Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.

org to receive updates via email

Friday, May 23
rd
, 2014

Dear Neighbor,

Well, you certainly cant say theres nothing going on uptown! Its impossible to list everything in the district, but
here are 57 varieties for getting informed, inspired, involved +/or entertained, including cultural events
throughout the district this weekend and next week, including the beginning of free Sunday kayaking on the
Hudson in Inwood, KidsCinemaFest, Memorial Day commemorations, next weeks much-awaited ArtStroll kickoff
event at the Highbridge Tower Plaza, an uptown community-wide clean-up next weekend, morning Tai Chi in the
park, and much more!

For those of you who use the sweet little Dolphin Park at 180
th
& Cabrini Blvd., Im pleased to report that the Port
Authority is postponing the renovation of same until the end of the season (Sept. 1
st
). Having attended the 20
th

anniversary celebration last weekend, the PA saw how much the park means to our communitys families, and how
upset they were at the prospect of the temporary closure for construction. The PA has assured our office that the
equipment is in storage and ready to be installed, and that the renovation including a fully ADA-compliant
playground with new equipment, safety matting and benches will proceed after Labor Day. The park will open
weekends in May (weather permitting) as well as everyday afternoons (3:30pm-6:30pm) during June, July &
August. (As of now, the park will not be open mornings.) Thanks to Jeanlee Poggi for her continued advocacy.

Best wishes for a peaceful Memorial Day. While the weekend has become a time for picnics, BBQs and sales, please
do take a moment to reflect on those who made (and continue to make) the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts around
the globe, in an effort to protect freedom and democracy.

Scroll down for information about things happening:
This weekend (4 items)
Memorial Day (3 items)
Next week (10 items)
Next weekend (8 items)
Looking ahead / Save-the-Date! (13 items)
How You Can Help (2 items): share your money / stuff / time
Educational & vocational opportunities (5 items)
Road & transit information (3 items)
News, information, opportunities & ongoing events (3 items)
Update on the LG USA Palisades (6 items)

Please share this e-mail with friends/neighbors. If you know someone whod like to subscribe, have them e-mail me
with their ZIP code. If you have an event youd like to list here, email Liz the details at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org
(text or .doc format, please, not .pdf or .jpg).



Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org to receive updates via email
***THIS WEEKEND*** (4 items)
SATURDAY (1 item)
La Guagua: What is a Gag/Rara? TINGO: Grita Fuerte presents another night for embracing, learning, and
celebrating ancestral ceremony, with this fundraising event to generate funds for "A bus for the Gag la Ceja."
Come see the documentary Gag Batey San Luis, directed and produced by Boynayel Mota, a filmmaker,
photographer, producer, and percussionist who has presented her work in Canada, New York, Mexico, Brazil, and
Colombia. Then stay for a panel that will include Genaro Ozuna, Nina Paulino, Marimer Berberena, and others. By
serving as a channel for culture, art, and solidarity work, TINGO engages in conversations and celebrates their roles
as Afro womyn "to create bridges of equality in this capitalist society and to connect all African descendants in one
voice." Read more about the bus for the Gag la Ceja at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-bus-for-the-gaga-
la-ceja. Snacks will be served. At Word Up Community Bookshop, 2113 Amsterdam Ave. @ W. 165
th
St. Saturday,
May 24
th
, 3pm 6pm


SUNDAY (3 items)
Free Kayaking with the Inwood Canoe Club We'll be starting our annual summer Sunday public kayaking program
on May 25
th
. Every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, the Inwood Canoe Club invites
members of the public who can swim to join us for a guided, 20-25 minute kayak tour of the Hudson River just
north of the George Washington Bridge. We paddle from 10:00 to 12:00, but guests are asked to arrive between
9:30 and 11:15 to ensure they get a spot. No prior experience is needed, and all equipment is provided. For more
information, visit www.inwoodcanoenyc.org.

FREE Monthly Film Series! Cine Art Entertainment Productions, Alianza Dominincana, City Councilman Ydanis
Rodriguez and Catholic Charities are pleased to announce KidCienmaFests Year-Round Children, Teens & Families
Film . This new program will offer a lineup of educational, creative, fun and culturally diverse films for children and
young people from around the world. It will include a range of genres from fiction, animation, documentaries, and
short films. Best of all, this event is totally FREE for all children and families! This month: Une Vie de Chat / A Cat in
Paris (animated; ages 6+), a beautifully hand-drawn caper set in the shadow-drenched alleyways of Paris. Dino is a
cat that lives a double life. During daylight, he lives with Zoe, a little girl whose mother is a detective in the Parisian
police force and at night, Dino sneaks out the window to work with Nico, a slinky cat burglar with a big heart. At
the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center located (530 W. 166
th
St. at Amsterdam Ave.). Sunday, May 25
th
at 2pm

Know Your Rights Workshop The Justice Committee is a Latino/a -led organization dedicated to building a
movement against police violence and systemic racism in New York City. Our organizing strategies include
leadership development, political education, base-building, and direct action, as well as resource development and
service provision to meet the immediate needs of victims and their families. Recognizing that true power can only
be exercised by unified communities, we prioritize developing the leadership of both youth and elders. We also
prioritize building strategic alliances with other anti-racist, immigrant, and people of colorled organizations to
build a broad-based movement for social justice in New York City. This training will cover basic information about
your legal rights when approached by law enforcement and suggestions on how to conduct yourself in these
situations. At Word Up Community Bookshop, 2113 Amsterdam Ave. @ W. 165
th
St. Sunday, May 25
th
, 3pm
6pm.



***MEMORIAL DAY*** (3 items)
Memorial Day Celebration at Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument Riverside Drive & W. 89
th
Street. Harold Holzer is the
2014 Featured Speaker and is one of the country's leading authorities on Abraham Lincoln and the political culture
of the Civil War era. He is serving currently as the first Roger Hertog Fellow at The New-York Historical Society and
is the Senior Vice President at the Metropolitan Museum. Sponsored by The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial
Association. The annual ceremony at the Monument has become the citys largest and most solemn remembrance
of Memorial Day. Built in 1902, the Monument paid homage to New Yorkers who served the Union in the Civil
War. More than one hundred years later New Yorkers now gather in memory of all those who have served our
Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org to receive updates via email
country, and in the spirit of Memorial Day as a ritual of reflection, celebration and remembrance. All welcome.
Free. Monday, May 26
th
, 10am noon

Inwood Memorial Day Parade New York Citys oldest Memorial Day parade goes along Broadway from Dyckman
to Isham, turns up the hill on Isham and into Inwood Hill Park for a wreath-laying ceremony. Come out to wave a
flag (or just wave) at those participating in the parade in remembrance of those men and women who gave their
lives in service to our Country. Monday, May 26
th
beginning at noon.

Memorial Weekend Music Marathon featuring the Jamaica Rebirth Band Come join us at Riverbank State Park for
fun and celebration. Honor Memorial Day and Riverbanks 21
st
anniversary. Free and open to the public. Rain or
shine! Riverbank State Park, W. 145
th
St. & Riverside Drive. For more information visit www.nysparks.com.
Monday, May 26
th
, 1:30pm 5pm.



***NEXT WEEK*** (10 items)
I am New York Juan Rodriguez by NoMAA grantee Organic Magnetics. Performance tells the story of NYCs first
immigrant. El Museo del Barrio 1230 5 Ave @ 104 St. Free. For more information visit
http://www.organicmagnetics.com/current/. Tuesday, May 27
th
at noon (student matinee) & Wednesday, May
28
th
at 7:30pm.

ArtStroll kickoff celebration Each year NoMAA selects outstanding people and/or organizations from the
community to honor during the Uptown Arts Stroll. In 2014, we are excited and pleased to announce this years
honorees: Annette Aguilar, drummer, musician, band leader and educator; Ren de los Santos, visual artist and
arts activist; Sky Pape, internationally renowned visual artist and an ardent nature-nerd, culture-hound, and pom-
pom waver for creative folks of all stripes; and Janifer Wilson, writer and owner of Sisters Uptown Bookstore.
These honorees exemplify the amazing talent and professional excellence of our diverse arts hub. We are proud of
their achievements! At the water tower plaza in Highbridge Park (enter at W. 172
nd
St. & Amsterdam Ave.),
Thursday, May 29
th
, 6pm - 8:30pm.

Up the Hudson: Paintings by J. Gregory Coutinho Curated by Jeff Hoppa, and on view at the Indian Road Caf, 600
W. 218
th
St. through May 31
st
. Opening reception May 27
th
, at 6:30pm - 8:30pm.

Shakespeares As You Like It New York Classical presents Shakespeare in the Park a little closer to home, in the
northern end of Central Park, at W. 103
rd
St. & Central Park West. NY Classical, celebrates the Bards 450
th

birthday, and 15 years of great Shakespeare for free to New Yorkers in various public settings; our mandate is to
make classical theatre accessible to everyone. Previews May 27
th
& 28
th
at 7pm. Performances Thursday, May
29
th
through Sunday, June 22
nd
(Thu-Sun only) at 7pm.

Gematria in the Art of Ric Pliego This exhibit showcases a survey of the artists work over the years, including his
emblematic paintings as well as his intricate, evocative assemblage works. His latest series of paintings features
strikingly vibrant works on canvas inspired by gematria, the Assyro-Babylonian system of numerology later
adopted by Jews which assigns numerical value to a word or phrase, in the belief that words or phrases with
identical numerical values bear some relation to each other, or bear some relation to the number itself as it may
apply to a person's age, the calendar year, or the like. Curated by Andrea Arroyo. At the Grady Alexis Gallery, El
Taller Latino Americano, 2710 Broadway (@ W. 104
th
St.) 3
rd
floor. For more information, call 212-665-9460 or visit
http://tallerlatino.org/ArtExhibits.php. Gallery hours: Mon-Thur: 10am to 5:30pm, Fri: 10:30am to 2:30pm, Sat:
10am to 3pm, or by appointment. Free and open to the public. Meet the Artist Reception Wednesday, May 28
th
,
6pm - 8pm; exhibit on view through June 21
st
. Description:

Delving into Inwood Hill's Past Join Sidney Horenstein, geologist and Educator Emeritus at the American Museum
of Natural History as he leads his geology, history and natural history walk through Inwood Park. Stroll through the
Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org to receive updates via email
park and discover its historical features, still visible today, as well as its outstanding rock exposures and trees.
Meet at the Seaman Avenue and Isham Street entrance to Inwood Hill Park. Wednesday, May 28
th
, 6pm - 8pm.

Engaging the Harlem River: NYRP EDGEucation Pavilion & Sherman Creek Park In July 2013, New York Restoration
Project (NYRP) launched the EDGEucation Pavilion Design Competition, inviting eight emerging New York City
architecture firms to create designs for a storm-resilient education and recreation center in Sherman Creek Park.
Images of the winning design, by Brooklyn-based firm Bade Stageberg Cox, will be installed at the Highbridge Rec
Center next week in time for the Arts Stroll, and will remain on display for viewing by the community. The
EDGEucation Pavilion will reside in Sherman Creek Park, behind and just south of PS. 5, near Dyckman Street on
the Harlem River. In addition to expanded education programs, the pavilion will be available for use by community
groups, and the boat storage facility will enable increased local participation in Harlem River oriented activities.
The EDGEucation Pavilion represents a new vision for the Harlem River, connecting the community to its
waterfront and fostering environmental and social resilience. At the Highbridge Park Rec Center, Amsterdam Ave.
@ W. 174
th
St., beginning May 29
th
.

Music in the Time of Joaqun Sorolla: Towards a New Spain (1854-1936) Interpreted by Anna Tonna, mezzo-
soprano, with Eva Len (violin), Emilio Gonzalez Sanz (piano) and Francisco Ruertes (recite). Free, but space is
limited! At the Hispanic Society of America, Broadway between W. 155
th
& W. 156
th
Streets. Reception to follow.
RSVP: friends@hispanicsociety.org / 212-926-2234 x250. Thursday, May 29
th
at 7pm.

ArtStroll Kick-Off Celebration honoring Annette Aguilar, Ren de los Santos, Sky Pape and Janifer Wilson.
Performances by the WHIN Music Project, Broadway Performing Arts Center, Organic Magnetics / I Am New York
Juan Roriguez, Zeo Muoz and Obrien Luna. Pop up art exhibit curated by Rosa Naparstek. Free and open to the
public. At the High Bridge Water Tower Plaza in Highbridge Park, Amsterdam Ave. @ W. 172
nd
St. Thursday, May
29
th
, 6pm 8pm.

Crowdfunding Workshop The workshop will explain the latest developments in using Crowdfunding as a source of
revenue. There will be a presentation of the most recent federal and state laws regarding Crowdfunding as well as
the merits of trying to establish your own platform or to hire an entity to complete your website use of
crowdfunding. The ins and outs of using this relatively new method of generating revenue will be covered; there
will be ample opportunity for questions. Examples of successful crowdfunding will be presented by Robert Izzo,
Director of Minority and Women Business Services, New York Womens Chamber of Commerce. This workshop is
for profits and non-profits. At Columbia Universitys Uris Hall, room 141. Friday, May 30
th
, 9am 11am.



***NEXT WEEKEND*** (8 items)
Chancellor's Parent Conference Series The Department of Education, in partnership with the Coalition for
Educational Justice (CEJ), will be hosting a series of Parent Conferences. The purpose of these Parent Conferences
is to empower parents as leaders, and to reinforce the essential role of parents in their childrens academic
success. Free breakfast and child care for children 5+ are provided; on-site interpretation available upon request.
For more information, visit:
http://schools.nyc.gov/ParentsFamilies/welcomeslider/ChancellorsParentConferences.htm
Elementary School Conference at the Long Island City High School, 14-30 Broadway, Queens. Saturday, May
31
st
, 8am 1pm.
Middle School Conference at the Van Siclen Community Middle School, 800 Van Siclen Ave., Brooklyn.
Saturday, June 7
th
, 8am 1pm.

The Annual Spring Clean is looking for community groups or individuals to volunteer to make an impact on their
community. We will be covering from Marble Hill to W. 152
nd
Street. If you are interested in forming a group, or
joining one of the already formed groups, please contact Allison James atallisonnyc@gmail.com. Include your
group name if applicable as well as area you would like to be involved in cleaning. We are creating sub-groups in
Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org to receive updates via email
Marble Hill, Inwood, Hudson Heights, Eastern Washington Heights and Lower Washington Heights. All supplies
provided by Department of Sanitation. Let's clean the streets and be proud of the community we live in! Saturday,
May 31
st
, 9:30am - 1pm.

As Fit As a Troll: an educational music program teaching children about good eating and exercise habits. Based on
First Lady Michelle Obamas Lets Move program. Story and acting characters accompanied by the Scandia String
Quartet. In Fort Tryon Parks Anne Loftus Playground (Dyckman/200
th
St. @ Broadway). For more information go
to www.forttryonparktrust.org or www.nyscandia.org. Saturday, May 31
st
at 2pm.

Baroque Cello Recital Anthony Albrecht, an Australian cellist and 2014 graduate of Juilliards Historical Program,
will present a farewell recital featuring a repertoire of favorites studied during his time in New York City. All
proceeds will go towards the restoration of Morris-Jumel Mansion. At the Morris-Jumel Mansion, located
between W. 160
th
and W. 162
nd
Streets just east of St. Nicholas Ave. Admission is pay-what-you-wish donation,
call 212-923-8008 to reserve. Saturday, May 31
st
, 3pm 5pm.

Salute to Israel Parade The Hebrew Tabernacle of Washington Heights is just one of the many, many synagogues
and Jewish organizations throughout the City marching. Marchers assembly time is 11:50 am, at Section 4EA (E.
54
th
St., btw Madison & Park Avenues). Please be on time and carry as little as possible for security reasons.
Natanya Herzenstein is the contact person for American Zionist Movement (AZM), (240-888-5858), or you may
leave a message at the Tabernacle, 212-568-8304. Sunday June 1
st
.

Heroes of the Harlem: Row New York a nonprofit that provides competitive rowing and academic support to
youth from underserved areas. We are hosting a very family-friendly day beginning with an NYPD/FDNY Heroes of
the Harlem race on the Harlem River, followed by activities at our boathouse in Washington Heights (3579 Harlem
River Drive at Dyckman St.). There will be tours of the boathouse, rowing lessons, face painting and games for kids,
and a picnic. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Margaret Cordi at 917-589-6621 or 718-
433-3075 or visit http://rownewyork.org/events/heroes-row/. Sunday, June 1
st
, 11am 5pm.

12
th
Annual DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON: A Native American Festival and Multicultural Celebration featuring
Manhattans only open air pow-wow, performances of world dance and drumming traditions, Native American
crafts, storytelling, and international cuisine. In keeping with the underlying theme of environmental awareness
and education, the festival also will have an Environmental Tent, with appearances by Captain Planet, and a free
bicycle valet for attendees who bike to the park. We take time out to honor individuals and organizations for their
contributions to environmental and humanitarian causes. This year's honoree is President and Founder of the
American Indian Law Alliance Tonya Gonnella Frichner, Esq. (Onondaga). We will also plant a Tree of Peace in a
ceremony, officiated by Mohawk Elder Tom Porter, which pays tribute to the memory of community leaders we
have lost in the previous year. (Co-)Hosted by WABC-TVs Sandra Bookman, Mara Schiavocampo of ABCs Good
Morning America & World News, and pop culture blogger Patrick L. Riley. This event is FREE to the public and is
presented by Lotus Music & Dance in collaboration with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation,
sponsored in part by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New York City Council. In Inwood
Hill Parks Gaelic Field; enter at W. 218
th
St. & Indian Road. Sunday, June 1
st
, 11am 6pm, RAIN OR SHINE!

Novels with a Social Conscience: A Book Discussion Group at Word Up. Join us to discuss Chinua Achebe's Things
Fall Apart (1959, 209 pp.), which focuses on the impact of colonialism and Christian missionaries on an African
village. Please prepare in advance by reading this novel. At Word Up Community Bookshop, 2113 Amsterdam
Avenue @ West 165th St. Info: 347-688-3456. Sunday, June 1
st
, 3pm to 5pm.



***LOOKING AHEAD / SAVE THE DATE*** (13 items)
Harlem Tourism 2014: Identifying Uptown Tourism Meccas Get to understand tourisms direct economic impact
on jobs, business development and arts & culture. Discussion items include: jobs and career opportunities;
restaurants; hotel developments; business development major events and activities; arts & culture organizations;
Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org to receive updates via email
Broadway theater; museums & historical sites. With presentations honoring Sylvias Restaurant and the National
Parks Service. Free and open to the public, but space is limited; RSVP by May 29
th
. (Call 347-735-4280 or email
jasmin@harlemaa.org or visit www.harlemdiscover.com/nyctourism2014. At the Schomburg Center for Research
in Black Culture, 135
th
St. & Malcolm X Blvd. Monday, June 2
nd
at 5:30pm.

Ever wanted to decide how to spend your tax dollars? Well now you can! Together we will discuss local needs,
develop proposals, and vote on projects worth over a million dollars in improvements to Council District 7. It's
called Participatory Budgeting and you can learn more about how it works at pbnyc.org. In order to make wise
decisions and get input from everyone in the community, the process will take place over the course of a year,
beginning in just a few weeks. I hope you can make it to one of our three upcoming planning meetings; your input
is vital to getting it started! Monday, June 2
nd
, 7pm-8:30pm in the Auditorium of PS 163 (163 W. 97
th
St., btw
Amsterdam/Columbus); Tuesday, June 3
rd
, 7pm-9pm at the Wilson Major Morris Center (459 W. 152
nd
St., btw
Amsterdam/St. Nick); Wednesday, June 4
th
, 7pm-8:30pm in the Auditorium of PS 192 (500 W. 138
th
St., btw
Amsterdam/Broadway). For more information or to RSVP contact Jack Sztrigler: pbudgetlevine@gmail.com / 212-
928-6814.

Housing Workshop on Succession Rights (GRCC) Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Councilwoman Helen
Rosenthal, Goddard Riverside's SRO Law Project, and The Urban Justice Center host a monthly housing clinic. There
will be a presentation, followed by a question and answer session, and an opportunity to meet with a staff
attorney to provide free, bilingual legal advice on specific issues. The event is free and open to the public. At the
Goddard Riverside Community Center, 593 Columbus Avenue (between 88
th
& 89
th
Streets). For questions, call the
Urban Justice Center at 646-459-3017. Wednesday, June 4
th
, from 6pm to 8pm.

Sounds of Scandinavia US premiere of a commission by the Scandia Symphony. FREE! Details to follow. Friday,
June 5
th
at 8pm.

Hike the Heights Saturday, June 7
th
; details to follow.

Tales from Around the World, presented by Pied Piper Childrens Theatres. June 7 / 8 / 14 / 15; details to follow.

Big Green Gym Day Sunday, June 8
th
; details to follow.

Scandinavian Music Festival on Sundays June 8
th
, 15
th
& 22
nd
at 2pm in Ft. Tryon Park; details to follow.

Tenants Forum Wednesday, June 11
th
. Details to follow; info: 212-928-6814 / fmalena@council.nyc.gov.

Storm the Palace! Tuesday, June 17
th
. Details to follow; info at www.peoplestheatreproject.org.

A Toast to Fort Tryon Park / Wine Tasting Fundraiser Thursday, June 19
th
, 6:30-9:00pm; details to follow. Tickets
are on sale now at www.FortTryonParkTrust.org.

Word Ups 3
rd
Birthday Saturday, June 21
st
; details to follow.

3
rd
Annual Literacy Across Harlem March, Book Drive & Community Celebration: "East to West, Past to Present,
Reading and Writing Our Way to a Bright Future." Click here for more information, and register now!
http://totalequitynowharlem.org/programs/literacy-across-harlem/literacy-across-harlem-march/. Saturday,
September 20, 2014 1pm-4pm



***HOW YOU CAN HELP*** (2 items)
Uptown ArtStroll starts next week, and the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) needs your help!
Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org to receive updates via email
1. Opening Reception on Thursday, May 29
th
, arrive at 4:30pm to Highbridge Park on Amsterdam Avenue &
W. 172
nd
Street to setup for 6pm start. Enjoy food, beverages, and performances with us!
2. Hike the Heights/Ephemeral Arts Project on Saturday, June 7
th
, arrive at 10am to Highbridge Park, Sunken
Playground, Amsterdam Avenue & W. 167
th
Street.
3. Health Fair for Artists on Saturday, June 28
th
from 12-4pm at Children's Hospital on the northwest corner
Broadway & W. 165
th
Street
4. Exhibit for visual grantees at NoMAA Gallery on Tuesday, June 17, 5-8:30pm at NoMAA, 178 Bennett
Avenue at W. 189
th
Street
5. Closing Reception BBQ on Monday, June 30
th
, arrive at 6pm to NoMAA, 178 Bennett Avenue at W. 189
th

Street, setup for 7pm start.

If you are able to volunteer at any of these events, please contact Martin Collins, Volunteer ArtStroll Coordinator,
NoMAA, 178 Bennett Avenue, NYC 10040 / 212-568-4396 / artstroll@nomaanyc.org.

Cocktails on the Hudson: Inwood Canoe Club invites you to join us for drinks and appetizers on our boathouse
deck overlooking the beautiful Palisades. Help support our community programs! $40 by May 31
st
; $50 thereafter;
kids 12 and under get in free! Members will donating an amazing array of services and skills, from cleaning and
cooking squid to Ethiopian chili, guided museum and park tours, how to brew beer lessons, artwork, resume help
and lots of kayak/canoe/paddleboard lessons and tours. Win something memorable. Donations still accepted!
Please send entrance fee or contribution of any amount to the Inwood Canoe Club, PO Box 562, New York, NY
10034. Make Checks payable to Inwood Canoe Club. Please include your email address for electronic ticket. For
more information contact officers@inwoodcanoeclub.com or visit www.inwoodcanoenyc.org. At the Inwood
Canoe Club, on the Hudson River south of La Marina at Dykman St. June 7
th
, 3pm 7pm.



***EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES *** (5 items)
Chancellor's Parent Conference Series The Department of Education, in partnership with the Coalition for
Educational Justice (CEJ), will be hosting a series of Parent Conferences. The purpose of these Parent Conferences
is to empower parents as leaders, and to reinforce the essential role of parents in their childrens academic
success. Free breakfast and child care for children 5+ are provided; on-site interpretation available upon request.
For more information, visit:
http://schools.nyc.gov/ParentsFamilies/welcomeslider/ChancellorsParentConferences.htm
Elementary School Conference at the Long Island City High School, 14-30 Broadway, Queens. Saturday, May
31
st
, 8am 1pm.
Middle School Conference at the Van Siclen Community Middle School, 800 Van Siclen Ave., Brooklyn.
Saturday, June 7
th
, 8am 1pm.

State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) at the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Columbia
University, College of Physicians and Surgeons is recruiting NYC high school students for the 2014-2015 academic
year. S-PREP is a rigorous academic year program designed for students who are who are seriously interested in
pursuing a career in medicine or related health professions. Students must be a New York residents who are
minority (e.g., Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Alaskan Native) or economically disadvantaged (see economic
eligibility guidelines) enrolled in high school grades 912. The long range objective of the program is to increase
the number of minority physicians and health care professionals. The program offers a schedule of basic and
medical science courses. The courses may include, but are not limited to the following: anatomy, biochemistry,
embryology, calculus, chemistry, genetics, neuroscience, organic chemistry, physics, physiology, and pre-calculus.
In addition, the program offers a SAT preparation course provided by Kaplan. Classes start in October of the
academic year and are held on Saturdays, in morning and afternoon sessions. Medical, dental, and graduate
students serve as course preceptors. In addition to the rigorous academic schedule, the program offers mandatory
college preparation and career development workshops, college counseling services, field trips and college tours.
Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org to receive updates via email
Download the application here: http://ps.columbia.edu/education/node/1996; deadline is Tuesday, July 22
nd
. If
you have any questions, email sprep-ps@columbia.edu.

UHURU Harlem Academy provides academic support to 4
th
, 5
th
& 6
th
grades students by offering a culturally
relevant educational program in science, math and literacy, and including history and culture about Harlem and
African-American heroes. The program has a rolling enrollment, so deadline hasn't passed. FREE! At St. Lukes
Episcopal Church, 435 W. 141
st
St. @ Convent Ave. For more information, call 646-963-3877. Saturdays through
June 21
st
, 10am noon.

2
nd
Annual Michael Perelstein Memorial Scholarship Fund: a $20,000 Scholarship fund created to support New
York City school children (grades 2-8) to pursue their unique passions and talents. Michael Perelstein was a
devoted dad who watched his children pursue their passions in nontraditional fields while simultaneously
achieving financial security. Observing the paths of his kids, he realized the importance of nurturing passion and
talent and even switched careers himself to support his own interests. Perelstein passed away at age 56; the
scholarship fund established in his honor by his wife, Elizabeth Perelstein, is built around the concept of supporting
the passions and talents of children. The Discover Your Passion Competition will award the grand prize winner
$5,000 toward his or her pursuit; three second place winners will receive $3,500, and three third place winners will
receive $1,500, for a total of $20,000. Finalists will be selected from each of two age categories: 2
nd
- 5
th
grade; 6
th
-
8
th
grade. The scholarship winners will be announced and awarded their prizes in October in New York City. For
complete information about the scholarship and to apply see schoolchoicegroup.com. To read about the 2013
scholarship winners, visit http://findingschools.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-01-02T11:13:00-
05:00&max-results=3. Application deadline is September 8
th
; for more info, go to
http://www.schoolsearchsolutions.com/discoveryourpassion/.

Sunrise Tai Chi is Back! Join us for Sunrise Tai Chi classes overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades with Robert
Martinez, certified Tai Chi Instructor. Suitable for all levels. Wear comfy clothing and bring water. Heavy rain and
weather/air advisory cancels. Meets on the Linden Terrace in Fort Tryon Park. Wednesdays at 6:30am - 7:30am.



***ROAD & TRANSIT INFO*** (3 items)
Temporary Relocation of Bx3 Stop During GWB Bus Station Construction: The TutorPerini Corp. requested and
received a Bx3 bus stop adjustment from NYC DOT for the duration of construction (June 2, 2014 to January 1,
2015) at the Port Authority GWB Bus Terminal. The northbound Bx3 stop on Broadway between W. 178
th
and W.
179
th
Streets will be eliminated and installed on Broadway between W. 179
th
& W. 180
th
Streets.

Night-time Lane Closure on the Cross Bronx Expressway ramp (of the northbound Major Deegan Expressway) due
to installation of scaffolding on the High Bridge. Be prepared for traffic delays; use alternate routes. Flaggers will
be posted near the High Bridge work site. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times. Weather and
field conditions permitting. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to be added to the electronic
Neighborhood Notification list, please contact the Department of Design & Construction liaison, Marlyn Nuez at
718-588-2564 or email highbridgeccl@gmail.com. (During non-construction hours, call 311.) Beginning on/about
Wednesday, May 29
th
from 1am 5am.

Night-time Lane Closure on the Trans-Manhattan Expressway (southbound, near the High Bridge) due to steel
erection for the High Bridge Rehabilitation Project. Be prepared for traffic delays; use alternate routes. Flaggers
will be posted near the High Bridge work site. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times. Weather
and field conditions permitting. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to be added to the electronic
Neighborhood Notification list, please contact the Department of Design & Construction liaison, Marlyn Nuez at
718-588-2564 or email highbridgeccl@gmail.com. (During non-construction hours, call 311.) Beginning on/about
11pm Thursday, May 29
th
through 9am Saturday, May 31
st
.


Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org to receive updates via email

***NEWS, INFORMATION, OPPORTUNITIES & ONGOING EVENTS*** (3 items)
Join a CSA! A CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) share lets you get quality produce direct from the farmer,
while you help the farmer by providing income at the beginning of the growing season, when they need it most. A
one-time payment of $520 gets you 22 weeks of produce. (Half-shares, i.e., every-other=-week) also available, as
are shares of eggs. The recent meet-the-farmer event was lovely! Farmer Ben said things are growing nicely and
we will be having a bounty of produce for our inaugural season! The dates for CSA pick-up have been finalized,
generally Wednesdays from June 11
th
through November 5
th
, with some adjustments for holidays as the pick-up
location is a synagogue. There are still some opening in the CSA. We will be extending the deadline, i.e. waiving the
late fee until June 1
st
. CSA participants do not need to be members of the Mt. Sinai Jewish Center. All CSA
members are expected to sign up for volunteer shifts during the season. To join, or for more information, email
csa.msjc@gmail.com.

Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union is a certified Community Development Credit Union and Low Income
credit union, NTFCU is the only financial institution in the Washington Heights-Inwood & West Harlem which
providing critical financial services to low-income consumers within their community. Our CDFI investment area is
densely populated (290,000+ in 2010), a poverty rate of 24.8%, and a current unemployment rate of 11.6%.
Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Unions strategic goals are intertwined with the needs of its community, an
overwhelmingly very low income, immigrant Latino population whose use of predatory financial services keeps
them mired in poverty. NTFCUs goals focus on increasing market penetration, working with our partner,
Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners (NTFP) to help bring Target Market households into the financial
mainstream. NTFCUs success depends on empowering the members of its community through on-site financial
counseling and responsible use of specially tailored financial products and services.

Farm-Fresh Produce Delivered to You We wanted to inform you of a new and exciting program we are starting
with Corbin Hill Farm. They will be delivering fresh picked fruit and vegetables from their partnering farms weekly
and delivering to the YM/YWHA of Washington Heights/Inwood (54 Nagle Ave.) from June 18-November 19. You
may select a medium share of 8-11 seasonal vegetable and fruit items which feeds 1-2 people for $18 per week or
a larger package which feeds 3-4 people for $27 per week. You need not make any advance payment (unless you
choose to do so), can order each week for the following delivery and can enter at any point in the season. Packages
will be available on Wednesdays from 5:00-7:30pm. There are no formal requirements about volunteering, but we
would appreciate your help, if you join, to be present at distribution. You may register directly with Corbin Hill at:
www.corbinhillfoodproject.org or call 646-254-2250. They accept cash, credit cards and food stamps. This is
another great opportunity to purchase fruit and vegetates at very low cost. We hope you will join us.



***LG/USA PALISADES UPDATE*** (6 items)

Please note in your calendars some important upcoming dates, and ways you can get involved. The Event
Committee of Protect the Palisades.org encourages members and supporters to participate in the public events
listed below to spread the word about LG's development and its threat to the historical and landmarked Palisades.

1) We are asking the public to consider carefully the character of the company from which they chose to buy
their cell phones, TVs, washing machines, etc. This is not a "boycott."
2) Read more about NJ Preservation's designation of the Palisades as an endangered historical site:
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2014/05/njs_10_most_endangered_historic_sites_list_selected_by
_preservation_new_jersey.html#incart_m-rpt-1
3) Joining the Protect the Palisades Meetup group will let you know about events and make it easy to
register for them, and will help us gather new supporters. It is especially important for those who are
coordinating events to join our Meetup Group:http://www.meetup.com/Protect-the-Palisades/. To do
this, create a user ID and password. Your actual email address will remain anonymous and you can choose
Contact Liz Ritter at elritter@adrianoespaillat.org to receive updates via email
a user name that is not your real name if you have any concerns. (Please note when you sign up you will
be prompted to select interests; you can minimize emails you receive by selecting fewer or no interests.)
4) Englewood Cliffs Planning Board Public Hearing ** Note likely venue: 143 Charlotte Place, Englewood
Cliffs. Its the Upper School** IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU MAKE EVERY ATTEMPT TO ATTEND THIS
HEARING. WE MUST HAVE A STRONG SHOWING. BRING YOUR FRIENDS. TRANSPORTATION FROM NYC
WILL BE CO-ORDINATED BY NRDC. The planning board will hear additional public testimony (continued
from their April 30
th
hearing, which had more speakers signed up than could be accommodated in the 3-
hour meeting) on proposed Master Plan which would enable development of buildings up to 150 in
height along Sylvan Avenue west of the Palisades. Watch this space for details as to venue, date and time
(likely in early June).
5) And of course, if you are a letter writer and you havent already done so, please write a letter to CEO Bon-
Joon Koo and ask others to do the same. For more ways to help protect the Palisades, please visit our
Take Action page.
6) Lastly, SIGN the petition at www.protectthepalisades.org. Help us get to 5,000 signatures!




--------
Elizabeth Lorris Ritter
Community Liaison
State Senator Adriano Espaillat, 31
st
SD
5030 Broadway, Suite 701 NYC 10034
(212) 544-0173 (ph)
(212) 544-0256 (fx)