THE BRONX MUSEUM OF THE ARTS LAUNCHES FREE ADMISSION IN CELEBRATION OF 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Here is news on the Bronx Museum of the Arts opening its doors to the public for free, in order to say thank you to the community for 40 years of support. Kudos to Ms. Holly Block and all the donors who have made our Museum a success story.

Gregory

***************

THE BRONX MUSEUM OF THE ARTS LAUNCHES FREE ADMISSION IN CELEBRATION OF 40TH ANNIVERSARY
27 March 2012

BRONX, NY, March 27, 2012 – The Bronx Museum of the Arts has announced that general admission to the museum and its exhibitions will be free for all visitors beginning on March 29. Part of the institution’s 40th anniversary celebration, the museum is launching the free admission initiative to ensure it is accessible to members of the Bronx community and all visitors from across the city and the nation.

“At a time when other New York City museums are raising their admission fees, we have chosen to focus on increasing access to the museum as a resource for our community thanks to the support of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York Community Trust,” said Holly Block, executive director of The Bronx Museum of the Arts. “In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we are giving back to the Bronx community by not only offering free admission, but also “adopting” 40 neighborhood schools—enabling hundreds of children to experience the benefits of arts education.”

“For over 40 years, the Bronx Museum of Art has presented innovative exhibitions ranging from fine art to urban design, and its hands-on art education programs ensure that there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin. “Now, thanks to a public-private partnership with the New York Community Trust, the Museum’s new free admission policy will expand its commitment to welcoming New Yorkers from across the boroughs and beyond.”

Boogiedowner Photos from The Community: Woodlawn St. Patrick’s Day Parade Photos

Here are a few photos sent by Assemblyman Dinowitz from the recent St. Patrick's Day Parade that took place in Woodlawn. If anyone has Bronx photos you want us to post, please do send them. I hope everyone had a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day.

Gregory
************

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Congressman Eliot Engel marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on McLean Avenue this past Saturday, which attracted thousands of people from Riverdale, Woodlawn, other parts of the Bronx, and Westchester.

Bronx DA Community Affairs Promotes "You Be The Judge" Workshop

Here is something different to help educate the public on our judicial system. It sounds like a great opportunity for youth interested in a career related to criminal or civil justice.

Gregory

***********

"You Be The Judge" Workshop
Wednesday, March 28
5:45 pm-8:00 pm
Bronx District Attorney's Office
198 E. 161st Street
3rd Floor
Litigation Training Room
Bronx, NY 10451

The Office of the Bronx County District Attorney Community Affairs Unit is offering a free informative workshop on what happens after a case has been sent to trial. Attendees will learn about specific roles, hearings, opening statements, deliberations, etc.

For more information, contact Marques Johnson, Special Projects Coordinator, at (718) 838-7005 .

Free Income Tax Services Available to New York City Taxpayers

If you make less than 57K annually, you should consider the free tax service provided by the IRS. For more information please see the press release and links below.

Gregory

*************

Free Income Tax Services Available to New York City Taxpayers

Eligible taxpayers can benefit from tax preparation and electronic filing at no cost

ALBANY, NY (03/23/2012)(readMedia)-- The New York State Tax Department today reminded New York City residents of two free income tax services available to eligible taxpayers:

• Taxpayers with incomes below $50,000 can take advantage of free income tax preparation by visiting one of many Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout the City.

• Taxpayers with incomes of less than $57,000 who prefer to file from their home computers are eligible to electronically file their income taxes at no cost with "Free File."

VITA Sites

VITA sites help individuals and families with an annual income of $50,000 or less prepare and e-file their income tax returns free of charge.

There are 102 VITA locations in New York's five boroughs (see list below). To find the closest community site, taxpayers can use the Tax Department's online VITA Locator: www.tax.ny.gov. Many of the sites require appointments, so taxpayers should call in advance.

VITA volunteers are trained in all areas of tax preparation. They are well-versed in helping taxpayers understand whether they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. They also may elect to complete prior year returns and amended returns.

The Tax Department estimates that 96% of VITA site-prepared returns were error free last season, compared to the national average of 87%. The VITA sites are coordinated by the Internal Revenue Service. Throughout New York State there are nearly 500 such sites.

Free File

Many taxpayers also qualify for the state's Free File service, allowing them to file both state and federal returns from their home computers at no cost. Eligibility requirements vary, but generally the service is available to taxpayers earning $57,000 or less.

Free File is very user-friendly; users don't have to have tax or computer expertise to use the service. Free File also reduces the number of errors on a tax return because the software can catch and correct common mistakes.

Taxpayers should be sure to Free File both state and federal returns from the New York State Tax Department Web site, not any other site: www.tax.ny.gov Accessing "free file" options via other Web sites can result in unexpected charges. By accessing Free File from the department's Web site, taxpayers can file both their federal and state returns free.

Deadline

Taxpayers have until April 17 to file their personal income tax returns this year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

● Visit www.tax.ny.gov

● Follow us on Twitter and YouTube

Final Call for Submissions to the 2nd Annual Bronx Week Film Festival

If you’re from the Bronx or if you made a film in or about our borough, there is still time to submit your film, or short for consideration for the 2nd Annual Bronx Week Film Festival. Please do submit your shorts to either or both of the following e-mails;

info@olympiafilmlocations.com

or

Boogiedowner@gmail.com

There is no fee to submit an entry or participate. The goal is to promote and create synergy in our borough for film makers and others in the industry. If you have a CD that you want to pass on in person please do call me on my cell # at (845) 304-5745.

Submissions are requested on or before SATUTRDAY MARCH 31st. The showings are scheduled for May 12th, 13th. The Gala celebration is set for and May 17th.

Sincerely,

Gregory Tsougrans

For more information please review the previous link posted on the Boogiedowner.

http://boogiedowner.blogspot.com/2012/03/call-to-bronx-filmmakers-to-participate.html

New York Magazine extols virtues of Kingsbridge

Here is news about positive recognition received by Kingsbridge in a recent edition of New York Magazine. The press release was sent by Assemblyman Dinowitz.

Gregory
************

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz applauds New York Magazine for its extremely positive article highlighting the Kingsbridge community’s real estate value, excellent business establishments, and neighborhood amenities.

“I am extraordinarily pleased that New York Magazine has recognized the desirability and positive future of Kingsbridge. I’ve been saying for a long time that so many great things are taking place in Kingsbridge and its future is bright. The fact that the River Plaza shopping center has been such a huge success and the upcoming development of the Stella D’oro site and West 230th Street and Broadway all indicate that there is much confidence in our Kingsbridge community. Substantial business investment along the Broadway corridor, which I have advocated for many years, is a huge vote of confidence in Kingsbridge’s future,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.

http://nymag.com/realestate/features/kingsbridge-2012-3/

Mount Sinai Medical Center Receives Critical Data to Evaluate First Responders Affected by 9/11

Here is news on a small victory that should help 9/11 first responders. It's amazing that issues like retrieving important health data, RELATED TO OUR 9/11 HEROES, take a decade to retrieve.

Gregory
*******************

Dear Friends,

I have good news to report on our efforts to help 9/11 first responders. After weeks of public pressure and negotiations, the City has finally agreed to hand over critical data to Mount Sinai Medical Center that will help researchers prove a link between the toxic debris at the World Trade Center site and the cancer many brave men and women have developed in the years since.

For months, the City stonewalled our efforts to secure this vital medical information —until now. The release of this data is an important step in the right direction, and we’ll continue working with our allies from the medical community and the Patrolman’s Benevolent Association to ensure every first responder who served on 9/11 and in its aftermath receives the justice they’re due.

Best,

Bill de Blasio
NYC Public Advocate