ATTENTION: NYC DOE Middle School Fairs

During the month of October, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) Office of Student Enrollment will be hosting Middle School Fairs for students and families in districts that offer Middle School Choice (Districts 1 - 22, 25, 28, 30, 31, 32).

These fairs will provide an opportunity for families to meet representatives from middle schools in their district, learn about the Middle School Choice process and the options students have for middle school.

All fairs will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and interpretation services will be available. Copies of the individual district fair flyers are available on the Middle School Admissions website.

In October, Middle School Directories will be delivered to elementary schools in choice districts as an additional resource for families. The directories also will be available at the Middle School Fairs and on the Middle School Publications page. Families can also sign up for Middle School Admissions and other relevant updates at http://schools.nyc.gov/Subscribe/default.htm

Please note the information for the Middle School Fairs for Districts 13, 14, and 17 – all located within Council Member Letitia James’ Council District.

* District 13: October 6 at M.S. 113-Ronald Edmonds Learning Center, 300 Adelphi Street, Brooklyn, NY 11205 (flyer)

* District 14: October 4 at I.S. 318-Eugenio Maria De Hostos, 101 Walton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206 (flyer)

* District 17: October 13 at Middle School for the Arts, 790 East New York Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203 (flyer)

If families have any questions, they can always email MS_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov or call 718-935-2398.

Job Opportunity- Heart of BK Commercial Revitalization Associate

Heart of Brooklyn- a partnership of the leading cultural institutions located in central Brooklyn- is hiring a Commercial Revitalization Associate.

Hours: Part­‐Time (15 hours, 2­‐3 days a week)
Location: 789 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Hourly Rate: $12/h

Applicants should be highly motivated and have a demonstrated interest in economic development, community outreach, and the not­‐for­‐profit field. This position reports to Heart of Brooklyn's Commercial Revitalization Manager. The Commercial Revitalization Associate will assist several areas of HOB programming, including research and analysis, marketing, and community outreach, with a focus on economic development.

Work includes:
• Promoting small businesses; working closely with local Prospect Heights merchants
• Drafting and maintaining website content
• Social media marketing
• Business database maintenance
• Assisting with the coordination of monthly meetings
• Assisting with the editing and publishing of a quarterly newsletter
• Assisting with Rolling Up the Gates business attraction events
• Supporting tourism initiatives such as The HOB Connection free shuttle
• General administrative duties as needed

This position is ideal for someone who is interested in gaining experience in non­‐profit work, community affairs, and the wonderful borough of Brooklyn. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

To apply:
Please e­‐mail a letter of interest and resume to Rebeca Ramirez at rramirez@heartofbrooklyn.org (subject line: “Commercial Revitalization Associate”) or fax to (718) 638­‐7740.

Job Opportunity- Chase Holding 2nd Job Fair To Hire Customer Service Representatives

Chase Bank is holding its second job fair to reach its goal of hiring 1,000 new customer service professionals in Brooklyn to work in its home lending business.

WHEN: September 28, 2011
10:00AM- 6PM

WHERE: The Brooklyn Bridge Marriott
333 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY

The bank filled 450 jobs at its job fair in Brooklyn last month and plans to add at least 600 more.

All candidates interested in the jobs listed below are encouraged to apply online at www.chase.com/careers and enter the accompanying requisition numbers:
Customer care research specialist- 110077685
Customer care letter editor/writer- 110077704
Customer care supervisor- 110064435
Customer care manager- 110066389

Job Opportunity- PACC Position for Kitchen Assistant

Pratt Area Community Council Department of Social Services is seeking a part-time kitchen assistant to assist the chef at a residential facility in Brooklyn. Since many of the residents are living with chronic conditions and/or their immune systems are compromised, the Kitchen Assistant must be experienced in healthy cooking and knowledgeable of nutritional values.

Responsibilities:
-Assist Chef with one meal per day 5 days a week;
-Assure the cleanliness of the kitchen;
-Ensure kitchen and food handling practices complying with state and city’s standards;
-Work part-time evenings Monday thru Friday

Qualifications:
-Experienced in working with people living with chronic illnesses;
-Have Food Protection Certificate and willing to attend the required training;
-Experienced in cooking for large groups of people

Interested persons should send letter of interest and resume to PACC, Attn: Kitchen Assistant, 201 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11205; email resumes@prattarea.org; or fax 718.422-0413.

ATTENTION: CrH North House Tour; 10/1

The Crown Heights North Association is hosting their 5th Annual House Tour on Saturday, October 1, 2011.

The tour is self-guided and takes place rain or shine. This year's highlights include the homes of two gifted fine artists, three of Brooklyn's finest 19th century architects, and much more.

WHEN: Saturday, October 1, 2011
11:00AM- 4:00PM
(the kickoff ceremony and continental breakfast begins at 10:45AM)

The tour begins at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, on the corner of Brooklyn Avenue and St. John's Place. Tickets are available for only $20 (online) here, or $25 at the door. They can also be purchased at Barbara's Flowers (at 615 Nostrand Avenue) or Yanatiba (714 Washington Avenue). Please contact akavanagh@crownheightsnorth.org for more information.

ATTENTION: Celebrate the New Putnam Triangle Plaza; 9/25

Block Party To Celebrate The New Putnam Triangle Plaza

WHEN: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011
12:00NOON -8:00PM

WHERE: Fulton Street at Grand Avenue/ Putnam Avenue (Clinton Hill, Brooklyn)
Family Yoga and FREE 5-minute massages begin at 11:00AM

Please come out SUNDAY, September 25th to celebrate the creation of a BRAND NEW public space in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, THE PUTNAM TRIANGLE PLAZA at Fulton and Grand. Celebrate with FREE live music; the Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band; Yoga on the Plaza; Free Massages; Face Painters, Free Balloons, Games, Crafts, Activities and Giveaways for Kids; Interactive Art Projects; Food Tastings from Fulton Street Chefs and much more.

For more information, please visit the Fulton Avenue BID/FAB Alliance at faballiance.org or facebook.com/FABfulton.

CM James and Transportation Alternatives Promote NYC Bike Share

On September 22, 2011, teamtish conducted outreach along with Transportation Alternatives in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. To goal was to build upon the previous "Building Bridges Bike Day", and to inform residents about the recent NYC Bike Share initiative. NYC Bike Share will comprise of 600 stations and 10,000 bikes in docking stations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with potential expansion to other boroughs.

Council Member James is a vocal supporter of the program, and has proposed potential docking stations at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene, in Grand Army Plaza, and at Medgar Evers College.

The day's outreach was focused at Lafayette Avenue and Fulton Street. The team spoke to cyclists and pedestrians of all ages about NYC Bike Share. For more information on NYC Bike Share, or to sign a petition for improved bicycle safety, please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081.

Wallabout Historic District Approved by City Council

On September 21, 2011, the New York City Council approved the Wallabout Historic District. Wallabout had previously been designated a historic district by the State Board for Historic Preservation and NYC Landmarks Preservation Committee (LPC) earlier this year.

With the return of the fall session, the City Council’s Land Use Committee considered the landmark designation of Wallabout Historic District at a hearing on September 19, 2011; and the LPC application was approved during yesterday’s Council Stated.

Please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081 with any questions.

Job Opportunity- Queens Hospital Center Hiring Clerical Assistants

Queens Hospital Center (a NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation institution) has two part-time Clerical Associate positions available.

The hourly rate for the positions is $16.80-$19.31, and they require 35 hours per week. The positions may require supervision of clerical activities. All applicants must be bilingual (fluency in Spanish required). Candidates must also possess a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, as well as and eighteen months of full-time satisfactory clerical experience.

Those interested may apply online at the portal employment.nychhc.org.

NYC DOE ANNOUNCES ANNUAL CITYWIDE HIGH SCHOOL FAIR

The New York City Department of Education today announced its annual series of fall events to help students and their families choose a high school. The Department will host its annual Citywide High School Fair at Brooklyn Technical High School (29 Fort Greene Place) this Saturday, September 24, and Sunday, September 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Families also can attend borough high school fairs on October 22 and 23 and workshops in October to learn more about high school options and the admissions process. Individual schools will hold open houses for interested students in the weeks following the fair.

At the Citywide High School Fair this weekend, staff and students from the City’s public high schools will provide information and answer questions about their schools. The fair also will include two workshops about the high school admissions process and two workshops on how to apply to the City’s nine specialized high schools. The Directory of the New York City Public High Schools, 2011-2012, will be available, along with the Specialized High Schools Student Handbook. Interpretation services will be available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.

Eighth- and ninth-grade students applying to high school this year are strongly encouraged to attend the fair. Seventh grade students who want to start learning about their high school options also are invited.

Additionally, the Department will host five borough high school fairs on Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. These fairs will focus exclusively on schools in the boroughs where they are held. The locations for the fairs are as follows:

• Bronx – Theodore Roosevelt Educational Campus (500 East Fordham Road)
• Manhattan – Martin Luther King, Jr. Educational Campus (122 Amsterdam Avenue)
• Queens – Francis Lewis High School (58-20 Utopia Parkway)
• Brooklyn – Edward R. Murrow High School (1600 Avenue L)
• Staten Island – New Dorp High School (465 New Dorp Lane)

In October, the Department will offer workshops across the City about the high school admissions process. The schedule for these workshops will be available on the Department’s Web site (http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/High/Calendar).

Students who are interested in taking the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), in order to qualify for one of the eight specialized testing schools, must see their guidance counselors before October 12 in order to register for the test. Students who wish to audition for LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and the Performing Arts must see their guidance counselors before October 28 in order to obtain an audition ticket.

Last June, seventh grade students received the Directory of the New York City Public High Schools, 2011-2012 and the Specialized High Schools Student Handbook, which introduced them to the admissions process and helped them begin to identify schools that match their educational goals and interests. The Department also hosted workshops for families about the high school admissions process over the summer.

High school applications will be available in mid-October and are due back to guidance counselors no later than December 2. More information about the high school admissions process, including a calendar of events, deadlines, and electronic copies of the high school publications, are available on the Department’s Web site at http://schools.nyc.gov/ChoicesEnrollment/High.

ATTENTION: FREE Prostate Cancer Screening Today; 9/21; Manhattan

The Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC) (affiliated with the Weill Cornell Medical Center) is hosting their 5th Annual Free Prostate Cancer Screening today. The event is sponsored by New York Presbyterian.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 21, 2011
7:00AM- 5:00PM

WHERE: Clinical Translational Science Center
525 East 68th Street
2nd Floor, Room F260, Payson Elevators
New York, NY

The screening is for men over the age of 40. Please contact (212) 746-5450, or see here for more information.

Job Opportunity- DCA Position for Community Associate

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is hiring a Community Associate within the License Issuance Division.

The job responsibilities include reviewing applications, research using the Department database, attending seminars and meetings, and liaising with other city agencies. Applicants should be high school graduates and/or possess three years experience as community organizers.

You may see more information (both on the position as well as how to apply) at the link here.

CM James Hosts Community Conversation with CAO Shael Polakow-Suransky; 10/26; Prospect Heights

New York City Council Member Letitia James invites you to a community conversation with the NYC Department of Education Chief Academic Officer Shael Polakow-Suransky.

This event will be a dialogue about teaching, learning, assessment, and accountability in New York City's public schools including:

• What are the best ways to teach and assess students? teachers? schools?
• What are the strengths, limitations, and plans for improving the DOE’s current accountability system?
• Do we have too much high-stakes testing in our schools? Are there alternative models?
• What is the DOE doing to improve instruction in all schools, including integrating the new Common Core State Standards?

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 6:30pm-8:00pm
Clara Barton High School
901 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn

To RSVP, please call 212-788-7081 or Email: teamtish@gmail.com

Job Opportunity- BK Navy Yard Hiring Visitor Services Manager

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is hiring a Building 92 Visitor Services Manager. The mission of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92 is to celebrate the Navy Yard’s past, present and future, and to promote the role the Yard and its tenants play as an engine for job creation and sustainable urban industrial growth.

The BLDG 92 Visitor Services Manager guides the public’s experience of BLDG 92 through facilitating daily admissions and public programs, which involves handling reception and visitor information, membership and gift sales, and supervising Interactive Resource Guides and volunteers in carrying out their tasks. Responsibilities of the position also include helping to facilitate public programs and events. The Visitor Services Manager reports to the Deputy Director, Exhibitions and Programs.

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, 2-3 years experience in a professional administrative role, and management experience (preferably training and overseeing volunteers). Please see more information on the position here. The Brooklyn Navy Yard may be contacted at (718) 907-5996.

ATTENTION: NY Association of Black Journalists Hosts "First Take" Journalism Program for HS Students

The New York Association of Black Journalists is now accepting applications for its high school journalism program, FIRST TAKE. Students accepted into the program will learn how to report and produce local stories in multiple media formats from New York City’s top journalists.

The eight-week program meets every Saturday from October 1 through November 12, with an additional eighth session that meets on Sunday, November 20. Students will learn how to write news, how to produce a blog, how to shoot and edit video, and how to produce a televised newscast. Students will also have the opportunity to visit a live newsroom in Manhattan.

The program’s instructors include professionals from ABC News, The Associated Press, The New York Times, the New York Post, the Huffington Post and more. The workshop is hosted by the Journalism & Media Arts Department of Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus.

Applicants should be current high school students from the New York City area who have a strong interest in pursuing journalism careers.

Students who successfully complete the program will receive digital and printed copies of their work to begin building their own work portfolios. Also, each student will be awarded a certificate during a brunch ceremony attended by their parents and the workshop mentors.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Students who are interested in participating must complete the online application at firsttakenyc.com/apply.

For additional information, students and parents are encouraged to contact: info@firsttakenyc.com

ATTENTION: FGA/ LPC Info Session On Proposed Extension to FG Historic District

Please join the Fort Greene Association (FGA), and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)- the mayoral agency responsible for protecting the City’s architecturally, culturally and historically significant buildings, neighborhoods and sites- for an information session for property owners on the proposed extension to the Fort Greene Historic District at FGA's next neighborhood meeting.

LPC will make a presentation and answer questions about the proposal, the commission's regulations, and the permit application process.

WHEN: Monday, September 19, 2011
7:00pm- 9:30pm

WHERE: Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Auditorium
357 Clermont Avenue; enter on Greene Avenue


Confirmed guest speakers:
Kate Daly – Executive Director, LPC
Mary Beth Betts – Director of Research, LPC
Tenzing Chadotsang – Director of Grants and Outreach, LPC
Jenny Fernandez - Director of Intergovernmental & Community Relations, LPC
Nadezhda Williams - Director of Preservation & Research, Historic Districts Council

Email your questions to be addressed at the meeting to landmarks@HistoricFortGreene.org. General questions can be directed to FGA at 718-875-1855.

ATTENTION: NYU College of Dentistry Offers FREE Oral Health Screenings

The New York University College of Dentistry is offering FREE Oral Health Screenings.

The screenings will be available for the following dates:
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 and Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 8:30am to 7:00pm
Friday, September 23, 2011 from 8:30am to 4:00pm
Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9:00am to 1:00pm

The following services are available—
- Free Dental Screenings
- Vouchers for free oral examinations and polishing
- Free oral cancer screening for adults
- Vouchers for free dental sealants and free custom-made mouth guards for children 6-16 years of age
- Free diabetes and blood pressure screenings
- Special lecture "Diabetes and your oral health"

The NYU College of Dentistry is located at 345 East 24th Street (on the corner of 1st Avenue) in Manhattan. Please call (212) 998-9800 with any questions or concerns.

ATTENTION: Queens of All Saints Sponsors Health and Wellness Fair; 10/1; 12N-4PM; Clinton Hill

Queen of All Saints Church invites you to attend their 4th Annual Health & Wellness Fair!

Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011
Time: 12 Noon– 4:00 P.M.
Admission Free
Place: 300 Vanderbilt Avenue (Clinton Hill, Brooklyn)

Speak with the invited Health Care Professionals!
(All information and services will be conducted in strict confidence)
Health affiliates providing products and services:
Health Insurance, Assisted Living, Banks, Home Health Care, Pharmacies, Medical Equipment & Supplies, Home Security, Nursing/Rehabilitation Centers, Physical Therapy, Migration Information, Blood Drive and many more

FREE Health Screenings:
Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, Cholesterol, PSA Testing, Hearing & More

This event is sponsored by Queen of All Saints Church. For more information, contact (718) 638-7625 or Office@qasrcc.org.

CM James Comments on ESDC & FCR Appeal Of Court Decision On Ordering Additional Environmental Review Of AY Project

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
September 15, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND FOREST CITY RATNER COMPANIES’ APPEAL OF COURT DECISION ORDERING ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF ATLANTIC YARDS PROJECT

(Brooklyn, NY)— “The drawn out Atlantic Yards project in Prospect Heights has anguished local affordable housing advocates, and become a hardship to businesses, residents, pedestrians and drivers. Residents in the area remember when community voices first rose together against the corporate will of Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards. This project from its inception has posed a series of threats to the community.

As time moves forward, the mounting distance of Ratner’s promises becomes more apparent with this project. Ratner is not delivering on the 2,250 affordable housing units he promised, and Ratner has not fulfilled his promise of 17,000 jobs for the community. Simply put, ESDC and FCRC have not delivered much to the community, and continue to do an injustice to central and downtown Brooklyn residents by disregarding their voices. Will any of the affordable housing and jobs expectations - promises that Ratner originally proposed ever come to pass?

Now, advocates for affordable housing around the Atlantic Yards site will just have to wait; this appears to be the message sent by the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and Forest City Ratner Companies (FCRC) at this time. Surprisingly, they will fight a court decision made last July that ordered additional environmental review of the Atlantic Yards project (a ruling that came after two years of litigation, which protested ESDC's plans to increase the length of the projection construction from 10 years to 25 years).

In filing the appeal, the ESDC will now have no obligation to obey the court order voiding New York State Supreme Court Judge Marcy Friedman’s direction to slow down/stop construction until the state agency conducts a new phase of environmental review of the project, including a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS); as well as a determination on whether to approve the MGPP for Phase II of the project, which constitutes the bulk of the project.

This potentially means that FCRC is able to continue building the arena until the appeals court hears the case - which could take a year or longer. Again, the community’s wishes are simply not considered by the ESDC and FCRC, who see no problem to burden the community with 25 years of construction. FCRC and ESDC are showing once again their commitment to using corporate power to block the community.

An environmental review of the project provides checks and balances, and is a process to protect community. It is obvious that the ESDC and FCRC do not want to spend time and money on a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement because they know other issues might come up that would need to be negotiated. Fighting the court decision ordering additional environmental review of the Atlantic Yards project is yet another stalling tactic by FCRC and ESDC that undermines the protection of the community provided by the New York State Supreme Court. Also, the community continues to wait for Governor Cuomo to follow through on his promises to reform State government, and make the Atlantic Yards project a benefit for Brooklyn.”

###

REMINDER: DSNY Commissioner Reminds NYers to PICK UP AFTER DOG

The NYC Department of Sanitation Commissioner John Doherty reminds New York dog owners to pick up after their dogs.

"It’s time for all responsible dog walkers to make sure they clean up after their pets and keep themon a leash, and for all New Yorkers to reclaim their streets, sidewalks and parkland."

ATTENTION: Citizen's Cmte 2012 Love Your Block Application Available

Citizens Committee is now accepting applications for their Love Your Block grant program. Love Your Block is a special partnership between Citizens Committee and the City of New York that provides a unique opportunity for city residents to transform and beautify their neighborhoods.

Love Your Block offers resident-led volunteer groups a cash grant of $500-$1,000, as well as community-building assistance, to transform a city block. The City of New York matches the grant by providing services from the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Sanitation to help improve the block; such as trash collection, vacant lot cleanup, graffiti removal, dead tree removal, tree planting, providing woodchip mulch for gardening projects, repair of and installation of street signs and street lights, and traffic safety surveys.

Please note the following key dates:

· September 20, 2011 - Grant Application Workshop (Manhattan)

· November 8, 2011 – Grant Deadline

· Early-December 2011 – Grantees Announced

· Mid-December 2011 – Program Orientation

· April - June 2012 – Project Implementation

The application may be found here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/65081320/LYB-2012-Application

For more information, you can visit http://www.citizensnyc.org/grants.html. If you have any questions about the Love Your Block grant, do not hesitate to contact the Citizens Committee for NYC at (212) 989-0909.

ATTENTION: 40 Vanderbilt Housing Application Available

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is now accepting applications for 38 affordable units in the newly constructed building located at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue (Wallabout Section- Fort Greene, Brooklyn). The building participates in a government-assisted affordable housing program supervised by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

For interested and qualified applicants, please visit here to access the application. The application deadline is November 2, 2011. One application per household; applications will be received through a lottery process. You may find further guidelines here.

The 38 available affordable units are studios for one individual. Eligible income range is from $21,774- $28,650, and the rent is a maximum of $664.

Please contact PACC at 718-522-2613 with any further questions.

Job Opportunity- BK Networks Trains for Cable Installation Positions

Brooklyn Networks (of the Brooklyn Workforce Initiative) helps unemployed and low-income New Yorkers start careers in high-speed data and voice transmission cable installation. The program includes 5 weeks of full-time training in the Brooklyn Networks lab at New York City College of Technology.

To be eligible you must meet all of the following criteria:
-Live in New York City & be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
-Be 21 years or older
-Have a clean, valid NY State Driver’s License
-Pass a drug test & be physically fit/able to lift 70lbs
-Be able to pass a reading and math test at/or above the 8th grade level
-Be able to attend class Monday- Friday, 7:45AM- 4:00PM on the New York City College of Technology campus
-Be unemployed, have a low income or receive public assistance

For more information, or to apply, please see here: http://www.bwiny.org/pages/programs/brooklynnetworksa.html

Job Opportunity- Elevator Mechanic

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services has posted openings for elevator mechanic. Elevator Mechanics inspect, maintain, adjust and repair elevator and escalator systems. Some of the physical activities performed by Elevator Mechanics and environmental conditions are: climbing ladders and elevator shafts; moving heavy elevator parts; carrying heavy tool boxes; crawling and working in narrow spaces; walking up and down stairs, 25 floors or more, in high-rise buildings; and working in the vicinity of live electrical circuits and moving elevators.

Please see the following link for information on applicant qualification and application for the position of elevator mechanic: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/201202003000.pdf

CM James Welcomes the New School Year

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
September 8, 2011

Contact: Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Welcomes the Start of a New School Year

“Although school year 2011-2012 began one day later than projected, it is still right on time for many parents and too soon for the thousands of students entering their respective schools today.
The New York City Department of Education in conjunction with the United Federation of Teachers has created new curriculum resources for teachers to use this school year, which will profoundly influence student learning. I ask that principals, teachers, and parents continue to partner to ensure their students are align with this new curriculum and on the right track towards post-secondary education and a career they love.

I welcome new principals and teachers to the district and applaud the returning ones. Your efforts to educate our children never go unappreciated and I thank you all for your commitment to the betterment of our youth. Please continue to build parent engagement and student support. Every bit counts.

Get involved, stay focused, and achieve success. I wish all students, families, school faculty and administrators a very happy and successful school year.”

##

ATTENTION: Federal Disaster Aid Available in BK (NYC)

Some Brooklyn organizations are eligible to receive disaster aid related to Hurricane Irene damages.

Government and some nonprofits. Some nonprofits in Brooklyn (as well as Bronx, Nassau, New York, Queens, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester) counties can receive partial reimbursement for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Irene.
The federal assistance is for the reimbursement (up to 75%) of covered and documented expenses. You don't have to wait to begin your repairs, just keep a careful record of your outlays.

If you think that you, your business or your organization are eligible, begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362).

Updated Information from NYT's Cityroom here.

Job Opportunity- BK Woods Program Trains For Woodworking Positions

Brooklyn Woods (of the Brooklyn Workforce Initiative) helps unemployed and low-income New Yorkers start careers in skilled woodworking and cabinet making. The program includes hands-on training and lectures in woodworking and class time in safety, math and job readiness skills.

Brooklyn Woods is a free full-time 8 week training program preparing individuals for entry-level positions in woodworking and cabinetmaking.

To be eligible you must meet all of the following criteria:
-Live in New York City & be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
-Be 21 years or older
-Be able to pass an 8th grade level reading test and a 6th grade level math test
-Be physically fit and able to lift 70lbs
-Be unemployed, have a low income, or receive public assistance

For more information, or to apply, please see here: http://www.bwiny.org/pages/programs/bwa.html

ATTENTION: Applications Available for No-Interest Women's Entrepreneurial Loan Fund

The Thypin Oltchick Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at FEGS Health and Human Services System presents a Women's Enterprise Action Loan Fund. Women who are small business owners can now apply for a loan for up to $5,000 in resources and services. Free business mentoring is also available. The program is available to women who reside in the NYC/ metro area and have a viable business.

The application is available here: http://www.fegs.org/fegsenews/enews2010/0826/application.pdf

The deadline is September 16, 2011. For more info, please contact ownyourbusiness@fegs.org.

ATTENTION: BPL Offers Expanded Hours

The Brooklyn Public Library is launching a expansion beginning September 10, 2011. Branches borough-wide will open their doors for 21% longer.

The updated hours for local branches are as follows--

Clinton Hill Library
380 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
M- 10AM-6PM
T- 10AM-6PM
W- 1PM-8PM
Th- 10AM-6PM
F- 10AM-6PM
Sa- 10AM-5PM

Washington Irving Library
360 Irving Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
M- 10AM-6PM
T- 10AM-6PM
W- 10AM-6PM
Th- 1PM-8PM
F- 10AM-6PM

Central Library
10 Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, NY
M- 9AM-9PM
T- 9AM-9PM
W- 9AM-9PM
Th- 9AM-9PM
F- 10AM-6PM
Sa- 10AM-6PM
Su- 1PM-5PM

See coverage at the FG/CH Patch.

REMINDER: Tillary Park Job Fair!

Job seekers, please remember to attend the 1st Annual Tillary Park Job Fair on September 14, 2011. Please call (917) 440-3247 for more information.

Job Opportunity- Restaurant Positions Available in District

A few restaurant positions available in the district:

Romans Restaurant
Romans on DeKalb Avenue is seeking a server. Candidates much possess 2-3 years of serving experience, and have weekend availability. Benefits are available after three months of employment. Please see the following link for more information: [LINK]

Cellars Restaurant
Cellars restaurant is seeking an experienced cook. Candidates may drop their resume off at the 250 DeKalb Avenue location. [LINK]

Crown Heights Pizza Restaurant
A new pizza shop opening on Crown Heights seeks experienced pizza makers, pizzaiolos (?), line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers for full and part-time positions. Interested candidates should attend open-house/interviews from Monday-Friday (12noon -2PM). Location is at 781 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. [LINK]



Sharing of employment opportunities is not an endorsement of any business.

Job Opportunity- BAM Seeks Ticket Servers

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is an internationally recognized presenter of contemporary performing arts and cinema. BAM seeks Part-time Ticket Services Representatives for its busy Ticket Services department. It is the responsibility of the Ticket Service Representative to provide customer service and ticket fulfillment to BAM’s customers.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
-Selling subscriptions and single tickets to live events
-Handling ticket exchanges and donations
-Scheduling bus reservations
-Providing general information regarding events, and directions to BAM venues
-Checking all completed work and preparing all outgoing mail
-Updating and maintaining the customer contact records
-Responding to customer questions and complaints: providing ticketing policies, facility information, trouble-shooting sales problems

Position Requirements
-At least 1 year of previous experience in one or more of the following areas: ticketing, phone sales, customer service and/or performing arts.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills, must be detail and task oriented
-A working knowledge of computers: Microsoft Office Suite & typing skills
-The ability to collaborate and work
-An interest in and working knowledge of the performing arts is preferred
-Must be available to work weekends

Salary
$11.00 per hour for approx 25-30 hours per week (not eligible for benefits)

Please apply here.