Office of Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez 

Please see upcoming events and opportunities in Inwood/Washington Heights/Marble Hill:

FREE ESL CLASSES IN WASHINGTON HEIGHTS:

The NYC DOE is offering free ESL Classes at the Maria Teresa Mirabal School (MS 319). Classes will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:40pm to 9:00pm. Any questions can be addressed to the parent coordinator of the Mirabal School, Mr. Frias at 212-923-3827. The Mirabal School is located at 21 Jumel Place, New York, NY 10032, classes will be held on the 4th Floor.

"It's My Park Day" in Isham Park: Please come out to plant bulbs for spring on It's My Park Day in Isham Park along Park Terrace West between Isham & W. 215^th Streets. Please wear a long sleeved shirt and long pants, work shoes, and a brimmed hat. Gloves, bags, and tools will be available.Saturday, October 19^th, 9am-noon. Email volunteersforishampark@gmail.com for more information.

"It's My Parks Day" in Inwood Hill Park Join Inwoof's volunteers in sprucing up Homer's Run at this city-wide event sponsored by Partnerships for Parks. Tasks include picking up debris, moving back gravel, and planting flowers. Enter the park at the intersection of Isham Street & Seaman Avenue; the run is just beyond the flagpole. Saturday, October 19^th, 10am-noon. More information at www.inwoof.com/events

Sale & Clean-up in Duarte Square sponsored by the Washington Heights Gardening Crew. In addition to selling gently used Items to support the Square, the Gardening Crew will be doing some sprucing up of the plantings in the Square and nearby tree pits. The sale will help support efforts in the square, including holiday lighting. October 19^th, 10am-2pm in the Duarte Square (Broadway @ W. 169^th  to W. 170^th Streets). Rain date will be Oct. 20^th. For more information, email Cynthia Rivelli: cynthia@williamrivelli.com.

Uptown Lit / A Festival of Readers & Writers: Nationally renowned authors are gathering in the heart of Washington Heights for the first annual Uptown Lit Festival. With the theme of immigration coursing through the program, Uptown Lit aims to bring authors closer to book lovers from all over New York City, especially at its northernmost tip. Set at the historic United Palace, and emcee'd by Washington Heights-based actor and comedian Michael Diaz, Uptown Lit will attract neighbors of all ages to celebrate reading and writing. Adult programming includes a full day of panels, talks, and readings; a communitywide book discussion of Luis Alberto Urrea's Into the Beautiful North, as part of The Big Read (a national program of the NEA), and NoMAA Technical Assistance Institute workshops on memoir writing and social media. Family programming includes readings by children's authors; literacy activities by Reach Out and Read and Literacy INC; New York Public Library card signups; interactive storytelling with StoryUp!; book discussions led by neighborhood teens; crafts workshops by Skraptacular and Evelyn's Art and Creations. Evening programming includes a Story Slam at Word Up Community Bookshop. Saturday, October 19^th, 10am-6pm at The United Palace (4140 Broadway @ W. 175th St.);7pm-9pm at Word Up Community Bookshop (2113 Amsterdam Ave. @ W. 165th St.). For more information, contact Veronica Liu, Word Up Community Bookshop at UptownLit@gmail.com or visit www.UptownLit.com.

Harvest Festival: In its 12^th year, this "country fair in the middle of the city" is planned and run entirely by neighborhood volunteers, funded by local businesses and organizations, and attended by thousands from all around Inwood & Washington Heights. Pick and paint a pumpkin from the "pumpkin patch," play games, make crafts, listen to music, have a snack, and catch up with neighbors. Everything is FREE, though donations gratefully are accepted. There's also an old-fashioned pie contest, with slices available for sale as a fundraiser to support the event. On Fort Tryon Park's Caf� Lawn. Saturday, October 19^th, 1pm-4pm.

 Wilderness Survival Class with the Urban Park Rangers: What would you do if you found yourself lost in the woods? Do you know how to build a shelter, or start a fire without matches? Do you have what it takes to survive the wild. The Urban Park Rangers are skilled in techniques of wilderness survival and emergency preparedness. On these fun, family friendly programs you will learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world.  Recommended for ages 8 years and older. Program features hands-on activities in an outdoor setting.  Please dress appropriately for cold weather. (Note: for 8 years old and up.) Saturday, October 19^th, at 1pm, in Inwood Hill Park; meet at Park entrance at Isham Street and Seaman Avenue. For more information, call 212-304-2365.

Art for Breast Cancer: One-of-a-kind handmade bras as art will be displayed and auctioned to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Saturday, October 19^th at Inwood Local (4957 Broadway, near W. 207^th Street). Sponsored by Brazen Lingerie; for more information call 212-567-5563.

Park Reforestation: Last fall we began our reforestation project in Highbridge Park. Join the New York Restoration Project this fall as we continue planting with native trees in an effort to re-establish a native forest in Highbridge Park. Sunday, October 20^th @ 1pm-3:30pm. For registration or for more information e-mail volunteer@nyrp.org or call Danica Doroski at 212-333-2552.

The Urban Advantage Science Program Returns: Special programs for children at all of the science museums throughout the 5 boroughs! Each institution will offer refreshments and special programming including some of the following hands-on examinations, plantings or animal feedings, touch tanks, microscopes, and special tours. These programs are FREE, but you must print a voucher available here (https://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1109457792744-164/UA+FamilyScienceDay2013.pdf) to use as your admission pass. Events for Sunday, October 20^th, 1pm-4pm, at the American Museum of Natural History (212-769-5100 / www.amnh.org) and the Queens Botanical Garden (718-886-3800 / www.queensbotanical.org).

 Small Business Owners Roundtable discussion on Labor Rights: the Office of the Attorney General invites small business owners and community-based organizations to discussion on current and new labor laws that affect your business and community. The event will take place at Neighborhood Trust - 1112 St. Nicholas Avenue (at W. 166^th St.) on Tuesday, October 22^nd at 8:30am. You must RSVP to participate in this event because we have limited space. To confirm or to get more information, please contact me Lilliam Perez (Lilliam.Perez@ag.ny.gov / 212-8754).

Flu Vaccination Clinics: Once again Senator Espaillat, Assembly Member Gabriela Rosa Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez and other uptown electeds are teaming up with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York to bring FREE 'flu vaccines to the public. Wednesday October 23^rd  at the Hebrew Tabernacle of Washington Heights (551 Ft. Washington Ave. @ W. 185^th Street), from 10am-1pm, on a first-come/first-served basis. Call 212-544-0173 or e-mail EventsRSVP@adrianoespaillat.org to pre-register and guarantee your space.  

NYC Public School Gifted & Talented Admissions process: Families are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the Department of Education's Gifted & Talented testing and admissions process for September 2014, on Wednesday Oct. 23^rd, 6pm-8pm, at Stuyvesant High School, 345 Chambers St. (See additional listing below) For more information, please call 718-935-2009 or visit http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/GiftedandTalented/default.htm.

Hypertension - The Silent Killer: Hear from world-renowned Columbia University researchers on the latest advances to address hypertension and what people can do to minimize their risks. Open discussion plus Q&A. Sponsored by CU's GCA Connections community forums, offering a unique opportunity for residents, organizational leaders and policy makers to learn about prevalent health conditions of concern in the community and how CUMC researchers are leading the nation in novel preventions strategies, discoveries and treatments. Wednesday, October 23^rd, 6pm-8pm, at the Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion (1150 St. Nicholas Ave. @ W. 168^th St.) Free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling 212-305-8060 or email cumcgca@columbia.edu. Simultaneous translation in Spanish available.

Learn more about the Affordable Care Act: Confused about "Obamacare"? Get the facts about how the new law affects you! Hear from NYS Department of Health and industry leaders about the Health Plan Marketplace ("Exchange"), how it works, the benefits/obligations, and how to get coverage. Co-sponsored with Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa and Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, in partnership with the Hispanic Federation, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the Community League of the Heights, the WH/I Chamber of Commerce and the NY Women's Chamber of Commerce.**NOTE NEW DATES** Wednesday, October 23^rd @ 6:30pm, at Pediatrics 2000 (3332 Broadway @ W. 135^th St.) and Wednesday, October 30^th @ 6pm, at Isabella geriatric Center (515 Audubon Ave. @ W. 190^th St.). For more information, call 212-544-2278.

Sosua Documentary: If you haven't seen the wonderful documentary film about Dominican and Jewish teens in Washington Heights combining with legendary theatre director Liz Swados on a musical about how the Dominican Republic rescued 800 Jews from Hitler, you have another chance!SOS�A: Make a Better World, Wednesday, October 23^rd at 6:30pm at the CUNY Graduate Center (34^th Street & Fifth Avenue). Free and open to the public. For more information: http://www.gothamcenter.org/forums/current.shtml

Working Broadway / The Proprietor Portraits: Uptown photographer Julian Kaiser has shot a stunning series of uptown commercial life on Broadway. Each portrait is a montage with a black-and-white image of the small businessmen and -women set within a color portrait of their store. An intimate and interesting look at a neighborhood's small businesses. Opening reception at Coogan's (4015 Broadway @ W. 169^th St.), Wednesday October 23^rd, 6:30-8:30pm.

Washington Heights & Inwood Council on Aging (WHICOA) Breakfast Conference: "Seventy Plus and Still Going Strong, Opportunities for Later Life". At the Isabella Geriatric Center, 515 Audubon Avenue @ W. 190^th Street. $15 for WHICOA Members; $25 for non-members; entrance for seniors and students with valid school ID is complementary. Thursday, October 24^th. Registration & breakfast begin at 8:30am; conference begins at 9am. For additional information, email whicoa@gmail.com.

Youth on Board: Learn more at an informative discussion with public officials, educators, community leaders, parents and students about why 16 & 17 year-olds should be allowed to serve on Community Boards. Manhattan Borough forum, Thursday, October 24^th, 6:30pm - 9pm at Isabella Geriatric Center (515 Audubon Ave. @ W. 190^th St.) For more information, contact Sarah Andres (sandes@generationcitizen.org), Fe Florim�n (fe.florimon@jjay.cuny.edu) or Al Kurland (alkurland@palnyc.org).

What do YOU Want to See in Uptown Parks?

Join Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez for a walk around uptown parks to give your input on where the greatest needs are, where capital money should go and your vision for our beautiful green space. We will meet at the New Leaf Cafe at 9am on Saturday, October 26th and walk through Fort Tryon Park, Dyckman Fields, Inwood Hill Park and Isham Park. This is designed to allow for full community engagement and make decisions about what our community feels is most necessary or desirable in our parks. To RSVP please email Council Member Rodriguez's Legislative and Budget Director Carmen De La Rosa at cdelarosa@council.nyc.gov or call 212-788-7053.

Fall Garden Maintenance: We will be working with volunteers on various fall maintenance projects in Sherman Creek Park; join the New York Restoration Project to learn about sustainable gardening while applying a compost top-dressing to our garden beds and lawn on the Harlem River Esplanade. Explore the Riley-Levin Children's Garden Beds and view the start of fall leaf change. Saturday, October 26^th Noon-2:30pm. For registration or for more information e-mail volunteer@nyrp.org or call Danica Doroski at 212-333-2552.

Kids Nature Adventures: Why Do Leaves Change Color? Discover the answer to one of nature's great mysteries. What happens to trees in the fall to make them display such wonderful colors? Educator Julia Attaway will lead a workshop for kids to learn about the changes trees go through to prepare for winter. For ages 4 to 8. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Two sessions on Saturday, October 26^th: 1:30pm-2:15pm at Anne Loftus Playground & 3pm-3:45pm at the Heather Garden Entrance at Margaret Corbin Circle.   

NoMAA Artists' Talk: "Immigrant Too" The North Manhattan Arts Alliance's current gallery exhibition delves into the artist's notion of being an "immigrant," how he or she responds to the present immigration debate as it is carried out in personal, public, and political spaces, and what approaches the artist takes, from the subtle and conceptual, to the blatantly political. Tuesday, October 29^th @ 6:30pm. (The exhibit is open Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm, through November 21^st.) At the NoMAA Gallery, 178 Bennett Avenue (NYC 10040), 3^rd floor.

New York City Council Committees on Higher Education and Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services to hold hearing on "Are Colleges Offering Adequate Mental Health Services to Students?"

 Research indicates that severe mental illness is on the rise among college students, especially in areas of depression and anxiety.  A survey by the American Psychological Association found that the number of student on psychiatric medications increased 10% over the last ten years.  A survey by the American College Counseling Association (ACCA survey) found that 44% of students who seek help at college counseling centers have severe psychological disorders, up from 16% in 2000. 

 The committees will explore what mental health resources are available at New York City colleges and universities and how successful these services are at treating students with severe mental health issues.

The hearing will be held on Thursday, October 31st at 1pm at the 16th Fl. hearing room of 250 Broadway. If you are interested in attending and/or providing testimony, please RSVP with my Legislative & Budget Director Carmen De La Rosa at 212-788-7053 or cdelarosa@council.nyc.gov. Please feel free to extend this invitation to anyone who may be interested in this topic. Hope to see you all there!

Celebrate the day after Halloween with the Spanish language version of "Dracula" (with English subtitles) and a musical soundtrack provided live by guitar god Gary Lucas. The Spanish "Dracula" was part of the same 1931 shoot that produced Bela Lugosi's famous performance based on Bram Stoker's 1897 novel. While the English language film was shot during the day, a Spanish cast performed at night. American guitar god Gary Lucas fell in love with the film and wrote an original score to accompany it since it didn't have a musical soundtrack. He will perform in live during the screening. Tickets: $10 online, $15 at the door. Learn more and purchase tickets at: http://www.unitedpalace.org/index.php/events/337-the-spanish-version-dracula-accompanied-by-guitarist-gary-lucas. At United Palace Theatre (4140 Broadway @ W. 175th St.) Friday, November 1^st. Doors open at 7pm, showtime 8pm.

5th Annual KidCinemaFest Returns to Washington Heights!

The Latest installment of the beloved KidCinemaFest is returning to Washington Heights this November, from the 8th to the 14th. Over 30 family friendly films will be shown over this time, with directors from over 20 countries around the world. It is a great opportunity for kids and families alike to experience top quality film and begin to learn the art of film critique. Films will be shown at the Columbia University Medical Center Auditorium on 168th St. as well as at the Alianza Dominicana Triangle Building. For the complete schedule, please visit kidcinemafest.com or email kidcinemafest@gmail.com.

Celebrate the return of film to the Palace with "Casablanca" Experience one of America's favorite movies like you have never seen it before - on a 50-foot silver screen - as we celebrate the return of film to the United Palace with the audience choice screening of "Casablanca." Before the movie there will be a ceremony commemorating the return of film, including a reenactment of part of the inaugural program from 1930 when the building opened as the Loew's 175th Street Theatre, music from the 1940s, and other surprises. $10 online, $15 at the door; free to Golden Globe Level donors and anyone who wears a tuxedo or gown to the event! Learn more and purchase tickets at: http://unitedpalace.org/index.php/events/345-celebrate-the-return-of-film-to-the-palace-with-casablanca. At United Palace Theatre (4140 Broadway @ W. 175th St.) Sunday, November 17^th, 6pm ceremony, 7pm movie.  

NYC Public School Gifted & Talented Admissions process : Families seeking Gifted & Talented placement for September 2014 in kindergarten through third grade must submit a Request for Testing (RFT) form by November 8th, 2013. Families are encouraged to submit the form online (https://prod.semsnycdoe.com/parentsite/), but if they prefer to submit a paper RFT, they can review the application guidelines in the Handbook, available online through the link below and at public elementary schools. The Handbook also includes practice tests. Families are invited to attend an information session where they can learn more about the G&T testing and admissions process for September 2014, on Wednesday Oct. 23^rd, 6pm-8pm, at Stuyvesant High School, 345 Chambers St. For more information, please call 718-935-2009 or visit http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/GiftedandTalented/default.htm.

Middle School Enrollment & Information: All districts will hold middle school open houses for interested students in the weeks following the District Middle School Fairs. Families can contact schools directly for dates and times, or visit www.nyc.gov/schools/ChoicesEnrollment/middle/calendar.Middle School Directories Are Now Available. Each student will receive a copy of the Directory of NYC Middle Schools 2013-2014 from their elementary school. The Directories provide information about middle schools in each district so families can make informed choices when applying to middle school. English versions of the Directories are now available online; translated versions of the directories will be available online on a rolling basis. Middle School Applications will be distributed to families in November and are due back to guidance counselors in December. More information about Middle School Admissions, including a calendar of events, deadlines, and electronic copies of middle school publications, are available on the Department's Web site at www.nyc.gov/schools/ChoicesEnrollment/Middle.

Council Member Rodriguez is now accepting applications for interns!

Interested in local government? Want to learn more about the functions of a city council office? The office of Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez is accepting applications for a number of internship opportunities for young high school/college/post-graduate students and young people. Options include legislative interns, communications interns, community relations interns, administrative interns and community organizing interns. All offer fun and educational prospects and will help boost any resume. If you or someone you know is interested, please submit a resume and short cover letter to Legislative and Budget Director, Carmen De La Rosa

311 App on your phone!

Dominican Studies Association Now Accepting Papers for Bi-annual Conference:

 The Dominican Studies Association (DSA) is now accepting papers on any issue relating to Dominican Studies, to be featured at their 5th Bi-annual conference in May of 2013. For all information, see below:

FREE Community-based theatre programs for the whole family with the People's Theatre Project: Registration begins September 1^st for: Be part of our 5th Anniversary Season as our team of teaching artists guide you through the process of devising and performing original theatrical events... inspired by you! If you or someone in your family wants to be part of a fun, creative and community centered experience you'll never forget, then keep reading. No theatre experience necessary, just your life experience and your imagination. There are programs for adults (meets Thursday evenings), teens (Weds/Fri afternoons), and kids (Saturdays). For more information, go towww.peoplestheatreproject.org or call 646-398-9062.

NYPD Announces New Website for Civilian Job Opportunities

Over 17,000 civilians already serve with the NYPD and there are opportunities for many more. That's why they have created a new website, www.nypdcivilianjobs.com, to make it easier to search and apply for a number of jobs available within the department.

The site focuses on three of our most frequently available positions:

School Safety Agent, Traffic Enforcement Agent and 911 Operators

All of which offer the many benefits of working with the NYPD.

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