Monday, October 31, 2011

Job Opportunity: DSNY Registering Emergency Snow Laborers


The NYC Department of Sanitation is registering emergency snow laborers who can be called upon to remove snow and ice citywide from bus stops, crosswalks, and from step streets in sections of the City after heavy snowfalls. The rate of pay begins at $12 per hour and increases to $18 per hour, after completing the first 40 hours, each pay week.

Interested individuals can register at any DSNY garage between the hours of 7 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. The Manhattan District 12 garage is located at 301 West 215th Street between 9th Avenue & the Harlem River in Inwood. The District 10 garage is at 110 East 131st Street between Lexington & Park Avenue and the District 9 garage is at 125 East 149th Street between Bronx Gerard Avenue & Walton Avenue.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be eligible to work in the United States, and be capable of performing heavy physical labor. All applicants must bring their social security card and a photo copy of it; two (2) small photos (1 1/2” square) and two (2) original documents and photo copies that prove identity and employment eligibility, such as a driver’s license; federal, state or local identification; school identification with photo, or passport, at time of registration.

For more information on how to register to become an emergency snow laborer, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/sanitation.

Anyone interested in becoming an emergency snow laborer this winter will be required to fill out important paperwork before being hired.

CM James And BK Speaks Urge Community To SPEAK UP For RPPs In Downtown, Central BK

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 31, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND BROOKLYN SPEAKS URGE THE COMMUNITY TO SPEAK UP FOR RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING IN CENTRAL BROOKLYN!
State legislation required to limit consequences of Barclays Center traffic

WHAT: Hearing of the New York City Council Committee on State and Federal Legislation
WHEN: Wednesday, 11/2 at 10:30AM
WHERE: 250 Broadway, 14th Floor

According to the Empire State Development Corporation, when the Barclays Center opens in September 2012, an expected 35% of arena patrons, or as many as 5,600 cars will travel to the site for each of the projected 220 events held each year. If nothing is done before to mitigate this volume of traffic, there will be an increased risk of vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle accidents that already make Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn's most dangerous road. This barrage of traffic is also expected to cause significant delays at more than half of the intersections within a half mile of the arena. And it will result in almost 3,000 arena patrons taking curbside parking spots in Park Slope, Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, and Prospect Heights.

Among all of the impacts to neighborhood character and quality of life that will come from locating Atlantic Yards' arena within residential communities, none are of greater consequence to more residents than the traffic generated from arena events. But, there is a way to reduce the demand for our local streets. It's called "residential permit parking," or RPP, and it's been effective in other cities, like Boston and Chicago, where sports facilities are located in densely-populated areas. By limiting on-street parking during arena events to local residents, RPP will create a disincentive for arena patrons to drive, reducing congestion and making streets safer.

New York City requires authorization from the State legislature before it can implement RPP. On Wednesday, 11/2 at 10:30AM, the City Council will hear testimony on legislation authorizing the City to enact residential permit parking programs in the five boroughs.

The BrooklynSpeaks sponsors and Council Member James implore you to participate in this critical hearing and make your voice heard.

Please email us with your plans to attend and interest in speaking!

###

Friday, October 28, 2011

ATTENTION: 2nd Annual Franklin Avenue Halloween Parade; 10/30

The 2nd Annual Franklin Avenue Halloween Parade welcomes the community!

WHEN: Sunday, October 30, 2011
3:00PM
WHERE: Walt Shamel Dean North Community Garden
1096-1099 Dean Street
Brooklyn, NY
(parade ends at Crow Hill Community Garden)

Pumpkin painting will be available following the parade. Please contact (917) 838-2421 for more information.

ATTENTION: SJC Hosts Management Roundtable Series with Ethan Chazin


St. Joseph's College hosts Management Roundtable Series to discuss Using Social Media to Advance Your Career with Ethan Chazin, Founder and President of The Chazin Group.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Tuohy Hall, Student Lounge
245 Clinton Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
(between DeKalb & Willoughby Aves)



Refreshments will be served!

For more information, please contact John Keenan at 718-940-5731 or jkeenan@sjcny.edu

CM James On MTA's Proposal To Remove Trash Bins from Subway

Over at the Prospect Heights Patch, Council Member Letitia James has posted a short piece on the MTA's proposal to remove trash receptacles from subway stations.

Patch: http://prospectheights.patch.com/blog_posts/removing-trash-bins-from-mta-subway-stations-a-bad-idea

ATTENTION: MARP Hosts Pedestrian Safety Workshop; 11/3; Benjamin Bannekar HS


Help Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP) Improve Pedestrian Safety on Park Avenue!

Attend the Park Ave. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Workshop:
WHEN: Thursday, November 3rd, 2011, 6-8:30pm
WHERE: Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development
71-77 Clinton Avenue (near Park Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY

The purpose of this workshop is to identify, prioritize, and locate specific enhancements that will improve pedestrian safety and calm vehicular traffic on 15 blocks of Park Avenue, between Navy Street and Steuben Street. Those interested must RSVP to MARP at dan@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ATTENTION: CM James and Elected Officials Present "A Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving"; 11/20; BK Center for Performing Arts

Please join NYS Senator Eric Adams, NYS Senator John Sampson, Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns, Assembly Member Karim Camara, NYC Council Member Letitia James, and NYC Council Member Jumaane D. Williams for A Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving gospel show.

WHEN: Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 4:00pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre
2900 Campus Road @ Hillel Place

This event is FREE, but tickets are required. For free tickets, please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James at 718-260-9191. Please bring a non-perishable food donation with you in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

The event is co-sponsored by Health Plus.

CM James Statement On MTA Initiative To Remove Trash Bins from Subways

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 24, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, CHAIR OF SANITATION COMMITTEE, ABOUT METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY INITIATIVE TO REMOVE TRASH BINS FROM SUBWAY STATIONS

(Brooklyn, NY)- “The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced a plan on Monday to study the impact of removing trash bins from City subway stations. The first phase of the plan began two weeks ago when bins were removed from two subway stations.

Although I understand that it is logistically difficult to remove 40 tons of waste each day from City Subway stations, I believe this initiative is misguided and will only lead to more litter and vector in an already dirty transit system. Managing this increased litter on subway platforms will go against the stated goal of this plan to reduce the burden on the MTA’s trash removal efforts.

It is not clear to me how removing bins will lead to less trash because riders will continue to eat, read newspapers and otherwise go about their normal routines, only now they would have nowhere to properly deposit the material. I for one, am doubtful that riders will consistently carry their trash out with them.

I commend the MTA for adding additional trains to remove waste from subway platforms in a more timely fashion, and believe that is an appropriate way to address the ‘unsightliness and malodor’ in the subway system. I believe we can build on this positive step and urge the MTA to work with the City to make the subway system a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.”

###

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

ATTENTION: Alternate Side Suspended

The New York City Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation, has suspended alternate side parking regulations Citywide for Wednesday, October 26 2011 in observance of Diwali. They will also be suspended the following Tuesday, November 1, 2011 for All Saints Day.

Parking meter regulations remain in effect throughout the City on both days.

ATTENTION: NFBID Hosts 2011 Children's Fall Festival!

The North Flatbush BID is hosting their 2011 Children's Fall Festival!

WHEN: Saturday, October 29, 2011
12:00noon- 4:00PM

WHERE: 6th Avenue & St. Marks Avenue
(at Triangle Park)

Children will be able to participate in pumpkin carving, face painting, and experience a puppet show!

For more information, contact info@nfbid.com or (718) 783-1685.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

ATTENTION: PACC Hosts Workshop on Negotiating Commercial Leases

On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, Pratt Area Community Council will host "How to Negotiate a Commercial Lease", an interactive workshop focused on how to make small businesses can find spaces that fit their needs.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 26, 2011
6:00PM- 8:00PM
WHERE: PACC's Fulton Street Office
(between Waverly and Washington Avenues)
896-900 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Attendees will learn strategies professionals use when negotiating with landlords and contractors, what resources are available to assist with the leasing process, and receive referrals to governmental programs and resources. Registration requires RSVP.

Please RSVP at (347) 823-5700 x25, or at dale_charles@prattarea.org.

ATTENTION: DYCD Young Adult Literacy Program


Mayor Bloomberg Kicks-Off Young Adult Literacy Program as First Component in Young Men’s Initiative

On October 11, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor Linda I. Gibbs and Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne B. Mullgrav announced the expansion of the Young Adult Literacy Program.

The program, developed and administered by DYCD, aims to improve literacy for disconnected youth who read between the fourth and eighth grade level. The Young Adult Literacy Program works to overall strengthen the safety net of services for black and Latino young men who have left high school without a diploma and may not be ready to take the GED exam. The program will receive $3 million over the next three years through the City’s Young Men’s Initiative.

The Program is now fully operational at 17 sites across all five boroughs and will serve nearly 1,000 participants this year. Sony has generously donated more than 1,500 Readers to assist with the City’s literacy effort and partnered with the public libraries to offer program participants free access to library book downloads.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

CM James Statement On Arrest of NYPD Officer Michael Daragjati for Violation of Civil Rights

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 17, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Council Member Letitia James Statement On Arrest of NYPD Officer Michael Daragjati for Violation of Civil Rights

Officer Accused of Arresting Black Citizen Under False Charges and Using Offensive Racial Language


“While we all know that the majority of New York City police officers are excellent public servants who exercise their authority in appropriate situations and with probable cause, this officer underscores the need for NYPD reform on stop-and-frisk. Had this officer not allegedly bragged about this arrest, what evidence of false reporting and misconduct would exist? It has been proven time and time again that stop-and-frisk is an unbalanced practice that has disproportionately affected minority and immigrant communities. I urge Commissioner Raymond Kelly to end this practice, weed out bad officers who fabricate arrests, and work to build a climate of trust with minority communities.”



###

Monday, October 17, 2011

Boro Pres Markowitz and SUNY Downstate Offer FREE Flu Shots; 11/2

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz in conjunction with SUNY Downstate Medical Center is offering FREE Flu Shots.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 2, 2011
11:00AM- 2:00PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall, Grand Rotunda
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209

You must schedule an appointment- please do so at (718) 802-3831 or email iguerrero@brooklynbp.nyc.gov.

Friday, October 14, 2011

ATTENTION: FREE Flu Shots; Cumberland Diagnostic Center; 10/18; FG

The Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center is providing free flu shots--

WHEN: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
WHERE: Cumberland D&TC
100 North Portland Avenue (Main Lobby)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205

No appointment necessary. For more information, please call (718) 388-5889.

Small Business Workshop On Creating Business Pitch


BOC Women's Business Center presents "Scoring a Home Run with the Perfect Pitch." You are invited to join this FREE creative workshop to work on creating your winning pitch.

Date: October 18, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM -7:30 PM
Location: Citibank
1398 Fulton Street
(between Brooklyn and Marcy Avenues)
Brooklyn, NY 11216

This event is presented by BOC in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Citibank. To RSVP call (718) 625-1276.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

ATTENTION: FREE Pre-K Seats Still Available At BK Locations

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** October 13, 2011

Contact: Simone Hawkins at (212) 788-7081

HUNDREDS OF FREE PRE-K SEATS STILL AVAILABLE AT BROOKLYN LOCATIONS
Council Member Letitia James Urges Parents to Enroll Four-Year-Olds Before October 31st Deadline

Brooklyn– Council Member James urges Brooklyn parents to enroll their four-year-olds in free Universal pre-Kindergarten (UPK) classes as full-day and half-day seats remain available at 58 locations around the borough.

All New York City children who turn four years of age by December 31, 2011 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.

“It is imperative that New York City parents utilize the UPK programs within their communities. With the many cuts to child care services, we must work together to preserve this necessary resource for families. Parents and guardians who rely on this essential service should make sure to contact 311 or the New York City Department of Education to find a center near you before the October 31st deadline. Let us continue to cultivate our communities and children one day at a time.”

Since 2002, the number of four-year-olds enrolled in UPK has increased by over 18,000, with more than 60,000 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.

Boro Pres Markowitz Hosts Halloween Vein Blood Drive; 10/31; BK Boro Hall

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz in conjunction with the New York Blood Center is holding a Halloween Vein Drive (Blood Drive)--

WHEN: Monday, October 31, 2011
10:00AM- 4:00PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall, Community Room
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209

Classic horror films will be playing throughout the day! Please bring valid identification. You must be a minimum of 110lbs., and between the ages of 17-76. Those interested should call (718) 802-4032 or email iguerrero@brooklynbp.nyc.gov.

Boro Pres Markowitz Hosts Digital Learning Town Hall; 10/27; BK Boro Hall


Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz in conjunction with Rosen Publishing is hosting 21st Century Digital Learning Tools for Brooklyn Families, Educators, and Community Leaders: A Town Hall Meeting--

WHEN: October 27, 2011
6:00PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Borough Hall, Community Room
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11209

Attendees will enhance digital learning with online educational resources, and learn to use technology to become more effective in school and in the workplace. For more information, please contact Borough President Markowitz's office at (718) 802-3700.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Society for Clinton Hill Hosts 18th Annual Halloween Walk

The Society For Clinton Hill is hosting their 18th Annual HALLOWEEN WALK!

WHEN: Monday, October 31,2011
5:30PM-7:00PM
WHERE: PRATT- CLINTON HILL COMMUNITY GARDEN
(Dekalb Ave./Hall Street)

The walk will take place RAIN or FULL MOON! All costumed trick or treaters up to age 12 are invited! Maps of routes will be provided. Parents much accompany their children.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

ATTENTION: Alternate Side Suspended

The New York City Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Department of Sanitation, has suspended alternate side parking regulations Citywide for Thursday, October 13, 2011 and Friday, October 14, 2011 for Succoth.

Parking meter regulations remain in effect throughout the City.

Medicare Open Enrollment


Open enrollment for the Medicare program begins October 15, 2011 and continues to December 7, 2011. Eligible participants are encouraged to take advantage of the program; late enrollment may result in penalties.

This is the only time of the year current enrollees will have the chance to make changes to their plans. See more information here: http://www.medicare.gov/open-enrollment/index.html.

ATTENTION: PACC Hosts Workshop on Writing Business Plans


On Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Pratt Area Community Council will host "Developing a Business Plan", an interactive workshop on writing business plans.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2011
6:00- 8:00PM

WHERE: PACC's Fulton Street Office
(between Waverly and Washington Avenues)
896-900 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Attendees will learn what resources are available to assist in writing an effective business plan, and learn strategies to develop an investor-ready business plan. Registration requires RSVP.

Please RSVP at (347) 823-5700 x25, or at dale_charles@prattarea.org.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

ATTENTION: WellCare Sponsors Free Comedy Show for Seniors; 10/28; BK Museum

Representative Yvette Clarke, State Senator John Sampson, State Senator Eric Adams, Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, and Council Member Letitia James present a comedy show for seniors!

Wellcare Health Plans, Inc. is sponsoring a FREE comedy show and entertainment show for Brooklyn's senior citizens!

WHERE: Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY

WHEN: Friday, October 28, 2011
2:00PM- 5:00PM

For more information, please contact (347) 834-0802 or carol.martinez@wellcare.com.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Weeksville Heritage Center Fall 2011 Harvest Festival

The Weeksville Heritage Center presents
the Fall 2011 Harvest Festival - the final day of Weeksville's Farmers Market.

The mission of Weeksville Heritage Center is to document, preserve and interpret the history of free African American communities in Weeksville, Brooklyn and beyond and to create and inspire innovative, contemporary uses of African American history through education, the arts, and civic engagement.


OCTOBER 29TH / FROM 11AM-4PM
(Free Admission)

WEEKSVILLE HERITAGE CENTER
1698 Bergen, Brooklyn, NY 11213

Directions are available on website at http://www.weeksvillesociety.org/


~ Children’s Cooking Classes
~ Canning & Seed Saving Workshops
~ Iron Chef Competition
~ Food Vendors & Farmers Market
~ Youth Art Exhibition
~ Tours of the historic Weeksville houses
~ DJ

This event is funded by the National Grid Foundation, Valentine Perry Snyder, and Con Edison. For additional information, please contact 718-756-5250 or info@weeksvillesociety.org

DFTA's Annual Plan Summary & Public Hearings

The New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) is pleased to share with you the Annual Plan Summary for 2012-2013. This Plan provides a valuable opportunity for the Department to share its goals, objectives and program planning with the aging network. A series of public hearings on the Plan provides forums for consumers, community partners, advocates, and other interested parties to give the Department feedback and suggestions on issues that impact New York City’s older adults.

DFTA encourages you to attend and/or testify at one of the five Public Hearings in October; a Testimony Request Form can be found on their website. If you are unable to attend one of the hearings, please feel free to submit written comments via email or mail. The Department welcomes your input and values your expertise. All comments will be carefully considered.


BROOKLYN PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.



The dates of the hearings for the other boroughs are: Queens, Tuesday, October 11th; Manhattan, Monday, October 17th; Staten Island, Tuesday, October 18th; and Bronx, Friday, October 21st. All hearings will take place between 10am and noon.

To register please call 212-442-0960 or email your name and borough to testimony@aging.nyc.gov.

Job Opportunity- Brooklyn Works Construction Trades Training Program


Brooklyn Works (of the Brooklyn Workforce Initiative) is a pre-apprenticeship training program that can help individuals start their careers in construction and environmental mediation. The program is available through a partnership with the New York City District Council of Carpenters.

Brooklyn Works is a 17-week program that provides young adults with a thorough introduction to the building trades, as well as the opportunity to earn 13 combined licenses and certificates (OSHA 10 & 40-hour hazardous waste worker, CPR, scaffold, etc). Graduates of the program work as carpenters, stationary/ operating engineers, painters, etc.

There is only ONE open orientations left in order to be eligible for the October 25, 2011 class. The last orientation is on October 10, 2011 at 10AM.

Those interested MUST bring copies of their birth certificate, social security card, valid state ID, proof of address/ income, high school diploma/GED, and citizenship status to the orientation.

Eligibility Requirements

Ø Able to perform 8-hours of physical labor each day
Ø Travel to job sites throughout the city every day
Ø Be at least 18 years old
Ø An American Citizen or Naturalized Immigrant
Ø Have a valid State ID Card or Drivers License
Ø Able to pass a math and reading test at the 8th grade level
Ø Possess a High School Diploma or GED at the time of application
Ø Be unemployed and/or have a low income
Ø Able to attend class Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM for 17 weeks

Brooklyn Works is located at-
621 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

For more information contact Erica Plasse at 718-237-2017 x149.

Cat TNR Workshop in Clinton Hill; 10/15; CH Library


Neighborhood Cats is hosting a free trap-neuter-release (TNR) workshop in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Participants will learn how to become TNR certified, get access to low-cost cat spays/neutering, be able to borrow free traps.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2011
1:15PM- 5:00PM

WHERE: Clinton Hill Library
380 Washington Avenue (at Lafayette Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11238

To register, please email lois@nycferalcat.org (subject line- Brooklyn TNR Workshop),
or call 212-662-5761.

ATTENTION: FDNY Hosts CPR Trainings; FG

The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) is providing mobile CPR training in the Fort Greene community.

October 4, 2011
WHERE: Woodhull Medical Center
760 Broadway (10th Floor Solarium)
Brooklyn, New York 11206
WHEN: 6:30- 7:30PM

October 5, 2011
WHERE: Cumberland D&TC
100 North Portland Avenue (Main Lobby)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205
WHEN: 11:00- 12:00PM

October 12, 2011
WHERE: Cumberland D&TC
100 North Portland Avenue (Main Lobby)
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205
WHEN: 11:00- 12:00PM

Please call (718) 963-8640 for more information.