The Bronx Arts Ensemble Presents: THREE LITTLE PIGS IN A KUNG FU WOLF CAPER ON SUNDAY, MARCH 11th

Here is news on a musical performance by our very own Bronx orchestra. They will have a kids program prior to the performance as well.

Gregory

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(BRONX, NY) The THREE LITTLE PIGS meet Charlie's Angels in a hilarious Kung Fu Wolf Caper spoof of the classic children's story at Lovinger Theatre/Lehman College on Sunday, March 11 at 2 pm, 250 Bedford Park Blvd West and Paul Avenue, Bronx on the #4 & D Trains. Children will be introduced to the oboe, clarinet and bassoon in musical selections before the show. Music arranged by William Scribner. Adaption by Dante Albertie. Performance is appropriate for children 3 - 10. All tickets are $6. For tickets and information, please visit bronxartsensemble.orgor call 718.601.7399 .

Michael Fassbender Invitation to Film Makers to Participate in "Your Film Festival" Competition

Here is a great opportunity for aspiring film makers. Besides the 2nd Annual Bronx Week Film Festival, that the Boogiedowner will start making announcements about and seeking submissions for, the following was sent about the "Your Film Festival". It is a contest offering a $500,000 grant and the opportunity to have your film produced. The video clip below should help explain further.

Good luck,
Gregory

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"This is Your Film Festival. You have until March 31st to submit a short, story-driven video. There's no entry fee. It can be any format - short film, web-series episode, TV pilot - and any genre. In June, audiences around the world will vote, sending 10 deserving storytellers to open the 2012 Venice Film Festival where a Grand Prize Winner will be rewarded with a $500,000 grant to create a new work, produced by Ridley Scott, Michael Fassbender and a world class team."

http://www.youtube.com/user/yourfilmfestival/yourfilmfestival

SENATOR KLEIN/ ASSEMB. HIKIND ANNOUNCE LEGISLATION REQUIRING SANITATION AGENTS TO SUBMIT PHOTOS WITH SUMMONSES

Here is another AMAZING piece of legislation protecting the average citizen against over zealous ticketing ! Kudos to my state Senator, Jeffrey Klein. It is no wonder he is always supported by the community on Election Day. The present push by our legislators to prevent taxation through unjust ticketing is another step in the right direction.

Gregory

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Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) today joined forces with Assembly Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) to introduce legislation to require city sanitation agents to photograph and document the condition of a property at the time a sanitation ticket is issued.

The legislation that came in response to three recent instances where New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) agents were captured on surveillance video in Brooklyn issuing fraudulent tickets to honest New Yorkers.

The lawmakers were also joined by two of Senator Klein’s constituents JoAnn Sohmers of Ferry Point and Eileen Bengston of Van Nest. Both had worked with Klein’s office on disputing these types of tickets. In each case, it is believed this bill could have lead to their violations being dismissed.

"A picture is not only worth a thousand words, but also time, money, and faith in the system,” said Senator Klein. “Boston and Chicago have already taken this commonsense step into the digital age. It's time for New York to follow suit. I'm proud to partner with Assemblyman Hikind on this important initiative."

According to the New York City Council Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, there were 262,426 tickets issued by DSNY in Fiscal Year 2011 for premises violations. The Hikind-Klein legislation is based on successful models in both Boston and Chicago, where sanitation agents are provided with a mobile device that allows them to take photographs with a time and date stamp, and upload the photos and summons to the central database.

“I would like to believe that DSNY agents are, for the most part, honest when issuing summonses,” said Assemblyman Hikind. “But these surveillance videos tell a different story, and this legislation will serve as a system of checks and balances on these agents to ensure that they are not filing a false instrument when tickets are issued. If we know about these three false tickets, I can only imagine how many more cases of fraud there must be.”

“Transparency is incredibly important to the process of issuing violations on behalf of a City agency,” said Council Member Letitia James, Chair of the Council’s Sanitation Committee. “Requiring DSNY agents to provide property owners with photographic evidence of a violation at their premises would assist in proper management of residences, and deter the handful of wayward agents from fraudulent behaviors. I join my colleagues in their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Department of Sanitation.”

American Red Cross Sponsors Emergency Preparedness Workshop

Here is a prudent idea for the family.

Gregory

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Emergency Preparedness Workshop

WHEN: March 9th at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Highbridge Community Life Center
1438 Ogden Avenue
(Between 171st St. and University Avenue)
Bronx, NY 10452


Please join Senator Serrano and the American Red Cross in Greater New York for a free presentation designed to prepare individuals and families for emergencies. Attendees will learn how to create a family disaster plan, build and maintain a supply kit, and keep loved ones safe and informed during times of disaster.

For more information please call the District Office at
(212) 828-5829 .

Here is a prudent idea for the family.

Gregory

St. Patrick’s for All Parade Taking Place Sunday March 4th, in Sunnyside Queens

Here is news sent by Speaker Quinn about the "St. Patrick’s Day Parade for All" taking place this Sunday. Due to the need for an alternative St. Patrick's Day Parade, I assume the LGBT issue related to the main parade that goes down 5th Ave is still a hot topic. In any event, if you love St. Patrick, the Irish or just looking a good parade you now have two options.

Gregory

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Dear New Yorker,

I wanted to share some exciting news.

First, please join me and City Council Members Danny Dromm, Rosie Mendez, Jimmy Van Bramer and me this Sunday, March 4th as we march together in the St. Pat's for All parade in Sunnyside, Queens.

The St. Pat's for All parade is the first in more than two and half centuries of NYC Irish parades to be open and welcoming to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The parade's theme, "Cherishing all the Children of the Nation Equally", is taken from the 1916 Easter Proclamation of the Irish Republic. It's an opportunity for all of us to come together in our diversity and to honor our common humanity and heritage.

I hope you can join us! Further information and details are listed below:

2012 St. Pat's For All Parade

Sunday, March 4th

Sunnyside, Queens

Remarks, Music and Dance: 1 pm

Parade: 2 pm

Meet at 12:30 pm sharp at corner of Skillman Avenue and 47th Street.
Parade begins at Skillman Avenue & 47th Street and ends at Woodside Avenue & 58th Street

Grand Marshals

Political historian and novelist Peter Quinn

and

Mary Brosnahan, Executive Director of The Coalition for Homeless.

Subway/Bus Directions:

NOTE: There are NO 7 trains running between Queensboro Plaza and Times Square-42nd St. on March 4th.

Take N or Q to Queensboro Plaza and transfer to the 7 train. Get off at the 46th St.-Bliss St. Station. Walk to 47thSt. and Skillman Ave.

Or

Take the R train to 46th St. (exit near intersection of 46th St. and Broadway) and transfer to the Q104 bus heading to Sunnyside. Get off at 48th St. and Skillman Ave. Walk to 47th St. (and Skillman Ave.).

Or

Take the E or F trains to Jackson Heights 74th Ave./Roosevelt. Transfer to the Q 32 bus and take that to 58th St. and Skillman Ave. Walk to 47th St. (and Skillman Ave.).

*Please check www.mta.info/ for any train or bus service updates.

To RSVP, email events@council.nyc.gov or call (212) 788-6687. And don't forget to share our Facebook invite with your friends: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=196725123679237. The more, the merrier.

See you this Sunday!

Speaker Quinn

City Council to Vote on Westchester Square BID

There is a vote tomorrow related to a new BID. If interested in casting a vote please see below.

Gregory

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Vacca Spearheads Formation of BID

Tomorrow at the City Council Stated Meeting, the Council will be voting on the formation of a new Business Improvement District (BID) in the Westchester Square section of the Bronx. With the Council’s approval, it will become the Bronx’s ninth BID.

Support for the Westchester Square BID began nearly four years ago under the guidance of Councilman James Vacca and members of the Westchester Square Merchants Association. The approval of the BID continues the turnaround of Westchester Square, along with the renovation of Owen Dolen Park and the donation of the former Washington Mutual Bank by J.P. Morgan Chase to the Bronx Council of the Arts.

WHO: New York City Council Members

John Bonizio, Chair of the Westchester Square BID Steering Committee

Joe Regina, Member, Westchester Square BID Steering Committee

Greg Perry, President, Westchester Square Merchants Association

WHERE: Council Chambers, City Hall

WHEN: Wednesday, February 29 at 1:30 p.m.

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo Announces Education Programs For Children And Families

Here are events that any child would enjoy.

Gregory

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Spring and summer programming gives young participants an introduction to the world of wildlife

New York – Feb. 28, 2012- The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo has opened registration for spring and summer education programs for children and families.

Beginning in March, these programs offer a glimpse into wildlife, nature, and the environment. Participants will learn about wildlife through a variety of activities including age-appropriate games, crafts, sing-alongs, exhibit visits, and more.

All programs include a meet-and-greet with a few of the zoo’s animal ambassadors, and The Junior Keepers program includes a chance to meet some of the Central Park Zoo’s animal keepers.

There are parent-child programs, as well as drop-off programs for older youngsters. For a more in-depth animal adventure, kids can attend week-long summer camp sessions.

Registrations are now being accepted online. For more information and a full list of programs and summer camps, visit www.centralparkzoo.com/programs, call 212-439-6583 , or emailcpzregistration@wcs.org. Programs sell out quickly and registrants are encouraged to sign up early.

TODDLER TIME:

2-3 year olds, with adult

Meet a variety of furry, scaly, and feathery zoo animals in these interactive classes for toddlers and their caregivers. Live animals, movement and musical activities, and a craft are all part of the fun.

All sessions 10:30-11:30 am

Scaly Critters - Saturday, March 3; Thurs, March 8; Tuesday, April 24

Fairy Tails - Tuesday, March 20; Thurs, April 5; Saturday, March 31

Hop, Skip, and Jump - Tuesday, March 13; Thurs, March 15; Saturday, May 12

Animal Sing-A-Long - Tuesday, March 6; Saturday, April 28; Thurs, March 1

Winged Wonders - Saturday, March 24; Thurs, April 26; Tuesday, April 17

Homey Habitats - Thurs, March 29; Tuesday, April 3; Saturday, April 14

Cost:

One session only: Members $25; Non-members $30

Six session series: Members $125; Non-members $150

KINDER KRITTERS:

4 - 5 year olds, with caregiver

Preschoolers will have a blast in these fun-filled programs designed just for their age group. Instructors will lead them through songs, dances, and games, as well as creative animal-themed crafts. Kids and their care takers will also get a chance to meet an animal in each program.

All sessions 10:00-11:00 am

Perfectly Penguin - Saturday, March 10

Color Their World - Saturday, April 21

Springtime on the Farm - Saturday, May 12

Incredible Insects - Saturday, June 2

Cost:

One session only: Members $25; Non-members $30

Four session series: Members $100; Non-members $125

PHOTO SERIES: Earth Day Images:

6 -18 year olds, with adult

In this family program, parents and kids will team up and take photos of our zoo animal ambassadors in celebration of Earth Day. Our resident wildlife photographer, Judith Wolfe, will take guests on a journey through the zoo to capture the perfect Earth Day images. Digital camera required.

Sunday April 22

10:00-11:30 am

Cost:

Members $45; Non-members $50

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

3-10 years old, with adult

On this day dedicated to moms, guests will meet a variety of animal moms and their babies. Everyone will make tasty treats for some of the zoo animals and embark on an animal moms scavenger hunt. Crafts and a Mother’s Day cake are included.

Sunday, May 13

11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Cost:

Members $45; Non-members $50

ZOO SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS

7-10 years old
In this class taught by the zoo’s Urban Ecologist, kids will use real science skills to solve a mystery and use the zoo as their lab. At the end of the class, kids will have the chance to meet some of the species that they have been studying.

Saturday, March 24

10:00-11:30 am

Cost:

Members $35; Non-members $40

AMPHIBIOUS EXPLORATIONS

9 to 12 yeas old

Frogs and toads help scientists determine the health of the environment. In this program the zoo’s Urban Ecologist will take kids on a journey to find out why. Participants will perform experiments to study the effects of pollution on amphibians and test water quality of the zoo’s pond. Learn from animal keepers how they care for the amphibians in the zoo.

Saturday, April 28

10:00-11:30 am

Cost:

Members $35; Non-members $40

BUGS, BUGS, BUGS

7-10 years old
Children will learn about the insects that live in the zoo. They will collect insects from various habitats around the zoo and sort the collections to identify the species. Each participant will take home their own insect trap to collect and observe the ones they see in their neighborhoods.

Saturday, May 19

10:00-11:30 am

Cost:

Members $35; Non-members $40

JUNIOR KEEPER SERIES

8-10 years old

Kids in this program will help keepers care for the animals. From studying animal behavior to creating enrichment items, participants will have a chance to find out what a keeper’s job entails.

All sessions 9:00-10:30 am

Sea Lions - Sunday, March 4

Snow Leopards - Sunday, March 25

Zoo Babies - Saturday, May 5

Sea Ducks - Saturday, April 21

Cost:

One session only: Members $50; Non-members $60

Four session series: Members $170; Non-members $215

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: Zoo Vet Tech

13-18 years old

In this program, teens get to meet the Central Park Zoo’s tech to discover what it takes to ensure the animals receive the best possible care. They will learn how to examine animal x-rays, hematology slides, feathers, snake skin, and more.

Saturday, March 10

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Cost:

Members $50; Non-members $60

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo - Open every day of the year. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, $7 for children 3 to 12, and free for children under 3. Zoo hours are 10am to 5pm weekdays, and 10am – 5:30pm weekends, April through October, and 10am – 4:30pm daily, November through April. Tickets are sold until one half-hour before closing. The zoo is located at Fifth Avenue and 64^th Street. For further information, please call 212-439-6500 or visit www.centralparkzoo.com

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