ATTENTION: Con Ed Urges Customers in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy To Reduce Potential Outage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Media Relation
4 p.m

CON EDISON URGES CUSTOMERS IN GREENPOINT, WILLIAMSBURG, FORT GREENE, CLINTON HILL & BEDFORD-STUYVESANT TO REDUCE THEIR USE OF ELECTRICITY NEW YORK

NEW YORK-- Con Edison is urging all customers in the neighborhoods of Greepoint, Williamsburg, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, to discontinue their use of non-essential electrical appliances and equipment until problems on the area electrical cables can be resolved.

There are no outages in the area at this time and this conservation request is precautionary designed to take pressure off the electrical system in these neighborhoods, while crews are repairing equipment.

The affected area includes approximately 90,000 customers, and is bounded by Newtown Creek on the north, Graham and Throop Avenues on the east, Fulton and Pacific Streets on the south, and the East River on the west.

Company crews are working to repair the problem. Con Edison has asked customers in these neighborhoods not to use appliances such as washers, dryers, air conditioners and other energy-intensive equipment and to turn off lights and televisions when not needed until the cable equipment problems are resolved.

The cable equipment problems in the above mentioned neighborhoods have no effect on the rest of the Con Edison system. Con Edison will provide updates to affected customers both directly and through the media as the situation warrants. The company is in constant communication with the New York City Office of Emergency Management.

Con Edison urges customers to call 1-800-75-CONED promptly if they are experiencing any service difficulties. Customers can also report power interruptions or service problems, as well as view service restoration information online at http://www.coned.com/, and on their cell phones and PDAs.

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ATTENTION: OEM Cooling Centers Open Around

Due to the high heat index for the next few days the Office of Emergency Management has opened cooling centers throughout New York City. To find the nearest cooling center, please see here.

Residents can type in their address or cross streets, and a list will be provided of all the cooling centers near their residence.

Stay cool! Ice cold!

CM James Supports Flushing Avenue Bike Lane

**For Immediate Release**
June 25, 2010

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn is getting a two-way, protected bike lane linking cyclists between the Manhattan Bridge and Williamsburg

This is an effort to energize the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway project- in the works since 1993

The Flushing Avenue bike lane is a win-win situation for the Department of Transportation, Brooklyn and elected officials. The City has abandoned its contentious plan to convert Flushing Avenue to a one-way street to accommodate a two-way bike lane. The new design will maintain two-way car flow, yet still provide for a bike lane.

This new proposal maintains two-way traffic between Kent Avenue and Navy Street, as well as adds a two-way protected bike lane east of Washington Avenue (a jersey barrier and buffer zones between cars and cyclists).

“As an advocate for compromise, I am pleased that the new plan for Flushing Avenue is satisfactory to both drivers and bikers. I want to commend Council Member James for leading the discussion and negotiations for the new plan,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “As a member of the Environmental Protection Committee, I am an advocate for alternative transportation and minimizing traffic flow. However, on a busy street, it is important that traffic flow is maintained while we continue the effort to green our city. I urge both drivers and bikers alike to call 311 or my office if there are any problems or concerns with the new street configuration.”

The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway initiative, which is overseen by the Department of Transportation, has developed a plan that pleases all parties involved. Drivers and residents of the nearby Navy Yard area will not be forced to acquiesce to bikers and exit Flushing Avenue in one direction, as the original plan included.

“Residents living around Flushing Avenue, and tenants of the Navy Yard who attended the recent public meeting were not content with the original bike lane proposal - because of the one-way street component. We are grateful that DOT has responded to their concerns,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Of course, our long-term goals are to create safe pathways for everyone in the community. I support slowing down traffic, along with creating an easier, usable bikeway. This proposal is part of the big picture for the future waterfront greenway, and will positively change Flushing Avenue. I also know first hand from constituents that bikers are very ready for this long-awaited change.”

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Moving Pictures: Greed Is Good

From Monday, June 28th to Wednesday, June 30th,
and from Wednesday, July 14th to Friday, July 16th,
and from Monday, July 19th to Friday July 23rd, 2010,
the “Cooking Channel” is scheduled to film interior scenes at Flushing Avenue between Spencer Street and Walworth Street.


APPROXIMATE TIME: 7am-9pm

____________________

And speaking of nom noms, the NYT-Local reports that "Pierre Thiam, owner of the Brooklyn restaurants Yolele and Le Grand Dakar, competed against Bobby Flay in Battle: Papaya on Iron Chef America, which aired Sunday." Bobby Flay is basically the most handsome and awesome chef ever, and he should receive a Golden Globe or something for his work on Throwdown. Congrats, Pierre.

Weekend Activities!

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fort Greene Park

The Fort Greene Festival is a celebration of the cultures, cuisine, and artistic diversity of Brooklyn. The festival host will be Malik Yoba, and co-hosts are Toure and Rosie Perez. The day will also include performances by rapper Common, Zap Mamma and more.

______________________

FABfest on Fulton Street concludes with a 4-hour music and dance tribute to MICHAEL JACKSON!

Sunday, June 27, 2010, FABfest is goes out with 4-hours of Michael Jackson- on the anniversary of his passing- with music, dance and more in honor of the King of Pop... featuring DJ REBORN.

There will be games, crafts and activities for kids; chess
tournaments and mini-golf competitions. Plus EVERYBODY PAINT is back, where everyone is invited to grab a brush and create a work of art inspired by MJ.

It's all FREE on Fulton Street between Lafayette and South Oxford, Sundays in JUNE. Presented by the FAB Alliance (http://www.faballiance.org/)

Moving Pictures: Thinks You're Stubborn

On Thursday, July 1st & 2nd, 2010 a the HBO television production of “Mildred Pierce” will be de-rigging at Washington Avenue between Greene Avenue & Lafayette Avenue.


APPROXIMATE TIMES: 6am – 8pm

Brooklyn Residents and Elected Leaders Protest Prokhorov As Owner of Nets; 6/24; MSG; 12Noon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: June 23, 2010

Rev. Clinton Miller (718) 638-6121, (646) 290-0490

BUSLOADS OF RESIDENTS TO JOIN CLERGY AND ELECTED LEADERS TO PROTEST NBA’S DECISION TO ACCEPT MIKHAIL PROKHOROV AS MAJORITY OWNER OF THE NETS

Group cites a failure of NBA Commissioner David Stern to thoroughly investigate Prokhorov, his ownership in a questionable investment bank and disappointment in Stern and his failure to respect global human rights

NEW YORK, New York– On Thursday, June 24 at noon, busloads of Brooklyn residents will travel across the Brooklyn Bridge to Madison Square Garden with area clergy members, lead by Pastor Clinton M. Miller of Brown Memorial Baptist Church, and elected officials to protest the NBA’s decision to accept Mikhail Prokhorov as the majority owner of the Nets basketball franchise.

In a tersely worded letter signed and delivered to NBA Commissioner David Stern, more than 300 residents, community organizations and congregations have called on Commissioner Stern to open a thorough investigation of Prokhorov and Renaissance Capital, an investment bank of which he is part owner. It is alleged that Renaissance Capital violated U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe.

According to the letter, “…it is only fitting that the league should respect global human rights. Anything less would be morally wrong and could potentially ensnare the NBA, its member clubs, and personnel in complex international human rights violations…”

The Nets were purchased by Forest City Ratner Companies in 2004 as part of a package development deal called Atlantic Yards. Finally passing many hurdles – including community opposition – the controversial development has begun. The Nets are expected to play in Brooklyn by the 2012 season.

WHO: Rev. Clinton M. Miller, Pastor, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; elected officials; Brooklyn residents

WHAT: Protest and rally

WHEN: Thursday, June 24 at 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden W. 33rd St. and 7th Avenue, Manhattan

ATTENTION: Free IT Training For High School Students

Free IT Training

Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides urban young adults 18-24, with a unique combination of technical and professional skills, college credits, an educational stipend and corporate internship. The program is providing free IT training for anyone in that category with a high school diploma or a GED that has an interest in IT. The program is free.

This program asks for a 1-year commitment between the hours of 8:30am and 5:00pm. Each participant will be provided with a stipend, and after six months, internships at competitive companies could be available.

Year Up has achieved excellent results to date:

100% placement of qualified students into apprenticeships

83% student retention

90% of apprentices meet or exceed apprenticeship partner expectations

87% of graduates placed in full or part-time positions within 4 months of graduation

$15/hr average wage at placement

Moving Pictures: May Or May Not Call Matt Bomer

On Thursday, June 24, 2010, the television show “WHITE COLLAR” returns to steal our hearts and shoot interior and exterior scenes at Cambridge Place between Gates Avenue and Fulton Street.

Approximate Time: 11am – 1am

On Friday, June 25, 2010 the television show “White Collar” is scheduled to film interior and exterior scenes at Cambridge Place between Gates Avenue and Fulton Street.

APPROXIMATE TIME: 5pm-1am

Moving Pictures: Ruby Tuesday

On Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 a commercial production entitled “Ruby” will be shooting exterior scenes at York Street between Jay Street and Bridge Street.



APPROXIMATE TIMES: 8am – 8pm

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention: The Missions

Prostate Cancer Screening

According to a recent article the NY Daily News, "African-American men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men. And Caribbean-born men in Brooklyn are three times as likely to die from the disease as U.S.-born men." What could be a better gift to a man in your life than the constant nagging to get a prostate screenning? More info here.

Save The Double D Pool

On June 20th, Council Members James and Levin joined Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (who apparently donned his swimming trunks) and State Senator Velmanette Montgomery at a demonstration protesting the City's decision to close of one Brooklyn's most popular outdoor swimming pools- The Double D Pool. It is located at the Thomas Greene Park in Brooklyn, and provides free services (lunches, training, etc.) for residents of Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens. There's a petition here.

Applebees Dining to Donate

On Thursday June 24, 2010, you can make a difference in the life of graduating high school senior by dining at the Applebee's Restaurant, located at Fulton Street & Marcy Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant's Restoration Plaza. Ten percent of your bill will be donated to the scholarship fund for the Restoration Dance Theatre Company. Present this flyer to your server, and become an individual donor of Restoration's youth scholarship program.

The Art, Soul, Future of Brooklyn

I See Promotions, LLC, in association with the Ajile L. Turner Scholarship Fund, present a Fort Greene Festival featuring Common and other performing artists and vendors. For more information you may call (718) 902-9641 or visit http://www.fortgreenefest.com/.

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fort Greene Park
12noon- 10pm

Society for Clinton Hill Hold Summer Picnic; 6/26; 2PM; St. Luke's Church

The Society For Clinton Hill's Summer Picnic

Saturday, June 26th

2:00PM-5:00PM

St. Luke's Church

259 Washington Avenue

Come meet your neighbors, and bring your favorite dish!

ATTENTION: NYU Hosts BEST/Career Exploration Program for High School Students.

The Building Excellence in Science and Technology Program (BEST)is an innovative pre-college enrichment program based at New York University for talented high school students that encourages the presence of historically under-represented groups in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM careers).

NYU's summer Career Exploration Program will operate Monday through Thursday, July 6– July 29, from 9:30am to 3:00pm. During this time, students will not only have the unique opportunity to investigate careers that appeal to their interest, but they will also be able to develop the skills necessary to excel in these professions as well.

The summer program is designed to deliver instruction through the scope of four focused career cohorts: Pre-Law, Business and Accounting, Pre-Medicine & Health, and Engineering. All coursework is designed to teach students the practical applications of the skills and concepts in mathematics and critical thinking (writing and reading) as they relate to a student’s desired career field. In addition, students will be able to participate in trips, career panels, and independent study to showcase what they have learned about their respectivecareer cohorts.

This is a unique opportunity for your child to take the preliminary steps in bringing his or her future career goals into fruition. There is no cost to participate in the program, trips, and activities; however, there is an optional lunch fee of $175 for the duration of the program, which is payable by check or money order to New York University. If you are interested in the Career Exploration Program, please complete and fax the application to (212) 995-4193. All applications and supporting documents are due no later than orientation on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 5:30pm– 7pm. Feel free to contact (212) 992-9463 with any questions that you may have.

Job Opportunity- Mark Morris Dance Company Desk Manager

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY– FRONT DESK MANAGER

The Mark Morris Dance Company is pleased to announce that they are hiring for a newly-created position.

This is a full-time position. The front desk manager will serve as the first point of contact with dance center visitors, staffing the front desk, conducting daily school and studio rental transactions, and actively encouraging participation in dance activities. Front-line customer service for a vibrant, bustling Dance Center is at the core of this position.

Applicant should have a cheery disposition, a sense of humor, possess a great deal of patience (especially when explaining something for the 100th time), and remain calm and collected in a busy environment. Check out the official job description: www.mmdg.org/reception

ATTENTION: Common Ground Senior Housing Affordable Apartments Available!

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED AFFORDABLE SENIOR APARTMENTS FOR RENT
STUDIOS & ONE BEDROOM ELEVATOR BUILDING

Beginning September 1st, 2010, The Domenech (aka Common Ground Senior Housing), a 71 unit building including 11 units that are handicapped accessible, located at 1501 St. Marks Avenue in Brooklyn will available for rent to persons 62 years of age or over.

Upon completion, The Domenech will offer 24-hour security, on site laundry, green roof terrace, spacious court-yard, resident activity space, and other amenities. Qualifications will be based on HUD Section 202 PRAC Federal Guidelines.

Tenants pay approximately 30% of qualified income
- Income Eligibility Guide
* 1 Person Household with an income of no more than $26,900 per year
* 2 Person Household with an income of no more than $30,700 per year

Applications may be requested by calling (212) 624-1471. The application can be downloaded here, or by submitting a written request to:
Common Ground Community Housing Operations
The Domenech
505 8th Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10018

Completed applications must be returned to the PO Box listed on the application and must be received by June 28, 2010.

ATTENTION: DOHMH and Equinox Fitness Clubs Challenge You To Shape Up Today!

Beginning on May 17th, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in partnership with Equinox Fitness Clubs, will be running free fitness classes across the five boroughs.

Shape Up NYC is a free fitness program dedicated to getting New Yorkers into a new habit of fitness. The classes are varied and are taught by expert fitness instructors who know how to make fitness fun.

Exciting new classes include yoga, pilates, zumba and intensati. All classes are open to the public, FREE of charge, and no pre-registration is required. More information available here.

Should you need any further information please call the Shape Up NYC coordinator at 212-360-1356.