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March 20, 2024

My colleagues and I met with Omer Neutra's Parents, Orna (mother) and Ronen (father). Omer Neutra is a 22-year-old New York native who has been held hostage by Hamas terrorists for 160+ days. They told us about their son and what an incredible leader he is. He was to attend Binghamton University but decided to spend a gap year in Israel. He then fell in love with Israel and remained. He was a member of the IDF and was kidnapped by the savage terrorists on October 7th. I can't even describe the agony that his parents have gone through since then. My message remains clear: Release all of the hostages. NOW!

Pictured: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz with Omer Neutra's parents, Orna and Ronen Neutra.

Spending time with the brilliant students at the Bronx High School of Science and their two robotics teams was a pleasure. Thank you, Optimum, for supporting this incredible work.

The Bronx High School of Science, established in 1938, saw Dr. Morris Meister as its first principal. Initially located in a Gothic building on Creston Avenue and 184th Street, it started with 150 ninth and 250 tenth graders sharing space with DeWitt Clinton High School. In 1946, it became co-ed under Dr. Meister's leadership.

Dr. Alexander Taffel succeeded Dr. Meister in 1958 and oversaw the planning and occupation of a new, modern building in 1959. Notable principals include Milton Kopelman, Vincent Galasso, Stanley Blumenstein, and Valerie Reidy.

Bronx Science boasts an impressive alum list, including nine Nobel laureates, nine Pulitzer winners, and over 200 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars. Notable alums span various fields, from journalism (Mark Boal) to aeronautics (Wanda Austin) to entertainment (Jon Cryer), Council Member Eric Dinowitz, my Chief of Staff Randi Martos, and I. They've made significant contributions globally and locally, shaping institutions like The New York Times, Columbia University, and the New York Public Library.

Bronx Science remains committed to preparing leaders for the future, ensuring continued education and community service excellence.

I spoke in Albany for HOPP funding. It's not just about homes but communities. Eighty-nine NY non-profits provide crucial aid to homeowners facing foreclosure through HOPP. Let's prioritize resilience, well-being, and keeping people in their homes by boosting HOPP funding now.

The Homeowner Protection Program (HOPP), administered by the NYS Office of the Attorney General, funds 89 non-profit housing counseling and legal services organizations statewide. These groups aid homeowners in default and foreclosure, ensuring support is available in every New York county. HOPP grantees offer financial counseling, negotiate loan modifications, represent homeowners in settlement conferences, address deed theft and mortgage fraud, aid in tax foreclosures, and assist families facing housing challenges. The Empire Justice Center and the Center for New York City Neighborhoods serve as HOPP Anchor Partners, overseeing grantees in various regions and providing training and support statewide.

Picture (from left to right): State Senator Jamaal Bailey, State Senator Cordell Cleare, State Senator Rachel May, State Senator Brian Kavanaugh, Assembly Member Michaelle Solages, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assembly Member Sarah Clark, and Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal.

I celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with Riverdale Senior Services Center members and Council Member Eric Dinowitz at their annual St. Patrick's Day luncheon.

RSS is a nonprofit agency dedicated to championing older adults and their families through a holistic wellness approach across all their operations and facilities, empowering community members to live their best lives.

Established in September 1974 by Founder Julia Blumenthal, RSS began to enhance the lives of seniors in Riverdale. Over the years, they've adapted to the evolving needs of the diverse senior population, expanding their services to include exercise, cultural, health programs, and social and behavioral health services—all at no cost to members.

RSS offers a variety of programs promoting physical and mental health, lifelong learning, and social interaction. They collaborate with other organizations to tailor opportunities to our members' goals and interests. On-site support services include assistance from a licensed social worker and counseling, while their weekly schedule features diverse activities and city trips.

Picture (from left to right): An RSS Member, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Community Leader Emily Hausman, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, another RSS Member, and Female Fight Club Founder Johanna Edmondson.

We are standing strong with Housing Justice for All, a coalition of 80+ groups fighting for housing justice across NY. Together, we advocate for housing as a human right, led by those battling daily to afford shelter. Every New Yorker deserves a safe place to call home.

Housing Justice for All fights for housing as a human right in New York. Founded in 2017 in Albany to challenge real estate power. Achievements include: 

- 2019: Strongest tenant protections won

- 2020: Organized resistance against eviction and for COVID-19 recovery

- 2021: Secured strong eviction moratoria, which was my bill (A.5040)

- 2022: Led Kingston to adopt rent stabilization

- 2023: Launched a bold platform for housing bills. Led by individuals like Najee Wilson, Winsome Pendergrass, and Vincia Barker. The coalition is part of the Upstate-Downstate Housing Alliance, representing diverse New Yorkers statewide.

Top picture (from left to right): State Senator Brian Kavanaugh, Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Assembly Member Grace Lee, Assembly Member Tony Simone, and Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos.

Center-right picture (from left to right): Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Pete Harckham, and State Senator Brian Kavanaugh.

I met with David Gill, the German Consul General in New York, along with my colleagues. I appreciate his dedication to continuing to foster the close relationship between the United States and Germany.

The Consulate General in New York, led by Consul General David Gill, primarily provides consular and legal support to U.S. residents and German citizens. Their services include assistance with passports, visas, and citizenship-related matters.

Top picture: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (left) posing with David Gill (right), the German Consul General in New York.

Center-left picture (from left to right): Assembly Member Amy Paulin, David Gill, the German Consul General in New York, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.

I met with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). From its roots in the telephone industry to representing workers across various sectors, such as communications, media, healthcare, and more, CWA's journey since 1938 is remarkable.

With over 700,000 members across various sectors, including telecommunications, broadcasting, cable television, journalism, and more, the CWA plays a significant role in ensuring fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members. The union engages in collective bargaining with employers to negotiate contracts that address issues such as job security, healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, and workplace safety.

In addition to its focus on traditional labor issues, the CWA actively advocates for policies supporting workers' rights, such as universal access to affordable broadband internet, and opposing outsourcing jobs overseas.

The CWA is known for its commitment to social and economic justice. It often participates in broader social movements and alliances to advance the interests of working-class individuals and marginalized communities. The union has been involved in campaigns to raise the minimum wage, protect voting rights, and promote racial and gender equity in the workplace.

The Communications Workers of America is vital in representing and advocating for workers' rights in the rapidly evolving telecommunications and media industries while championing broader social and economic justice initiatives.

Pictures: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz meeting with members of the CWA in Albany.

I met with TWU Local 100, representing 41,000 hardworking transportation professionals in NYC's public transit system and beyond. Their dedication to fair representation and commitment to responsible action is admirable. Together, we aim for better conditions for all.

Local 100 is a chapter of the Transport Workers Union of America, representing transportation workers in various sectors, including bus and subway lines and airlines nationwide. It primarily represents 41,000 workers in the New York City public transportation system and some private bus lines in the metropolitan area. This includes employees operating trains, maintaining tracks, staffing token booths, cleaning platforms and subway cars, and servicing mechanical equipment. Members also work for private transportation firms such as Liberty Lines, Waterways, First Transit, and school bus companies.

The union has about 41,000 actively working members and 26,000 retirees, organized in different locations with elected Union Chairs, Section Chairs, and Vice Chairs providing leadership and representation. Local 100's staff includes organizers, researchers, and staff in various departments such as grievance and discipline, publications, press, political action, and family assistance.

Regarding job actions and strikes, the union views them as a last resort and emphasizes the importance of authorization votes among affected members and approval by the Union's Executive Board. Job actions are seen as a last resort when negotiations fail to reach agreements due to management's lack of good-faith bargaining. The union is committed to representing its workers forcefully and ensuring that public authorities respect workers' rights.

Pictured: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz meeting with TWU

The Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA held a press conference to support my bill A.923 with Senator Gounardes. The MTA Board drives policies for the entire MTA system, yet commuter councils need voting membership. It's time to give riders a voice.

The Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) is a trusted advisor to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and advocates for the interests of the subway, bus, Staten Island Railway, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad riders. Established in 1981, PCAC coordinates with three rider councils to represent users of the MTA system in policy development and implementation, holding the MTA board and management accountable. PCAC conducts research, recommends solutions, and provides input on various MTA matters. Its goals include

• reviewing MTA plans
• evaluating budgets
• advocating for funding
• conducting research projects
• presenting testimonies to relevant stakeholders

Top picture: State Senator Andrew Gournardes (to the left of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz) and several other elected officials in the Assembly and State Senate take a picture at the press conference.

Center-left picture: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz addresses the press and discusses his bill A.923, with advocates and other elected officials in the background.

Bottom picture (from left to right): Assembly Member Tony, State Senator Andrew Gournardes and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

Top picture: I co-chaired the 2024 GENERAL BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE's Public Protection, Criminal Justice, and Judiciary Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting in Albany with Senator Jamaal Bailey (left). Together, we're working to ensure a fair and just budget that serves all New Yorkers.

Center-right picture: I debated my Bill A.856 on the Assembly floor in Albany. It's time for New York to ensure fair and equitable hiring practices and protect employees from unjust disclaimers and agreements. Let's champion workers' rights.

Bottom Picture: I debated my Bill A.1731, which protects against intrusive insurance practices. Insurers shouldn't demand irrelevant personal, financial, or tax information for routine theft claims. Let's protect consumers' privacy & ensure fair treatment in insurance processes.

In this week's Albany Update, I spoke about my meeting with Omer Neutra's family in Albany, the Israel hostage crisis, the Housing Budget Resolution that passed in the Assembly, the need to preserve affordable housing, especially the Amalgamated Houses and Mitchell-Lamas in my district, and my visit to the Bronx High School of Science.

BRONX, NY – ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ HENRY HUDSON BRIDGE TOLL REBATE NOW IN EFFECT FOR BRONXITES

My Henry Hudson Bridge Toll Rebate Program for Bronxites successfully took effect on February 3rd, 2024. I negotiated this program into the state budget in 2019. It was scheduled to take effect in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will be funded through the Outer Borough Transportation Account, established in 2018, to enhance transportation resources in the outer boroughs. Under the program, Bronxites with passenger cars registered in the Bronx and a funded E-ZPass account will get an instant rebate every time they cross the Henry Hudson Bridge. The bridge is one of the shortest bridges in the city. Hence, the toll on the bridge has always irked people. It used to be known as the "10-cent bridge" years ago. Currently, the toll on the bridge is $8.25 one way without an E-ZPass and $3.18 one way with an E-ZPass. Under this program, your account will be charged and instantly credited for the same amount (in essence, free) for Bronxites.

I worked hard during the budget negotiations to make this available for all Bronxites. It is only fair that residents of the Bronx are not subjected to an extra toll when crossing this particular bridge into Manhattan. Especially given that every other bridge providing access to Manhattan from the Bronx is toll-free. Currently, many people avoid this toll and drive into Kingsbridge and Marble Hill, causing additional congestion and pollution in these neighborhoods. Once this program takes effect, some people will save hundreds, even thousands of dollars annually. I am very proud that I could get this in the state budget, and I am thankful to Governor Hochul and the MTA for implementing this fantastic idea.

• Due to station maintenance, the 242 St-bound 1 skips Marble Hill-225 St, 231 St, and 238 St from March 23 - 24, Saturday  3:45 AM to Sunday 10 PM

· To service these stations, take the 1 to Van Cortlandt Park-242 St and transfer to a Manhattan-bound 1.

· For service from Marble Hill-225 St, 231 St, and 238 St, take the Bx9 bus.

• Due to track replacement work, the Woodlawn-bound 4 skips 170 St, Mt Eden Av, 176 St, 183 St, Fordham Rd, Kingsbridge Rd, and Bedford Park Blvd from March 19 - 22, Tuesday to Friday  and March 26 - 27, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:45 AM to 3 PM

• To service these stations, take the 4 to Burnside Av or Mosholu Pkwy and transfer to a Manhattan-bound train.
• For service from these stations, take the 4 to Burnside Av or 167 St and transfer to a Woodlawn-bound train.

Travel tip:

For service from 176 St, take the Bx32 bus for Burnside Av 4, 183 St, Fordham Rd and Kingsbridge Rd

• Due to accessibility improvements, the Woodlawn-bound 4 skips 138 St-Grand Concourse from March 22 - 25, Friday 10:45 PM to Monday 5 AM

• Take the 5 days and evenings. Transfer between trains at 125 St or 149 St-Grand Concourse.
• 
  

Overnight:

• To service this station, take the 4 to 149 St-Grand Concourse and transfer to a Manhattan-bound 4.
• For service from this station, take the 4 to 125 St and transfer to a Woodlawn-bound 4.

• Due to structural maintenance work, there will be no 4 service in Brooklyn - take the 2 or 3 instead on March 22 - 25, Friday 11:30 PM to Monday 5 AM

• 4 runs between Woodlawn and Bowling Green, the last stop.
• 3 runs to/from New Lots Av all weekend.
• 
  

Travel alternatives:

For service between Borough Hall and Franklin Av-Medgar Evers College, take the 2 or 3.

Take the 3 between Franklin Av-Medgar Evers College and New Lots Av.

• Transfer between 4 and 2/3 trains at Fulton St.

As always, please consult the MTA website or the MyMTA app for the latest service information and alternative service options. Customers can also sign up for the MTA’s customer real-time email and text alert system or call 511 for service-related information.

Starting Friday, March 1, ALL New York City Businesses Must Put Trash in Lidded Bins!

The New York City Department of Sanitation is reminding all City businesses that starting Friday, March 1, they must use a lidded bin when placing their trash at the curb for collection.

This rule is the next phase in the City’s Trash Revolution, continuing the Adams administration’s work of moving towards full containerization of trash; food-related and chain businesses have been required to use lidded trash bins since last fall. Additionally, rules requiring some residences to use lidded containers for their trash will take effect later this year.

Trash bags left on the sidewalk can easily break, leaking food waste and attracting rats. Placing trash into rigid, lidded containers reduces odors and vermin and keeps streets and sidewalks cleaner.

There will be a one-month warning period. Later, businesses that violate the trash container rules will be subject to fines, starting at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for all subsequent offenses. This requirement does not apply to recyclables or to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

To educate businesses on their new responsibilities, the Department sent mailers to all covered establishments. Additionally, the rules were featured prominently on the Department’s social media accounts, and Sanitation personnel held info sessions and spoke at community meetings. Businesses can register for an info session in multiple languages and get additional details on the rules at nyc.gov/UseBins.

Businesses have substantial flexibility on the type and location of containers they utilize, provided they have a lid and secure sides that keep rats out. Containers may be stored either inside or within three feet of the property line.

Between the commercial containerization effort and sweeping new residential rules, 70% of the city’s trash is headed into containers. By moving the black bags off the streets and into sealed, rodent-proof receptacles, we are reclaiming public spaces, cutting off the 24-hour rat buffet, and improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

Information about the historic decline in rat sightings that occurred after these rules began to take effect can be seen here.

About Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR

The School Tax Relief (STAR) and Enhanced School Tax Relief (E-STAR) benefits offer eligible New York State homeowners property tax relief.

Who Can Apply

Homeowners not currently receiving the STAR exemption who meet the program's eligibility requirements may apply for the STAR tax credit with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. If you qualify for the credit, it will be issued to you in the form of a check. More information is available at www.tax.ny.gov/star or (518) 457-2036.

You may apply for the Basic STAR or Enhanced STAR tax exemption with the NYC Department of Finance if:

• You owned property and received STAR in 2015-16 but later lost the benefit, and you would like to apply to restore it. Your income must be $250,000 or less to qualify for Basic STAR.
• You currently receive Basic STAR and would like to apply for Enhanced STAR. You may be eligible for Enhanced STAR if you are 65 or older in the calendar year you use. The total income of all owners, resident spouses, or registered domestic partners cannot exceed $98,700.

If you qualify for the exemption, it will be applied to your property tax bill. You will not be issued a check.

How to Apply

If you meet the criteria above, you can apply for the Basic STAR or Enhanced STAR tax exemption with the NYC Department of Finance. You may submit your application online or download the application form (Click "How to apply for the STAR exemption" and download the paper application) on the Property Tax Benefits for Homeowners page.

You may also be eligible for other property tax exemptions.

Exemption or Credit?

If you currently receive STAR or E-STAR as a property tax exemption and earn $250,000 or less, you can register for the STAR credit to receive a check instead. You may obtain a more significant benefit with the credit, as the amount of the STAR credit will increase in the future, but the value of the exemption will not. To learn more, visit www.tax.ny.gov/star or contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at (518) 457-2036.

Each week, we provide new streets and their histories, all reprinted from John McNamara's "History in Asphalt," which gives in-depth origins of how current and former Bronx Streets got their name! I picked the two streets for this week from Riverdale: Edgehill Avenue and Edsall Avenue.

Edgehill Avenue: This is a very fitting name for an avenue on the edge of Tippett's Hill, overlooking the valley to Marble Hill. It was formerly the site of Revolutionary Fort Number 3.

Edsall Avenue: Thomas Henry Edsall wrote History of the Town of Kingsbridge in 1887. According to an 1888 Robinson Atlas, his estate overlooked Spuyten Duyvil Creek. His ancestors once owned part of the lower Bronx and sold their holdings to the Morris family in 1681. The family was originally Dutch, and Samuel Edsall knew the Indian language and functioned as an interpreter in Nieuw Amsterdam.

News 12 Bronx, March 13th, 2024 — NYC businesses taking initiative after Gov. Hochul’s new plan to combat retail theft

New York State Senate, March 14th, 2024 — Homeowners, Lawmakers, and Advocates Call for New York to Fund Crucial Statewide Program Protecting Homeowners from Foreclosures and Deed Scams

Jewish Link, March 14th, 2024 — More Than 3,000 Attend Central Park Rally to Bring the Hostages Home

AFL-CIO, March 15th, 2024 — TAKE ACTION: SUPPORT GREEN TRANSIT AND GREEN JOBS IN NEW YORK

The Riverdale Press, March 15th, 2024 — Our lives depend on these bills

Amid a widespread crisis engulfing Haiti, where rampant gang violence has seized the streets of Port-au-Prince, hundreds of American citizens find themselves stranded. According to Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, nearly 1,000 Americans in Haiti have contacted the US government for assistance. In response to the escalating situation, Haitian airline Sunrise Airways has announced plans to operate special flights between Cap-Haitien on the north coast of Haiti and Miami on March 25. This decision comes after the airline suspended all flights on March 1 due to safety concerns. The crisis in Haiti has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with criminal gangs and militias orchestrating coordinated attacks on businesses, exacerbating shortages of essential goods such as food, medicine, and fuel.

Last week, I asked, "Do you agree with additional funding for Ukraine in their war against Russia?"

Yes — 80%

No — 16%

Other / No opinion — 4%

NEW LAWS TAKING EFFECT IN MARCH 2024

Effective Date

Chapter

Summary

3/4/2024

Ch. 350 of 2023

A.68-A

S.2140-B

Directs the commissioner of education to issue guidance to school districts for developing programs to attract underrepresented candidates into the teaching profession and to identify funding available to school districts for such purposes.

3/7/2024

Ch. 689 of 2023

A.6156

S.5744

Reopens the age 55 improved benefit retirement program and the 25-year early retirement program to active and retired members and staff of the NYC Council.

3/7/2024

Ch. 691 of 2023

A.6544

S.7444

Provides for the expungement of records in persons needing supervision cases in family court.

3/8/2024

Ch. 652 of 2023

S.1792

A.4349

Designates March 8th each year as a day of commemoration, to be known as International Women's Day.

3/12/2024

Ch. 367 of 2023

A.836

S.2518-A

Prohibits an employer from requesting or requiring that an employee or applicant for employment disclose any user name, password, or other means for accessing a personal account or service through specified electronic communications devices.

3/13/2024

Ch. 433 of 2023

S.5572

A.6796

Increases the threshold for applicability of wage payment protections for certain persons employed in an executive, administrative, or professional capacity from $900 to $1,300 per week.

3/13/2024

Ch. 438 of 2023

S.5959-B

A.5718-B

Allows risk retention groups that meet a minimum surplus requirement and are registered in New York State to offer automobile insurance coverage to nonprofit organizations in this state.

3/18/2024

Ch. 473 of 2023

A.4009-A

S.5965-A

Provides notice of voting rights to persons released from local jails.

3/18/2024

Ch. 477 of 2023

S.587

A.268

It provides for a mandatory training curriculum for poll workers. It requires the state board of elections to develop and deliver materials to each county for a model poll worker training program to train individuals to serve as poll workers in state and county elections.

3/18/2024

Ch. 482 of 2023

A.703-A

S.683-A

Requires notices before changes in energy service pricing.

3/20/2024

Ch. 484 of 2023

A.1967

S.5400

Requires disclosure of information concerning flood insurance on property condition disclosure statements.

3/20/2024

Ch. 674 of 2023

A.358

S.3225

Ch. 61 of 2024

A.8548

S.8006

Requires collecting certain demographic information about the sexual orientation and gender identity or expression of residents by certain state agencies, boards, and commissions.

3/20/2024

Ch.731 of 2023

A.4023-A

S.6088

Ch. 70 of 2024

A.8528

S.8020

Requires a notice to be posted regarding skimming in any sales transaction to protect consumers and those who use electronic benefit transfer cards.

3/21/2024

Ch. 735 of 2023

A.463-A

S.2677-A

Ch. 28 of 2024

A.8501

S.8038

Requires written notice of an adverse determination made by a utilization review agent concerning a step therapy protocol override determination.

3/21/2024

Ch. 757 of 2023

S.2574

A.7164

Chap. 6 of 2024

A.8532

S.8088

Permits a claimant to submit an order determining compensation from the workers' compensation board as proof of disability for purposes of real property tax exemptions. It also allows a locality to adjust the exemption level.

3/27/2024

Ch. 517 of 2023

S.5129-A

A.1077-A

Requires an operator of a motor vehicle to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a vehicle that is parked, stopped, or standing on the shoulder of a parkway or controlled-access highway.

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Events throughout March 2024

Forest Restoration Fridays

Fridays on March 22 and 29 - Meet at 9 am

Dive into spring by helping us remove invasive species like multi-flora rose and garlic mustard. Gear up for hands-on conservation work and learn about the forest’s ecosystem.

RSVP Now.

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Woodlawn Thursdays

Thursdays on March 21 and 28 - Meet at 9 am

Together, we will combat invasive species, like multi-flora roses, porcelain berries, and more, to prepare for the spring planting season.

RSVP Now.

Meet at Woodlawn Playground.

April Sneak Peek!

Urban Environmental Challenge

Saturday, April 6 - starting at 10 am

Our friends at Van Cortlandt Track Club are hosting a hilly and rugged technical race on the wooded trails of VCP. A portion of race proceeds will be dedicated to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s trail maintenance and youth programs.

Register Now.

Family Fun Day in Woodlawn

Saturday, April 20 - 1 pm to 4 pm

An afternoon of family fun featuring Face Painting, NYRR Mobile Van, Woodland Family Walks, Nature Crafts, Bocce, Games, and more to come!

Check out our event page for more details.

Summer Internships!

Urban Ecology Teens (UET) Internship

UET Crew Leaders

Part-Time • Seasonal

Crew Leaders (2) will work alongside VCPA staff in leading the summer Urban Ecology Teen Internship program (Eco-Teens). Through special projects and enrichment activities, Crew Leaders will teach basic plant identification and lead basic forest, aquatic, and trail restoration work.

Apply Now!

UET Interns

Part-Time • July 1 to August 16, 2024

Urban Ecology Teen Internship (Urban Eco-Teens) is a paid internship for high school students that prepares them for college, stewardship, and natural resource management professions. Interns learn about local flora and fauna, go on nature-focused field trips, and explore green career opportunities with natural resource professionals.

Applications close on April 19, 2024.

Garden 2 Market (G2M) Internship

G2M Crew Leader

Part-Time • Seasonal

The Crew Leader (1) will work alongside VCPA staff in leading the summer Garden 2 Market Internship. The Crew Leader will be responsible for supporting 6 high school G2M interns as they learn how to maintain a garden, run a farm stand, and explore issues of the local food system.

Apply Now!

G2M Interns

Part-Time • July 1 to August 21, 2024

Garden 2 Market (G2M) is a paid internship for high school students where they spend their summer exploring the local food system and building community at VCPA’s garden and market. When we understand where our food comes from and where it goes, we can make better decisions about what we buy and eat!

Applications close on April 12, 2024.

» NYC Parks — Hiring for the Summer!

• Help keep the Bronx's green spaces beautiful and safe!

• If you have a driver's license, we are looking for City Park Workers at a salary of $20.89 an hour. We also have City Seasonal Aide positions available for non-drivers at $18.00 an hour.

• For quick application to these positions, scan the code on the flyer or to the right or visit bit.ly/parks24bx

» NYC Parks — Pitch in for Bronx Ballfields!

• Saturday, March 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Join your fellow leagues, teams, players, and spectators in volunteering to clean up fields and courts in parks across The Bronx. Help maintain and beautify our shared green spaces!

• Tools and gloves will be provided. Participants should wear long, comfortable clothing and bring water bottles.

• Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or to the right or click here

• For accessibility information, contact Joyce Ramirez by March 20th at (718) 430-1857 or Joyce.Ramirez@parks.nyc.gov

» Manhattan College — Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Presentation on Myeloma in the Black Community: What is it and why there is hope, March 26th

• The event will occur on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Manhattan College, Kelly Commons—5th Floor, (3900 Waldo Avenue, Bronx, NY.)

• Registration is required. Complimentary breakfast is provided.

• About this program: Multiple myeloma is the most common form of blood cancer in the Black community, with Black Americans carrying twice the risk of any other race or ethnicity to develop the disease. Join the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to learn more about myeloma and what to do if you suspect you or your loved one may have it. Participants will learn about current treatment options and the supportive resources available to those with a diagnosis.

• Check-in is between 9:00 AM and 9:45 AM. Hot breakfast and a resources fair are from 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM, and the Program begins at 10:15 AM.

• To register, visit na.eventscloud.com/Mar26/ , scan the QR code in the top right corner or on the poster, contact Andrea Nangie at Andrea.Nangle@LLS.org or call (631) 370-7532

» Riverdale Nature Preservancy — Annual Community Meeting, March 26th

• The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 26th from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM at the Riverdale Y (5625 Arlington Ave, Bronx, NY 10471).

• The meeting is about An Overview of Local Issues Impacting Our Community Today. They are also having a Greem Giveaway while supplies last, to distribute small trees and shrubs. Plants will be offered in order of meeting registration.

• To register, scan the QR code on the poster or right-hand side or click this link https://bit.ly/SNAD2024

» KRVC — GALLERY 505 Presents "Daylight Tibbetts En Plein Air," A Solo Exhibit By Noel Hefele, January 4th - March 29th

• Art Exhibit located at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• Gallery Hours are Friday from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM, viewings by appointment

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» 9/11 Memorial & Museum — Spring 2024 Field Trips, FREE for New York City Schools, Started January 16th

• Reservations are now open for Spring 2024 field trips at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Beginning January 16, we'll offer interactive on-site and virtual programs that help students understand what happened on 9/11 and its ongoing relevance today.

•Thanks to public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, both on-site and virtual field trips are FREE for New York City schools. Proof of eligibility will be determined using a school’s zip code and subsequently confirmed by Museum staff.  

•Fill out a booking request form to plan your on-site student field trip to the Museum. To schedule a virtual field trip, visit our Virtual Field Trips page. Space is limited for all programs, and requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs are appropriate for students in grades 3 through 12. We look forward to welcoming you!

» KRVC — Community Karaoke at KRVC, February 2024

• Fridays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• All ages and all languages are welcome. Bring your snacks and support your local food spots.

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» NYC Parks — The BE BOLD Afterschool Dance Program, February 12th - May 1st, 2024

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Willliamsbridge Oval Recreation Center (3225 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY).

• NYC Parks, in partnership with the Misty Copeland Foundation, invites children ages 6 - 13 years to enroll in the BE BOLD afterschool Dance program, which is a fun introductory ballet class with live music. The BE BOLD program offers a new approach to afterschool dance education, and our core values are Leadership, Curiosity, Kindness, Knowledge, Persistence, and an Appreciation of Dance and Music. Please register with Tatiyana.Lewis@parks.nyc.gov or call (718) 543-8672.

• Participants must have an NYC Parks Recreation Center Membership. Membership is free for youth and young adults 24 years and under.

• For more information, call (718) 543-8672, Tatiyana.Lewis@parks.nyc.gov, or visit nyc.gov/parks. Contact accessibility@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 360-1430 for more information regarding accessibility.

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Springtime Shingdig! May 16th

Save the Date: Springtime Shindig is on Thursday, May 16!

Join us!

Cocktails • Lite Bites • Dessert

Music • Picturesque Setting • Raffle

HONOREES

Betty Campbell-Adams Park Angel Award:

Nina Habib Spencer

Carol J. Samol

Cultivating the Bronx Award:

Daylighting Tibbetts Brook Team

NYC Parks, Natural Resources Group

Department of Environmental Protection

Hazen and Sawyer

Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects & Planners

Bronx Council for Environmental Quality 

Tickets: $300

Sponsorship from $1,000

Journal ads from $250

Proceeds from the Springtime Shindig support Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Education programs for Bronx kids and teens, ecological restoration and research, and community stewardship programs in Van Cortlandt Park.

The painting above is part of the “Daylighting Tibbetts en Plein Air” by Noel Hefele.

» E-ZPass NY — 24/7 E-ZPass NY Account Access!

• Preparing for a trip or already on the road? Forget to add that new license plate before your vacation? Want to check your balance? Is your account balance low? No worries! Use our Tolls NY Mobile App.

• Real-time payments and account updates are made without speaking to a representative.

• Scan the QR code or click the link below to easily download the app from the App Store or Google Play today!

Please visit our YouTube channel to learn more by clicking here.

Stay updated through X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

3107 Kingsbridge Avenue

Bronx, New York 10463

Phone: 718-796-5345 | E-Mail: dinowitzj@nyassembly.gov