Thursday, October 29, 2009

Mayoral Conversation: What's At Stake?

What's at Stake in the 2009 Race for Mayor?


Thursday, October 29, 2009
6pm
Teen Challenge Center
444 Clinton Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238


Special Invited & Confirmed Speakers:
N.Y.S. Democratic Conference Chair- Honorable John Sampson
DC 37 Local 371 President- Faye Moore
President, Retail Wholesale Department Store Union (RWDSU)- Stuart Appelbaum.


Sponsors: 57th A.D. Democratic Organization & District Committeeperson Olanike Alabi

Tenants In Predatory Equity Buildings Speak Out!, Forum; 10/29; Trinity Church, Lower Manhattan

**For Immediate Release**

October 28, 2009


CONTACTS: Elana Shneyer- (646) 245-2935, Elana_shneyer@prattarea.org;
Amyre Loomis- (718) 260-9191, aloomis@council.nyc.gov


Tenants in Predatory Equity Buildings Speak out about poor conditions, harassment and the loss of affordable housing– immediately following a candidates forum on Poverty, Housing, Hunger and Homelessness this Thursday, October 29th, at 5:30pm

Tomorrow, Council Member Letitia James and tenants from Brooklyn apartment buildings owned by the predatory equity company Dermot will gather at 5:30 pm outside of Trinity Church located at 74 Trinity Place. Tenants plan to expose the issues in their buildings including landlord harassment, poor building conditions, and lack of communication with management, which has persisted in many cases for more than two years.

Tenants view these problems as part of a larger trend in NYC where landlords are purchasing buildings and trying to turn a profit by any means possible - including evicting as many tenants as possible. These tenants are demanding that city government pay attention to the needs of moderate and low income tenants, and that voters take into account candidate positions on preserving and creating affordable housing next Tuesday.

This press conference is an opportunity for Dermot tenants to discuss the ongoing and serious issues in place at their buildings and management's refusal to meet with them, as well as how these problems connect to larger City politics, such as the lack of attention being given to quality, affordable housing by top leadership.

What: Tenants Speak Out against Predatory Equity and Harassment
When: Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Where: In Front of Trinity Church, 74 Trinity Place (between Wall Street and Rector Place) in lower Manhattan

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ATTENTION: Conference on Air Quality, Electricity, and Energy Concerns; 10/30; CUNY Grad Center


WHERE: Friday, October 30, 2009
10AM- 12PM

African-American Environment Association hosts...

Air Quality & Electricity: Why it Matters to You

Join New York stakeholders from environmental, public policy, and community outreach groups to discuss New York's energy concerns, environmental justice, green jobs and more!

This event is RSVP only; for more information, call

ATTENTION: Clinton Avenue Carnival of Carnage Now until Halloween!

CARNIVAL OF CARNAGE!!!

Where: 313 Clinton Avenue
When: Halloween Night
Shows beginning at 5pm and will be running every half hour
Please come by Sat/Sun’s from now until Halloween and buy a t-shirt or Tote to help support the Show!!!

From 11am-6pm at 313 Clinton Avenue between Dekalb and Lafayette!!

313 Clinton Avenue Carnival of Carnage, shows run every 30 minutes between 5pm– 8pm. This year’s circus theme is more extravagant than ever before and will amaze all spectators. The street will be closed off and multiple homes will be participating. The Society for Clinton Hill is a sponsor of this event.

You can learn more about the pretty awesome guy who's behind Carnage at the NYT-Local here.

Moving Pictures: (Producer) Mark Wahlberg Teaches Us How To Make It


On Wednesday November 4, 2009 the HBO television show “HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA” is scheduled to shoot exterior scenes at Shipyard- Clinton Avenue @ Flushing Avenue.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 9am– 3pm

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

ATTENTION: FLU & H1N1 INFO- FLU/VACCINATION LOCATIONS, FLU SHOTS FOR STUDENTS

Following the announcement that the administration is offering free flu shots to students to help prevent the spread of H1N1 this fall, and Fort Greene's brush with the swine flu, we are happy to share the following with parents of the 35th District--

The City is emphasizing preventative measures in order to keep influenza out of schools. Firstly, all children are expected to be properly vaccinated by their medical provider, or at a flu vaccination clinic. Additionally, some drug stores are offering flu services (including influenza and H1N1 vaccinations) to individuals without regular doctors.

Children should be kept home if ill. The City is monitoring public schools for sudden increases in influenza-like illness (ILI). If a school nurse sees 5 or more cases of students exhibiting ILI in one day, the school will send a letter to parents and guardians stressing the need to keep sick children home. If a school nurse reports ILI in 4% (a minimum of 15 students) of the school’s students on a given day, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will conduct an on-site assessment of the school and work with the school to strengthen its flu prevention efforts.

As stated, the City is providing the H1N1 vaccine at no cost to public and non-public school students. Elementary school students have received H1N1 information packets with vaccination consent forms that parents and guardians must return to have their children vaccinated. No child will be vaccinated without parental consent.

The vaccination program in elementary schools will take place over three phases: phase one will begin on October 28th in school buildings with enrollments of less than 400 students; phase two starts on November 4th in school buildings with enrollments of more than 600 students; and phase three begins on November 9th in the remaining elementary schools. Non-public schools that choose to participate will also be scheduled to receive the vaccine during this period.

Below are the elementary schools participating in the vaccination program:

Phase I-
P.S. 046 Edward C. Blum
P.S. 020 Clinton Hill
P.S. 287 Bailey K. Ashford
P.S. 316 Elijah Stroud
P.S. 157 Benjamin Franklin

Phase II
P.S. 221 Toussaint L'Ouverture

Phase III
P.S. 167 The Parkway
P.S. 161 The Crown
P.S. 011 Purvis J. Behan
P.S. 022
P.S. 375 Jackie Robinson School
P.S. 067 Charles A. Dorsey
COMMUNITY ROOTS CHARTER SCHOOL
P.S. 009 Teunis G. Bergen
P.S. 241 Emma L. Johnston

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Moving Pictures: Meets Pete Wentz for DKNY at clandestine locations


On Tuesday October 27, 2009 a photo shoot for “DKNY” is scheduled to film exterior scenes at the following locations:

· Fort Greene Park
· Myrtle Avenue at North Portland Avenue

APPROXIMATE TIME: 7am-7pm

ATTENTION: 11th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest; 10/31

11th ANNUAL GREAT PUPkin DOG COSTUME CONTEST

WHEN: Saturday, October 31

NEW LOCATION: Fort Greene Park Monumental Stairs
Registration begins 11:30a.m.
Judging 12:00 noon – 1:00p.m.

Suggested donation: $5.00 per entrant

2009 Judging Panel:
Robin Lester – Clinton Hill Blog founder
Michelle Lewis – ScooterFood founder
Luz Santlage – Brooklyn Veterinary Hospital.

Special celebrity guest: Emmett the pig

ATTENTION: Society for Clinton Hill's Halloween Walk!!!

SOCIETY FOR CLINTON HILL’S 16TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN WALK!

When: Saturday October 31st
Time: 5:00-6:30pm
Where: Pratt – Clinton Hill Community Garden
Corner of Dekalb Avenue and Hall Street.

All residential and costumed Trick–or–Treaters up to the age of 12 are invited!

The Parade Route winds through the neighborhood! Maps to the most generous homes will be provided.

PARENTS: PLEASE ACCOMPANY YOUR CHILD!

NYCHA Job Fair: Only for NYCHA Residents

“REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN”: A CAREER & JOB FAIR FOR NYCHA RESIDENTS

Date: November 12th, 2009

You MUST ATTEND a Pre-Employment Workshop

To register, or to get more information, please call (718) 289-8100

Job Fair by Invitation Only! Only for NYCHA Residents

Friday, October 23, 2009

Greenlight Bookstore Opens Its Doors; FG; 10/24


The Greenlight Bookstore, an independent bookstore opening in Fort Greene, is celebrating their long-awaited grand opening!

When: Saturday, October 24
7:00PM
Where: 686 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Please visit the Greenlight Bookstore's website for more information.

North Flatbush BID Hosts 4th Annual Chidlren's Halloween Events!


The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District PRESENTS:

The 4th Annual Childrens Halloween Spooky-tacular Event

HOSTED by the Pacific Street Bears Community Garden!

When: Sunday, October 25, 2009
Time: 1pm-4pm
Where: The Pacific Street Bears Community Garden
(Entrance is on Flatbush Avenue and Pacific Street)

Children's activities include:

-Decorate and take home free pumpkin
-Facepainting by Bert
-Create your own halloween picture frame
-Free picture taking
-Scarey storytelling
-Trick or Treat for Unicef
-Win a child's Boy/Girl Halloween Costume $1 Raffle
-Treat Bags
-Ping Pong

For more information call 718-783-1685 or email sdavidson@nfbid.com. Visit www.nfbid.com for more information.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

ATTENTION: DOE Sponsors 2nd Annual Fall Saturday Parent Academy

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION INVITES PARENTS TO ATTEND THE SECOND ANNUAL FALL SATURDAY PARENT ACADEMY

When: Saturday, October 24
Where: P.S. 234- 292 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10007
Time: 9:00a.m.– 3:00p.m.

The sessions will cover a wide variety of topics from strategies to help your child succeed in school, to the responsibilities of the Parent Association and Parent Teacher Association.

For more information contact the Office for Family Engagement and Advocacy at: (212) 374-2323 or OFEA@schools.nyc.gov.

Parents who wish to participate and who require childcare or translation and interpretation services should register at: http://schools.nyc.gov/offices/OFEA.

Moving Pictures: Things That Never Get Old

On Wednesday October 28, 2009 the television show “LAW & ORDER” is scheduled to shoot interior and exterior scenes at the following locations:

· Brooklyn Navy Yard – 63 Flushing Ave
· Adelphi St @ Myrtle Avenue
· 123 Clermont Ave between Myrtle & Park Avenues.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 7am– 11pm

It's not SVU, but we couldn't resist posting a Stabler pic.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

CM James Urges Parents to Enroll 4YOs Before October 30th

**For Immediate Release**

October 19, 2009

CONTACT: Amyre Loomis– (718) 260-9191

Hundreds of Free Pre-K Seats Still Available at Brooklyn Locations

Council Member James Urges Parents to Enroll Four-Year-Olds before October 30th Deadline

Brooklyn, October 19, 2009– During a recent visit to Young Minds Day Care Center in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, Council Member Letitia James learned that the center still has several Universal pre-Kindergarten seats available. She urges parents to enroll their four-year-olds in free Universal pre-Kindergarten (UPK) classes this month. Many full day and half day UPK seats remain available at 265 locations within the borough of Brooklyn, and parents only have until October 30, 2009 to enroll their children.

“Low enrollment in day care centers is a high priority issue for me. Unfortunately, Brooklyn day care centers have the lowest enrollment rates of all five boroughs,” she said. “In this time of growing budget reductions, we must make sure that our funding and valuable resources are not cut by the Administration of Children’s Services, or returned to the State due to underuse especially when there is a clear need for day care, as we know exists in Brooklyn.”

All New York City children who turn four years of age by December 31, 2009 are eligible for free UPK seats. Available half-day and full day UPK seats are located at public schools and community-based childcare centers contracted by the Department of Education. UPK offers flexibility in that families can enroll their children in available seats located where they live, where they work, where they go to school, or wherever it is convenient for them.

Carolie Mills-Skeete, Director of Young Minds Day Care Center encourages parents to visit. “What makes Young Minds special is our hands-on approach, plus our dance and art classes,” she said.

Since 2002, the number of four-year-olds enrolled in UPK has increased by over 14,000, with more than 59,000 available seats this year. The City Council and the Bloomberg administration have worked collaboratively with childcare advocates to increase access to pre-kindergarten programs and to ensure their quality over the past six years. However, the majority of funding for UPK comes from state funds, and every year the City is forced to return millions of dollars to the state because UPK seats went unused.

For a full list of programs in your neighborhood that still have seats available, parents can go to City Map on www.nyc.gov, http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/PreK or call 311.


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ATTENTION: CM James Sponsors Fort Greene Food Conference; 10/24; PS 67; 1PM

Following the huge success of the recent Brooklyn Food Conference, the community is proud to present another grassroots neighborhood-based event to support a just, sustainable, healthy and delicious food system in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

Talk, listen and learn (and eat!) at the…
FORT GREENE FOOD CONFERENCE

Sponsored by Council Member Letitia James

All Free! There will be guest speakers, two-hours of workshops, and a closing with healthy foods provided by some of the best restaurants in Fort Greene!

When: Saturday Oct. 24, 2009, 1PM-6PM
Where: PS 67- 51 St. Edwards Street (between Park and Myrtle Avenues in Brooklyn)

For more information, go to: brooklynfoodconference.org/fg or call (718) 260-9191.

Monday, October 19, 2009

13th Annual Halloween Walk!!!


13th ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SAFE PATH WALK

When: Saturday October 31, 2009
5:00p.m– 9:00p.m

The walk will begin on Rutland Road and Flatbush Avenue, and will end up at the 71st Precinct Station House at 421 Empire Boulevard.

FREE Halloween bags, candy, and giveaways.

There will also be information available regarding Affordable Healthcare for Children and Families.

To register for Health Insurance please bring:
- Proof of Address (e.g. recent electric, cable bills)
- Proof of Child’s age (e.g. passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of Income (e.g. four (4) recent paycheck stubs)
- Social Security Card (if available)
- All adults: Please bring state-provided Photo ID

ATTENTION: FRESH Program Offers Incentives To Grocery Stores

Food Retail Expansion to Support Health (FRESH)

The FRESH program is the first in the country to combine a set of zoning and financial incentives to make it more advantageous to open grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods.

The program is designed to address the resulting lack of nutritious, affordable fresh food in certain neighborhoods, which is an issues that has been linked to health issues such as diabetes and obesity.

The program will encourage new full-line grocery stores– with a fresh fruit and vegetable aisle, dairy and frozen foods, and meat selections– in underserved areas in: Upper Manhattan (Community Districts 9-12), the South Bronx (Community Districts 1-7), Central Brooklyn (Community Districts 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 16 & 17) and the Special Downtown Jamaica Community District in Queens.

Stores that will benefit from the program must meet the following criteria:

-Provide a minimum of 6,000 square feet retail space for a general line of food and nonfood grocery products intended for home preparation, consumption and utilization.
-Provide at least 50% of space for the above products.
-Provide at least 30% of retail space for perishable goods.
-Provide at least 500 square feet of retail space for fresh produce.

The zoning incentives provided under the proposed will:

-An additional square foot of development for every square foot provided for a certified FRESH store, up to 20,000 square feet.
-Reduce the number of parking spaces for certified FRESH food stores; this will reduce cost of developing new stores.
-Permit food stores up to 30,000 square feet in size M1 zoning districts as-of-right cutting the expense and time required for governmental approval.

FRESH food stores may also be eligible for financial incentives through the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) which include:
-Real estate tax abatements.
-Mortgage recording tax waivers.
-Sales tax exemptions on purchase of materials used to construct , renovate and equip grocery stores.
-These incentives are available to new and existing stores.

These zoning changes are going to be considered by the Council at the Zoning and Franchise Subcommittee hearing on Monday October 26th.

Further details are available at: www.nyc.gov/FRESH

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

ATTENTION: New Grants for Block Beautification from Citizens Committee for NYC

NEW GRANTS PROGRAM FROM CITIZENS COMMITTEE FOR NEW YORK CITY

A new block transformation grants program has been implemented, which is intended to support 50 resident-led block beautification projects. Community groups can request a wide range of services from the NYC Departments of Sanitation, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation that will be completed over the course of the grant cycle.

Awardees will receive a $500 cash grant along with expedited support from city agencies for block improvements.

The application can be downloaded from www.citizensnyc.org

The deadline for applications is November 30, 2009.

For more information, please contact Alicia Rouault at 212-822-9558 or arouault@citizensnyc.org.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

ATTENTION: Legal Aid Overpayment Clinic


LEGAL AID OVERPAYMENT CLINIC

If you have been told by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you have been paid too much in SSI or Social Security benefits then the Legal Aid Society may be able to assist you.

To be screened for their October 2009 overpayment clinic please call-

Jocelyne Martinez
718-422-2745
Supervising Attorney
Disability Assistance Program

Monday, October 12, 2009

Moving Pictures: Is Making You Feel Sleepy

On Monday October 12, 2009 and Tuesday October 13, 2009 the commercial “UNISOM” is scheduled to film interior scenes at 470 Flushing Avenue between Spencer & Walworth Streets.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 7am – 7pm

Friday, October 9, 2009

ATTENTION: Educational Program on Tenants/Foreclosures; 10/22; BK Law


EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ON TENANTS & FORECLOSURES

For Community Leaders and Service Providers

When: Thursday, October 22, 2009

Time: 3pm– 5pm

Where: Brooklyn Law School
Forchelli Conference Center
205 State Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

DIRECTIONS: (Jay St– Borough Hall stop on the A line OR Court St– Borough Hall stop on the 2, 3, 4, 5, M, N, R lines)

Panelists:
Raun Rasmussen, Legal Services NYC
Louise Seeley, City-Wide Task Force on Housing Court
Josiah Madar, Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at NYU

Moderator:
John D. Feerick, Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham Law School

ATTENTION: DDDB Hosts BK Walkathon To Support AY Legal Battle


DEVELOP DON’T DESTROY BROOKLYN WALKATHON

On October 17th, a walkathon will be taking place to stop the Atlantic Yards project, end eminent domain abuse, massive over-development, and the destruction of the Brooklyn we know and love.

The Walkathon will feature hundreds of walkers and start at Borough Hall and finish with a community party in Fort Greene's Habana Outpost.

For more information or to sign up for the walk or to sponsor a walker visit:
http://dddb.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=323520

All money raised will go towards Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn’s legal battle against the Atlantic Yards Project.

Moving Pictures: Aims To Misbehave


On Sunday October 11, 2009 a short film is scheduled to film interior scenes at 170 Tillary Street between Gold Street and Flatbush Avenue.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 6am-12pm

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Elected Officials and BK community Remember Victim Edward Hunt, Renew Calls for Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 7, 2009
 
Vigil to mark One-Year Anniversary of death of father and sanitation worker; Community to gather at site of shooting to remember Edward Hunt - this Thursday at 6:30 pm
 
Edward Hunt, a much-respected member of the Lincoln Place community was shot and killed on October 8, exactly one year ago.  In order to mark the unfortunate event, and to call attention to the fact that the murderer has not yet been found - members of the Lincoln Civic Block Association and neighboring residents will gather tomorrow for a candle-light vigil at 6:30 pm.
 
Edward Hunt, father of a now four-year-old, was on his way to work at 5 a.m. last October when he was shot twice at close range.  He died later that day at Kings County Hospital.
 
Numerous residents and public officials are expected to attend the vigil, including: Terrell Harris, brother of Edward Hunt; Robin Lyde, mother of Benny Lyde; Council Member Letitia James; Council Member Al Vann; State Senator Eric Adams; Assemblyman Karim Camara; 43rd District Leader Jesse Hamilton; James Caldwell, 77 Precinct Community Council; and Shalawn Langhorne, Community Counseling and Mediation (CCM).
 
“Just as the murderer of Benny A. Lyde was found, I am confident we will find the person responsible for the tragic shooting of Edward Hunt.  The day of reckoning will soon come,” said Council Member James.
 
Read more at: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/10/08/2008-10-08_sanitation_worker_gunned_down_outside_br.html?print=1&page=all#ixzz0THfJMkUq
 
What: Vigil to mark One-Year Anniversary of the death of Edward Hunt
 
When: October 8, 2009
 
Where: Lincoln Place at New York Avenues in Crown Heights, Brooklyn
 
Time: 6:30 PM
 
Please contact Alfred Chiodo at (718) 260-9191 if you would like more information.
 
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

PS 307 Students Host Youth-Run Farm Stand in Vinegar Hill


YOUTH-RUN FARM STAND

When: Wednesday October 7th, 2009

Where: Dr. Daniel Hale Williams School (PS 307) in the Vinegar Hill section of Brooklyn-
209 York Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

A youth-run farm stand will run from 3:30PM to 7:00PM which will be a source of fresh, local fruits and vegetables for the community.

Will take place at the front of the school every Wednesday afternoon in October as a pilot.

Both WIC and food stamps will be accepted.

Youth managers are local teens who have been trained and hired to run the farm stand, and volunteers from the PS 307 PTA will be present to assist customers and serve as caretakers of the premises.

ATTENTION: Stand With ACORN; 10/14; Clinton Hill; Brown Memorial Church


STAND UP FOR OUR COMMUNITIES; STAND WITH ACORN

Join with fellow community groups in telling the truth about ACORN and community organizing.

When: Wednesday October, 14th 2009 at 11:30a.m.

Where: Brown Memorial Church
484 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238

(Take the C train to Clinton-Washington station; it's on the corner of Gates and Washington Avenue)
For more information- call Amelia at (718) 222-1089 ext. 243

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

ATTENTION: Annual Citywide Parent Conference for Home-Schoolers; 10/31


12TH ANNUAL CITYWIDE PARENT CONFERENCE: STRENGTHENING THE HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

WHEN:
Saturday, October 31, 2009
8:00AM– 2:30PM

WHERE:
Hilton New York
1335 Avenue of the Americas
(Sixth Ave. at West 53rd St.)
New York, NY 10019

FREE ADMISSION – YOU MUST REGISTER BY OCT 19. You may get more information here: www.uft.org/parentconf.pdf

FOR ADULTS ONLY – no children permitted!

Program--
8:00a.m.– 9:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:00a.m.– 12:30 p.m. Exhibits and Ask the Experts
9:30a.m.– 11:00a.m. Workshop I
11:20a.m.– 12:30 p.m. Workshop II
12:50p.m.– 2:30p.m. Luncheon, Entertainment, Prizes

ATTENTION: BK Electeds/BK Church Congregations Host Conversation with Gov. Paterson; 10/21


NYS Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, U.S. Representative Ed Towns, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, and NYC Council Member Al Vann join...

Brooklyn Congregations Together (B.C.T)
in inviting you to attend

A Community Conversation with NYS GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON

WHEN:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
6:00PM– 8:00PM

WHERE: First A.M.E. Zion Church
54 MacDonough Street
(between Tompkins & Marcy Avenues)
Brooklyn, NY 11216

For information call-
Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson: (718) 399-7630
First A.M.E. Zion Church: (718) 638-3343

Monday, October 5, 2009

ATTENTION: Join State Sen. Adams and Governor Paterson Host Sukkot Celebration


NYS Senator Eric Adams invites you to join...

GOVERNOR DAVID PATTERSON at the JEWISH CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

792 Eastern Parkway at Kingston Avenue

On Wednesday, October 7, 2009

In celebration of SUKKOT

RSVP by calling the Office of NYS Senator Eric Adams on 718-284-4700.

The governor will arrive between the hours of 6:00pm and 7:00pm. It is requested that all guests please arrive prior to 6:00pm.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

ATTENTION: Events for Students Entering High School

THE ANNUAL CITYWIDE HIGH SCHOOL FAIR AND OTHER EVENTS FOR STUDENTS APPLYING TO HIGH SCHOOL.

The Department of Education will host its annual Citywide High School Fair at Brooklyn Technical High School--

WHERE:
Brooklyn Technical High School
29 Fort Greene Place

WHEN:
October 3-4
10:00AM- 3:00PM

Eighth and ninth-grade students applying to high school this year are strongly encouraged to attend the fair.

Individual schools will hold open houses for interested students:

Edward R. Murrow High School will hold open house on October 24th and October 25th, from 11:00AM to 3:00PM. Edward R. Murrow is located at 1600 Avenue L in Brooklyn.

Those with questions should call the office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

ATTENTION: U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey


U.S. Census

What is the American Community Survey (ACS)?

The ACS is part of the Decennial Census Program. It is a survey that is sent to a small percentage of our population on a rotating basis.

This data was previously collected only in census years in conjunction with the decennial census. Since the ACS is conducted every year, rather than once every ten years, it will provide more current data throughout the decade.

The ACS is conducted under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141 and 193. The Census Bureau may use the information it collects only for statistical purposes. Title 13 requires the Census Bureau to keep all information about you, and all other respondents, strictly confidential.

Why is this information so important?

Local and state governments use statistical information the Census Bureau provides to distribute money to cities and towns. The census data help to plan and fund:
-School construction
-Transportation systems and highways
-Police and fire precincts
-Public housing
-Future utility needs

Data analysts use census data to:
-Determine how cities are growing and changing
-Determine sites for new businesses
-Determine if a community has the workforce a company needs
-Forecast future demand for products
-Determine sites for day care and nursing care

How do individuals benefit by answering the American Community Survey?

The American Community Survey and the Puerto Rico Community Survey provide up-to-date information for the nation, states, cities, counties, municipos, metropolitan areas, and communities. It will help the community to establish goals, identify problems and solutions, and measure the performance of programs.

Communities need data about the well-being of children, families, and the elderly to provide services to them.

The data also are used to decide where to locate new highways, schools, libraries, hospitals, and community centers; to determine the goods and services its residents need.

How will the Census Bureau use the Information?

For statistical purposes only and cannot publish or release information that would identify someone’s household.

The information will be used in combination with information from other households to produce data for the community to help federal, state, and local governments plan, administer and evaluate government programs. Similar data will be produced for communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

General Information about the 2010 U.S. Census-
-The census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years
-The census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution
-The next census is in 2010
-Your participation in the census is required by law
-It takes less than 10 minutes to complete
-Federal law protects the personal information you share during the census
-Census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide, and to distribute $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments each year

Important Dates:
Fall 2008: Recruitment begins for local census jobs for early census operations
Spring 2009: Census employees go door-to-door to update address list nationwide
Fall 2009: Recruitment begins for census takers needed for peak workload in 2010
February– March 2010: Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households
April 1, 2010: Census Day
April – July 2010: Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail
December 2010: By law, Census Bureau delivers population counts to President for apportionment
March 2011: By law, Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states

More information can be found here.