BoogieDowner Family Events: Hippity Hoppity Happenings at the Bronx Museum of the Arts

I can't wait until I can take my newborn son to events like this. If you have a child 12 and under, here is a free art event worth considering. Kudos to all the sponsors!!!

Gregory
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April 7, 2012, 1:00-4:00pm

Hippity Hoppity Happenings!
FAMILY AFFAIR

Hop into spring with us by creating happenings throughout the Museum! Join us for an afternoon filled with art- and food-making activities inspired by the exhibition, Juan Downey: Invisible Architect.

Location: BxMA North & South Wings
Admission: FREE

Register at 718-681-6000 x127

Family Affair is a free event for children ages 12 and under with their parents or guardians

Family Affair is made possible with support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, The David Rockefeller Foundation, Simón Bolívar Foundation, Robert Lehman Foundation, Con Edison, New York Yankees Community Council, and The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation.

1040 Grand Concourse at 165th St
Bronx, New York 10456
718.681.6000

Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education & Dancing in the Streets Present The South Bronx Culture Trail

Here are more great art events to enjoy.

Gregory

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(Bronx, NY, March 22, 2012) Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education and Dancing in the Streets will launch The South Bronx Culture Trail (TRAIL) with There is No Place Like Casita: Alumni & Community Celebration on April 26th at 7:00 pm at Casita Maria, located at 928 Simpson Street in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx. The South Bronx Culture Trail is a two-year initiative that engages artists, scholars, and community members in developing a physical and virtual trail connecting known and lesser-known sites that played a significant role in spawning the rich cultural history of the South Bronx.

There is No Place Like Casita: Alumni and Community Celebration is the event that officially launches The South Bronx Culture Trail. It will bring together community members, Casita alumni, or “Casita Kids,” and friends of Casita Maria, Dancing in the Streets, and members of the New York community for a dance party with great music from The South Bronx Culture Trail All Stars: Dave Valentin, Orlando Marin, Angel Rodriguez, Bobby Sanabria and Dr. Willie Rodriguez, and DJ GrandWizzard Theodore. The public will be invited to share their South Bronx story at the TRAIL’s interactive maps. This event is free for everyone and it is made possible thanks to the support of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Cultural Innovation Fund - which is the major supporter of the Trail - with additional support from Con Edison.

The Honorary Chairman of There is No Place Like Casita: Alumni and Community Celebration

is Marta Rivera, a former Casita Kid who was awarded a 2011 PASEsetter Award for her efforts as Program Director at Casita Maria for over 20 years. Through her work at Casita Maria and as a community leader, Marta Rivera has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children and youth in the South Bronx. “It is an honor to be the Chairman of There is No Place Like Casita, an event that will bring together the community through the arts and engage community members in developing The South Bronx Culture Trail”, explained Rivera.

Between April 26^th and October 2013, Casita Maria and Dancing in the Streets will gather recommendations for culturally significant sites for the Culture Trail. In 2012 the first leg of the Culture Trail will concentrate on Hunts Point and Longwood between E. 152nd St. to the south, Southern Boulevard to the east, E. 167^th St. to the north, and Prospect Avenue to the west. There will be a significant focus on Casita Maria’s legacy in the neighborhood, and specifically on Casita Kids’contributions to the cultural legacy of the South Bronx. The TRAIL includes the gathering, documentation, and dissemination of historical research and the oral histories of the South Bronx residents. Upon TRAIL’s completion in 2013, all video, audio, photographic, and written documentation of The South Bronx Culture Trail project will be donated to public institutions, such as City Lore, The Bronx Music Heritage Center, the Bronx Historical Society, and others.

In addition to There is No Place Like Casita: Alumni and Community Celebration, the TRAIL 2012 program will be comprised of the following free public events:

May 17 / MothSHOP Community Storytelling Workshop Event: Presentation of stories from an 8-week long workshop, starting March 22, 2012. The stories will highlight community members’ experiences and how growing up in Hunts Point helped shape their lives.

June 23 / Walking the Trail & Unveiling of Tats Cru Culture Trail Mural: On this day, community members can “walk the trail” that will be built from the stories and cultural history accumulated over the span of several months of research and interviews with community members. There will be guided tours led by members of the South Bronx Culture Trail’s Advisory Committee, and the day will start with the unveiling of a new mural celebrating the Culture Trail by the legendary Tats Cru – some members are counted as “Casita Kids” – on the front of The Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education.

October 6 / Unveiling of the First Leg of the Culture Trail: Community members and audiences from near and far will experience—and contribute to—the cultural richness and vitality of Hunts Point and Longwood through the following:

o Casita/HOME Photo Exhibit: The opening of a months-long initiative to gather photos from South Bronx community members, Casita alumni, and friends who attempt to answer the question “What does ‘home’ mean to you?”

o Walking Tours of the Culture Trail

o Site-Specific Music and Dance Performances: The vibrant street life of the South Bronx during the 1940s-1970s will come alive in a traveling site-specific work by choreographer Joanna Haigood and composer Bobby Sanabria that will turn Hunts Point’s and Longwood’s sidewalks, plazas, and empty lots into musical instruments “played” by prominent musicians and dancers who grew up in the neighborhood.

CASITA MARIA: Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education continues its 78-year legacy of serving youth of the South Bronx community and other New Yorkers at its new, state of the art facility with comprehensive kindergarten through college arts and education programs supported by a family center, a gallery and a theater to bolster learning. Casita offers safe, rigorous and creative programs both during the school day and during out-of-school time that help transform the lives of the youth we serve. Over the past three years we have seen the number of students we serve increase from 300 to almost 1,000. Our goal is to create programs that provide knowledge and resources to change how underserved youth see their potential and approach their future. In May 2011, Casita received The Norman Buchbinder Placemaking Award from Mayor Michael Bloomberg for its contribution to increasing the stature, identity and economic activity of the South Bronx. For more information, please visit www.casitamaria.org.

“Run for the Wild” 2012: Run to Save Lions

Here is news on the annual run to save lions. Hopefully the day of the run will be as beautiful as it is today. Kudos to all the sponsors.

Gregory
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Presented by Con Edison:
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s
“Run for the Wild” 2012:
Run to Save Lions

4th Annual 5k and Family Fun Run at WCS’s Bronx Zoo

Registration is now open at www.wcs.runforthewild.org

Event Date:
Saturday, April 28, 2012

Bronx, N.Y. – Feb. 2, 2012 – Calling all runners, walkers, and athletic hopefuls – it is time to lace-up your running shoes to prepare for New York City’s wildest race: the fourth annual Wildlife Conservation Society’s Run for the Wild at WCS’s Bronx Zoo.

This year’s 5k-run/walk takes place on Saturday, April 28, 2012 and is dedicated to saving lions, their habitat and other wildlife. The Wildlife Conservation Society works across Africa and in the native range of lions in places such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, and Nigeria’s Yankari National Park.

WCS’s Run for the Wild registration is now open at www.wcs.runforthewild.org. Registration for the run is $35 for adults, $25 for children (3–15), and $25 for seniors (65+). Participants are encouraged to seek individual sponsors for their run, and all adult (and senior) participants are required to raise a minimum of at least $30 in order to participate.

“The WCS Run for the Wild has become a favorite of New Yorkers and many have been participating annually since the beginning,” said John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “We are anticipating another tremendous turn-out of runners, walkers, families, and wildlife enthusiasts – all of which will be doing their part to help save lions and other wildlife.”

Participants can choose from two different events. The 5k run for individual runners will begin at 8:00 a.m.; casual runners and walkers can take part in the Family Fun Run/Walk at 8:45 a.m.

The event promises an exciting day for runners and walkers, and there will be plenty of post-run festivities including refreshments, music, children’s activities, and more.

After the run, participants are invited to stay and enjoy the zoo and its animal residents for the rest of the day. Everyone is encouraged to visit the Bronx Zoo’s famous African Plains exhibit where they can see African lions and many of their prey species like zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, nyala, giraffes, and more. There are many other wonderful exhibits to visit including Tiger Mountain, Madagascar!, Congo Gorilla Forest, and JungleWorld. Complimentary parking and admission will be provided.

Prizes will be awarded to those who meet various fundraising goals. For $30 in pledges, runners will earn a WCS Run for the Wild T-shirt; $60 earns a plush lion; $125 earns a water bottle; $275 earns a Jackrabbit Sports gift card and a New York Yankees cap; $600 earns a gym bag; $1500 earns a breakfast and a special Bronx Zoo animal experience. Visit www.wcs.runforthewild.org for the details.

The Wildlife Conservation Society works around the globe to save wildlife and wild places. Lions are an iconic species and symbolic of strength. Today, fewer than 30,000 remain. Over the last 50 years, their range has collapsed catastrophically to a relatively small number of countries and protected areas. The lions of Asia have been all but wiped out. Today, Asiatic lions exist only on a single reserve, the Gir Forest in India. North Africa lost all of their lions a century ago and they have been steadily disappearing in other parts of the continent. There are few places conservationists would consider a safe haven for the species.

This event will sell out, so register early. For more information, to register, or to sponsor a runner/team, visit www.wcs.runforthewild.org.

WCS’s Run for the Wild is made possible by the following generous sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Con Edison

Featured Sponsors: Monroe College, Montefiore

Supporting Sponsors: Benjamin Moore, Hard Rock Cafe, Stevia In The Raw, UBS

Media Partner: ABC7

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adult admission is $16, children (3-12 years old) $12, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $14. 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 .

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.

If you would like to guide your readers or viewers to a web link where they can make donations in support of helping save wildlife and wild places, please direct them to: www.wcs.org.

Smart Strong Bronx Organizes Art and Food-making activities at the Bronx Museum of the Arts

There is news in a free activity at the Bronx Museum of the Arts that should be both fun and educational.

Gregory
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Saturday, February 11, 2012, 1:00pm until 4:00pm

FAMILY AFFAIR
When Art Meets Tech

Join us for an afternoon of art and food-making activities with special guests from Smart Strong Bronx. Plus, gallery tours for families and kids.

Family Affair is a FREE event for children ages 12 and under with their parents or guardians. Register Today at 718.681.6000 X127

North & South Wings

Family Affair is made possible with support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, The David Rockefeller Foundation, Simón Bolívar Foundation, Robert Lehman Foundation, Con Edison, New York Yankees Community Council, and The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation.

Bronx Museum of the Arts Sponsors Free Family Art Program

Here is a great program taking place at the Bronx Museum of the Arts promoting family participation in the arts. It sounds like a great program for families to explore the arts together. If interested in learning more about the program, the museum phone number and website is listed below. Even though the program is free, they probably require registration to guarantee placement.

Kudos to the generous donors that financed the program listed below, which include the New York Yankees. Hopefully we will begin to see their name on additional sponsor lists for similar art programs in our Borough.

Gregory
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Saturday, December 10, 2011, 1:00-4:00pm

Bronx Museum of the Arts sponsoring "Family Affair" family art project

Holiday Party
Celebrate the holidays with us through art-making activities, food, and tours of our current exhibitions Muntadas: Information >> Space >> Control and Urban Archives: Emilio Sanchez in the Bronx.

Family Affair is a seasonal afternoon program that promotes the special bond between parents/guardians and their children (12 and under). Family Affair offers an ever-changing program that includes hands-on activities developed in collaboration with teaching artists, performances, guided tours, screenings, and many other surprises.

This is a FREE program!

1040 Grand Concourse at 165 St Bronx, New York 10456 718.681.6000
http://www.bronxmuseum.org/

Family Affair is made possible with support from The Leona M. and Harry B. Hemsley Charitable Trust, Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, Robert Lehman Foundation, Con Edison, and the New York Yankees Community Council. The Bronx Museum of the Arts receives ongoing general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs with the cooperation of the Bronx Borough President and the Bronx Delegation of the New York City Council; Bloomberg Philanthropies; the Lambent Foundation; New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; Bronx Delegation of the New York State Assembly; The May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Inc.; and individuals.

Sen. José M. Serrano Safety Recommendations and List of Community Services in Response to Hurricane Irene

Here is additional information on resources, including shelters in Sen. José M. Serrano's 28th Assembly District, and various recommendations for precaution that should be considered seriously in preparation for hurricane Irene's arrival this weekend. Please do review and and take the necessary precautions necessary.

Gregory


PREPARING FOR HURRICANE IRENE

In preparation for Hurricane Irene, I urge all of you to take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones. Below you will find some helpful information and recommendations to ensure that you are adequately prepared should hurricane conditions occur.

Additionally, you may lose power and email access, so I suggest you print this email, along with the corresponding evacuation map, and any other information you need to ensure your safety. Please share this information with others, especially the elderly and sick who may not be getting the proper information, and help them stay informed.

Where to get Information
On the New York City Office of Emergency Management or www.nyc.gov/severeweather websites you can find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone by plugging in your address here. Or use your phone to call 311 for further information. This is the best source for up to the minute hurricane information for New York City residents.

You can also find a map of the NYC hurricane evacuation zones here. If you live in an ORANGE (Zone A) area, you should be prepared to evacuate. Mayor Bloomberg recently announced that there will be a mandatory evacuation for those in Zone A by Saturday at 5PM. It is important that you check this map as many residents of the 28th Senate District reside in Zone A.

This map also shows the locations of evacuation centers, which are marked with RED dots.

Below are the evacuation centers in the 28th District-(Bronx, East Harlem, Yorkville, & Roosevelt Island):

Bronx Community College, 80 W 181st Street, Bronx 10453
P.S. 145, 1000 Teller Avenue, Bronx 10456
P.S. 306, 40 W Tremont Ave., Bronx 10453
William H. Taft High School, 240 East 172nd Street, Bronx 10457
P.S. 5, 564 Jackson Ave, Bronx 10455
P.S. 17, 19 East 103rd Street, Manhattan
P.S. 188, 215 West 114th Street, Manhattan
Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, Manhattan
Newcomers High School, 28-01 41st Avenue, Queens (This is only included due to its proximity to Roosevelt Island)

You can report power interruptions or service problems as well as view service restoration information online at www.conEd.com. Or you can call Con Edison 1-800-752-6633. (If possible, have your Con Edison account number available and report whether your neighbors also have lost power).

Trains, Buses, and Bridges are also likely to be taken out of service during the hurricane. The MTA will be shutting down service beginning on Saturday at 12 PM. If you are planning to relocate for the hurricane, you should do so sooner rather than later.

The Mayor has indicated that he will work closely with news organizations to get breaking updates to the public ASAP. Therefore, please stay close to a television or radio to get the latest info. Remember, a battery powered radio works during a blackout.

You may also call 311 for the latest updates.
What to Do
If you have a terrace or outdoor space, make sure to take everything inside. High winds are expected.

If you live by a construction site that has materials which do not appear to be safely secured to a stable structure, please call and notify 311.

If you see downed electrical wires, do NOT go near them or touch them. Instead, report any downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately.

If you have a medical or other emergency, call 911.

Check twitter for additional updates at http://twitter.com/nycgov.
What to Have
Whether or not you are in an evacuation zone, you should make sure to have basic necessary supplies readily available.

Gather a "Go Bag" that includes: essential documents in waterproof bags/containers, extra cash, medications, flashlights, working batteries and other items you'll want to have in the event of an evacuation.

Other Items the Red Cross recommends you have on hand:
Water- at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
Food- at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes, rain gear
Once again, please use the resources listed above to ensure your safety and the safety of those close to you. Be sure to follow http://twitter.com/nycgov, call 311, and listen to the radio for further updates. Please be prepared and be safe!