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| March 2016 Monthly Update |
A Message from Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell
Dear Neighbor,
It's hard to believe March has arrived and that we are all the more closer to Spring weather! I write to share a few community updates as well as an update on the 2015-2016 legislative session.
Now that the Executive Budget proposal has been released, budget negotiations in Albany are in full swing. I have been attending a number of the budget hearings that have taken place over the last few weeks, and am looking forward to advocating for my top priorities during the budget process. These include criminal justice reform, education, affordable housing, and fair and progressive policies for all New Yorkers. I have already begun to receive correspondence from many of you regarding the priorities that you want me to support, and I am keeping these opinions in mind throughout this process. I look forward to hearing from many more of you as March continues, and I will be sure to keep you updated on the progress of the budget.
Back in our community, My 13th Annual Community Reading Challenge "To Infinity and Beyond!" was a great success. The reading challenge festivals featured science writer Robin Henig, science journalist Ann Marie Cunningham, and author, producer, and singer Tish Rabe. To culminate this year's space exploration theme, we teamed up with Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach for an out of this world stargazing and lecture night. (P.S. If you missed our stargazing night, Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach holds frequent and free public events). A big thanks to all of our community partners that supported this event, including George Bruce, Morningside Heights, and Bloomingdale New York Public Libraries, as well as
and
Additionally, my annual Children's Book Drive, in partnership with Project Cicero, is in full swing. My office is accepting gently used books appropriate for Preschool through High School students now through Thursday, March 3rd. We've collected about 500 books so far- let's see if we can reach 1000! All donations will benefit NYC Public Schools.
As always, should you need assistance or information, my Community Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Feel free to call my office at (212) 866-3970 or email me at odonnelld@assembly.state.ny.us. I also encourage you to follow my official New York State Assembly Twitter & Facebook accounts to get exclusive insight into the work I'm doing in my district and for all New Yorkers by visiting www.twitter.com/dannyodonnellny and www.facebook.com/danieljodonnellny.
Very truly yours,
Daniel O'Donnell
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Assembly Member O'Donnell in the News
In case you missed it, check out these news features of Assembly Member O'Donnell in February 2016.
Prison Reform
- City Limits published Assembly Member O'Donnell's opinion piece on reforming Riker's Island: http://bit.ly/1T66BGs
- New York State of Politics covers Assembly Member O'Donnell's bill to launch a pilot program for the use of body cameras in State prisons: http://bit.ly/1XXV3nY
- New York State of Politics covers Assembly Member O'Donnell & Assembly Member Rozic's joint letter to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision regarding better treatment for women prisoners: http://bit.ly/23XbBAP
Gun Laws
- The Albany Times Union covers Assembly Member O'Donnell's comments on the Domestic Violence Escalation Prevention Act (A6340): http://bit.ly/1LtM4cx
Education
- DNA Info covers Assembly Member O'Donnell's concerns regarding construction next to P.S. 163: http://dnain.fo/1O08YTa
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Assembly Member O'Donnell's Upcoming Free Legal Clinic
For constituents who need help with legal issues but are unable to come to Assembly Member O'Donnell's Community Office during the workday, Assembly Member O'Donnell hosts a monthly evening opportunity for constituents to consult with a volunteer attorney.
Call Joyce at (212) 866-3970 to make an appointment.
**Thursday, March 24th**
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Ice Theatre of New York's New Works and Young Artist Series
The New Works and Young Artists Series, the Ice Theatre of New York's signature educational program, is an initiative geared towards public school students from Harlem, Washington Heights, the Bronx and Queens. In this annual Series, the Theatre's talented young apprentices, students themselves, will perform alongside their experienced professional ensemble and guest artists in free performances. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in a free skating clinic taught by Company teachers. For more information, call (212) 929-5811 or email itny@icetheatre.org.
Riverbank State Park Dates: March 3th, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st
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New York City Housing Authority Environmental Ambassadors
Live at NYCHA and love your community? Help keep it clean and green by joining
Environmental Ambassadors! Environmental Ambassadors are NYCHA residents who are trained by GrowNYC to become community recycling experts. After completing 2 recycling workshops, Environmental Ambassadors conduct 12 hours of local outreach at their development to encourage their neighbors to participate in the NYCHA Recycles! Program (http://on.nyc.gov/1QRPckN). Environmental Ambassadors help to make a positive change where they live.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older, and currently reside at a NYCHA development.
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Sign up Early for Community Supported Agriculture Membership and Save!
For over 25 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. A farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.
It's a simple enough idea, but its impact has been profound. Tens of thousands of families have joined CSAs, and in some areas of the country there is more demand than there are CSA farms to fill it. This year, signing up early for a CSA will save you money. In an effort by CSA's to help farmers finance their costs and plan this year's crops, many offer reduces rates to those who sign up as early as March (up to $40!) and before the final deadline.
For the latest list of CSA's complied by the West Side Rag, visit
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Free Business Development Services for All Manhattan and Bronx Veterans
The Washington Heights-Inwood Development Corporation (57 Wadsworth Avenue [176th Street]) is a 501c-3 not-for-profit organization that is offering free business development counseling to veterans starting a new business or expanding an existing business. WHIDC will help you with your business formation and other legal issues, developing your business plan, cash flow projections, marketing strategies, licenses, certifications and more. WHIDC also provides direct business loans up to $50,000!
Manhattan & Bronx veterans in need of business development services or loans may contact the WHIDC at (212) 795-1600 or whidc@aol.com.
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NYCHA Scholarship Fund
National Leased Housing Association Education Fund
The NLHA Education Fund was established in 2007 for the purpose of awarding education grants and scholarships to low income individuals residing in federally assisted rental housing owned, managed, or administered by members of the National Leased Housing Association.
Eligibility criteria: Residents of privately owned federally assisted low income housing properties (Section 8, low income housing tax credits, etc.) or recipients of Section 8 voucher assistance that demonstrate both merit and need.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2016
To access the NHLA Education Fund Scholarship Application, visit
CHW Scholarship Fund for Public & Affordable Housing Residents
The Cannon Heyman & Weiss Scholarship Fund is awarding up to $17,000 in scholarship awards to residents of affordable housing who are accepted into full- and part-time study at approved colleges, junior colleges, technical schools, and other post-secondary institutions leading to a degree, diploma or certificate.
Eligibility criteria: "Affordable Housing" means multi-family residential rental housing in New York State financed by Federal, State or local subsidies including either project-based Section 8 subsidy or portable Section 8 vouchers.
Application Deadline: May 17, 2016
To access the CHW Scholarship Fund Application, visit
2016 NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship Program
NYCHA offers two types of scholarships to support our residents as they increase their income and assets through higher education. The NYCHA-CUNY Resident Scholarship awards a one-time $1,000 grant to eligible residents who are full-time undergraduates at a City University of New York (CUNY) college, and the Regina A. Figueroa Memorial Scholarship offers a one-time $1,000 award to eligible residents with disabilities who are enrolled in a CUNY undergraduate program.
Eligibility Criteria: Authorized NYCHA public housing residents; full-time, enrolled undergraduate CUNY students; 25 or more credits; minimum 3.0 GPA.
Application Deadline: June 25, 2016
Applications will be available starting May 1st. Check out their FAQ by visiting
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IDNYC "Pop-Up" Enrollment Site at Morningside Library
A IDNYC pop up enrollment site in Morningside Library (2900 Broadway between 82nd street and 83rd street) opened on February 17th to March 11th. The pop-up enrollment site will be open Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and Friday & Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
IDNYC is a free municipal identification card for all New York City residents, regardless of immigration status. IDNYC enables cardholders to access city services, enter municipal buildings, engage with NYPD, open banks accounts and redeem countless of entertainment benefits and discounts. The most popular feature is the free one year membership to 40 cultural institutions all over New York City.
Appointments are preferred; walk-ins are not guaranteed. To schedule an appointment, visit www.nyc.gov/idnyc or call 311.
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Bloomingdale School of Music Concert Series
On Saturday, March 5th join Bloomingdale School of Music (323 West 108th Street) at
1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm, and 7:30pm for a series of concerts as part of the school's 9th annual Piano Project. This year's theme is "The Piano of the 19th Century: Romanticism and Beyond" and will feature over 80 BSM piano students and faculty.
Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
On Tuesday, March 6th join Bloomingdale School of Music (323 West 108th Street) at 7:00pm for a concert entitled "New York, New York Series: Crossing Over - American Song and Opera". Join sopranos Christine Browning, Katie Copland, and pianist Marc Peloquin for songs from the Upper West Side and across the USA. Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
On Friday, March 11th join Bloomingdale School of Music (323 West 108th Street) at 7:00pm for a concert entitled "Los Dos Amigos", featuring guitar duos from across the globe spanning three centuries--from the German Baroque of Telemann's suite to the modern Argentine Cardoso. Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
On Friday, March 18th join Bloomingdale School of Music (323 West 108th Street) at 7:00pm for a concert entitled "Determinate Indeterminacy", featuring an exciting program of music by 20th- and 21st-century composers, rich in color and variety. Music by Herndler, Skrzypczak, and many others. Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
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The New York State STEM Incentive Program
The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides a
full SUNY or CUNY tuition scholarship
for the top 10 percent of students in each New York State high school if they pursue a STEM degree in an associates or bachelor degree program and agree to work in a STEM field in New York State for 5 years after graduation.
The deadline for submitting the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program Application is August 15, 2016.
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File Your Taxes Safely and for Free
If you earn $62,000 or less, you may qualify for free tax prep services, including online filing and in-person filing with a certified preparer.
There are two ways to file your taxes safely and for free:
1) In person at your local free tax preparation site
Sites offering this service have varying income eligibility requirements. For most sites, you must earn $54,000 or less (with children) or $30,000 or less (no children).
- There are more than 200 NYC Free Tax Prep sites throughout the city.
- IRS certified preparers will help you claim important credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and NYC Child Care Tax Credit (NYC CCTC) to get the full refund you deserve. http://on.nyc.gov/1KVeWEL
- Some sites let you drop off your tax documents and pick up the completed return later.
2) Online
Annual income $62,000 or less.
- The online service is quick, easy, and secure.
- Step-by-step instructions make it easy to claim credits like the EITC and NYC CCTC and deductions to get the refund you deserve. http://on.nyc.gov/1KVeWEL
- Experts are available by phone to help with questions.
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The Carey Gabay Scholarship Program
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the State University of New York is now accepting applications for the Carey Gabay Scholarship Program. This scholarship was created last year in honor of Carey Gabay, an attorney and public servant, who was tragically killed as an innocent victim of gun violence in October at the age of 43. This program will provide full-ride scholarships to five incoming SUNY students who exemplify Carey's commitment to social justice, leadership, and mentoring, as well as his personal story of succeeding academically despite having an economically disadvantaged background.
The Carey Gabay Scholarship Program will annually award full-ride scholarships to five students to attend four-year SUNY colleges beginning in the 2016-17 school year. These scholarships will cover all costs of attendance, including tuition, room and board, college fees, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.
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The NYC Organics Collection Program
New York City runs one of the largest food waste recycling programs of its kind, collecting organic waste from residences, schools, city agencies, and institutions in all five boroughs. Every week, the Department of Sanitation collects food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard waste from participants in pilot areas. Sanitation transports this waste to local and regional processing facilities where it is recycled into compost or turned into renewable energy.
To request NYC Organics Collection in your apartment building, city agency, or non-profit organization, submit an online inquiry at http://nyc.gov/organics.
Single-Family homes and small apartment buildings in pilot areas automatically receive service, as well as select public schools. If you don't live in a pilot area or if your building does not qualify for NYC Organics Collection, you can still recycle your organic waste by composting at home or bringing your food waste to a drop-off site in our community. Visit http://nyc.gov/compostproject for food waste drop off locations and more information.
The office of Assembly Member O'Donnell urges the community to participate in this initiative, as the NYC Organics Collection Program is a proven way to combat rodent infestation on our streets and in our spaces.
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La oficina comunitaria del AsambleÃsta Daniel O'Donnell tiene empleados que hablan español para asistir al público, tiempo completo, de lunes a viernes desde 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM. La oficina de la comunidad está localizada en el 245 West 104th St., cercana a la calle Broadway. También se puede contactar la oficina en horario de trabajo al (212) 866-3970.
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Assembly Member O'Donnell's community office has full-time Spanish-speaking staff available to assist you, Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is located at 245 West 104th Street, just off Broadway. You can also call (212) 866-3970during business hours.
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NEED A LARGE PRINT COPY OF THE MONTHLY UPDATE? CALL OR VISIT ASSEMBLY MEMBER O'DONNELL'S DISTRICT OFFICE FOR ONE!
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If you are visually impaired or feel that you read better in large print, please do not hesitate to request a large print copy of Assembly Member O'Donnell's monthly update. Please call or stop by the Assembly Member's Community Office to request a copy.
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