Contact Liz Ritter at Elritter@Adrianoespaillat.Org to Receive Updates Via Email

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Dear Neighbor,

It’s impossible to list everything in the district, but here are 86 ways to get informed, inspired, involved +/or entertained, including a District 6 Town Hall meeting TONIGHT at 6pm with Chancellor Fariña, Sen. Espaillat’s special program Friday, “Forging a Common Path: An Anthology of Afro-Caribbean & Brazilian Poetry, Culture and Thought” at the Schomburg Center, Councilmember Rodriguez’ Tenants’ Forum NEXT THURSDAY, the 3rd annual UPTOWN GAMES next Saturday (and a girls’ track event this weekend!), as well as many other interesting offerings throughout the district, and important announcement from the MTA about construction at the Henry Hudson Parkway toll plaza AND suspension of 1-train service above 96th St. this weekend.

Scroll down for information about things happening:  Tonight / Tomorrow / Friday (11 items)  This weekend (14 items)  Next week (12 items)  Next weekend (7 items)  Looking ahead / Save-the-Date! (12 items)  How You Can Help (4 items): share your money / stuff / time; update on the Palisades / LG project  Educational & vocational opportunities (5 items) McFadden Scholarship apps DUE *TOMORROW*!  Health & Wellness (4 items)  Help with your Taxes (4 items)  It’s never too early to think about summer camp / summer youth jobs! (3 items)  News, information, opportunities & ongoing events (5 items)  Transportation info (4 items)

Please share this e-mail with friends/neighbors. If you know someone who’d like to subscribe, have them e-mail Liz Ritter at [email protected] with their ZIP code. If you have an event you’d like to list here, email liz the details (text or .doc format, please, not .pdf or .jpg).

***TONIGHT / TOMORROW / FRIDAY *** (11 items) TONIGHT (3 items) UPCA Youth Orchestras, Circus & Live-to-Projection Film Score The quarterly presentation by the young people in the United Palace of Cultural Arts’ programs, including the Harmony Program string orchestra, UPCA Circus Arts Troupe, UPCA Youth Drum Ensemble, and the WHIN Music Project youth orchestra. The evening’s finales will be a live-to-projection performance by the WHIN Music Project to “NYC, Uptown Life & Views,” a video created by Northern Manhattan artist Emmanuel “DJ Boy” Abreu. The video depicts the beauty and majesty of the Northern Manhattan community and was edited to complement the music, Palladio, composed by Karl Jenkins. (This is the first time that we have heard of a youth orchestra performing to a movie.) FREE! Wednesday, March 19th @ 6:30pm (doors open at 6pm).

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email

Women in the Heights: Reflections on Creating. At the NoMAA Gallery, 178 Bennett Ave. @ W. 189th St. There will be an Artists Talk on Wednesday, March 19th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Public Hearing on the Mayor's Preliminary FY ’15 Budget Give us your comments on the City’s responses to the Community Board’s priorities for the FY ‘15 (7/1/14 – 6/30/15) expense and capital budgets, including the following services: police, daycare, youth, education, senior centers, parks, fire, health and mental health, housing, economic development, libraries, subways, street repaving, sanitation, environment, job training, homeless services, domestic violence, etc. By providing your input and voicing your concerns, you help to ensure that the community is heard. Please call 212-568-8500 for more information and for a copy of the FY ‘15 Preliminary Budget Register for CB 12. At the Community Board 12 Office, 530 W. 166th St., (btw St. Nicholas & Audubon Avenues), 6th floor. Wednesday, March 19th at 7pm.

TOMORROW (5 items) District 6 Town Hall meeting with Chancellor Carmen Farina Elected parent leaders on the District 6 Community Education Council will provide a brief overview of the state of the district and a synopsis of parent concerns, after which Chancellor Farina will give remarks, followed by a Q/A public comment session. Parents are encouraged to send comments regarding district goals (short-term, intermediate, and long-term) and “hot topics” prior to and after the meeting to [email protected]. Parents and advocates in attendance may also submit questions for Chancellor Farina during the meeting. NYC Department of Education representatives from the Division of English Language Learners and Special Education, the Office of Youth and School Development, the Office of Early Childhood Education, the Enrollment Office, and Portfolio Management will be there to provide connect one-on- one with parents following the meeting. Translation and interpretation services will be provided. Children are welcome. A literacy activity and dinner will be provided for children. At PS 8 (465 W 167th St.) Thursday, March 20th, 6pm – 7pm. The CEC will hold its monthly public meeting at 7pm, immediately following the Town Hall.

“Home” Exhibition Opening The Morris-Jumel Mansion is pleased to present “Home,” the latest exhibition in our “Colonial meets Contemporary” Art Series. This exhibit will feature artwork by eight New York artists, each exploring the meaning of “home.” The Morris-Jumel Mansion, originally built as a summer house, has served a variety of functions in its 250-year life, including Revolutionary HQ, a fashionable tavern frequented by New York’s elites, and private residence to a wealthy wine merchant and his ambitious wife. By 1907, the Morris-Jumel Mansion was established as an historic house museum. The several interpretations of the Mansion’s historical identity over the past century attest to the evolving nature of a home’s meaning. The artists featured in "Home" have created a range of artworks that interpret this changing identity. Their varied works, like the Morris-Jumel Mansion itself, speak to changing roles and conceptions of place and belonging. At the Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, between W. 160th & W. 162nd Streets just east of St. Nicholas Avenue. Thursday, March 20th, 6pm – 9pm. For more information, call Carol Ward at 212-923-8008 or visit www.morrisjumel.org.

When Tenants Claimed the City: The Struggle for Citizenship in New York City Housing. What roles have tenants and tenant organizations played in shaping class and politics in New York City? How has the concept of “community rights” been fostered in heterogeneous urban neighborhoods such as ours? Fordham Professor Roberta Gold introduces her new book at Hostelling International (893 Amsterdam Ave. at 103rd St.). Free and open to the public. Thursday, March 20th at 6:30pm. For more information, call the Bloomingdale Neighborhood History Group at 212-865-3078.

ROOM 28 Sketch Comedy FUNdraiser A Special Night of Comedic Relief in partnership with The Violence Intervention Program, Inc., supporting women who are making the transition from domestic violence victim to survior. Featuring original sketches, stand-up & improv with Jerry Diaz, Michael Diaz, Jaime Fernandez, Oscar Martinez Rachel Strauss-Muñiz, Karina Ortiz, Anthony Palmini, Ariana Rodriguez, and local guests. Help us put the FUN in FUNdraiser! The Violence Intervention Program, Inc. promotes nonviolent partner relationships, family and communities by raising awareness, activism, and culturally competent services that are respectful of each survivor's right to self-determination. Since 1984, we have helped women lead healthy, safe, and productive lives

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email while advocating for systems and policies that protect all victims of abuse and violence. We believe that access to culturally competent services which support self-determination empower survivors to meet any challenge ahead. $10 tickets in advance at www.room28.eventbrite.com. At 809 Lounge, 112 Dyckman St. @ Nagle Ave. $10. Thursday, March 20th, 7:30pm - 10:30pm.

I Am New York: Juan Rodriguez Join Organic Magnetics as they tell the story of New York’s first immigrant: Juan Rodriguez, a free man from La Hispaniola who came to Manahatta on a Dutch ship in 1613, and stayed. This interactive, live theater installation from director/choreographer Maija Garcia, co-written by Armando Batista with original music by Daniel Bernard Roumain, is now in residency at El Museo del Barrio. At Studio Anya, 49 W. 24th St., 8th fl. Suggested donation, $20; food & wine will be served. Thursday, March 20th, 8pm - 11pm

FRIDAY (3 items) Forging a Common Path: An Anthology of Afro-Caribbean & Brazilian Poetry, Culture and Thought Sen. Espaillat and his uptown partners in government invite you to join a discussion on the work of legendary poet and author Manuel del Cabral, whose work explored the meaning of identity, and helped pioneer the Afro-Caribbean cultural movement. An expert academic and literary panel will discuss how writers in Latin America and in the Caribbean forge a common path across different spaces to reclaim their African heritage. At the Schomburg Center for research in Black culture / NYPL. 515 Malcolm X Blvd. Friday, March 21st, 6pm-9:30pm.

11th International Dominican Writers Book Fair in celebration of Women’s History Month. Immerse yourself in three days of intellectual stimulation! Buy books, arts, crafts, and posters; meet writers; listen to poetry, song, and monologues; dance; nurture your mind, body & spirit. Meals and snacks will be served. This year we are honoring Yvellisse Fanith, Juan Villar and Lucila Rutinel. The event opens on Friday, March 21st at 7pm in the Auditorium at the Isabella Geriatric Center (515 Audubon Ave. @ W. 190th St.), featuring live music with the Ncue Band. Second day events will be Saturday, March 22nd, 10am – 7pm, in the Library at Isabella. Closing events will be on Sunday, March 23rd, 10am – 7pm, at the Alianza Cultural Center, 530 W. 160th St. (btw. Audubon & St. Nicholas Aves.)

“OKLAHOMA!” The Pied Piper Children’s Theatre of NYC proudly presents this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs." Original dances by Agnes De Mille. Stage & music directed by Rey-Rey. Choreographers: Matt Antar, Teresa Boitel, Rebecca Sherman Morcelo & Alan Spaulding. At the Theatre Space at Holy Trinity Church Inwood, 20 Cumming Street (one block north of Dyckman). Friday, March 21st at 8pm; Saturday, March 22nd @ 3pm & 8pm; Sunday, March 23rd @ 4pm. Adults - $12, Children (under 16) and Seniors - $10 at the door beginning 45 minutes prior to performance. (Cash or Check ONLY.) We hope to see you there!

***THIS WEEKEND*** (15 items) SATURDAY (9 items) “OKLAHOMA!” See Friday’s listing above. Also showing Saturday, March 22nd @ 3pm & 8pm.

Community Garden Lottery Riverbank Plots available for community gardening. The cost of the garden must be paid on registration day. The cost for two years is as follows: $30 for two years gardening fee; $10 registration fee ($8 for seniors). For any additional m embers there is a fee of $10 per plot. Garden fees are non-refundable. You must also bring photo ID with address and a current utility bill w/ name/address. In the Cultural Theatre at Riverbank State Park (W. 145th St. & Riverside Dr.) Saturday, March 22nd, doors open at 9:30am; lottery at 11am. For more information, call 212-694-3633.

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email

Year-Round and Migratory Birds of Northern Manhattan Join us for an indoor talk and slide show followed by a birding walk in Inwood Hill Park. Learn to identify and value Northern Manhattan’s flora and fauna with Leslie Day, author of Field Guide to the Street Trees of New York City and Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City. Learn about NYC's many birds and plants with this expert naturalist. Bring binoculars. Meet inside the Payson Education Center at Payson Ave. and Dyckman St. in Inwood Hill Park. Saturday, March 22nd, 10:30am – noon.

Family Workshop: Paper Flowers Celebrate the beginning of Spring by first learning about all about gardening in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Then create a unique paper flower out of tissue paper, glitter and pipe cleaners. They will brighten up your day! The event is FREE but advanced registration is required. At the Morris- Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, between W. 160th & W. 162nd Streets just east of St. Nicholas Avenue. Saturday, March 22nd, 11am – 1pm. For more information, call Carol Ward at 212-923-8008 or visit www.morrisjumel.org.

Armory PAL Girls’ Sports Day Get “on track” with “Coach” Dave Crenshaw and the Police Athletic League this Saturday at the Armory, Ft. Washington Ave. @ W. 168th St. This Track & Field is not only fun, it’ll help you get ready for next week’s “Uptown Games”. Free and open to the public. Call PAL, 212-927-0306 for more information and to register. Saturday, March 22nd @ 11:30am.

Saturday Afternoon Movie: Dallas Buyers Club Matthew McConaughey headlines director Jean-Marc Vallée’s biographical drama centering on the story of Ron Woodroof, a Texas electrician who was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, and who subsequently devoted his life to providing fellow HIV patients with non-FDA-approved drugs and supplements during an era when doctors were still struggling to understand the devastating disease. At the St. Agnes Library, 444 Amsterdam Ave (near 81st St.). Free and open to the public. Call 212-621-0619 for more information. Saturday, March 22nd at 2pm.

Police Officer Michael J. Bucek Little League Registration is opening soon! At the 34th Precinct, 4295 Broadway @ W. 183rd St. Little League registration dates will be the next three Saturdays – March 22nd, March 29th & April 5th, from 4pm-6pm. If you have any questions, please contact Police Officer Christian Perez at 212-927-0287 or [email protected].

Jazz Clarinet Concert with Perry Robinson For over four decades, Perry Robinson has been a sui generis composer and master of the clarinet in jazz, folk, klezmer and avant-garde music. Over the course of his career, he has performed with such jazz luminaries as Charlie Haden, Paul Motian, and Dave Brubeck, among others. At El Taller Latino Americano, 2710 Broadway (@ W. 104th St.), 3rd fl. $20. Saturday, March 22nd at 8pm. For more information, call 212-665-9460 or visit http://tallerlatino.org/index.php.

SUNDAY (6 items) 11th International Dominican Writers Book Fair in celebration of Women’s History Month. Immerse yourself in three days of intellectual stimulation! Buy books, arts, crafts, and posters; meet writers; listen to poetry, song, and monologues; dance; nurture your mind, body & spirit. Meals and snacks will be served. This year we are honoring Yvellisse Fanith, Juan Villar and Lucila Rutinel. At the Alianza Cultural Center, 530 W. 160th St. (btw. Audubon & St. Nicholas Aves.) Sunday, March 23rd, 10am – 7pm.

Understanding Your Choices for End-of-Life Care Rabbi Guy Austrian will speak on a panel of medical and religious leaders from the community to address common issues that arise when facing end-of-life challenges. Understanding your choices — and communicating your wishes to family now — will ensure that your medical care in the future will reflect your personal values and desires. Organized by MJHS Hospice and the YM/YWHA of WH-I; cosponsored by the Ft. Tryon Jewish Center and many other local groups. At the Mount Sinai Jewish Center, 135 Bennett @ 187th St. Free and open to the public. RSVPs to [email protected] by Thurs 3/20, appreciated but not required. Sunday March 23rd, 10am - 11:30am

“OKLAHOMA!” See Friday’s listing above. Also showing Sunday, March 23rd @ 4pm.

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email

Who’s Up First in our Parks? Children's educator Julia Attaway asks "Who's up first this spring?" This workshop teaches children ages 4-7 to identify the first plants of spring. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the entrance to the Heather Garden in Fort Tryon Park at Margaret Corbin Circle. Sunday, March 23rd, 1pm - 1:45pm.

Sunday Concert in the Lounge Gregor Huebner, accomplished violinist, composer and jazz musician brings a dynamic and fascinating program of Latin jazz repertoire to the HVG Lounge. In preparation for an upcoming recording of new arrangements of Cuban, Brazilian and Tango music, Huebner will perform samples of the music for the new CD. Huebner's first CD "retraces the evolution of the repertoire... By turns sexy and sly, impassioned and dreamy, his collection of well-known tunes, unexpected arrangements and original compositions... it's the story of the prodigal violin: of how the most aristocratic of instruments crossed the Atlantic and found itself in the rhythm section of a Cuban charanga band, or in a brothel in Buenos Aires." (Wall Street Journal). The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens (W 183rd St. & Pinehurst Ave.). Sunday, March 23rd at 5pm Suggested $12 donation includes post concert reception.

Sunday Movies at the Palace: Ghostbusters Enjoy this 1984 classic, hosted once again by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lots of surprises in store! Doors will open at 4pm, with a 5pm program, and a 5:30pm movie. Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Guests wearing tuxedos or gowns get a free bag of popcorn. At the United Palace of Cultural Arts, 4140 Broadway at W. 175th Street. Sunday, March 23rd.

***NEXT WEEK*** (12 items) Health Care Information and Enrollment Session Get the facts about the Affordable Care Act and learn how you can enroll into an affordable healthcare plan. If you wish to enroll, please bring your social security number(s) (or document number for immigrants), birth dates of family members, employer and income information for each member of your household who needs coverage, and policy numbers for any current health insurance plans. At the St. Agnes Library, 444 Amsterdam Ave. (near 81st St.). Free and open to the public. Call 212-621-0619 for more information. Monday, March 24th at 11am.

Mermaids: Visual Art by Jane LeCroy & Shari Elf at the Indian Road Café (W. 218th Street & Indian Road, two blocks west of Broadway.) Now through March 29th. Free. Live music and reception, Monday, March 24th, 6pm- 10pm.

City of Water Day The Manhattan Waterfront Alliance brings together thousands of mariners, paddlers, rowers, activists, and families in a day-long celebration of the potential of the water that surrounds us and brings us together. It will feature hundreds of unique, fun, and educational waterfront activities. This year, City of Water Day will be held on Governors Island in New York City and Maxwell Place Park in Hoboken, NJ on Saturday, July 12th, and MWA needs your help to make it a success. At this planning meeting, individuals, organizations, boaters, and volunteers will discuss ways to improve the event and pitch ideas for activities and programs. We want your ideas! At MWA’s offices at the Blue School, 241 Water Street (2nd fl. Cafeteria), March 24th, 6pm – 8pm.

Town Hall with Councilman Corey Johnson: Councilmember Corey Johnson invites you to a Town Hall with representatives from City agencies! These include the Departments of Health & Mental Hygiene, Environmental Protection, Transportation, Consumer Affairs, and Housing & Preservation Development (HPD), as well as the NYPD and MTA. At the School of Visual Arts, 333 West 23rd St. (btw 8th & 9th Aves.). Free and open to the public. RSVP to [email protected] or call 212-564-7757. Tuesday, March 25th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

FREE Mammography Screening by appointment only. Look for the mammography van in front of Isabella Geriatric Center (515 Audubon Ave. @ W. 190-th St.). March 26th beginning at 1:30pm. Please call 1-800-564-6868 to schedule your appointment today

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email Traffic Safety Town Hall Meeting: Join Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito, Borough President Gale Brewer, NYC Council Transportation Committee Chair Ydanis Rodriguez, Council Members Mark Levine and Helen Rosenthal, and other for a Vision Zero Manhattan Town Hall Meeting. Come out and give us your feedback, concerns and legislative ideas on Mayor de Blasio's Vision Zero Plan! NYC needs your ideas to improve street safety, to identify problem locations, and to hammer out site-specific solutions that match realities on the ground. The town hall is at John Jay College of Criminal Justice – Gerald W. Lynch Theater, 524 West 59th Street (Entrance on West 59th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues). Free and open to the public. To RSVP of for more information, please call 212-341-2644 or email [email protected]. Wednesday, March 26th, 6pm – 8pm.

Skraptacular Fundraiser & Celebration Please join us as we honor former City Councilmember Robert Jackson, for his many contributions to public education and for making the decisive vote in to ban single-use Styrofoam from the city’s school cafeterias and restaurants. And we honor Sarah Morgridge, Robert’s Chief of Staff, who fought passionately alongside him to serve constituents, support public school families in realizing their right to educational opportunity. Raffle, silent auction, drinks & hors d’oerves; live music, too! $30. At 307 W. 38th St., 20th fl. Thursday, March 27th, 5pm-8pm. Info: [email protected].

Tenants’ Forum This is an opportunity for tenants to get information on issues such getting repairs, housing court, rent subsidies, NYCHA housing, HCR/rent stabilization, dealing with bedbugs, tenants’ rights, code enforcement, SCRIE/DRIE, and much, much more. At the Isabella Geriatric Center, 515 Audubon Ave. @ W. 190th St. There will be representatives from the NYC Departments of Housing Preservation & Development, and Health, the NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal, Legal Services, and others. Thursday, March 27th, 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Learn about home heating for your house, building or co-op/condo: Several sessions, including one on Thursday, March 27th, 6:30pm-8pm. See News / Info section below for details.

New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce / State of Women in Business Hear NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and NYC Department of Small Business Services Assistant Commissioner Maria T. Osorio speak about the current state of women in business at this NYWCC event, Goals vs. Reality: Where We Are / Where We Need to Be. Share your concerns and ideas about how we can level the playing field for all women in business. At the Columbia University School of Business, 3022 Broadway, 310 Uris Hall, room 142. Friday, March 28th, 8:30am – 10am. Space is limited; for more information or to RSVP call 212-491-9640 ext.105 or email [email protected].

Earth Day Celebration III: Save the date for Friday, April 25, 2014. Planning Committee to meet Friday, March 28, 2014 at IS52 - 650 Academy Street, off of Broadway, near the Vermilyea Street entrance. Theme this year: Need Trees? Those interested in participating in the fun, educational, and celebratory joint venture that includes a parade, assembly, and street fair by the Rotary Club of Inwood & and IS 52, please e-mail Rotarian [email protected] or call: 212-304-8882.

West African Music with Valerie Naranjo & Special Guest Ichitey James Known for her pioneering efforts in West African music; Valerie Naranjo is one of only two non-West Africans to win the gyil competition at the Ghanaian Kobine Festival and the first woman ever allowed to play the instrument publicly at the festival. Valerie plays percussion for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” band for The Lion King and has performed solo on six continents with the Philip Glass Ensemble, David Byrne, The Paul Winter Consort, Zakir Hussein and others. Valerie was named Drum! Magazine’s “World Percussionist of the Year” in 2003 and 2008, and “Mallet Player of the Year” in 2012, and will be the first recipient of El Taller’s newly created Chaski Award for her work in community building through music and for “changing the course of musical history in Africa.” Ichitey James, a master percussionist and owner of the Lobi/Brifo Gyil Center at Accra’s National Council of the Arts, will be joining the evening’s performance. At El Taller Latino Americano, 2710 Broadway (@ W. 104th St.), 3rd fl. $20. Friday, March 28th at 8pm. For more information, call 212-665-9460 or visit http://tallerlatino.org/index.php.

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email ***NEXT WEEKEND*** (7 items) Uptown Games Return on Saturday March 29th. Enjoy a day of competitive track-and-field events for elementary- and middle-school children (3rd-8th grades) in the historic Washington Heights Armory. Register solo, or as part of your school’s team. For more information and registration forms, call 212-544-0173, email [email protected], or click here for English (http://www.scribd.com/doc/212963282/Uptown- Games-2014-Registration-English) or here for Spanish (http://www.scribd.com/doc/212963461/Uptown-Games- 2014-Registration-Spanish). We have more than a dozen school teams and so far we anticipate 350+ kids, but there’s still room. Don’t miss out!

The international Women’s Month Brunch Buffet Award Dominican Sunday Inc. and the office of the Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer have the honor of inviting you and your family to a wonderful reception to benefit Dominican Sunday Inc. Dominican Sunday is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1995 and is committed to empowering and providing a variety of supports to the residents of West Harlem, Manhattan Valley and Morningside Communities. We provide adult education in citizenship, ESL & GED; housing advocacy; and youth and workforce development. We celebrate Women’s History Month by inviting Latino Professional women to share their success stories in the hopes of inspiring other women to press forward and strive. We also hope to positively impact life of other women by honoring empowered dignified women in our community. At the Ascension School Gym, 220 W. 108th St. (btw. Amsterdam Ave. & Broadway). Tickets are $50. Please confirm your attendance by calling Altagracia Hiraldo or Leila Arbaje at 718-663-9546. Sunday, March 30th at 11:30am

Learn about home heating for your house, building or co-op/condo: Several sessions, including one on Saturday, March 29th, 2pm-4:30. See News / Info section below for details.

Northern Manhattan Neighbors for Peace & Justice is showing “Fruitvale Station,” a movie about Oscar Grant, a young man killed by Oakland police on a subway platform. Admission is free. At the Holyrood Church, Ft. Washington Ave. @ W. 179th St. (enter on W. 179th St.). Sunday, March 30th, 5pm - 7pm.

Riverstone Senior Adult Services Memory Café brings together caregivers and individuals with Alzheimers or other memory problems for relaxing interaction in a café setting. At Coogan’s Restaurant, 4015 Broadway @ W. 168th St. Sunday, March 30th, 3pm-4:30pm. Free, but reservations required: call Norma at 212-927-5600 x117.

The Joy of Improv Enjoy creating improvisational comedy in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. No performing experience is necessary—just a willingness to play, experiment, and laugh with others. Instructor Bob Lamm is a writer and teacher who runs the Novels With a Social Conscience Book Club at Word Up. He has taught improv classes at NYU and the CUNY Graduate Center, and has run workshops at Vassar, Sarah Lawrence, the Hebrew Tabernacle, Covenant House, and many high schools. At Word Up Community Bookshop, 2113 Amsterdam Ave. @ W. 165th St. FREE, but advance registration (please call 347-688-4456) is helpful for planning purposes. Sunday, March 30th, 3pm – 5pm.

Police Officer Michael J. Bucek Little League Registration is now open! At the 34th Precinct, 4295 Broadway @ W. 183rd St. Little League registration dates continue this and next Saturday, March 29th & April 5th, from 4pm-6pm. If you have any questions, please contact Police Officer Christian Perez at 212-927-0287 or [email protected].

***LOOKING AHEAD / SAVE THE DATE*** (12 items) Literacy Across Harlem Day It’s the first day of the month, and once again Total Equity Now (TEN) will engage an intergenerational team of community volunteers in promoting reading as a key component of who we are and what we do here in Harlem. For 90 minutes we will: hand out Literacy Across Harlem Day flyers, ask passersby about their reading habits, tell folks why we love reading and why it's so important, and encourage others to carry their "reads" outside of their bags! #RockThoseReads, by carrying reading materials publicly, conspicuously and

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email proudly! On the southeast corner of 125th Street & Amsterdam Avenue. Tuesday, April 1st, 3:30pm-5pm. Other ways to #RockThoseReads:  Tweet a photo of yourself, "read" of the day in hand, to @TotalEquityNow with the #RockThoseReads tag  Visit one of our Literacy Partners – including Sisters Uptown (1942 Amsterdam @ W. 152nd) and Café One (1619 Amsterdam Ave. at W. 140th) to "swap those reads": leave a gently used book and take one that another Harlemite dropped off. (Go to www.totalequitynow.org for more partners)

Housing Workshop on City-wide Housing Related Campaigns Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal, Goddard Riverside's SRO Law Project, and The Urban Justice Center host a monthly housing clinic. There will be a presentation, followed by a question and answer session, and an opportunity to meet with a staff attorney to provide free, bilingual legal advice on specific issues. The event is free and open to the public. At the Goddard Riverside Community Center, 593 Columbus Avenue (between W. 88th & W. 89th Streets). Wednesday, April 2nd, from 6pm to 8pm. For questions, call the Urban Justice Center at 646-459- 3017.

For the Love of Salsa: Sign up for Riverbank State Park’s hottest Spring class! Get in on the ground floor for instructor Jesse Hamilton’s beginner/ intermediate/advanced salsa classes for teens and adults. Jesse, who started out dancing at downtown’s Palladium, has been teaching dance for 25 years. Salsa is a spiritual quest for him, a means of finding his spirit and culture. Once Jesse gets a student to a certain level of skill – some of whom started out as beginners – he invites them to go on tour with him. He’s taken his troupe of 25 dancers to perform classical jazz & salsa in Cuba, and in the Mardi Gras in Brazil, salsa shows in the Dominican Republic, Paris, and Barcelona, Spain. It’s the same the world over. You may be one of the lucky ones – sign up for this popular class now! At the Riverbank State Park (679 Riverside Dr. @ W. 145th St.) For further information, call 212-694-3634 or 917-680- 1319. Thursday evenings, April 3rd – June 12th, 7pm - 9pm – or - Sunday afternoons, April 6th – June 15th, 2pm - 4pm.

“Ballet Sculpting” Workshop Learn the secrets of developing a dancer’s body! Tone up from head to pointed toe with this ballet-inspired, cardio sculpting routine led by certified instructor Cecily Horner. No formal training or prior dance experience is required. Learn the classical style of ballet fundamentals combined with a heart pounding, body-sculpting workout. Focus on targeting your arms, abdominals, thighs and ‘glutes while warming the muscles to deepen stretching and lengthening muscle mass. At the Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Dr. @ W. 145th St. Thursday evenings, April 3rd - June 12th, 7pm - 8:30pm For further information, call 212-694-3624

Full Frontal: A Naked Exploration of Sex & Sexuality, by Uptown’s own Eddie Antar (Author) & Leslie Kincaid Burby (Director), is a combination of five short stories that create a journey through the different stages and variations of sex and sexuality. There are only eight performances (click here for details http://www.workshoptheater.org/jewelbox/2014/full_frontal) and the venue is a small (30-seat) theater; those interested should consider purchasing tickets quickly as the show is bound to sell out. NOTE: there is no nudity, however the language and behavior in the stories are explicit and meant for a mature audience. It is not recommended for anyone under 16 years of age. In the Jewel Box at the Workshop Theater, 312 W. 36th St. @ 8th Ave., 4th fl. For more info call 866-811-4111 or visit www.workshoptheater.org. April 3rd – 12th.

Shearing of the Heather with Skraptacular The 3-acre Heather Garden is the site of our annual rite of spring: the shearing of the heather by members of the Northeast Heather Society and our garden staff. In addition to the shearing, visitors can take tours of the garden, learn what’s so special about Heaths and Heathers, hear Scottish bagpipes, and join a Skraptacular children’s workshop while enjoying the garden’s spring beauty and panoramic views of the Hudson River and New Jersey Palisades. Meet in the Heather Garden at Fort Tryon Park. Bring your own instruments and drums for the neighborhood procession through the Heather Garden. Saturday, April 5th, 10am – noon.

Shakespeare Saturdays Cinema is hosting a free afternoon Shakespeare movie through the Inwood Library. Come see the love-resistant Beatrice and Benedick battle it out as love wins out. Much Ado About Nothing will be shown

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email in the downstairs auditorium. At The Inwood Branch of the New York Public Library (4790 Broadway, btw. Dyckman & Cumming Streets). Free! Saturday, April 5th; film begins promptly at 2:15pm. (Don’t be late!)

Council Member Rodriguez's State of Northern Manhattan Address Save the Date! Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez will deliver his 4th Annual State of Northern Manhattan Address discussing the past year in Northern Manhattan and future plans for the district. This event is open to all so please share with friends and family! Sunday, April 6th at 2:30pm. RSVP to [email protected].

Novels with a Social Conscience: a Book Discussion Group at Word Up Join us to discuss Junot Diaz’ Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. (Please prepare in advance by reading the book.) At Word Up! Community Bookshop, 2113 Amsterdam Ave. @ W. 165th St. 347-688-4456. Sunday, April 6th from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

Onward & Upward! Honoring Marcella Xavier of Bread & Yoga with the “Standing UP” Award. Join us for the 4th annual evening to benefit the UP Theater Company. At Papasito Mexican Grill & Agave Bar, 223 Dyckman Street. Monday, April 7th, 6pm-8pm. Details to follow!

Springtime Gospel at Riverbank Presented by the Harlem Renaissance Choir and Riverbank State Park. Saturday April 12th, 1pm-2:30pm in the Park’s Cultural Theatre. 679 Riverside Drive @ W. 145th St. Free! Chess Tournament The Right Move Chess Foundation proudly announces our 24th season of FREE scholastic chess competition serving the greater metropolitan area. At Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Drive @ W. 145th St., in the Auditorium. Pre-register at website before 8am the Friday before (i.e., April 11th) at www.therightmove.org. You can also check the site for the latest updates in case of weather or other emergency delays. You MUST arrive by 9:15 for registration / check-in; pairings will be posted by 9:45am. There are four rounds of 30 minutes each, with about an hour to the next round; awards ceremony is at 3:30. You may enter as an individual without the team section. Team plaques awarded to 1st & 2nd in each section. Teams are made of the top four scorers in each section (min. 3 players). Sets and boards are provided for the tournament *only*; bring your own set and board for between-games. Bring a chess clock if you have one. Emergency check-in number is 212-729-7060. Sunday, April 13th.

A Town Hall Meeting to Discuss the Impact of Alcohol on Public Health with expert panelists on public health, partner violence and youth development. Co-Sponsored by NYS Senator Adriano Espaillat, Assemblymember Gabriela Rosa, Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, Community Board 12-Manhattan, the Partners of the UNIDOS Coalition, and Inwood Community Services; funded in part by a grant from the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. At the Isabella Geriatric Center, 515 Audubon Avenue @ W. 190th Street. Thursday, April 24th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

***HOW YOU CAN HELP*** (4 items) Helping our Neighbors in East Harlem The devastation that occurred in East Harlem last week has shocked communities throughout our city, and inspired many to provide help for the families impacted. The victims of this tragedy have critical needs, and Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito are taking strong measures to ensure they have the resources to recover. To assist these families, you can donate to the Mayor’s Fund Disaster Relief Effort (https://www.nyc.gov/html/fund/html/donate/donate.shtml), or drop off non-perishable items at the East Harlem Merchants Association (309 E. 108th St.) or La Casa Azul Bookstore (143 E. 103rd St.). Thank you in advance for your support of these families in need.

Is your elementary / middle school child STILL learning in a trailer annex? NYC DOE was to have eliminated ALL trailers in District 6 by 2012. Obviously they have not and they continue to include them in capacity formula calculations for co-location decisions (for example the PS192/325 co-location of a new IS). The New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) is surveying school community members about the use of trailers in their schools. NYLPI is a civil rights non-profit law firm that focuses on environmental justice, health justice, and disability justice. We have received inquiries from parents and teachers concerned about the use of temporary trailers (also known

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email as transportable classroom units or TCUs) for instruction in NYC schools. We are asking parents, students, teachers, and community members to complete the following survey to gather information about how these trailers are used and any concerns you might have. All individual responses and personal information will be kept confidential. To fill out the survey please click here: Parent/Teacher Survey in TCUs (Classroom Trailers) in NYC [English]. Please also share with any lists you think might be interested, along w/ any feedback you might like to provide.

Blood Drive Give the gift of life! There’s always a shortage, and YOU can help. Sponsored by the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corp., and the NY Blood Center. In NMIC’s offices, 76 Wadsworth Ave. @ W. 177th St. For information or to register, call the NY Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566. Monday, March 31st, 10am – 4pm.

Palisades Update: With regard to the LG USA Corporation’s proposed 143’ new headquarters development along the Palisades, Senator Espaillat has introduced a resolution to the Senate, and asked that his Senate colleagues to join in urging LG to lower the height of their proposed headquarters. On the other side of the Hudson, the Englewood Cliffs Planning Board has set a Public Hearing meeting date to discuss a Proposed Amendment to their town's Master Plan. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th. (Time t/b/d, but save the date.) At a recent meeting of the Planning Board, many Palisades supporters spoke eloquently, urging the Board to consider the Palisades protection issue as one of regional, national and international significance. There was only one Englewood Cliffs resident who got up to say that he supports the LG building as it is currently designed. The National Parks Service also weighed in, writing the Planning Board to warn that its approval of the 143-foot tower would “introduce a massive incompatible feature” that “threatens the nationally significant, historic scenic integrity of the Palisades in a major way." For more information about Protect the Palisades, visit http://www.protectthepalisades.org.

***EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES*** (5 items) The Edward McFadden Scholarship Award was established to benefit community youth. The Fund provides college scholarships in the range of $1k - $3k, to outstanding students who have participated in voluntary community service and reside in the greater Washington heights / Inwood area (north of W. 155th St. to the tip of Manhattan) or Marble Hill (10th NYC Council District). Open to all HS seniors. You must submit a completed application questionnaire signed by a parent/guardian and a school official, current school transcript, SAT scores, 2 recommendations (one from a teacher, and one from a volunteer program supervisor) , and a personal essay. All finalists will be interviewed by the Scholarship Committee. For questions or to get an application, email [email protected], or download the application at http://bit.ly/McFaddenScholarship2014. Applications are due by Friday, March 21st.

District Manager, Manhattan’s CB10, covering Central Harlem. Through its 50-member volunteer board and four paid NYC staff members, the Board engages in various outreach activities to better the quality of life of community residents, has an advisory role in the City’s land use review process, annual budget, and delivery of municipal services and is an active participant in most large-scale development proposals and planning activities. Under the direction of the Board Chair and its Executive Cabinet, the District Manager is responsible for expediting, monitoring and evaluating the delivery of municipal services, land use and zoning issues and management/budget concerns within the community district and actively participates in the coordination of the delivery of these services. In the performance of this position, the District Manager will adhere to all the requirements of the NYC Charter and CB10 bylaws. Must have college degree + 2 year’s experience, or equivalent education/vocational experience. Send resume and cover letter to Manhattan Community Board 10 Manhattan, Attn: Personnel Search Committee: 215 West 125 Street, 4th Floor – New York, NY 10027 or email: [email protected]. Must be received by March 31st. NYC residency required. For more info, visit: www.nyc.gov/mcb10

Seasonal Job Vacancy Notice: Summer Camp Counselors with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) serves as the steward for over 29,000 acres of land, which includes 1,000 playgrounds, 35 recreation centers, 66 pools and 14 miles of beach. Within the many divisions, Public Programs operates Summer Camp at 19 locations. NYC Parks Experience Summer Camp offers

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email children ages 6 – 13 opportunities to participate in sports, fitness and outdoor adventure. During this 7 week fun- filled summer day camp children will go on trips throughout the five boroughs, participate in structured team sports, physical fitness programs, field days and make lasting friendships. DPR currently is looking for Summer Camp Counselors for the 8 weeks beginning July 1st. Civil service titles include Playground Associate ($14.90/hour; 49 positions citywide) and Community Service Aide ($13.60/hour; 34 positions citywide). For responsibilities, qualifications and other details please visit http://www.nycgovparks.org/. To apply, please e-mail resume & cover letter to: [email protected].

Union Apprenticeship Opportunities The Joint Apprenticeship Committees for the Laborers (#731) & Ironworkers (Locals #40 & #361) Unions have open applications for their apprenticeship programs. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Other requirements apply; for information visit http://www.labor.ny.gov/pressreleases/ApprenticeshipArchive.shtm, or call the Local 731 Training Fund at 718- 752-9860 or the Local Union #40 & #361 at 718-433-4195. You can also link there to a complete list of recruiting and apprentice opportunities throughout the NYS Department of Labor.

Summer Youth Employment Program Director The YM/YWHA of Washington Heights & Inwood is seeks a full-time position managing all aspects of an NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) funded Summer Youth Employment Program. You will be responsible to recruit, hire, train and supervise all staff and volunteers; develop and implement outreach strategies to recruit youth participants, 16 through 24 years of age; develop new work site partners and coordinate external relations with sites; develop and present curriculum for job readiness education and training sessions; oversee internal controls and assessments; monitor program budget and maintain records. Must have Bachelor's Degree in related discipline and prior experience providing and supervising youth workforce development. Bilingual (Eng/Sp) preferred. Salary $40k+ benefits. Please contact … Please forward resumes to: [email protected]

***HEALTH & WELLNESS *** (4 items) Twelve Weeks of Classes to Help You Get Well, Stay Healthy, and Live Better! Inwood Community Services, Inc., Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, Community League of the Heights and EmblemHealth invite you to a series of FREE fitness classes, cooking demonstrations and health care education seminars. Sign up today:  Yoga: Tuesdays, 2:30pm-3:30pm, April 1st - June 24th or Fridays, 7pm-8pm, April 4th - June 27th  Zumba: Wednesdays, 6pm-7pm, April 2nd - June 25th or Fridays, 6pm – 7pm, April 4th - June 27th  Health Lectures: Wednesdays, 7pm – 7:45pm (See Schedule)  Cooking Classes: Tuesdays, 3:30pm – 5pm (See Schedule)  At the Holy Trinity Church, 20 Cumming Street (btw. Seaman & Broadway) For more information or to sign-up, click here : http://emblemhealthlivehealthy.com/upcoming-events/ or call 1- 877-444-3674.

Do you have lupus? Are you interested in meeting others who have lupus? If so, please let us know. The YM&YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood is exploring the possibility of hosting a support group for those affected by lupus, and is looking for people in the Washington Heights/Inwood area who might be interested in a lupus support group, in association with the SLE Lupus Foundation. Support groups offer the opportunity to connect with others, share your thoughts and feelings, and learn more about resources. If interested, please contact Deborah Katznelson at 212-569-6200, ext. 219 or at [email protected].

The Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) is now in effect. You can sign up for affordable and comprehensive health insurance for you and your family. Visit New York State’s own website: www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov. You must enroll by March 31st to get coverage this year and to avoid any possible penalties. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, the federal government will provide tax credits to reduce insurance premiums for many people (e.g., a family of 4 with income up to $94,200). If your income is above that level, you can still get cheaper insurance than what was previously available. Protect yourself / protect your family. You can get free help from these authorized navigators:

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email Northern Manhattan Improvement Corp. ………………..…………..…………..212-822-8341 Morris Heights Health Center…………………………………………..……..………...718-483-1260 NY Women’s Chamber of Commerce (businesses and individuals)…....212-304-5122 Dominican Women’s Development Center……………………..………………...212-740-4335

Protect Yourself, Your Family & Your Community from the Measles:  Babies should receive the first measles vaccine at 12 months of age. Children older than 12 months of age who have not yet received a measles vaccine (given as MMR or Measles-Mumps-Rubella) should be vaccinated as soon as possible. Several children who have developed measles were not vaccinated at 12 months of age.  Vaccinating older children is the best way to protect children who are too young to receive the shot.  Two doses of measles vaccine are required for full protection. Children usually get the second measles shot at 4 to 6 years of age before going to school.  Older children and adults who have not received two measles shots may be at risk of infection.  Vaccinations are very safe. The benefits far outweigh any risks. Side effects are usually mild, such as soreness where the shot was given.  Be sure that you and your family are fully vaccinated prior to international travel. Measles is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.  Visit your doctor or call 311 to find out where to get vaccinated.

For more information on measles, visit www.nyc.gov.

***HELP WITH YOUR TAXES*** (4 items) NMIC free tax assistance provided by the Food Bank for New York City in partnership with the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation. Bring your Social Security card or Tax ID # for everyone to be claimed on your return; a photo of yourself and spouse (if applicable; W-2s for all jobs you held in 2013 and any other tax- related documents; a sample check or deposit slip with routing number and account number if you want direct deposit of your refund. Now through April 15th, Mon-Thurs noon-7pm; Saturdays 9am-5pm. (Closed on Mondays in March.) You may also use our self-prep tax program on Saturdays. We also offer assistance to seniors and the disabled (limited to 25 people/day): Mon-Thurs, 8am-noon; Tues-Thurs, 8am-noon during March. NMIC is located at 76 Wadsworth Avenue (near W. 177th St.), First floor. Info: (212) 453-5391

Tax Online Filing assistance To be eligible, you must be filing less than $55,000 per tax return, have some basic computer literacy and a valid email address. Free. At the Inwood Library (4790 Broadway). three days a week, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-1pm. This program will run through April 15th.

If you need help preparing your tax return, learn about the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.  VITA Program: If you make $52,000 or less, IRS-certified volunteers can inform you about tax credits for which you may qualify, and prepare a basic tax return with electronic filing.  TCE Program: If you are 60 years of age or older, you may qualify for free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers who specialize in issues unique to seniors.

There are thousands of locations across the United States where you can get free tax help through the VITA and TCE programs: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a special federal tax program that helps low- and moderate-income working individuals and families reduce their income taxes and put more money in their pockets. The credit reduces the amount of federal tax owed, and may even result in a refund. If a qualifying individual or family owes income tax, EITC will reduce the amount of taxes owed. If your tax credit is more than your tax bill, you will receive

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email a refund check—even if you don’t owe any taxes. Furthermore, New York State offers its qualifying residents an additional tax credit equal to 30% of the federal EITC for the previous tax year.

To qualify for EITC, workers can file as “single,” “head of household” or “married filing jointly.” • If you are a worker with one qualifying child, your total earned income and your federal  adjusted income must each be less than $38,511 (or $43,941 for married workers). • If you are a worker with two children, your total earned income and your federal adjusted  income must each be less than $43,756 (or $49,186 for married workers). • If you are a worker with three or more children, your total earned income and your federal adjusted income must each be less than $46,997 (or $52,427 for married workers). • If you are a worker without children, your total earned income and your federal adjusted  gross income must each be less than $14,590 (or $20,020 for married workers).

Workers with qualifying children must file federal income tax return form 1040 or 1040A and must complete and attach Schedule EIC. Workers without qualifying children can file any tax form — including form 1040EZ. These workers write “EIC” (or the dollar amount of their credit) on the Earned Income Tax Credit line on the tax form. They do not file Schedule EIC. A correct name and valid Social Security number must be provided for every person listed on the tax return and Schedule EIC, including infants born before December 31. If this information is incorrect or missing, the IRS will delay the refund. For more information on the federal EITC, call the 24-hour Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Hotline at 1-800-TAX-1040, or visit www.irs.gov. To order federal tax forms, call the IRS at 1-800-829-3676. For more information about the New York State EITC, call the informational hotline of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at (518) 457-5181, or visit www.tax.ny.gov.

***SUMMER CAMP / SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT*** (3 items) The 2014 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is accepting applications NOW! SYEP provides New York City youth with paid summer employment for up to six weeks in July and August. All youth aged 14-24 who permanently reside within the five boroughs of New York City are eligible and encouraged to apply. Participants work in a variety of entry-level jobs including parks, summer camps, hospitals, community based organizations, small businesses, museums and retail organizations. In addition to work experience, SYEP also provides workshops on job readiness, career exploration, financial literacy and opportunities to continue education and social growth. Programs are located in community-based organizations in all five boroughs of New York City. Youth can apply for the program online or at a community-based organization during the application period. Participants are selected by lottery for the program. Specialized programming for disabled, foster care, runaway/homeless and justice- involved youth are also available. To apply for SYEP, you only need to submit a completed application by going to www.nyc.gov/dycd. For more information, call 1-800-246-4646 or visit www.nyc.gov/dycd. Application period is open from now through Friday, April 25th.

Riverbank State Park Summer Camp For boys & girls, 7-12. From Monday - Friday, July 7th - August 8th, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. Registration begins Wednesday, April 16th, ends Saturday, June 28th. Camp Fee: $550 plus $4 registration fee & $10 for ID. Late pick-up (6pm) also available for an additional $100 fee You must bring an birth certificate or passport, an immunization card and a current physical (stamped, dated and signed by the doctor’s office); bring the original documents and a copy of each in order to register.(We do not have the ability to make copies. You must bring copies.) You may pay by cash, credit card (AmEx, MC, Visa, Discovery) or money order; no personal checks. Payment accepted at the Cashier’s Booth in the Skating Rink, every day from 9am-5pm; (Weds until 7pm). Mandatory Orientation will be held Saturday, June 28th @ 1pm in the Cultural Theater. Summer Camp Open House Dates: March 15th, April 12th & May 17th, 11am - 3pm. At the Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Drive @ W. 145th St. For more information, call 212-694-3632, 3634

Storefront Science Summer Camps Storefront Science summer camps are inquiry-based, exploratory and thematic, allowing kids to "go deep" in a particular science area. Each week, we offer two topics - morning and

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email afternoon - so kids can spend their summer doing things they are interested in. You can select as few or as many weeks as you’d like, and half-day or full day options! “StoSci” camps are based at the First Baptist Church, 265 West 79th Street (@ Broadway). Experiments and explorations in Riverside Park and Central Park, as well local museums, landmarks and the streets of the UWS. Eight weekly classes, from Monday, July 7th – Friday, August 29th, for ages 4-12. Morning (9am-noon) & afternoon (1pm-4pm) sessions for $350/wk; full day (9am-4pm) for $600/wk. Sibling and multi-week discounts available. Snacks provided; please pack lunch. There are a total of 8 topics, each offered for a morning and an afternoon session: playground physics; building; urban naturalism, atoms-to-solar- systems, physiology, paleontology, kite-flying, robotics/kinetic art Visit www.storefrontscience.com to register.

***NEWS, INFORMATION & ONGOING EVENTS*** (5 items) DV / Immigration Advice The Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC) is currently accepting new referrals, including VAWA self-petitions, Battered Spouse Waivers, DACAs and Citizenship. Priority will be given to Spanish speaking clients residing in Upper Manhattan. Please have clients call the main number: 212-822-8300. NMIC is located at 76 Wadsworth Ave., @ W. 177th St.

"Through Women's Eyes" In celebration of Women's History Month, The Grady Alexis Gallery at El Taller Latino Americano is pleased to present an art exhibition featuring the work of New York-based artists Antonia Guerrero (Mexico,) Shifi Rathaus (Israel) and Nina Talbot (US). Curated by Andrea Arroyo. At the Grady Alexis Gallery at El Taller Latino Americano, 2710 Broadway (@ W. 104th Street). Through April 19th. For more information, visit http://tallerlatino.org/ArtExhibits.php.

TokoNoMAA: Stories of Home in the Heights This NoMAA / MoMA multidisciplinary project installation is based on the concept of the “tokonoma,” the focal point of the Japanese home in which a simple but beautiful object is placed for contemplation. Interpreting the format of the scroll, the artists explored various meanings of “home” in the Washington Heights/Inwood through photography, painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media. Participating artists: Yael Ben-Zion, Ferlaisa Gomez, Denise Laurin, Rafaela Luna, Joiri Minaya, Daya De La Rosa, Tamara Rose and Gesche Würfel. Curated by G. Romero. In the Gold Wing Gallery, at the Hebrew Tabernacle, 551 Ft. Washington Ave. @ W. 185th St. Through the end of April.

Small Grants Available for Community Compost Projects Citizens Committee for New York City, the Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board (SWAB), and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer invite you to apply for grants to start, expand and grow composting programs in all five boroughs. Grants of up to $750 will be awarded to community groups working on neighborhood composting programs. Groups eligible for funding include community associations, community gardens, friends of park groups, housing development groups, nonprofits, schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, and private businesses. Grants can be used to purchase materials to start or expand upon a composting program. Click here (http://www.citizensnyc.org/grants/composting-grant) and apply by March 28th.

Learn about home heating for your house, building or co-op/condo Winter can be the perfect time for buildings to start planning to clean up their heating systems and energy bills for next season. NYC Clean Heat is participating in and hosting a number of events on the Upper West Side and the Bronx in March and April to help building decision makers understand the public health impacts of using heavy heating oil and the resources available to them to make the switch to a cleaner alternative. For more information, click on the links below to learn more about each event and to RSVP, or contact NYC Clean Heat: 212-656-9202 / [email protected] / nyc.gov/cleanheat. Any building decision maker could benefit from attending these events, but the Upper West Side events may be more useful for co-op and condo board members. Co-op and condo tenants are also welcome to attend the March 29th event.  Thursday, March 27th, 6:30-8:00pm: House Doctor Series on Cleaner Heating Systems, sponsored by Landmark West.

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email  Saturday, March 29th, 2:00-4:30pm: Safer Air, Lower Energy Bills, Cleaner Heat! This event will include two workshops and an opportunity to network with financing providers and ULS 2 Specialists.  Wednesday April 2nd, 1-2:30pm. Co-sponsored by the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, UNHP, and FBHC. Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation: 2751 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10468  Thursday April 17th, 6:30-8:00pm. Co-sponsored by the Department of Housing Preservation (HPD). Maestro's: 1703 Bronxdale Ave, Bronx, NY 10462.

***TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION*** (4 items) Pedestrian Safety Tips from the 34th Precinct: before you step off the curb to cross the street, make sure you STOP / LOOK / LISTEN for bicycles and other vehicles. Remember that bicycles are quieter than motor vehicles. MAKE EYE CONTACT with drivers and cyclists to be sure they see you before you start to cross. Give yourself the most time to cross by waiting for a “fresh” green or “walk” signal. Keep scanning as you cross, especially for turning vehicles. Don’t stand or walk in a bike lane. Be cautious and avoid texting on your cell phone when crossing the street.

Vision Zero, Pedestrian Safety & Double-parking on W. 181st Street The 34th Precinct would like to share this information with the Washington Heights and Inwood communities and requests your assistance in sharing the information. During the next 2 weeks, the 34th Precinct will implement Operation Move-Along. It will involve community outreach that will highlight the risks of double parking. The goal is to prevent and deter double parking therefore decreasing accidents and injuries. This outreach will be followed by a period of enforcement. We will be distributing the attached flier to businesses, organizations, pedestrians, and motorists in the confines of the 34th Precinct specifically on the West 181st Street corridor. In our pursuit of Vision Zero, we urge motorists to please refrain from double parking in the West 181st Street corridor and other locations. When you double park, you obstruct the view of other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists; you impede traffic flow; you increase the chance of a collision. Don’t be the cause of a collision or injury or death to somebody’s loved one. Please be considerate.

This just in from the folks at the MTA Bridges & Tunnels… The Manhattan-bound Henry Hudson toll plaza is being reconfigured to merge two narrower toll lanes into one wider lane to improve traffic flow for motorists both before and after the toll plaza. The work, which is dependent on good weather, will take approximately three weeks to complete and is scheduled to begin March 24th. Once the work is finished cars driving across the bridge in the center lane will feed directly into the new wider lane, eliminating most last-minute lane switching before the toll plaza. Drivers also won’t have to merge into one lane after passing through the toll island once the wider, single toll lane is in place. The first week of the project involves eliminating the concrete islands from the plaza and may be noisy at times. In order to get the work done as quickly as possible and lessen impact on traffic, some work may occur overnight. We are very aware of the close proximity of our neighbors in Riverdale and will make every effort to minimize work during overnight hours whenever possible. Signs will be in place before the bridge and on the bridge to alert drivers to the temporary traffic pattern that will be in place while the work is being done.

And THIS just in from the MTA regarding 1-train service disruptions THIS WEEKEND: From 11:30pm Friday, March 21st to 5am Monday, March 24th there will be no 1 train service above 96th Street due to work on the portal repair project on Broadway at 122nd & 135th Streets. Customers may take the A train, M3 bus and free shuttle buses as alternatives. 1 Service will operate between South Ferry and 96th Street.

 For service between 96th Street & 168th Street, use free shuttle buses.  For service between 168th Street and 191st Street, use M3 bus or free shuttle buses.  For Dyckman Street and 207th Street, use nearby A stations; transfer is available between the 1 and A trains at 59th Street/Columbus Circle.  For service between 207th Street & 242nd Street, take free shuttle buses. Transfer between buses and A train at 207th Street and between A and 1 trains at 59th Street/Columbus Circle.

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email

MTA NYC Transit will need to close two lanes of traffic on Broadway in both the northbound and southbound directions in the area of the intersections at 122nd Street and 135th Street where we will begin the demolition of the deteriorated portion of the subway roof. Traffic agents will be on site.

------Elizabeth Lorris Ritter Community Liaison State Senator Adriano Espaillat, 31st SD 5030 Broadway, Suite 701 NYC 10034 (212) 544-0173 (ph) (212) 544-0256 (fx)

Contact Liz Ritter at [email protected] to receive updates via email