visit http://www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov  or call 855-355-5777. Please note that Tuesday, December 15 is the last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start Jan 1, 2016.
  3. Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry, operated by the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC in partnership with City Harvest, will provide nearly 10,000 pounds of FREE fresh produce (with recipes) to residents of Farragut, Ingersoll, and Whitman Houses on the third Saturday of each month throughout the year. On the sidewalk at the intersection of Navy and Nassau Streets, the next distribution is scheduled for Saturday, December 19 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Registration starts at 9 AM. Please bring proof of address with matching photo ID. (read more)
  4. Low-income New York City homeowners and renters can apply for assistance paying their utility or heating bills through New York State's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This program is for U.S. citizens and qualified residents. Application deadline is Tuesday, March 15, 2016.  
  5. U.S. Post Offices in Brooklyn will be open on Sundays from 10AM to 2PM through Sunday, December 20 for customers wishing to pick up their packages. Retail counter services can only conducted during regular business days and hours. (read more)
No Heat? Hot Water? File a Complaint
Building owners are legally required to provide heat and hot water to their tenants. Hot water must be provided 365 days per year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat must be provided between October 1st and May 31st, i.e. "Heat Season," under the following conditions:
  • Between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, 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 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, if the temperature outside falls below 40 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
To learn more about heat and hot water requirements, click here

Between October 1 and May 31, you can report inadequate heat in an apartment building. Between June 1 and September 30, you can make a complaint about a residential building that has the heat on. If you are reporting that the heat is turned on during the summer months for an entire building, or making a heat or hot water complaint for an apartment, you must provide your contact information.

You can also make heat complaints about commercial or non-residential buildings. Non-residential buildings include:
  • Senior centers
  • Drug rehab treatment facilities
  • Private schools
  • Day care centers
  • Government buildings
  • Before filing a heat or hot water complaint, you should try to resolve the issue with your landlord, managing agent, or superintendent
Report a heat or hot water problem that's affecting an entire residential building.

Report a heat or hot water problem that's affecting a single apartment.

Report no heat in a New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) apartment.

Report no heat in a commercial or other non-residential building.

Report no hot water for a single apartment
Upcoming Deadlines: Grants, Internships, Programs, Scholarships
  1. Monday, November 30: SU-CASA (Arts Programs for Seniors)
  2. Wednesday, December 2: Bronx Recognizes Its Own
  3. Monday, January 11 - Monday, June 6, 2016: Brooklyn Interns for Arts & Culture
  4. Monday, January 25, 2016: Citizens Committee for NYC Neighborhood Grants
Connect with Cumbo
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Get Connected to District 35
Are you searching for employment or grants? Wondering about the film or TV production crew on your block? Feel free to visit our blog for more information.
Cumbo in the News
Thanksgiving Meal Distribution
Last week, it was my pleasure to partner with Richard Kevin Anderson's food ministry to serve free home-cooked meals at the St. Louis Senior Center, Ebbets Field Senior Center, and the Farragut Houses Community Center. I would like to thank Mr. Anderson and friends for the stellar service, generosity, and hospitality shown to nearly 200 seniors in the 35th Council District of Brooklyn.
Bereavement Notices
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the affected family and friends. 
 
Armani Haskins
Malik David
 
Clement Sampson
Detective Randolph Holder
George Franklin Henry

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Well Wishes
On behalf of the 35th Council District, I would like to applaud these individuals and institutions on their continued success.
 
Dr. Adelaide L. Hines Sanford
Ebbets Field Middle School - M.S. 352
ACORN Community High School
Archbishop Eugene Blount
Rev. Emmanuel Trufant
First Lady Muriel Goode-Trufant
Rev. Daryl G. Bloodsaw
The Guzman Family
Captain Noema Ioffe
Janet Alvarez
Brooklyn Community Church
Rev. Dr. Fred Lucas
Rev. David K. Brawley
Karisma Jay
IMPACCT Brooklyn
New York Transit Museum
New York Cares
Barry R. Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema