1 NOVEMBER COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER Majority Leader Patricia D. McDow First District Council Member City Hall, Room 407 40 South Broadway Yonkers, New York 10701 914-377-6311 www.patriciamcdow.com patricia.mcdow@cityofyonkers.com ELECTION DON’T FORGET TO VOTE --- TUESDAY 2006 NOVEMBER 7, 2006 Recent elections have pointed to the fact that just a few people can make a difference. So don’t forget to make your vote count. Welcome to the Community Bulletin. Included is information that I believe is of interest and benefit to all of our community. This is a monthly mailing, dedicated to community news and views. If you wish to receive it on an ongoing basis, or know someone who wants to receive it, please call or e-mail me. Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends, family members, and business associates. If you would like to include information in the Community Bulletin, please forward the information to patricia.mcdow@cityofyonkers.com, fax it to 914-377-6309 (attention Tracy) or mail it to City Hall Room 407, Yonkers, NY 10701, AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE THE EVENT. Two months, if it takes place early in the month. Thank you. 2 Table of Contents Section AROUND TOWN IN NOVEMBER BECZAK EVENT CALENDAR HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM YPL ATTENTION SENIOR CITIZENS OUR NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES FYI WHAT’S NEWS IN THE COMMUNITY NEWS FROM SOCIAL SECURITY BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT EDUCATION Page 2 4 4 6 11 14 16 46 49 51 54 66 3 AROUND TOWN IN NOVEMBER (Please note that all events take place in Yonkers, unless otherwise noted) Friday, November 3, 2006 8:30am The Central Committee of War Veterans will hold a Veteran’s Mass and Flag Raising at St. Casimir’s Church on Nepperhan Avenue on Yonkers, NY. For more information, please call 914-377-6700. Friday, November 3, 2006 10am-3pm Council President Chuck Lesnick is sponsoring Quality lf Life Week at the Will Library. Today is the final day. Come out to get great information about various organizations and our City. For more information, please call the Council President’s Office at 914-377-6060. Friday, November 3, 2006 11:30am The Hudson River Museum will dedicated the new Entrance Plaza and Lobby constructed in front of the Museum, located within Trevor Park on Warburton Avenue (@ Shonnard Terrace). For more information, please call HRM at (914) 963-4550. Saturday, November 4, 2006 4pm-6pm Body & Soul Essentials will have a book signing and Health Seminar with Constance Brown Riggs, Author of Eating Soulfully Healthfully with Diabetes. For more information, please call 914-375-7133. Sunday, November 5, 2006 8:30am, 11:30am & 5pm The Women of Kingdom Baptist Church will celebrate GEMS Fellowship Day. Pastor Yasmin HarrisMcMillian and Minister Yesenia Arrocho-Bannerman will share with us for our 8:30 and 11:30 services, respectively, and at 5:00, Rev. Regina Stroman from the Beulah Baptist Church will share the Word with us. All women are asked to give a sacrificial offering of $25. For more information please call KBC at 914-375-1110. Thursday, November 9, 2006 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM The Child Care Council of Westchester will hold its Champions of Child Care Reception at Reid Castle on the grounds of Manhattanville College in Purchase. They will honor the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Manhattanville College, Pepsi Bottling Group, Eileen Fisher, Inc., and Lottie Harris, former Executive Director of the Child Care Council of Westchester, for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of quality early care and education for the children of working parents in Westchester County. There will be a Playhouse Auction. All proceeds from the reception will go to our Sally Ziegler Scholarship Fund for working families who cannot afford quality care. Please be part of this wonderful evening. Individual tickets are $150. For information CLICK HERE or call (914) 761-3456. 4 Thursday, November 9, 2006 6pm-10pm Youth Theater Interactions will host Jimmy’s Jam at the Royal Regency. Tickets are $55 in advance; $75 at the door. Come out to support this wonderful organization at a great night of music performances. For more information, please call YTI at 914-963-6040. Saturday, November 11, 2006 10am The City of Yonkers will hold its Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Washington Park Veteran’s Memorial on South Broadway, in front of City Hall. If you have any questions, please call 914-377-6300. Saturday, November 11, 2006 2pm Empire Post #375 will hold a Veteran’s Ceremony at 10 Huber Place. Please come out and support our veteran’s and military. Monday, November 13, 2006 5:30PM- 7:45 PM The community organization who attends the 2 introductory CBA meetings in August felt that all community residents and CBOs who are interested in the future of downtime Yonkers should become involved in a CBA process with the City and the designated developers of downtime Yonkers. Workshops have been created to obtain ideas on what community residents and CBOs think the developer should do to help downtown Yonkers. CBA Workshop # 3 The purpose of workshop #3 is to finalize the CBO report and select people to represents the community and CBOs in negotiations with the developer. If you have any question please call the city planning council at (914) 969-3616 Tuesday, November 14, 2006 7:30AM The Yonkers Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly Networking Breakfast at Leake & Watts’ Biondi Education Center Auditorium, 463 Hawthorne Avenue. Janine Rose of News 12 Westchester will be the featured speaker. For reservations, please call 914-963-0332. Tickets: Members $15; Guest of Members, $20; Non-Member, $25. Please bring a toy to benefit the children of Leake & Watts. More information in the FYI section of this Community Bulletin. Thursday, November 16, 2006 6pm Greater NY Chapter of the Fulbright Association and Sarah Lawrence College invite you to the Sixth Annual Reception and Awards Program in celebration of their program with the Yonkers Public Schools. This event will take place in the Charles DeCarlo Performing Arts Center, Suzanne Werner Wright Theater. For more information, please call SLC Office of College Events at 914-395-2412 or visit their website at www.sarahlawrence.edu. Friday, November 17, 2006 7pm Kingdom Baptist Church will hold a trip to Greater Centennial AME Zion Church’s Israel, New Breed Tour with Tye Tribbett & G.A.. This event will take place at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West. Bronx, New York. Tickets are $30 General Seating; $50 Limited VIP seating. For more information you can contact Robin Lofton at KBC at 914-375-1110 or purchase tickets directly online at www.lehmancenter.org/lehman_center_homepage.html or by phone at 718-960-8833. 5 Friday, November 17th 2006 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM The Board of Directors and Policy Council of Westchester Community Opportunity Program will host their Annual Dinner Dance celebrating their 41st anniversary. This celebration will take place on 60 Hale Avenue in White Plains. Cocktail Hour will be at 6:30 PM while Dinner is at 7:30 PM. The cost of a person is $100.00 ($60.00 of this amount is tax-deductible contribution). Sunday, November 19, 2006 9:45 AM The Khalil Gibran Education Fund presents its Seventeenth Annual Scholarship Breakfast. The event will take place at the Polish Center on 92 Waverly Street in Yonkers. If you have any questions feel free to call Dr. Joseph F. Sayegh at (914)-969-3138. Back to Table of Contents Beczak Event Calendar Fall 2006 T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 2 – 7 : 0 0 pm – 8 : 3 0 pm FREE! What’s Shrimp Got to Do With It? We never tire of talking about fish, but we’ll put them aside for an evening to put our beloved shrimp in the spotlight. Dr. Kathy Nolan returns to Beczak to report on her latest findings from studying New York shrimp, including Hudson River specimens collected by Beczak educators and students. Come learn more about these important Hudson River species, including their role in indicating water quality. Dr. Nolan’s shrimp research and interests includes the reproductive behavior, biometrics and genetic differences between species. S a t u r d a y, N o v e m b e r 1 1 Public Family Program Second Saturdays are Public Program days! Activity and time to be announced. Call 914-377-1900 after October 1, 2006 for details. S a t u r d a y, D e c e m b e r 9 Public Family Program Second Saturdays are Public Program days! Activity and time to be announced. Call 914-377-1900 after October 1, 2006 for details. Back to Table of Contents HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM Holiday Programs Sunday, December 10, 2006 1:00 – 3:00 “The Coventry Carolers” will light up your museum visit singing Holiday favorites in the museum galleries. Join in a Victorian tradition of you sing along with seasonal favorites like “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and “Carol of the Bells.” 2:00 – 2:30 Doll House Tour with Curator Bart Bland 3:00 – 4:00 “The Snowmaiden” puppet show, a winter fantasy based on a Russian folktale, performed by Purple Rock Productions Puppet Theatre. The toy-theater set resembles a Russian 6 lacquer box, the live music by guitar and mandolin set the mood and add special effects to the marionette puppets. For all ages; FREE with museum admission. Seniors & the Arts – Fall 2006 November 8 Author’s Talk: Helen Barolini, the “dean of Italian American literature” will talk about Italian American food traditions as described in her book Festa, as well as read from her new book A Circular Journey. November 22 Living in Nature’s Realm: The Architecture and Décor of Historic Hudson River Villas, this illustrated talk by Yonkers resident Barrymore Scherer is a veritable tour of old country houses, using many rare period photographs that show how villas like "Sunnyside," "Lindhurst," and "Olana" were furnished when the region was home to the likes of Washington Irving, Jay Gould, Frederick Edwin Church, the Roosevelts, and the Vanderbilts. December 6 8 Strings & A Whistle – Seasonal classical music infused with a contemporary edge by a violin, cello and flute. Selections will include trios by Albert Roussel and Johann Gottlieb Graun. Latino Family Programs on last Sunday of every month Bi-lingual family-oriented programs offer Spanish-speaking families a chance to create a project together to take home, as well as view a Spanish-language planetarium show on the last Sunday of every month. Bi-lingual programs take place alternately at The Hudson River Museum and at public libraries in Westchester County. Call (914) 963-4550 x247 for more information. November 26 at The Hudson River Museum 2:00 – 3:15 Family Art Workshop Project with Josephine Monter 3:30 – 4:15 Planetarium Show: “Fito Gato en el Espacio.” Mommy, Me and the Museum Thursdays, 12 -12:45 – Free with Museum Admission Movement and Music: Join Actress, singer and producer Kim Breden on stage for 45 minutes of floorfriendly fun. These active programs use rhythm instruments, finger puppets and songs to create a multidimensional movement experience that stimulates children’s visual, musical and tactile senses. Planetarium Show: a tot-friendly in the museum’s Andrus Planetarium, “Larry the Cat in Space,” is a playful, imaginative cartoon presentation about an inquisitive cat who takes a trip to the Moon. November 2 November 9 November 16 November 23 November 30 December 7 December 14 Planetarium Show Movement & Music Planetarium Show No Program Movement & Music Planetarium Show Movement & Music Back to Table of Contents 7 YPL There is always a lot going on at the library; more than can be printed in this section of my email newsletter. Please check out the Library’s website at www.ypl.org for its calendar of events, or call the Library at 914-337-1500 to ask that a copy of its calendars be mailed to you. YOUR LIBRARY HAS IT! Yonkers Public Library Offers Free Courses and Practice Tests Online The Yonkers Public Library, together with www.LearningExpressLibrary.com, now offers free and unlimited access to courses and practice tests online. Overcoming test-taking anxiety, raising test scores, and improving skills is possible with just the click of a mouse. Visit the Yonkers Public Library’s website, www.ypl.org, click on the LearningExpressLibrary icon, and enjoy unlimited access to interactive skill-building courses and a broad range of practice tests based on such official exams at the ACT, SAT, GED, ASVAB, Firefighter, Police Officer, Paramedic, EMT Basic, U.S. Citizenship, Postal Worker, Cosmetology, Real Estate Agent & Broker Exams. This valuable service is available 24/7 from any internet-enabled computer in the library, or from your home with your Yonkers Public Library card. All this is possible with www.LearningExpressLibrary.com, an innovative instructional and test preparation website that offers comprehensive courses in math, reading, and writing; essay writing practice with instant scoring; resume writing and workplace skills enrichment; and more than 300 online practice tests for students and adults of all ages. All practice tests include instant score reports that help you target those skill areas that need the most attention. Complete answer explanations accompany each test question so that you understand why a particular answer is right or wrong. If you are preparing for the SAT or GED, LearningExpressLibrary offers a complete course series, as well as targeted essay writing practice with multiple writing prompts and instant score reports that immediately let you know how you performed in each skill area. For further information, contact Aurora Cruz at the Yonkers Public Library: 914-337-1500 ext. 418. Free Career and Educational Counseling Yonkers Public Library, in conjunction with WEBS Career and Educational Counseling Service, is offering a free eight-week fall seminar for adults at Riverfront Library. Take Charge: Career/Life Planning Over 50 is designed to help adults over 50 assess themselves and plan a direction for the next stage of life. Options that will be considered include part-time or full-time work, volunteerism, entrepreneurial ventures, and learning and leisure opportunities. The nineteen-hour workshop consists of an orientation session, eight group sessions, and one individual session with a career counselor. Riverfront Library in Yonkers is one of four public libraries in the County participating in the WEBS project. Sponsored by the Westchester Library System, WEBS has counseled more than 25,000 adults over the last 25 years. Those who wish to attend the program must call WEBS at 674-3612 on or after August 15 to register. Places will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The Riverfront Library, located at One Larkin Center, is handicapped accessible. Free parking is available for three hours in the Buena Vista Parking Garage. Yonkers Public Library Online Book Club Yonkers Public Library has gone high-tech, and they now offer the latest idea for people who want to read but just can’t find the time. The library delivers portions of books to you in your e-mail. Each day, Monday through Friday, the library e-mails subscribers a portion of a book that takes about 5 minutes to read. By the end of the week, subscribers have read two to three chapters from the book, and if they like it they can check it out of the library. New books are featured every week. You can sign up for different book clubs: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Business, Teen and Audio Books. To sign up for the online book club, just log on to the library’s web site, www.ypl.org, and click on the Online Book 8 Club icon and follow instructions. If you want to reserve the book you’ve been reading, go to www.westchesterlibraries.org and follow instructions. Online Tutoring Yonkers Public Library is pleased to announce that, once again, live online tutoring is available to students in grades 4 to 12 through its Library website (www.ypl.org).Students log on to the website either from home or at one of the Library’s computers and click on the Homework Help icon. Trained tutors are available to help students with math, social studies, science, and English. Students can ask questions and get printouts of each session. Online tutoring help is available from 2-10 p.m., 7-days a week. For any further information, call 914-337-1500 and ask for the Young Adult Department at Will Branch or Riverfront Library. Free Career Counseling People looking for job help can meet privately with a career counselor on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Yonkers Public Library’s Riverfront Library, One Larkin Center. The counselor can assist with writing a resume, selecting the right career, searching for a job, interviewing, and finding information on training and educational possibilities. To make a free, 45-minute appointment with a career counselor, come to the Riverfront Library reference desk on the third floor, or call the Library at 375-7966. The Yonkers Public Library is handicapped accessible. Bookmobile The Yonkers Public Library Bookmobile will return to Cross County Shopping Center (at the guard/information booth) on Fridays, 2:30-4:30pm. For more information contact the library at 914-3771500 or at www.ypl.org. After School Homework Help After school homework help with a certified teacher for grades 1 to 6 will be available at the Yonkers Public Library starting October 3rd. Both the Grinton I. Will Branch and the Riverfront Library will provide this service Monday to Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM on days when the Yonkers Public Schools are in session. The Grinton I. Will Branch, located at 1500 Central Park Avenue, and the Riverfront Library, located at One Larkin Center, are handicapped accessible. For further information, call: 337-1500 x306. Grant Video Series Yonkers Public Library’s Riverfront Library and The Foundation Center will present a Grant Video Series on the topic of improving grant maker effectiveness on designated Wednesdays in October and November. Filled with detail about the craft of grant making that goes beyond any one foundation or funder, the Grant Video Series looks at how grant makers can bring a variety of tools, skills and resources to bear in their work. This program will be held from 12:30-1:30 pm in Room 2B on the following Wednesdays: November 8 – “Opportunities from the Unpredictable” (14 min.) A team of international grant makers as they respond to a natural disaster, laying the groundwork for local cooperation and capacity. November 15 – “Supporting a Planning Process” (15 min.) Building a new community institution and promoting civic participation. November 29 – “Reflection on Practice” (45 min.) Conversation with grant makers about the methods and skills they use to support social change. Bring your own “brown bag” lunch for an hour of video and discussion. This Grant Video Series is made possible through The Foundation Center via a grant from The Ford Foundation. 9 Riverfront Library, located at One Larkin Center, is handicapped accessible. Free parking is available for three hours in the nearby Buena Vista Parking Garage. For more information, and to register, call Norma Humphrey at 914-375-7966. Learn to Search Databases for your Term Paper Yonkers Public Library’s Riverfront Library is offering a free workshop in online database searching for college and high school students. Learn how to ease those term paper terrors with Librarian Jody Maier who will show you how to find the information you need. Workshops will be held in the Computer Room on the following Fridays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm November 17 and December 1. There will also be a Saturday workshop on November 18 from 11 am to 1 pm. Registration is required. To register, call 337-1500 ext 461 or sign up at the Reference Desk on the third floor. Riverfront Library, located at One Larkin Center, is handicapped accessible. Free parking is available for three hours in the nearby Buena Vista Parking Garage. For further information, contact: Jody Maier, 914-337-1500 ext. 461. Guided Tours Take a guided tour of the Riverfront Library and let us tell you about our programs and services. Library Tours in English and Spanish Registration is required: Please register at the 3rd Floor Reference Desk, or call (914)375-7966 “Eat Smart New York” In collaboration with Yorkers Riverfront Library Cornell Cooperative Extension Presents “Eat Smart New York” Don’t wait…..Call Today What: Free nutrition and food series (8 classes) include recipe tasting Where: Yonkers Riverfront Library When: Wednesday(s) Nov. 1, 8,15,22,29 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m To reserve your place, call Sandy Antonioli at 285-4627. Space is limited This is offered as a special benefit for participants of the USDA food Stamp Program Children’s Programs at Yonkers Will Library Yonkers Public Library’s Grinton I. Will Branch will host the following fall programs for children. All programs are free and open to the public. Registration required (except for Baby Time & Homework Helper). HOMEWORK HELPER (grades 1-6) After school homework help with a certified teacher (When Yonkers Public Schools are in session). Monday – Thursday from 4-6 p.m. October 3 – December 21 GOT HOMEWORK? Get Free Help online from real tutors, One-to-one- help. Home Access-2:00 pm-10:00 pm Available in the Library most afternoons Call (914) 337-1500 for exact hours NURSERY RHYME TIME (AGES 1-1/2 - 2-1/2) 10 Nursery Rhymes, stories, songs and finger plays in the Story Room. Mondays at 10 & 11 a.m. September 25 – December 11 (except October 9). Tuesdays at 10 a.m. September 26 – December 12 (except November 7) MOTHER GOOSE TIME (ages 2-1/2 – 3-1/2) Nursery Rhymes, stories, songs and finger plays. Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the Story Room. September 28 – December 14 (except November 23). BABY TIME (ages 1 month – 18 months) Nursery Rhymes, stories, songs and finger plays. Fridays at 11 a.m. in the Story Room. September 2 – December 8 (except November 24). Grinton I. Will Branch, located at 1500 Central Park Avenue, is handicapped accessible. For further information and to register, call 337-1500 ext. 306. BABY SIGNING WORKSHOP: “BEDTIME SIGNS” (AGES 6 MONTHS-2 YEARS) Join Martina Curtis who will lead this exciting sign language class for hearing babies and toddlers. Designed for pre-verbal babies and their parents and caregivers. Learn how to communicate with your baby/toddler. Wednesday, November 8, at 10 a.m. in the Story Room. Limited registration begins November 1. CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK: NOVEMBER 13-19 - Books BINGO (Ages 7 and up) Monday, November 13, at 4 p.m. in the Story Room. Limited registration begins October 23. - Neighborhood Theatre performs “The Singing Tiger” (Ages 4-6) Tuesday, November 14, at 4 p.m. in the Story Room. Limited registration begins October 24. - Make a Thanksgiving Centerpiece with Jamie Ross (Ages 4 to 6) Monday, November 20, at 4 p.m. in the Story Room. Limited registration begins October 30. Programs For Children At Yonkers Crestwood Library Yonkers Public Library’s Crestwood Branch is hosting the following exciting children’s programs in October. Chess Workshop with John Gallagher. Ages 7 and up. Thursdays, October 12-November 16, at 6 p.m. Registration begins 9/25. Wednesday, November 1, at 2 p.m. “Mealtime Signs” (registration begins 10/25) Art Workshop for ages 5 to 8. Celebrate Children’s Book Week November 13-18. Make a turkey centerpiece with Jamie Ross on Wednesday, November 15, at 3:45 PM. Limited registration begins November 1. The Crestwood Branch is located at 16 Thompson Street, Yonkers, NY 10710. For further information, and to register, call 337-1500 x360. Passport to Adventure Yonkers Public Library’s Passport to Adventure continues at the Riverfront Library. Passport to Adventure, a free series of video presentations, is held on designated Tuesdays at 2 PM in the Community Room. Travel to Namibia on Tuesday, November 14. This series is a collaboration between the Yonkers Public Library and Questar Inc., Chicago, IL. 11 Riverfront Library, located at One Larkin Center, is handicapped accessible. Free parking is available for three hours in the nearby Buena Vista Parking Garage. For further information, contact: Jody Maier, 914-337-1500 ext. 461. Art Film The Fine Arts and Adult Departments of Yonkers Public Library’s Grinton I. Will Branch continue the award-winning FILM MOVEMENT series with the art film, A Peck On The Cheek, on Wednesday, November 8, at 2 PM in the Pincus Auditorium. Admission is FREE. The Grinton I. Will Branch, located at 1500 Central Park Avenue, is handicapped accessible. For information call: 337-1500 x332. Art Exhibition Yonkers Public Library’s Riverfront Library will host an art exhibition of oils and watercolors by Eleanor Bloom during the month of November. Eleanor Bloom started painting in her sixth decade. In 2005, Manhattan Arts International selected Bloom’s painting, “Into The Light”, as a showcase winner. Her paintings of dancers have been featured in a “Bloom Room” at a White Plains spa. The exhibit will be held in the Atrium from November 1 to 30 and is open regular library hours: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Riverfront Library is located at One Larkin Center, across from the Yonkers Metro North Railway Station, and is handicapped accessible. Free parking is available for three hours in the nearby Buena Vista Garage. For further information, call 914-337-1500. Dance to Honor Veterans Yonkers Public Library’s Riverfront Library and Thoughts in Motion Dance Company will present “A Long Road Home” – a dance to honor veterans, choreographed by Rae Ballard and performed by Thoughts in Motion Dance Company on Sunday, November 12th, at 2:00 PM at Yonkers Riverfront Library Auditorium. Admission is free. Performing with Ms. Ballard will be members of her dance company, Thoughts in Motion. They are Madoka Atsumi, Lauren Naslund, Christina Morrissey, Yayoi Suzuki and Gabriel Zaragoza. Riverfront Library is located at One Larkin Center, across from the Yonkers Metro North Railway Station, and is handicapped accessible. Free parking is available in the Larkin Plaza Parking Lot, adjacent to the library and the nearby Buena Vista Garage. For further information, please email reballard1@msn.com. This project is made possible by the Arts Alive Grant program of the Westchester Arts Council with funding from the Decentralization Artist Tier Program of the New York State Council on the Arts. Author Jean Zimmerman to Speak Yonkers Public Library’s Riverfront Library will host author Jean Zimmerman on Wednesday, November 15, at 6 PM in Community Room A. Ms. Zimmerman will discuss her book, The Women Of The House: How a Colonial She-Merchant Built a Mansion, a Fortune, and a Dynasty. Zimmerman deftly traces the astonishing rise of Margaret Hardenbroeck Philipse and the Philipse women who followed her, who would transform Margaret’s storehouse on the banks of the Hudson into a veritable mansion, Philipse Manor Hall, which still stands in Yonkers today. There will be a question and answer session as well as book purchasing and signing. Light refreshments will be served. This program is free and open to the public. Riverfront Library, located at One Larkin Center, is handicapped accessible. Free parking is available for three hours in the Buena Vista Parking Garage. For further information, call 914-337-1500 x493. Current Event Discussion Yonkers Public Library’s Grinton I. Will Branch will host a free Current Event Discussion with moderator Sondra K. Slade on Thursday November 16 at 2 PM in the Projection Room. The topic will 12 be US policy on the detainees (Part 2): what rights, if any, should they have? Mrs. Slade will introduce the topic with current information from the news, share her expertise, and invite discussion from the audience. This program is free and open to the public. Due to limited seating registration is required. Please sign up at the Reference Desk, or call 914-337-1500 ext. 311. Will Branch, located at 1500 Central Park Avenue, is handicapped accessible. Back to Table of Contents ATTENTION SENIOR CITIZENS Medicare Part D Information Centers Due to increasing demand, Westchester County has expanded the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Information Centers. Westchester no offers 14 sites where seniors can get help with Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. Four new centers are now open in each of Mamaroneck, Eastchester, Yonkers and New Rochelle. Seniors can call the County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services 914-8136100 to schedule an appointment. Sessions are by appointment only. 55 Plus Yonkers Connections is led by the Community Planning Council of Yonkers in collaboration with Saint Joseph’s Medical Center. This program is made possible by a grant from the Helen Andrus Benedict Foundation 914 378-7824. Fax 914 378-7130. yefi3388@aol.com 11/9 Yonkers Senior Law Day at Grinton I Will Library 10-12noon. FREE Sponsored by 55Plus and the Yonkers Office for Aging. Topics:Elder Mediation Services, Debt Management for Seniors, Understanding Medicare Options, Legal Rights Check-up. Call 378-7824 for more information. Love, Ladles & Folklore An intergenerational after school project invites adults 55+ and children ages 10-15 to participate in the creation of a cookbook. Deadline to sign-up for this wonderful free opportunity to pass on a treasured family recipe and the story behind it to your children is 12/1/06. For more information on how to participate, please call 55Plus at 3787824. Options & Opportunities, sponsored by 55Plus, is a four-session program designed to help persons 55 and over plan their next steps along the retirement path. Sessions begin 10/17 at the Will Library, 1500 Central Park Ave Yonkers from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Fee $40 (includes retirement planning handouts/light refreshments). Call 914 378-7824 to register. SAVE THE DATE 55PLUS 6TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY FORUM-PRODUCTIVE LIVING AFTER 55:EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2006, 8:30AM-12:30PM. CALL TO REGISTER 3787824. RESIDENTS $5 DONATION/COVERS BREKFAST AND HANDOUTS. AGENCIES/ORGANIZATIONS $20. ($25 FOR AN INFO DISPLAY TABLE) 13 Café Sunday, sponsored by 55Plus, fall and winter schedule of events is a good way for persons 55 and over to stay connected. All events require registration, to make yours call 395-1777. 11/13 6pm In the Mood at the Westchester Dinner Theater In Elmsford. Get in on the group rate ($) and enjoy music, singers, dancers and vignettes of the 40’s 11/26 12noon Lunch at Charlie Browns in Yonkers followed by a movie to be decided at lunch. ($) For December events call 395-1777 A Plus for Yonkers Workers 50 and Over Did you know that new business developments in Yonkers will generate over 5,000 new jobs? Are you one of the 47,000 Yonkers residents 55 or over that might fill one of these jobs? Working cooperatively with the Yonkers Office of Economic Development and Y-SPEC (Yonkers Senior Personnel Employment Center), 55 Plus Yonkers Connections is developing a job skills data bank of residents to be available for new businesses and housing developments. We would like to hear from you if you are interested in full or part-time employment in your previous field/occupation or are looking for a different employment opportunity. For a survey please call 914 3787824. Westchester ElderCrafters Helping Others (WE Help) This spring, Elder Craftsmen is sponsoring three all day workshops that are open to people 55 or older from Yonkers, Hastings-on-Hudson and other lower Westchester towns. Participants will sew, knit or crochet hand-crafted items such as teddy bears or table runners. The finished items will be donated to needy families in Yonkers through organizations that provide housing for low-income and/or formerly homeless. Participants may attend one or more workshops. This program is made possible by a grant from the Helen Andrus Benedict Foundation For more information call Elder Craftsmen at (212) 319-8128, Mon. - Wed. ****** Yonkers Elder Friendly Initiative If you are interested in learning about ways to get more involved in your community (civic, social, cultural, educational and more) and want to meet others with similar interests, YEFI's free weekly 8 session program may be for you. Call 914-377-7824 or visit www.yefi.org for more information. Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program EPIC leads the nation in helping its seniors pay for prescription drugs. Today, more than 350,000 EPIC enrollees are saving money on the medicines they need to stay healthy. Starting January 1, 2006, the federal government’s Medicare program will also be offering prescription drug coverage. New York seniors, including those enrolled in EPIC, can use the new Medicare drug coverage for greater coverage and savings. If you or someone you know would like more information about EPIC or how EPIC and Medicare can be used together for greater savings, please call the EPIC Helpline at 1-800-332-3742. Let us help you get out and about Transportation services within Yonkers are available to Medical visits, Group dining site & senior center, special programs, supermarkets, visit friends & relatives in a hospital or nursing home, call as far in advance as possible 914-963-4411.A contribution of $.60 is suggested for a one-way ride, door-to-door. City of Yonkers Office of the Aging Please contact them at 914-377-6822/5 f or visit their website at http://www.cityofyonkers.com/ofa/index.htm to find out how this office can help you in the following ways: Information and Assistance with Rights and Benefits Health Awareness and Promotion 14 Self Growth and Development Home Based Services Meals Companionship Services The Office for the Aging offers meals to seniors at: Park Care Pavilion - 2 Park Ave Bronx River Road Community Center 680 Bronx River Road Scared Heart H.S. Cafeteria 24 Convent Ave Chema Community Center 435 Riverside Ave Congregation Sons of Israel 155 Elliot Ave The Nepperhan Community Center 342 Warburton Avenue YSPEC For Yonkers Residents age 55 or over looking for employment, call Yonkers Senior Personnel Employment Council 914-375-9154 Mon - Fri 9:00am - 12 noon for job placement services. YSPEC is a no fee, employment referral service that matches mature workers in Yonkers with employers in Westchester County. 2 Park Ave, 5th floor, Yonkers, New York. Vial of Life SENIORS, call for a Vial of Life - vital data which you place on your door, refrigerator or wallet so it is easily accessible to emergency services personnel. There is no cost to you. Call 914-377-6822 for more information. Westchester Community College Job Opportunities for Seniors: 1. Center for the mature worker - long & short term training and job search classes for mature adults 50+. Free training for eligible candidates. 2. Carl T. Perkin Training for mature men interested in changing careers or learning new skills in the area of financial record keeping. 3. Need a job? Need help finding a job? (Mature Workers) Contact Operation Talent Bank - a free, 48 hour training program in novice computer skills, career planning and employment strategies for women. 4. Twelve-hour course designed to provide you with the needed skills and background to succeed in the growing field of companionship and home care for the elderly. No experience needed. Fee $25. For more information about these and other programs, please call 914-606-6600. Yonkers Parks Department The Parks Department’s sixteen senior centers serve seniors throughout Yonkers on a year round basis, providing recreational activities which include: bingo, card playing, trips, bocce, luncheons and more. There are also specialist programs with include: Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Line Dancing, Exercise, Watercolor, Bowling, Bridge, computer classes. Specialist programs and citywide events are free to all Yonkers senior residents. Specialist programs start October 6 and take place anytime from 9am-3pm. Senior Golf Tournament The 23rd Annual Yonkers Senior Golf Tournament will be held at the Dunwoodie Golf Course in Yonkers. The rain date for this event is Tuesday, October 3, 2006. The tournament is sponsored by the Yonkers 15 Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, in corporation with the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Each player in the Golf Tournament must have a Westchester County Park Pass, be a Yonkers resident age 60 and over and pay an entry fee of $18.00 for greens and morning refreshments. Awards will be given for the top three net scores for each age division. Winners will be awarded in the following age division categories: Class A (60-65 years of age) Class C (71-75 years of age) Class D (76-79- years ) Class E (80 years of age and older). Application for the 2006 Senior Golf Tournament can be picked up in person at the Yonkers Department of parks, Recreation and Conservation offices at 285 Nepperhan Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10701 and at the Dunwoodie Golf Course in Yonkers. Entry deadline is September 19, 2006. To receive an application by mail, call Sandy Korkatzis at (914) 377-6444 Attention: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Family Service Society of Yonkers located at 70 Ashburton Avenue in Yonkers offers a Grandparent Raising Grandchildren Support Group where grandparents can receive support and information about resources from other relative caregivers and professionals. For more information about these and other programs, please contact Carol Fluckinger at 914-963-5118. Back to Table of Contents OUR NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES TARRYTOWN The Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sleepy Hollow Chamber of Commerce and a host of other CoC’s are hosting ‘An Artful Networking Event’ on Wednesday, November 15, 2006, 6-8pm at Gallery du Soleil, 33 Main Street, Tarrytown, New York. Tickets are $30, members; $40 non-members. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and to register, please email Linda@reyinsurance.com or call 914-631-1705. BRONX CELEBRATE THE COLORS AND CREATURES OF FALL At HARVEST DAY ~ SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5 AT THE BRONX ZOO Hot summer days are gone, and a chill in the air means the bright colors of fall are on their way. At the Bronx Zoo, lots of cool-weather creatures welcome the change in the weather – so come celebrate the season and the animals that love it with Harvest Day on Sunday, November 5. The fun includes musical entertainment by John Farrell, interactive storytelling by LuAnn Adams, hayrides, nature walks and crafts. Activities are free with paid admission to the park. Schedule of Activities 16 Storytelling: Join LuAnn Adams as she brings to life stories about nature and animals including a story from South America about the wisdom a bird imparts on a farmer to grow his crops. 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00pm Location: Events Tent – opposite Mouse House entrance Music: Join Parents Choice Award winning singer/ songwriter John Farrell for great sing-along fun. 12:00, 2:00pm and 3:45pm Location: Events Tent – opposite Mouse House entrance Crafts: Make a colorful leaf project to take home. 11:00 am – 3:30pm Location: Events Tent – opposite Mouse House Entrance Nature Walks: Self Guided: Come explore The Mitsubishi River Walk, a lovely nature walk on Bronx Zoo grounds. Free to public without general admission. Bronx Parkway Parking Lot. 11:00am - 4:00pm Hayrides: Have fun on our sing-along hayride! $3.00 per person (children under 2 years old ride free). 11:00 - 4:00 (last ticket sold at 3:45) Location: Hayride picks up by the Mouse House. Apple Cider: Free apple cider for children ages 2-12 at Dancing Crane Plaza (while supplies last). Noon 3:00pm *Activities (except hayrides) are free with general admission. Some activities may be limited or canceled in inclement weather. Mark your calendar as Hess Presents the Bronx Zoo’s Holiday Lights – 10th Anniversary! Sponsored by Con Edison, Delta Air Lines & Pepsi. November 17-December 17, Friday-Sunday only; December 18-January 1, nightly other than the nights of December 24 and 25; January 4, 5, and 6. This popular, seasonal program returns for its tenth year with nighttime visits to zoo exhibits, entertainment, and miles of tree and architectural lighting to create a magical holiday experience. The Bronx Zoo is located off the Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road. April through October, hours are from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. daily and to 5:30 p.m. nights and weekends. November through March, hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and until 9:00 pm during Holiday Lights. Admission for adults is $14, seniors (65+) is $12; children (2-12 years) $10 – children under two are always free. For additional information our events and to learn about our exciting educational adventures, call 718-367-1010 or visit online at www.bronxzoo.com. ENGLEWOOD, NEW JERSEY Just Between Girlfriends will have a Family Fun Night at Space Odyssey, 491 South Dean Street, Englewood, New Jersey on Friday, November 24, 2006 (day after Thanksgiving) from 5:30-9:00pm. Admission is $5, with goody bags to the first 25 children (once inside, pay as you play). Activities include laser tag, bowling, basketball, arcade, etc. For tickets call 201-457-1635 or visit www.justbetweengirlfriends.com for more information. PEEKSKILL Working in the Community And Worker Safety Seminar Date: Wednesday, November 15th 2006 Time: 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Place: Families Ties- Peekskill Resource Center 929 South Street Peekskill, New York 10566 Trainers: Neil Hawlk, MHA of Westchester 17 Kelly Darrow, MHA of Westchester Kathy Pokoik, West. County Departments of Community Mental Health This training is an abbreviated version of training developed and designed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the New York State Office of Mental Health. Registration: Call or e-mail - Basia Kinglake, Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health 995-6377 or bak1@westchestergov.com MOUNT VERNON Friday Night Games On November 10 & 24, 2006 at 7pm at the Mount Vernon Armory, 144 North 5th Avenue (corners of North 5th Avenue & North Street) , you are invited to Friday Night Games at the-Armory (adults only please). Games include Backgammon, Chess, Checkers, Rummy, Spades, Bid Whist and War. All games are welcome! You can let them know your game of choice. Meet lots of nice, fun people! Friday Night Games take place the second & last Friday of every month. For more information, please contact: Bryan Allen @ 914.806.4763 or Rob Richardson @ 914.665.2425.Free refreshments & snacks. [Please note that this event usually takes place on the 2nd and ‘last’ (not necessarily the 4th) Friday of every month]. Back to Table of Contents FYI New to FYI… Poetry Slam Body & Soul will hold a Poetry Slam/Open Mic event every 3rd Friday of the month. Spoken word. Sign in by 7:15pm. Open mic begins promptly at 7:30pm. No foul language. Come in the name of poetry and peace. Info: 375-7133 / info@bodyandsoulinc.com Yonkers Begins Autumn Leaf Collection This Week Curbside pickup will occur on Wednesdays through December 6; residents urged to follow regulations to avoid summonses Yonkers, N.Y. (October 25, 2006)-- With autumn in full swing, the City of Yonkers is encouraging residents to participate in its annual leaf pick up program, which began citywide this week. The program allows residents to assemble leaves for collection in brown paper compost bags or in open containers for curbside pickup on Wednesdays from October 25 to December 6. Only leaves placed curbside in paper bags or open containers will be collected. “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to get rid of their fall yard waste, and our city employees will be working very hard to make that happen,” Mayor Amicone said, referring to the dozens of public works employees who will implement the leaf collection program. City officials cautioned residents that leaves in plastic bags will not be picked up. Residents should be aware that it is illegal to pile leaves in the street. Violators will be summonsed. Amicone also pointed out the environmental benefit of the program, saying, “This is not just a public service that we’re providing to homeowners; it is part of our ongoing effort to reduce the city’s waste output. Each bag of leaves we recycle is one less that will end up in a landfill, which is a huge benefit to our environment.” In addition to Wednesday curbside pickup, the city’s Organic Recycling Center is available to city residents throughout the week. The facility is located at 610 Nepperhan Avenue. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday. Paper bags can be purchased for $0.40 each at the Recycling Center, located at 735 Saw Mill River Road, and The Cola Center, located at 945 North Broadway. Yonkers landscapers are also encouraged to use the Organic Recycling Center facility. A permit is required for landscapers at no charge. Please call (914) 377-6751 for permit information. For additional information please call (914) 377- HELP. 18 T.A.P.A.S. No, not the Mexican delicacy, but a service provided by Andrus Children’s Center called Therapeutic and Parent Aide Service. In partnership with the Westchester County Department of Social Services, T.A.P.A.S. attempts to restore families and avert the need for foster care placement. Referrals to the program must be made by a Westchester County DSS case worker. Some of the services provided include: Works with families who receive Preventative Services from DSS Addresses child service needs associated with behavior that results in severe management problems in the home Seeks to maintain families by helping them develop coping behaviors, problem solving and communication skills, parenting knowledge and self-sufficiency Works to prevent stress induced family situations, child abuse, neglect, family violence For more information, please call Andrus at 914-965-3700. Christmas Toy Drive The Yonkers Chamber of Commerce asks you to donate (unwrapped) new toys and slightly used electronic toys to benefit the children of Leake & Watts at the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce Offices at 20 South Broadway, Suite 1207, Yonkers or at their next Networking Breakfast on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 (see the Around Town section of this Community Bulletin). Ongoing FYI … AmeriCorps Make a difference in your community by assisting in building and maintaining collaborative relationship with neighborhood residents, business owners, non profits, schools and city and county government to improve the quality of life for everyone in Nodine Hill. AmeriCorps*Vista members serve full time, for one year with varying work hours and receive a modest living allowance, health insurance, education award or end of service stipend, Westhab will provide ongoing training to AmeriCorps Vistas. Please Contact Jim Coughlin, Director of Staff Development, at 914-345-2800 ext 23 for more information and to request an application. Adoptive Homes Needed Find out about becoming a Foster Parent if you are 21 years or older, have a steady source of income and have adequate space in your home, you are eligible for: Free Cortication, Free Local Training, and Monthly Tax-Free Reimbursement. Call 1-800-4-Kids-27 (1800-454-3727). ELM ST Neighborhood Center This is a safe Supportive center for children and families to grow and achieve. Located at: 217 Elm Street Yonkers, NY Phone: 966-0647 Open: Monday-Friday School Dismissal -8 pm Sat 10am-7pm The Elm St. Neighborhood Center is a free resource for you and your family offering a full range of youth activities and programs and opportunities for the whole family. 19 Arts, Athletics, Mentoring, Teen, Employment, Tutoring, Fieldstrips, Computer Instruction, and Much More ROBBIE’S ROOM A 10 week, creative arts after-school program for children affected by domestic violence. Children ages 512 are provided with a safe, fun and creative environment to express themselves and explore their feelings, Service are also available for mothers while their children participate in the program. Ages 5-8 Tuesdays 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. October 10th- December 12th, 2006 Ages 9-12 Wednesdays 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m October 11th- December 13th-December 13th, 2006 For more information contact: Gail Cohen My Sisters’ Place Yonkers, NY Phone: (914)963-6701 Fax: (914)963-1711 24 Hour Hotline: 1-800-298-SAFE (7233) New to the Community… If you are new to the community, the following is provided for those who need to register their children in the Yonkers Public Schools System. In addition, please see the children and YPL section of www.patriciamcdow.com for code of Conduct and school preparation information. Yonkers Parents Please Be Advised The behavior of children attending the Yonkers School District will be closely judged and rated by the Yonkers' Board of Education Code of Conduct. Children and families are urged and expected to become familiar with the provisions of the District wide Code of Conduct. You can request the Code of Conduct by calling the Board of Education at 914 376-8095 or go online and download it in both English and Spanish: http://www.yonkerspublicschools.org/Inside_pages/about_pubs_codeconduct.htm Yonkers Parks Department Rock “N” Rods of New York The City of Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation present the Rock “N” Rods of New York. This is a car show every Wednesday Evening at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the E.J. Murray Skating Center on 348 Tuckahoe Road-Yonkers, New York. Is FREE of admission and Parking. ANNEX NUTRITION SERVICES 20 Did you know that diabetes and Hypertension account for 70% of kidney failure in the African American community, and that diabetes kills one American every 3 minute? Millions of Americans are either uninsured or have no insurance. You can reach us at (914)966-7957 or visit us on the web at www.annexnutritionservices.com Email address is annexnutrition@yahoo.com FLEA MARKET The city of Yonkers Department of parks, Recreation and Conservation present a Flea Market at the Murray Skating Center on 348 Tuckahoe Road, Road, Yonkers, New York. This will be held on Sundays 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, new and used merchandise and food vendors will be there. This is event is Free of admission and Parking. For any information just call us at (914)377-6469. CIVIL AIR PATROL For more than 60 years, CAP has provided America’s youth with exciting and challenging opportunities through the Cadet Program. Tens of thousands of young people, ages 12 to 21, have participated in handson-activities at local, state and national levels. You too can experience the wonder of aviation and space by joining our cadet team and becoming a member of CAP, the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Eligibility and Responsibility A prospective cadet must be at least 12 and no older than 18 years old. A cadet may remain in the program until age 21 National, State and regional dues are required on a yearly basis, Am initiative fee for training material may also be charged. Since dues amounts vary from sate to state, see your local squadron commander for complete details. You can contact 1st Lt Jackie Estevez, (914) 309-0596 Meetings: Every Wednesday (6:00PM to 9:00Pm) Location: Police Athletic League Center 127 North Broadway- Yonkers DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS DATA THEFT Links below include vital information about the reported theft of personal information, including Social Security numbers and birth dates, of some 26.5 million veterans resulting from a serious lapse in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) security and privacy protection policies and procedures. Every veteran should stay alert to potential misuse of the stolen information by monitoring credit reports and financial statements. The VA has set up a call center at 1-800-333-4636. Information can also be accessed on the web using the following links: http://www.firstgov.gov/veteransinfo.shtml, www.va.gov/opa, and http://www.dav.org/news/news_20060522.html. If you detect suspicious activity regarding your credit card or bank account, the Federal Trade Commission recommends you take the following four steps: Step 1: Contact the fraud department of one of the three major credit bureaus: • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com - P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com - P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013 • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com - Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790. Step 2: Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Step 3: File a police report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. 21 Step 4: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by using the FTC’s Identity Theft Hotline by telephone: 1-877-438-4338, online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by mail at Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20580. The DAV has written Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson to demand the immediate termination of the VA employee who took the stolen electronic data home with him in the first place and that the Department take urgent corrective action to safeguard the personal information of our nation’s veterans. The New York Times The New York Times has decided to eliminate its separate Sunday sections for Westchester, NJ and CT; they will combine them into one regional section and will probably have virtually NO cultural arts coverage other than the basic Sunday listings. We must mount an email campaign to complain about this! Please take a moment to email westweek@nytimes.com to tell them that you want the Westchester section coverage of local issues, politics and culture to continue and in fact to be expanded. ReCall The Health Department is reminding anyone with "ReNu with MoistureLoc" Contact Lens Solution that the product has been recalled and removed from store shelves by the manufacturer. Consumers can return the product to their place of purchase. For more information on this recall visit www.westchestergov.com/health FYI For the Disabled The information below was included in Westchester Disabled on the Move Inc.’s On the Move Newsletter. Medicaid Buy-In Did you know that individuals with disabilities who return to work can still have Medicaid benefits? Basic Coverage Group of Eligibility, include individuals who: Are Certified Disabled by Social Security; Are at least 16, but not yet 65 years of age; Are engaged in paid work (includes part/full-time work) Gross Income $51,276 per individual; $67,788 per couple (as of January 1, 2006; Possess Non-Exempt Resources that do not exceed $10,000 If you need assistance in applying for the Medicaid Buy-In Program contact Scott Barber or Ada Cabassa at WDOM at 914-968-4717. Westchester Access to Home Access to Home is a community collaborative to make houses and apartments of low-income households significantly more accessible for persons in wheelchairs and with other mobility impairments. Its focus is to reduce housing barriers that lead to nursing home placement and to promote independent living. Residency: Applicants must be residents of Westchester County. Persons in nursing homes seeking Access to Home grants must be returning/establishing residency at a Westchester location. How to apply: Go to the WRO website www.wroinc.org/Access to Home/pre-application or call WRO 914-428-4507 ext. 303, Westchester Disabled on the Move voice/TDD 914-968-4717, or Westchester Independent Living Center voice/TDD 914-683-3926 to request a pre-application. Websites of Interest Please visit the following websites for information about summer camps for the disabled and other related sites: www.acacamps.org www.kidscamps.com 22 www.searchguide.biz www.local.com (for conducting searches for local programs) www.Disabilities.alltheservices.com www.Disability.best4sites.net www.abilitybeyonddisability.org/home.cfm www.alanon.org.za www.burke.org (Burke Rehabilitation Hospital) www.workworld.org/wwwebhelp/disability_program_navigator_dpn.htm (Disability Program Navigator) Affordable Child Care If you are a middle-to-low income working parent living in Westchester, you may be eligible for financial assistance with the cost of child care. To obtain information or find out if you are eligible for this type of assistance, please call the Day Care Subsidy Office at 914-995-6522 or visit the County’s website at www.westchestergov.com. An application will be mailed to you or can be picked up at the Day Care Subsidy Office at 143 Grand Street, White Plains. For other options on financing the cost of child care or to finda child care provider, please contact the Child Care Council of Westchester at 914-761-3456. Beczak Information Attention teachers! Bezack has money to provide FREE field trip (which includes the Bus) to Bezack. Call Bezack for details at 377-1900.Beczak Environmental Education Center is located at 35 Alexander Street, Yonkers, behind the Yonkers RR Station. You can also reach them on the web at www.beczak.org. For your next birthday party…. Beczak Environmental Education Center is available for children's Birthday Parties at 35 Alexander Street. Please call 914-377-1900 for information or reservations. See the Beczak section of this Community Newsletter Bulletin for details on upcoming events. Citizenship Classes Register for Citizenship Classes with ‘Project: Citizenship USA’ at the Spanish Community Progress Foundation, Inc., 204 Hawthorne Avenue, Yonkers. Includes 10-12 weeks of instruction in English or bilingual Spanish of US History, Civics, English Grammar; review of 100 most frequently asked questions by INS Interviewers; and more. Requested Donation is $30. They also offer application assistance and translation of official documents to English. Please call Rosa Villegas at 914-969-5400 for more information. YALIS, Inc. Yonkers Alliance for Latino and Immigrant Services, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that offers services in helping individuals become US Citizens. They can help with naturalization; employment authorization; petition for alien relative; status adjustments; document replacements; and more. Please call for an appointment at 914-476-5510. CHEAP The County Home Energy Assistance Program (CHEAP) provides eligible residents with a $100 check to help pay for heating costs. More information about this program (for next winter) can be obtained by calling 914-995-6759 or visiting www.westchestergov.com. 23 Get Help with your heating costs The Westchester County Home Energy Assistance Program (CHEAP) may be able to help you with your home heating costs: If you qualify, you will receive a $100 check Eligibility is determined by household income and family size. A family of four is eligible with a maximum income of $53,000 a year. A family of two, $35,000 a year For lower-income residents, Westchester County continues to offer help through the Federal Government’s HEAP program Call 914-995-6759 or visit www.westchestergov.com for more information on how to apply for HEAP or CHEAP (deadline March 31, 2006). Foster Parents Wanted Leake & Watts of Yonkers, New York is asking residents to consider becoming Foster Parents. There are 18,000 children in Foster Care in New York City. If you ever thought about becoming a foster parent or even a mentor for a child in foster care, now is the time. They need parents to make a difference in the lives of children. For more information, please call Melvina Harris, Leake & Watts Homefinding Recruiter at 914-375-8987. Families in Transition Families in Transition is a program that provides supportive services to HIV/AIDS infected parents/guardians, children and future caregivers. To be eligible for the program individuals musts reside in Westchester County, and there must be a child in the home under the age of 18. In general, the program assists people who are living with HIV/AIDS access appropriate services, as well as lead them in the direction towards permanency planning for their children. Core Services include: Individual/Family Counseling Referrals Support/assistance with disclosure Assistance in identifying appropriate new caregiver for children Support Groups Linkages to Legal Resources Life building skills Permanency Planning If you would like additional information or you would like to make a referral please contact Sylvia Dolman, Program Coordinator or Argentina Sanchez, Family Specialist at (914) 964-6767. Annex Nutrition Services Is Proud to Sponsor Healthy Church 21st Century They are offering churches up to $300 or more for subscriptions to Healthy Church 21st Century. Please contact Jackie Morris, RD, MPH, CDN, 120 E. Main Street, 2nd Floor, Elmsford, NY 10523, phone, 914966-7957; Fax, 914-345-0858; Email: annexnutrition@yahoo.com. 3 John 2 says, “ Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers.” Reverse emergency contact In case of a major Emergency, Westchester County would like to contact you. By providing your email address or cell phone number, you will be come a part of the County’s Emergency Notification System (CENS). They will then be able to provide information to you before, during or after a disaster. Depending on the type of emergency, you might get emails, text messages or automated phone calls about: 24 How to prepare Protecting your family Where to go Steps to recovery Sign up by going to www.westchestergov.com and clicking on the emergency banner at the top of the page. Your information will be kept confidential and ONLY used in a major emergency. Greyston ‘Brownery’ On January 12th, Greyston Bakery started selling dessert bars on QVC. They have been long known for brownies included in Ben & Jerry’s and other premium ice creams. Now they are making those brownies available to the public. They will be available by mail order and in stores beginning February 2006. The Yonkers-based Greyston Bakery, famous for hiring hard-to-employ individuals and teaching them the skills required not only for baking but also for working, will also begin making dessert bars including brownies and blondies. The dessert bars will be available at gourmet shops, supermarkets and online at www.GreystonBakery.com. New at Nepperhan 342 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10701 PHONE: (914) 965-0203/0206 FAX: (914) 965-0248 25 E-MAIL: NEPPERHAN@AOL.COM WWW: nepperhancommunitycenter.org MISSION STATEMENT Nepperhan Community Center, Inc. provides a safe, nurturing environment where children of all ages are equipped with the necessary life skills, and where their educational, social, spiritual, and emotional needs are addressed through interactive activities such as academic enrichment, sports, cultural arts, and workshops focusing on building self-esteem, self-confidence, conflict resolution, and team building, while learning to value and appreciate cultural diversity. NCC CRUISE ON OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 3, THE NEPPERHAN COMMUNITY CENTER IS SPONSORING A CRUISE TO BERMUDA ON THE ROYAL CARIBBEAN SHIP EXPLORER OF THE SEAS. THIS IS THE SECOND LARGEST CRUISE SHIP IN THE WORLD AND BOAT DEPARTS FROM PORT LIBERTY, NEW JERSEY. FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING ANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES, PLEASE CALL NCC AT 914-965-0203/6, ASK FOR GLENDA GREEN. AGENCY PROGRAMS & SERVICES STREETWORK PROJECT Days of operation Monday through Saturdays. The program consists of youth of all ages, and a Week-end Learning Center Saturdays 9:00am to 4:00pm (educational/tutorial assistance, cultural awareness activities, and social interactive skills). The After School Component Monday through Friday 2:30pm to 6:00pm, (homework assistance, remedial instruction, and social interactive skill development). Summer Camp Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm July & August, (for working parents). Streetwork Monday through Saturdays (outreach & recruitment of community teens, and referrals to programs with positive alternatives). Kevin Cooper, Athletic Director nepperhan@aol.com INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS/CAREERS FOR YOUTH 2000 Days of operation Monday through Thursdays 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Youth 13-21 participate in a year round program that consists of (10) ten, 4-6 week modules with strong emphasis and training in all areas of life skills. There is a special emphasis on Employment Counseling, Career Guidance, and Entrepreneurship. Oscar Walker, Program Manager ncc-oscarw@yahoo.com DRUG FREE PROGRAM Days of operation Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00am – 3:00pm, youth 11 to 16. Weekly rap sessions, drug informational workshops, referral services, and parent sessions. EXTENDED DAY AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Days of operation Monday through Friday 2:30pm-6:00pm, for youth 6-12. Homework assistance, remedial instruction, cultural diversity activities, and social interactive skills development. Donna Kennedy, Program Manager 26 ncc_hhelm@yahoo.com ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY PREVENTION AND AWARENESS PROGRAM Days of operation Monday through Friday 9:am to 5:00pm, evening hours Monday & Thursdays 6:00pm to 9:00pm for youth 12-21. Direct support services, counseling, health information, individual and group counseling for females. Shirley Myers, Program Manager Shirleyncc2000@yahoo.com COMMUNITY BASED ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY PREVENTION PROGRAM Days of operation Monday through Friday 12:00pm – 9:00pm, youth ages 13-17. City-wide rap sessions for at-risk youth on issues of pregnancy prevention and abstinence. Oscar Walker, Program Manager ncc-oscarw@yahoo.com ACT FOR YOUTH (Assets Coming Together for Youth) A partnership with the Yonkers Public Schools that provides a holistic approach to achieving success academically and behaviorally, through therapeutic counseling, and individualized instruction for Middle School students. Keisha Ballard, Program Manager mailto:ncckeisha4@yahoo.com YONKERS SUCCESS TRAINING ACADEMY A partnership with the Yonkers Public Schools, Youth Court, and Family Court, which provides an intensive alternative or diversion program for Middle School students who have suffered abuse, are under a PINS petition, are youthful offenders, juvenile delinquents or received multiple school suspensions. Oscar Walker, Program Manager mailtoncc_oscarw@yahoo.com YOUTH COMMUNICATION NETWORK PROGRAM Days of operation, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays, 4:00pm to 8:00pm, for youth 1221. Teenagers express their views on today’s issues through a Youth Newspaper, and the public access cable television show “Voices in the Community. This show is aired Friday evenings at 10:30pm, channel 18. Jim Bostic, Executive Director nepperhan@aol.com SAY YES TO LIFE BASKETBALL PROGRAM Days of operation, Monday and Wednesdays, 5:00pm to 10:00pm, for youth 13-16 during June July and August only. A basketball league that mandates daily participation in life skills workshops, and a two (2) week boot camp. Kevin Cooper, Athletic Director nepperhan@aol.com YONKERS MIDNIGHT BASKETBALL PROGRAM 27 Days of operation Tuesday and Thursdays during the summer, and Monday through Thursday year round. Participants are 17-26 years old. This program provides a tough recreational basketball league as the hook, for intensive, job readiness training, career counseling, educational assistance, and job searching technique workshops. Kevin Cooper, Athletic Director nepperhan@aol.com POP WARNER FOOTBALL PROGRAM The season begins August and runs through the second week of November. Currently there are four teams Mighty Mites ages 7-9, Junior Pee Wees ages 8-11, Pee Wees, ages 9-12, and Junior Midgets ages 11-15. Practices are held from 6pm – 8pm Monday through Friday during the month of August at Trevor Park, and during the month of September Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturday mornings at 10:30 – 12:30. Applications may be picked up at the Community Center Kevin Cooper, Athletic Director nepperhan@aol.com 1st, YOUTH TECH PREP PROGRAM Days of operation Monday through Fridays, 4:00pm to 800pm, for youth 14 & 15 years old. This program includes outreach and recruitment, assessment, individual contract and service strategy, academic support services, job readiness skills, computer software applications training, and paid work experience. CIRCLE M FAMILY CENTER AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Days of operation Monday through Friday 3:00pm to 6:00pm, for Pre-K through 5th graders, at Museum School # 25 only. This program consists of academic enrichment, a newsletter club, recreational activities, a dance club, reading club, rap sessions and poetry Nettie Funchess, Program/Site Director ncc_funchess66@yahoo.com YONKERS FUTURE STARS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Days of operation Monday through Friday 2:30pm to 5:30pm, for Yonkers Middle School students only. This program provides academic enrichment and support services, personal relationship workshops, physical fitness and sports activities, music and the arts component, and a career workshop. Henry Helm, Program/Site Director, ncc_hhelm@yahoo.com TEEN DANCES Days of operation, Friday evenings 7:00pm to 11:00pm, every (2) two months. Teens come together every other month to socialize, and dance to today’s hip-hop music. Kevin Cooper, Athletic Director nepperhan@aol.com TEEN FASHION SHOWS Days of operation Monday through Thursday, seasonally 4:00pm to 8:00pm for youth 721. Youth are trained in modeling techniques, and given the opportunity to express those techniques during our semi-annual fashion shows, wearing top designer clothing. Raquel Ali, Choreographer nepperhan@aol.com 28 NEPPERHAN COMMUNITY CENTER INC. DRUM AND BUGLE YOUTH CORP Days of operation will vary, during the school year Wednesday and Friday 3:00pm to 6:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am to 4:00pm. Program runs during summer months Monday through Thursday 10:00am to 4:00pm for Middle School students primarily from Commerce, but not exclusively. This program provides training in drums, bugles, steppers, batons, and honor guards. Additional components include academic support services, mentoring and violence prevention, physical fitness/health and nutrition, and a parent education program. George Abrams nccabramsg@yahoo.com OUTDOOR BASKETBALL COURT Days of operation Monday through Saturday year round. The basketball court will provide a recreational venue throughout the year, and summer basketball leagues from pee wee, to young adults. Kevin Cooper, Administrator nepperhan@aol.com SENIOR CITIZENS Days of operation Tuesday and Thursdays 10:00am to 4:00pm. This program consists of social activities, trips, guest speakers, referral services, and a nutrition program. Otis Anderson, President nepperhan@aol.com COMMUNITY FORUMS Days of operation Monday through Friday year round, 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The agency opens it’s door to community organizations to host townhouse meetings and community forums designed to enhance the quality of life in the City of Yonkers. Jim Bostic, Executive Director ncc_jim@yahoo.com NEPPERHAN COMMUNITY CENTER GOSPEL CHOIR Teens and Young Adults ages 13 and up join their melodious voices to echo the sounds of traditional, and contemporary gospel music. Rehearsals will take place on Thursday evenings and Saturdays EMERGENCY DISASTER SHELTER Nepperhan serves as an emergency shelter for the Yonkers Public Schools, and the community at-large in times of bomb threats, and fire catastrophe. Jim Bostic, Executive Director ncc_jim@yahoo.com ### 14 tips to avoid identity theft By Frank W. Abagnale • Bankrate.com Identity thieves rob more than 500,000 Americans every year. Credit can be damaged, and fixing it can cost you hundreds of dollars and take hundreds of hours of your time. These steps will help you reduce your risk of identity theft. 1. Guard your Social Security number. It is the key to your credit report and banking accounts and is the prime target of criminals. 29 2. Monitor your credit report. It contains your SSN, present and prior employers, a listing of all account numbers, including those that have been closed, and your overall credit score. After applying for a loan, credit card, rental or anything else that requires a credit report, request that your SSN on the application be truncated or completely obliterated and your original credit report be shredded before your eyes or returned to you once a decision has been made. A lender or rental manager needs to retain only your name and credit score to justify a decision. 3. Shred all old bank and credit statements and "junk mail" credit card offers before trashing them. Use a crosscut shredder. Crosscut shredders cost more than regular shredders but are superior. 4. Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three credit reporting bureaus to reduce the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive. 5. Add your name to the name-deletion lists of the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service used by banks and other marketers. 6. Do not carry extra credit cards or other important identity documents except when needed. 7. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of your license and credit cards so you have all the account numbers, expiration dates and phone numbers if your wallet or purse is stolen. 8. Do not mail bill payments and checks from home. They can be stolen from your mailbox and washed clean in chemicals. Take them to the post office. 9. Do not print your Social Security number on your checks. 10. Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement once a year to check for fraud. 11. Examine the charges on your credit card statements before paying them. 12. Cancel unused credit card accounts. 13. Never give your credit card number or personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and trust that business. 14. Subscribe to a credit report monitoring service that will notify you whenever someone applies for credit in your name. be SMART SMART (Students and Mature Adults Read Together) is an intergenerational literacy program that is in its 10th year in the Yonkers Public Schools. Volunteers (who commit to an hour a week during the school year) work individually with children to increase their reading and writing skills. The program is currently in 24 elementary schools, 2 middle and 2 high schools. Volunteers encourage children which in turn fosters increasing confidence and self esteem. Volunteer mentors are provided with training and recognition events. For further information about the program or volunteering opportunities, please call Janice Kohn at 423-5009. Training Opportunities Westchester Community College’s Educational Opportunity Center offers healthcare training programs, including CNA, HHA, EMT and their new Direct Care Service Worker Program – a six week certificate program which prepares individuals to work with disabled individuals in residential treatment facilities. Qualifications for training include a high school diploma or GED; driver’s license and DMV abstract, minimum of 8th grade reading & math levels and the ability to pass a physical exam and drug test. State clearance will be required for employment. Individuals may be referred for Orientation on Monday or Tuesday at 10am. Please contact Wilda Luciano at 914-606-7620 in the Admissions Office for more information. Patient Rights To get information on your rights as a Hospital Patient in New York State, visit http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/hospital/english.htm. Read this information BEFORE you need it. New Directions, P.I.N.S. Diversion Program This innovative program serves youths throughout Westchester County between the ages of 10-17 years, who have appeared in Westchester Family Court System for juvenile offenses or youths who are in jeopardy of being involved in the Family Court System. Elements of the program include: family support 30 services, skills-building workshops for parents of youth at risk for juvenile crime; and mediation sessions between parents and teens. An initial psycho-social is conducted to assess the child and family’s issues and concerns. Goals and objectives are established to meet the individualized needs of each child and family. Referrals are made to ADAPT, EPIC and JLAW (other appropriate referrals are made if necessary). ADAPT which stands for A Different Approach for Parents and Teens provides mediation support services for youth and their families so they can work out their differences. Our trained mediators give both child and parent an opportunity to have a “voice” and to be “heard”. EPIC (Every Person Influences Children, Inc.) provides skills-building workshops for parents. EPIC teaches skills that enhance self-esteem, responsibility, caring adulthood and effective parenting. JLAW (Juvenile Law Education Project) conducts workshops for youth and their parents teaching them their rights and responsibilities under the law, and will help them understand the need for healthy, positive decision-making, even in the face of peer pressure regarding drugs, gangs and other high-risk behavior. Families will come together on a quarterly basis to discuss progress towards the goals and objectives. At this time modification to the initial plan can be implemented. For more information or to make a referral please contact Marissa Malett , Program Coordinator,914964-6767 x13. New Directions is a program of Family Services of Westchester. Funding is provided by the Office and Children and Family Services (OCFS). There is no charge for this program. New Directions is a nonsectarian program. _____________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________ ADAPT (A Different Approach for Parents and Teens) ADAPT which stands for A Different Approach for Parents and Teens is a program of Family Services of Westchester that provides mediation support services for youth and their families so they can work out their differences. Our trained mediators give both child and parent an opportunity to have a “voice” and to be “heard”. The ADAPT mission is to empower parents and youth to resolve conflict trough… o Active Listening o Open Communication o Problem Solving o Conflict Resolution o Leadership o Utilizing Support Systems o Validation of differences in a non-judgmental venue Common issues brought to mediation include: multiple school suspensions, truancy, running away, curfew violations, parent and child communication difficulties and/or “out of control” behavior. ADAPT serves all Westchester County youth from 11-21 years old and their families. There is no charge for this service. Major funding for ADAPT is provided through New York State Division for Youth/Westchester County Youth Bureau. Please call Marissa Malett @ 964-6767 (Yonkers) or Bernard Murrell @ 668-9124 (Mt Vernon) to make a referral or for more information. First Time Home Owner Grant First-time homeowners, please visit Community Housing Innovations, Inc. online at www.chigrants.org for information about grants. Help make a difference in children’s lives! 31 Join Junior Achievement of the Hudson Valley, Inc. in the JA Promise – a promise of cooperative efforts among business, education and community to focus on the children and their successful future. Working together, we will continue our mission to educate and inspire young people and improve the quality of their lives. Through Junior Achievement’s educational K-12 programs, students will gain the skills, knowledge and motivation necessary to be successful in school, in the workplace and in life. Junior Achievement of the Hudson Valley, Inc. (JAHV) is part of JA Worldwide, the world’s oldest and largest economic education organization, reaching over 6.6 million students around the world. Volunteer classroom mentors are needed to help reach the 2005-2006 student outreach goal of 14,000 students throughout the Hudson Valley. The JA Experience is currently offered in twenty-one Yonkers Public Schools and classroom mentors are needed to make it all happen. You can be the one to make a positive difference in a child’s life! For more information, please contact JAHV at 914-524-9760 or info@jahudsonvalley.org or visit our website: http://hudsonvalley.ja.org Bethex Federal Credit Union Bethex Federal Credit Union, a Bronx-based, federally insured community development financial institution (CDFI) has been approved by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to expand its field of membership to include areas in southern Yonkers and southern Mount Vernon. Bethex, with roughly 10,000 members and $9 million in assets, offers basic checking/savings accounts, personal loans, emergency loans, mortgage loans, business loans and technical assistance, and a host of other products and services specially tailored to meeting the needs of the people in its field of membership. With this new expansion, anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in most areas of southern Mount Vernon and southern Yonkers is eligible to join. The credit union’s main branch is at 20 E. 179th Street, and the Mott Haven Branch is at 613 E. 138th Street, both of which are in the Bronx and open Tuesday through Saturday, 9-4. Any questions regarding this expansion or becoming a member can be directed to the credit union at (718) 299-3062. More information is available on the web at www.bethexfcu.coop. RECOGNIZING A STROKE - A true story Susie is recouping at an incredible pace for someone with a massive stroke all because Sherry saw Susie stumble - - that is the key that isn't mentioned below -and then she asked Susie the 3 questions. So simple - - this literally saved Susie's life - - Some angel sent it to Suzie's friend and they did just what it said to do. Suzie failed all three so then 9-1-1 was called. Even though she had normal blood pressure readings and did not appear to be a stroke as she could converse to some extent with the Paramedics they took her to the hospital right away. Doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: 1. *Ask the individual to SMILE. 2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. 3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (ie . It is sunny out today) If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this information sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved. BE A FRIEND AND SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE You could save lives. e-Chalk 32 e-Chalk is a website utilized by Yonkers Public Schools to open up electronic communication between the school and home. It is a system that has been set up where every school has its own home page, where information can be shared. Classes, teachers and groups can also have pages to display information and email accounts are available for all staff and students (on the secondary level). Please share this with parents of YPS students and invite them to participate. Have them look over the website at www.yonkerspublicschools.org. YWOMEN Through guidance and mentoring we enable teen females, ages 11-17 to develop a positive attitude toward life, manage challenges and become self-sufficient, successful women. Recreation, life skills, trips, health issues, career exploration YOUTH BASKETBALL (To begin 1st week in October) and will be according to different age groups. Both teams and open days/nights READY, SET, READ !! Parental empowerment and skills classes – workshops to begin in October. How to make reading fun for your children and to understand your children’s individual learning style! Refreshments, games raffles and more! An innovative and rewarding program ALL CLASSES ARE FREE, BUT YOU MUST REGISTER. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY – 2:30 – 4:30 P.M. #### Board Members Wanted The Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester, Inc. is looking for Board members and volunteers. Call May Guglielmo at 914-969-0340 for information on the next Board Meeting (to see what this organization is all about). Right now, they are in need of a newsletter editor (The Rivertown Naturalist) and Conservation Chair. Volunteers are always needed for education, the garden, hospitality and special events like Hawk Day. Learn English at Home The Center for Continuing Education announces that you can Learn English from the comfort of your home, for free and by mail. Please call 914-376-8606 for more information. Gratis y Por Correo Aprenda ingles en la comodidad de su casa. Llame al 914-376-8606. New, later post office hours The Yonkers Main Branch of the United States Post Office now has new hours! It is open from Monday through Friday from 8am to 7pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 4pm. You can mail packages, buy stamps, and more. This post office is located at 79-81 Main Street in Yonkers. New York’s Electricity Outlook The demand for electricity in New York State continues to grow. During the summer, when hot weather places an even greater demand on New York’s electric grid, supplies decrease, especially in New York City and Long Island. If there is an energy alert announced, make every effort to reduce your electricity use. Turn off all non-essential electrical devices, lights and appliances. You can get more information on NY’s Electricity Outlook from the New York State Public Service Commission Consumer information line at 1-888-275-7721 or website at www.askPSC.com. For complaints and inquiries on service or billing, please call the Help line at 1-800-342-3377. For customer service from New York Power Authority, call 914-681-6200 or visit www.nypa.gov. Finally, call the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority at 1-877-NY-SMART (1-877-697-6278) or visit www.GetEnergySmart.org for more information as well. Chatlines 33 Chatlines are telephone numbers that join callers in live, interactive conversations. Most of the time callers don’t know each other and conversations may be about anything. Some things said may not be suitable for minors. The conversations may be monitored by the provider, but most are not. You can block chatlines in New York State without fear of blocking access to friends, relatives, doctors, government agencies and regular business numbers, toll-free numbers and other common telephone numbers. They can be blocked by calling your local telephone company and requesting that calls placed from your chatlines be blocked. All telephone companies must provide blocking service at no charge. For more information or to file a complaint, please contact the New York State Public Service Commission electronically at www.dps.state.ny.us or www.askpsc.com; via telephone at 1-800-3423377 (complaints/inquiries) or 1-800-275-7721 (consumer information); or by mail or in person at their office locations: Remember, Don’t let your kids talk themselves into trouble Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350; 90 Church Street, New York, NY 10007-2919 Ellicott Square Bldg, 295 Main Street, Rm 814, Buffalo, NY 14203-2508 New Passport Requirements Please note that previous issues of the Community Newsletter Bulletin contained the following erroneous information: “Starting December 31, 2005, the United States government is introducing new passport rules.... * By December 31, 2005, passports will be required for all air and sea travel to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America.” Actually, the starting date for passport requirements to those areas was pushed back a year to coincide with that for Canada and Mexico. The latest deadlines and an explanation of the change can be found by visiting the U.S. State Department web site at: www.travel.state.gov and clicking on “Passports.” (Thank you Mr. Oshinsky from the Automobile Club of New York’s Car and Travel magazine for the updated information). Actors wanted… For those who are interested in knowing where auditions are held in NYC, please visit the following website: http://www.b2productions.xbuild.com. African Drums Free African Drum Classes will be held every Friday at St. Paul’s Church at 6:00pm. Please call 646-3824962 for more information, directions and confirmation. Emergency Contact List Do you carry emergency contact information with you when leaving home? Taking a few minutes to store that information in your cell phone could be a tremendous help when emergencies occur. Paramedics often find mobile phones at the scene of an accident, but they don't always know which numbers to call in the event emergency contacts need to be reached. Paramedics recommend that you store the word "I C E" in your mobile phone, address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency." For more than one contact name, use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc. In an 34 emergency situation, ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and contact them. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at ease. "Bills Would Forgive Loans to Child Protection And Child Care Workers On July 20, Senators Mike DeWine and Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) introduced three bills to provide educational loan forgiveness to support low-income and vulnerable families. The first bill, S. 1430, would provide loan forgiveness to social workers who work for child protection agencies. The second, S. 1431, would cover attorneys who represent low-income families in family court, and the third, S. 1432, would apply to child care providers." Visit http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/g_three_sections_with_teasers/legislative_home.htm to find more information on this legislation New Preschool City Harvest Preschool is a 12-month program located at 44 Hudson Street in Yonkers, that offers the knowledge of God and His Word; intrinsic motivation for learning; math, science and visual arts; as well, as breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Fees are $915/month for 2-year olds; $845/month for 3-5 year olds; Please contact Wendy Holibaugh at 964-5422 ext. 14, for more information or registration. Bereavement Support Group Offerings Hospice and Palliative Care of Westchester has a number of support groups for those experience the pain of losing a loved one. ‘Loss of Spouse’ and ‘Adult loss of Parent’ are offered in the evening at the Hospice and Paliative Care Center of Westchester at 95 South Broadway, Fourth Floor in White Plains. ‘Senior loss of Spouse’ is offered at the White Plains Hospital. Pre-registration is required. For dates & times contact Linda Plastrik, LCSW at 914-6821484 ext 18. Donations are accepted. Visit www.hospiceofwestchester.com for more information about this agency and its programs. The YMCA of Yonkers Announces New Y-Ball Program Y-Ball is a new program combining two sports, soccer and basketball with education, volunteerism, religion, personal growth seminars, reading and parent/child social contracts. Y-Basketball and Y-Soccer are normal leagues with an elimination system that determines a team that is really the achievement champion. Y-Basketball and Y-Soccer change the concept in that the winning team may not be the best team athletically. The Y-Ball program is built around a point system. The winning team will receive fifty points for a game. The losing team would receive twenty-five points. However, it doesn’t stop there. Teams win because of well skilled players, good coaching, intimidation, good skills and maybe even because of the size of its players. Maybe if the losing players could find a way to earn some extra points… Extra points can be earned a number of ways: volunteering; taking a class regarding life issues or drug prevention; attending a meeting that teaches strong morality; grades at school; or parents submitting a letter for the completion of a social contract developed between the child and parent. This program seeks to serve 210 children during the summer. It will necessitate the employment of 2 program directors, and two statisticians. There will also be the recruitment of 20 volunteer coaches. For information, please call the YMCA at 914-963-0183. See more YMCA program information in Ongoing FYI… Teen Lift The program serves teenage females, ages 14-18 living in the Westchester area. The Teen Lift Program was created to foster the success of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy Program by continuing to provide educational and cultural enrichment to the young ladies throughout high school. Teen Lift was designed to provide an opportunity for youth to interact with positive role models by developing long-term 35 mentoring relationships and to help them develop skills to counteract many of the negative aspects of our society. The young ladies participate in developmental programs and activities that are geared towards enhancing their knowledge and education regarding health issues, personal growth, career and job training. Teenagers are recruited from youth-serving organizations and area high schools. Teen Lift specifically focuses on youth that would not ordinarily be reached by traditional youth-serving organizations. In keeping with the concepts and ideals of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Teen Lift encourages young women to be at their best in everything they encounter. Applications are currently available for the 2005/2006 Teen Lift program. If your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, neighbors, etc. are interested....contact Monique Williams at silasmonique@prodigy.net or Maiysha Edwards at maiysha@hotmail.com and they will email the application to you. When you have lemons… Don’t buy a car! Visit the following websites for more information about your rights as they relate to the ‘Lemon Law’ and car buying. Top 10 Websites on the Lemon Law: www.autopedia.com/lemon www.autosafety.org www.carfax.com www.lemonhelphers.com www.lemonlaw.com www.lemonlaw.bbb.org www.lemonlawamerica.com www.lemonlawsusa.com www.nationallemonlawcenter.com www.yourlemonlawrights.com Upright Imaging of Westchester Introduces the most OPEN, the most QUIET, and the most COMFORTABLE MRI in Westchester. For appointment call them at 914-969-1818 or for more information please email adipietro@upright914.com. They are located at 1034 North Broadway, Suite 5 in Yonkers, NY 10701. They have a website at http://www.upright914.com/ CBO Directory The office of Community Services has recently updated the 2005 Community Based Organization Directory. It contains information and descriptions of the services of over 75 Community Based Organizations that serve the Yonkers community. You will find this detailed listing at www.cityofyonkers.com/contacts2/cbopage.htm. America Supports You For all of those looking for ways to join the effort to support our military forces, take time to visit the www.americasupportsyou.mil website. Your support is important, and it's appreciated. ATTORNEY'S ADVICE -- NO CHARGE A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company. 1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks. 2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED". 3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of 36 the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it. 4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it. 5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know: 1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them. 2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). 3. But here's what is perhaps most important of all : (I never even thought to do this.) 4. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. 1. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been stolen: 1.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271 2.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 3.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 4.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289 We pass along jokes on the Internet. We pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about. Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Brothers Big Sisters announces their used Clothing Pick Up. Tax Deductible. To schedule a pick up, call 914-963-4453. They also accept Auto donations. $500 reward if you find a new clothing bin location. ‘Renegade Remodelers’ The Department of Consumer Protection has posted a list of "renegade remodelers" at http://www.westchestergov.com/consumer/. The list includes the names of unlicensed contractors who are the subject of numerous consumer complaints. The department is advising consumers not to use these contractors. For more information visit the website or call (914)995-2155. Mentors Wanted WANTED: Caring Adults to be a mentor for 9 - 15 year olds in Yonkers. Volunteer must be at least 21 years old. Please call 914-963-6500 ext 252 to get more information from the Westchester Mediation Center of Cluster. 37 Pull the Rope Avon will give 10 cents toward breast cancer research every time someone "pulls on the rope" at http://avonweb.ca/ebear/main.html. Please take a minute and do it!!! HAC is helping qualified homeowners with repairs HAC will administer a grant from New York State Affordable Housing Corporation to be used specifically for homeowners of limited income to maintain and repair their homes. Eligible home improvements include repair/remodel kitchen and bath; window replacement; heating units and water heater; roof repair; chimney and plumbing work. Environmental improvements such as lead and asbestos abatement are also included. Work to a make a house more energy efficient may also be undertaken. All requests are considered for eligibility. For further information call Alexis Witek at HAC, telephone 914-332-4144. TrustWatch Before you exchange sensitive Information online, check the security and trustworthiness of the site at www.TrustWatch.com Website Verification Service by GeoTrust. Museum Middle School website The Museum Middle School PTA would like you to see their website - one of the efforts that they employ to connect with our parent body at Museum Middle School; http://www.mmspta.org. In our efforts to communicate with our parents, we have also employed an e-mail network and a Parent Telephone Network (under construction). United State Air Force Auxiliary - Civil Air Patrol After some hard work and continued motivation, the Amelia Earhart Composite Squadron will be coming to Yonkers. Civil Air Patrol teaches cadets 12-21 years old aerospace education, emergency services, community involvement, leadership training all undermilitary regulations, customs and courtesies. Active cadets even have the option of being behind airplane controls for 7 orientation flight lessons. The squadron meets at the Yonkers Riverfront Library every Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. You can contact Jacqueline Estevez directly at 914 309 0596 for further information. Or, if you would like a bit more info on what Civil Air Patrol does please visit www.cap.gov. Singers Wanted A general call is being announced for Singers to perform in upcoming gigs. Participants must be age 18 & older, male or female; possess reliable transportation and contact information; residents of the New York City area. Powerhouse voices are needed with experience in R&B, Gospel, Reggae, Jazz and Blues, with a good ear and ability to learn fast. Only serious, singing professionals wanted. Auditions will be scheduled by calling Sheryll Brownlee-Fox at 914-439-1119 or contacting her by email at sheryll10550@optonline.net. The following are requested for consideration: one head shot, one full body shot and a vocal resume. Public Notice to Water Consumers of the City of Yonkers The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Health require water suppliers to notify the public and provide educational information on minimizing lead in drinking water if tests show that more than 10% of 1st draw tap water samples, collected from homes in the distribution system during a six month period, exceed the EPA lead Action Level of 15 micrograms per liter (also reported as 15 parts per billion or 0.015mg/L). This is the level the EPA has set to determine when a water supplier must take action to reduce the amount of lead in drinking water. At the tap monitoring was conducted at 103 ‘Tier 1’ homes (defined as single family structures that have a lead service line or copper pipes with lead solder joints installed after 1982 or have interior lead plumbing) throughout the City of Yonkers between January 2004 and June 2004. these results have revealed that some homes in our community have elevated levels of lead in their drinking water. Of the 103 homes monitored, 13 exceeded the Action Level of 15 micrograms per liter. 38 In accordance with New York State and Federal regulations the City of Yonkers has implemented a program to reduce the amount of lead in our drinking water. This program includes implementation of system wide Corrosion Control Treatment (as of February 2001) and public education. To reduce exposure to lead in drinking water the NYS Department of Health and the EPA recommend the following precautionary measures: 1. Use only cold water for cooking and drinking 2. Before using water for cooking or drinking run the cold water tap for at least 30 seconds or until it is noticeably cooler to the touch 3. If your home has a lead service line that connects your dwelling to the water main, you may have to flush the water for a longer time, perhaps one minute before use. This minimizes the amount of lead in drinking water and is particularly important to do when making infant formula or juice 4. Consider having your water tested for lead For questions about lead poisoning, prevention and education, call the Westchester County Health Department, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 914-813-5240 or the New York State Department of Health, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Unit at 518-473-4602. Fore more information about water testing or interpretation of results call the City of Yonkers Water Laboratory at 914-377-6764. Mentoring Program Family Services of Westchester has a Mentoring Program for Children of a parent in prison. If interested, please call Marge Leffler at 914-937-2320. Y-WOMEN Y-Young, W-Women, O-Organized, M-Motivated, E-Educated and N-Nascent. Through guidance and mentoring, education and information, referral and assistance Y-WOMEN will help teen females, ages 11-17, develop a positive attitude toward life, manage challenges and become selfsufficient, successful women. Y-Women will meet Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:00 pm until 5:00pm. Some evening hours for guest speakers, presentations and “special ladies night”. All are welcome, but you must register! Refreshments will be served. Please contact Ms. Collins at 914-423-5905 to sign up. Planned future activities include: career exploration, job readiness skills, selfsufficiency/survival skills, health & nutrition, risky behaviors Home Accessibility Program Family Service Society of Yonkers has grants for those the disabled and seniors who become disabled and need to convert their apartment in private homes, condos, coops (not in public housing) to suit their disability. Contact Carolyn Fluckinger at 914-963-5118 for more information. Blood Pressure check Every Friday, St. Joseph’s Medical Center offers FREE screening for high blood pressure from 2-4pm at its Urgent Care and Specialty Care Center, 75 South Broadway, Yonkers. For more information call 914-376-7767. Salvation Army The Salvation Army of Yonkers is asking for monetary donations to help support its ongoing programs, as well as special ones during the holidays. Please contact the Yonkers Citadel Corps at 914-963-1222, gnyyonkers@use.salvationarmy.org for more information or send your donation to 110 New Main Street, Yonkers, New York 10701. Be Aware of New Fed Regulations regarding clearance of checks County Executive Andy Spano urged Westchester residents to be aware that new federal regulations could lead to an increase in the number of bounced checks – unless consumers make some adjustments. 39 As of Oct. 28, the regulation (known as Check 21) changes the way checks are cleared. As such, the time it takes for a check to clear is reduced; therefore consumers will have a shorter “float” or lag time once they write a check. “Check 21 is a new federal regulation that allows banks and merchants to clear checks almost instantly,” said Spano. “Consumers will no longer have the “float” or lag time that they had in the past, when they were able to write a check one day and it would clear their bank two or three days later.” Elaine Price, director of Consumer Protection, said, “Banks fees for returned checks can add up very quickly. Consumers have to be sure they have enough funds in the bank to cover any check they write. Fees for just a few returned checks can add up to hundreds of dollars very quickly.” Under another provision of the new regulation, banks are no longer required to return original checks to consumers. Instead, they may return only an image or copies of the checks written by account holders. For more information on Check 21, visit www.westchestergov/consumer/ or call the Department of Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155. The above information is from the Westchester County Press Courthouse Childcare Childcare at the Westchester County Courthouse is a project of Judge Kaye and the Judicial Commission on Children and the Courts which provides childcare for litigants in the Family, Civil and Criminal Courts whose children would otherwise have to wait in the courtroom as their parents litigate often difficult and emotionally charged issues. The Center at the White Plains Court is in desperate need of volunteers. The YWCA operates a Children's Center at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains that provides childcare for families who come to Family, Civil or Criminal Court with their children. They are currently seeking volunteers whom can work 2 hours a week assisting the staff. Volunteers are offered a free membership in the YWCA fitness Center in appreciation of their efforts. For information please call 914 993- 0760 to speak to the site Supervisor, or Joy Beane, Esq., Assistant Dean for Career Development, Pace Law School, 78 North Broadway, White Plains, New York 10603, (914) 422-4218 or (914) 422-4243. Domestic Violence Services If you think you are suffering from domestic violence, please see the Office for Women's Online Domestic Violence Resources. For more information on legal services for survivors of domestic violence, contact the Women’s Justice Center, a member of WCFVA. For more information on programs and organizations working to end Domestic Violence, please visit the Westchester Coalition of Family Violence Agencies. Information obtained from Domestic Violence services Link under the Women’s Services Section of www.westchestergov.com. CLUSTER Housing Resource Center CLUSTER Housing Resource Center is located at 504 South Broadway in Yonkers, New York, was founded in 1988 and serves a broad area of southwest Yonkers in preventing homelessness, improving deteriorated housing and providing education on a wide range of housing issues. The Resource center has an extensive expertise in mobilizing tenants, landlords and government agencies to work together to address urgent housing and community problems. The Resource’s Center’s staff is bicultural/bilingual in Spanish and English and has developed a special rapport with area residents and municipal agencies associated with housing and community revitalization. Current programs include unnecessary/unwarranted evictions; technical and legal services for building-level improvements; code enforcement; housing emergencies; assistance for displaced families; telephone housing counsel, advocacy & referral assistance; and community education on housing issues. For more information or for assistance with any of the above housing issues, please call 914-376-0438.Services are confidential and free of charge to low-to-moderate income residents of Yonkers. An eye on the birds of the Hudson River The Hudson River Audubon Society of Westchester, Inc. (HRAS) is a nonprofit chapter of the National Audubon Society, serving Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington and Yonkers. Their mission is to foster protection and appreciation of birds, other wildlife and their habitats, as well as to be an advocate for a cleaner and healthier environment. Their meetings are held at Lenoir Nature Preserve in Yonkers and their newsletter, the 40 Rivertown Naturalist details events and highlights Hudson River wildlife. Please visit their website at www.hras.org. Blockwatchers wanted Council Member Patricia McDow is asking for interested residents to become ‘Blockwatchers’ – volunteers who act as the eyes and ears of their community in the effort to fight crime. Blockwatchers are not asked to personally stop criminal activity, just being active in reporting it. Residents interested in this program can call 914-377-6311 for more information and/or to set up an initial meeting where the Yonkers Police Department’s Community Affairs Division will come out to explain the program and its requirements. New York State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program The NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal has issued its Notice of Credit Availability of $2,000,000 in state tax credit under the New York State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program which is authorized under Article 2-A of the Public Housing Law. Applications for State Tax Credit must be submitted to Nina Moor, Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program Manager, NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Hampton Plaza, 38-40 State Street, Albany, New York 12207, with a $100 application fee. For an application package contact the New York City Regional Office at 212-480-7644. For more information visit their website at www.dhcr.state.ny.us or email at dhcrinfo@dhcr.state.ny.us. Mentoring Program The Sledge Group, Inc. asks you to become a mentor in its Mentoring Program. Your guidance can be the difference between prison and prosperity. Please contact the Sledge Group at 718-597-5099, sledgegroup@aol.com or www.sledgegroup.org for details and information. Come join us. Make a difference in your community. DIOXIN/CANCER WARNING Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in their newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dioxin Carcinogens cause cancer. Especially breast cancer. Don't freeze plastic water bottles with water in them as this also releases dioxin from the plastic. Dr. Edward Fujimoto from Castle hospital was on a TV program explaining this health hazard. (He is the manager of the Wellness Program at the hospital.) He was talking about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said we should not heat our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This applies particularly to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Dioxin are carcinogens and highly toxic to the cells of our bodies. Instead, he recommends using glass, Corning Ware, or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results ...without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. Just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. Remember when some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper? The dioxin problem is one of the reasons. To add to this: Saran wrap placed over foods as they are nuked, with the high heat, actually drips poisonous toxins into the food, use paper towels instead. Please pass this on to your family & friends, & those who are important in your life. Social Security services for the Deaf You can find more on this article at the Yonkers Tribune’s website, http://www.YonkersTribune.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=670 Individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing may apply/file a claim for Social Security benefits such as Retirement, Survivors, Medicare, and Lump Sum Death Benefits without an appointment when they call the Social Security Administration's national toll-free TTY/TDD number, 1-800-325-0778 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This new service enables the person to communicate directly with a representative without the need for a local relay system. To file an immediate claim, individuals should have certain documents in-hand when calling such as their birth certificate, most recent W-2, military service DD214 and bank account information. The 41 applicant may return the printed claim by mail or in-person to his or her local Social Security office. For more information about this and Social Security programs, visit SSA's website Social Security Online -- Social Security Administration -- or call 1-800-772-1213.People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing may call the toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. STAR and Enhanced STAR City Assessor Mark Russell has advised that the Limited Income Senior Citizen and Enhanced STAR Exemption applications are currently being distributed by his office at 87 Nepperhan Avenue, 3rd floor. In order for seniors to renew, they will need the first two pages of their Federal Income Tax and if they don’t file, copies of their Social Security statement, pension statement and all of their 1099s. Enhanced STAR Renewal applicants can renew with their tax returns and opt into the Income Verification Program (IVP), where their income will be verified by NYS. The IVP program will allow the applicant to receive the exemption from this year forward without having to supply future applications and tax returns (as long as they maintain their current residency).In addition to their 2003 Federal Income Tax, they need to supply the IVP form which authorizes the Assessment Dept to send their SS number(s) to the state for verification. The maximum income this year for Limited Income Senior Citizens is $32,399 (last year $28,899.) With this increase the department expects more applicants meeting the criteria for the Limited Income Senior Citizen Exemption. The maximum income for Enhanced STAR is $64,650 (last year $63,750.)It should also be noted that applicants who meet the criteria for the Senior Citizen Exemption, are automatically included in the Enhanced STAR Exemption. If you have any questions please call the office at 377-6200 Yonkers Family Ties Resource Center The Family Ties Resource Center is open Monday through Friday 10-4 PM (or by appointment) at 164 Ashburton Ave, Lower Level, Yonkers, NY, 10701.The Site Manager is Jeffrey Ashe. Please call 964-2063, if you have any questions. The following is a schedule of support groups held at Family Ties. Parent Support Group: Every Wednesday, 9:30-11:30am Grandparents Support Group: 2nd & 4th Thursday, 10am-12pm Early Childhood Support Group: 2nd& 4th Friday 1pm-2:30pm Boys Group: 2nd & 4th Tuesday 5pm-6pm Fathers Group: 2nd & 4th Monday 6:30-7:30pm (at Family Services of Westchester, 70 Ashburton Ave.) List Price: $84.95 and up Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours New York Tenants' Rights by Mary Ann Hallenborg Very often, the Council Office receives questions about tenants’ rights. While we are more than happy to refer residents to agencies like CLUSTER’s Housing Resource (914-376-0438) that help in that regard, it is also important to have that kind of information at your fingertips. Click on the picture below (or visit Amazon.com) to go to a website where you can buy the book that gives you details about your rights as a tenant in New York. Family Service Society of Yonkers The Fall after school program at the Family Service Society of Yonkers is available 5 days a week from 3-5 PM, that's Monday thru Friday at 70 Ashburton Ave, 6th floor, Yonkers, New York 10703.This program is geared to grandparents raising grandchildren and relative caregivers not raising children of their own. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please direct them to Diane Price at 914-963-5118 (phone) or fssy_kinship@hotmail.com (email). Do you want to get your GED, learn English or develop job-specific skills so you can work? 42 If the answer is “yes,” contact the Educational Opportunity Center. The Center offers free training to eligible individuals and it is currently accepting applications for the fall for the following programs: Certified Nurses Aide/Home Health Aide Home Health Aide/Personal Care Aide Child Care Provider Contemporary Office Skills (Microsoft Office Suite) Medical Billing and Coding Clerk Emergency Medical Technician English as a Second Language College Transition (Prep) Program Pre-GED & GED Classes are offered in the day and evening. EOC also provides counseling and referral services, job readiness preparation, and job placement assistance to its students in a caring and supportive environment. For more information, call or stop by the EOC. The Center is located at 26 South Broadway in Yonkers and can be reached by phone at (914) 966-6810.EOC is a division of Westchester Community College and is funded by the State University of New York. Bereavement Group The Bereavement Center of Westchester, located at 69 Main Street in Tuckahoe, holds a free child-loss bereavement group every Tuesday, from 7:30pm to 9pm.For information call Patty Donovan-Duff at 914-961-2818 ext. 317. WIC Teen pregnant mothers who have low incomes and need food are eligible for WIC. This is not a food stamp program but rather a healthy diet program that will give the mother-to-be-the resources to buy healthy and nutritious food. Please call the ‘Growing up Healthy’ Hotline at 1-800-522-5006 for more information. Need a reason to dance? Social Dancing for Seniors takes place every third Wednesday of the month at the Philipsburgh Performing Arts Center, 2-8 Hudson Street, Yonkers. Socialize, swing, or foxtrot to recordings of the fabulous big bands of the 30's, 40's, & 50's.Call for reservations at 914-964-8977.Sponsored, in part, by the Classic Residence by Hyatt. Child Care Partnership Program The Marion and George Ames Early Childhood Learning Center (a program of Leake & Watts Services, Inc.) has established its Child Care Partnership Program at 463 Hawthorne Avenue in Yonkers. This is an opportunity for Yonkers businesses to provide child care services to their employees through a collaboration with the Ames Center. Employers can either reserve child care slots at the Ames center for their employees and/or offer reduced fees for child care services to their employees. The Ames Center offers the following services to toddlers and preschool age children: Extended day (7:30am-6pm daily); Nutritious breakfast, lunch & snacks; small staff to student ratio in each classroom; bilingual classrooms; registered nurse; summer program; developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum; family involvement is encouraged. Openings for July and September enrollment are available. Please call Loren Russell, Director of Public Relations at Leake & Watts at 914-375-8789/8650, or Grace Giuliano, Ames Center Director at 914-375-8820, for more information. Be a Crime Stopper… Westchester County Crime Stoppers will pay Cash Rewards of up to $5000.00 for information leading to the arrest of person (s) responsible for any crime (whether unsolved or unreported) within the boundaries of Westchester County. You don’t have to tell who you are; just what you know. To provide an anonymous tip which may be 43 eligible for cash rewards, please contact Westchester Crime Stoppers at 1-800-898-TIPS (phone) or www.westchestercrimestoppers.org (website). Rites of Passage Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Inc. is now taking application for the Rites of Passage Program. Please call Youth Ministries Director Jim Bostic at 914-965-0203 or 914-625-6303 for more information. This is a program designed to ensure that proper values are instilled in young people approaching adulthood. What’s Happening at the Yonkers YWCA, 87 South Broadway, Yonkers Girl Scouts of Westchester Putnam, Inc. Girl Scouts have opened a branch in the Yonkers YWCA for girls, ages 5 and up. The group meets on Fridays from 4:30pm-6:30pm.Girls will participate in Arts and Crafts, Cooking, Camping, Field Trips and Dance Instruction. Yearly required membership fee is $7.For more information call Mary Benes at 914-747-3080 ext. 232. Nutrition Education Program The Yonkers YWCA, in conjunction with St. John’s Riverside Hospital presents a Nutrition Education Program every Wednesday at 6pm at the YWCA at 87 South Broadway in Yonkers. Activities include nutrition, food planning, shopping trips, food samples, field trips to cooking/food shows, food samples, food industry speakers and more. Participation is free; enrollment is required. For more information and registration call Ms. Rogers at 914963-0640 ext.102. Pre-school Child Care The Yonkers YWCA offers a Child Care program through its Child Development Center, for children ages 2.9 to 5 years (immediate openings) but also starting at 18 months (call for availability).The program includes a Pre-School Curriculum, Computer Introduction, Trips, Indoor Gym and Outdoor Playground and Parent Involvement. Extended hours from 7:30am-6pm and part-time hours are available, which include breakfast, lunch and supper. Your children will be in the hands of an experienced and professional staff. Se Habla Espanol; Agaso Kami ti tagalog. For ongoing registration and information, please call 914-963-0640 ext 116. Programs at the Yonkers YMCA, 17 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers Join the Drum Corps The YMCA of Yonkers at 17 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, NY is starting a Drum Corps with a New World Beat., for Children and Young Adults. For more information please call 914.963.0183 Salsa! Learn to Salsa with Howie at the YMCA at 17 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers, New York on Saturdays from 1pm-3pm and Tuesdays from 6pm-8pm in the Studio by the Pool. Please call 914-963-0183 for more information. Calling all Den Leaders! Council Member McDow is asking mothers and fathers to volunteer with Cub Scout groups that have and will start at the YMCA of Yonkers at 17 Riverdale Avenue and the Nepperhan Community Center at 342 Warburton Avenue. It is important that we support scouting and the children that benefit by it. This is an exciting opportunity that will help get kids off the streets and into positive activities. For more information on volunteering and upcoming groups, please call the YMCA at 914-963-0183 or NCC at 914-965-0203. 44 Council Meetings Yonkers City Council Meetings take place on the Second and Fourth Tuesday of every month. You can address the Council about issues on the agenda before the regular Council Meetings (not Rules) at 7:30pm.You must sign up with the City Clerk’s Office by 3pm on the day of the Council Meetings, to discuss items on the agenda. Rules Committee Meetings (where the Council decides what will be on the Council Meeting agenda the following week) take place on the First and Third Tuesday of every month. No regular Council Meetings are scheduled for the Fifth Tuesday of any month, in July and August or the last two weeks in December. The following is the Council meeting schedule for the remainder of the year: RULES COMMITTEE CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 8, 2006 [WED.] NOVEMBER 21, 2006 NOVEMBER 14, 2006 NOVEMBER 28, 2006 DECEMBER 5, 2006 DECEMBER 12, 2006 YONKERS PLANNING BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE 2006-2007 THE YONKERS PLANNING BOARD MEETS THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH (EXCEPT TO ACCOMMODATE HOLIDAYS) ON THE DATES BELOW. ALL SUBMISSIONS TO THE BOARD, FOR REVIEW, MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE PLANNING BUREAU AT 87 NEPPERHAN AVENUE, ROOM 320-322, YONKERS, NEW YORK NO LATER THAN 15 WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO THE BOARDS MEETING. THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR EACH MEETING IS NOTED ON THE SCHEDULE. MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN CITY HALL, 4TH FLOOR AT, 5:30 PM. 2006 MEETING DATE SUBMISSION DATE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21 2007 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2007 Zoning Board Meeting A Public Hearing will be held before the zoning Board of Appeals of the city of Yonkers on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at 6:00 P.M. sharp, in the Ceremonial Court, opposite City Council Chambers, City Hall, Yonkers, New York ( Building is accessible to the handicapped), on applications for Appeals from the Building Commissioner’s decisions and applications for Variances under the provision of G.O. # 42000, as amended. Community Meetings 45 Come out and get involved in the following neighborhood meetings to help improve your community and get to know your neighbors. Third Precinct Community Meeting Every Third TUESDAY at 7:30pm at the Chema Center’s Community Room located at 435 Riverdale Avenue, Yonkers. (Next Meeting November 21). Time and location subject to change. Please call the Precinct at 377-7427 to confirm meeting location and time. Fourth Precinct Community Meeting Every Third Thursday, at 7pm at the Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Center, in Yonkers, 2nd Floor. (Next meeting on November 16). Hudson River Community Association The Second Wednesday at 7:30pm at the Nepperhan Community Center, 342 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers. (Next Meeting on November 8). Please be advised of our Developers' Forum, Wed., November 8, 7:30 pm. Invited Developers are: Joe Apicella of Capelli Enterprises, Joe Cotter of I-Park, and Robert MacFarlane of Homes for America Holdings, Inc. The Developers have been asked to give a 10 minute summary of their plans for development and they will have handouts to give to the audience. After their presentations, questions will be presented from the audience. St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Association The First Thursday, at 7pm at St. Joseph’s School (behind St. Joseph’s Church), 10 St. Joseph’s Avenue, Yonkers. (Next meeting November 2). New Hours at the Health Centers at St. Joseph’s The Family Health Center at St. Joseph’s Medical Center will have more convenient hours for its Quality Primary & Walk-In Care for Children and Adults. Monday, Tuesday, Friday 8am-5pm Wednesday, Thursday 8am-8pm Saturday 8am-4pm Family Health Center at 81 South Broadway (914-375-3200) is now open every Saturday and Wednesday Evening: The Urgent Care and Specialty Center at 75 South Broadway (914-376-7767) is open Monday through Friday, 8am5pm and on Saturdays, 9am-1pm. A Brush with Kindness’ Habitat for Humanity of Westchester has a volunteer neighborhood program, offering light exterior home renovation to low-income homeowners who need help to complete the work. These projects are undertaken throughout the summer, within Westchester County. Exterior painting is the main task to be competed by volunteers. Landscaping, clean-up and minor repairs (excluding roof repairs) may be done depending on the skills and size of the volunteer team. To receive an application or more information about this program, please contact Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, 525A Main Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801, telephone 914-636-8335.You can get more information about Habitat for Humanity of Westchester at their website: www.habitatwc.org. Habitat Family Mentor Volunteer Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers. They are in need of 8-10 mentors to help families make the transition from renter to home owner. The Mentor provides support to their Partner Family by empowering them through homeownership. Expected Commitment: 1. Responsibilities begin when you are assigned with a family and continue until 12 months after the family moves into their home. 2. Attendance at committee meetings is expected. 3. Serve as a liaison between the family and Habitat to ensure that the family understands the requirements of becoming a Habitat Homeowner: sweat equity; attendance at Homeownership workshops; house plans; payment procedures, and legal documents of sale, budgeting, etc. 46 Contact the Family Services Department of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester at 914 636-8335 x102 (phone), 914 636-8592 (fax) or 525a Main Street, New Rochelle, New York 10801 for training information and/or to schedule an interview. The First Place to go to find Information on the Internet ‘Where can I go to get information on college scholarships?’ ‘Are there any English literacy programs in my area?’ ‘What events are taking place in town this weekend?’ ‘How do I find a good contractor to make basic or major home repairs?’ The answers to these and many other questions are just a few clicks away at www.firstfind.info. This site can provide you with the information you need or where you can go to find it. How handy is that? Yonkers Alliance for Latino and Immigrant Services, Inc. 1. Naturalization 2. Citizenship classes 3. Relative Petitions 4. Employment Authorization 5. Green Card Renewals 6. TPS Registration 7. Advanced Parole/Re-entry permits 8. Invitations 9. Translations 10. IRS-ITIN Located at 45 Ludlow Street, Suite 518, Yonkers, New York, YALIS offers a variety of services, including: Other services include Notary Public and referrals for domestic violence, housing and school issues. If you or someone you know needs help in these areas, contact YALIS at 914-476-5510 (phone) or 914-476-6981 (fax). Citizenship Preparation and Free English Classes Yonkers Alliance for Latino and Immigrant Services and the Educational Opportunity Center of Westchester are offering five-week Citizenship Preparation courses in the afternoon and on Saturdays and Free English Classes that can be taken in the morning or evenings. In order to be eligible for the English classes, students must be incomeeligible, permanent citizens of the US and residents of New York State for one year. For citizenship preparation, candidates must have applied for citizenship status. For more information on either of these programs, call YALIS at 914-476-5510 or EOC at 914-966-6810/20. Prepare yourself On this Web site you will learn how you can participate in National Preparedness Month 2006 and prepare yourself and your family for emergencies. To learn more about how you and your family can prepare for emergencies or Get involved visit: WWW.ready.gov or WWW.citizencorps.gov. Join the Yonkers NAACP! Membership is $30 per year (correction from last month’s bulletin). Their meetings are at the Yonkers YWCA at 87 South Broadway in Yonkers on the Fourth Thursday of every month. Following is a list of general membership meetings for the remainder of the year: September 28, October 26, November 16 & December 28, 2006. Mammography Clinics Westchester County Health Department offers monthly mammography clinics for women, in numerous convenient locations throughout Westchester, including Yonkers. You may be eligible for free mammograms (if you have no insurance, Medicaid or Medicare) and free breast exams and self-exam instruction are also available. Please call 914-813-5260 for an appointment and location near you. It is important that women over 40 receive annual mammograms. Services for Latinos available in Westchester County Westchester County Office of Hispanic Affairs Martha Lopez is available to offer help and/or provide answers to questions from the Hispanic community. She can be reached at 914-995-2476.Her office publishes a brochure that includes the following information. 47 Adult Literacy Classes Southern Westchester BOCES offers ESL, citizenship preparation and GED preparation courses for Westchester residents age21 and older at the following locations: St. Gabriel’s, New Rochelle; St. Teresa’s, Sleepy Hollow; Bronxville Reformed Church and High School, Bronxville; Carver Center, Port Chester High School and Edison School in Port Chester; White Plains Mini Mall; RJ Bailey School, Greenburgh; Alice Grady School, Elmsford; and 65 Grasslands Road, Valhalla. There is a $50 (for two nights a week) and $100 (for four nights a week) tuition for the adult literacy classes. Students must register in person at the sites where classes will be attended and can obtain a brochure about the program by calling 914-761-3400 or visiting the Southern Westchester BOCES website at http://www.swbocesadulted.org/. LITARGIRIO es PELIGROSO! The Westchester County Department of Health warns that Litargirio, a yellow or peach-colored powder manufactured in the Dominican Republic and used for various health related treatments contains lead and can cause lead-poisoning induced neurological damage. You should STOP using Litargirio immediately and thoroughly wash hands, any other parts of the body or household items that have come into contact with it with soap and hot water. For more information, contact the Westchester County Health Department at 914-813-5000 or visit their website at http://www.westchestergov.com/health/. Become a Nurse There is a serious nursing shortage in Westchester County and throughout New York State. Nursing is a wonderful and fulfilling career, with good pay and benefits. St. John’s Riverside Hospital’s Cochran School of Nursing offers a strong nursing curriculum, right here in Yonkers. Please contact the Admissions/Registrar Office at 914-964-4296 for more information, or to register. Applications are available in Council Member McDow’s Office, as well. Please call 377-6311, if you need an application. Westchester Rx Westchester Residents can save between 10% and 50% on all your medication by enrolling in Westchester Rx. There are no age or income requirements and costs are nominal. This is a discount drug card program that makes prescription drugs more affordable through a national network of participating pharmacies. Westchester Rx negotiates discounted rates and passes those savings on to you. Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions, help you locate a pharmacy and enroll you in Westchester Rx. You can contact them at 1-800-771-9196 or www.westchesrrx.com. Back to Table of Contents WHAT’S NEWS IN THE COMMUNITY…? MAJORITY LEADER McDOW CONTINUES ADVOCACY FOR INCLUSION OF MINORITY AND WOMEN BUSINESS IN YONKERS’ RENAISSANCE Yonkers City Council Majority Leader Patricia McDow (Dem.–1st Dist.) today praised the Administration’s implementation of a Minority and Woman Business Enterprise Program (MWBE) in Yonkers. After advocating for such an advisory board to the city since being voted onto the City Council, Majority Leader McDow declared the new program, “a welcome asset to our community, which I have promoted for many years.” After the continued efforts by Majority Leader McDow highlighting the need for a Minority and Women Owned Business Program, the Mayor has given Helen Tevet the okay to develop such a program. Under the current plan, an advisory committee has been 48 established to provide suggestions and expertise to the City’s Office of Economic Development (OED) which will ensure that greater opportunities are made available for the Minority and Women owned business community throughout the city. Majority Leader McDow stated that she is, “Delighted to see that the Mayor is working to create economic opportunities for Minority And Women Business Owners; especially at a time when the City is embarking upon a transformation. I hope that part of this outreach will include a link on the City web site a Minority and Women Business Owners webpage. This valuable resource could then outline the various economic programs available.” Majority Leader McDow will continue to urge the Mayor to develop a directory of Minority and Women owned Businesses in Yonkers. “The best way for Minority and Women business owners to get involved right now is to join SBAY, an organization which I started three years ago and has proved immensely valuable to the Minority and Women Owned Business community in networking and forming dynamic affiliations. In the end, I believe forming associations serves to bond together all of Yonkers,” Majority Leader McDow concluded. MAJORITY LEADER McDOW FOSTERS COOPERATION OF DEVELOPER WITH MERCHANTS IN FIRST OF SEVERAL SESSIONS City Council Majority Leader and First District Council Member Patricia McDow hosted a forum for merchants last night to, as she stated, “Begin the dialogue between the merchants and the developer; but more importantly, to open the conversation with the merchants and myself, as their council representative.” Although the project is considered by most still to be in the pre-planning stages, developer Struever Fidelco Capelli LLC and Council Member McDow are urging all affected parties to learn about the project and provide feedback even before they submit applications to the City for approvals. Said Majority Leader McDow of the meeting, “As a downtown Yonkers business owner myself, I know that our area merchants have many questions they will want to pose about matters which seriously affect their livelihood. I know many of the merchants are concerned about plans for some sort of relocation support. There was also mention about using the old Main Street Library as a sort of temporary waypoint for merchants waiting to move into new spaces in the complex. There seemed to be a consensus last night on the need, as landlords sell their properties, for timely notice to tenant merchants and on the need to address changes to lease agreements.” At the meeting developer representative Peter Klein reviewed a brief history of Chicken Island, the main strip targeted for development, including a history of environmental soil contamination which would be addressed by the developers under New York State programs. Klein explained plans to the merchants for day lighting parts of the Saw Mill River. Due to many developments across the country being referred to as “Gateway Projects,” he also mentioned the possibility of naming the project something like River Park, to better reflect the proposed details. The developer touted the project as an opportunity for expansion and growth, but acknowledged the need to maintain an open dialogue with merchants and the community at large. The details of the project highlighted by the developer focused on the Chicken Island property, which would house 7 stories of retail and housing, capped off by a minor league baseball park and 5,000 units of parking, both on-site and off-site. Housing units are being projected at 800, a number of which will be allocated as affordable housing. Retail would include various opportunities for larger stores inside the complex, as well as street level storefronts. The development is also projected to create over 2,000 construction jobs. As part of the deal with the City, the developer will replace the 3-bay fire house on New Main Street with a new 5-bay building serving the development and adjacent areas. 49 Majority Leader McDow concluded by saying, “The developer was careful to read back to the merchants his notes on the main concerns they expressed, and assured feedback for the merchants. The main points included research on relocation assistance, assistance in understanding how purchases and moves will be affected by existing leases, advance notice of property purchases, using the old library as a temporary mini-mall, and looking into existing economic assistance zoning – Yonkers Empowerment Zone and New York State Empire Zone – as part of coping with the expected moves. I plan to meet with merchants again in 3 weeks, to review progress on these issues, and of course, to keep concerns up to date and current prominent.” Majority Leader Mc Dow Urges the Mayor to Implement Stronger Measures to Reduce Anticipated Gang Activity This Summer Majority Leader Mc Dow states “that the summer has just begun and we are already face with the task of planning funerals for our children”. In an attempt to end increasing street violence, blood shed and the additional loss of life, Majority Leader Mc Dow is calling upon the Mayor to implement a plan that would reduce gang activities throughout the Southwest side of Yonkers. There are specific problem areas in Yonkers which have been identified as having increasing reports of violence. These areas include Schroeder Street, Riverdale Avenue between Prospect and Vark, and end of Buena Vista, Warburton Avenue between LaMartine Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, Lawrence Avenue, Lake Ave, Elm Street, School Street and Ravine Avenue. “Communities across Westchester are facing unexpected incidents of crime in areas that traditionally have not faced this problem. We should make provisions and plan for possible problems in this area before they occur. If we have additional police presence in those areas, job training programs, summer employment and activities, that could greatly reduce the amount of crime and gang activity in these areas” said Mc Dow. Majority Leader Mc Dow is calling upon the State for additional funding for programs such as Weed and Seed and any crime preventive programs. Council Member McDow is calling for an end to the violence. It is imperative that the community gets involved as well, we as a community MUST become proactive. Council Member Mc Dow is calling for the community to attend regular scheduled precinct meetings, the Fourth Precinct meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at the Riverfront Library located at Larkin Plaza, and the Third Precinct meets the Third Thursday of each month at the Chema Center located on 435 Riverdale Avenue. In addition, Council Member Mc Dow invites the residential and commercial community to join the First District’s Blockwatch program. Interested residents can call her office at 914-377-6311 or YPD’s Community Affairs at 914-377-7375. She believes that working closely with the community, everyone can make a difference. MCDOW CALLS FOR MWB INFORMATION Yonkers First District Council Member and Majority Leader Patricia McDow is in the process of contacting major developers in the City of Yonkers to determine how they might be able to utilize the services of local Minority and Women vendors and subcontractors in and around Yonkers. She has already held several meetings with representatives of some of those projects and has developed a list to which she sends Yonkers vendor contract bid information. “We want to establish lists that are updated on a regular basis so that MWBs can keep in touch with each other and so that my office can provide them with information on development projects and City Bids. I am always being contacted by businesses that want more information, so if they provide their 50 contact information to my office, they will be kept informed of new projects and bid information, and their business information will be submitted to project developers and City of Yonkers agencies”, said the Majority Leader. She asks that all MWBs that are interested in having their names and businesses provided to developers of projects in the City of Yonkers contact her office by calling 914-377-6311 or email her at patricia.mcdow@cityofyonkers.com or send a letter via regular mail at City Hall Room 407, 40 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York 10701. She wants to ensure that contractors and vendors are aware of opportunities available and up-and-coming. CITY OF YONKERS Patricia D. Mc Dow, Majority Leader Office of the City Council July 10, 2006 Dear Resident of Riverview North: I have visited your complex on a number of recent occasions. I have witnessed the condition of hallways, staircases, elevators and the need for more security. I have been working for several months with H&S Management and the City of Yonkers to try to bring about positive changes and they are to be commended for the work that is being planned. I am glad to report the following good news about your complex. Major improvements are taking place. Management is fixing the elevators, adding landscaping, and cleaning the compactor room. In addition, management has hired additional guards, painted the hallways, and will be securing the outside door on Riverdale Avenue and installing an alarm which will indicate when the door is opened. These and other enhancements should greatly improve the overall security and quality of life in your complex. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions, please contact my office at (914) 377-6311. Sincerely, Patricia D. McDow, Majority Leader First District Council Member Back to Table of Contents NEWS FROM SOCIAL SECURITY This segment of the Community Email Newsletter Bulletin will feature articles from the Yonkers Social Security Office giving tips and advice and current information about Social Security programs. For more information please visit their office at 10TH FLOOR SUITE 1000, 20 SOUTH BROADWAY, YONKERS , NY 10701, or call them at (800) 772-1213; TTY: (800) 325-0778. You can also visit their website at www.ssa.gov. These articles are sent and written by Susan Sobel, District Manager, Yonkers Social Security Office. This month includes a number of 51 question and answer sections on a variety of Social Security topics – including the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D) -- that you or someone you know may find very helpful. What Every Parent Should Know About Social Security Most people think of Social Security as a part of their retirement plan, but Social Security is also a family protection plan with benefits for children, too. About 4 million children receive approximately $1.9 billion each month because one or both of their parents are disabled, retired or deceased. Those dollars help to provide the necessities of life for family members and help to make it possible for those children to complete high school. So it’s important that parents are aware of who can get benefits based on their Social Security earnings record -- and when. The easiest way to check just what “family” benefits are available is to go to our “Parents’ Place” page on the Internet at www.socialsecurity.gov/kids/parent1.htm. Also here you will find information on Baby’s First Social Security Number, Who Can Get Benefits, How Much Work You Need for Benefits for Your Children, Benefits for Grandchildren, Benefits for Disabled Children … and more. For example, if you visit the web page on How Much Work You Need for Benefits for Your Children, you will find that “The amount of work you need to qualify for Social Security benefits depends on how old you are when you retire, become disabled, or die. The younger you are, the less work you need.” The web page goes on to explain that parents under the age of 24 need as little as one and one-half years of work under Social Security for their children to receive Social Security benefits. The amount of work needed increases with age, but no one would need more than 10 years of work to be insured for all benefits. If you visit the web page on Benefits for Grandchildren, you would learn that “More and more parents are finding themselves raising grandchildren. Social Security will pay benefits to dependent grandchildren if benefits are not payable on the work record of a parent.” The web page goes on to explain that generally, the biological parents of the child must be deceased or disabled, or the grandchild must be legally adopted by the grandparent to receive benefits. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can find out basic information about Social Security that all parents should know by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-3250778). Just ask for the publication, Benefits for Children. ##### Newly Entitled Medicare Beneficiaries Have Prescription Drug Program Option to Consider Each month about 200,000 Americans reach their 65th birthday and become newly eligible for Medicare benefits. If you or someone you know is, or soon will be, among these newly entitled Medicare beneficiaries, you will need to consider your Medicare Part D prescription drug program options. Among the important considerations for newly entitled Medicare beneficiaries is whether or not they might qualify for extra help with some or all of the Part D premiums, deductibles and co-payments. The extra help could be worth an average of $3,700 per year. As a general guideline, your annual income (including pensions and gross Social Security benefit) should be below $14,700 for an individual, $19,800 for a married couple living together. Income may be higher if you or your spouse have earnings from work or support other family members who live with you. In addition, resources must be worth less than $10,000 for an individual, $20,000 for a married couple living together. Resources include bank accounts, stocks and bonds but not your house and car. Limits may be slightly higher (an additional $1,500 per person) if you plan to use some resources for burial expenses. To receive the extra help you must apply. After you apply, Social Security will review your application and let you know if you qualify for the extra help. If you qualify, you will need to enroll in a Medicareapproved prescription drug plan to get help with your prescription costs. 52 You can get more information about the extra help and how to apply for the benefit at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. If you don’t have access to the Internet, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office. To learn more about the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov. ##### Apply Now If You Are Planning A January 2007 Retirement If you are planning an early 2007 retirement, now is the time to contact Social Security. Here’s why: we generally encourage people to notify us about three months before the month in which they plan to retire. If you are planning to retire in 2007 and you want your monthly payments to start in January, you can do it now – in October – and get the process completed before the start of the busy holiday season. Your monthly payments will then begin on time in 2007. And, if you are Internet savvy, Social Security makes the process even easier and more convenient through options available at our website — www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. Here you are able to apply online for your retirement (or your spouse’s) benefits from the comfort of your own home (or office). Before you begin the online application, we will tell you that it will be signed electronically. When you click on the “sign now” button at the end of the application, you are signing the application electronically and accepting responsibility for the accuracy of the information you submit to Social Security. Of course, we will still need to have appropriate proofs to make a decision on your claim, such as proof of age, earnings, marriage and sufficient medical evidence for disability claims. But we will be able to streamline the claims process and provide better service to you by eliminating the need to sign and return the application form. If you do not have access to the Internet and are ready to apply for retirement benefits, you can visit your local office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). So remember: if you are planning an early 2007 retirement, now is the time to contact Social Security. Don’t let yourself be concerned by the prospects of traffic, poor weather or waiting rooms. Simply apply now through Social Security’s Internet website at www.socialsecurity.gov and mark one more “to do” item off of your busy fall schedule. Also, if you are not quite ready to retire but are thinking about doing so in the near future, you may want to visit Social Security’s website to use our convenient and informative retirement planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/ . Here you can find out just how close you are to meeting your financial goals and then “bookmark” the website to actually file for retirement whenever you are ready. Back to Table of Contents BUSINESS 3 Days to a Completed GSA Schedule Proposal Increase Your Government Customer Base by Making it Easy for Them to Purchase from You 53 How? Become a GSA Approved Vendor Attend our Workshop and Complete Your GSA Schedule Proposal in 3 Days or Less Fedmarket.com's GSA Proposal Preparation eLab will get you through the process of completing the paperwork you must submit to become a GSA approved vendor. November 7 - 9, 2006 (Workshops are held monthly) Are you ready to gain access to the government marketplace? Without a GSA Schedule your company is at a disadvantage to sell to the government. Why? Buyers prefer to purchase through GSA. The GSA schedule purchase system is a quick, efficient buying mechanism. Buyers can stay out of trouble, reduce their workload, and make federal end users happy. Vendors who have done business with the government in the past are being urged by buyers to become GSA Schedule holders if they want to continue to sell to the government. Where do you start? To become a GSA Schedule contractor, a vendor must first submit an offer in response to the applicable GSA Schedule solicitation. The GSA proposal document you must submit for approval is a lengthy and complicated document; you can see for yourself by visiting the GSA.gov site and downloading the schedule that fits your business. Do you need past experience in contracting to complete the proposal offering? No, upon completion of your GSA eLab workshop registration, Fedmarket.com will send each registrant explicit, detailed guidelines outlining the corporate data each registrant should gather in advance and bring to the GSA eLab sessions. Our instructors will contact each attendee to discuss the schedule and RFI prior to the eLab. When you arrive at the eLab our instructors will walk attendees through the offer preparation process. The Result of the Event: A completed GSA schedule offer in an electronic format. Sign-up for our GSA Proposal Preparation eLab today! Register Online - Click Here Free Informative Whitepaper GSA Schedules: A Vendor's Path to Federal Sales More Testimonials and References Upcoming eLab Dates: Overview of GSA eLab October 10 - 12, 2006 The Federal Sales Academy Online Registration November 7 - 9, 2006 3 Bethesda Metro Center Fedmarket Seminars & Events December 5 - 7, 2006 Suite M020 Calendar of Event Dates Location: January 2007 (Dates to be announced) Bethesda, Maryland 20814 The price of the GSA eLab is $3,900 for the three-day event. Questions? Please call 888.661.4094 ext.8 or write swhite@wrtech.com. 54 Doing Business with MHACY The Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority’s procurement goals are to provide for full, fair and open competition for products, goods and services to provide the Housing Authority with the best value for its procurements and expenditure of its resources. Their processes are intended to promote and further this goal, consistent with our Procurement Policy and in compliance with federal and state regulations and guidelines. The Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers does business with as many local companies as possible to support the economic vitality of our community and to provide our residents with access to employment opportunities from the services and products we require. A key goal of the Housing Authority is fostering the development, growth and inclusion of small, minority owned, disadvantaged and resident owned businesses through our procurements. They encourage these enterprises to bid on procurement and encourage contractors and suppliers, wherever possible to consider inclusion of these enterprises as sub contractors or suppliers in their bids. The Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers offers an online registration system for vendors. The system allows you to select the products and services you provide, sign-up for e-mail notices of new opportunities, and download vendor http://mhacyhope6.consultimc.Com/(r01i4xf3c0wdmxelbwvcil45)/Default.aspx Entrepreneurial Training Do you have a great business idea and don’t know where to start? The Women’s Enterprise Development Center is accepting applications and holding classes for its 15-week entrepreneurial training classes in Yonkers. Instruction includes, planning and operating a business, cash flow, marketing and preparing a business plan. To learn more and request an application, please call 914-948-6098 or visit www.wedcwestchester.org. Hudson Valley Municipal Purchasing Group The City of Yonkers has joined the Hudson Valley Municipal Purchasing Group. This is a regional bid notification system. Our vendors now have the ability to download all City solicitations and those of the 28 other participating municipalities from one central website. Please visit the City website at www.cityofyonkers.com and click on “Purchasing Bids / RFPs” to view the system. Our current bids and RFPs will remain on this link until they are opened. All new solicitations will be posted on the HVMPG. Contracting with the City of Yonkers The City of Yonkers is always looking for new bidders to stimulate competition and it is the City’s policy to actively seek local businesses and Minority and Women Business Enterprises to participate in City solicitations and pursue City contracts. The Guide to Contracting with the City of Yonkers will provide you with an overview of the City’s procurement process - it is not intended to explain every detail of the laws and regulations governing public purchasing. This guide is posted on the City website. It is a summary of the State and City rules that govern our procurement activities. Please also see the article on the Call for Minority and Women Business Information in the ‘What’s New in the Community’ section of this Community Newsletter Bulletin in order to find out how to get your business on Majority Leader McDow’s MWB list for major developers and the City of Yonkers. Career Closet Mary Hoar of Yonkers Career Achieve is teaching a job-readiness program, designed to give our students the skills necessary to improve their self image, turn their lives around, and become a success in whatever professional field they chose. Our students mostly are women, ranging in age from early 20s to their 40s, and typically are single mothers. Part of the course requirements is an active job search; however, many do not have appropriate clothing for job interviews, much less the first weeks of work. 55 We have started a "Career Closet" to provide free clothing to help our students, donating many items from our own wardrobes-- but we need to help many more. If you or someone you know has gently used clothing which would be appropriate, we would appreciate the donation. Our students' clothing sizes range from petite to large, so we would be able to use any size you would be willing to give us. Even a donation of an item or two would help someone to fulfill her dream and become a success. Ms. Hoar will come to your home to pick up these items. You can reach her at marymh@optonline.net. Business Start-Up Training The Women’s Enterprise Development Center, Inc. can provide individuals with the skills and support they need to start their own business. They are now accepting applications for their SPRING 2006 60+ hour Entrepreneurial Training Classes in Yonkers and White Plains. This program provides instruction on operating a business, financing, marketing, business plan preparation and much more. To obtain more information, please call 914-948-6098 or visit their website at www.wedc-westchester.org. RFP for Dinner Cruise Operator Previously, the Community Newsletter Bulletin indicated that a Request for Proposal is being fielded by the City of Yonkers for a dinner cruise operation from the City Pier or at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park and Marina. That information is incorrect, but the City may be providing some similar program in the future. Updates will be provided when available. Sorry for any confusion the incorrect information may have caused. SBAY Membership The Strategic Business Alliance of Yonkers (SBAY), a not-for-profit organization of Minority and Women Business Professionals established to stimulate the growth of new businesses, strengthen existing business and promote the interests and needs of MWBs in Yonkers, is seeking new members. Membership is $100 per year. Please contact them at 914-422-1119 or their website at www.sbay1.org for more information. See article about SBAY’s success in ‘What’s New’ section of this email newsletter. Success in Business, Success in Life "Street Smarts" Hall of Fame, Street Smarts People Reveal the Secrets to Their Success - it is about some average and some not so average people who became successful using alternative methods - no one has a college degree. The book is $19.95. Visit the website to get more information at www.streetsmartshalloffame.com. The author Claudia Fox has offered a discount for readers of the email newsletter. So mention that you heard about it from the email newsletter and ask for the discount. Back to Table of Contents EMPLOYMENT Filing Extended for Firefighter Exam The deadline to apply for the New York City Firefighter exam has been extended to November 3, 2006. The exam will be given January 20, 2007, so sign up now! For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/fdny. City Exams for October Begin seeking your career with New York City by applying for any of 15 civil service exams this month. Exams will be held for Child Protective Specialist, Electrician, Industrial Hygienist, Steam Fitter's Helper, and more. For a complete list, visit www.nyc.gov/dcas. New exams 56 The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) holds civil service exams for City jobs. open for filing on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, call 311 or 212-NEWYORK or visit www.nyc.gov/dcas. “Christmas Tree Shops” A division of Bed Bath & Beyond is now hiring in HARTSDALE! JOB FAIR – immediate interviews!! Cashiers Stockers Overnight stockers Full/part time MON - Thursday 9.30 am – 4 pm 120 Bloomingdale Road White Plains NY 10605 For info: 508-364-6521 Or Email: hartsdale.hr@christmastreeshops.com Positions Available IMMIGRATION SPECIALIST The Yonkers Alliance for Latino and Immigrant Services (YALIS) seeks a qualified individual to provide counsel on immigration issues and assistance with applications, including: renewal of green card/permanent resident status; employment authorization; reentry permit; status extension; removal of conditional status; invitation/sponsorship package; fiancé visa; V-K visa; life act, etc. YALIS is a community-based organization dedicated to improving services and opportunities for Yonkers’ Latinos and other immigrant residents of the City. Compensation: Mid-Upper 20’s depending on experience; competitive fringe benefits. Application Process: Email letter of interest and resume to Yalisboard@yahoo.com Responsibilities: 1. Counsel clients on immigration issues and regulations/procedures relevant to their status 2. Assist clients in filing all needed immigration forms and compiling required documentation 3. Assist clients in applying for taxpayer identification number 4. Conduct Citizenship classes for groups of clients 5. Conduct community education workshops regarding immigration issues 6. Conduct intake of new clients and keep client files current and properly archived 7. Prepare program correspondence for client cases and write letters advocating for clients 8. Help compile program statistics and prepare regular reports 9. Conduct program outreach with community residents and key organizations 57 10. Maintain a good working relationship with outside agencies 11. Keep up to-date on immigration laws and issues 12. Staff various sites and work flexible schedule with some evenings and weekends Qualifications: 1. At least two years of College study – preferably with focus in areas of law, immigration issues and/or human services 2. Extensive experience in immigration issues and procedures 3. Good writing/communication skills, and good telephone manner 4. Good computer/word processing skills; experience with Excel and/or Access very helpful 5. Bilingual – proficiency in both Spanish and English 6. Available to work at various locations and on weekends and evenings DIRECTOR The Yonkers Alliance for Latino and Immigrant Services (YALIS) seeks a qualified individual to serve as Director for the Agency. The Director is responsible for the overall supervision of the agency and the coordination of the projects and programs of YALIS. YALIS is a community-based organization dedicated to improving services and opportunities for Yonkers’ Latinos and other immigrant residents of the City. Compensation: $40,000 depending on experience; competitive fringe benefits. Application Process: Email letter of interest and resume to Yalisboard@yahoo.com Responsibilities 1. Orient, support and supervise agency staff 2. Provide information and counseling for agency staff and clients on immigration issues and community resources for immigrants 3. Oversee agency’s community education project with a focus on providing information that helps immigrant residents to strengthen their status, improve their living conditions, and increase positive connections between immigrants and long-term residents of Yonkers 4. Coordinate agency’s community outreach and contacts with area residents, government offices and community agencies 5. Serve as agency contact person for program funders 6. Develop new programs from initial conception to design, fund-raising and implementation 7. Maintain accurate records regarding program expenditures and services 8. Report regularly about program development and activities and prepare periodic reports for the YALIS Board 9. Make recommendations regarding budget, personnel & purchasing requirements to YALIS Board 10. Keep up to-date on immigration laws and issues 11. Staff various sites and work flexible schedule with some evenings and weekends Qualifications 1. Bachelors degree – preferably with focus in law, immigration issues and/or human services 2. Extensive knowledge/experience with immigration issues 3. Good writing/communication skills and experience in public speaking 4. Good computer skills, incl. experience with Microsoft Office-Word, Excel, Access & Power Point 5. Bilingual/Spanish and English – proficient in both speaking and writing 58 6. Office management experience preferred 7. Familiarity with Yonkers and area immigrant community preferred 8. Available to work at various locations and on weekends and evenings YCAP Social Stars Program Manager Position Available (full time) Immediate!!! Description: Under the Supervision of the program Director, provide a safe, nurturing environment and coordinate after-school service and activities for children with special needs that foster educational achievement and personal development. Measurable Performance Indicator/ Duties: Develops a curriculum that address academic needs, life skills and health issues. Identify behavior issues and provide direct or referral services Establish and maintain relationships with parent(s), caregiver(s), school personnel and all primary therapeutic providers for the purposes of collaboration and reinforcement of the interdisciplinary and family development approach Maintain accurate attendance record, intake, current clinical records and all other appropriate documentation Prepare monthly after school [program newsletter Complete all reports as per agency requirement in an accurate and timely fashion Attend staff meeting, staff development and training classes as per agency requirements Participate in summer camp operation by serving as a senior counselor and resource for enrolled Social Stars students Assist in the identification and completion of special needs grants and similar agency process Qualifications: Minimum B.A. degree in Child Development or Education Knowledge of and minimum 2 years experience with special needs population that include ADD, ADHD Please fax or e-mail resume to Penny Pepe-423-5938 Penny@yonkerscrap.org 59 ORGANIZE EMPOWER ADVOCATE We are looking for a… Community Development AmeriCorps Member Make a difference in your community by assisting in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with neighborhood residents, business owners, non-profits, schools and city and county government to improve the quality of life for everyone in Nodine Hill. AmeriCorps Member Duties: Help to plan and implement community-based programs in the Nodine Hill area Assist in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with neighborhood stakeholders Collaborate with Weed and Seed efforts to plan, design and implement a new community center to provide a “safe haven” site for youth and adults Necessary Skills: High School Diploma/GED and at least 18 Years Old; Interest in community building and development; Effective communication and group work skills; Background in community organizing, outreach, communications, public speaking, conflict resolution and youth development a plus; and Bi-lingual Spanish a plus Westhab’s mission is to provide safe, affordable housing and supportive services to help people improve their quality of life; and to help create secure communities in under-served neighborhoods. We are the largest nonprofit provider of housing and social services for homeless and low-income families in Westchester County, NY. Since 1981, we have built or renovated 3,500 units of affordable housing. Westhab provides critical supportive services, including case management; employment and life-skills training; comprehensive children’s and youth development services. AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve full time, for one year with varying work hours and receive a modest living allowance, health insurance, education award or end of service stipend. Westhab will provide ongoing training to AmeriCorps VISTA. Please contact Jim Coughlin, Director of Staff Development, at 914.345.2800 ext. 23 for more information and to request an application. Westhab and AmeriCorps are equal opportunity organizations. Part time Recruiter for Pre-Med program 60 The Sophie Davis BioMed program selects graduating high school students of color for intensive pre-med and medical training resulting in graduation in 7 or 8 years. Students selected for the program do not sit for special exams, they are preselected and trained to be general practitioners and other branches of family medicine. This program continues to be highly successful in training bright, motivated students to become medical professionals in our communities. The director is seeking an assistant, a part time recruiter. If you know anyone who may be interested (grad student, retired counselor) please have them contact Chris directly for details. Christopher Wanyonyi Director of Admissions The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education wanyonyi@med.cuny.edu JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION: Social Stars Program Manager (Full-time) IMMEDIATE!!!! DESCRIPTION: Under the Supervision of the Program Director, provide a safe, nurturing environment and coordinate after-school service and activities for children with special needs that fosters educational achievement and personal development. MEASURABLE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS / DUTIES: 1. Develops a curriculum that addresses academic needs, life skills and health issues. 2. Identify behavior issues and provide direct or referral services 3. Establish and maintain relationships with parent(s), caregiver(s), school personnel and all primary therapeutic providers for the purposes of collaboration and reinforcement of the interdisciplinary and family development approach. 4. Maintain accurate attendance records, intake, current clinical records and all other appropriate documentation 5. Prepare monthly after school program newsletter 6. Complete all reports as per agency requirements in an accurate and timely fashion 7. Attend staff meetings, staff development and training classes as per agency requirements 8. Participate in summer camp operations by serving as a senior counselor and resource for enrolled Social Stars students 9. Assist in the identification and completion of special needs grants and similar agency processes QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum B.A. degree in Child Development or Education Knowledge of and minimum 2 years experience with special needs population that includes ADD, ADHD Please fax or e-mail resume to Penny Pepe – 423-5938 penny@yonkerscap.org The Northern Westchester Shelter, Inc. A Safe Haven for Victims of Domestic Violence 61 Domestic Violence Agency Domestic Violence Counselor/Advocate Positions Shelter and Hotline Workers Hourly Rate: $11 to $13 per hour Full-Time, Part-Time and Temporary Positions – All Shifts Skills and Experience BA Required – Masters a Plus 1-3 years of domestic violence or child abuse experience preferred. Computer Literate - Bilingual Positions Available. Mission Statement The mission of the Northern Westchester Shelter is to provide caring services and shelter to victims of domestic violence. The Northern Westchester Shelter promotes healthy, non-violent family life by assisting people in crisis; by breaking the cycle of abusive behavior; by advocacy and community education and by developing innovative, responsive services, thereby empowering victims to live free from abuse. Primary Job Responsibilities 1. Further the mission of the Northern Westchester Shelter. 2. Provide comprehensive support, counseling and advocacy services that foster safety, empowerment and well-being. 3. Conduct or prepare intakes, assessments, case plans, safety plans and lethality assessments. 4. Assure effective case management. Assist residents in securing necessary entitlements and advocate for other needs. 5. Provide oversight of the shelter residence. 6. Facilitate at least one weekly support group. 7. Accompany clients to court or other venues. 8. Provide or assure the training needed by our clients to become independent and self-sufficient. 9. Assure that house rules and local ordinances are honored. 10. Assure necessary documentation. 11. Meet quantitative and qualitative performance measures and submit timely and accurate reports and evaluations. 12. Supervise social work interns and other volunteers. 13. Share in other administrative, community outreach and direct service tasks. Send Resume and Cover Letter to kmccoy@NorthernWestchesterShelter.org KATHLEEN MCCOY, DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, THE NORTHERN W ESTCHESTER SHELTER, INC. PO BOX 203, 39 W ASHINGTON AVENUE, PLEASANTVILLE, NY 10570 The Northern Westchester Shelter is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. 62 Come make a difference in the lives of those wounded by domestic violence. Work Program For Children Do you want to get a job? Visit The Work Program at 20 South Broadway, Suite 1109, Yonkers, New York 10701. The Work Program is Yonkers' only year round youth employment service for 14 - 20 year olds. Ask for Ms. Lucille Ruth, Program Coordinator or Ms. Mary Peterson, Administrative Associate. Phone: (914) 423-5900; Fax: 914-423-5966; E-mail cpcyonkers@yahoo.com Hours 2:30 - 4:00, if in school; 9:30 to Noon, if not in school. Job Opportunities at the New York City Buildings Department Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the Department of Buildings provides a strong foundation on which to build your career. Our team of inspectors, engineers, architects and experts are passionate about buildings and dedicated to ensuring the safe and lawful use of all of New York City's 950,000 buildings. View the flyer (http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/employment_advertisement_080206.pdf) (55 kb-pdf), current job postings (http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/career_opportunities/career.shtml) and employee benefits (http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/career_opportunities/employee_benefits.shtml) for more information. Visit our Homepage (http://www.nyc.gov/buildings) for more information on any of these announcements. Send your comments & suggestions on Buildings News (http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/news_feedback.html) Become a future leader and join our team today! P O S T C O N S P I C U O U S L Y THIS IS NOT AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 40 South Broadway City Hall Room 120 Yonkers, N.Y. 10701 A NON-REFUNDABLE $15.00 APPLICATION FEE IS REQUIRED FOR EACH SEPARATELY NUMBERED EXAMINATION FOR WHICH YOU APPLY CLERK I/TYPIST OPEN-COMPETITIVE EXAM NO. 2080 EXAMINATION DATE: December 2, 2006 FILING OPENS: October 16, 2006 LAST DATE FOR FILING APPLICATIONS: November 13, 2006 APPOINTING AUTHORITY VACANCIES SALARY RANGE (per annum) Board of Education (10 Mo) `As they occur $23,662 – 33,596 Board of Education (12 Mo) $30,602 – 41,999 City of Yonkers $30,011 – 41,091 Yonkers Public Library $27,350 – 32,071 AN APPLICANT FOR THE OPEN-COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION MUST BE A RESIDENT OF THE CITY OF YONKERS, N.Y. AT THE TIME OF THE EXAM AND FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR PRIOR TO AND CONTINUOUSLY UP TO THE DATE OF APPOINTMENT. 63 DUTIES: This is an entry level position responsible for performing a variety of clerical tasks. The work includes processing, sorting, indexing, recording, typing and filing records and reports. Direct supervision is received from an immediate supervisor. This position differs from Clerk II/Typist by virtue of the limited complexity of the work. Does related work as required. CLERK I/SPANISH SPEAKING OPEN-COMPETITIVE EXAM NO. 2081 EXAMINATION DATE: December 2, 2006 FILING OPENS: October 16, 2006 LAST DATE FOR FILING APPLICATIONS: November 13, 2006 APPOINTING AUTHORITY VACANCIES SALARY RANGE (per annum) Board of Education (10 Mo) As they occur $23,662 – 33,596 Board of Education (12 Mo) $30,602 – 41,999 City of Yonkers $30,011 – 41,091 Yonkers Public Library $27,350 – 32,071 AN APPLICANT FOR THE OPEN-COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION MUST BE A RESIDENT OF THE CITY OF YONKERS, N.Y. AT THE TIME OF THE EXAM AND FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR PRIOR TO AND CONTINUOUSLY UP TO THE DATE OF APPOINTMENT. DUTIES: This is an entry level position responsible for performing a variety of clerical tasks. The work includes processing, sorting, indexing, recording and filing records and reports. Direct supervision is received from an immediate supervisor. This position differs from Clerk II/Spanish Speaking by virtue of the limited complexity of the work. An incumbent in this position must be fluent in both English and Spanish. Does related work as required. Title: Project Administrative Officer Location: Westchester EOC/ Bridge program Salary: Commensurate with Experience I am pleased to share the enclosed job announcement for a project Administrative Officer at the education Opportunity Center of Westchester (EOC). We are seeking an administrator to coordinate the Bridge Program, a welfare-to-work initiative designed to provide training, a support services and job placement assistance to eligible individuals. We are requesting your help in identifying potential candidate for the position and request that you post and/ or distribute the announcement o your personal and/or professional contracts. We also encouraged you to refer candidate who you believe are ideal for the position. Function and Scope Under general supervision of the assistant Dean of Student Personnel Services of the Education Opportunity Center, the Bridge project Administrative Officer plans, develops, implements, coordinates and administers a performance based welfare to work program designed to assist TANF recipients to acquire the skills necessary for employment and self sufficiency. 64 Education and Experience A master’s degree in education, social work, public administration or related field is preferred; 5 years of management experience in adult/higher education, city, state or private not-for-profit agencies; experience working with TANF and non-traditional populations a must. Knowledge of Spanish language useful; computer proficiency in data management and Microsoft office helpful/preferred. Applicants must meet the minimum requirement in terms of qualifications. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered unless specifically stated otherwise. If you are interested or if you know someone who might be interested, send resume with cover letter to: Ms. Renee Guy, Associate Dean & Director, Education Opportunity Center/ Westchester Community College, 26 South Broadway, Yonkers, New York 10701. If you would like to learn more about the EOC, please do not hesitate to contact me at (914) 606-7612). Summer MBA Internship Pitney Bowes is a leader in the Mailstream. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, we are a global provider of integrated mail solutions starting with the creation of a message through its preparation, printing, distribution, receipt, archiving and ultimate retrieval. Specifically, we are recruiting for MBAs to join us for a ten-week internship in the Finance organization which consists of treasury, pensions and investments, tax, investor relations, accounting, auditing and corporate development. We are looking for high energy, accomplished individuals who want a broad-based career in Finance. The summer internship will provide exposure to potentially any of the finance areas above. An ideal candidate would have many of the following attributes: First-year MBA with a focus on accounting or finance, or an individual pursuing a master’s degree in tax. 3-5 years of work experience. Proven success in both team and leadership settings. Experience in analyzing financial statements and/or building financial models. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience in creating dynamic presentations. Please submit a cover letter and resume to us through your Career Services Office. You can also address your letter to Ms. Julie Lawrence (julie.lawrence@pb.com), Strategic Talent Manager, Pitney Bowes Inc., 1 Elmcroft Road, Stamford, CT 06926. Connecticut Teaching Positions Convent of the Sacred Heart, Summer Academy Program is now hiring for the following positions: 1. An Art teacher for elementary school girls 2. An Athletic Director for middle school boys 3. 1 Math Enrichment Teacher for middle school girls 4. Farm Teacher and asst. All positions are seasonal with the potential to be renewed annually for the following year’s summer programs. Requirements: Teach Enrichment skills in one of our Summer Academy programs for school-age students from White Plains, Port Chester, and Lower Connecticut 65 Our population consists of mostly Latino & African-Americans; however, it is geared toward low to middle income families selected by grant Summer Academy: Grades 1-5; Athletics: grades 6-9; Humanities grades 7-8; Science Academy: grades 6-9 Teachers need not be certified but have experience in specific areas where positions are vacant Program is for enrichment only: tests and homework are not given, it is a hands-on/project-based atmosphere Maximum class size is 18 for any given group, usually caps at 15 Salary is $3000 for the length of the program June 28 – July 28 (3 and 4th of July excluded); Gourmet lunches for staff daily; snacks 2x day All programs are located on the campus of Convent of the Sacred Heart, 100 acres of land to use at your disposal (INCLUDING A FARM), pool on site, 25 min. from Westchester/Northeast Bronx by I-95 (exit 21 after Playland) or The Hutchinson River Parkway (exit 30); o Ten minutes away from the Westchester Mall, Purchase College, and 10 minutes south of the Westchester airport If you are interested please forward your resumes via email to the address below: Conni D. Barnes Director of Diversity Convent of the Sacred Heart 1177 King St. Rm. 304 Greenwich, CT 06831 barnesc@cshgreenwich.org www.cshgreenwich.org (203)532-3112 phone (203)531-5206 fax Teacher/Educator Healthy Respect of New York City is looking for 4 full time Teacher Educators. They are looking for male and female instructors/facilitators to team teach abstinence until marriage classes. Instructors will be responsible for providing educational programs to youth, parents and teacher participants in schools and after-school programs. Candidates should possess an education degree or equivalent and practical teaching experience with commitment to abstinence education. Excellent organizational/interpersonal skills, flexibility and experience with inner-city communities are required. Bilingual a plus. Computer proficiency strongly preferred. Salary is $45K/year plus benefits. Send resume by e-mail to: info@healthrespect.org. ‘Secret Agent Man (or Woman)’ FBI is looking for Special Agents. Apply online at www.fbijobs.com. They are looking for IT, engineering, science, Accounting/Finance, law, law enforcement or other investigative experience, military, foreign language, computer science, intelligence experience. Applicants must have a four-year degree plus 3 years of professional work experience, be between the ages of 23-36 and in excellent physical condition. Additional Positions: - personnel security specialist, budget analyst, management and program clerk, foreign language specialist, it specialist, biologist Intelligence Analyst - Islamic studies, physical science, international banking, migration or organization, religious conflicts, crime mapping/analysis, forecasting/modeling. Check the web site often for various positions. 66 Calling all Actors! Actresses! Check out the following web site for Casting Calls: http://www.b2productions.xbuild.com. Check regularly for job opportunities Towers Perrin is a global professional services firm that helps organizations around the world optimize performance through effective people, risk and financial management. The firm provides innovative solutions to client issues in the areas of human resource consulting and administration services; management and actuarial consulting to the financial services industry; and reinsurance intermediary services. If you are interested in an exciting opportunity, you can submit your resume via the “Careers” section of their website at http://www.towersperrin.com. You can also reach their Human Resources office at 203 326 5400. Towers Perrin is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Jobs Website If you are looking for jobs in Westchester County, search for them at http://www.westchestercountyjobs.com/. You will find a wealth of information and just the right job to suit your interests and talents. Census Bureau Position The United States Census Bureau has Field Representative Positions available to work 20-40 hours weekly, with a flexible schedule. Field Representatives interview respondents in person/by phone to collect information for current ongoing and one-time surveys. Duties include asking questions as worded on survey forms, explaining the survey and recording data accurately and completely. Pay rates are $10.96-$14.23 per hour. Basic Requirements: U.S. Citizenship; car and valid driver’s license (except Manhattan); available for day, evening, weekend work; have a working telephone; can a written test; attend training away from home. Bilingual and Multilingual applicants are needed. Please contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 212-584-3400 or 1-800-991-2520 or email at new.york.regional.office@census.gov. Interview appointments scheduled Monday-Friday, 9-4pm. Westchester County Job Opportunity - Contact the County Clerk’s Office The following exams have just been posted for exams being given on Sept 9 th Senior Clerk-County Clerk being given open competitively and promotionally Clerk-County Clerk given open competitively Staff Assistant (Records Manager) given open competitively Riverside Health Care Systems The Office of Council Member Patricia McDow receives regular job updates from St. John’s Riverside Hospital on a regular basis. Those listings are approximately 8-10 pages long, at least, and are now being added as a link to the email newsletter bulletin at the following: RHCS employment. If others who don’t receive the email are interested, please have them call 914-377-6311 for a copy. You can call RHCS at 914-964-4444 to reach the hospital’s Personnel Department. 67 In Partnership With: A career as a New York City Police Officer is anything but routine. And while you are protecting the world's greatest city, you'll be securing your future... NYPD Police Officers will earn $75,000*, on average, after 5 1/2 years of service. Not to mention comprehensive training, a wide range of career advancement opportunities, and a 20 year retirement plan. Click here for details. APPLY NOW for our next exam. The test is free. The time is now. Call 212-RECRUIT or click to apply online. When applying, mention CareerBuilder E-mail. *with base salary, average overtime and night shift differential, holiday pay and uniform allowance. The NYPD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Back to Table of Contents EDUCATION Link to the World… Not only does the following link take you to an exhaustive list of scholarships for Minorities, but if you click on the icons on the right, you will be linked to a vast array of knowledge about various topics, 68 including history, music and other points of interest. The page that links you to scholarships, etc. is http://www.ernest.roberts.net/earSCHOLAR.html. Happy searching. Dr. May Chinn Scholarship The New York Metropolitan Coordinating Council of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is accepting applications for the Dr. May Chinn Scholarship for 2006-2007. An award will be presented on January 13, 2007 at the New York Metropolitan Area Founders Day ( hosted by Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter) in honor of our soror who practiced medicine in the New York Metropolitan area. Criteria for Eligibility: Applicant must be matriculated in or about to enter Medical or Dental School Applicant must be an active member of any chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in the New York Metropolitan area. Selection of the recipient will be based on the following: Community service as demonstrated by school, church, civic and/or organizational activities High scholarship and high scholastic achievement Timely receipt of materials Personal interview will be conducted in December 2006 Please submit the following items. All materials must be postmarked by December 15, 2006 May_Chinn_Scholars hip_App06[1].doc A completed application (attached) An official transcript (including records from the previous 4 years) Two letters of recommendation; one from a soror in your current chapter and the other attesting to your character, community involvement and an assessment of your ability to successfully complete medical and dental studies. A 600-word essay highlighting your community service involvement and career plans. All application materials should be mailed to the following address: Dr. May Chinn Scholarship Committee, c/o Soror Rosia Blackwell Lawrence, 105 North Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553. You can call 914-557-0350 or email at nmacpresident0408@gmail.com with any questions. Adult Basic education classes Fall 2006 Registration ESOL/ GED/ EDP Course Offering Registration for all evening classes will be 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday October 3, 4 & 5, 2006. Evening Classes are held 6:00 PM-9:00 PM. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and will begin on October 10, 2006 at Enrico Fermi School on 27 Poplar Street in Yonkers. You can contact the school at (914) 3768600 or (914)376-8613. BOCES 69 All of the adult education programs offered through the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Adult and Community Services can be viewed at out adult education web site www.swbocesadulted.org. Please call 761–3400 if you have any questions. Westchester Community College Yonkers Extension Center Some great reasons to study at the Yonkers Center. Excellent Location We’re located in the Cross County Shopping Center on the fifth floor of the Office Building. We’re easy to get to by car or bus. We also have ample free parking! Outstanding Computer Classes: Computer Basics Series Microsoft Word Series Microsoft Excel Series Microsoft Powerpoint Series Computer classes for adults over 50 Call for a current schedule Degree Programs: A Great Educational Value Our tuition is still the lowest in the County and our credits transfer to many other great Colleges and Universities. Many savvy students get a start at Westchester Community College and transfer their credits to top-ranked four-year schools. This saves them a substantial amount of money while giving them a solid two-year academic foundation that lasts a lifetime. Come in and ask us about: Our articulation agreements with other colleges Financial Aid Free software for computer students ESL and our other programs and classes Programs for working adults How to get started Call: 914-606-7100 Email: crosscounty@sunywcc.edu Web: www.sunywcc.edu Pre-Med program 70 The Sophie Davis BioMed program selects graduating high school students of color for intensive pre-med and medical training resulting in graduation in 7 or 8 years. Students selected for the program do not sit for special exams, they are preselected and trained to be general practitioners and other branches of family medicine. This program continues to be highly successful in training bright, motivated students to become medical professionals in our communities. (If you know of a high school senior who may be interested- have them email him as well!) Christopher Wanyonyi Director of Admissions The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education wanyonyi@med.cuny.edu College Match The QuestBridge College Match offers an opportunity for outstanding low-income students to gain admission and full four-year scholarships to some of the nation's top-ranked colleges. Full Four-Year Scholarships for Low Income Students Offered through QuestBridge The QuestBridge College Match offers an opportunity for outstanding low-income students to gain admission and full four-year scholarships to some of the nation's top-ranked colleges. High school seniors who have achieved excellent academic results in the face of economic challenges are encouraged to apply to the College Match. The application will be available on the QuestBridge website www.questbridge.org <javascript:ol('http://www.questbridge.org/'); starting on August 15th and will be due on October 1st, 2006. The College Match application is free of charge. College Match scholarships include the following for all four years of college: Full cost of tuition ($23,000 - $33,000 per year, depending on the college) Full cost of room and board ($7,000 - $9,000 per year, depending on the college) No parental contribution QuestBridge College Match partners include: Amherst College (MA) Pomona College (CA) Trinity College (CT) Bowdoin College (ME) Rice University (TX) Wellesley College (MA) Columbia University (NY) Scripps College (CA) Wheaton College (IL) Oberlin College (OH) Swarthmore College (PA) Williams College (MA) The College Match program pairs selected students with QuestBridge partner schools through an early decision process. Low-income students who are not awarded College Match scholarships can also use their QuestBridge applications to apply to our partner colleges for free through the regular admissions process. 71 Last year, 46 students secured full four-year scholarships worth over $6 million through the QuestBridge College Match. Over 250 more students gained acceptance and generous financial aid packages from our partner schools through the regular admissions process on the basis of their QuestBridge applications. In the coming months, we hope to increase the number of students who receive full scholarships through this year’s College Match by more than 50 percent. QuestBridge is a venture of the Quest Scholars Program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which has provided mentorship and leadership training to talented low-income students for 12 years. For more information, please visit our website at www.questbridge.org. EOC Fall Remedial and Vocational Programs The Educational Opportunity Center is currently recruiting students for their Fall 2006 remedial and vocational programs, which are tuition-free and include scholastic and vocational skills training, counseling and employment assistance. Fall classes begin September 11. Interested students can attend their general information sessions on Mondays at 10am; Thursdays at 1pm or 5pm in the Admissions Office located at 26 South Broadway, Room 602. There are openings available in their most popular programs: EMT, Certified Nurse’s Aid, GED, ESL. For more information, please call 914-606-7600. YPS Code of Conduct Please follow the following link for information on Yonkers Public Schools Code of Conduct: http://www.yonkerspublicschools.org/Inside_pages/docs/about/codeofconduct/coc_eng.pdf FREE Engineering Camp FOR SUMMER 2007 Students that will be in the 11th grade as of the Spring of 2007 are invited to apply for a FREE engineering camp at the University of Houston called Mentoring & Enrichment Seminar in Engineering Training (MESET). (They have already selected all of their participants for Summer 2006. 2007 Applications will be available in January 2007). If you need further information and an application for the 2007 session, please contact John Matthews, 713-743-4226 or visit their website at http://www.egr.uh.edu/promes/ (click on the MESET link). This is camp is coed. Students in this camp have been known to get summer jobs for college just for being in this camp. This camp helps students develop good study habits and learn about the various facts of engineering careers. Students are welcome from anywhere in the United States. Transportation is not provided but the camp is FREE. They will pick up and return out of town students from the bus station, train station or airport for free. JobStar Westchester Community College and the Westchester County Department of Social Services have collaborated to provide educational training through a program called JobStar, which also includes case management, job placement and other related services to individuals and families receiving or eligible for TANF assistance. Training programs include computer skill enhancement; food preparation/sanitation certification; and academic skill enhancement/2-4-1. JobStar also includes P.U.S.H. a six-week tutorial for high school students at risk of failing or dropping out of school. For more information about the JobStar program or eligibility, please call 914-606-6437. 72 HRCA Fordham College Scholarships Fordham College of Liberal Studies, located in Tarrytown, NY has offered HRCA a scholarship for $2,000 each year for 10 years for an individual who wishes to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He or she must maintain a ‘B’ Average or better and must live in the Northwest section of Yonkers. If you know someonw in your neighhorhood who would be interested, please call 914-572-4295. Matching students to scholarships http://www.fastweb.com provides the following (through the internet, click on the following links): The most complete source of local, national, and college-specific scholarships Search and compare detailed college profiles including tailored scholarship matches Part-time jobs around the corner, internships around the country Insider tips for winning scholarships and preparing for your future Welcome to FindTuition.com Take Advantage of over $24.3 Billion worth of college scholarships and grants in one location:http://www.findtuition.com/. As a registered member you can: Automatically be entered into the FindTuition.com Monthly $2,500 scholarship award* Easily manage your Scholarship, Financial aid, and student loan Applications. Search thousands of colleges by major, location, tuition cost & average scholarships and loans per student Check out offers from colleges looking to recruit students with your background, GPA and intended major View offers from other education related companies - specifically designed for students like you Full Medical Scholarship Washington University in St. Louis, the Medical School, now ranked number 2 (along with Baltimore's John's Hopkins University Medical School) has scholarships to award to bright black Americans. The students that are chosen will be awarded full tuition for 4 yrs, $30,000.00 per year plus $2,500.00 stipend. Check them out on the Web, at Washington University’s home page www.wustl.edu. For Complete instructions and deadlines for applying, call the office of undergraduate Admission at (800)638-0700 or (314)935-6087. To view the application and to obtain more information, you can also visit their web site at http://admissions.wustl.edu. The Ervin Scholars Program selection committee evaluates all applications and invites finalists to Washington University for interviews in the spring. The University pays all travel and interview expenses. John B. Ervin Scholars Program: ervin@wustl.edu. Undergraduate Study at University of Nebraska The University of Nebraska is looking for 10 undergraduate majors to study law and psychology for one year. Room, board paid as well as stipend. Visit http://www.unl.edu/psychlawreu/ for more information. Habitat for Humanity Scholarships Habitat for Humanity has SOME SCHOLARSHIP MONIES FOR INTERNS TO HELP FROM YONKERS HIGH SCHOOLS. Please call 914-403-4821 for more information. Scholarships and Financial Aid The following link is a resource for additional scholarships and financial aid. Please visit it for guidance and resources on how to navigate the process http://www.collegeview.com/finaid/. 73 Top Opportunities of the Week Explore Our University Center! Request FREE Brochures From Colleges - [Click Here] New Scholarship Opportunities A Win-Win Opportunity For Students Working at Exxon Mobil At ExxonMobil, we believe that the continuous development of our people, and promotion from within to recognize that development, is the best way to ensure that we have the high calibre leadership that is required to keep us out front in our industry. Student placements play a vital role in our sourcing strategy for that top talent. We look for the best and brightest people with exceptional talent and incredible drive. In exchange for commitment, integrity, innovation and passion, we provide work that is challenging and rewarding. Website/Contact Info: www.exxonmobil.com/USA-English/HR/Siteflow/USA.asp Locations: All States Student Employment Opportunities at FDIC At the FDIC, you can combine your academic studies with on-the-job experience. The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP), may lead to a permanent job upon graduation. This is an ideal opportunity to learn about what it's like to work at the FDIC, and to explore possible career directions before graduation. FDIC takes pride in being able to offer its employees highly competitive and generous benefits programs. Currently seeking bankers, software programmers, analysts, accountants, and more. Website/Contact Info: www.fdic.gov/about/jobs/stuemp.html Locations: All States Internships at Phillip Morris International Interns at Philip Morris International (PMI) do real jobs in real business functions. Make a difference right from the start. Sometimes in more than one department. Typically from three to twelve months. Generally we accept students from business-related or relevant technical courses into most of our core business functions. You get direct experience, working alongside some of the best managers in the business, exposure to a challenging multinational business, and a great name to put on your resume. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.pmicareers.com Teaching Positions @ Teach For America Join Teach For America's efforts in eliminating educational inequity in the US. Effect change for the youth of America by teaching in a low income rural or urban community for two years. Earn an entry level teaching salary with full benefits and join in the movement working so that one day all children will have the opportunity to receive an excellent education, regardless of their socio-economic background. We need those of you who have what it takes - both to excel as a teacher despite immense challenges and to ultimately assume great influence in our country - to step up and take our effort forward. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.teachforamerica.org or admissions@teachforamerica.org (800)-832-1230 74 Student Employment Opportunities at FDIC At the FDIC, you can combine your academic studies with on-the-job experience. The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP), may lead to a permanent job upon graduation. This is an ideal opportunity to learn about what it's like to work at the FDIC, and to explore possible career directions before graduation. FDIC takes pride in being able to offer its employees highly competitive and generous benefits programs. Currently seeking bankers, software programmers, analysts, accountants, and more. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.fdic.gov/about/jobs/stuemp.html College Opportunities at Disney Over the years, The Walt Disney Company has grown from a small animation studio into a diversified and highly sophisticated entertainment organization. Today, Disney entertainment is found in more than 120 countries in numerous forms, linked by the standard of quality that has become synonymous with the Disney name. We have positions available in accounting, business planning, information technology, computer science, communications, human resources, engineering, architecture, interior design, and more. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.disney.go.com/disneycareers/college/opportunities.html USBC Bowling Scholarships For Young Bowlers Young bowlers who participate in YABA/USBC leagues/tournaments may be eligible for several national bowling-related scholarship competitions. Adults who are active in providing youth programs may be eligible for national recognition awards. More than $6 million in scholarship money is offered each season by bowling associations and councils, sanctioned tournaments and proprietors throughout the United States. Award Amount: Deadline Website/Contact Info: Varies: Varies www.bowl.com/scholarships/main.aspx Unity Card HBCU Internship Positions Unity Card is a black-owned and operated marketing company devoted to the needs of black business owners and their consumers. We are currently hiring summer interns from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). As an intern, you will face real-work challenges working for a fast-paced marketing company while you earn your degree. You'll gain valuable work experience while giving back to your community. Your ability to demonstrate skills in real world situations with a leader in the community marketing industry will open the door for future employment opportunities. Locations: All States; Website/Contact Info: www.unitycards.com ; jobs@unitycards.com Genentech Graduate Internship Program Open to students who have completed their first year in a graduate program at an accredited college or university and plan to return to college for the following term. Interns participate as a member of a project team in a research, development, manufacturing or business area relevant to your college work. Preferred majors are: biology, life science, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, computer science, business administration, environmental studies, and accounting. This internship includes a monthly stipend and other benefits. Website/Contact Info: www.gene.com/gene/careers/college/internships/index.jsp Internships @ MTV Networks An MTV Networks Internship allows college students to work in an innovative, progressive, fast paced and professional environment. Students are exposed to all levels of MTV Networks, which has proven to be an invaluable experience to individuals interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. MTV Networks is committed to diversifying our organization. Locations: California, Florida, New York, Tennessee Website/Contact Info: https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/internships.asp 75 Student Employment Opportunities at FDIC At the FDIC, you can combine your academic studies with on-the-job experience. The Student Career Experience Program (SCEP), may lead to a permanent job upon graduation. This is an ideal opportunity to learn about what it's like to work at the FDIC, and to explore possible career directions before graduation. FDIC takes pride in being able to offer its employees highly competitive and generous benefits programs. Currently seeking bankers, software programmers, analysts, accountants, and more. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.fdic.gov/about/jobs/stuemp.html Microsoft Intern Program Where will an internship with Microsoft take you? To places you've never been before-often to a new location (such as our renowned research and development campus in Redmond, Washington), but, most importantly, to a new level of experience. You'll have the opportunity to make a real difference at Microsoft in just a few months' time. You'll stretch your skills in new directions and take your talents to new heights. Locations: Redmond, WA and Silicon Valley, CA Website/Contact Info: www.microsoft.com/college/ip_overview.mspx Student Internships and Apprenticeships at L'Oreal Join the more than 1,500 young people from around the world who intern with L'Oreal. We see internships and apprenticeships as a road leading to excellence, giving young people a first, genuine experience of working life. By implementing an increasingly quality-oriented and selective policy on apprenticeship, L'Oréal is also contributing to upgrading the image of the apprenticeship system at national level, and improving young people's access to the labour market. Locations: New York, NY Website/Contact Info: http://www.loreal.com/_en/_ww/career/students/index.aspx Internships @ Ebay By becoming an intern, undergraduate and graduate students face real-work challenges working in a fastpaced eCommerce company while they're finishing up school. Upon graduation, many eBay interns are hired into full-time jobs within eBay's community. It's a great way to get a feel for our company and an inside look at all the people behind our online auctions. Location: All States Website/Contact Info: www.ebaycareers.com/university/internship.html Wells Fargo Collegesteps Scholarship Program Offers high school seniors the chance to win one of a hundred $1,000 tuition scholarships to be given away. All winners are chosen through random drawings. High school students can join the CollegeSTEPS Program to take a definite step in the right direction. Sweepstakes is open to any current U.S. Resident who is a high school senior during the 2004-2005 school year, who graduates from high school in 2005 and who is actively enrolled in the CollegeSTEPS Program. Award Amount: $1,000 Deadline: Continuous Website/Contact Info: www.wellsfargo.com/collegesteps collegesteps@wellsfargoefs.com Helen T. Carr Fellowship For HBCU Students Recognizing the unique role of Historically Black Engineering Colleges (HBEC) in providing technical 76 talent to the nation, it shall be the mission to support and strengthen these institutions as a major resource of African-American engineering graduates. The Committee will work towards the goal of quality engineering education by engaging in programs to increase awareness of the need for African-American PhD's in engineering education and other efforts which will increase the pool of such talent in engineering. Award Amount: $10,000 Deadline: Continous Website/Contact Info: www.asee.org/resources/fellowships/hbecc.cfm projects@asee.org (202) 331-3500 A Win-Win Opportunity For Students Working at Exxon Mobil We believe that the continuous development of our people, and promotion from within to recognize that development, is the best way to ensure that we have the high calibre leadership that is required to keep us out front in our industry. Student placements play a vital role in our sourcing strategy for that top talent. We look for the best and brightest people with exceptional talent and incredible drive. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.exxonmobil.com/USA-English/HR/Siteflow/USA.asp Undergraduate Opportunities At JP Morgan Chase JPMorgan Chase offers a world of opportunities in six of our lines of businesses and in several corporate function areas. All programs provide extensive training in our business strategies, product platform and culture. We develop, reward and seek to maintain one of the best workforces in the world. We also help you develop the personal and business skills you will need to succeed once you are placed in an assignment. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: http://careers.jpmorganchase.com/ba-main.html Student Jobs At Bank of America Get on a career track that will start you well ahead of the competition. Our career programs provide classroom and on-the-job training, as well as rotational assignments. Our programs are for students currently enrolled in college and for recent graduates. Programs include cash management, commercial/consumer banking, technology and operations, and more. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.bankofamerica.com/careers/index.cfm?template=recruiting Emerging Leaders Program at GEICO Insurance The program looks for graduates from top business schools who are ready for a commitment to a dynamic organization and who can keep pace with our vigorous environment. Participants in the operations track rotate through every discipline of our business. Information Technology track participants rotate through various IT areas and on special projects. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.geico.com/oncampus/careers/emergingLeaders.htm Adobe Internships The Adobe College and MBA Internship Program can provide you with valuable work experience while you continue your education. As an intern, you will be involved in exciting team projects with some of the most talented people in the industry. You will learn from the best while working in a fun and creative environment. The most active recruiting period for summer interns is March and April. Locations: California and Washington 77 Website/Contact Info: www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/careeropp/college/internships.html General Motors Careers GM offers both Intern and Co-op programs to prepare you for a career with us. And that every fall, GM recruiters visit the world's top engineering and business schools. In addition, GM provides both their undergrad and graduate-level interns and co-ops access to housing, transportation, and travel expenses during their journey with GM. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.gm.com/company/careers/career_paths/ Emma L. Bowen Foundation For Minority Interests In Media Established by the media industry to increase access to permanent job opportunities for minority students. The Foundation's program is unlike other intern programs in that students work for a partner company during summers and school breaks from the end of their junior year in high school until they graduate from college. During that five-year period, students learn many aspects of corporate operations and develop company-specific skills. Award Amount: $2,250 plus internship experience Deadline: Continuous Website/Contact Info: www.emmabowenfoundation.com 202-637-4494 phylis.eagle-oldson@corporate.ge.com New Internships and Jobs Careers At MasterCard Today's winning companies hire and develop the best people they can find-smart, talented people who appreciate and understand unique customer needs, who connect with co-workers and customers, and who see the future in perceptive, innovative ways. At MasterCard, we seek to understand, respect, value, and leverage the differences and similarities of all employees. We define diversity from a multidimensional perspective that encompasses our diverse skills, knowledge, viewpoints, culture, and national origins. Locations: Various States Website/Contact Info: http://sh.webhire.com/public/584/ Internships @ Sprint/Nextel Put your education to work. Develop new skills. Gain real-world experience. All through the Sprint Internship Program. Standing at a copier and routing phone calls all day won't be on your "to-do" list. As a Sprint intern, you will take on meaningful work assignments and contribute to the team's success. Your manager can help strengthen your talents to achieve your career goals. Plus, Sprint offers a speakers' series and other events for you to meet department leaders and learn the business side of our ever-expanding technology. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: www.sprint.com/hr/college_intern.html Internships At Shell A paid placement/internship with Shell gives you real work responsibility and the chance to test your abilities on genuine business challenges. To ensure that you get the maximum benefit from your experience with us, your placement/internship will be tailored to your specific abilities and interests, and will be certain to provide you with an opportunity to prove yourself in a true business environment. The work experience also gives you the opportunity to find out whether you and Shell are right for each other. Locations: All States Website/Contact Info: (go to www.shell.com) New Scholarship Opportunities Helen T. Carr Fellowship For HBCU Students Recognizing the unique role of Historically Black Engineering Colleges (HBEC) in providing technical talent to the nation, it shall be the mission to support and strengthen these institutions as a major resource of African-American engineering graduates. The Committee will work towards the goal of quality engineering education by engaging in programs to increase awareness of the need for African-American PhD's in engineering education and other efforts 78 which will increase the pool of such talent in engineering. Award Amount: $10,000 Deadline: Continous Website/Contact Info: www.asee.org/resources/fellowships/hbecc.cfm ; a.hicks@asee.org; (202) 331-3500 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge Every year, more than 60,000 children from around the country enter science projects in one of the science and engineering fairs affiliated with Science Service. Six thousand middle school entrants are then nominated by their fair directors to enter their projects in the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge-the only competition of its kind for students in grades 5 through 8. Students are judged on the scientific merit of their work and, just as importantly, on their ability to communicate the science of their project. Award Amount: $500 - $20,000 Deadline: Varies Website/Contact Info: http://school.discovery.com/sciencefaircentral/dysc/accept/accept.html State Farm Insurance National Merit Scholarship National merit scholarships are one-time, nonrenewable awards of $2,500 made to high school seniors who qualify as top finalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation chooses scholars based on PSAT/NMSQT scores and other criteria. Achievement Scholarships are awarded to AfricanAmerican high school seniors selected by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation based on: PSAT/NMSQT scores, Academic distinction, Personal achievement, and Leadership abilities. Award Amount: $2,500 Deadline: Varies Website/Contact Info: www.statefarm.com/foundati/merit.htm New Internships and Jobs IT Employment Opportunities at Casey Family Programs Working in an IT position for Casey is challenging and highly gratifying. Your skills will be tested every day, and your passion for helping others will grow. If you're interested in a position where your work really makes a difference in the lives of others, check out Casey's job page for openings. If you find there are no current openings please bookmark us and check back often. Valuing diversity and championing anti-racism are core values at Casey. Locations: Various States Website/Contact Info: www.casey.org/AboutCasey/EmploymentOpportunities/IT.htm Procter & Gamble Finance, Accounting, and Tax (FACT) Student Seminar FACT is a 4-day early reach program designed to expose top undergraduate students to Procter and Gamble and the types of Finance, Accounting, and Tax intern and fulltime roles available. The seminar will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio at our Procter & Gamble Worldwide Headquarters from August 1-4, 2006. In addition to learning about Finance, Accounting, and Tax, the seminar will give you an early opportunity to interview for an internship with P&G. Locations: Various States Website/Contact Info: Gina L. Dumas; (513) 983-5814 |dumas.gl@pg.com; www.usjobs.pg.com Work For Royal Caribbean Cruises From careers in IT and Customer Service to Finance, Marketing and more, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises invite today's best and brightest to set sail with us. Offering outstanding benefits, including cruising privileges, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises is one company where great people can definitely go far. The foundation for our success is the commitment and dedication of our outstanding employees! Locations: Various States Website/Contact Info: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/Company-Profiles/R/Royal-Caribbean-Cruises-Ltd-Jobs_28104 79 Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund This program will award $100,000 in scholarships to women determined to finally get that college degree. Five women will each be awarded $10,000 scholarships, and 50 women will each be awarded $1,000 scholarships. All applicants must be seeking an undergraduate degree from an accredited two or four-year college or university, or vocationaltechnical school. Award Amount : $1,000 - $10,000 Deadline: 1/2/2007 Website/Contact Info: www1.talbots.com/about/scholar/scholar.asp William B. Ruggles Right To Work Scholarship This scholarship honors the esteemed Texas journalist who coined the phrase "Right to Work" and contributed greatly to the movement's advancement. A scholarship is awarded annually to the student who exemplifies the dedication to principle and high journalistic standards of the late Mr. Ruggles. Award Amount : $2000 Deadline: 12/31/2006 Website/Contact Info: www.nilrr.org/ruggles1.htm iLiberty Scholarship Essay Contest The contest is open to all full-time students and anyone under 25 years old. There are no restrictions regarding school, citizenship, or country of residency. Essays should be a minimum of 600 words and a maximum of 2500 words. This length does not include references, which are up to each essay writer to decide to include or not. Award Amount : $750 - $2,000 Deadline: 12/1/2006 Website/Contact Info: https://apply.thinkforyourself.org/applications/subsectionid.1,pageid.106/default.asp Department of State Internships What could a student internship mean to you at the U.S. Department of State? It's an opportunity for you to get an inside look at the different types of positions and responsibilities available in foreign affairs. Think of it as taking a career test ride before you actually have to decide what you are going to do with your life. Location: Washington, DC and overseas Website/Contact Info: http://careers.state.gov/student/programs/student_internships.html Internships at Sodexho Sodexho is the leading food and facilities management services company in North America. We are committed to continuous learning and have high performance expectations for employees. In addition, we look to develop staff from within the company by providing sufficient resources, rewards and encouragement to foster growth and learning. Location: Varies Website/Contact Info: www.sodexhousa.com/car_internships.asp Goldquest - The College Connoisseur Goldquest gets scholarships and helps with 3 tier college preparation services. They prepare students from 6-12 grade gain admission into the college of their choice! They analyze each student and determine his/her individual needs. With the belief that music enhances non-musical abilities, they use music as a window for college preparation. You can obtain more information by calling them at 914-968-4957 or visiting their website at http://www.gold-quest.org/. 80 SCHOLARSHIPS The Westchester County Office for Hispanic Affairs has provided the following list of available Scholarships: The Gates Millennium Scholars Funds Undergraduate College education. Open to High School graduates applying to four-year institutions. www.gmsp.org The Hispanic Scholarship Fund For full-time students, community college students, graduate students and graduating high school seniors. www.hsf.net Hispanic College Fund Application process begins in December for the NASA Hispanic Explorers Scholarship, M&T Bank Scholarship Program and the Sallie Mae First in My Family Scholarship.www.hispanicfund.org CHCI Scholarship Award Scholarships are awarded to Latino students with a history of performing public service and who plan to continue serving their communities. Scholarships are available to students attending a four-year institutions, graduate school or two-year community college.www.chci.org/chciyouth/scholarship/scholarshipawards.htm Summer Medical Education Program (SMEP) Free (full tuition, housing and meals) six-week summer school preparatory program at eleven medical school sites around the country. Late fall deadline for 2005 www.aamc.org/students/considering/smep/start.htm National Black MBA Undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students can benefit from the approximately $200,000 in scholarship awards that are distributed each year. In addition, the NBMBAA chapters conduct local scholarship programs, awarding funding to students in their area. https://www.nbmbaa.org/scholarship.cfm Federal Grants/Loans for Students The following web site provides a direct link listing all U. S. Government Grants and Loans Benefiting Students: http://www.fedmoney.org/grants/0-scholarships.htm Scholarship Resource Following is a very extensive scholarship directory; the scholarships are arranged by deadline month and while many are due in January this is an invaluable resource guide and can be used as a starting point for investigating opportunities. Scholarships are for a wide variety of majors both undergraduate and graduate. Click on the link below. Click on the link below or copy it and place in your browser. http://www.nationalblackmbawgc.org/downloads.html/2006_scholarship_directory.pdf INFORMATION IN THIS BULLETIN HAS BEEN VERIFIED AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2006. PLEASE REPORT ANY MALFUNCTIONING OR DEAD LINKS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. EXCERPTED MATERIAL IS © OF ORIGINAL AUTHORS. ALL OTHER MATERIAL IS © 2006 TRACY FIELDS FOR THE YONKERS CITY COUNCIL © AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION, UNLESS FORWARDED COMPLETE AND UNALTERED, INCLUDING THIS DISCLAIMER. RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 81