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| January 2016 Monthly Update |
A Message from Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell
Dear Neighbor,
Happy New Year! As I return to Albany this week for the 2015-16 legislative session, I also want to make you aware of a couple of community events taking place in our neighborhood.
I would like to thank everyone that attended my first Community Holiday Party and Toy Drive in December. I am happy to announce that the unused and unwrapped toys donated during my event were given to Angel Tree Christmas. Founded in 1982 by an ex-prisoner who witnessed firsthand the strained relationship between incarcerated people and their children, Angel Tree has grown to become the largest national outreach specifically for the children of the incarcerated. Angel Tree volunteers wrapped your gifts on behalf of incarcerated parents and delivered it to their children in the spirit of a cheerful holiday season.
Last year, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) launched a Rat Reservoir Pilot Program, which seeks to eliminate rat infestations in especially affected neighborhoods. In order to review successes and challenges in the Pilot Program areas, I am again sponsoring a free Rodent Academy in conjunction with Community Board 7, the Columbus Amsterdam BID, and the Ascension Church on Thursday, January 14th. This free event will cover several topics, including prevention tactics, how to conduct an inspection, how to treat a rat problem, and how to supervise pest control companies. For more information, I welcome you to skip to the events section below.
It is time again for my annual Community Reading Challenge! Now in its thirteenth year, we are excited to delve into the theme of outer space exploration with the slogan "To Infinity and Beyond!" We hope that this theme, coupled with the recent resurgence in space programs, will encourage readers to be curious about the universe around them and to appreciate their role within it. For more information including the book list, dates & locations, skip to the events section of this publication.
And finally, my office has some publications that may interest you. First, the 2016 Parking Calendar is now available. If you would like a hard copy mailed to you, or would like to pick one up at my office please contact my staff at (212) 866-3970. My most recent Winter 2015/16 Community Newsletter can be accessed online here: ( http://bit.ly/1JVkL4D)
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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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HOPE 2016:
THE NYC HOMELESSNESS STREET SURVEY
The Department of Homeless Services is looking for thousands of volunteers to help conduct the Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) survey. Volunteers will be asked to survey streets, parks, subways and other public spaces to estimate the number of people living unsheltered in our city. For more information, or if you wish to sign up to volunteer, visit www.nyc.gov/dhs or call 311 today.
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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, January 28th**
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Community Office Seeks Winter/Spring Interns and Semester Fellow
Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell's New York City community office is seeking Winter/Spring Interns & a Semester Fellow. Students interested in public service will have the opportunity to get real-life experience in an active, fast-paced, New York City government office. The program offers interns the chance to engage in legislative research, offer administrative support, and help with constituent services. Successful candidates are personable and have strong research and writing skills. We aim to create an experience that is tailored to individual interests while exposing students to the dynamic day-to-day work of elected officials. Spanish-speaking is a plus. To learn more about Assembly Member O'Donnell, please visit his Assembly webpage at: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Daniel-J-O%27Donnell/.
Responsibilities:
Constituent services, conducting policy and legislative research, drafting correspondence, outreach, and press materials, special events planning assistance, and office management tasks.
Semester fellow should complete one individualized research or policy project (to be determined in conjunction with the Internship Coordinator)*
Qualifications:
Strong research, writing and analytical skills, excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive, interest in public and community service, highly organized, proactive, and able to multi-task. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
Semester fellow should be available at least 20 hours per week.*
How To Apply:
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Rodent Academy and Rat Reservoir Pilot Program
In 2015, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) launched a Rat Reservoir Pilot Program, which seeks to eliminate rat infestations in espeÂcially affected neighborhoods. This Pilot Program, which serves tenants, businesses, and building owners, focuses on the area from 105th to 110th Streets between BroadÂway and Amsterdam Avenue. Assembly Member O'Donnell has been working closely with DOHMH to help advertise this Pilot Program. In addition to locating areas of rat activity, baiting city-owned spaces, and pest-proofing public infrastructure to prevent the re-emergence of rats, DOHMH is providing individualized services to tenants and building owners.
In order to review successes and challenges in the Pilot Program areas, Assembly Member O'Donnell is again sponsoring a free Rodent Academy in conjunction with Community Board 7, the Columbus Amsterdam BID, and the Ascension Church.
The Rodent Academy will be held on Thursday, January 14th, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Ascension Church (22 W. 107th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue). Please RSVP for this event by contacting Justin Simmons, Assembly Member O'Donnell's Director of Constituent Services, at 212-866-3970.
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Assembly Member O'Donnell's 13th Annual Community Reading Challenge
This year we are excited to delve into the theme of outer space exploration with the slogan "To Infinity and Beyond!" We hope that this theme, coupled with the recent resurgence in space programs, will encourage readers to be curious about the universe around them and to appreciate their role within it. The book list (which can be accessed at http://bit.ly/1PdLZoT) promises to be filled with intergalactic travel, biographies of the first astronauts, history of the space race, and of course, aliens!
The Reading Challenge will be held over winter break (right now!) in order to encourage students to read during their time off. The Reading Challenge Festivals, where we celebrate students' spectacular reading accomplishments, will be held in January and February rather than in the spring. The Festivals will feature guest author readings, activities, free books, prizes and certificates for readers from the New York State Assembly!
Finally, to culminate the Reading Challenge we are working with Columbia University Astronomy Public Outreach to hold a stargazing and lecture night in February for all of our readers. My office will reach out with more details in early January.
The 2016 Reading Festivals will be held at the following local libraries:
Morningside Heights Branch
2900 Broadway at 113th Street
Thursday, January 28th
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Bloomingdale Branch
150 West 100th Street
Between Amsterdam and Columbus
Friday, January 29th
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
George Bruce Branch
518 West 125th Street
Between Broadway and Amsterdam
Wednesday, February 17th
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
The booklet, which includes the reading list, can be downloaded from my website by clicking "Community Reading Challenge" or picked up at my community office. Inside the booklet, in addition to the reading list, you will find a reading log, suggested activities and events, and tips for parents and guardians to encourage reading at home. The book list includes recommendations for Pre-K through eighth grade reading levels, along with some at an advanced level. Participants are encouraged to check out any books that look intriguing, regardless of reading level!
If you have any questions about this year's Challenge, please don't hesitate visit any of the participating libraries or call my Community Office at (212) 866-3970.
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Columbia University Shuttle Bus Service for Senior Citizens and Disabled
As part of the State approval process associated with the Manhattanville expansion, Columbia University will be funding and implementing a Shuttle Bus Service for Senior Citizens and Disabled. Known as the Columbia Community Shuttle, this initiative provides free shuttle bus service for seniors and the disabled in the community, Monday- Friday 9am-5pm. This shuttle service connects the Manhattanville Project site to key subway stations and Medical Centers in the area.
The shuttle is wheelchair accessible and free for people with disabilities, the elderly and a companion, or individuals with a service animal. Along with the Senior and Disabled Persons MetroCard, the Columbia Community Shuttle also accepts the Medicare Card and Access-A-Ride as acceptable forms of identification to use this service.
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Bloomingdale School of Music Concert Series
On Thursday, January 14th join Bloomingdale School of Music (323 West 108th Street) at 7:30pm for a concert entitled "Music Access Project Student Recital." Students from the Music Access Project perform in a solo recital at the end of each semester. Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
On Friday, January 15th join Bloomingdale School of Music (323 West 108th Street) at 7:00pm for a concert entitled "In Corelli's Shadow: Music of Rome." The Dorian Baroque trio explores the sonatas of Mossi, Valentini and Montenaro. Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
On Tuesday, January 19th join Bloomingdale School of Music (323 West 108th Street) at 7:00pm for a concert entitled "Up Close and Quiet: Bertoncini/Mollica, Guitar Duets." A quiet evening of conversational jazz, classical, and Brazilian music with guitar great Gene Bertoncini and faculty artist Mark Mollica. Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
On Friday, January 22th join Bloomingdale School of Music at Christ and St. Stephen's Church (122 W 69th Street) at 7:30pm for a concert entitled "Ensembles Concert." Performances by the BSM Preparatory Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra and the Bloomingdale Chamber Orchestra. Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
On Saturday, January 23rd join Bloomingdale School of Music (323 West 108th Street) at 3:30pm for a day long Guitar Festival. Join BSM for this guitar-focused event, featuring performances by BSM's guitar faculty and students. Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
On Friday, January 29th join Bloomingdale School of Music (323 West 108th Street) at 7:00pm for a concert entitled "Faculty Focus: Sara Sherman." An evening at the magical, musical masquerade! Music of Khachaturian, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Liszt. Free and Open to the Public. Call 212-663-6021 ext. 0 for more info.
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Kindergarten and Pre-K Kindergarten Application Period is Open
Pre-K
Children who live in NYC and were born in 2012 are eligible to start free Pre-K in September of 2016. The Pre-K application period will be open from January 25, 2016 to March 4, 2016.
You may apply in one of three ways:
1. Online by visiting www.nyc.gov/prek to create an account and submit your application.
2. Over the phone by calling 718-935-2067.
Kindergarten
The Kindergarten application period is open now through January 15, 2016. All applications received by the January 15 deadline are treated the same; applications are not assessed on a first come, first served basis.
You may apply in any one of three ways:
2. Over the phone by calling 718-935-2400.
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Citizen's Committee for New York City Neighborhood Grants
From community gardening and tenant organizing to school recycling drives and art projects, Citizens Committee awards grants of up to $3,000 to grassroots groups working on community-building projects across NYC.
Never applied for a grant before? No problem! The application is simple to fill out.
The 2016 Neighborhood Grants application is now available on the CCNYC website - start brainstorming about your project now!
- Learn more about the grant on their website by visiting http://bit.ly/1Mi81JO
- Look through previously funded projects to get inspired by visiting http://bit.ly/1NsgQkW
- Read more about if your group is eligible at http://bit.ly/1McSPtW and find out what the grants can and cannot fund by visiting http://bit.ly/1Sp6pPg
- Keep an eye out for grant application workshops in the coming months, where they will go over the application process and answer your questions about the grant
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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.
For eligibility requirements and deadline information, please click here.
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"Tree-cycling" Your Tree in NYC with Curbside Collection, Drop-Off and Mulchfest
Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia announced that the Department of Sanitationwill begin its annual Christmas tree curbside collection program on Monday, January 4. The program will run through Friday, January 15, 2016.
City residents should remove all tree stands, tinsel, lights and ornaments from trees before they are put out for collection. Clean, non-bagged Christmas trees that are left on the curb between Monday, January 4 and Friday, January 15, 2016 will be chipped, mixed with leaves, and recycled into rich compost for the city's parks, institutions, and community gardens.
NYC Parks provides two options for tree-cycling; the 20th annual MulchFest event and open drop-off locations.
Mulchfest will be held Saturday and Sunday, January 9 and 10, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 30 chipping sites. http://on.nyc.gov/1cox9Zl
NYC Parks' 48 drop-off sites will be accepting trees Saturday, January 2 through January 10. To find locations, visit the NYC Parks website at www.nyc.gov/parks. These options allow New Yorkers to drop off their Christmas trees at designated parks for mulching and event attendees can pick up free mulch at some selected locations. |
Youth Beginner Ice Skating Clinics
Time: 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
Session 3: Wednesdays, January 6 - February 3
Session 4: Fridays, January 8 - February 5
This free, five-lesson ice skating clinic teaches the basic elements of ice skating through group and individual instruction. Each session includes equipment rental. Ages 6-10. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Each child may register for a maximum of two sessions. Please call 212-348-4867 for more information.
Location: Lasker Rink, Mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets (enter the Park at 110th Street and Lenox Avenue)
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The CitiBank Building on Broadway and 111th Street
In January of 2014 a fire struck the Citibank building on Broadway and 111th Street. To date, the site remains vacant and the temporary structures around it have created a general blight on the block. In May of 2015, Assembly Member O'Donnell called a meeting with Citibank, several neighbors and local business owners to discuss the construction delay, conditions surrounding the building, and general safety in the area. Amid concerns that a skyscraper would replace the building, Citibank assured the community that they intend to reopen a bank within the existing structure.
Since the meeting in May, our office has been monitoring the development of the Citibank reconstruction. In September, the reconstruction company found asbestos in the building, and the ceiling of the structure partially collapsed. Citibank has informed Assembly Member O'Donnell that asbestos abatement was completed as of December 4th 2015. A structural review is currently taking place, and the permit application process for reconstruction may begin subsequently. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed.
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Community Board Membership Applications Are Now Open
The Manhattan Borough President's office is now accepting applications for Community Board membership. All eligible New Yorkers living, working, or studying in the borough of Manhattan are encouraged to consider applying.
Manhattan's 12 community boards are local organizations each composed of 50 volunteer members serving staggered two-year terms. Community boards are tasked with being the independent and representative voices of their communities-the most grass-roots form of local government. The boards are pivotal in shaping their communities and work to enhance and preserve the character of the city's many unique neighborhoods.
Community boards consider a wide range of issues, including distribution of liquor licenses, consideration of sidewalk café applications, and permits for street fairs and other outdoor events. They may also weigh in issues before the Landmarks Preservation Commission, the Board of Standards and Appeals (the city agency dedicated to land-use and zoning regulation), and provide input on proposals from city agencies.
Members are officially appointed by the Manhattan Borough President. Half of the members of these boards are selected unilaterally by the Borough President, and half with the nomination of the City Council Members who represent the district. The Borough President must ensure adequate representation from different geographic neighborhoods in the district and must consider whether each community's constituencies are represented.
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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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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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