Office of Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez

Please feel free to share these upcoming events and opportunities in Northern Manhattan!

COUNCIL MEMBER RODRIGUEZ'S STATE OF NORTHERN MANHATTAN ADDRESS

Save the Date! Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez will deliver his 4th Annual State of Northern Manhattan Address discussing the past year in Northern Manhattan and future plans for the district. This event is open to all so please share with friends and family! Sunday, April 6th at 2:30pm. RSVP to cmrodriguezevents@gmail.com

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corp. Young Adult Internship Program

(YAIP)

...application deadline is March 10th. Scroll down to the Education / Vocational section for details. THIS PROGRAM IS FREE.

Uptown ArtStroll Poster Contest

Help choose the winning design! Join us for our annual voting party & from the 5 finalists choose the design for the 2014 Arts Stroll Poster. Snacks & drinks will be served. Open mic. At the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center, 3940 Broadway @ W. 165th Street. Monday, March 10th, 6pm-8pm. Info/RSPV: nomaaprog@nomaanyc.org

NYPD 2014 Youth Summit

Presented by the Community Affairs Bureau's Juvenile Justice Division. Manhattan meeting at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Building (163 W. 125th St.), 2nd Floor Art Gallery. Youth Summits are held in communities throughout NYC to inform the public about potential dangers and consequences of social media. Also addressed are topics on "youth crews" and trends in their respective neighborhoods. Teenagers, community leaders, representatives of community based youth organizations, teachers, administrators, clergy and concerned citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. This forum is free and open to the public. Monday, March 10th, 6pm-8pm. For more information, call: 212-343-3707.

Motown Revue

Dr. K's Motown Revue with Rann Ruffin and a special appearance by Broadway star Alton Fitzgerald White. Proceeds will benefit the Marble Hill Nursery School. At the Northeastern Academy, 532 W. 215th St., btw. Park Terraces East & West. Monday, March 10th; doors open at 7:30pm; live music begins at 8pm. Tickets (adults only) are $25/45 (each/two) in advance; $30/$50 at the door. Light refreshments will be served.

West Side SCRIE / DRIE and Homeowners Exemptions Clinic

If you are 62 or older or disabled and are a rent-stabilized or rent-controlled tenant or live in a Mitchell-Lama or other subsidized development, you may be eligible to have your rent frozen! If you are a homeowner or co-op or condo owner, you may be eligible to have your property taxes or maintenance reduced! Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, her staff and representatives from the Department of Finance will assist with filling out applications and answer any questions regarding the program or application process. Appointments are required: call 212-793-6368 or email rosenthall@assembly.state.ny.us Tuesday, March 11th.

"Through Women's Eyes"

In celebration of Women's History Month, The Grady Alexis Gallery at El Taller Latino Americano is pleased to present an art exhibition featuring the work of New York-based artists Antonia Guerrero (Mexico,) Shifi Rathaus (Israel) and Nina Talbot (US). Curated by Andrea Arroyo. At the Grady Alexis Gallery at El Taller Latino Americano, 2710 Broadway (@ W. 104th Street). March 12th through April 19th. Opening reception Wednesday, March 12th, 6pm-8pm. For more information, visit http://tallerlatino.org/ArtExhibits.php.

Celebrate Women's History Month with NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer

At the Emigrant Bank Building, 49-51 Chambers Street. To RSVP: rsvp@comptroller.nyc.gov / 212-669-4466. Wednesday, March 12th, 6pm-8pm.

Help Plan for the High Bridge Reopening!

The Harlem River Working Group and the High Bridge Coalition would invites you to our next meeting on the opening of the High Bridge and connections to the Harlem River Waterfront and NYC Greenway System. The agenda includes updates from meetings with the Parks Department and Department of Transportation; planning for the Fall '14 High Bridge Re-opening Celebration; and break-out sessions for committees (Youth/Ed, Commuters/Transportation, Water Activities, Parks/Environment, Cultural/Arts, Fundraising, Outreach, Logistics). At the Highbridge Recreation Center (2301 Amsterdam Ave. @ W. 173rd St.) Thursday, March 13th, 6pm - 8pm. For more information: harlemriver@bceq.org / 646-719-0034.

Hispanic Society Concert Series

"Danzas y otras m�sicas de Palacio" Acclaimed harpsichordist Ignacio Prego presents his new chamber music project at the Hispanic Society in New York. Violinist Joan Plana and cellist Mer�a Mart�nez will join the Flores de Musica ensemble in a program dedicated to the music of the Baroque at the Spanish Kingdom, from Castilla to Naples, including works by Cabinlles, Martin i Coll, Falconiero, Scarlatti and Boccherini. Reception follows. Free Admission, but space is limited so you must RSVP: friends@hispanicsociety.org / 212-926-2234 x250. Thursday, March 13th at 7pm.

CUriosity3 at Columbia University:

The Brain in Art and Science Understanding how we perceive the world around us and process the raft of conscious and unconscious stimuli that bombard our senses is a source of constant inspiration and intrigue for artists and scientists alike. Join us for short talks and audience led panel discussion, where we will discuss our current understanding of the brain in relation to neuroscience phenomena such as "inattention blindness" and the "power of the mutual gaze". Speakers Mickey Goldberg, Ellen K. Levy and Suzanne Dikker; moderated by Noah Hutton, author of The Beautiful Brain. In Amphitheater 1, CU's College of Physicians & Surgeons, 630 West 168th St. Thursday, March 13th at 7pm. FREE, but please register and get a ticket by visiting: https://curiosity3-thebrain.eventbrite.com. CUriosity3 is a free public program addressing the intersection between Arts and Science with the goal of initiating discussions and debate around the common ground of creative practice and scientific discovery. For more events in this series, visit: bit.ly/Curiosity3.

Breast Cancer Screenings

Celebrate Women's History Month with Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa & the American Italian Cancer Foundation. For woman 40+; NYC residents only. Outside of 210 Sherman St. Saturday, March 15th, 10am - 5pm. Free, but you must have an appointment; to schedule, call 212-544-2278 or email eventsgabrielarosa@gmail.com.

Celebrate International Women's Day

Asociacion de Mujeres Progresistas invites you to an exciting evening of empowering conversations and great friends. AMP is convening a panel of experts from The Human Rights Commission of NYC to discuss topics women, immigration, workers' rights, employment inequalities, and many other interesting human rights issues in our changing world. Ol� to women for their service and the commitment to work on progressive ideas for a bright future! Come with friends and family to the Isabella Geriatric Center (Larson Library), 515 Audubon Ave. Saturday, March 15th, 7pm-10pm. Space is limited; RSVP to amujeresp@gmail.com / 212.795.0331.

Purim Festival!

Purim Carnival Games! Booths! Prizes! Hot dogs! Hammentaschen! A play about Queen Esther, the evil Haman, King Ahashverosh & the hero Mordechi! The Purim Carnival is perfect for younger children so grab your neighbors and come to this fun event. At the Hebrew Tabernacle, 551 Ft. Washington Ave. @ W. 185th St. Sunday March 16th, 11am - 3pm. Info: 212-568-8304.

Celebration of Life Brunch

IDAYDREAM.US invites you to the First Annual, Celebration of Life Event in honor of Luis F. Almanzar a 19 year old student of CUNY Bronx Community College who passed on October of 2011. The Luis F. Almanzar Foundation, created in his memory, is seeking to raise funds for suicide prevention, research, and education. At Caf� Tabacco & Ron, 501 West 214th St. @ 10th Ave.Sunday March 16th, 11am - 2pm. Info: 917-747-3710. RSVP & Pay $10 in Advance or $20 at the door.

Celebrate Purim with Inwood Jews & UP Theatre!

Performance by UP Theater begins at about 5:30pm, followed by a festive meal, music, arts & crafts, clown, and other entertainment. Great fun for all - celebrate the holiday! As you have come to expect from Inwood Jews, we are a community building organization that seeks to build a Jewish community in Inwood, Manhattan but also is open to helping all segments of the broader community as well. At Columbia University's Milstein Hospitality Pavilion at the Columbia Sports Center. Sunday, March 16th

Free Dental & BP Screening

The Elder Smile Referrals to community clinics. Light refreshments will be served. At the Isabella Geriatric Center, 515 Audubon Avenue (Larson Library). March 18th, 9am-noon. Info: 212-342-9539.

Women in the Heights: Reflections on Creating.

At the NoMAA Gallery, 178 Bennett Ave. @ W. 189th St. There will be an Artists Talk on Wednesday, March 19th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.

"Home" Exhibition Opening

The Morris-Jumel Mansion is pleased to present "Home," the latest exhibition in our "Colonial meets Contemporary" Art Series. This exhibit will feature artwork by eight New York artists, each exploring the meaning of "home." The artists featured in "Home" have created a range of artworks that interpret this changing identity. Their varied works, like the Morris-Jumel Mansion itself, speak to changing roles and conceptions of place and belonging. At the Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, between W. 160th & W. 162nd Streets just east of St. Nicholas Avenue. Thursday, March 20th, 6pm - 9pm. For more information, call Carol Ward at 212-923-8008 or visit www.morrisjumel.org.

When Tenants Claimed the City: The Struggle for Citizenship in New York City Housing

What roles have tenants and tenant organizations played in shaping class and politics in New York City? How has the concept of "community rights" been fostered in heterogeneous urban neighborhoods such as ours? Fordham Professor Roberta Gold introduces her new book at Hostelling International (893 Amsterdam Ave. at 103rd St.). Free and open to the public. Thursday, March 20th at 6:30pm. For more information, call the Bloomingdale Neighborhood History Group at 212-865-3078.

Forging a Common Path: An Anthology of Afro-Caribbean & Brazilian Poetry, Culture and Thought

Sen. Espaillat and his uptown partners in government invite you to join a discussion on the work of legendary poet and author Manuel del Cabral, whose work explored the meaning of identity, and helped pioneer the Afro-Caribbean cultural movement. An expert academic and literary panel will discuss how writers in Latin America and in the Caribbean forge a common path across different spaces to reclaim their African heritage. At the Schomburg Center for research in Black culture / NYPL. 515 Malcolm X Blvd. Friday, March 21st, 6pm-9:30pm.

Family Workshop

Paper Flowers Celebrate the beginning of Spring by first learning about all about gardening in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Then create a unique paper flower out of tissue paper, glitter and pipe cleaners. They will brighten up your day! The event is FREE but advanced registration is required. At the Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, between W. 160th & W. 162nd Streets just east of St. Nicholas Avenue. Saturday, March 22nd, 11am - 1pm. For more information, call Carol Ward at 212-923-8008 or visit www.morrisjumel.org.

Sunday Concert in the Lounge

Gregor Huebner, accomplished violinist, composer and jazz musician brings a dynamic and fascinating program of Latin jazz repertoire to the HVG Lounge. In preparation for an upcoming recording of new arrangements of Cuban, Brazilian and Tango music, Huebner will perform samples of the music for the new CD. Huebner's first CD "retraces the evolution of the repertoire... By turns sexy and sly, impassioned and dreamy, his collection of well-known tunes, unexpected arrangements and original compositions... it's the story of the prodigal violin: of how the most aristocratic of instruments crossed the Atlantic and found itself in the rhythm section of a Cuban charanga band, or in a brothel in Buenos Aires." (Wall Street Journal). The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens (W 183rd St. & Pinehurst Ave.). Sunday, March 23rd at 5pm Suggested $12 donation includes post concert reception.

Sunday Movies at the Palace: Ghostbusters

Enjoy this 1984 classic, hosted once again by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lots of surprises in store! Doors will open at 4pm, with a 5pm program, and a 5:30pm movie. Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Guests wearing tuxedos or gowns get a free bag of popcorn. At the United Palace of Cultural Arts, 4140 Broadway at W. 175th Street. Sunday, March 23rd.

Mermaids

Visual Art by Jane LeCroy & Shari Elf at the Indian Road Caf� (W. 218th Street & Indian Road, two blocks west of Broadway.) Now through March 29th. Free. Live music and reception, Monday, March 24th, 6pm-10pm.

Mammography Screening

By appointment only. Look for the mammography van in front of Isabella Geriatric Center (515 Audubon Ave. @ W. 190-th St.). March 26th beginning at 1:30pm. Please call 1-800-564-6868 to schedule your appointment today

Skraptacular Fundraiser & Celebration

Please join us as we honor former City Councilmember Robert Jackson, for his many contributions to public education and for making the decisive vote in to ban single-use Styrofoam from the city's school cafeterias and restaurants. And we honor Sarah Morgridge, Robert's Chief of Staff, who fought passionately alongside him to serve constituents, support public school families in realizing their right to educational opportunity. Raffle, silent auction, drinks & hors d'oerves; live music, too! $30. At 307 W. 38th St., 20th fl. Thursday, March 27th, 5pm-8pm. Info: mdelg@mindspring.com

Earth Day Celebration III

Save the date for Friday, April 25, 2014. Planning Committee to meet Friday, March 28, 2014 at IS52 - 650 Academy Street, off of Broadway, near the Vermilyea Street entrance. Theme this year: Need Trees? Those interested in participating in the fun, educational, and celebratory joint venture that includes a parade, assembly, and street fair by the Rotary Club of Inwood & and IS 52, please e-mail Rotarian KyWilliams2@aol.com or call: 212-304-8882.

Riverstone Senior Adult Services

Memory Caf� brings together caregivers and individuals with Alzheimers or other memory problems for relaxing interaction in a caf� setting. At Coogan's Restaurant, 4015 Broadway @ W. 168th St. Sunday, March 30th, 3pm-4:30pm. Free, but reservations required: call Norma at 212-927-5600 x117.

Novels with a Social Conscience: a Book Discussion Group at Word Up

Join us to discuss Junot Diaz' Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. (Please prepare in advance by reading the book.) At Word Up! Community Bookstore, 2113 Amsterdam Ave. @ W. 165th St. 347-688-4456. Sunday, April 6th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

Onward & Upward! Honoring Marcella Xavier of Bread & Yoga with the "Standing UP" Award

Join us for the 4th annual evening to benefit the UP Theater Company. At Papasito Mexican Grill & Agave Bar, 223 Dyckman Street. Monday, April 7th, 6pm-8pm. Details to follow!

Impact of Alcohol on Public Health

A Town Hall Meeting to Discuss the Impact of Alcohol on Public Health with expert panelists on public health, partner violence and youth development. Co-Sponsored by NYS Senator Adriano Espaillat, Assemblymember Gabriela Rosa, Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, Community Board 12-Manhattan, the Partners of the UNIDOS Coalition, and Inwood Community Services; funded in part by a grant from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. At the Isabella Geriatric Center, 515 Audubon Avenue @ W. 190th Street. Thursday, April 24th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

Help Manage a Perennial Problem: Dog Waste

Save the Date: Saturday, May 3rd, to join in a community-wide blitz in attempt to greatly deter dog-owners from allowing their pets to poop and pee on our living trees. Not only is this dog waste destroying the necessary nutrients in the soil that helps feed our growing trees, thereby harming and even killing these needed trees, but it is a health hazard to us and especially to our young children and an ongoing eye-sore. This is another part of the ongoing Rotary Club of Inwood project called: Greening and Cleaning of Inwood. Find us on Facebook to learn more or e-mail Rotarian KyWilliams2@aol.com to begin to lend your support in our planning stages or be added to the list of folk ready to participate in our Inwood Blitz.

***EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ***

Global Scholars: My Meal Matters

Kids from 9-13 are invited to participate in a weekly workshop exploring food both here and globally while making online friends from such far-off places as Hong Kong, London and Mumbai. This is a great opportunity for kids to practice writing skills while they learn more about global citizenship. Free. At the Inwood Library (4790 Broadway). Every Wednesday at 4pm.

The Edward McFadden Scholarship Award

The Edward McFadden Scholarship Award was established to benefit community youth. The Fund provides college scholarships in the range of $1k - $3k, to outstanding students who have participated in voluntary community service and reside in the greater Washington heights / Inwood area (north of W. 155th St. to the tip of Manhattan) or Marble Hill (10th NYC Council District). Open to all HS seniors. You must submit a completed application questionnaire signed by a parent/guardian and a school official, current school transcript, SAT scores, 2 recommendations (one from a teacher, and one from a volunteer program supervisor) , and a personal essay. All finalists will be interviewed by the Scholarship Committee. For questions or to get an application, email scholarship@isabella.org, or download the application at http://bit.ly/McFaddenScholarship2014. Applications are due by Friday, March 21st.

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corp. Young Adult Internship Program (YAIP)

...can help you take the next step to explore, expand and evolve. This is a PAID INTERNSHIP opportunity. Earn up to $2,500 in this 14-week program for young adults, aged 17-24 who are currently unemployed and not enrolled in school or GED/HSE program, and do not have an associate's or bachelor's degree. Learn resume revision, interviewing skills, resume revision, education/training planning, time management, financial planning, professional communication skills, and more! Call NMIC at 212-453-5381, 5366 or 5394 for more information or to apply, or visit NMIC's offices, 76 Wadsworth Ave., between W. 176th & W. 177th Streets. Bring state-issued ID, birth certificate, Social Security card and proof of address. Application deadline is March 10th; program starts March 17th. THIS PROGRAM IS FREE.

Seasonal Job Vacancy Notice

Summer Camp Counselors with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) serves as the steward for over 29,000 acres of land, which includes 1,000 playgrounds, 35 recreation centers, 66 pools and 14 miles of beach. Within the many divisions, Public Programs operates Summer Camp at 19 locations. NYC Parks Experience Summer Camp offers children ages 6 - 13 opportunities to participate in sports, fitness and outdoor adventure. During this 7 week fun-filled summer day camp children will go on trips throughout the five boroughs, participate in structured team sports, physical fitness programs, field days and make lasting friendships. DPR currently is looking for Summer Camp Counselors for the 8 weeks beginning July 1st. Civil service titles include Playground Associate ($14.90/hour; 49 positions citywide) and Community Service Aide ($13.60/hour; 34 positions citywide). For responsibilities, qualifications and other details please visit http://www.nycgovparks.org/. To apply, please e-mail resume & cover letter to: SummerCampJobs@parks.nyc.gov.

Union Apprenticeship Opportunities

The Joint Apprenticeship Committees for the Laborers (#731) & Ironworkers (Locals #40 & #361) Unions have open applications for their apprenticeship programs. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Other requirements apply; for information visit http://www.labor.ny.gov/pressreleases/ApprenticeshipArchive.shtm, or call the Local 731 Training Fund at 718-752-9860 or the Local Union #40 & #361 at 718-433-4195. You can also link there to a complete list of recruiting and apprentice opportunities throughout the NYS Department of Labor.

Is your elementary / middle school child STILL learning in a trailer annex?

NYC DOE was to have eliminated ALL trailers in District 6 by 2012. Obviously they have not and they continue to include them in capacity formula calculations for co-location decisions (for example the PS192/325 co-location of a new IS). The New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) is surveying school community members about the use of trailers in their schools. NYLPI is a civil rights non-profit law firm that focuses on environmental justice, health justice, and disability justice. We have received inquiries from parents and teachers concerned about the use of temporary trailers (also known as transportable classroom units or TCUs) for instruction in NYC schools. We are asking parents, students, teachers, and community members to complete the following survey to gather information about how these trailers are used and any concerns you might have. All individual responses and personal information will be kept confidential. To fill out the survey please click here: Parent/Teacher Survey in TCUs (Classroom Trailers) in NYC [English]. Please also share with any lists you think might be interested, along w/ any feedback you might like to provide.

***HELP WITH YOUR TAXES***

1.)

FREE Tax Preparation Day sponsored by NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, Food Bank for New York City & the Goddard Riverside Community Center. Federal and NYS tax returns prepared by IRS-certified volunteers. Families (with dependents) earning less than $52,000 and individuals earning less than $20,000 are eligible for free tax preparation. You must bring with you:

Photo ID & Social Security/Tax ID cards for everyone being claimed
W2 and/or 1099 Statements
If claiming child care expenses, bring documentation and care provider Tax ID Number
Last year's income tax return
If you received unemployment insurance in 2013, bring Form 1099-INT
If self-employed, bring a self-declaration letter stating your income in 2013 and receipts/ledger stating your business expenses
Any relevant tax information

At the Goddard Riverside Community Center, 140 West 140th Street (between Lenox Ave. and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.) Saturday, March 8th, 10am - 4pm

2.)

NMIC free tax assistance provided by the Food Bank for New York City in partnership with the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation. Bring your Social Security card or Tax ID # for everyone to be claimed on your return; a photo of yourself and spouse (if applicable; W-2s for all jobs you held in 2013 and any other tax-related documents; a sample check or deposit slip with routing number and account number if you want direct deposit of your refund. Now through April 15th, Mon-Thurs noon-7pm; Saturdays 9am-5pm. (Closed on Mondays in March.) You may also use our self-prep tax program on Saturdays. We also offer assistance to seniors and the disabled (limited to 25 people/day): Mon-Thurs, 8am-noon; Tues-Thurs, 8am-noon during March. NMIC is located at 76 Wadsworth Avenue (near W. 177th St.), First floor. Info: (212) 453-5391

3.)

Tax Online Filing assistance To be eligible, you must be filing less than $55,000 per tax return, have some basic computer literacy and a valid email address. Free. At the Inwood Library (4790 Broadway). three days a week, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-1pm. This program will run through April 15th.

4.)

If you need help preparing your tax return, learn about the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

VITA Program: If you make $52,000 or less, IRS-certified volunteers can inform you about tax credits for which you may qualify, and prepare a basic tax return with electronic filing.
TCE Program: If you are 60 years of age or older, you may qualify for free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers who specialize in issues unique to seniors.

There are thousands of locations across the United States where you can get free tax help through the VITA and TCE programs: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.

5.)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a special federal tax program that helps low- and moderate-income working individuals and families reduce their income taxes and put more money in their pockets. The credit reduces the amount of federal tax owed, and may even result in a refund. If a qualifying individual or family owes income tax, EITC will reduce the amount of taxes owed. If your tax credit is more than your tax bill, you will receive a refund check-even if you don't owe any taxes. Furthermore, New York State offers its qualifying residents an additional tax credit equal to 30% of the federal EITC for the previous tax year.

To qualify for EITC, workers can file as "single," "head of household" or "married filing jointly."

* If you are a worker with one qualifying child, your total earned income and your federal

adjusted income must each be less than $38,511 (or $43,941 for married workers).

* If you are a worker with two children, your total earned income and your federal adjusted

income must each be less than $43,756 (or $49,186 for married workers).

* If you are a worker with three or more children, your total earned income and your federal adjusted income must each be less than $46,997 (or $52,427 for married workers).

* If you are a worker without children, your total earned income and your federal adjusted

gross income must each be less than $14,590 (or $20,020 for married workers).

Workers with qualifying children must file federal income tax return form 1040 or 1040A and must complete and attach Schedule EIC. Workers without qualifying children can file any tax form - including form 1040EZ. These workers write "EIC" (or the dollar amount of their credit) on the Earned Income Tax Credit line on the tax form. They do not file Schedule EIC. A correct name and valid Social Security number must be provided for every person

listed on the tax return and Schedule EIC, including infants born before December 31. If this information is incorrect or missing, the IRS will delay the refund. For more information on the federal EITC, call the 24-hour Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Hotline at 1-800-TAX-1040, or visit www.irs.gov. To order federal tax forms, call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676. For more information about the New York State EITC, call the informational hotline of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at (518) 457-5181, or visit www.tax.ny.gov.

***NEWS, INFORMATION & ONGOING EVENTS***

Uptown Games Return on Saturday March 29th

Enjoy a day of competitive track-and-field events for elementary- and middle-school children (3rd-8th grades) in the historic Washington Heights Armory. Register solo, or as part of your school's team. For more information and registration forms, call 212-544-0173 or email eventsRSVP@adrianoespaillat.org.

Pedestrian Safety Tips from the 34th Precinct

Before you step off the curb to cross the street, make sure you STOP / LOOK / LISTEN for bicycles and other vehicles. Remember that bicycles are quieter than motor vehicles. MAKE EYE CONTACT with drivers and cyclists to be sure they see you before you start to cross. Give yourself the most time to cross by waiting for a "fresh" green or "walk" signal. Keep scanning as you cross, especially for turning vehicles. Don't stand or walk in a bike lane. Be cautious and avoid texting on your cell phone when crossing the street.

Learn about home heating for your house, building or co-op/condo

Winter can be the perfect time for buildings to start planning to clean up their heating systems and energy bills for next season. NYC Clean Heat is participating in and hosting a number of events on the Upper West Side and the Bronx in March and April to help building decision makers understand the public health impacts of using heavy heating oil and the resources available to them to make the switch to a cleaner alternative. For more information, click on the links below to learn more about each event and to RSVP, or contact NYC Clean Heat:212-656-9202 / info@nyccleanheat.org / nyc.gov/cleanheat. Any building decision maker could benefit from attending these events, but the Upper West Side events may be more useful for co-op and condo board members. Co-op and condo tenants are also welcome to attend the March 29th event.

Wednesday, March 12th, 4:00 - 6:00pm. Upgrade Your Building this Spring to Save Money Next Winter, co-sponsored by Sustainable South Bronx, Councilwoman Annabel Palma, and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.
Tuesday, March 18th, 7:00-9:00pm: Intro to Green for Co-ops and Condos, sponsored by Solar One and the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums (CNYC).
Thursday, March 27th, 6:30-8:00pm: House Doctor Series on Cleaner Heating Systems, sponsored by Landmark West.
Saturday, March 29th, 2:00-4:30pm: Safer Air, Lower Energy Bills, Cleaner Heat! This event will include two workshops and an opportunity to network with financing providers and ULS 2 Specialists.
Wednesday April 2nd, 1-2:30pm. Co-sponsored by the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, UNHP, and FBHC. Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation: 2751 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10468
Thursday April 17th, 6:30-8:00pm. Co-sponsored by the Department of Housing Preservation (HPD). Maestro's: 1703 Bronxdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10462.

The Third Annual Thespis Theater Festival/Competition is open!

Plays compete for outstanding prizes! $3,500 for Best Play; $500 each for Best Actor/Actress. Judges from the industry decide on winners. Possibility for reviews. If you'd love to see your work onstage in a beautiful proscenium theater with 20 ft high ceilings and a professional lighting and sound system, we invite you to submit your play. Use of a grand piano if your show needs it. Assistance from theater management in all aspects to make sure your show reaches its highest potential. Free tutorials on how to use the sound/light/projection system. A chance to have your play filmed by professional videographer. And you and your cast are invited to a dazzling ceremony at the end of the festival with prizes announced in front of a live audience. It doesn't get more exciting than this! For more info please visit http://thespisnytheaterfestival.com/thespis-theater-festival-venus-adonis/.

Vision Zero:

Pedestrian Safety & Double-parking on W. 181st Street The 34th Precinct would like to share this information with the Washington Heights and Inwood communities and requests your assistance in sharing the information. During the next 2 weeks, the 34th Precinct will implement Operation Move-Along. It will involve community outreach that will highlight the risks of double parking. The goal is to prevent and deter double parking therefore decreasing accidents and injuries. This outreach will be followed by a period of enforcement. We will be distributing a flier to businesses, organizations, pedestrians, and motorists in the confines of the 34th Precinct specifically on the West 181st Street corridor. In our pursuit of Vision Zero, we urge motorists to please refrain from double parking in the West 181st Street corridor and other locations. When you double park, you obstruct the view of other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists; you impede traffic flow; you increase the chance of a collision. Don't be the cause of a collision or injury or death to somebody's loved one. Please be considerate.