Here is news in a cultural event at the NY Botanical Gardens geared for children 3 to 10.
Gregory
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FERDINAND THE BULL AT THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN ON APRIL 15
Bronx Arts Ensemble presents FERDINAND THE BULL at the New York Botanical Garden on Sunday, April 15 at 1 & 3 pm. Admission is free with an All Garden Pass. Appropriate for ages 3 - 10. FERDINAND THE BULL, a gentle bull who prefers the aroma of wild flowers to fighting, is mistakenly chosen to face a matador after an unfortunate bee incident... and that's just the beginning! Written by Dante Albertie with musical arrangement for oboe, clarinet and bassoon by William Scribner. Performed by the Bronx Arts Ensemble and The Children’s Theatre Company at Lehman. Take the B, D to Bedford Park Blvd or 4 to Bedford Park Blvd–Lehman College, then take the Bx26 bus; or Metro-North to Botanical Garden. For info, visit bronxartsensemble.org or call 718 601-7399.
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About the Bronx Arts Ensemble
The Bronx’s premier music performance ensemble serving the borough since 1972, the Bronx Arts Ensemble is a not-for-profit organization enriching the cultural environment of the Bronx with a year-round schedule of concerts, special programs for families and a full music and arts-in-education program for schools.
Here is positive news about our borough that often gets missed by the main stream media. We truly have one of the best zoos in the world. I hope everyone remembers to make time to take advantage of the Bronx Zoo this spring or summer.
Gregory
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American Association of Museums
honors WCS’s Wildlife Career Ladder program
with 2012 EdCom Award for Excellence in Programming
Bronx, NY – April 3, 2012 – The Education Department at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo has been named winner of the 2012 EdCom Award for Excellence in Programming by the American Association of Museums (AAM) for its Wildlife Career Ladder program for teens.
The EdCom Award for Excellence in Programming recognizes exemplary creativity and innovation in museum educational programming. The award marks the second prestigious institutional honor conferred on WCS’s Wildlife Career Ladder. The same program received the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Diversity Award in September 2011.
The AAM will honor the WCS Education Department for its latest achievement on April 29 in Minneapolis.Established in 2008-09 with support from the Bronx Institute of Lehman College through funding from a U.S. Department of Education GEAR UP grant, the Wildlife Career Ladder is a multi-year program that engages underserved students at the beginning of their sophomore year in high school and takes them through the beginning of their junior year. There are currently 50 young people enrolled in the program – almost all of whom are minorities and many come from some of the lowest income communities in the country.
“We are proud of our partnership with the Bronx Institute of Lehman College and the success of the Wildlife Career Ladder program,” said Don Lisowy, WCS Director of Education. “For a young program to be recognized for its value and potential on this high level is certainly rewarding. We are continuing to refine this program and expand it to serve as a model for development of future programs.”
The Wildlife Career Ladder consists of three main components: an afterschool and weekend wildlife science course where students receive an intensive introduction to wildlife and conservation science topics; an explainers program where students engage in further study enabling them to work as exhibit interpreters or “explainers” at WCS’s Bronx Zoo; and a career ladder internship where students are placed in part-time positions throughout WCS in order to gain first-hand experience with different career opportunities available in wildlife conservation.
Since 1983, the Education Committee of AAM has recognized outstanding contributions to museum education by individual practitioners, by museums offering distinguished programs and publications, and by those individuals demonstrating leadership within the entire museum community and beyond. The 2012 EdCom Excellence Awards continue to recognize the people who exemplify best practices with exceptional people and the resources they provide.
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Education Department serves more than 100,000 students and 2,400 teachers annually. It works across New York City to provide science, technology, engineering, and math education to under served students. WCS is a partner with the innovative UrbanAssemblySchool for Wildlife Conservation in the Bronx and offers subsidized and free programs to thousands of students from all five New York City boroughs each year.
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Adult general admission is $16, children (3-12 years old) $12, children under 3 are free. Parking is $13 for cars and $16 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.
Here is information related to an exhibition and opening reception celebrating a Latina performer loved by many. The opening reception will be held in celebration of Celia Cruz’s birthday on October 20th, 2011. The exhibition will run through November 22nd.
For Celia Cruz fans or anyone interested in learning more about the Latina singing sensation, please read on. Please note this is a free event.
Gregory ****** October 20, 2011 - November 22, 2011
Opening Celebration October 20th at 6:00 PM
Opening Reception Preceded by Panel Discussion led by Elena Martinez of City Lore
Panelists include: Licia Fiol-Matta, scholar from Lehman College Leon Gast, filmmaker Ruth Sánchez, Celia's hairdresser
This evening's event is presented in collaboration with Whedco, Bronx Music Heritage Center and City Lore with special thanks to Friends of Woodlawn Cemetery and Celia Cruz High School of Music.
Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education 928 Simpson St., Bronx, NY 10459
This event is FREE, but please RSVP by email info@casita.us or call 718-589-2230 x.6191.
Here is an interesting press release received from the Bronx Borough Presidents office about the first ever Bronx Education Summit. Diane Ravitch will be the keynote speaker. Chancellor Dennis Walcott of the New York City Department of Education should be present as well. In any event the first ever Bronx Education Summit will include workshops where people can express their opinions. The dialogue should be heated, interesting and hopefully constructive. In any event, its our responsibility to get informed and get involved. For more information please do see the full press release below. The phone number to register can be found below as well.
Gregory
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DIANE RAVITCH TO OFFER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT FIRST-EVER BRONX EDUCATION SUMMIT
Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced that Dr. Diane Ravitch, widely considered to be the preeminent education expert in the United States, will offer the keynote address at the first-ever “Bronx Education Summit: From Cradle to Career,” to be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at Lehman College.
Dr. Ravitch is Research Professor of Education at New York University and a historian of education. In addition, she is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. Her most recent book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education (2010), is a critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller.
“The goal of our education summit is to bring together the best minds in education, from all sides of the issues, to put forward a clear vision for the future of education in the Bronx. With that in mind, we are extremely grateful that none other than Diane Ravitch, one of the most important voices in the national debate on education, is coming to the Bronx to participate in this historic event,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
The topic of Dr. Ravitch’s address will be "Improving Education for the Children of the Bronx." Dr. Ravitch’s complete biography and curriculum vitae can be found at dianeravitch.com/vita.html.
All educational stakeholders are invited to attend the Summit, including parents, teachers, students, and policy makers.
The day will begin with greetings from Borough President Diaz, Dr. Pedro Noguera of New York University, and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott of the New York City Department of Education, followed by Dr. Ravitch’s keynote address. After the morning workshop, the summit will host eight breakout sessions covering a variety of topics, such as special education, English Language Learners, and parent involvement.
The event concludes with a VIP Policy Panel composed of some of the city’s most influential educational figures, including Ernest Logan president, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators; Monica Major, Bronx representative to the Panel for Educational Policy; James Merriman chief executive officer, New York City Charter School Center; Michael Mulgrew, president, United Federation of Teachers; Dr. Betty Rosa, New York Board of Regents, and Shael Suransky, deputy chancellor, New York City Department of Education.
Throughout the day, participants can visit tables staffed by employees of dozens of educational and social service organizations to learn more about the resources available to parents, students, and teachers in the Bronx and citywide.
The “Bronx Education Summit: From Cradle to Career,” is only the first step in creating a new education agenda for the Bronx. A number of follow-up activities are being planned in conjunction with the summit to continue these important conversations about improving educational outcomes for all Bronx students.
For more information about the Bronx Education Summit or to register, please visit www.bronxeducationsummit.org or call 718-590-6116.
Here are two great cultural events taking place in our borough later this month. Please see post below for additional information.
Gregory *******
Bronx Arts Ensemble Presents FERDINAND THE BULL and HANSEL and GRETEL
Bronx Arts Ensemble presents two back to back family concerts, FERDINAND THE BULL at the Whitehall, 3333 Henry Hudson Parkway on Sunday, March 27 at 1 & 3 pm and the adaptation of HANSEL AND GRETEL in Lovinger Theatre/Lehman College at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West on Sunday, April 3 at 2 pm. Tickets to all shows are $6. For info and tickets, visit bronxartsensemble.org or call 718 601-7399.
FERDINAND THE BULL, a gentle bull who prefers the aroma of wild flowers to fighting, is mistakenly chosen to face a matador after an unfortunate bee incident... and that's just the beginning! Written by Dante Albertie with musical arrangement for oboe, clarinet and bassoon by William Scribner. Performed by the Bronx Arts Ensemble and The Children’s Theatre Company at Lehman.
HANSEL AND GRETEL will sing, dance, juggle and do slapstick to tell the famous story of the pair meeting the Witch in the forest with a wonderful gingerbread house. Written by Dante Albertie with musical arrangement for oboe, clarinet and bassoon by William Scribner. Performed by the Bronx Arts Ensemble and The Children’s Theatre Company at Lehman.
Once again the BoogieDowner supports all film industry related events in the Bronx. Please note the request for film submissions to this years Bronx International Film Festival. Please do continue sending any film industry news or events to: boogiedowner@gmail.com
Gregory *********
Bronx International Film Festival Call for Film Entries
The Bronx Stage & Film Company is accepting short and feature film submissions for the 9th Bronx International Film Festival (BXFF) scheduled for June 16 - 19 at Lehman Stages, home of the 500-seat Lovinger Theatre, on the CUNY Campus of Lehman College. BXFF is a competitive festival. Submissions can be short or feature narrative, documentary, animation and experimental films. Student films are welcome. BXFF awards $1,000 for best of fest (narrative, experimental or animated film) and $1,000 for best documentary.
Submission deadlines and fees: early deadline March 31, 2011 ($20 shorts/$25 features); regular deadline April 16, 2011 ($25 shorts/$30 features); and final deadline May 2, 2011 ($30 shorts/$40 features). Shorts are 30 minutes or less. Features run over 30 minutes. Discounts and extended deadline are available when submitting through Withoutabox. Submissions must be original work not commercially exhibited or distributed prior to The Bronx International Film Festival. Screening at other festivals is fine. Filmmakers must have all clearances and rights and have full authority to submit their project.
A century ago two of the best-known silent film studios, Edison and Biograph (a.k.a. The Gold Medal Studios), called The Bronx home. The mission of The Bronx International Film Festival is to celebrate the history of film in The Bronx by showcasing promising filmmakers while promoting The Bronx as a cultural destination and Bronx venues, like Lehman Stages, as prominent New York performance spaces.
Visit www.bronxfilmfestival.com or www.bronxstage.com for guidelines and submission information.
The Bronx International Film Festival is having a ONE NIGHT ONLY screening of "Race To Nowhere" on Thursday, March 10 at 8pm at the Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College.
RACE TO NOWHERE Hard-Hitting Education Documentary Exposes the Silent Epidemic in our Schools ONE NIGHT ONLY: Thursday, March 10 at 8pm Lovinger Theatre/Lehman College 250 Bedford Park West , Bronx, NY Bronx Stage & Film and Lehman Stages will screen “Race to Nowhere” for one night only Thursday, March 10 at 8 pm in the Lovinger Theatre. All tickets are $5 and can be purchased through http://bronxstage.com A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children’s lives, creating unhealthy, disengaged, unprepared and stressed-out youth. Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people in all types of communities who have been pushed to the brink, educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills they need, and parents who are trying to do what’s best for their kids, Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace; students are disengaged; stress-related illness and depression are rampant; and many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired. In a grassroots sensation already feeding a groundswell for change, hundreds of theaters, schools and organizations nationwide are hosting community screenings during a six month campaign to screen the film nationwide. Tens of thousands of people are coming together, using the film as the centerpiece for raising awareness, radically changing the national dialogue on education and galvanizing change. The Washington Post recently covered a screening of Race to Nowhere: “Riveted to this disturbing tableau were more than 300 parents and educators, including Elise Browne Hughes, 46, who wiped away tears one recent evening in Bethesda while watching the documentary "Race to Nowhere," which is becoming a growing grass-roots phenomenon in the achievement-minded Washington area and beyond. "It's in the culture, and it kind of feeds on itself," said Hughes, a mother of two sons who paid $10 for a ticket and braved the heavy rain to watch the film at Walt Whitman High School. For her and thousands of others nationwide, the film has raised difficult questions about how to raise well-adjusted children at a time when schools seem test-obsessed, advanced classes are the norm and parents worry that their children will not go as far in life as they have.” (Washington Post, 10/7/2010) Race to Nowhere is also being embraced by educators. “An education film that gets it (No, not ʻSupermanʼ)” was the title of a Washington Post blog by Mark Phillips, professor emeritus of secondary education at San Francisco State University. Vicki Abeles, first-time filmmaker, was inspired to make Race to Nowhere out of concern for her children. A mother of three and former Wall Street attorney, Abeles awakened to this crisis as her 12-year old daughter was being treated for stress-related illness. She saw personally how the pressures were overwhelming not only to her own kids, but to students everywhere – in every kind of school environment and community. “As a mother, I experienced the stress firsthand and realized that no one was talking about it,” says Vicki Abeles. “I saw kids who were anxious, depressed, physically ill, checking out, abusing drugs and, worst case, attempting suicide. I felt compelled to speak out about this crisis by making a film and giving voice to the students, teachers, and parents. I wanted to expose a deeper truth about our education system. We are graduating a generation of robo-students, unable to think and work independently, creatively and collaboratively.” School reform has become an urgent national issue and 2010 is the year of the education film. Race to Nowhere is the only film that shows what is actually happening to our kids as a result of current policies and practices obsessed with testing, performance and competition rather than meaningful teaching and learning. Race to Nowhere finally gives voice to those on the front lines who are most affected by education policies - the students and teachers themselves. Race to Nowhere is the only film to spotlight the intersection of health and education. The film empowers everyone to get involved and take ownership of what’s happening in our schools and communities. Race to Nowhere is a call to action to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. After seeing the film, your views on education and childhood will forever be changed “Every once in a while, a film comes along that has the potential to change the culture,” said New York Times bestselling author Rachel Simmons (Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls). “Race to Nowhere shines a light on the crisis of learning and meaning facing American education. The film is both a call to arms and a beacon of hope, a source of relief and outrage and a way forward for all of us."
Race to Nowhere Theatrical Trailer url http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uem73imvn9Y
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