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.

***THIS WEEKEND***

After School Day Party

Rally at the Ganesha Outdoor Room for increased support for After School Programs!

We'll be supporting local organizations and artists that provide after school development programs in Washington Heights and Inwood. This event is organized and hosted by Producer, and Multidisciplinary Artist Wilkins Fernando, After School Program Director Hilda Hil and Young Entrepreneur and Businesswoman, Wendy Bonilla, whom has fervent passion for the arts. Co-hosted by NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, NYS Senator Adriano Espaillat and NYS Assembly Member Gabriela Rosa. The purpose of the event goal is to raise a minimum of $2,000.00 destined for qualified individuals, artists and local organizations with additional assistance for Activities Programs for After School. Research studies prove that high-quality afterschool programs can bolster academic achievement and foster the development of critical social and emotional learning, but After School Programs have seen massive budget cuts, dampening efforts to improve lives in our communities.

Access to Independence Seminar: The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities will be hosting Access to Independence on September 21, 2013 at the Bowling Green Park Subway Plaza. Learn about accessible transportation options available in NYC. Attendees will be able to interact with representatives from various agencies, have the opportunity to practice boarding accessible vehicles and work with a travel-training expert. Participants Include: MTA/NYCT; Metrocard Mobile Sales, NYCT; Access-A-Ride; NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission; NYC Department of Transportation; NYC Department of Education; Vega Transportation. Saturday, 9/21 @ 10am-3pm, Bowling Green Park, Subway Plaza. (Elevator at northeast corner of Broadway & Battery Place.) To participate please register online Here.

Plant Propagation Workshop with the New York Restoration Project: Learn the basics of plant propagation including taking cuttings, sowing seeds, plant divisions, and forcing bulbs. Get hands-on experience by taking cuttings to overwinter tropical plants and succulents and by dividing perennials for our Sherman Creek gardens. Open to volunteers and families of all skill levels and experience. Saturday, 9/21 @1pm-3:30pm. For more information, go to www.nyrp.org/calendar, call 212-333-2552, or email volunteer@nyrp.org.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Riverside Park: In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Riverbank State Park will feature the sounds of Luis Blasini & Iroko La Banda. Come down and dance with us! We'll also have a Hispanic art show. 679 Riverside Drive @ W. 145^th Street. Saturday, September 21 from 2pm-4pm. Free and open to the public.

***THE REST OF SEPTEMBER***

George Washington Bridge Bus Station MWBE Outreach Forum: Meet the prime contractors for the GWB Bus Station & Marketplace Renovation Project. Learn more about the approximately $180 million plan to modernize this vital transportation and retail facility. If you are a minority, women, or local-owned business enterprise looking for real business opportunities and resources, come to the forum. In partnership with the PANYNJ and their office of Business Diversity & Civil Rights, developer, Tutor-Perini Building Corp and Spectrum Personal Communications. At United Palace Theatre (4140 Broadway @ W. 175th St.) Wednesday, September 25^th @ 8am-noon. If you plan to attend, please register at http://www.panynj.gov/GWBBAforum by Sept. 23^rd; you may also email gbourne@spectrumpcc.com, or call Gail Bourne at 212-344-3500. (See attached flyers for more information.)

Gallery Opening for FEEGZ's Displaced Vandalism:

Local Artist Carlos Jesus Martinez Dominguez (A.K.A. FEEGZ) will be showing his exhibit, Displaced Vandalism for the last time in the United States before he brings the exhibit to the D.R. The exhibit explores themes of hip hop, New York City and Dominican culture, examining and challenging social norms and ingrained systems of beliefs. With a mix of collage, painting and graffiti, FEEGZ brings the culture he grew up with to the canvas in a creative and through provoking way. The opening will be on Wednesday, September 25th at 6:00pm. Light refreshments will be served.

Northern Manhattan Neighbors Appreciation Day: Columbia University announces the return of the annual Northern Manhattan Neighbors Appreciation Day on Saturday, September 28^th. The day begins at 11am with free food samples from local restaurants; free beverages in the pre-game picnic area; posters, magnets and other give-aways; face painting; photo ops with Roar-ee the Lion; performances by the CU band; gifts for the first thousand fans; and of course, a football game at 12:30 against Monmouth. At the Lawrence A. Wein Stadium (533 West 218^thStreet, between Broadway & Indian Road.) This event is FREE to all Northern Manhattan residents. If you would like a ticket, please contact me (Liz Ritter, 212-544-0173, elritter@adrianoespaillat.org) or just come on game day with proof of residency. And watch this space for information on more free tickets for other home games later this Fall.

Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)Forum

Saturday, September 28, 2013, 1:00pm

Tibbett Towers Community Room- 1^st Floor

3130 Irwin Avenue (Bet 231^st & 232^nd Street)

 Do you have healthcare coverage? If You Don't, This Meeting Could-Protect Your Health; Save You Money; Maybe, Even Save Your Life. Find out how the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) can help you, your friends and family members and how you can apply for coverage (starting 10/1/13). Special Guest Speaker: Timothy Foley-Greater NYC For Change

Inquiries can be addressed to -- nwbx4change@gmail.com

Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park: Minstrels and Magic! Jugglers and Jesters! Music and dancing! Storytelling and puppets! Costumes and crafts! Food and drink! Trinkets and trophies! Live chess game! And after all of that: a joust! Free admission; donations accepted. 11:30am-6pm, Sunday, 9/29. ***SPECIAL NOTE*** There will be NO PARKING on Cabrini Boulevard, north of 190th Street on Sunday, to accommodate all the Medieval Festival performers, vendors and artisan parking. Please walk or use public transit; if you use the A-train consider taking it to the 181^st Street stop and walking north to the park, or going to the Dyckman Street station and walking south through the park to the fair. The elevators at the 190^th Street stop get rather crowded, and waits of 10-15 minutes are not uncommon during peak travel times. Volunteers still are needed! If you are interested and available, please call the Washington Heights/Inwood Development Corporation (212-795-1600) or email Dennis Reeder (whidc@aol.com) or Maria Bassallo (mbassallowhidc@aol.com). All volunteers will be provided with lunch and costumes.

***LOOKING INTO OCTOBER***

CANCER WALK: The third annual Latin Women Empower FACES (Family / Advocacy / Counseling / Education / Support) Walk returns on Sunday October 6^th. Watch this space for details.

The Best of the Dominican Film Festival in New York

Due to enthusiastic response and popular demand The 2nd Annual Dominican Film Festival in New York (DFFNY) and Toyota of Manhattan present a reprise of The Best of the Dominican Film Festival in New York at the United Palace on Saturday, October 12th, 2013 From 1:00pm to 10:00pm.  This showcase of Dominican films include Jaque Mate (Checkmate) by Jose Maria Cabral, featuring Frank Perozo and Michelled Vargas; La Lucha de Ana (Ana's Struggles) by Bladimir Abud, winner of El Soberano as best film, featuring Cheddy Garcia, Best Actress Soberano in the film; Lotoman 2.0 by Archie Lopez, Best Director Soberano, with Raymond Pozo, Miguel Cespedes, and Venezuelan actor Fernando Carrillo; and A ritmo de fe (Rhythm of Faitrh), a religious musical by Jose Gomez; For the complete list of films, schedule and tickets visit: www.dffnyc.com

Flu Vaccination Clinics: Once again Senator Espaillat and other uptown elected are teaming up the the Visiting Nurse Service of New York to bring FREE 'flu vaccines to the public. Tentative dates are Thursday October 17^th at a location in Inwood, and Wednesday October 23^rd in Washington Heights. Details to follow, but save the dates. We are also looking into a third clinic on the Upper West Side/Manhattanville. Watch this space for details.

***NEWS, INFORMATION & OPPORTUNITIES***

311 App on your phone!

NoMAA Call for Artists (MJM Culture & Arts Festival): The Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance in partnership with the Morris-Jumel Mansion will host the third annual Culture and Arts Festival (CAF�) on October 12^th from 10am-6pm. If you are interested in promoting your art at the festival, MJM is offering musicians and artists the opportunity. The CAF� aims to create a stronger, more enriched and engaged arts community in Washington Heights. Last year's event attracted more than 700 visitors, who experienced the wide range of cultural and artistic programming offered throughout the day. Participants will be charged a booth fee for tent rent, set-up and use of facilities, but will keep 100% of the revenue made from any sales. Please visit http://www.nomaanyc.org/2013/08/call-for-artists-the-morris-jumel-mansion-culture-and-arts-festival/ for more information, or call Carol Ward at 212-923-8008 or director@morrisjumel.org.

NYC Department of Education hearings: The NYC DOE is hosting hearings with the City's 32 Community Education Councils (CECs), to obtain feedback on its final "Contracts for Excellence" plan. Under State law, "Contract for Excellence" funds must be distributed to schools to benefit students with the greatest educational needs as defined by New York State and must also be spent in six specific program areas-class size reduction, time on task, teacher and principal quality initiatives, middle school and high school restructuring, full-day pre-Kindergarten, and model programs for English Language Learners. Information about the City's preliminary plan is posted on the Department's website: http://schools.nyc.gov/AboutUs/funding/c4e/2012-13+Proposed+Citywide+Plan.htm. A schedule of upcoming CEC meetings is posted on the Department's website (http://schools.nyc.gov/AboutUs/funding/c4e/Public+Comment+2012-2013.htm). (Additional dates will continue to be added to this calendar, so check back for updated information.) The deadline for comment is October 18^th. Comments can also be submitted by sending e-mails toContractsForExcellence@schools.nyc.gov.

FREE Community-based theatre programs for the whole family with the People's Theatre Project. Registration begins September 1^stfor: 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.

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