Saturday, July 29, 2023

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - This Week in District 13


 Dear Neighbor,


This summer, we have several programs and services available to the public, and I encourage everyone to look into those that meet their needs. Youth programs like the City Parks Foundation’s Summer Youth Program and New York City Parks’ Flag Football are still accepting new participants. For more information, scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’


In this week’s email, you will find information about next weekend’s Rain Barrel Giveaway (limited quantities are still available!), back-to-school events, National Night Out Against Crime, MTA fare and toll rates, and more. I’m also excited to share that the Empire State Development has extended its Covid-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program for businesses. To learn more about this initiative or to apply, scroll to ‘Commerce Corner.’  


To contact our office for additional information or concerns, please call us at  (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.


Wishing you all a safe and wonderful weekend.


Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez


Spotted Lanternfly Informational & Park Treatment


On Tuesday, August 1 at 1 PM, join me, Council Member Oswald Feliz, and NYC Parks for a spotted lanternfly informational and park treatment. We will meet at Comras Mall (2180 Boston Road) in Bronx Park East to learn how to prevent and manage infestations in our community

Rain Barrel Giveaway


Join me next Saturday, August 5, for this year’s Rain Barrel Giveaway! Register now to reserve your free rain barrel to save water and help the environment. This is a great way to support sustainable living and make a positive impact in your community.

Quantities are limited. To register, click the link below or call 718-931-1721



City Parks Foundation Summer Youth Program

City Parks Foundation has announced that online registration is now available for its July and August Summer Youth Program! We are excited for this incredible program to make its return in the district. Anyone interested in tennis, golf, track & field, and soccer are encouraged to register. This year’s program will take place at Pelham Bay Park (Middletown Road and Stadium Avenue). For more information or to register, click  the links below.


How to Register

NYC Parks Hosts Flag Football Leagues Across New York City


New York City youth ages 8 to 17 can participate in New York City Parks' annual fall flag football leagues, including clinics, practices, and competitions. The NYC Parks Instructional Clinics begin in July and run through August, focusing on drills and strategies. The NYC Parks Flag Football League will take place from September to November and features league play and championships. 


Age Groups (Must remain in age group throughout the year)  

  • 8 and Under Coed* (Clinic Based)

  • 10 and Under Coed* (Clinics + League Play)

  • 12 and Under Coed* (Clinics + League Play)

  • 14 and Under Boys (Practices + League Play)

  • 14 and Under Girls (Practices + League Play)

  • 17 and Under Boys (Practices + League Play)

  • 17 and Under Girls (Practices + League Play)

Coed divisions can consist of all boys, all girls, or a mix of both. 


Important Dates 

  • Clinics // July 1, 2023 – August 25, 2023

  • Flag Football Festival // August 19, 2023

  • Regular Season // September 8, 2023 – October 21, 2023

  • Citywide Playoffs // October 27, 2023 – November 4, 2023

  • Citywide Championships // November 11, 2023 (Citywide Championships rain date is November 18, 2023)


Memberships
17 and Under: FREE

 

To register for flag football, click here: NYCParks Flag Football Page 


HPD is Coming to District 13!


The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) will be in our community to assist residents with housing-related issues. HPD helps with the following topics, including but not limited to:

  • Prepare to apply for affordable housing

  • Understand your rights and responsibilities

  • File a housing complaint

  • Finance improvements and repairs

  • Register your building

  • Remedy a violation


Where to find us:


Saturday, August 19

  • 10 AM to 5 PM - White Plains Road and Pelham Parkway South

  • 11 AM to 3 PM - 3040 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461

Tuesday, September 5

  • 10 AM to 5 PM - White Plains Road and Pelham Parkway South

  • 10 AM to 5 PM - 3040 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461



Morris Park BID Community Events

The Morris Park Business Improvement District has announced its Summer 2023 Community Events schedule, which includes events perfect for the whole family. For more information about these events, contact the Morris Park BID at 718-684-645 or ed.morrisparkbid@gmail.com.


MTA Mobile Sales Van is Back!

The MTA Mobile Sales Van will be at 3033 Middletown Road, from 1 PM to 3 PM, on the fourth Friday of each month. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about your MetroCard, apply for a reduced fare rate, replace expired or damaged cards, and more.


Cash Assistance Application Interviews On-Demand


Please be advised that the New York City Human Resources Administration now offers on-demand interviews for all Cash Assistance new applicants and existing recipients. Clients are now receiving instructions to contact the on-demand call center in Cash Assistance-related correspondence from HRA and ACCESS HRA when submitting a new application.


Callers are encouraged to utilize the call-back option when calling for an interview to minimize the time a client is on hold. The CA on Demand system allows callers to request a call back rather than wait on hold, keeping the caller’s place in the queue, and they will receive a call back for their interview when they are next.


It is important to understand that on-demand interviews for Cash Assistance have replaced the interview calls that HRA was initiating to clients previously. Clients must now start their Cash Assistance interview by calling the on-demand number provided to them. They can only receive a call back if they have initiated the interview process.


Clients who have questions regarding an existing application or case should continue to visit the ACCESS HRA website at nyc.gov/accesshra or call the DSS One Number (formerly HRA Infoline) at 718-557-1399.


Virtual Rat Academy Webinar


The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Pest Control Services team has announced its Virtual Rat Academy, sponsored by the Neighborhood Rat Reduction Initiative. This event will be on Tuesday, August 15, from 3 PM to 5 PM. This event is free and open to the public.

Free Summer Meals


New York City’s Summer Meals Program is available to anyone ages 18 years old and younger. Designated public schools, community pool centers, parks, and food trucks will be open for service. No registration, documentation, or ID is necessary to receive a free breakfast or lunch meal. This year’s program will run until Friday, September 1.


Council District 13 Locations

  • P.S. X014 Senator John Calandra - 3047 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10461

  • Urban Institute of Mathematics - 650 Hollywood Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465

  • J.H.S. 144 Michelangelo - 2545 Gunther Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469

  • P.S. 89 - 980 Mace Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469

  • P.S. 97 - 1375 Mace Avenue, Bronx, NY 10469


Hours of Operation

  • Breakfast: 8 AM to 9:15 AM

  • Lunch: 11 AM to 1:15 PM



Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Spend August in Van Cortlandt Park!







Starlight Cinema: Outer Space!
Sponsored by Horace Mann School & Optimum

Tuesday Nights • FREE!
Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground

8:15’ish • Movies Begin at Last Light
7 pm • Music of 1956, 1999, 1977, 2014
7:30 pm • Movie-themed Crafts

Visit our Movie page for more details.

August 1: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

August 8: Story Ave (2023) 

Movie Rescheduled

We were sooo sad to cancel Star Wars due to rain this week. 

Take heart! We have rescheduled it to Friday, September 22!  

 

Rowboating on the Mill Pond

Tuesdays, August 1 to 22, from 4-7pm
Village Community Boathouse is back with FREE rowboating on Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond. Rowboats for small groups will be available to paddle around the lake. Children must be accompanied by adults. First come, first served.
Meet at the southern end of the Mill Pond- enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue.

 

Youth Run Farm Stand
Wednesdays, July 12 to October 25, from 2-7pm
We are very excited to bring our Youth Run Farmstand featuring fresh local produce at affordable prices back!
We accept WIC, FMNP Checks, EBT, Snap, Fresh Connect Checks, Cash & Credit/Debit.
Train Park (Gale Place and Orloff Avenue)

 

Bronx Arts Ensemble Wind Quartet

Saturday, August 5, from 2-3pm

Join the Bronx Arts Ensemble String Quartet as they perform exciting new works and old favorites that have gained popularity through TikTok and other social media platforms. Produced by Bronx Arts Ensemble

More Info 

Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn 

 

Stephanie Ehrlich’s Big Bowl of Soul!

Saturday, August 12, from 2-3pm

Wait – is it THAT Stephanie Ehrlich?

Yes! Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Executive Director moonlights as a singer.
Join Stephanie and her retro-band, Big Bowl of Soul, for a funky ride back to the 60s.
Presented by our pals at Bronx Arts Ensemble. 

More Info

Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn 

 

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park

Make a Donation
The park is really big. Our staff is really small. Only with your help can we grow our capacity, hire more staff, and take on projects to improve Van Cortlandt Park… for YOU!  Please consider a gift to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance today.


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Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org