June News: Participatory Budgeting Winners, Fight Overdevelopment, and Party in Our Parks

HEADLINES

1. Participatory Budgeting 2018, Funding Winners
2. Getting Big Money out of Elections, Proposal for Ballot
3. Overhang on East River Esplanade, Redesign Unveiled
4. Fresh Food Box Is Back

JUNE EVENT INVITES

5. Join the Fight Against Over Development at Our Annual Forum
6. Roosevelt Island Town Hall
7. Family Day at John Jay Park
8. Skate Night (Free Skate Rentals)
9. Outdoor Movie Series Continues
10. New York Classical Theatre Reading of “The Widow of Valencia” by Lope de Vega
11. Personal Democracy Forum
12. Shred-A-Thon 92nd Street Green Market Edition
13. Citi Bike Skills Classes Start in June 

 
HEALTH AND SAFETY

14. Reducing Childhood Obesity by Targeting Less Sugary Drinks in Kids Menus
15. Fighting for More Funding for Senior Services
16. Advocating for Safety Reforms to the City's Private Trash Hauling Industry
17. Eastside Scaffolding Injury, New Safety Bill to Be Discussed at Crain’s Forum
18. Rikers Island with the Progressive Caucus

 
HOUSING

19. Tenants’ Rights Forum, Thank You for Coming
20. ETHOS: Eastside Task Force for Homeless Outreach and Services
21. Welcoming More Supportive Housing to the District
22. Successfully Saving the First Avenue Estates
23. Good News If You Live in an “Unregulated” Apartment

 
TRANSPORTATION

24. New Speed Bump Adds Safety for P.S. 290
25. Five Boro Bike Tour
26. Bike To Work Day
27. Out In Support of Fair Fares

 
EDUCATION

28. Meeting with the Manhattan Student Leadership Council
29. Supporting CUNY Students Rights
30. Child Care at Government Meetings Re-Introduced

 
COMMUNITY

31. Visit Our Table at the First Avenue Street Fair
32. Honoring Hunter College President Jennifer Raab
33. James Cagney Place, Celebration of Music
34. Celebrating The Tank's 15th Anniversary
35. Sutton Place Parks Conservancy Spring Garden Party

OFFICE UPDATES

36. Legislative Corner
37. Free Legal Clinics
38. Here to Help
39. Mobile District Hours
40. Ben in Your Building

 
EVENTS

41. Special Events
42. Programs and Events Funded or Sponsored by My Office
43. Community Boards
44. NYPD Events
45. Neighborhood and Tenant Associations
46. Community Events for Kids
47. Community Events for Adults

Participatory Budgeting 2018, Funding Winners 

Thank you to the over 1,900 residents in our district who took the time to vote in Participatory Budgeting. This year four projects on the ballot will get fully funded. In order of highest to lowest vote totals, the winner are: 

1. P.S. 290 MNS Re-Construction of Kindergarten Bathroom ($200,000) – 792 Votes
2. Laptops for Public Schools ($350,000) – 736 Votes
3. NYPL District Libraries Technology Upgrade ($200,000) – 712 Votes

The next project only won $250,000 that was remaining, but instead of leaving it partially funded, I will be adding an additional $350,000 to finish the project.

4. P.S. 183 HVAC for Cafeteria and Community Space ($600,000) – 666 Votes

This was the first year voting was open to neighborhood kids as young as 11 and the first year that more than half the votes came in online, rather than on paper ballots. You can learn more in Our Town or watch the announcement at BenKallos.com/videos

Additional Participatory Budgeting Results: The Runners Up  

5. St. Catherine's Park Water Park ($460,000) - 622 Votes
6. NYPD Security Cameras for East 86th Street Subways ($141,000) - 563 Votes
7. Lexington Houses NYCHA Playground Renovation ($500,000) - 404 Votes
8. NYPD Security Cameras for East River Esplanade ($160,000) - 361 Votes
9. NYPL Webster Branch HVAC System ($600,000) - 345 Votes
10. PS/IS 217 Cafeteria Renovations ($300,000) - 318 Votes
11. NYPL Webster Branch Electrical System ($500,000) - 198 Votes
12. Ruppert Park New Children's Play Area ($500,000) - 509 Votes
13. NYPD Security Cameras at Sutton Place Parks ($247,000) - 509 Votes

Now that the 2018 cycle is over, we encourage residents to start thinking now about next year’s Participatory Budgeting projects. Volunteering in the Participatory Budgeting process is a great way to be a key part of deciding how the community spends $1 million, and now is the time to get involved submitting your ideas.

On Wednesday, June 27 at 6pm, join us for a Participatory Budgeting Discussion at my District Office at 244 East 93rd Street. RSVP at BenKallos.com/events
 

Getting Big Money out of Elections, Proposal For Ballot

In, May I testified before the Mayor's Charter Revision Commission. As Gotham Gazette reported, I believe our current system is one of the best in the world, but it can be improved, and the changes can be implemented effectively without putting this existing system at risk. Successful reform would shift the balance of power away from the wealthy and back towards the people it was designed to serve. Some of the suggestions I made are listed below. To read my entire testimony visit BenKallos.com/press-releases

• Get big money out of New York City politics: empower small-dollar donors
• A citizen legislature: empower residents to run for office
• Empower the voice of residents over big money

If you agree, please sign the petition at BenKallos.com/BIGMONEYOUT

 
Overhang on East River Esplanade, Redesign Unveiled

As reported by Our Town and Upper East Side Patch, thanks to a public-private partnership between the Brearley School, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, CIVITAS and my office, the structure known as “The Pier” over John Finley Walk will be renovated and maintained going forward. The structure had long ago fallen into disrepair with rain leaking through and with unsightly old netting hanging from the underside of the roof. In May, my office and the Brearley school held a preview for the project both to inform the public about the positive changes to come and to hear feedback and suggestions from community members on the new design. At the session, Mathews Nielsen Landscape architects showed residents plans and mock-ups what the pier structure will look like once renovations are finished. The one million dollar project will include:

• Repairing leaks; Removing netting hanging beneath the structure; Upgrading lighting on the structure for safety, Contemporary Lighting 
• Replacing chain link fencing
• Creating a green privacy wall with planters and plants visible to pedestrians
• Colorful public design for the structure
• Ongoing maintenance of "The Pier"
• Planters & Water for a Conservancy

We asked residents to help choose the colors, planters, and more. For more information read the release at benkallos.com/press-releases or watch the presentation at BenKallos.com/videos
 
 
Fresh Food Box Is Back
 
Thursday, June 7th from 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Grow NYC’s Fresh Food Box programs will be back at my District Office on 244 East 93rd Street for its first day of signups for the 2018 season. June 7th will be sign-ups only, and you can pick up your fresh fruit and vegetables the following week.

This is now the 3rd year my office has hosted a Fresh Food Box at my district office, and it continues to see growing support and turnout. As more and more residents sign up each week for a $14 bag of locally farmed produce to pick up the following week, the programs will become more successful so make sure you get the word out to your friends. If you are interested come to my office any Thursday between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM and sign up in order to receive vegetables the following week. Learn more at BenKallos.com/FreshFoodBox

Fresh Food Box
Every Thursday, Starting June 7
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Pay only $14 and pick up farm fresh produce the next week.
(cash, credit/debit, SNAP/food stamps, greenmarket bucks)



JUNE EVENT INVITES
 
Join the Fight Against Over Development at Our Annual Forum
 

On Thursday, June 14, my office and the offices of State Senator Liz Krueger and Borough President Gale Brewer will be hosting a forum on Overdevelopment in our neighborhood. The annual event will take place this year at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House at 331 East 70th Street at 6PM.

Join me and the featured expert speakers on this important topic of how the community can get involved in closing loopholes and stopping overdevelopment. The organizations participating in this event include: The Municipal Arts Society, Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, Historic Districts Council, Carnegie Hill Neighbors, East River 50s Alliance, Community Board 8, and Community Voices Heard. RSVP by calling 212-860-1950 or visit BenKallos.com/event/overdevelopment-forum

Over Development Forum
6PM – 8PM, June 14, 2018
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
331 East 70th Street
RSVP

Child care available upon request at bkallos@benkallos.com.


Roosevelt Island Town Hall
 

On June 28 my office will be co-hosting its annual town hall on Roosevelt Island with Congress Member Maloney, Public Advocate Letitia James, Comptroller Scott Stringer, State Senator Jose Serrano, Assembly Member Seawright, and Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation President & CEO Susan Rosenthal. This is an opportunity for the residents on Roosevelt Island to come meet me and my some of my staff. At the town hall, you will have the opportunity ask questions and address your concerns to the city agencies that attend.
 
Roosevelt Island Town Hall
6PM – 8PM, June 28, 2018
Chapel of the Good Shepherd
543 Main Street
RSVP

Child care available upon request at bkallos@benkallos.com. 


Family Day at John Jay Park

Make sure you are free on the afternoon of Saturday, June 9 so you can join my office and the Parks Department for a free fun afternoon of crafts, games, inflatables, transformation and face. The event will also feature an obstacle course, carnival booths, sports, a photo booth, and more! Please bring your family and come ready to have a great time!
 
 Family Day at John Jay Park
 12PM-3PM, June 9, 2018
 John Jay Park, Cherokee Place & East 77th Street
 RSVP
 

Skate Night (Free Skate Rentals)
 

One of my favorite spring events is Skate Night at Stanley Isaacs. This year fun will be on Friday, June 22 from 5pm to 9pm. I am looking forward to the dancing as well as the outdoor roller skating and the live DJ. Remember skates will be provided onsite on the first come first serve basis, but feel free to bring your own skates.
 
Skate Night on the Upper East Side
June 22, 5PM-9PM
Stanley Isaacs Playground First Avenue & East 96th Street
RSVP
 

Outdoor Movie Series Continues
 

Deep
Saturday, June 2, 8pm
Samuel Seabury Playground
E. 95th Street and Lexington Ave.
RSVP



Wonder Woman
Saturday, June 9, 8pm
John Jay Park
E. 77th Street Cherokee Place
RSVP
 


Despicable Me 3
Wednesday, June 13, 8pm
St. Catherines Park
First Ave between E 67th & E 68th St Street
RSVP


New York Classical Theatre Reading of “The Widow of Valencia” by Lope de Vega


The New York Classical Theatre presents a reading of "The Widow of Valencia" in a new translation by the UCLA Working Group on the Comedia in Translation and Performance.

New York Classical Theatre Presents “The Widow of Valencia” by Lope de Vega
Monday, June 18, 7:30 p.m.
1393 York Ave Church of the Epiphany
RSVP 


Personal Democracy Forum

Join me at this year's Personal Democracy Forum on the theme, "How We Make Good." Forum participants will be exploring the question of how we make good on creating, strengthening, and securing democracy and its core institutions and how we make sure that tech acts as a force for good in the civic life of the citizens of democracy. The Forum runs all day Thursday, June 7, and Friday, June 8. A full schedule is at www.pdf-18.com/#schedule

I will be participating in a workshop co-sponsored by the City Council Progressive Caucus on the topic of Civic Tech and digital tools for government.

Progressive Caucus Workshop on Civic Tech
Thursday, June 7, 4:30 - 6:00pm
New York Law School
185 W Broadway
Register: https://www.pdf-18.com/


Shred-A-Thon 92nd Street Green Market Edition

On Sunday, June  24th at the 92nd Street Greenmarket from 10am to 2pm, the Upper Green Side is holding a Shred-A-Thon sponsored by Council Member Powers, Assembly Member Seawright and me. Make sure you come down and shred any documents that contain personal information in order to protect your privacy and identity. You bring the paper and the giant shredder truck turns it into microbits while you watch! You can also bring compost, eyeglasses, corks, batteries and cords. RSVP.

Shred-A-Thon 92nd Street Green Market Edition
Sunday, June 24, 10am -2pm
First Avenue between 83nd and 93rd Streets
RSVP


Citi Bike Street Skills Classes Start in June

Thinking of joining or recently joined Citi Bike? This quick presentation & discussion touches on many of the topics addressed in our Street Skills Class (rules of the road, how to avoid common road hazards, basic traffic principles, where to ride on the road, how to safely change lanes, how to utilize bike infrastructure), but the focus is on how to navigate the Citi Bike system and get the most out of those now-ubiquitous blue bikes. Every participant will receive a free 24-hour Citi Bike pass, worth $12+tax!

City Bike Street Skills Class
Thursday, June 28 
6:00PM-7:30 PM
RSVP



HEALTH AND SAFETY
 
Reducing Childhood Obesity by Targeting Less Sugary Drinks in Kids Menus

One out of every four New York City public school students grades Kindergarten through eighth is obese. Because of sad facts like this, I am proud to have the support of the American Heart Association for legislation I will introduce forcing restaurants to remove sugary drinks as the default serving from kid’s menus. My bill aims to make healthy options like water non-fat milk and 100% real fruit juice the default choice in kid’s menus in all restaurants in New York City. We all know too much sugar leads to adverse health effects. With this legislation, we aim to get as much as a third of the sugar our kids drink per day out of their diet. For more information watch the press conference at BenKallos.com/videos or read the release at benkallos.com/press-releases

 
Fighting for More Funding for Senior Services
 
It was great to see the scores of seniors who turned out for LiveOnNY’s 23rd Annual Senior Advocacy Day. I am proud to be a big supporter of programs and services for our City’s aging population. During my time in office I have allocated close to a million dollars in discretionary funding at local senior centers like Stanley Isaacs, Carter Burden, and Lenox Hill.  At this year’s rally, the seniors were united in their request from the city. They wanted more funding for much-needed meals and life-sustaining services and programs that our seniors have grown accustomed to. The complete list of requests is:

• Address elder hunger with a $12.1 million investment.
• $10 million in funding to support critical staffing neighborhood centers
• $5 million for capital and facility needs in the nearly 100 senior centers in NYCHA buildings.
• Support critical citywide aging services; SuCasa, Support our Seniors, NORCs, Healthy Aging, full restoration of Schedule C programs.

Advocating For Safety Reforms in the City Private Trash Hauling Industry

As reported by the New York Daily News, I rallied and demanded justice for Mouctar Diallo alongside his family and fellow Council Member Antonio Reynoso after hearing of his tragic death. In November of 2017 Mouctar, who was working off the books picking up trash for a private sanitation carter, was killed by his co-worker after being struck by a garbage truck. As if that were not troubling enough an investigation by ProPublica revealed that the driver of the truck lied to police and claimed that the person he hit was a crazed homeless individual who jumped in front of his truck. Sadly that driver was allowed to keep driving and on April of 2018, he fatally struck a pedestrian. It is my belief and that of several other Council Members that the private carting sanitation companies are not regulated enough and have been operating unsafely for decades. At this rally, we demanded that the Business Integrity Commission (BIC) revoke this company’s license.

As we continue to fight the Marine Transfer Station here on the Upper East Side, we must ensure that if private garbage trucks are allowed to tip in our residential neighborhood that they are doing so under strict regulations to keep our neighbors safe.


Eastside Scaffolding Injury, New Safety Bill to be Discussed of Crain’s Forum

On June 6, I will be joining Crain’s New York Business for a Breakfast Forum to address the pressing issues involving building construction in our City. At the forum, which will be open to the public and press, I will be speaking about my legislation involving scaffolding use around the City and new legislation I am working on to reinforce safety in the scaffolding industry in New York City.
 
With a recent spike in the number of scaffolding accidents and collapses around the city it is obvious we need to make sure these companies are focusing on safety first. As reported by CBS Radio, in May a pedestrian on the Upper East Side suffered minor injuries after being hit on the shoulder by falling debris from the facade of a building undergoing construction on First Avenue and East 57th Street. Whether it is getting rid of unnecessary scaffolding that has been up for too long with no work being done or making sure the scaffolding that is up is safe and does its job, I continue to work to get this legislation through. Read my complete statement on the scaffolding incident in our district at benkallos.com/press-releases 


Rikers Island with the Progressive Caucus
 
As New York City gets closer to its goal of finally closing Rikers Island, I took a tour of the jail with fellow members of the Progressive Caucus, which I co-chair. While there, we visited several facilities on the Island, including:

• The Rose M. Sanger Center, a women's only facility with a nursery for women who have babies while under detention or with children under the age of one at the time of detention
• The Anna M. Kross Center, which features mental observation units and an on-site methadone clinic
• Enhanced Supervision Housing I, restrictive housing for detainees who have been involved in violent incidents while at Rikers

HOUSING
 
Tenants’ Rights Forum, Thank You for Coming 
 
Over 100 residents turned out for my office’s annual Housing Forum last week. We were joined by State Senator Liz Krueger, Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, and Council Member Keith Powers. Residents took advantage of the many experts on site to get all their housing-related questions answered on the spot. This year my office is working with the Rent Justice Coalition to push the Rent Guidelines Board not to hike rents but to put in place a rent freeze for 2018. At the forum, residents were informed on how they could join that effort and how it would benefit them even if they were in market-rate apartments.

You can make your voice heard by testifying at a Rent Guidelines Board hearing. This year's Manhattan hearing is scheduled for June 19.

Thank you to all the residents that participated feel free to reach out to my office for housing-related issues and questions. If you couldn't make it to the forum, watch it at: BenKallos.com/videos 


ETHOS: Eastside Task Force for Homeless Outreach and Services

Homelessness continues to be a significant problem in New York City. As of Memorial Day, there were a total of 63,495 people homeless, 22,293 of them being children and another 17,085 family members. Because of this, soon after I was elected I launched the Eastside Taskforce for Homeless Outreach and Services (ETHOS) with Borough President Brewer, Senator Krueger, Department of Social Services, community and faith leaders and service organizations. We hope to get unsheltered people living on the street the help they need. If you see one of our City’s most vulnerable on the street, please call 311 or use the NYC 311 App (Android/iPhone) to ask them to dispatch a “homeless outreach team.” They will ask where you saw the person, what they looked like, and offer to report on whether the person accepts our city’s offer of shelter, three meals a day, healthcare, rehabilitation, and job training.

This month I met with ETHOS members including police officers at the 19th Precinct and new members, including representatives from the New York Public Library and Urban Pathways, in an effort to coordinate outreach and programming ahead of the summer months. I am particularly proud of the work ETHOS is doing by bringing city agencies and local houses of worship together to get homeless individuals the services they need.

Learn more at BenKallos.com/homeless

 
Welcoming More Supportive Housing to the District
 
I was honored to join Urban Pathways in cutting the ribbon on a new Supportive Housing facility in our district. The 11-unit facility located at 166 East 100th Street will serve former homeless New Yorkers. It is named the Howard Amron House after one of Urban Pathways' hardest working and most generous board members. Urban Pathways is doing great work in New York City helping over 2,500 New Yorkers out of homelessness each year. 

 
Successfully Saving the First Avenue Estates
 
Over the past three years, I have fought alongside preservation groups like Friends of the Upper East Side Historic District to make sure the City of New York preserves the historic residential buildings known as the First Avenue Estates. Last week a division of the New York State appeals court finally ruled in favor of preservationists and on the side of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. I am proud to have an amicus curiae brief with fellow Eastside elected officials like Congress Member Carolyn Maloney, State Senator Liz Krueger and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. This ruling upholds a previous lower court ruling denying the developer’s claim of a hardship and the need to demolish a building in the area.

The buildings in question were built in 1915 and have been designated landmarks due to their special design and the pioneering role they played in social housing reform. To this day the buildings continue to be used as affordable housing on the Upper East Side. Although a recent Supreme Court decision also denied the developer's request, the fight to protect our neighborhood's character and history continues.

 
Good News If You Live in an "Unregulated" Apartment
 
Many people on the East Side rent apartments which the landlord claims are not regulated because the rent has reached the level where it is no longer subject to Rent Stabilization.
 
If this includes you, there may be good news, on two fronts.
 
First, many apartments were illegally deregulated because the landlord did not legally raise the rent above the threshold, but took increases above what the law allows.  Thousands of apartments have already been put back under Rent Stabilization for this reason.  My district office can help you obtain and interpret your apartment's rent history and see if you have a valid claim. The consequences are enormous: not only would your rent be lowered but you would also get a refund of three times the amount you overpaid your landlord, and being protected by Rent Stabilization will mean that you are entitled to have your lease renewed each time it expires, with only a minimal increase, and cannot be evicted without cause.
 
Secondly, even if your apartment was properly de-regulated, there is a growing movement to pass a statewide law that would protect you, and all other unregulated tenants in the state, by providing that you are entitled to renew your lease each time it expires with only a modest increase, and cannot be evicted without cause.  Because NYC rent laws are currently controlled by Albany, this would require the state legislature and Governor to act. 
 
If you would like more information about how to enforce your rights under the law, or join the campaign to extend protections to currently unregulated tenants, contact my district office at bkallos@benkallos.com.

 

TRANSPORTATION
 
New Speed Bump Adds Safety for P.S. 290

Safety should always be a priority when it comes to traffic rules around our local schools. When school administrators at P.S. 290 informed me that motorists were driving past the school faster than they should and that they believed a speed bump would help in forcing drivers to decrease speeds, I quickly got the phone with the Department of Transportation and requested a new speed bump. In early May I had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon alongside P.S. 290 principal Doreen Esposito and dozens of students who are now safer when they cross the street thanks to the DOT and the new speed bump. Watch the ribbon cutting at Facebook.com/benkallos
 

Five Boro Bike Tour

For the 5th year in a row, I joined over 32,000 bike riders for the 41st Annual New York City TD 5 Boro Bike Tour. Thank you to everyone who offered support throughout the 40-mile course through the five boroughs. Thanks to Bike New York, proceeds from this event go to biking education programs around the City. Bike New York is a longtime partner of my office that does great work in New York City such as training for safety skills and distributing safety equipment. Watch the music video of our ride at BenKallos.com/videos


Bike To Work Day
 
For the fifth year in a row, I recognized and led residents as part of Bike to Work Day, May 16. This year I rode down to City Hall from my office on East 93 Street for a rally and press conference with activists. During the ride, I was joined by residents and bike activists from Bike New York who also made the harrowing trek through the Second Avenue bike gap all the way down to City Hall. Although New York City has made tremendous improvements adding infrastructure for cyclists like nearly doubling the number of bike lanes in my district over the last five years, we can still do more to make the streets safer for all of us. That is what Bike to Work Day is all about. Thank you to Bike New York, Streets PAC, Citi Bike and Transportation Alternatives for the support along the ride and for joining us. Watch the music video of our ride and rally at BenKallos.com/videos
 

Out In Support of Fair Fares

 No one should have to beg for swipes in front of the turnstile to travel to and from work. That is why on May 24th as part of “Fair Fares Day” for the City Council, I joined many of my fellow Council Members in hitting the streets to tell the public about the proposal for half-priced MetroCards for New Yorkers living in poverty. 



EDUCATION & CHILDCARE
 

Meeting with the Manhattan Student Leadership Council
 
I met with the Manhattan Student Leadership Council in May. The Council consists of students elected from middle schools around the borough with East Side Middle School Principal David Getz serving as an advisor. These are the same children who last term drafted legislation I introduced, then testified at an Education Committee hearing, and successfully pushed for passage of a law supporting Gender Sexuality Alliances in middle and high schools. This time around I spoke to the young leaders about the power of follow through and persistence, encouraging them to continue to work on the law they got passed by making sure the City is holding up its end of the deal. We also discussed the need for guidance counselors and social workers in schools. When schools do have counselors, they serve as many as 500 students, leaving them and their students without the time they need to support one another. Students at the Leadership Council also shared the dismal state of health education in our public schools, which continues to exclude LGBT from the curriculum. Thank you to Principal Getz for the invitation to meet with the kids. I am looking forward to our continued collaboration.
 

Supporting CUNY Students Rights

In May, I rallied alongside City University of New York (CUNY) students, City Council Higher Education Chair Inez Barron and Council Member Jumaane Williams with organizers from the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG). The students protested a plan by the CUNY board of trustees to take control of their Student Activity Fees. The fees which vary from campus to campus pay for activities and programs that students choose through student government. This is still an ongoing issue that has greater implications than just what activities college students get to participate in. It is the position of the students that the CUNY Board is trying to silence their voice by taking away their money which they often use to organize in policy issues that affect them. I support the students keeping their fees and hope the trustees and students can come to an agreement.

 
Child Care at Government Meetings Re-introduced
 
As more and more residents get civically involved it became obvious to me that parents want to have their say too and often cannot because they have no access to childcare. Under the legislation, I proposed ahead of Mother's Day, free childcare would be provided by the city at government meetings so that parents could attend the meetings. The bill was inspired by a move to provide childcare at conferences in academia, at civic technology events, and by the District 2 Community Education Council. As a new parent, I see how the need to find childcare poses a challenge to new parents' professional careers, not to mention civic engagement. Moreover, with nearly one-third of family households in New York City being led by single mothers, it is only right that we offer this so we can get their input in our government. For more information visit BenKallos.com/press-releases

COMMUNITY

Visit Our Table at the First Avenue Street Fair
 
The 2018 First Avenue Street Fair will be held on Saturday, June 2nd and will cover from East 68th Street to East 79th Street. My office will be tabling at this event. Make sure you come out, pass by and say hello to my staff. The fair goes from 12pm to 5pm. Last month it was a pleasure meeting and seeing hundreds of residents at the Second Avenue Street fair where we also tabled.  

 
Honoring Hunter College President Jennifer Raab
 
It was an honor to present an award to Hunter College President Jennifer Raab at her induction into the Manhattan Jewish Historical Initiative Hall of Fame. Jennifer has been the President of Hunter College for 17 years during this time she has significantly increased Hunter’s government grants and awards and strengthened its fiscal management while securing $400 million in private support for the college. I am proud to call Jennifer a friend and an ally and look forward to more work together to improve the community.
 

James Cagney Place, Celebration of Music

Join your neighbors on June 21 to celebrate the second season of events on our long-sought, official Public Plaza on James Cagney Place, East 91st Street between Second and Third Avenues. Last year's Department of Transportation designation of this pedestrian plaza is an important step in keeping this enclave forever closed to cars. 

The James Cagney Place public plaza will take part in "Make Music New York" on Thursday evening, June 21st, with local bands performing from 5:30-8:30pm, with a pre-show at 4:30pm by a local teen band "The Mischief 4" playing classic rock. 

June 21st is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and a day when NYC musicians perform at more than 400 outdoor, public spaces in a celebration of music like no other. Over its eleven year history, Make Music New York has grown to become NYC’s largest one-day collection of free concerts, all thanks to all the musicians and venues who volunteer to participate. RSVP at BenKallos.com/events
 

 
Celebrating The Tank's 15th Anniversary
 
In May, it was a pleasure to celebrate The Tank’s 15th anniversary. This year for their Spring Gala my office awarded two citations to individuals who were being honored by The Tank; Randi Berry, Executive Director and founding partner at Indie Space and Tiffany Rea-Fisher the Artistic Director of Elisa Monte Dance. I am proud to be a supporter of the work The Tank does. Over the past three years, I have allocated $15,000 to this organization as they work to enable thousands of artistic projects that would not have otherwise been possible. By providing access to artistic resources and diversifying the voices and stories that can be heard in New York City, the Tank makes our City culturally richer and just better.


Sutton Place Parks Conservancy Spring Garden Party

In May, I joined the Third Annual Garden Party for the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy. I had the pleasure of awarding a citation as a thank you to Jack Barnett, who has left his post as president after starting the conservancy and keeping it strong for three years. I am proud to provide discretionary funding to this conservancy because of the great work they do. Since I was elected I have allocated $36,000 directly to the Sutton Parks Conservancy as well as $675,000 in capital funding for the construction of a fountain in the park. As my offices continue to work to improve area parks, I look forward to working with Patricia Scharlin Taylor, the new President of the Sutton Parks Conservancy.
 


OFFICE UPDATES

Legislative Corner

This month, I cosponsored, and the City Council passed, a package of legislation that will combat sexual harassment and make our workplaces safer for all employees. Some highlights of the package include: 

• Local Law 100 of 2018 expands the amount of time someone has to file a gender-based harassment claim from 1 to 3 years and have that claim investigated by the New York City Human Rights Commission.
•  Local Law 98 of 2018 ensures that every employee in the City receives sexual harassment protections. Previously, a loophole in the law exempted businesses with fewer than four employees.
•  Local Law 96 of 2018 requires most private employers to conduct yearly anti-sexual harassment training for employees, including supervisors and management.

 Taken together, these bills, and the larger package will help prevent harassment in the workplace and, when it does happen, give victims greater legal protections to seek justice.

 
Free Legal Clinics

Need a lawyer? Every month I sponsor legal clinics where you can get free legal advice in my District Office at 244 East 93rd Street from 3pm-6pm:

• Housing Clinics, Every Monday, and 1st Wednesday
• Family Law and Domestic Violence, 1st Tuesday
• Life Planning Clinic, 3rd Wednesday
• General Civil Law, 3rd Tuesday

Please call my office at 212-860-1950 in advance to schedule your appointment.

 
Here to Help

We are here to help. My social work team can help you find out what services you are eligible for and assist you in your application. Some examples include:

• Seniors: Medicare savings, Meals-on-Wheels, Access-A-Ride
• Housing: searching for affordable units, free legal housing clinic at my office
• Job Resources: training resources and assistance, unemployment benefits
• Families: Universal Pre-K, Head Start, After-School programs
• Finances: cash assistance, tax credits, home energy assistance
• Nutrition: WIC, free meals for all ages

Please also call us at 212-860-1950 or email at bkallos@benkallos.com with any unresolved 311 complaints.

 
Mobile District Hours

Get assistance wherever in the district you are when we bring our office to you. Please join us at monthly mobile district hours from 11am-2pm:

• Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center, 415 East 93rd Street, 2nd Tuesday
• Roosevelt Island Senior Center, 546 Main Street, 4th Wednesday

Ben in Your Building

The "Ben in Your Building Program" is a chance to discuss issues of importance to you and your neighbors in person, in your home. Please consider inviting me to your cooperative or condominium's annual meeting and I will be happy to join you. Over the past year, I have visited several buildings to discuss matters of importance in the neighborhood, including street furniture, road conditions, homeless outreach, sanitation issues and you name it. Please schedule a "Ben in Your Building" today by calling 212-860-1950 or email scheduler@benkallos.com.
 


EVENTS

Special Events

Family Day at John Jay Park
12PM – 3PM, June 9, 2018
John Jay Park
Cherokee Place & East 77th Street
RSVP

Over Development Forum
6PM – 8PM, June 14, 2018
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
331 East 70th Street
RSVP

Skate Night (Free Skate Rentals)
5PM-9PM, June 22, 2018
Stanley Isaacs Playground
First Avenue & East 96th Streets
RSVP

Shred-A-Thon 92nd Street Green Market Edition
10am - 2pm, Sunday, June 24th
First Ave between 92nd & 93rd Street
RSVP

Roosevelt Island Town Hall
6PM – 8PM, June 28, 2018
Chapel of the Good Shepherd
543 Main Street
RSVP

Outdoor Movie Series
 
Deep
Saturday, June 2, 7:30 p.m.
Samuel Seabury Playground
E. 95th Street and Lexington Ave.
RSVP
 
Wonder Woman
Saturday, June 9, 7:30 p.m.
John Jay Park
E. 77th Street Cherokee Place.
RSVP
 
Despicable Me 3
Wednesday, June 13, 7:30 p.m.
St. Catherines Park
First Ave between E 67th & E 68th St
RSVP


Programs and Events Funded or Sponsored by My Office
 
CIVITAS
6/6: Land Use Forum 
7:00 pm
Lenox Hill Hospital, Einhorn Auditorium
131 East 76th Street Between Lexington and Park Avenue
 RSVP

Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center 
6/26: Annual Community Festival
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Rain or Shine)
415 East 93rd Street between 1st ave and FDR Drive
For more information, contact Gigi Verkaik, gverkaik@isaacscenter.org or 212.360.7620 x154


Community Boards

6/13: Community Board 6
Full Board Meeting 7:00pm
Podell Auditorium, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, 10 Nathan D Perlman Place (Between E 15th and 16th Streets across from Stuyvesant Square Park)

6/20: Community Board 8
Full Board Meeting 6:30 pm to 9:30pm
Nightingale-Bamford School 
20 East 92nd Street 

6/13: Community Board 11
Landuse Cmte & Public Hearing 6:00 pm to 7:00pm
Bonafacio Senior Center 

6/20 Community Board 11
Full Board Meeting 6:30 pm
Silberman School of Social Work


NYPD Events

First Monday: 19th Precinct Community Council
7:00 pm, 153 East 67th Street

Fourth Wednesday: 23rd Precinct Community Council
6:00 pm, 162 East 102nd Street

Last Tuesday: 17th Precinct Community Council
6:30 pm, Sutton Place Synagogue, 225 E 51st Street


Neighborhood and Tenant Associations
 
First Wednesday, 5/2: Lexington Houses Tenant Association
6:00pm, 1539 Lexington Avenue
 
First Wednesday, 6/6: Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council Meeting
8:00 pm-10:00 pm, Good Sheperd (Downstairs), 543 Main Street
 
Second Tuesday, 6/12: Stanley Isaacs Tenant Associations
7:00 pm, Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center, 415 East 93rd Street

To Be Announced: East 79th Street Neighborhood Association
6:00pm-8:00 pm, Temple Shaaray Tefila, 250 East 79th Street

Third Tuesday, 6/19: Holmes Towers Tenant Association
7:00 pm, Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center, 415 East 93rd Street
 

Community Events for Kids
 
Every Monday: Toddler Play Time
11:00am, Yorkville Library
Socialize and play with the library's toys before storytime! This program is intended for children Toddlers from 18 months to three years old and their caregivers
 
Every Monday: Toddler Story Time
11:30am, Yorkville Library
Toddlers from 18-36 months old (Walkers) and their parents/caregivers can enjoy great books, lively songs, and rhymes, and meet other toddlers in the neighborhood. First come, first served
 
Every Tuesday: Baby Storytime
10:30am, 12:00pm, Yorkville Library
Babies from birth to 18 months old (Pre-Walkers) and their parents/caregivers can enjoy great books, lively songs, and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. *Program will be ticketed to 30 children and their caregivers. *Tickets will be distributed at the door 15 minutes prior to the start of the program Please note: There is no elevator available, and stroller parking is limited.
 
Ever Tuesday: Free Play
4:00pm, Webster Library
Join us on Tuesday afternoons for a fun chance to socialize with other kids from the community! Toys are provided. Please note: This program is for both caregiver and child. It is not a structured program. *Take care to supervise children at all times.
 
Every Wednesday: Preschool Storytime
10:30am, 96th Street Library
Stories, fingerplays, and movement for preschoolers.
 
Every Wednesday: Read to Lola, our New York Therapy Dog!
4:30pm, Yorkville Library
Pre-registration is required for each 15-minute slot and opens 1 week in advance. For ages 5 and up. Available every Wednesday in the children's story time room.
 
Every Thursday: Family Storytime
11:00am, 11:30am, 11:45am, Webster Library
Toddlers from birth to 3 years and their parents/caregivers can enjoy interactive stories, action songs, fingerplays, and spend time with other toddlers in the neighborhood. There is a limit of 15 children and their caregivers. First come, first serve.
 
Every Saturday: Read to Fritz, our New York Therapy Dog!
11:00am, Yorkville Library
Pre-registration is required for each 15-minute slot and opens 1 week in advance. For ages 5 and up. Available every Saturday in the children's story time room.
 
Every Saturday: Family Game Time
10:00am-Close, 96th Street Library
Play board and card games in the library. For children ages 2-12. Drop in anytime on Saturday.
 
Every Saturday: Kids’ Coloring Club
10:00am, Yorkville Library
Join us every Saturday morning from 10am-12pm for our Kids' Coloring Club -- children of all ages are invited to color coloring sheets featuring their favorite characters, seasonal designs, and more. Feel free to bring your favorite coloring book!
 
6/1: Preschool Carnival
10:00am, 96th Street Library
Come and enjoy crafts, games, and a chance to pose with the New York Public Library’s Mascot.
 
6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/29: Puzzle Fun for Kids
3:00pm, Children’s Room
Come to the library for some puzzles and fun! This program is great for all ages.
 
6/1: Music Production with Soundtrap
3:45pm, 96th Street Library
Participants will be given instruction on how to use the Soundtrap software and will be given basic knowledge of music production. For ages 13-18 years old.
 
6/4: ABC, NYC
12:00pm, Yorkville Library
Join us for the seventh installment in this Early Literacy Information series. In this session, parents and caregivers will create a book with their children about the NYC they know!
 
6/4, 6/11, 6/25: Preschool Storytime: Petite Picasso
4:00pm, 96th Street Library
Read aloud and messy art projects. Smocks provided. Limited to 24 participants.
6/6: Storytime Fun!
11:00am, Webster Library
Join Lex, children from birth to 3 years, and their parents/caregivers for interactive stories, action songs, fingerplays, and spend time with other toddlers in the neighborhood. There is a limit of 15 children and their caregivers. Tickets are given out the morning of the program on a first come, first serve basis. Times of the programs are approximate. First come, first served.
 
6/11 & 6/25: Art Buffet
4:00pm, Webster Library
Let your imagination run wild! Join us for an hour of uninterrupted, creative fun. Pick and choose from our craft supplies to make a masterpiece to take home.
 
6/12: Wildlife Superheros Stories
4:00pm, Yorkville Library
A visit by a New Canaan Nature Center naturalist will give participants an up-close look at several creatures with an array of “super” qualities that makes each a “wildlife superhero” in its own right. Come discover the story behind an assortment of animal ambassadors such as an owl or hawk, chinchilla, White’s Tree Frog, King Snake, lizard, or even a hedgehog. For ages 13-18 years old.
 
6/13: Sing! Come play your own instrument
11:00am, Children’s Room
Through these workshops you will learn how to develop your child's pre-literacy skills to help prepare them to become successful readers at an early age! All nannies, parents, grandparents and other caregivers are welcome. Limited to 20 participants and their children.
 
6/21: Summer Reading Kickoff: The Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show
3:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library
Born to Read is a Bruce Springsteen-like high energy performance about why libraries rock! Presented by Turtle Dance Music. All ages welcome including children on the Autism Spectrum.

6/22: Bet on RI Summer Series Wonder Woman FREE
Movie Starts at Sunset, Roosevelt Island South Point Park 
Arrive early and bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. 
 
6/22: Whose World Is It Anyway?
3:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library
Theater games focused on themes of community, citizenship, and good character in order to foster good will, listening skills, and empathy. Presented by Community Word Project. For ages 13-18 years old.
 
6/27: Summer Reading Kick Off: The Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show
3:00pm, Webster Library
The show engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology and is crafted to inclusive for children of all ages including children on the Autism Spectrum. The show is a great time for parents, teachers and caregivers to have fun at the same time.
 

Community Events for Adults

Every Tuesday: Adult Coloring
11:00am, 96th Street Library
Looking for a new way to relax? Enjoy the sublime pleasure of coloring. All materials will be provided to participants by the Library.
 
Every Tuesday: Microsoft Word for Beginners
3:00pm-5:00pm, 96th Street Library
Learn the basics of Microsoft Word 2010, a word processing program you can use to create documents. This is a comprehensive course, so please make sure you attend all sessions. Call 212-289-0908 to register.
 
Every Tuesday: Garden Reading
11:00am (3pm on 6/6)
The weather is finally warm and beautiful! Why not enjoy a nice book in Webster’s quaint courtyard. *Space is limited! To ensure everyone has a chance to read in the courtyard, sessions will be 1 hour long. If no one is waiting, you may be granted extra time. Tuesdays, 12PM-2PM Wednesdays, 3PM-5PM Saturdays, 11AM-1PM Starting on May 29th until August 29th!! First come, first served
 
Every Thursday: eBook Help
11:00am, Yorkville Library
Get one-on-one help downloading library books and audio books via our SimplyE, 3M and OverDrive platforms. Please bring your phone, tablet or e-Reading device. Registration is required. Please sign up personally at Yorkville Library or call 212-744-5824. There are only three individual slots available, for 15 minutes each.
 
Every Friday: Exercise With Health Advocates For Older People
10:30am - 11:30am, Church of the Holy Trinity
Join HAFOP for some fun exercise.
 
Every Friday: Italian Class
11:30am - 12:30pm, Church of the Holy Trinity
Join the Health Advocates for Older People for an Italian Class.
 
Every Friday: Health Advocates for Older People Bridge
12:00pm - 4:00pm, Church of the Holy Trinity
Join HAFOP for a game of Bridge.
 
Every Friday: Learn to Play Chess at Webster
3:00pm, Webster Library
Learn how to play, practice your skills, or to play a game. All materials will be provided, and an experienced instructor Timothy Mobley will lead the group.

Every Tuesday: Community Supported Agriculture Boxes
3:30pm - 6:30pm, Center at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Pick up your own community supported agriculture box of high quality, farm fresh produce at below retail prices. Price $14. Shares must be purchased a week in advance. For information contact Abby Lee at alee@grownyc.org
 
Every Thursday: “Getting Ahead” Financial Empowerment Workshop
6:00pm - 8:00pm, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Over the course of 4 sessions you will see your credit report, meet one-on-one with a financial counselor, get help with credit and debt issues, create a personalized financial action plan, and more. Registration required by June 4th. Space is limited.
 
Every Thursday: Alexander Technique with Health Advocates for Older People
10:00am - 11:00am, Church of the Holy Trinity
Join HAFOP and relax using the Alexander Technique.
 
Every Thursday: Chair Yoga for Arthritis
1:00pm - 2:00pm, Rutgers Church
Join Health Advocates for Older People for some relaxing chair yoga.
 
Every Thursday: Brain Wellness
2:30pm - 3:30pm, Church of the Heavenly Rest
Join Health Advocates for Older People for some energizing brain wellness exercises.
 
Every Wednesday: Strength and Tone
11:00am - 12:00pm, Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church
Join Health Advocates For Older People for a fun fitness class.
 
Every Wednesday: Health Advocates For Older People Exercise
1:30pm - 2:30pm, Park Avenue United Methodist Church
Join HAFOP for some fun exercise.
 
Every Wednesday: Health Advocates For Older People Poker
2:00pm - 4:00pm, Church of the Holy Trinity
Join HAFOP for a fun game of poker.
 
6/5: Pet Club Social
1:30pm - 2:30pm, Church of the Holy Trinity
Join Health Advocates for Older People for an event perfect for pet lovers.
 
Every Wednesday: Tai Chi
3:00pm - 4:00pm, Church of the Holy Trinity
Join Health Advocates for Older people for relaxing Tai Chi
 
Every Monday: Arthritis Exercise
10:30am - 11:30am, Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
Join Health Advocates for Older People for arthritis based exercise.
 
Every Monday: Health Advocates for Older People Photography
2:00pm - 3:00pm, Church of the Holy Trinity
Join HAFOP for a fun photography class.
 
Every Monday: Flamenco Dance
4:00pm - 5:00pm, Church of the Holy Trinity
Join Health Advocates For Older People for an energizing Flamenco dance.

Every Friday: Health Advocates for Older People Harmonica Class
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join HAFOP for a relaxing harmonica class.
 
Every Saturday: Chair Yoga
11:00am - 11:45am, St. Joseph’s Church
Join the Health Advocates for Older People for relaxing chair yoga.
 
Every Saturday: Matinee Movie
12:30pm, Church of the Holy Trinity
 
6/1, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29: We Are New York (WANY) English Conversation Groups
10:30am, Roosevelt Island Library
We Are New York is an Emmy winning half hour TV show created to help people practice English. First come, first served.
 
6/2: Yorkville Writing Circle
11:00am, Meeting Room
Want to meet local writers? Commit to a writing schedule? Practice your craft through writing prompts? Read original work to get and give feedback? Then come to the biweekly meetings of the Yorkville Writing Circle! Writers of all genres and styles, at all levels, are welcome to participate.
 
6/2: Career Transitions: Job Search 101
2:00pm, Meeting Room
Led by Barbara Phillips.
 
6/3: Grand Acquisitors: A Walking Tour
10:30am, Location available upon ticket purchase
Architectural historian Matt Postal will lead a walking tour of some of the historic district’s finest and most memorable blocks. $10 for members and $20 for non members. Rain or shine. 212-535-2526
 
6/4: Mystery Mondays
4:00pm, 67th Street Library
Book discussion featuring stories of suspense, secrets, and lies. The Perfect Nanny by Leila Slimani.
 
6/5: Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Series: Heart Health
5:30pm, 96th Street Library
Want to know more about you heart health? Join us for the Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Series.
 
6/5, 6/19: Turn Your Writing Into a Freelance Writing Business
5:30pm, 67th Street Library
This series is designed to help participants develop and use their writing skills to advance a freelance writing career. Free and open to all. First come first served.

6/5, 6/19, 6/26: Summer Garden Concerts
6:00pm, Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden
Come for live music in the garden, a full tour of our period rooms and complimentary beverages. Free for members and babies, $15 for adults, $5 for children.

6/6: Lunch Time Tech: Learning Online with Lynda.com
12:00pm, Yorkville Library
Lynda.com offers video courses to help you improve specific workplace skills. You can improve your graphic design skills, learn how to market on social media, and so much more by choosing a skill path and earning certificates from the site. This half hour class will help you sign up for free with your library card and learn the basics of using the site. You MUST HAVE your Library card number and PIN to sign into Lynda.com during the class. This class is limited to five participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
6/6: Hopalong Andrew Solo Performance
4:00pm, 96th Street Library
Music and Movement celebrating NYC history, parks, people, and Urban Cowpokes. Children aged 0-8, parents and grandparents.
 
6/7, 6/14, 6/21: Computer Lab
12:00pm, 96th Street Library
Our tech volunteers assist you with almost any computer topic you want to learn. Tablets and laptops can be provided for the duration of the session. Sign up is required and space is limited.
 
6/7: Film - Words and Music (1948)
2:00pm - 4:00pm, 96th Street Library
 
6/7: Book Discussion - Exposure by Helen Dunmore
6:00pm, 96th Street Library

6/6: Aging with Dignity
10:30am - 11:30am, Hospital for Special Surgery 2nd Floor Conference Center
Join other Greenberg participants as we discuss the challenges and benefits of growing older in this fast-paced society. Registration required.
 
6/7: Protecting Our Eyes
10:30am - 11:30am, Hospital for Special Surgery 2nd Floor Conference Center
Learn how to preserve your vision as you age. Registration required.
 
6/7: Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Health
2:30pm - 4:00pm, Hospital for Special Surgery 2nd Floor Conference Center
Join us for a discussion on the causes and types of fractures, different options in medication and treatment, and considerations in falls prevention exercise. Registration required.

6/8: Healthcare Decision Making Workshop
10:00am - 12:00pm, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Auditorium
Learn about various healthcare decision documents. Pre registration required. Contact Maddy Korbel at 212-218-0449 or mkorbel@lenoxhill.org.

6/8: The Rage For Soda Water
12:30pm, Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden
Bring your own bag and learn about life in the past. Free with admission. Tour and Refreshments included.

6/8: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Lincoln Center
11:00 AM-12:30 PM, The Joan Weil Center for Dance, 405 W 55th Street 
Attendance is Free to Seniors 50+ From Manhattan.
Space is limited register at Imeyer@alvinailey.org or by calling 212-405-9152
 
6/9: Volunteer Gardening
9:30am - 12:30pm, Carl Schurz Park
Join neighbors and friends and pitch in at this fun, local event. Students or children who wish to participate must be accompanied by an adult who works with them.

6/10: Grand Victorian Garden Tea
4:00pm - 8:00pm, Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden
Join us for summer high tea! Dress code: 1800s - 1910s summer garden party. Tickets required. Rain or shine.
6/10: Music and Dance 5th Dimension

2:00pm - 3:00pm, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Auditorium
Join us for a dance and music performance by young performers.

 6/11, 6/18, 6/25: Adult Coloring
11:00am, Roosevelt Island Library
Looking for a new way to relax? Enjoy the sublime pleasure of coloring. All materials will be provided to participants by the Library.

6/11: Caring for Our Feet
10:30am - 11:30am, Hospital for Special Surgery 2nd Floor Conference Center
Learn how to take care of your feet and  recognize the signs of serious medical conditions. Registration required.
 
6/11: Movie Monday: Homo Promo (1993)
3:00pm-4:00pm, 67th Street Library
 
6/12, 6/19, 6/26: Read Illiad Reading Group
4:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library

6/12: Preparing for Emergencies
10:30am - 11:30am, Hospital for Special Surgery 2nd Floor Conference Center
New York State emergency preparedness course taught by a trained Red Cross instructor specifically for older adults living at home. Registration required.
 
6/13: Annual NYC Elder Abuse Conference
8:00am - 4:00pm, The New School
Join us to learn about the ways that we can prevent and eliminate the abuse of seniors.

6/13: Adult One-on-One Computer Help Workshop
11:00am, Meeting Room
Work one-on-one with a volunteer tutor. Improve Internet skills, create, and use e-mail, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point). Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration required in person or by phone at 212.744.5824. Seating is Limited

6/14: Health Information on the Web
10:30am - 12:00pm, Weill Cornell Medical College Medical Library
This hands-on workshop is designed to help you make sense of health information on the Internet. Registration required. Space is limited.

 6/13: Sunset Garden Party
5:00pm-8:00pm, FDR Four Freedoms Park
Join us for a beautiful evening of music and cocktails in view of the United Nations and surrounded by the New York City skyline, featuring music by Peter Duchin & his Orchestra.
 
6/14, 6/21, 6/28: Knitting Circle
11:00am, Roosevelt Island Senior Center
Come join us for a relaxing knitting session.
 
6/14: Film - Show Boat (1936)
2:00pm - 4:00pm, 96th Street Library
 
6/14: Reel Classics: The Quiet Man
4:00pm, Webster Library Auditorium
 
6/14: Roosevelt Island: Past, Present, and Future
5:00pm, Location available upon ticket purchase
Join us for an evening exploring Roosevelt Island. Rain or shine. $10 for members, and $20 for nonmembers. 212-535-2526
 
6/14: Historical Lecture: Nellie Bly
6:30 pm, Roosevelt Island Library
New York University professor Brooke Kroeger will speak on “Nellie Bly: From Blackwell’s Island to Well Beyond.”
 
6/16: The Hunt: Yorkville/East Harlem
2:00pm, Church of the Holy Trinity
Create a team, download the Urban Archive app on your phone, and race around East Harlem and Yorkville to see who can identify the most traces of the past-hidden in plain sight. Free. Registration required.

6/16: Ice Cream Garden Social
1:00pm - 3:00pm, Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden
Ice cream making, period toys and games, and historical tunes. $15 for adults, $10 for members and children.
 
6/16: Diller Quaile String Quartet Concert
3:30pm, Webster Library
Please join us for a performance by the Diller-Quaile String Quartet as they perform a spring concert of classical music, featuring selections from Shostakovich, String Quartet No. 1.
 
6/18: Movie Monday: Coming Out: A 50 Year History (2017)
3:00pm-4:00pm, 67th Street Library
 
6/18: Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Series: The Aging Brain
5:30pm, Webster Library Auditorium
Of the ten most important global health challenges identified by the World Health Organization, four of them are “brain” related (Stroke, Dementia, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Depression). This presentation can explore overall brain health, and the newest treatments for brain-related diagnosis. Join us at the Webster Library to learn more about brain health!
 
6/18: Powerpoint Like and Absolute Boss
6:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library
In this course you will learn how to use PowerPoint like and absolute boss. No experience necessary.

6/19: Final Art Show and Reception: Art of the Word
2:00pm - 3:00pm, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Auditorium
View works by members of the visual arts class Art of the Word: Language as Art!
 
6/20: Lunch Time Tech: Facebook Basics
12:00pm, Meeting Room
Need some help navigating Facebook? Learn how to catch up with friends and family, share photos, and much more on the popular online social network. Must have an active Email account. Space limited to 5 patrons on a first come, first served basis.

 6/20: Dealing with Difficult People
10:30am - 11:45am, Hospital For Special Surgery 2nd Floor Conference Center
This workshop will teach you how to communicate effectively with difficult individuals while reducing your own frustration and emotional reactions. Fee $10. Registration required. Space is limited.
 
6/21: How’s My Posture?
11:00am - 12:30pm, Hospital for Special Surgery 2nd Floor Conference Center
This workshop will discuss how poor posture can lead to lower back pain and how simple modifications can help your body function at its best. Fee $10. Registration required. Space is limited.
 
6/21: Film - Night and Day (1946)
2:00pm - 4:00pm, 96th Street Library
 
6/21: Selling to the Government
2:00pm, Yorkville Library
The Small Business Administration has helped thousands of startups get off the ground and grow with advice and with the necessary information and resources they need.  In this presentation, Man-Li Lin discusses selling your products on the government and global markets.  
 
6/21: Make Music New York
4:00pm-7:00pm, John Finley Walk
Enjoy this city-wide concert series to celebrate the first day of summer!
 
6/21: Book Discussion: The Emperor of Maladies
6:30pm, Roosevelt Island Library
 
6/22: Summer Reading Kick Off: A Summer Reading Singing Stories Program
3:00pm, Yorkville Library
Singing books introduces children to words they might not normally understand or use, while they’re busy having fun! Best for infants up to age 6 with their parent/caregiver.
 
6/23: Design a Life You Love Living
2:00pm, Yorkville Library
Turn your greatest possibility into your reality.
 
6/25: Kid Flicks: Caps for Sale and Winnie The Pooh & A Day For Eeyore.
4:00pm, Yorkville Library
 
6/25: Movie Monday: The Birdcage (1996)
3:00pm-5:00pm, 67th Street Library
A gay cabaret owner and his drag queen companion agree to put up a false straight front so that their son can introduce them to his fiancee’s right-wing moralistic parents. No registration required. Fully accessible with subtitles.
 
6/25: Advanced Excel
6:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library
Picking up from basic Excel, this course will delve deeper into the features available on microsoft Excel. Familiarity with Excel or attendance to previous course is highly recommended.
 
6/26: Tenement Chic on the Upper East Side: A Walking Tour
5:00pm, Location available upon ticket purchase
Join us for a closer look at Yorkville’s not-so-humble tenement architecture with urban historian barry Feldman. Rain or shine. $18 for members and $22 for non members. Additional $2 charge for tickets purchased the day of the tour.
 
6/27: Summer Reading Kickoff: A Summer Reading Singing Stories Program
4:00pm, 67th Street Library
Children are introduced to literacy and language development through classic children’s books set to music.
 
6/28: Film - Three Little Words (1950)
2:00pm - 4:00pm, 96th Street Library
 
6/28: Webster at the Movies: Peter Rabbit
4:00pm, Webster Library
 
6/28: Movie Night: They Live (1988)
6:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library

6/28: Carter Burden Gallery Exhibition
6:00pm - 8:00pm, Carter Burden Gallery
Marilyn Green and Judy Richardson.
 
6/30: Webster at the Movies: Darkest Hour
2:00pm, Webster Library
 
6/30: Biscuits and Baths
11:00am-3:00pm, 1064 1st Avenue
Meet several great dogs from Animal Care & Control of NYC at this adoption event. Dogs Only.