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March 13, 2024

Bring every hostage home. NOW! I joined thousands demanding the release of the hostages. Hamas terrorists hold 134 kidnapped people for 150+ days. The voices of hostage families, Jewish leaders, my colleagues, & I made our message clear: Let's unite to #BringThemAllHomeNow

There are many people, primarily anti-Israel, who are demanding a ceasefire now. People certainly have the right to take that position whether or not I agree with it, but what I find most troubling is that virtually none of the people who are demanding a ceasefire now also demand that the hostages be released immediately.

Top picture: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz speaks at the podium during the Central Park Rally to bring the Israeli hostages home with the family members of some of the hostages pictured behind him.

Center-left picture: Participants of the rally with Israeli flags and pictures of the hostages being held by Hamas.

Bottom picture (from left to right): Senior Vice President of United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of New York Hindy Poupko, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Council Member Lynn Schulman, and Jewish Community Relations Council New York (JCRC-NY) CEO Mark Treyger.

I had a fantastic time at the 5th annual West 251st Street Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The vibrant atmosphere, lively music, and community spirit made it a memorable celebration

The top picture (from left to right) shows parade co-organizer Pamela Kelly, Female Fight Club founder Johanna Edmondson, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Parade co-organizer John Kelly.

Middle picture: The parade attendees marching through the Bronx with Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Female Fight Club founder Johanna Edmondson leading the way.

Bottom picture: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (left) poses with bagpiper player Matthew McCorron

I attended a press conference for my Green Transit, Green Jobs bill, and it is encouraging to see labor and the environmental community working together. My bill is a significant step towards reducing emissions and improving air quality, a vital initiative for a cleaner future.

Top picture: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz speaking at the GTGJ Press Conference out front of the West Farms Bus Depot in the Bronx to advocate for my bill.

Center right picture: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (left) talking about issues in the Bronx with State Senator Luis Sepulveda.

Bottom picture: Assembly Member Karines Reyes (left) and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz discussing the GTGJ bill after the Press Conference concluded.

I had an insightful interview with SUNY New Paltz Student and Bronxite Nayise Gonzalez from The Legislative Gazette on the 'Not for Print' podcast. Thank you for letting me explore the personal stories behind the policies. Check out this episode on Spotify: Click here to listen to the podcast, or click on either picture to get there.

The Legislative Gazette, guided by students from SUNY New Paltz, is a nonpartisan news organization operating as a nonprofit. In addition to traditional written content, they have introduced a podcast titled "Not For Print." This podcast offers a unique platform where students can engage with their elected officials on a personal level, delving into topics beyond policy. These discussions may explore the legislators' music preferences, sports interests, district-specific businesses, and other general subjects aligned with their interests.

Pictures: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz taking pictures with SUNY New Paltz Student and Bronxite Nayise Gonzalez.

I listened & discussed pressing issues with United Federation of Teachers (UFT) members from my district: illiteracy post-COVID, public school funding disparity, dyslexia curriculum, teacher center investments, training gaps, childcare, livable salaries & affordable housing

The UFT, advocating for almost 200,000 individuals, is the primary negotiating body for most nonsupervisory educational professionals within the New York City public school system. Their membership encompasses roughly 75,000 teachers, nearly 25,000 classroom paraprofessionals, and various other school-based roles, such as school secretaries, counselors, and occupational and physical therapists. Additionally, they extend their representation to family childcare providers, nurses, teachers, and staff at several private educational institutions and certain charter schools. Furthermore, their organization boasts a community of over 60,000 retired members.

Top picture: Assemblymember George Alvarez (center left) and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (center right) pose with members of the UFT.

Middle picture: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz talking with members of the UFT

Bottom picture: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz listens to UFT members discuss issues such as illiteracy post-COVID, public school funding disparity, etc.

I met with the Bronx County Medical Society in Albany. From its inception in 1914 to the present, the society's dedication to healthcare in the Bronx remains unwavering. I am proud to collaborate with these professionals, who are shaping our borough's healthcare future.

Originally part of Westchester County, the Bronx became an official borough of New York City in 1898 and attained county status in 1914.

The Medical Society of the State of New York, founded in 1794, saw the formation of the Medical Society of the Borough of the Bronx in 1900, receiving incorporation in 1913. Nathan B. Van Etten, M.D., assumed the presidency in 1914 after a meeting of Bronx doctors from the Medical Society of the State of New York.

Many members held prominent roles in New York City's health sector, including Lewis Amster, M.D., who served as Commissioner of Health in 1918.

The Bronx County Medical Society members will continue their crucial roles in the borough's healthcare system, upholding the high standard of care since 1914.

Pictured: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (center left) with Bronx County Medical Society professionals.

I debated my bill, A.2080, on the Assembly Floor. It's all about consumer rights—ensuring mandatory contract arbitration clauses are crystal clear in large font. Transparency is vital in protecting consumers from hidden terms. Let's make informed choices the norm.

Numerous instances exist where consumers enter into contracts for goods or services that include mandatory arbitration clauses, often non-negotiable. These clauses strip consumers of their right to litigate disputes in court, redirecting such matters to arbitration proceedings with the business. Frequently buried in contract fine print, these clauses often escape the notice of the average consumer.

Currently, regulations governing contract arbitration clauses are limited within the State of New York. It's crucial to enlighten consumers about the implications of agreeing to such provisions. This legislation ensures that all New Yorkers can make informed choices about resolving disputes when entering into contracts for goods and services.

BRONX, NY – ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ HENRY HUDSON BRIDGE TOLL REBATE NOW IN EFFECT FOR BRONXITES

My Henry Hudson Bridge Toll Rebate Program for Bronxites successfully took effect on February 3rd, 2024. I negotiated this program into the state budget in 2019. It was scheduled to take effect in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will be funded through the Outer Borough Transportation Account, established in 2018, to enhance transportation resources in the outer boroughs. Under the program, Bronxites with passenger cars registered in the Bronx and a funded E-ZPass account will get an instant rebate every time they cross the Henry Hudson Bridge. The bridge is one of the shortest bridges in the city. Hence, the toll on the bridge has always irked people. It used to be known as the "10-cent bridge" years ago. Currently, the toll on the bridge is $8.25 one way without an E-ZPass and $3.18 one way with an E-ZPass. Under this program, your account will be charged and instantly credited for the same amount (in essence, free) for Bronxites.

I worked hard during the budget negotiations to make this available for all Bronxites. It is only fair that residents of the Bronx are not subjected to an extra toll when crossing this particular bridge into Manhattan. Especially given that every other bridge providing access to Manhattan from the Bronx is toll-free. Currently, many people avoid this toll and drive into Kingsbridge and Marble Hill, causing additional congestion and pollution in these neighborhoods. Once this program takes effect, some people will save hundreds, even thousands of dollars annually. I am very proud that I could get this in the state budget, and I am thankful to Governor Hochul and the MTA for implementing this fantastic idea.

• Due to station maintenance, the 242 St-bound 1 skips Marble Hill-225 St, 231 St, and 238 St from March 23 - 24, Saturday  3:45 AM to Sunday 10 PM

· To service these stations, take the 1 to Van Cortlandt Park-242 St and transfer to a Manhattan-bound 1.

· For service from Marble Hill-225 St, 231 St, and 238 St, take the Bx9 bus.

• Due to track replacement work, the Woodlawn-bound 4 skips 170 St, Mt Eden Av, 176 St, 183 St, Fordham Rd, Kingsbridge Rd, and Bedford Park Blvd from March 19 - 22, Tuesday to Friday  and March 26 - 27, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:45 AM to 3 PM

• To service these stations, take the 4 to Burnside Av or Mosholu Pkwy and transfer to a Manhattan-bound train.
• For service from these stations, take the 4 to Burnside Av or 167 St and transfer to a Woodlawn-bound train.

Travel tip:

For service from 176 St, take the Bx32 bus for Burnside Av 4, 183 St, Fordham Rd and Kingsbridge Rd

• Due to accessibility improvements, the Woodlawn-bound 4 skips 138 St-Grand Concourse from March 22 - 25, Friday 10:45 PM to Monday 5 AM

• Take the 5 days and evenings. Transfer between trains at 125 St or 149 St-Grand Concourse.
• 
  

Overnight:

• To service this station, take the 4 to 149 St-Grand Concourse and transfer to a Manhattan-bound 4.
• For service from this station, take the 4 to 125 St and transfer to a Woodlawn-bound 4.

• Due to structural maintenance work, there will be no 4 service in Brooklyn - take the 2 or 3 instead on March 22 - 25, Friday 11:30 PM to Monday 5 AM

• 4 runs between Woodlawn and Bowling Green, the last stop.
• 3 runs to/from New Lots Av all weekend.
• 
  

Travel alternatives:

For service between Borough Hall and Franklin Av-Medgar Evers College, take the 2 or 3.

Take the 3 between Franklin Av-Medgar Evers College and New Lots Av.

• Transfer between 4 and 2/3 trains at Fulton St.

As always, please consult the MTA website or the MyMTA app for the latest service information and alternative service options. Customers can also sign up for the MTA’s customer real-time email and text alert system or call 511 for service-related information.

Starting Friday, March 1, ALL New York City Businesses Must Put Trash in Lidded Bins!

The New York City Department of Sanitation is reminding all City businesses that starting Friday, March 1, they must use a lidded bin when placing their trash at the curb for collection.

This rule is the next phase in the City’s Trash Revolution, continuing the Adams administration’s work of moving towards full containerization of trash; food-related and chain businesses have been required to use lidded trash bins since last fall. Additionally, rules requiring some residences to use lidded containers for their trash will take effect later this year.

Trash bags left on the sidewalk can easily break, leaking food waste and attracting rats. Placing trash into rigid, lidded containers reduces odors and vermin and keeps streets and sidewalks cleaner.

There will be a one-month warning period. Later, businesses that violate the trash container rules will be subject to fines, starting at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $200 for all subsequent offenses. This requirement does not apply to recyclables or to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock.

To educate businesses on their new responsibilities, the Department sent mailers to all covered establishments. Additionally, the rules were featured prominently on the Department’s social media accounts, and Sanitation personnel held info sessions and spoke at community meetings. Businesses can register for an info session in multiple languages and get additional details on the rules at nyc.gov/UseBins.

Businesses have substantial flexibility on the type and location of containers they utilize, provided they have a lid and secure sides that keep rats out. Containers may be stored either inside or within three feet of the property line.

Between the commercial containerization effort and sweeping new residential rules, 70% of the city’s trash is headed into containers. By moving the black bags off the streets and into sealed, rodent-proof receptacles, we are reclaiming public spaces, cutting off the 24-hour rat buffet, and improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

Information about the historic decline in rat sightings that occurred after these rules began to take effect can be seen here.

SCHE and DHE renewals due March 15

It’s time to renew property tax exemptions, including the Senior Citizen Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE), the Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE), and the Clergy exemption. 

The deadline for homeowners to submit renewal applications is March 15, 2024. Property owners who must renew their benefits have received letters in the mail. If they do not renew, they could lose their benefits and increase their property taxes. Please review the eligibility requirements for SCHE, DHE, and other benefits. 

Our business centers stay open late to help customers with questions about applying for or renewing exemptions. Visit www.nyc.gov/nopv and click on “Get help applying for property tax exemptions” for more details.

Attention property owners in NYC! Join the Department of Finance to learn all about your annual notice of property value and get help with property tax benefit programs! Find an event near you at www.nyc.gov/nopv.

About Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR

The School Tax Relief (STAR) and Enhanced School Tax Relief (E-STAR) benefits offer eligible New York State homeowners property tax relief.

Who Can Apply

Homeowners not currently receiving the STAR exemption who meet the program's eligibility requirements may apply for the STAR tax credit with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. If you qualify for the credit, it will be issued to you in the form of a check. More information is available at www.tax.ny.gov/star or (518) 457-2036.

You may apply for the Basic STAR or Enhanced STAR tax exemption with the NYC Department of Finance if:

• You owned property and received STAR in 2015-16 but later lost the benefit, and you would like to apply to restore it. Your income must be $250,000 or less to qualify for Basic STAR.
• You currently receive Basic STAR and would like to apply for Enhanced STAR. You may be eligible for Enhanced STAR if you are 65 or older in the calendar year you use. The total income of all owners, resident spouses, or registered domestic partners cannot exceed $98,700.

If you qualify for the exemption, it will be applied to your property tax bill. You will not be issued a check.

How to Apply

If you meet the criteria above, you can apply for the Basic STAR or Enhanced STAR tax exemption with the NYC Department of Finance. You may submit your application online or download the application form (Click "How to apply for the STAR exemption" and download the paper application) on the Property Tax Benefits for Homeowners page.

You may also be eligible for other property tax exemptions.

Exemption or Credit?

If you currently receive STAR or E-STAR as a property tax exemption and earn $250,000 or less, you can register for the STAR credit to receive a check instead. You may obtain a more significant benefit with the credit, as the amount of the STAR credit will increase in the future, but the value of the exemption will not. To learn more, visit www.tax.ny.gov/star or contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at (518) 457-2036.

Each week, we provide new streets and their histories, all reprinted from John McNamara's "History in Asphalt," which gives in-depth origins of how current and former Bronx Streets got their name! I picked the two streets for this week from Wakefield: Osgood Street and Robertson Place.

Osgood Street: Once known as Pell Street, it is hard by the City line at Mount Vernon. This had been named for S. Osgood Pell, a realtor active around 1890 to 1905 in that area, but when this portion of the Bronx was annexed to New York City (1898), there was already a Pell Street in lower Manhattan. This resulted in a change to Osgood Street, which occurred around 1900.

Robertson Place: The Place was named after a landowner, Philip Wilkins Robertson, who is buried in St. Peter's P.E. churchyard since 1850. For the history of the area through which this street passes.

Earthjustice, March 7th, 2024 — Bronx Lawmakers, Union Leaders, and Advocates Call on Gov to Fund Bronx Blooms, Not Fumes!

The Post-Journal, March 8th, 2024 — Assembly Bans Sale Of E-Bikes With Old Lithium Batteries

After months of warning about depleted funds, the Biden administration revealed a new weapons package for Ukraine valued at up to $300 million on Tuesday. Officials attributed the availability of this funding to savings realized in weapons contracts. Despite this allocation, President Biden deemed the package "insufficient" and called on Congress to approve additional funding. The previous aid package for Ukraine from the US was announced back in December. Ukraine's ability to counter Russia in the ongoing conflict has been hampered by the lack of support and weapons supplies from the US, leading to losses in territory and resources. Having redirected its economy towards wartime efforts, Russia has maintained a significant advantage over Ukraine. Meanwhile, as Russia prepares for presidential elections scheduled for Friday, Vladimir Putin is anticipated to secure a fifth term in office amidst the prolonged conflict with Ukraine, now entering its third year.

Last week, I asked, "Do you believe this Texas state law (Senate Bill 4 empowers state law enforcement to arrest and detain individuals suspected of illegally entering the country), if enacted, would help improve the southern border immigration crisis?"

Yes — 42%

No — 53%

Other / No opinion — 5%

NEW LAWS TAKING EFFECT IN MARCH 2024

Effective Date

Chapter

Summary

3/4/2024

Ch. 350 of 2023

A.68-A

S.2140-B

Directs the commissioner of education to issue guidance to school districts for developing programs to attract underrepresented candidates into the teaching profession and to identify funding available to school districts for such purposes.

3/7/2024

Ch. 689 of 2023

A.6156

S.5744

Reopens the age 55 improved benefit retirement program and the 25-year early retirement program to active and retired members and staff of the NYC Council.

3/7/2024

Ch. 691 of 2023

A.6544

S.7444

Provides for the expungement of records in persons needing supervision cases in family court.

3/8/2024

Ch. 652 of 2023

S.1792

A.4349

Designates March 8th each year as a day of commemoration, to be known as International Women's Day.

3/12/2024

Ch. 367 of 2023

A.836

S.2518-A

Prohibits an employer from requesting or requiring that an employee or applicant for employment disclose any user name, password, or other means for accessing a personal account or service through specified electronic communications devices.

3/13/2024

Ch. 433 of 2023

S.5572

A.6796

Increases the threshold for applicability of wage payment protections for certain persons employed in an executive, administrative, or professional capacity from $900 to $1,300 per week.

3/13/2024

Ch. 438 of 2023

S.5959-B

A.5718-B

Allows risk retention groups that meet a minimum surplus requirement and are registered in New York State to offer automobile insurance coverage to nonprofit organizations in this state.

3/18/2024

Ch. 473 of 2023

A.4009-A

S.5965-A

Provides notice of voting rights to persons released from local jails.

3/18/2024

Ch. 477 of 2023

S.587

A.268

It provides for a mandatory training curriculum for poll workers. It requires the state board of elections to develop and deliver materials to each county for a model poll worker training program to train individuals to serve as poll workers in state and county elections.

3/18/2024

Ch. 482 of 2023

A.703-A

S.683-A

Requires notices before changes in energy service pricing.

3/20/2024

Ch. 484 of 2023

A.1967

S.5400

Requires disclosure of information concerning flood insurance on property condition disclosure statements.

3/20/2024

Ch. 674 of 2023

A.358

S.3225

Ch. 61 of 2024

A.8548

S.8006

Requires collecting certain demographic information about the sexual orientation and gender identity or expression of residents by certain state agencies, boards, and commissions.

3/20/2024

Ch.731 of 2023

A.4023-A

S.6088

Ch. 70 of 2024

A.8528

S.8020

Requires a notice to be posted regarding skimming in any sales transaction to protect consumers and those who use electronic benefit transfer cards.

3/21/2024

Ch. 735 of 2023

A.463-A

S.2677-A

Ch. 28 of 2024

A.8501

S.8038

Requires written notice of an adverse determination made by a utilization review agent concerning a step therapy protocol override determination.

3/21/2024

Ch. 757 of 2023

S.2574

A.7164

Chap. 6 of 2024

A.8532

S.8088

Permits a claimant to submit an order determining compensation from the workers' compensation board as proof of disability for purposes of real property tax exemptions. It also allows a locality to adjust the exemption level.

3/27/2024

Ch. 517 of 2023

S.5129-A

A.1077-A

Requires an operator of a motor vehicle to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a vehicle that is parked, stopped, or standing on the shoulder of a parkway or controlled-access highway.

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Events throughout March 2024

Forest Restoration Fridays

Fridays on March 15, 22, and 29 - Meet at 9 am

Dive into spring by helping us remove invasive species like multi-flora rose and garlic mustard. Gear up for some hands-on conservation work and learn about the forest’s ecosystem.

RSVP Now.

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Woodlawn Thursdays

Thursdays on March 14, 21, and 28 - Meet at 9 am

Together, we will combat invasive species, like multi-flora roses, porcelain berries, and more, to prepare for the spring planting season.

RSVP Now.

Meet at Woodlawn Playground.

Goodbye to Winter - Sunset Equinox Walk

Tuesday, March 19 - Meet at 6 pm

This easy, magical equinox sunset hike to Vault Hill and back offers an unforgettable farewell to winter, enriched with plant identification and scenic views. Perfect for those looking to welcome spring with open arms.  Be prepared for a 1.5-mile Advanced Beginner Hike with steep hills: wear hiking footwear; dress in layers; bring a water bottle.

RSVP Now.

Meet at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House.

April Sneak Peek!

Urban Environmental Challenge

Saturday, April 6 - starting at 10 am

Our friends at Van Cortlandt Track Club are hosting a hilly and rugged technical race on the wooded trails of VCP. A portion of race proceeds will be dedicated to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s trail maintenance and youth programs.

Register Now.

Family Fun Day in Woodlawn

Saturday, April 20 - 1 pm to 4 pm

An afternoon of family fun featuring Face Painting, NYRR Mobile Van, Woodland Family Walks, Nature Crafts, Bocce, Games, and more to come!

Check out our event page for more details.

Summer Internships!

Urban Ecology Teens (UET) Internship

UET Crew Leaders

Part-Time • Seasonal

Crew Leaders (2) will work alongside VCPA staff in leading the summer Urban Ecology Teen Internship program (Eco-Teens). Through special projects and enrichment activities, Crew Leaders will teach basic plant identification and lead basic forest, aquatic, and trail restoration work.

Apply Now!

UET Interns

Part-Time • July 1 to August 16, 2024

Urban Ecology Teen Internship (Urban Eco-Teens) is a paid internship for high school students that prepares them for college, stewardship, and natural resource management professions. Interns learn about local flora and fauna, go on nature-focused field trips, and explore green career opportunities with natural resource professionals.

Applications close on April 19, 2024.

Garden 2 Market (G2M) Internship

G2M Crew Leader

Part-Time • Seasonal

The Crew Leader (1) will work alongside VCPA staff in leading the summer Garden 2 Market Internship. The Crew Leader will be responsible for supporting 6 high school G2M interns as they learn how to maintain a garden, run a farm stand, and explore issues of the local food system.

Apply Now!

G2M Interns

Part-Time • July 1 to August 21, 2024

Garden 2 Market (G2M) is a paid internship for high school students where they spend their summer exploring the local food system and building community at VCPA’s garden and market. When we understand where our food comes from and where it goes, we can make better decisions about what we buy and eat!

Applications close on April 12, 2024.

» NYC Parks — Hiring for the Summer!

• Help keep the Bronx's green spaces beautiful and safe!

• If you have a driver's license, we are looking for City Park Workers at a salary of $20.89 an hour. We also have City Seasonal Aide positions available for non-drivers at $18.00 an hour.

• For quick application to these positions, scan the code on the flyer or to the right or visit bit.ly/parks24bx

» NYC Parks — Pitch in for Bronx Ballfields!

• Saturday, March 23rd, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Join your fellow leagues, teams, players, and spectators in volunteering to clean up fields and courts in parks across The Bronx. Help maintain and beautify our shared green spaces!

• Tools and gloves will be provided. Participants should wear long, comfortable clothing and bring water bottles.

• Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or to the right or click here

• For accessibility information, contact Joyce Ramirez by March 20th at (718) 430-1857 or Joyce.Ramirez@parks.nyc.gov

» Manhattan College — Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Presentation on Myeloma in the Black Community: What is it and why there is hope, March 26th

• The event will occur on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Manhattan College, Kelly Commons—5th Floor, (3900 Waldo Avenue, Bronx, NY.)

• Registration is required. Complimentary breakfast is provided.

• About this program: Multiple myeloma is the most common form of blood cancer in the Black community, with Black Americans carrying twice the risk of any other race or ethnicity to develop the disease. Join the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to learn more about myeloma and what to do if you suspect you or your loved one may have it. Participants will learn about current treatment options and the supportive resources available to those with a diagnosis.

• Check-in is between 9:00 AM and 9:45 AM. Hot breakfast and a resources fair are from 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM, and the Program begins at 10:15 AM.

• To register, visit na.eventscloud.com/Mar26/ , scan the QR code in the top right corner or on the poster, contact Andrea Nangie at Andrea.Nangle@LLS.org or call (631) 370-7532

» KRVC — GALLERY 505 Presents "Daylight Tibbetts En Plein Air," A Solo Exhibit By Noel Hefele, January 4th - March 29th

• Art Exhibit located at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• Gallery Hours are Friday from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM, viewings by appointment

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» 9/11 Memorial & Museum — Spring 2024 Field Trips, FREE for New York City Schools, Started January 16th

• Reservations are now open for Spring 2024 field trips at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Beginning January 16, we'll offer interactive on-site and virtual programs that help students understand what happened on 9/11 and its ongoing relevance today.

•Thanks to public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, both on-site and virtual field trips are FREE for New York City schools. Proof of eligibility will be determined using a school’s zip code and subsequently confirmed by Museum staff.  

•Fill out a booking request form to plan your on-site student field trip to the Museum. To schedule a virtual field trip, visit our Virtual Field Trips page. Space is limited for all programs, and requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs are appropriate for students in grades 3 through 12. We look forward to welcoming you!

» KRVC — Community Karaoke at KRVC, February 2024

• Fridays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• All ages and all languages are welcome. Bring your snacks and support your local food spots.

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» NYC Parks — The BE BOLD Afterschool Dance Program, February 12th - May 1st, 2024

• Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Willliamsbridge Oval Recreation Center (3225 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY).

• NYC Parks, in partnership with the Misty Copeland Foundation, invites children ages 6 - 13 years to enroll in the BE BOLD afterschool Dance program, which is a fun introductory ballet class with live music. The BE BOLD program offers a new approach to afterschool dance education, and our core values are Leadership, Curiosity, Kindness, Knowledge, Persistence, and an Appreciation of Dance and Music. Please register with Tatiyana.Lewis@parks.nyc.gov or call (718) 543-8672.

• Participants must have an NYC Parks Recreation Center Membership. Membership is free for youth and young adults 24 years and under.

• For more information, call (718) 543-8672, Tatiyana.Lewis@parks.nyc.gov, or visit nyc.gov/parks. Contact accessibility@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 360-1430 for more information regarding accessibility.

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Springtime Shingdig! May 16th

Save the Date: Springtime Shindig is on Thursday, May 16!

Join us!

Cocktails • Lite Bites • Dessert

Music • Picturesque Setting • Raffle

HONOREES

Betty Campbell-Adams Park Angel Award:

Nina Habib Spencer

Carol J. Samol

Cultivating the Bronx Award:

Daylighting Tibbetts Brook Team

NYC Parks, Natural Resources Group

Department of Environmental Protection

Hazen and Sawyer

Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects & Planners

Bronx Council for Environmental Quality 

Tickets: $300

Sponsorship from $1,000

Journal ads from $250

Proceeds from the Springtime Shindig support Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Education programs for Bronx kids and teens, ecological restoration and research, and community stewardship programs in Van Cortlandt Park.

The painting above is part of the “Daylighting Tibbetts en Plein Air” by Noel Hefele.

» E-ZPass NY — 24/7 E-ZPass NY Account Access!

• Preparing for a trip or already on the road? Forget to add that new license plate before your vacation? Want to check your balance? Is your account balance low? No worries! Use our Tolls NY Mobile App.

• Real-time payments and account updates are made without speaking to a representative.

• Scan the QR code or click the link below to easily download the app from the App Store or Google Play today!

Please visit our YouTube channel to learn more by clicking here.

Stay updated through X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

3107 Kingsbridge Avenue

Bronx, New York 10463

Phone: 718-796-5345 | E-Mail: dinowitzj@nyassembly.gov