May News: Fight Overdevelopment and Plastic Bottle Waste, Park Redesign, Tenants Rights Forum & Parks Events

HEADLINES

1. Ban the Sale of Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles
2. Our Fight Against Over-Development Continues as Sutton Developer Appeals
3. Public/Private Partnership with Brearley for One Million Dollars to Repair Overhang Above the Esplanade

 
MAY EVENT INVITES

4. Tenants’ Rights Forum
5. Bike with Ben (to City Hall)
6. Help Redesign the Brearley Overhang Above the Esplanade
7. Jazz Concert at Andrew Haswell Green Park
8. Movies Under the Stars
9. Mammogram Van

 PARKS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

10. New Trees and Tree Guards Come to 2nd Avenue Bike Lane Islands
11. Waste Reduction and Diversion Legislative Package Introduced for Earth Day
12. Working to Reduce Light Pollution

 
EDUCATION

13. District Schools Get Funding Boost
14. Bringing Attention to School Seat Shortage
15. P.S. 290, P.S. 198, and P.S. 527 Auctions

HOUSING AND QUALITY OF LIFE

16. Recognized for Influence on Zoning, Preservation, and Affordable Housing
17. New City Map Monitors Scaffolding in Real Time
18. Rallying for a Rent Freeze in 2018
19. Homelessness Forum Attended by Nearly 100 Residents
20. New Affordable Housing Opportunity on East 95th Street

 
TECHNOLOGY

21. LinkNYC Kiosks to be Monitored Hourly
22. NYC Announces First-Ever Cybersecurity App to Protect Residents 

COMMUNITY

23. Summer Internship at My Office
24. Second Annual Spirit of Service Day
25. New York Junior Tennis Is Back
26. Shred-A-Thon: Thank You
27. Alice Aycock Sculpture Park Reopens
28. Basketball With Ben
29. Earth Day Recap
30. New York Public Library: Invest in Libraries   
31. Big Swim at Asphalt Green
32. UAW Rally Supporting Graduate Workers
33. Grant Opportunity: Kamil Kubik Foundation

OFFICE UPDATES

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

 
EVENTS

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

Ban the Sale of Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles

As covered by the New York Times and CBS 2, I authored legislation to ban the sale of single-use plastic water bottles in New York City’s Parks, beaches and golf courses. New Yorkers use 1 billion single-use plastic water bottles every year. Many of these bottles get recycled, but far too many end up in landfills or in our bodies of water, polluting local fisheries and ending up in our food. I introduced this legislation after seeing how it has changed the behavior of residents in San Francisco, California. After I took a fact-finding trip there in 2014 I realized that everyone carried reusable bottles, and single-use plastic water bottles are not as ubiquitous there as they are here. I look forward to moving this bill through the legislative process as it has the co-sponsorship of Environmental Committee Chair Costa Constantinides and Council Member Rafael Espinal Jr. of Brooklyn as well as the City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.For more coverage on the bill see Metro and Curbed’s coverage. Sign the petition to join the fight against excess plastic in our oceans and plastic bottles in our parks at BenKallos.com/petition/BanTheBottle


Our Fight Against Over-Development Continues as Sutton Developer Appeals

In April I testified before the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), opposing the construction of a mega-tower in the recently rezoned East Fifties residential neighborhood. Despite the rezoning, which was the result of a grassroots effort by the local community and elected officials, the developer, Gamma Real Estate, is appealing to the BSA in an effort to exempt its property from the new rules. At the hearing, I was joined in support by fellow elected officials, civic groups, and dozens of members of the East River Fifties Alliance (ERFA). My arguments for denying this exception are simple, and include:

Illegal After Hours Work Variances (AHVs) Once the race was on to get the foundation for the building poured in time ahead of the rezoning the developer was so far behind he resorted to illegal methods to attempt at catching up.

A Scofflaw Foundation At several points developers began to do work even after permits had expired or with no permit at all. On November 11, 2017 developers closed 58th Street with a permit in order to pour 880 cubic yards of cement. On November 18, 2017 it happened again cement was poured on this day from 7am to 10pm with no permit for work during those hours pouring 893 cubic yards of cement.
 
I am proud of the work my office, ERFA and the other electeds have done on this and will continue to fight to prevent this rezoning. The BSA will consider the matter again at its June 19 hearing. Read my full testimony at BenKallos.com/press-releases

Join the fight by signing the petition at BenKallos.com/petition/stop-super-scrapers


Public/Private Partnership with Brearley for One Million Dollars to Repair Overhang Above the Esplanade
 
As reported by Our Town the overhang or pier structure located between 82nd and 83rd Streets on the East River Esplanade’s John Finley walk will be getting a million dollar makeover, thanks to a public-private between my office, the Brearley School, CIVITAS and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. The structure, which has been on the Esplanade for decades, has for a long time been in need of repair and maintenance. When I realized the Brearley School’s lease was up for renewal with the City, I began talks with the school and the City on a plan that would benefit the community as a whole. We partnered with CIVITAS and conducted a survey in the neighborhood about what residents wanted to do with the pier, and we brought the suggestions and feedback we received back to the school. For more information on the million dollar investment, Brearley will be making to the pier see the coverage in Patch and read the release at BenKallos.com/press-releases

Some of the work Brearley will be undertaken includes:

• Million Dollars to Rehabilitate the Pier: Repair Leaks, Removing Netting, Remove Chain Link Fence, New Fencing and Ongoing Maintenance.
• Contemporary Lighting for Public Safety. Contemporary lighting will be installed in strips along the building wall to provide sleek lighting for public safety without impacting neighbors. Groundwork for additional lighting will be included for installation if necessary.
• Green Wall. Privacy barriers will be green, with planters and climbing plants to create a living wall visible to pedestrians below, with and a south wall of six to eight feet and a north wall of four feet to reduce shadows cast to the Esplanade below.
• Planters, Water, and Conservancy. Planters will be provided to the south at the entrances to John Finley Walk at 81^st, 82^nd, 83^rd and 84^th Streets, with seasonal plantings fed with water from the school and cared for through partnership with the city and community.
• Colorful Public Design. Brearley and Council Member Ben Kallos will work with CIVITAS to seek public feedback on colors and patterns from the community for structural surfaces.

Help design the Brearley Overhang Above the Esplanade
Thursday, May 10, 6pm 
The Brearley School 
610 East 83rd Street
RSVP
 


MAY EVENT INVITES

Tenants’ Rights Forum



Come and learn about your rights as a tenant, the Senior Citizen and Disabled Rent Increase Exemption, and how to support a rent freeze, with an opportunity to ask your housing questions.

Tenants' Rights Forum
Thursday, May 24, 6pm - 8pm
Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center
415 E. 93rd St.
RSVP

Bike with Ben (to City Hall)

Join me, dozens of riders from Bike New York, Transportation Alternatives and StreetsPAC for the 2018 Bike to Work Day kickoff as we bike from by District Office to City Hall for a rally. Learn more or watch the video from last year at StreetsBlog.org

Bike with Ben (to City Hall)
Wednesday, May 16, 7AM
District Office, 244 East 93rd Street
RSVP
 

Help Redesign the Brearley Overhang Above the Esplanade

The Brearley School is redesigning and renovating the Pier over the East River Esplanade at John Finley Walk in a public/private partnership with my office. This is your chance to give feedback on colorful new designs, contemporary lighting, green walls and planters.
 

 
Help Redesign the Brearley Overhang Above the Esplanade
Thursday, May 10, 6pm 
The Brearley School 
610 East 83rd Street
RSVP


Movies Under the Stars


Ferdinand
Friday, May 11, 7:30 p.m.
Carl Schurz Park – hockey rink
E. 84th Street and East End Ave.
RSVP


Deep
Saturday, May 12, 7:30 p.m. 
Samuel Seabury Playground
E. 95th Street and Lexington Ave.
RSVP

Jazz Concert at Andrew Haswell Green Park


Enjoy a free live outdoor concert at Andrew Haswell Green Park with the Alvin Flythe Quartet. Alvin Flythe will be performing on the saxophone and has collaborated with Duke Ellington, Roy Haynes and Little Jimmy Scott.

Jazz at Andrew Haswell Green Park
Saturday, May 12, 4pm -6pm
Andrew Haswell Green Park
E. 60^th Street and York Avenue
RSVP


Mammogram Van

Mammogram Van on Roosevelt Island
Hosted with RIOC and Assembly Member Seawright
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island
Saturday, May 26, 9am - 12pm
Call 877-628-9090 for an appointment

 

PARKS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
 
New Trees and Tree Guards Come to 2nd Avenue Bike Lane Islands

Nineteen new trees valued at $38,000 provided by the MTA, and 17 new sets of tree guards to protect the trees and other plantings at a cost of $30,600 are the newest addition to street beautification efforts along Second Avenue. I am proud to have collaborated with the MTA to get the trees paid for and with the Parks Department to get the trees planted and the tree guards installed.
 
Since I took office, we have been greening our sidewalks and bike lane islands with my Adopt-A-Planter program, which launched in 2014 along the First Avenue protected bike lane with Upper Green Side. As covered by PIX 11 News in 2014, I secured approvals from NYC Parks and the Department of Transportation for residents to adopt planters with and without trees to beautify them. The program has been supported with training and materials by Upper Green Side. As spring blooms into season, we are just weeks or days away from seeing the new Second Avenue trees sprout leaves. For more information read the coverage in Upper East Patch and at BenKallos.com/press-releases
 

Waste Reduction and Diversion Legislative Package Introduced for Earth Day
 
Inspired by Earth Day, I re-introduced legislation that would mandate businesses and any other location with accommodations for the public to put out separate bins for trash, recycling, and compost. By improving waste separation at its source, this legislation aims to increase New York City’s dismal commercial recycling rate of 19%. As I promised when I ran for office, I have also introduced legislation that would force New York City to achieve its goal of “Zero Waste by 2030” and come up with a viable plan to achieve it. New York City generates around 44 million pounds of residential and commercial waste every day with only one-third diverted from landfills. Together these two bills will work to increase that number and make dumps like the Upper East Side Marine Transfer Station obsolete. For more information read the coverage of the legislation in the New York Daily News or the press release at BenKallos.com/press-releases
 

Working to Reduce Light Pollution
 
The last bill I reintroduced this April in honor of Earth Day would require the city to use fully shielded streets lights moving forward to reduce light pollution. This would result in a darker night sky and a better night's sleep for New Yorkers. The legislation also protects wildlife, saves energy, and improves traffic safety, all while keeping light out of apartment windows at night. New York City may be the city that ‘never sleeps’, but that shouldn’t be because of a streetlight outside your bedroom window. For more information read the 2017 coverage from Gothamist or the press release at BenKallos.com/press-releases



EDUCATION
 
District Schools Get Funding Boost
 
In April the City announced that New York City Schools would be getting an additional $125 million spread across New York City’s roughly 1,700 schools. According to ChalkBeat, nine of the schools that will be receiving the funds are in our district:

• P.S. 77 Lower Lab School
• P.S. 158 Bayard Taylor
• P.S. 183 Robert L. Stevenson
• P.S. 198 Isador E. Ida Straus
• P.S. 290 Manhattan New School
• M.S. 114 East Side Middle School
• Manhattan International High School
• Talent Unlimited High School
• Life Sciences Secondary School

These schools will likely be getting a boost of between $115,000 and $836,000 each for the 2018-2019 school year, based on the city’s updated “Fair Student Funding” formula, which determines the amount of funds allocated to schools based on enrollment number and the school’s level of need.


Bringing Attention to School Seat Shortage  
 
New York City public schools are facing a seat shortage of up to 38,428 seats for the 2019-2020 school year. At an Education Committee hearing in April, I questioned officials at the School Construction Authority about how they planned to deal with this situation and how they let it get this bad.  Since I was elected I have questioned the methods the School Construction Authority uses to determine need. Because of this, I have introduced legislation forcing the School Construction Authority to show they identify need.  “School Planning and Siting for New Capacity, Introduction 1486  was heard passed out of Committee in 2017. Now local Law 72 of 2018 requires granular reporting on the number of children who apply and are turned away from schools in order to gain insight into actual versus projected enrollment need.
 
After a year,the  same working group has returned with a report titled “Planning to Learn: The School Building Challenge” that highlights the importance of Local Law 72 and along with the City Council’s budget response recommends the passage of another one of my bills, Introduction 729 to be heard in the Education Committee. This legislation requires transparency around the “black box” containing the methodologies and underlying data used to determine how many seats the city needs and will consequently build so that the public can force the city to build the seats we need.
 

P.S. 290, P.S. 198, and P.S. 527 Auctions

It was a pleasure meeting with parents, teachers and school administrators at P.S. 290’s annual auction. P.S 290 has one of the more active student and faculty body’s of all the schools in our district. I look forward to continuing to support the school’s efforts to build a Play Roof so that the children can enjoy time outside for recess. Since taking office, I have allocated $1.5 million toward this project in an effort to get it done. P.S 198’s auction was also attended by dozens of parents and It was a pleasure meeting and talking to many of them at the wonderful event. Since I have been elected I have allocated $742,000 to P.S. 198 for tech upgrades and a new playground as part of Participatory Budgeting. I also had the honor of attending P.S. 527's auction, where I have been proud to provide $200,000 with Borough President Gale Brewer for laptops and smart boards. If you are a teacher or principal in the district I’d be happy to attend your school’s auction. You can send my office and invite at Scheduler@BenKallos.com  



HOUSING AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Recognized for Influence on Zoning, Preservation, and Affordable Housing

Since getting elected I have worked to preserve our neighborhoods by creating affordable housing and preventing overdevelopment from enveloping every neighborhood in our City. I am proud to have been recognized for this work by the Commercial Observer. During my first term, while Chair of the Committee on Governmental Operations, with oversight of agencies like the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) and Department of Citywide Administrative Services, I did my best to ensure these agencies and their leaders were accountable to the people and were acting in the interest of the people. Currently, in my role as Chair of the Subcommittee on Planning and Dispositions, I continue to work to make sure developers are not taking advantage of the communities they build in. It is my goal to squeeze as much affordable housing as possible out of every dollar that is spent by the City on new housing. Whether is passing legislation that imposes fines on landlords who receive the J-51 or 421-a tax breaks and flout the law by failing to register and offer stabilized leases for rent-regulated units, reforming the BSA, or fighting developers who want to build a supertower in a residential neighborhood, I will continue to fight for New Yorkers, wherever I can. Read more about some of the work I have done involving real estate from the Commercial Observer.


New City Map Monitors Scaffolding in Real Time

Last year I proposed legislation designed to get rid of unnecessary scaffolding throughout the City. As that bill continues through the legislative process, it also continues to get attention from residents, the press, and the administration. In April, the Department of Buildings announced its new website, which allows New Yorkers to see where all the City scaffolding is and how much goes up and down every day. As of Wednesday, April 11th, the day the map came online, there were 7,342 sheds covering 290 miles, a 42% increase since 2016. The Department of Buildings decided to release the data to give residents a better idea of when permits are issued and when they expire. I applaud the DOB’s transparency and think the new map is a great idea that will highlight the need for my legislation. As recently reported by Crain's my bill would penalize owners who leave scaffolding up when work is not being done and would give developers six months to get the work finished or the city would step in, do the facade work then bill the developers. For more information read the article in Crains.


Rallying for a Rent Freeze in 2018 

As the Rent Guidelines Board considers raising rents by as much as 7% for the nearly 2.5 million New Yorkers who live in rent- regulated apartments, I joined Rent Justice Coalition members in calling for a rent freeze at the Board’s first meeting of the year. Over the past four years through our advocacy together we have won two rent freezes and two historically low increases. Still, we face a housing crisis, and last year 43% of people in shelters came from rent-stabilized apartments. Moreover, while tenants face rising rents every year, landlords have been bringing in more money and paying less for expenses. Property resale prices are up, rent revenue is up, and the people paying the price are New York’s regulated tenants.
 
Learn how you can take action to keep rents from rising:

Tenants’ Rights Forum
Thursday, May 24, 6pm - 8pm
Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center
415 E. 93rd St.
RSVP
 

Homelessness Forum Attended by nearly 100 Residents

There are 63,495 homeless people in New York City, 22,293 of whom are children in the public-school system and 17,085 are parents with children. It is a tragic situation that we must work to correct as a City. As Our Town reported I had the pleasure of co-hosting with Community Board 8 a forum featuring representatives of the Department of Homeless Services, non-profits, and local leaders who are all working to combat homelessness. As a founder of the Eastside Task Force on Homeless Services, I discussed our efforts to increase the number of supportive housing facilities in the city and in this district, and what else we can do as a community to help the homeless. For more information on this event, read the coverage in Our Town.
 

New Affordable Housing Opportunity on East 95th Street
 
Twenty-one affordable condo units have been set aside for middle-income wage earners at 200 East 95th Street on the Upper East Side. The units are available for household sizes of 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the applications must be completed and submitted May 17, 2018. For more information, visit: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/hpd/downloads/pdf/Owners/200-east-95th-street.pdf
 
 
TECHNOLOGY
 
LinkNYC Kiosks to be Monitored Hourly

If you have ever wondered whether the LinkNYC kiosk down the block has free working phone service or not, now you will be able to know ahead of time because that information will be shared online in real-time. In the past, public payphones often didn’t work: picking up a handset that had no dial tone or had been damaged became normal; sometimes booths were empty with no phones inside. With the upgrade from payphones to LinkNYC kiosks offering 911 and free phone service, the City is hoping to make broken public phones a thing of the past. For more information on the work read the coverage in Gov Tech and visit Benkallos.com/releaes


NYC Announces First-Ever Cybersecurity App to Protect Residents 

In April New York City announced NYC Secure, a free application designed to protect New Yorkers online from potential hacking and suspicious activities on their computers and mobile devices.  It was a pleasure to join Mayor Bill de Blasio to announce the initiative. As a software engineer, I welcome this effort, as now more than ever we need to maintain protection of residents, businesses and governments.
 
NYC Secure will include a free City-sponsored smartphone protection app that, when installed, will issue warnings to users when suspicious activity is detected on their mobile devices. NYC Secure will also offer world-class protection for our public Wi-Fi networks, becoming the first city in the world to provide such services to all residents and visitors free of charge. For more information visit BenKallos.com/press-releases 
 


COMMUNITY
 
Summer Internship at My Office
Interns and fellows at our Council office learn firsthand about city government, work closely with senior staff and are encouraged to pursue a project of their own choosing. Interns can work regular business hours or nights and weekends with a focus on attending events. We are looking forward to a fun, educational, and productive summer. If you are interested in joining the team, please visit BenKallos.com/Internships
 
Second Annual Spirit of Service Day
 
I had a great time meeting residents from in and out of District 5 at the second Annual Spirit of Service Day in late April, which I am proud to support with discretionary funding. It is always great seeing people come out and join a good cause and try to volunteer for their community. At this year's event, I was impressed to meet with students from Innovation High School who were in the volunteer spirit. Thank you to Community Board 11 for organizing this great event.
 
New York Junior Tennis Is Back
 
The spring 2018 season of New York Junior Tennis Learning is back on Roosevelt Island! I am proud to provide funding for this great youth tennis program. Beginning April 30th through June 8th, children ages 5 -18 will be able to register at Octagon Park on Main St (North End), Roosevelt Island. Although you do not have to apply because no one will be turned away, you must register in person during hours of operation, which are Monday to Friday, 3pm-6pm. For more information visit nyjtl.org or call 347-417-8125.
 
Shred-A-Thon: Thank You

The Earth Day 2018 edition of the Shred-A-Thon was the biggest one yet as hundreds of residents joined Upper Greenside and the Department of Sanitation and my office. This year we shredded thousands of pounds of paper collected hundreds of pounds of food scraps. Thank you to everyone who showed up for being patient as the huge crowd got its shredding done. See you at the next Shred-A-Thon around Memorial Day.  
 
 Alice Aycock Sculpture Park Reopens

It was an honor meeting famed artist Alice Aycock at an event hosted by the Municipal Arts Society and Friends of the East River Esplanade to mark the reopening of the pavilion featuring her great public artwork. Scores of attendees gathered at the site, which had not been fully accessible due to the reconstruction of the surrounding park area. Just a few months ago my office cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Andrew Haswell Green Park alongside the New York City Parks Department. The space now features a beautifully lush large lawn with shrubs. There are also many places to sit and play chess or checkers while enjoying views of the East River.

Basketball With Ben

Not even a little rain and colder-than-usual temperatures stopped 2018’s first Basketball with Ben. I was able to spend one of my April afternoons playing basketball with my staff and office interns. Samuel Seabury Playground on East 96th Street just a few blocks from my office has come in very handy for our annual basketball games. Despite being used to always working together, my staff and I faced off against a strong group of interns and Masters in Social Work students who really came to play. Thank you to my staff and all the interns who participated in ‘Basketball With Ben’ for their hard work this semester working on behalf of our community.  

 
Earth Day Recap 
 
Thank you to the dozens of residents who turned out to our fifth annual Earth Day forum in April. The forum featured guest speakers from organizations and groups dedicated to protecting the environment here in New York City.
 

New York Public Library: Invest In Libraries

I was proud to support The New York Public Library’s campaign to draw attention to their need for more funding at City Hall this year. In following with their theme I held up one of my favorite books for a picture, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. If you have not read it, I recommend you do.


Big Swim at Asphalt Green

It is always a pleasure seeing how much the community loves the facilities at Asphalt Green every time I am there. In April I visited as part of the Honorary Committee of Asphalt Green’s Big Swim Big Kick. This event is the biggest celebration of sports and fitness Asphalt Green hosts. Guests got an up-close view of all the events like synchronized swimming, diving and even a display of professional soccer skills. Congratulations to Asphalt Green on the great continued work.
  

UAW Rally Supporting Graduate Workers

I am proud to support the over 500 graduate students at Columbia University who went on strike in April demanding an end to issues like getting paid late, unstable health benefits, unpredictable workloads and last but not least inadequate protections against sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. Whether it is research, teaching, or grading papers, professors rely on these graduate students and need them there on the daily basis. So if they are doing good work they should be treated with dignity and paid accordingly. For more information read the release at BenKallos.com/press-releases


Grant Opportunity: Kamil Kubik Foundation
 
The Kamil Kubik Foundation aims to enhance Kamil Kubik's vision and generous spirit through the promotion of his works of art, annual grants to talented artists in need of development, and the support of art education programs for children. In alignment with Kamil Kubik Foundation’s mission to support artists, we offer a grant in the amount of $500 U.S. dollars to one public school student in the New York metropolitan area. The Grant Submission Period is March 14 – May 4, 2018.In alignment with Kamil Kubik Foundation’s mission to support artists,  a grant is offered in the amount of $500 U.S. dollars to one public school student in the New York metropolitan area. Please email completed application, essay and art to: mb604hob@yahoo.com. Grant Award Announcement: May 31, 2018. For more information visit.kamilkubikfoundation.org



OFFICE UPDATES

Legislative Corner
 
This month, the Council passed a package of three bills to address runaway homeless youth. Local Law 88 of 2018 requires the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to include 21-24 year olds in the population it provides transitional independent living support programs for.
 
Local Law 87 of 2018 extends the amount of time runaway homeless youth may remain in the shelter system beyond the current 120 day maximum.
 
Local Law 86 of 2018 requires DYCD to report on runaway and homeless youth, including the size of the current population and service needs.
 
Taken together, these 3 pieces of legislation will assist a segment of the homeless population with temporary housing and programming so the City can better address their needs and help prevent temporary homelessness in one’s youth from becoming permanent homelessness as they age.
 

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
• Carter Burden Center for the Aging, 351 East 74th Street, 3rd Wednesday
• 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.



SPECIAL EVENTS
 
First Friday
Friday, May 4, 8AM - 10AM
District Office, 244 East 93rd Street
RSVP

Brainstorm with Ben
Tuesday, May 8, 5PM - 6PM
District Office, 244 East 93rd Street
I am happy to meet with you 5pm-6pm by appointment. A good brainstorm starts with advance preparation. In order to make our session productive, please contact my office ahead of time to prepare with staff and schedule your meeting by calling 212-860-1950 or emailing bkallos@benkallos.com.

Redesigning the Pier Over the Esplanade
Thursday, May 10, 6pm
The Brearley School
610 East 83rd Street
RSVP

Ferdinand
Friday, May 11 @ 7:30 p.m.
Carl Schurz Park – hockey rink
E. 84^th Street and East End Ave.
RSVP

Jazz at Andrew Haswell Green Park
Saturday, May 12, 4pm -6pm
Andrew Haswell Green Park
E. 60^th Street and York Avenue
RSVP

Deep
Saturday, May 12 @ 7:30 p.m. 
Samuel Seabury Playground
E. 95^th Street and Lexington Ave.
RSVP

Bike with Ben (to City Hall)
Wednesday, May 16, 7am - 10am
District Office, 244 East 93rd Street
RSVP
 
Tenants’ Rights Forum Thursday
May 24, 6-8pm
Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center
415 East 93rd Street
RSVP
 
Mammogram Van
May 26, 9am - 12pm
543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island New York
For an Appointment call 1-877-628-9090
RSVP
 

PROGRAMS FUNDED AND SPONSORED BY MY OFFICE

Spring Benefit, Friends of the East River Esplanade

1591 First Avenue Between 82nd & 83rd, May 7, 6:30-8:30pm
Purchase Tickets at www.esplanadefriends.org/spring-benefit-1
 
Pay Equity for Women: Getting Your Fair Wage Event

Please join the Women and Families Committee of Community Board 8 who are sponsoring a forum on pay equity for women on May 10th. I am excited to be co-sponsoring this forum.

Thursday, May 10, 6:30pm 
Memorial Sloan Kettering Rockefeller Research Laboratories 
430 East 67th Street- Auditorium
RSVP

NYFSC Home Sharing Program:
 
NYFSC's home sharing program helps link adult hosts with extra space in their apartments or homes with appropriate adult guests to share their space. The matches have to be over the age of 60 years old. Professional social workers screen all hosts and guests applicants. Home sharing has attracted recognition in the media as a new fresh approach that has gained national recognition for being an affordable housing opportunity that can provide financial relief, along with companionship. Funding is received through New York State Legislators, as well as NYC Council Members and Borough Presidents' discretionary funds along with private contributions.  For more info visit www.nyfsc.org/home-sharing/
 
DIV Awards
 
Code Interactive promotes a goal of breaking the poverty cycle of inner-city youth by providing positive leadership role models. Since 2012, Code Interactive has expanded its mission to train educators and build inclusive computer science programs. On May 22nd, 6pm at The Bowery Hotel Code Interactive will host the DIV awards which celebrates those who have diversified the technology industry.
 
The Adler Youth and Summer Shakespeare program
 
The Stella Adler Outreach Division has served nearly 4,000 New Yorkers from all five boroughs since 2004. The Adler Youth and Summer Shakespeare programs are offering free summer theater programs for New York City teens who are currently enrolled in a NYC high school. Summer Shakespeare is a five-week summer intensive that is free for qualifying students. Twenty-two students are selected to train five days a week in voice, movement, ensemble work and scene study (50 hours of classes total). The deadline to apply is May 31st, while full tuition to the program is covered, transportation and travel expenses are not.
 
Havel Conversations Live, Bohemian National Hall
 
05/1: Gail Merrifield Papp & Carol Rocamora in conversation with Lenka Kabrhelova
On Vaclav’s Havel’s influence, human rights around the world and the responsibilities that go hand in hand with expanding social media and escalating global conflicts. 321 E 73rd Street
 
05/22: Wendy Luers with Lisa Stone
On Vaclav’s Havel’s influence, human rights around the world and the responsibilities that go hand in hand with expanding social media and escalating global conflicts. 321 E 73rd Street
 
New York Classical Theatre
 
Read of The Widow of Valencia” by Lope de Vega
TBD

 
COMMUNITY BOARDS
 
5/9: 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)
 
5/18: Community Board 8
Full Board Meeting 6:30 pm to 9:30pm
Memorial Sloan Kettering – RRL 117
430 East 67th Street, New York, NY 10065 United States

5/15: Community Board 11
Full Board Meeting 6:30 pm to 9:30pm
Terrance Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center 1249 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10029
 
NEW YORK POLICE DEPT
 
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, 5/2: Roosevelt Island Residents Association Common Council Meeting
8:00 pm-10:00 pm, Good Sheperd (Downstairs), 543 Main Street
 
Second Tuesday, 5/8: Stanley Isaacs Tenant Associations
7:00 pm, Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center, 415 East 93rd Street
 
Third Thursday, 5/17: East 79th Street Neighborhood Association
6:00pm-8:00 pm, Temple Shaaray Tefila, 250 East 79th Street
 
Third Tuesday, 5/15: Holmes Towers Tenant Association
7:00 pm, Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center, 415 East 93rd Street

 
COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR KIDS
 
Every Tuesday: Early Literacy - 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.
 
Every Wednesday: Early Literacy: Pre-School Storytime
10:30am, 96th Street Library
Stories, fingerplays, and movement for preschoolers.
 
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.
 
Every Saturday: Family Game Time
10:00am, 96th Street Library
Come play board and card games in the library. We have classic games and new games, for children ages 2 to 12. Bring your friends and family.

5/1: History Weeks - A Trip Into the Past  for 6 to 12-year olds
Application for Early bird discount 5/1
Session 1: Ages 9-12, July 9-13, 8:30 AM—3:00 PM
Children explore life in 19th-century New York City via historic crafts and games, behind-the-scenes tours, old-fashioned cooking, scavenger hunts, and a field trip to another historic site. On the last day, campers create their own exhibits and lead their guests on a tour of the museum.

5/1: Science Fiction Book Discussion; Cat's Cradle
6:30pm-8:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library
 
5/2: Storytime Fun
11:00am, 11:30am, 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. First come, first serve.
 
5/2: Early Literacy - Five Senses
3:00pm, 67th Street Library
Get ready for some ooey gooey family fun in this new five-session workshop, offered at several library locations!
 
5/3: Family Storytime
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.
 
5/3: The Music Bubble and Comedy Show: Swing Into Spring!
4:00pm, Webster Library
The Music, Bubble and Comedy Show: Swing Into Spring! engages children with comedy, swing music, jazz music, “March”-ing songs, poems, bubbles, music technology and children’s stories which foster literacy, storytelling and a lifelong love of your local library! For children, ages 18 to 36 months, ages 3 to 5 years, ages 5 to 12 years, children.
 
5/7; 5/14; 5/21: PreSchool Storytime: Petite Picasso
4:00pm, 96th Library
Read aloud and messy art projects for young children. Wear your art clothes. Smocks will be provided.
 
5/7; 5/14; 5/21; 5/28: Read to Mildred, our New York Therapy Dog!
4:00pm, Webster Library
Come read to our therapy dog Mildred! Pre-registration is required for each 15-minute slot and opens 1 week in advance. For ages 5 and up.
 
5/10; 5/24: Jiggy Tot Series
11:00am, Roosevelt Island Library
Upbeat traditional Irish music and songs, combined with popular toddler songs, clapping, stamping, and shakers are used to explore rhythm and a variety of time signatures. For children, ages 18 to 36 months, ages 3 to 5 years, children.
 
5/12: Kid’s Coloring Club
10:00am-2:00pm, 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.
 
5/10; 5/17; 5/24; 5/31: Early Literacy:Pre-School Story Time
4:00pm, Yorkville Library
Come meet your friends at the library and listen to some of your favorite picture books. Ages 3 and older.
 
5/14; 5/21: Toddler Playtime
11:00am-12:00pm, 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.
 
5/14: Preschool STEAM: Spring
4:00pm, Yorkville Library
Join us for Preschool STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math! For children ages 3-6 and their caregivers. Registration required; limited to 12 children. Please register in person or by calling 212-744-5824.
 
5/15; 5/22; 5/29: Early Literacy: Baby Storytime
10:30am-11:00am, 12:00pm-12:30pm, 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.
 
5/15: Writing the College Admissions Essay
4:00pm-5:30pm, Roosevelt Island Library
At this workshop, you’ll learn how to choose a meaningful topic and write a great essay that will make you stand out from the crowd! For ages 13 -18 years old.
 
5/18: Ink Painting
3:30pm, 96th Street Library
Learn the art of Ink painting. Artists will learn the art of lines and structure, the harmonious and rhythmical motion. For ages 13 - 18 years old.
 
5/21: Kid Flicks
4:00pm, Yorkville Library
Showing: “The Cat In The Hat”, “Make Way For Ducklings” & “Sylvester & The Magic Pebble”.
 
5/25: May Craft Time
3:00pm, Yorkville Library
Drop in for a quick craft.  Bring your creativity and make something special to take home. Ages 3 and up.
 
5/28: Early Literacy: Art Party!
12:30pm, Yorkville Library
Join us for the sixth installment in this Early Literacy Information series. Come meet other caregivers, parents and create a book to take home with you!
 
5/29: Manga Drawing Workshop
3:30pm, Yorkville Library
Focusing on Japanese and American style comics, the students learn the history and nuts and bolts of this very popular form of comics, and make connections to their own experiences and cultures as they create their own characters for their own comics. For ages 13 -18 years old.
 

COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR ADULTS

Every Monday & Thursday: Quiet Study Room
12:00pm-5:00pm, 67th Street Library
There's no talking, no cell phone, no noise at all in our quiet study room.
 
Every Tuesday & Wednesday: Quiet Study Room
1:00pm-5:00pm, 67th Street Library
There's no talking, no cell phone, no noise at all in our quiet study room.

Every Tuesday: Community Supported Agriculture Boxes From GrownNYC
3:30-6:30pm, Center @ Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
Year-round at the Center @ Lenox Hill Neighborhood House you can pick up your own Community Supported Agriculture box of high quality, farm fresh produce at below retail prices! For only $14, receive $25 worth of fresh greens & fruit every week.  CSA shares must be purchased a week in advance. For more information, please email Site Coordinator Abby Lee at alee@grownyc.org.

Every Tuesday: Microsoft Word for Beginners
3:00pm, 96th Street Library
Learn the basic features of Microsoft Word 2010, a word processing program you can use to create documents. Call 212-289-0908 to register.
 
Every Thursday: TechConnect - Computer Lab
12:00pm, 96th Street Library
Tech volunteers assist you with almost any computer topic you want to learn. Space is limited and sign-up is required.  Late arrivals may be turned away, so please arrive on time to secure your spot.
 
Every Thursday: Computer Tutoring Sessions (Evening)
5:30pm, 67th Library
Join us for an one-on-one tutoring sessions!
 
Every Friday: Quiet Study Room
10:00m-4:00pm, 67th Street Library
There's no talking, no cell phone, no noise at all in our quiet study room.
 
Every Friday: We Are New York (WANY) English Conversation Groups
10:30am-12:30pm, Roosevelt Island Library
We Are New York is an Emmy Award-winning half hour TV show created to help people practice English.  Each story is about everyday situations, like going to the doctor or talking to your child's teacher.  The characters speak slowly and clearly. First come, first serve.
 
Every Saturday: Quiet Study Room
10:00am-3:00pm, 67th Street Library
There's no talking, no cell phone, no noise at all in our quiet study room.
 
5/1; 5/8; 5/22; 5/29: Adult Coloring
11:00am-12:00pm, 96th Street Library
Looking for a new way to relax? Enjoy the sublime pleasure of coloring. Coloring sheets, Crayons, coloring pencils, and reading  materials will be provided to participants by the Library.
 
5/1, 5/17: Caregivers’ Group: The Three R's of Self-Care: Rest, Relaxation, Rejuvenation
2:00-2:30pm, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 
This is a live, online group for caregivers of people undergoing treatment at MSK. It offers caregivers a brief introduction in mindfulness meditation. They will learn how to take time to rest the mind, relax the body, and feel ready to resume caregiving responsibilities with more clarity and energy. Sessions are led by a social worker. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 2:00 to 2:30 pm and the third Thursday of each month from 11:00 to 11:30 am. 

5/1: Cancer Prevention
6:30-8:00pm, Uris Auditorium
Sugar avoidance and strategies to reduce your cancer risk. Lewis C. Cantley, PHD Andrew J. Dannenberg, MD
 
5/2; 5/9: Having Fun with Science: Adult Stern Workshop
12:00pm-1:00pm, 67th Street Library
First Come, First Served Program is for Adults Conduction of science experiments allow not only for an individual’s natural curiosity to shine through, but also for “scientists” to better understand the world around them and the natural laws by which the world functions.
 
5/2; 5/9; 5/16; 5/23: Castles!: A Medieval Building Series
4:00pm, 96th Street Library
Let’s go back to a time of lords, knights, jousting, and really large buildings called castles! Learn to create and build the different components of a castle with LEGO® bricks!
 
5/2: Career Conversations Cafe: Map Your Career in Science and Medicine
5:00pm-6:30pm, 67th Street Library
The Career Conversations Café provides an open forum for High School and College students to learn about career trajectories in medicine and science, the paths taken by current professionals, steps to take in order to achieve a competitive curriculum vitae (CV), application processes, and a space to discuss their own career plans and ask for advice.
 
5/2: CIVITAS Annual Benefit
6:00-8:30pm, House of the Redeemer 7 East 95th St New York NY, 10128
Greg McCarthy, Charles Devigne, Mary Gallatin, Mark Alexander, Genie Rice, Sava Thomas, Jeanne McAnaney, Margit Bluestein, Robin Rivera, Kevin McLaughlin, and Conrad Foa.
 
5/3, 5/10: Tai Chi for Beginners - Spring Session
9:30am–10:30am, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
 In this class you will learn and practice Tai Chi, a classical form of exercise known for its smooth and gentle movements that strengthen muscles of the ankles, knees, hips and legs. This class is open to all patients, survivors, and caregivers of Memorial Sloan Kettering. Tai Chi is a form of exercise that is both helpful and appropriate for older adults and those recovering from serious illness or surgery. 

5/3: Film - The Band’s Visit (2007)
2:00pm, 96th Street Library

5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
3:00pm-5:30pm-(Weekly Sessions) 10:00am-3:00pm - (Saturday Retreat), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Center
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week course developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn to help people suffering from chronic pain and illness reduce stress and improve their health and wellbeing. MBSR has been shown to support people with cancer, and also caregivers, in working with the side effects of their diagnosis and progression through treatment. Research studies and testimonials document MBSR can improve: Pain, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Memory loss, Shortness of Breath, Fatigue, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

5/3, 5/24: Carter Burden Gallery Exhibition
5:00pm-6:00pm, Carter Burden Gallery (map)

5/3 Opening Reception
6:00-8:00pm, Carter Burden Center
Greg Brown and Howard Nathenson, Quimetta Perle, On the Wall: Elton Tucker.
 
5/3: Book Discussion-Best State Ever by Dave Barry
6:00pm-6:45pm, Webster Library
 
5/3: Book Discussion - The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
6:00pm, 96th Street Library
 
5/4: University Without Walls, Program for Seniors,Tales and Travel: Folklore Stories from Around the World
Via, Telephone
Join this innovative Brooklyn Public Library program that takes participants on an imaginary trip to another country or region of the United States through stories.
Call 1-877-819-9147 or go to www.dorotusa.org/uww to register.
$15 per program (Or free with a scholarship!)
 
5/5: Church of St. Vincent Ferrer’s,Sacred Sites Open House
10:00am & 11:00am, 869 Lexington Avenue
Be a “tourist in your own town” and discover the incredible art, architecture, and history found in
sacred spaces right in your own backyard! In addition to the 140+ sites that will be open statewide, the Conservancy is pleased to offer our members the opportunity to register for special tours and concerts being offered by several sites in New York City.  
For more information visit www.sacredsitesopenhouse.org
 
5/5: I Love My Park Day
10:00am -1:00pm, Four Freedoms Park
Come celebrate the sixth annual statewide I Love My Park Day at Four Freedoms Park! Show your appreciation of NYS parks by volunteering to help keep the Park beautiful, clean, and welcoming.  Registration required.5/5: Jane's Walk: FDR Four

5/5: Jane's Walk: Freedoms Park & the Past, Present and Future of Roosevelt Island
11:00am-1:00pm, Four Freedoms Park
Come celebrate the past, present and future of Roosevelt Island as we participate in Jane's Walk 2018! Free, RSVP required.

5/5: English Conversation Group
11:00am, 67th Library
Talk with native speakers and other language learners about current events, New York City, family life, holidays, and much more. For adults 16 years old or older.
 
5/5: Yorkville Writing Circle
11:00am-1:00pm, 96th Street Library
Participants will free write in our quiet Community Room and have the opportunity to discuss their work with other participants. No sign-ups required. For adults (ages 18 and up).

5/6: Zoning in Action: Building Blocks of the Upper East Side
1:00pm, Meeting location will be provided to registrants the week preceding the tour.
Floor area ratio, R8B, and POPS, oh my! Zoning is one of the fundamental factors that shapes the look and feel of our city, but NYC’s zoning resolution weighs in at nearly 4,000 pages – not exactly light reading. Led by urban planner George Janes and longtime advocate Ronda Wist, this walk will translate abstract land use concepts from the page to street, as they uncover zoning and preservation tools in action on the Upper East Side.

5/6: Sunday Suppers  
Isaacs Center:4 15 E 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128
T 212-360-7620 | F 212-360-7629 | E info@isaacscenter.org
For many people Sunday afternoons are a time to gather with family and share a meal. But for the seniors we serve, especially those who live alone, joyful gatherings like that were only a memory. Because of you, our seniors now have a reason to look forward to Sundays! Each month, we will be cooking and serving a home cooked meal for our seniors. To make Sunday Suppers possible, we need donors to fund the feasts, as well as volunteers to host, plan, cook and serve. No culinary skills required. Just a desire to brighten up a seniors Sunday.

5/7; 5/14; 5/21: Meditation 101
1:30-3:00pm Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center 1429 First Avenue Meditation Room New York, NY 10021 
Our six-week workshop Meditation 101 teaches the fundamentals of mindfulness – a practice to purposefully pay attention to ourselves, our surroundings, and our reactions to stress. Practicing mindfulness is a skill that builds resilience and helps you adjust to unexpected challenges. Meditation 101 is a helpful resource if you experience anxiety, struggle to manage stress, or are living with Cancer-Related Fatigue. In addition to weekly lessons, in joining this class you will benefit from the advice, solidarity, and support from people who have firsthand experience with the kind of challenges you’re facing. Audience: This class is open to all patients, survivors, and caregivers of Memorial Sloan Kettering. 

5/7: Mystery Mondays: Book discussion featuring stories of suspense, secrets, and lies.
4:00pm, 67th Street Library
The Dry by Jane Harper
 
5/7: Basic Excel
6:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library
Need help keeping track of your finances? Need to keep count for your business? Use Excel! In this course you'll learn how to use Excel and spreadsheets in general.
 
5/8: Brain Tumors Awareness Month: Primary Brain Tumors
2:30-3:30pm, Myra Mahon Patient Resource Center, Second Floor 1305 York Avenue
Dr. Rajiv Magge is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College and an Assistant Attending Neurologist at New York- Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Magge specializes in neuro-oncology and is part of the Weill Cornell Brain Tumor Center, providing care for patients with primary brain tumors, metastatic brain tumors and neurologic complications of cancer. He is board certified in both Neurology and Psychiatry. Dr. Magge will be discussing the different types of gliomas, including malignant and benign.

5/8: Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Series: Diabetes 101
5:30pm-6:30pm, 96th Street Library
Come join us at the 96th street Library to learn the signs, treatment and prevention options available.
 
5/8: Love the skin you are in
6:30-8:00pm Uris Auditorium
An overview of skin wellness. Kira Minkis, MD, PHD George I. Varghese, MD
 
5/9:University Without Walls, Program for Seniors,Life Planning Documents
Via telephone
Are you a New Yorker just beginning to think about your life-planning documents or do you need to update your current health care proxy, power of attorney or living will? Get your questions answered and learn about the myths and misconceptions, pitfalls, opportunities, current tools, and techniques of planning.Call 1-877-819-9147 or go to www.dorotusa.org/uww to register. $15 per program (Or free with a scholarship!)
 
5/9; 5/24; 5/31: eBook Help: eBook Central
11:00am-11:45am, Yorkville Library
Get one-on-one help downloading library books and audiobooks 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.
 
5/9: Having Fun with Science
12:00pm-1:00pm, Webster Library
First Come, First Served Program is for Adults Conduction of science experiments allow not only for an individual’s natural curiosity to shine through, but also for “scientists” to better understand the world around them and the natural laws by which the world functions.

5/10; 5/11: Mental Health First Aid Training for Older Adults 9:00am-12:30pm, Roosevelt Island Senior Center
 9:00AM to 12:30PM at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center. Thrive NYC is offering free Mental Health First Aid classes.The training teaches the skills to provide initial support when someone nearby experiences a mental health crisis.
 
5/10: Film - THE KENNEL MURDER CASE (1933); & SHERLOCK JR. (1924)
2:00pm, 96th Street Library
 
5/10: Historical Lecture; UPDATE ON THE FAMED WILLARD SUITCASES
6:30pm-8:00pm, Roosevelt Island library
 
5/10: Head, Neck, and Oral Cancer Support Group
64th Street Outpatient Center 205 E 64th Street Concourse, Library 201 New York, NY 10022
Audience: This program is for people who have been treated for cancer. No observers, please, without prior approval.

5/11: Mother’s Day Craft Time
3:00pm, Yorkville Library
Drop in and make something for that special loved one for Mother's Day. Ages 3 and up
 
5/12; 5/19: Reach to Fitz, Our Therapy Dog
11:00am, Yorkville Library
Come read to our therapy dog Fritz! Pre-registration is required for each 15-minute slot and opens 1 week in advance.
 
5/12: Senior Safety with the NYPD
11:00am, Webster Library
Want to know how to stay safe in NYC? Learn from New York's finest! This safety workshop, conducted by Police Officers in the New York City Police Department, will teach patrons what to do in situations where someone is following them, how to detect and handle victim scams and fraudulent IRS calls, and more! Get a chance to ask questions at the end of the workshop!

5/12: ANOTHER SIDE OF THE UPPER EAST SIDE: A WALKING TOUR
10:30am, Meeting location will be provided upon ticket purchase and registration.Rain or Shine.
This walking tour visits some of the Upper East Side’s less examined landmarks, including impressive structures associated with horses, health, and affordable housing. Led by architectural historian Matt Postal, we’ll head east from the area that was originally planned as Hamilton Square to John Jay Park, viewing works by such notable architects as C.P.H. Gilbert, Harde & Short, and Richard Morris Hunt. Buildings intended to serve the common good will be frequently emphasized, as we discuss “model” tenements and related civic institutions, such as public schools, a Carnegie branch library, and a free dispensary built by Mt. Sinai Hospital.

5/12: Diller-Quaile String Quartet Performance
3:30pm, Yorkville Library
Please join us for a performance by the Diller-Quaile String Quartet as they perform a spring concert of classical music selections. All ages are welcome.
 
5/14: Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Series: Blood Pressure
5:30pm, Webster Library
1 in every 3 adults (29% of the US population) has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. “Salt Matters and Hypertension” can explore signs, symptoms, and treatment of high blood pressure as well as the relationship it has with our salt consumption.
 
5/15: Prevention and Treatment of Stroke
6:30-8:00pm, Uris Auditorium
Matthew E. Fink, MD
 
5/16; 5/23; 5/30: Read to Lola, our New York Therapy Dog!
4:30pm, Yorkville Library
Enjoy one-on-one, no-pressure reading time with a furry friend! Pre-registration is required for each 15-minute slot and opens 1 week in advance. For ages 5 and up.
 
5/17: Film - HOME FROM THE HILL (1959)
2:00pm, 96th Street Library
 
5/17: Webster @ the Movies: Coco
4:00pm, Webster Library
 
5/17: Book Discussion; Gone With the Wind
6:30pm-8:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library

5/17: A Gathering for Brain Tumor Survivors
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion 160 East 53rd Street (At Third Avenue) New York, NY 10022 11th Floor Conference Room
In this open discussion and support group, the challenges and adjustments to life after treatment for survivors of a primary brain tumor will be addressed. Common areas of concern include side effects from medications and treatment, seizure activity, fear of recurrence, and the impact this disease has on the entire family. Family members and caregivers are invited to attend.
Audience This program is for people who have had brain tumors and their families. No observers, please, without prior approval.

5/17: University Without Walls, Protect Yourself
11:00am, Via telephone
Are you a New Yorker just beginning to think about your life-planning documents or do you need to update your current health care proxy, power of attorney or living will? Get your questions answered and learn about the myths and misconceptions, pitfalls, opportunities, current tools, and techniques of planning.Call 1-877-819-9147 or go to www.dorotusa.org/uww to register. $15 per program (Or free with a scholarship!)
 
5/9:University Without Walls, If Your Blood Pressure Deserves to be Treated, So Does Your Depression
11:00am, Via telephone
Many older adults feel down and depressed. You are not alone if you feel that way. With awareness of the common manifestations of depression, and available treatment options, patients and physicians can work together to address mental health. Call 1-877-819-9147 or go to www.dorotusa.org/uww to register. $15 per program (Or free with a scholarship!)
 
5/19: English Conversation Group
11:00am-1:00pm, 67th Street Library
Talk with native speakers and other language learners about current events, New York City, family life, holidays, and much more. For adults 16 years old or older.
 
5/19: Isha Foundation: Yoga for Beginners
11:00am, Webster Library
In this session you will learn simple but powerful yoga postures to balance and stabilize your system. No prior experience with yoga is necessary. Please bring a yoga mat and a towel and arrive on an empty stomach condition. Register on InnerEngineering.com/YogaForSuccess

5/19-5/20: Uni Project
11:00am-4:00pm, Four Freedoms Park
Join us for a fun-filled weekend with this family-friendly event! At the Uni Project, our pop-up reading room, come sit, read, draw, enjoy the view, and explore a curated collection of books and hands-on materials. 

5/19: Webster @ the Movies: All the Money in the World
2:00pm, Webster Library
 
5/22: Diversity in Tech Awards
6:00pm, The Bowery Hotel
The DIV Awards is a celebration of those that are championing the nationwide movement to increase diversity across the technology industry.
 
5/21: iPhone LifeHacks
6:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library
Have an iPhone but don't know how to use it? Come to this course in which you'll learn how to take full advantage of all the features that the iPhone offers, ranging from taking great photos to transferring files from your phone to your computer.
 
5/22: Party on the Playscape
5:00pm-7:00pm, 331 E 70th St, NY
Enjoy specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while taking in the beautiful sights and scents of our remarkable Environmental Playscape. RSVP to Derek Samuelson at dsamuelson@lenoxhill.org or 212-218-0544
 
5/22: More than Meets the Eye
6:30-8:00pm, Uris Auditorium
Sarah H. Van Tassel, MD Athanasios Papakostoas, MD
 
5/23: Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Series: Breast Cancer
5:30pm, Webster Library
Join us at the Webster Library to learn the signs, symptoms, treatment, and prevention options available!
 
5/24: Make 2018 Your Best Year Ever: Goal Setting
5:00pm-6:30pm, Webster Library
Research suggests that setting and making progress on goals that are important to you is a key determinant of sustainable happiness. Led by Barbara Phillips.
 
5/24: Film - PURSUED (1947)
2:00pm, 96th Street Library

5/24: Free Skin Cancer Screening
4pm -7pm MSK 60th Street Outpatient Center 16 East 60 Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 302, New York, NY In honor of National Melanoma/ Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, MSK is hosting free skin cancer screenings at various locations. Individuals at increased risk for skin cancer are most likely to benefit from screening. Risk factors for skin cancer include family history of melanoma (two or more blood relatives), multiple atypical moles, and numerous actinic keratoses (scaly patches of skin, gray to pink in color, on sun-exposed areas of the body). Skin cancer is the most common cancer, and the most curable when detected early. Take the time… not the chance. Audience: This event is open to all by, Appointment only call 646 888 6410 

5/29: Rad lliad Reading Group
4:00pm, Roosevelt Island Library
Learn about the foundational text in the Western literary tradition in this five-part discussion group on Homer's Iliad.
 
5/31: FDNY's Fire Safety For Seniors
5:30pm, Webster Library
Join us and the FDNY at the Webster Library to learn more about how to stay safe in case of a house fire! Space is limited!
 
5/31: Film - Old Acquaintance (1943)
2:00pm, 96th Street Library

5/31-6/21 Carter Burden Gallery Exhibition
Thu, May 31, 2018 6:00pm, Carter Burden Gallery 548 West 28th Street, #534 New York, New York, 10001

5/31 Opening Reception: Group Show, On the Wall: Doug Brin
6:00-8:00pm, Carter Burden Center