Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Self-Defense Awareness Event: Follow-up

We are so excited about the excellent feedback we've gotten concerning the Self-Defense Awareness Class held March 29th at LIU.

Local resident Jana wanted to recommend this book- The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker; noting it as vital in the preliminary education of the principles of defense awareness.

We'd also like to bring your attention to the excellent Center for Anti-Violence Education (CAE), who offer a wealth of information and programs concerning self-defense awareness. If you are interested in furthering your knowledge in this area, please contact CAE at (718) 788-1775.

We'd like to thank the Embora Wellness & Movement Studio for their excellent presentation, Brooklyn DA Charles Hynes for his insight and leadership, the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Public Safety Task Force for staying on top of effectively everything, and all those who joined us!

teamtish

Please see the following message from our Communications Director-

I want to thank all of you for your contributions, which helped to make the Self Defense Awareness Event at Long Island University this past Sunday a big success. I, along with Council Member James left the event feeling inspired, more knowledgeable and empowered, and we have received only positive feedback from attendees and participants.

The venue, support staff and desserts were excellent (kudos to Sharon Abbate, Peg Byron, and Lisa Gallo from LIU); the superb instruction given by Emory Moore and his students kept all entertained; and District Attorney Charles Hynes charmed everyone with his wisdom.

Thank you to every organization and individual who donated their time, literature and voices, including John Castelli, Assistant District Attorney, and other representatives from the office of District Attorney Charles J. Hynes; Karen Moffitt and representatives from the Brooklyn Aids Task Force; Susan Moesker, with the Center for Anti-Violence Education; Susan Debrango, with the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Public Safety Task Force; and Elisa Mala from the New York Times, The Local- Fort Greene/Clinton Hill blog.

Council Member James and I look forward to working with you again. Each of you helped to bring all of the pieces together to make for an enlightening and enjoyable afternoon.

Reps. Towns and Clarke host Congressional Town Hall to Discuss Federal Stimulus Money; 4/4; 9:30AM; BAM

Congress Members Ed Towns (D,10) and Yvette Clarke (D,11) are hosting a 2009 Federal Economic Stimulus Package Town Hall Forum. Representative Towns currently serves as the Chair of the Congressional Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. We've asked constituents in the past to contact federal elected officials concerning what they want to see happen with stimulus funds; now, we think it's important that you attend this forum to learn about where these funds are going.

Please note-
*The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. The Act was based largely on proposals made by President Obama and is intended to provide a stimulus to the U.S. economy in the wake of the economic downturn. The Act includes federal tax cuts, expansion of unemployment benefits and other social welfare provisions, as well as domestic spending in education, health care, and infrastructure (including the energy sector). Specifically to New Yorkers, the Act makes investments in communities, creates 215,000 New York-based jobs, protects existing positions and creates over 14,000 NYC education jobs, increases funds to NYS and NYC to help the unemployed, funds "shovel-ready" projects in Brooklyn and other boroughs, and cuts taxes and increases benefits for working families.

If you are interested in learning more about the direct benefits of stimulus funds, please join us-

When: Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 9:30AM
Where: BAM Cinema III
30 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Update: Bedford Stuyvesant Business Improvement District

We are once again happy to announce the development of another Business Improvement District (BID). We have been on top of the proposal for the Bedford-Stuyvesant BID, and on March 30, 2009, Mayor Bloomberg signed Int. 906-2008 into law, officially creating the Bedford-Stuyvesant BID.

The mayor's official press release states:

"This new Business Improvement District- located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of north-central Brooklyn- is one of the busiest hubs of commercial activity in the borough. It includes a diverse mix of about 307 regional and national chain stores along with independently owned businesses."

Bed-Stuy Gateway adds:

"With an annual budget of $675,000, the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID will be among the top 20 largest BIDs in New York City which range in annual budgets from $12 million to $95,000. The Bed-Stuy Gateway BID will provide a comprehensive suite of services, including: security, sidewalk sanitation and maintenance, marketing and beautification. The commercial district under the Bed-Stuy Gateway BID's management contains nearly 500,000 square feet of retail space located within a ten minute walk of nearly 100,000 residents."

Council Member James is thrilled that so many strong BIDs have been created in and around the 35th District (the Bed-Stuy BID joins the local Myrtle Avenue BID and the Fulton Street BID). Team Tish maintains the belief that BIDs strengthen the power of local businesses, residential property values, and the general quality of life. We believe in the collective power of local and small business, and we join other Brooklyn elected officials in the call to Shop Brooklyn. On behalf of Council Member Letitia James, we thank Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his constant leadership in regards to the development of local and small businesses in Brooklyn, and Bedstuy-Gateway for their their part in organizing local businesses, and disseminating information, regarding the Bedstuy-BID.

teamtish

2009 Clinton Hill House Tour; 5/3, 12Noon, Rain or Shine!

It has once again rolled around to that time of year when the Society for Clinton Hill hosts their Clinton Hill House Tour (2009). This year's event takes place on Sunday, May 3, 2009, 12Noon-5PM (as always, the event takes place either rain or shine!) Advanced tickets may be purchased at the Fort Greene Farmer's Market, the Brooklyn Flea (which will be re-opening in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene on April 18th), Outpost Cafe and Lounge, Pillow Cafe, Sister's Hardware, and YU Interiors. Tickets are $20. Please contact the Society for Clinton Hill for further information.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

State Sen. Adams Hosts Health Fair, 3/28, 10AM

State Senator Eric Adams is hosting a Health Fair on March 28th at the Endoscopy Center at 760 Parkside Avenue (btwn New York and Nostrand Avenues). Event is from 10AM-3PM. See flyer for more information:

Friday, March 27, 2009

REMINDER: CM James Hosts Self-Defense Awareness Event, LIU, 3/29, 3PM

As we posted before, Council Member Letitia James is hosting a Self-Defense Awareness Event at LIU on Sunday, March 29th from 3pm until 5pm.

The event will be held in the Arnold & Marie Schwartz Gymnasium (the former Paramount Theater), located on DeKalb Avenue at Flatbush Avenue Extension in Brooklyn.

Participants include representatives from the Office of Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes, the 88th Police Precinct, as well as certified self-defense instructors from Embora Wellness and Movement Studio, who will lecture and lead the class.

Please come listen, learn, and practice self protection & safety tips, as well as self-defense techniques with the community.

This Event Co-Sponsored by:

Council Member Letitia James
The Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University
Embora Wellness and Movement Studio- www.embora.com
The Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Public Safety Task Force

ATTENTION: Info for Over 50 Scholarships and Grants for College Students at ANY Institution!


Here's a list of over 50 scholarship opportunities (including major scholarship sites) for students who are already matriculated in a college or university, or looking to attend college soon. Please click the links for detailed information (we have not checked all of the links for accuracy, and therefore can't state that every scholarship or grant opportunity listed is legitimate. We are, however, familiar with most of the organizations listed, so if the link seems wonky, please Google the website and start the search from scratch.)

Before you start, please check out FAFSA On The Web, your key aid website (a FAFSA must be completed for all college or university students looking for ANY kind of aid). The correct link may be accessed here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Other MAJOR scholarship resources are the following:
-FinAid: The Smart Students Guide to Financial Aid scholarships http://www.finaid.org/
-College Board Scholarship Search http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp
-CollegeNet's Scholarship Database http://mach25.collegenet.com/cgi-bin/M25/index
-College Scholarships http://www.college-scholarships.com/

Our list--

1) Student Inventors Competition (monetary grants) http://www.invent.org/collegiate/

2) Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation https://www.coca-colascholars.org/cokeWeb/index.jsp

3) Holocaust Remembrance Scholarships http://holocaust.hklaw.com/

4) Elie Weisel Foundation Ethics Competition (monetary grants) http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/prizeinethics.aspx

5) Ayn Rand Essay Competition (monetary grants) http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_contests_atlas

6) Americanism Educational League (monetary grants) http://www.americanism.org/pages/contest/college.htm

7) Gates Millennium Scholarships http://www.gmsp.org/publicweb/aboutus.aspx

8) Xerox Scholarships for Students http://www.xerox.com/go/xrx/template/009.jsp?view=Feature&Xcntry=USA&Xlang=en_US&ed_name=Careers_University_Scholarships_1

9) Sports Scholarships and Internships http://www.ncaa.org/about/scholarships.html

10) National Assoc. of Black Journalists Scholarships (NABJ) http://www.nabj.org/programs/scholarships/index.php

11) United States Department of Agriculture Scholarships, Grants, and Internships http://www.aphis.usda.gov/career_opportunities/student_programs.shtml

12) Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund http://www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org/index.php?action=scholarship_programs

13) Learn & Serve America http://www.learnandserve.gov/for_individuals/students/index.asp

14) Microsoft Scholarship Program http://www.microsoft.com/college/ss_overview.mspx

15) Hope Scholarships & Lifetime Credits (Federal Scholarship for the 1st two years of collegiate education) http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/PPI/HOPE/index.html

16) American Political Science Association Minority Scholarships and Grants http://www.apsanet.org/PS/grants/aspen3.cfm

17) Into The Best Scholarships http://www.intothebest.com/services/scholarships.jsp

18) Institute for Humane Studies Scholarships http://www.theihs.org/ContentSelectionList.aspx?id=924

19) Guaranteed Scholarships http://www.guaranteed-scholarships.com/

21) All-Ink Supplies Scholarship http://www.all-ink.com/scholarship.aspx

22) National Academy of American Scholars http://www.naas.org/college.php?Form=NAAS.Collegians.Announce.2008&Mode=naasderfgthyuiop&Security=5656bcvghjkioophjui78jkiolp67xx&PHPSESSID=ff00bdd09ed5ecd9c2a671d7b679b507

23) Maryland Artists Scholarships http://www.maef.org/

24) American Indian Graduate Center http://www.aigc.com/02scholarships/scholarships.htm

25) Jacki Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship (for AA students in South Florida) http://www.jackituckfield.org/

26) IES Abroad (travel scholarships) https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/Scholarships_and_Aid/financialAid.html

27) Actuarial Scholarships http://www.beanactuary.org/college/scholarships.cfm

28) International Students Scholarships & Aid Help http://www.iefa.org/

29) Datatel Scholarship Foundation http://www.datatelscholars.org/

30) Siemens Foundation http://www.siemens-foundation.org/en/merit_scholarship.htm

31) Foundation of Research and Education (AHIMA) http://www.ahima.org/fore/

32) Walmart Foundation Scholarship Programs http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/8736.aspx?p=236

33) Hispanic College Fund http://www.hispanicfund.org/

34) 25 Scholarship Gateways from Black Excel http://www.blackexcel.org/25scholarships.htm

35) Black Excel Scholarship & Financial Aid Help http://www.blackexcel.org/fin-sch.htm

36) Scholarship Links (Ed Finance Group) http://www.efg.net/link_scholarship.htm

37) Aid & Resources For Re-Entry Students http://www.back2college.com/

38) Scholarships for Study in Paralegal Studies http://www.paralegals.org/Choice/2000west.htm

39) Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund http://apiasf.org/

40) Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship http://www.act.org/goldwater

41) United Negro College Fund http://www.uncf.org/forstudents/scholarship.asp

42) Kaplan Essay Scholarship http://www.kaptest.com/essay

43) Best Buy Scholarships http://www.bestbuyinc.com/community_relations/scholarship.htm

44) McDonald's Employees Scholarship http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/good/people/scholarship.html

45) NAACP Scholarship Information http://www.naacp.org/youth/scholarships/index.htm

46) Black Alliance for Educational Options Scholarships http://www.baeo.org/programs?program_id=2

47) RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS http://www.rhodesscholar.org/info.html

48) Alliance for Young Artists & Writers (monetary grants) http://www.artandwriting.org/

49) Wendy's Classic Achiever Scholarship http://www.wendysclassicachiever.ca/about.asp?language=1

50) Tylenol Scholarship http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subptyschol.inc


Please note that this is- in no way- an exhaustive list of non-university-specific scholarships. A good place to find scholarship opportunities aside from those listed here would be major company websites, government agency websites, and from your local colleges and universities which often have similar lists within their resources.

Job Opportunity- Production Assistant Training Program


We've posted about this program before, and another chance to apply has come around. Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI), a nonprofit organization, and The New York City Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting is now accepting applications for the fourteenth cycle of The “Made in NY” Production Assistant Training Program. This FREE skills training and job placement program aims to promote diversity in NYC’s production industry and create new career opportunities for young adults who are unemployed or low-income. For more information about this free program visit our website at http://www.bwiny.org/pages/patraining.html.

Application Deadline for *April’s Training Cycle: Tuesday, April 7th @ 1pm SHARP.

Please do not apply if you are employed full-time or enrolled in school, or plan to enroll in school in the next two years.

To apply for this program, you must:
·Have a valid driver’s license (no exceptions– you will be driving during job placement)
·Be at least 21-years-old
·Be New York City Resident (you must currently live in one of the five boroughs) and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
·Demonstrate need for this opportunity (e.g.- unemployed, low income or receiving public assistance, low-income background or lack of career choices due to personal obstacles)

Please visit our website before applying to learn more about our eligibility requirement: http://www.bwiny.org/pages/programs/patraininga.html
No previous production experience or knowledge is required; there is no educational requirement. Individuals who are on parole, probation or who have past criminal convictions are welcome to apply.

To apply you must attend an Open House!

Open House Schedule for New Applicants

Tuesday, March 31st at 1pm
Tuesday, April 7th at 1pm

*Arrive 10 minutes early. Latecomers will not be admitted.*

A limited number of training spots are available. Apply ASAP to guarantee consideration. Applications are accepted year round. (Training cycles are normally held in February, April, June and September).

DIRECTIONS:
BWI is located at 621 DeGraw Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues in Brooklyn, NY. Take the M or R train to Union Street, walk two blocks towards the Hess gas station and make a left onto DeGraw Street. Or Take 2/3/4/5/D/M/N/Q to Atlantic Ave. and transfer to The Brooklyn-bound R Train.

Brooklyn's Workforce Innovations' website may be found here: http://www.bwiny.org/.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Seminar: The Status of Women in the Labor, Health, and Political Power Structure, 3/26, 6PM

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Council Member Letitia James, the 57th A.D. Democratic Organization, and the 35th C.D. District Leader Olanike Alabi have joined together to sponsor a seminar entitled, "The Status of Women in the Labor, Health, & Political Power Structure"

The Panel will include-
*Brooklyn Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham
*SEIU 32BJ Assistant Political Director Camille Rivera
*The Commission on the Public's Health System's Judy Wessler
*DC 37's Director of Political Action and Legislation Wanda Williams

*and The New York City Council's 35th District Representative Letitia James

Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Community Activist Ruth Goldstein will moderate, and the Special Guest will be Congress Member Yvette D. Clarke (of the 11th Congressional District)

When: 6PM, Thursday, March 26, 2009
Where: Teen Challenge Center, 444 Clinton Avenue (btwn Greene and Gates Avenues), Brooklyn, NY

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Moving Pictures: Filming in the 35th District


So we know how much unexpected filming in the district can cause a bit of confusion, and we wanted to post information concerning scheduled filming in the district as we receive it. Expect these kind of updates every so often. Information posted signifies that the film has received filming permits for the areas and times designated.

On Tuesday March 24, 2009 the feature FILM “When in Rome” is scheduled to film exterior scenes on Clermont Avenue between Park and Myrtle Avenues.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 7am-12pm

Thursday, March 19, 2009

ATTENTION: Funding Process for Department of Cultural Affairs

Council Member James has worked to ensure fair funding to cultural organizations in the past. In this upcoming fiscal year, we want ensure that all cultural organizations have timely and accurate information concerning applying for funds. Please read below to learn about this year's funding process.

DCA Funding FY 10

Funding and Eligibility


•Applications for Fiscal Year 10 funding through DCA will now be conducted online.
•Organizations with annual operating budgets over $250, 000 can receive funding up to $300,000 and those with operating budgets under $250,00 can receive up to $60,000.
•DCA will only fund up to 5 projects for each group. Funding for projects exceeding this number will not be considered.
•The DCA covers funding for non-profit organizations only. Capital projects and materials for arts are not covered by DCA funding.

Application Process

•Every group must apply.
•If a group has a 2-year funding contract approved last fiscal year, they do not need to apply again.
•When the application process begins, announcements will be made to groups who have received funding in the past but new groups will have to be told.
•In order to log on to begin the application, groups will need their organization I.D.- Groups who have received funding within the past three years will already have this and will need to contact DCA for a password. New groups will have to register online and will be issued with an organization I.D and password.
•All groups are strongly encouraged to read the five information links on the website before proceeding to the online application.

1)Commissioner’s letter
2)Guidelines
3)Instructions
4)Helpful hints
5)Application Checklist

It is strongly recommended that all groups– especially the new groups– go to the DCA application seminars for help. There will be 15 to choose from which will be held in all 5 boroughs.
-Details and locations of seminars will be released on the website

•Blank fields should not be left on the applications. Groups should either enter ‘N/A’ or ‘0’ for questions that are not applicable to them.

Deadline is March 23rd.

Job Opportunity- Henry Street Settlement

The Henry Street Settlement was one of the first settlement homes founded in the United States in 1895. It provided assistance, particularly health care services, for new immigrants and the poor.

According to their website today, “Henry Street Settlement delivers a wide range of social service and arts programming to more than 100,000 New Yorkers each year.” Based in the Lower East Side, Henry Street provides education, art, and health services for all New Yorkers.

There are employment positions available with Henry Street. See details below:

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Youth Services
Title: English Language Tutor
Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Salary: Range - $30-35/hour

Qualifications:

•Certified to teach English Language Learners (preferable)
•Fluent in Cantonese/Mandarin
•Minimum of 1 year teaching experience working with teens in ELL classes
•Interest in providing quality educational and enrichment experiences to youth as part of a community-based program for low-income youth at Henry Street Settlement
•Commitment to creating a positive and inviting learning atmosphere
•Ability to work with a group of students with varying English fluency

Responsibilities:

•Teach bi-weekly (2x/wk) ELL section for 5- 10 Henry Street Settlement teens struggling with spoken and written English
•Work with students individually and as a group on building English skills (reading, writing and speaking)
•Provide students with creative supplemental material as needed.
•Know and enforce the expectations, policies, and protocols of Henry Street Settlement.
•Report regularly on students' academic needs and progress to the EH Coordinator and College Counselor
•Communicate with EH College Counselor about any important behavioral or academic issues.
•Assist in tracking attendance through accurate record keeping.
•Perform administrative tasks associated with the class such as, but not limited to, making copies, tracking test results, and supporting on all ELL class related duties.

To Apply: To apply send Cover Letter and Resume to:jobs@henrystreet.org

Please Indicate “English Language Tutor” in subject of e-mail.

Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM


JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Youth Services (Summer Youth Employment Program)
Title: Data Entry Clerk
Hours: Part-Time – April 1st – August 30th 2009
Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Qualifications:

+ High School Diploma or GED and demonstrated experience working with youth.
+ Strong computer skills, including experience with all Microsoft Office software packages, local area networks, and the Internet.
+ Excellent organizational and management skills, ability to multi-task and problem solve.
+ Ability to work in a team environment.

Responsibilities:

+ Enter participant information into web-based database system.
+ Maintain activities, educational and general enrollment rosters using Microsoft Access or Excel.
+ Provide general computer technical support to HSS staff, troubleshoot minor issues and report system administrator.
+ Conduct intake of eligible participants, post flyers, and contact participants and other agencies during recruitment periods.
+ Provide assistance with data entry of payroll.
+ Maintain participants’ files and completion of all program paperwork for participants.
+ Attend weekly meetings and division staff meetings.

To apply send Cover Letter and Resume to: jobs@henrystreet.org

Indicate SYEP Data Entry Clerk in subject of e-mail.

Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

HENRY STREET SETTTLEMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Human Resources
Title: Human Resources Associate
Hours: Full-Time (35 hours per week)
Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field and minimum of 1 year of Human Resources experience
+ Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint
+ Excellent decision-making and problem solving skills
+ Excellent organizations skills
+ Excellent written and oral communication skills
+ Ability to work independently and multi-task

Responsibilities:

# This position reports to the Human Resources Manager
# Assist employees with general inquiries
# Deliver New Hire orientation and Health Benefit sessions
# Assist with implementing agency wide training initiatives
# Maintain employee personnel files
# Assist with processing paperwork for new and terminated employees
# Maintain resume database and assist with prescreening resumes
# General administrative duties, including typing, word processing, faxing and filing
# Assist with various HR special projects

To apply send cover letter and resume to: jobs@henrystreet.org

Please indicate “Human Resources Associate” in subject of e-mail

Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

HENRY STREET SETTLEMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Youth Services (Summer Youth Employment Program)
Title: Site Monitor (Multiple Openings)
Hours: 35 Hours Per Week, April 1st– August 30th
Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Qualifications:

+ Individuals completing coursework towards Bachelor’s Degree preferred; Bachelor’s Degree a plus.
+ Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a professional setting.
+ Interest in youth development principles and practices.
+ Excellent organizational and management skills, ability to multi-task and problem solve.
+ Possession of NYS Driver’s License a plus.

Responsibilities:

+ Serve as a liaison between SYEP participants and Henry Street Settlement to communicate information at regular intervals.
+ Visit all worksites on a weekly basis.
+ Distribution and collection of timesheets.
+ Monitor and report any issues or violations to proper personnel.
+ Complete weekly monitoring reports of visited worksites.
+ Submit required documentation and data for final SYEP report.
+ Participate in SYEP and worksite supervisor’s orientations.

To apply send Cover Letter and Resume to: jobs@henrystreet.org

Indicate “SYEP Site Monitor” in subject of e-mail.

HENRY STREET SETTTLEMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

The New York City Free Clinic


We’re in the process of updating some of our resource information, and came across The New York City Free Clinic. The NYCFC is, according to their website, “New York's only comprehensive free healthcare clinic.”

The only requirements for using the clinic are that you must be an uninsured adult over the age of 18 years. All services are free, with the exception of co-pays on the filling of medical prescriptions.

The NYCFC provides the following services-
• basic primary care
• patient education
• disease prevention & screening
• physical exams
• women's health, including gynecological care
• men's health
• vaccinations
• sexually transmitted infection testing (including HIV)
• laboratory testing
• radiology (including X-ray & MRI)
• specialty referrals to all medical specialties
• screening to help you qualify for Medicaid, Family Health Plus, or similar free public insurance programs

The NYCFC does not offer dental, pre-natal, or emergency care. Those interested in using their services should see here to schedule an appointment, or call 212-206-5200.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

CM James Calls on Barclay’s Bank to Cancel Naming Rights Deal with Ratner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 18, 2009

$400 million more taxpayer money for Ratner???

Council Member James calls on Barclay’s Bank to cancel naming rights deal with Ratner

(Brooklyn, NY) “Staggering, that is the only word for it,” said Council Member Letitia James upon hearing that controversial Barclay’s Bank is receiving money from the federal bailout of insurance giant AIG. Some of the bailout money would likely be used to meet Barclay’s $400 million commitment to purchase the “naming rights” to Forest City Ratner’s proposed 18,000 seat arena in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.

“Here we have a private bank trying to use taxpayer money to put their name all over a privately-held sports arena. That is clearly not what President Obama intended the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) to accomplish. TARP is supposed to get banks lending to small businesses and homeowners, not to bail out a billionaire and his stalled mega-development,” said Council Member James.

“Taxpayers are more willing to support efforts to free up lending for critical needs but they will not and should not support frivolous naming rights deals like this one. Deals like this put the legitimacy of all future public spending in jeopardy, as well as jeopardize public trust in the government’s commitments of public money to this point. This is why I’m calling on Barclay’s and Ratner to terminate their deal regarding naming rights for the proposed arena. There should not be even the slightest hint that taxpayer money will be used to enrich a private developer and a British bank,” said Council Member James.

AIG has earned public scorn for doling out over $165 million in bonuses to employees after receiving $170 billion from the federal government.

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

###

ATTENTION: Funding Process for Organizations/Programs

Most groups who have received funding from our office in the past have already received this valuable information. However, if you are looking to apply for funding, and have not been made aware of the process, please read on.

Attention:

We'd like to tell you about this year's funding request process. The application period is shorter than it has been in years past. The deadlines for applying for Council funds are as follows:

Expense funding request deadline: March, 31, 2009

Capital funding request deadline: April 24, 2009

The forms are available on the City Council's website:

http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/fy2010_funding_application.shtml


Full instructions are also available at that website. Please get the applications to our City Hall office as soon as you can, so that we can let you know if anything is missing or needs to be clarified. Please remember that submitting an application for funds does not guarantee that you will receive funding. After the City budget is passed in late June, our office will send letters to groups that receive funding.

Thank you for the work you do in our communities.

Office of Council Member Letitia James

If you have any further questions, please call (212) 788-7081. If our Budget Assistant is not available, our intern (the person with a British accent) will be able to assist you.

teamtish

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Morehouse College Hosts Project Identity Program for College Prep


Morehouse College is a 142-year-old all-male historically black college based in Atlanta, Georgia. Morehouse has educated such distinguished men as civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., filmmaker Spike Lee, and actor Samuel L. Jackson. The college currently hosts a program called PROJECT IDENTITY.

According to Morehouse College’s website, Project Identity is a federally-funded program designed to stimulate interest in college attendance and the awareness of college entrance requirements for African-American and other minority males attending middle school. The Project aims to help to develop and sustain the capacity of middle schools to prepare these young boys for high school and post-secondary education.

The end of goal Project Identity is to properly prepare minority males for higher education. This preparation includes mentoring and tutoring, SAT prep, professional and leadership development, and college-bound workshops. Both a Summer Institute program (a 4-week on-campus program) and a Saturday Institute program (bi-weekly) are available.* The deadline for the program is April 10, 2009. The application can be found here.



*The Summer Institute program costs $1,400, and the Saturday Institute program is free (but will require weekend travel to the campus).

ATTENTION: New Universal Pre-K Application Process


The New Universal Pre-K Admissions Process: What You Need To Know

Applications are being accepted March 6th, 2009-April 3rd, 2009

Things to know before you apply:
• Your child must have been born between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2005 to be eligible.
• The child must have the same address as the adult applying (custodial guardian)
• There are two application options: online and paper

Online application:

Eventually will be available in 8 languages
http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK/default.htm
[This is the main page for UPK enrollment. From this page you’ll find the deadlines, calendar, a place to sign up for email updates, download the online directory, and get the online application.]

The application itself can be found at: https://prod.semsnycdoe.com/parentsite/

After you set up an account, you will receive a confirmation email, which will tell you how to activate your account.

The system prompts you to review your application before submitting it. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a verification number. You will also have the opportunity to print your receipt immediately or download it in PDF form. You can log back in and make changes until April 3rd, 2009.

Entering School Preferences:

-When entering schools, must enter the school number with punctuation (example: P.S. 003 not ps 3).
-The same school can sometimes be entered up to 3 different times (for full day, am, or pm slot).
-If you are using the paper application, do not place all three times in the same ranking.

Paper Application:

Printed Application is included in the printed directories.

Available at: public schools, enrollment offices, through elected officials
-Directory is organized by district
-Shows for each school- the number of seats, how many applied the previous year, how many were given offers the previous year
-Includes description of the priority system

Siblings:

Must be enrolled in K-grade 4 for the 2009-2010 school year.

Student ID number can be obtained from ID cards, report cards, or the school itself.

Twins/Multiples:

Can apply to different schools or the same school.

Online: must submit two applications (one per child)
Paper: must mail in two separate applications (one per child)

Community Based Organizations:

Included in the directory, application is NOT in the directory.

Individual applications necessary for each place you apply.
Apply directly at the Community Based Organization.

Questions concerning the process can be directed to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081.

Friday, March 13, 2009

ATTENTION: CM James Show Leadership In Response To Crime; Hosts Self-Defense Classes. 3/29; 3PM-5PM; LIU

Please see the following statement from Council Member Letitia James:

The 35th Council District, rich in artistic history, diverse culture, and thriving businesses, encompasses a number of peaceful communities in Brooklyn. Recently, however, there have been a few violent activities that have caused residents great distress.

I’ve held a number of press conferences, as well as a town hall meeting to address crime specifically. I have been in ongoing discussions to get funding for a surveillance system within the district (something I’ve been advocating since early 2008). Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Commissioner Raymond Kelly have been instrumental in these discussions, and their leadership in these matters has meant a great deal. Additionally, I remain actively working with the a local Public Safety Task Force, which encourages residents to collectively practice pro-active methods (such as using a crime map) to record the most accurate information regarding local crime.

Personally, I also believe it is imperative that residents learn how to protect themselves in the event of a criminal attack; which is why I am inviting residents of the 35th District, and the larger New York City area, to join me in a Self-Defense Awareness Class.

This will take place Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (adjust spacing of the time listed) at Long Island University in the Arnold and Marie Schwartz Gymnasium. Representatives from the Office of Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes, as well as Certified Self-Defense Instructors from Embora Wellness and Movement Studio- www.embora.com will be on-hand.


Please join us in learning new safety tips and self-defense methods-

Team Tish: Frequently Asked Questions

As one might imagine, we get alot of daily calls* over here at Council Member James' City Hall office, and many more at the District Office. A surprising number of calls regard public information (hearings schedule, etc.), who should be contacted in our office for different matters, etc. So, we thought it might be helpful if we did a small "FAQ" and answers post.

What is the best way to contact your office?

You may contact our office a number of different ways. All are effective, but some may result in us getting back to you a bit later. If you know the person you want to speak to, you should call or email that individual directly. Our (amazing) scheduler works from the District Office, handles incoming calls and faxes, and will be able to direct you to who you need to speak to, and an intern (and staff member) is always at the City Hall office to do the same.**

If you’re interested in setting up a meeting or sending an invitation to an event, we may get back to you a bit later than if you’re calling with an immediate issue.

Snail mail should be sent 3 weeks-1 month in advance, and it is not the best method for constituents seeking immediate help. We encourage large packages, statements, etc. to be sent in this method in the interest of saving resources and embracing the green.

Where can I get information on the Council hearings? Who is my Council Member? What is the status of this bill?

The New York City Council website has all of this information readily available for the public. A new schedule is put up every month including the dates and times of committee hearings. You can enter your home address and borough to find out who your Council Member is (a link to that can be found at Tish’s website- www.letitiajames.info -click the “Who Represents Me?” picture link on the far side of the home screen).

The City Council website also allows you to view legislation in the Council, and the status on that legislation (although additional information on legislation is not made available; you must contact your Council Member for that information).

I have an idea!…

Great! We love ideas! If it’s a legislative idea- please email it to me at aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov. If you’re unsure of who you should be contacting, it’s best to email Council Member James directly (click the "Contact" link on the far side of the screen at www.letitiajames.info) so that your idea can be forwarded to the person best equipped to work on it.

Hope that answers some people's questions! Have a great weekend!

*The link is to our original Staff blog (we originally had a number of different blogs updating information on different areas of interest). Now, all information relevant to residents of the 35th District and media can be found here on the Team Tish blog.

**TeamTish@gmail.com is an email address that was set up to take-in information that residents may want to post on the blog. For instance, if you want to let everyone know that your apartment is up for rent, or to look out for your lost dog, but don’t want to be contacted directly; we’ll ask that people who read the post follow-up with us at TeamTish@gmail.com(and, of course, we’ll forward to responses to you).

Please be aware that we try very hard to post about different things (what’s going on at City Hall, in the community, public events, and other things), but we’re probably not going to do a wealth of lost-dog posts.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

CM James, Pratt Institute Work With DOT, Parks Department to Create Public Space at St James/Lafayette

Council Member James and Dr. Schutte of Pratt Institute are working with NYC’s Department of Transportation and Department of Parks and Recreation to create a new public space at the corner of St. James Place and Lafayette Avenue.

All residents are invited to attend a design charette this Saturday, March 14, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at Pratt Institute’s Higgins Hall South, Room 111.

This meeting will be held to gather the thoughts and ideas of stakeholders in the surrounding community regarding the proposed Greenstreet site at Lafayette Ave. and St. James Place.

Agenda:
Introduction
-Site
-Goals
-DPR Guidelines
Precedent Sites
Stakeholder Design Session
Stakeholder Presentations

For more information, or any questions you might have, please contact our own Alfred Chiodo at (718) 260-9191.

ATTENTION: The Center for New York City Neighborhoods, Inc. Can Help You If You're In Danger of Foreclosure


In these harsh economic times, Council Member Letitia James and Team Tish want to make residents aware that we are interested in gathering and sharing information regarding ways to assist those suffering. On March 9, 2009, Newsday reported that the New York City foreclosure auction (run by the California-based Real Estate Disposition Corp. and held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center) drew both bidders and protesters.

We remain committed to disseminating information that may be helpful to those who who are in danger of losing their home. If this describes you (or someone you know), please first view our post on the lien sale to learn how to ensure that your property has not had a lien placed on it for back debt. Additionally, we encourage you to contact The Center for New York City Neighborhoods, Inc. (CNYCN).

From their website:
The Center for New York City Neighborhoods, Inc. (CNYCN) was created to address the local repercussions of the national foreclosure crisis. Through comprehensive citywide programming that includes legal services, housing counseling, and consumer education, CNYCN pursues multiple strategies to assist those at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure - both homeowners and renters alike. CNYCN seeks to support distressed homeowners retain their equity, and preserve New York City neighborhoods by limiting the negative impacts of foreclosure, property flipping, and abandonment. CNYCN is funded through grants from government agencies, foundations, and financial institutions…and was incorporated in 2007 as a not-for-profit corporation under the laws of New York State. CNYCN is a 501(c) charitable organization.”

Again, if you or a loved one are at risk of foreclosure, please contact CNYCN; you may fill out this form to understand what kind of assistance you may need, or call the Foreclosure Prevention Hotline at (646) 786-0888.

teamtish

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Job Opportunity- Parent Advocate Network Coordinator


The Child Welfare Organizing Project (CWOP) is a parent/professional partnership dedicated to public child welfare reform in New York City through meaningful parent involvement in policy and practice. Most of their staff, and about half their Board of Directors, are parents who have been personally affected by ACS- many of whom have had children in foster care, have reunited their own families, and now work to help other families facing similar challenges, and to function as a collective force for system change.

CWOP has long advocated for the creation of staff positions in foster care, preventive, and legal services agencies for life-experienced Parent Advocates, and have trained close to a hundred parents for such positions.

In collaboration with the Parent Advocate Initiative, they now seek a full-time Parent Advocate Network Coordinator, to help create and facilitate a new membership organization for Parent Advocates employed by New York City foster care agencies.

Duties

Under the supervision of CWOP’s Executive Director, the Network Coordinator will:

* Assume primary responsibility for convening and facilitating a newly-created network of foster care Parent Advocates in the child welfare system
* Work with the Network membership to reach consensus regarding the goals and purposes of the Network
* Assist with the drafting of by-laws, a mission statement, a meeting schedule, and a reporting format for Network activities
* Engage in research, policy analysis, and report writing consistent with the mission and goals of the Network
* Report back to the Parent Advocate Initiative at least twice per year; work in cooperation with the membership of the Parent Advocate Initiative to promote increased opportunities for Parent Advocates
* Represent the Network at meetings with public and elected officials, child welfare service providers and educators, and the media
* Explore various strategies for achieving Network fiscal independence, including but not limited to dues collection, government and foundation funding sources
* Outreach and recruit new Parent Advocates to the Network
* Participate in the broader range of system change activities including, but not limited to, giving testimony at public hearings, writing for publication, guest lecturing at schools of law and social work, offering direct support to parents affected by the system, and training parents in self-advocacy skills

Qualifications

Required

* Minimum one year experience as a Parent Advocate required
* Must have the drive, energy, and commitment essential to pioneer a new organization in start-up mode, combined with the humility and diplomacy needed to faithfully serve the interests of a diverse, vocal constituent group
* Good writing skills (sample required)

Preferred, but Not Required

* Community organizing, supervisory, and/or administrative experience
* BA in human services
* Computer skills
* Bilingual/bi-literate in English/Spanish

Salary and Benefits

* This is a full-time, 35 hour per week position
* Starting salary $35,000 – $40,000 depending upon education and experience
* Full benefit package including vacation, personal, holiday, and sick time, family health insurance, life, unemployment, and disability insurance

To apply, please mail or email your resume and cover letter to:

Michael Arsham

Executive Director
Child Welfare Organizing Project
East Harlem Neighborhood Center
80 East 110th Street, 1E
New York, NY 10029

mikearsham@aol.com

NYS Liquor Authority: Seminar on Licensing; 3/19; 9:30AM

The New York State Liquor Authority is hosting a free training seminar entitled “The ABC’s of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.” The seminar will provide owners, managers, and staff of alcohol-licensed establishments information on how to comply with the current laws and run a responsible business. The Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association (ESRTA), the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles, and NYS Department of State will be on-hand.*

Date: Thursday, March 19, 2009
Time: 9:30AM
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, located at 209 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn, NY

*Pre-registration is required. If you or your employees would like to take advantage of this opportunity please call 518-486-4701 or e-mail freetraining@abc.state.ny.us to register. You may also fax the registration form to 518-402-4015.


Please click image below for registration form:

Thursday, March 5, 2009

ATTENTION: CM James, Elected Officials, and Community Groups, Press Conference To Oppose DHS Plan to Move Homeless Intake Center, 3/8, 2PM, City Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2009

Council Member Letitia James; Council Member Al Vann; Council Member Bill de Blasio; State Senator Eric Adams; State Senator Velmanette Montgomery; Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries; Assemblymember Karim Camara; along with community groups including the Crown Heights Revitalization Movement; the Crown Heights North Association; and the Crow Hill Community Association; as well as neighborhood residents and advocates for the homeless will gather for a press conference on the Steps of City Hall, to oppose the Department of Homeless Services’ (DHS) plan to move the men’s homeless intake
center from Manhattan to the Bedford-Atlantic Armory Homeless Shelter in Brooklyn

Elected officials at press conference will announce that a law firm has been retained to stop the men’s homeless central intake center move - this Sunday, March 8th at 2 pm, on Steps of City Hall.

This press event is in support of homeless individuals, and the community. Please join us to fight this misguided plan that will not benefit the City’s male homeless population (nearly 60% reside in Manhattan), and will harm an overburdened community. Manhattan has the highest concentration of street homelessness of all five boroughs, and since the late 1970s, the City of New York has always maintained an intake center for homeless men in Manhattan.

By moving the central intake center to Crown Heights, Brooklyn -- an area with limited public transportation options -- DHS is essentially moving the front door to the shelter system farther away from those who need it most. This plan will significantly decrease access to shelter for homeless men throughout the City. Also, the Bloomberg Administration has not kept its pledge to create intake sites for homeless men in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Who: Elected Officials, Advocates for the Homeless and the Crown Heights Community

What: Press conference to announce the law firm that has been retained to halt the Department of Homeless Services’ plan to close the Manhattan central intake center for homeless men and transfer its functions to the Bedford-Atlantic Armory in Crown Heights, Brooklyn

When: Sunday, March 8th at 2:00 pm on the Steps of City Hall

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

###

Monday, March 2, 2009

ATTENTION: BCAP Summer Camp


The Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program (BCAP) is an innovative summer program for kids ages 7-12, which gives them the chance to interact with their local environment and community in enriching ways. BCAP Summer Camp is sponsored by Heart of Brooklyn, a unique partnership among six of Brooklyn’s most treasured cultural institutions: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and Prospect Park Zoo. BCAP Summer Camp takes advantage of these incredible resources by offering hands-on experiences for children: projects, games, and educator led tours that weave connections between art, world culture, literature, history, nature, and science. All lessons are consistent with New York State Learning Standards and are taught by professional educators. BCAP Summer Camp is licensed by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and is inspected twice yearly. All counselors are mature individuals that have been First Aid/CPR certified.

The Two-Week Camp Sessions take place-

Session 1: July 
6- July 17
Session 2: July 20- July 31 

Session 3: August 3- August 14

The Fees*-

Basic Camp: $625/session
Stay & Play After-Camp Program: $150/session

For further information on the BCAP Summer Camp (including application information), see here: http://bcap.heartofbrooklyn.org/general-info-summer-camp/

*Registration discount and waivers available.

The New York Times Made A Blog


We'd be remiss if we didn't encourage readers to check-out the New York Times' new blog focusing on the Clinton Hill/Fort Greene area of Brooklyn, The Local. We met head blogger Andy a while ago, and he's a phenomenally talented journalist, a pretty nice guy, and he changes a mean water cooler bottle.

Here at Team Tish, we're so happy to see so many great blogs popping up that focus on the area, and Brooklyn in general. Since we first started, blogs like McBrooklyn and The General Greene have definitely caught our attention. We're beyond happy that the New York Times chose Fort Greene/Clinton Hill (and the 35th District) as the focus for their ongoing move towards citizen-driven journalism, recognizing the area as a center of political, social, and artistic birth.

We'll be reading.

Good luck,
team tish

The Fortune Society- Development and Public Affairs Associate

The Fortune Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is twofold: to educate the public about criminal justice issues and to help those involved in the criminal justice system to break the cycle of crime and incarceration. We've posted about them before; they're rather awesome.

Position: Development and Public Affairs Associate

Job Description:


*Coordinate and schedule meetings, conference calls and travel arrangements.

*Working with VP to produce “Fortune News,” the organization’s publication.

*Working with staff of the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy (DRCPP) to develop policy papers/testimony.

*Implementing branding initiatives in all agency materials.

*Creating content for and maintaining Fortune’s website.

*Managing special events and assisting in media relations.

*Assisting in the development of the Annual Report, brochures, and other printed materials.

*Assist in supporting the Development Team in the creation of government and foundation proposals when necessary.

*Supervise volunteers and interns.

Qualifications:

*Must have strong inter-personal skills, able to handle multiple tasks, with the ability to work collaboratively.

*Excellent oral and written communications and organizational skills required.

*Must be flexible with the ability to work simultaneously on a number of projects.

*Must be familiar with and have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS PowerPoint). Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge fund raising software, InDesign, Quark Publishing, Photoshop (photo re-working & formatting), Dreamweaver (website), and Adobe a plus.

*Must have office skills (typing, data entry, Internet research, scheduling, filing, telephone, fax, mail).

*Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.

*Experience in website design, marketing, communications, and planning/executing successful events a significant plus.

*Must be self-directed and highly-organized.

Notes:

**All resumes must be submitted along with a cover letter specifying the position for which you are applying, in addition to salary requirement to Fortunejobs@fortunesociety.org.No calls or faxes please.

**Formerly incarcerated individuals and ex-substance abusers, who have successfully made the transition from confinement into a stable, productive lifestyle in the community, including sustained employment since release, are eligible to apply.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer