Van Cortlandt Park Summer Teen Trails Crew Internship Application 2015

Van Cortlandt Park Summer Teen Trail Crew 

Internship Application 2015 

Park Overview Van Cortlandt Park is the third largest park in New York City at 1,146 acres 

located in the Northwest Bronx. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, the Summer Teen Trail 

Crew has the opportunity to conserve this invaluable green space in New York City 

alongside the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park. 

Position Description Summer Trail Crew Interns contribute to the maintenance of the 

trails of Van Cortlandt Park through supervisor led activities. All interns are required to do 

physical trail work outdoors in various conditions throughout the summer. Projects are 

primarily related to trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal. 

Training in trail work and plant identification will be provided for all interns. Job readiness 

training will also be provided during the internship. Schedule for all interns is Monday 

through Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Open to applicants 14-18 years old. 

Responsibilities 

 Repair and maintain existing trails within park limits

 Assist in natural areas restoration through non-native invasive plant removal

 Perform monitoring studies in the Park natural areas to examine health

 Learn local ecology such as identification of trees and plants

 Become familiar with environmental issues, both in NYC and globally

 Explore new career opportunities

Schedule

 Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:00am-4:00pm

 Program runs from July 6th- August 20th

 Interns will be paid on a biweekly basis

Please fill out and return this pdf application to John Butler at john@vancortlandt.org by

Friday May 22nd at 6:00PM EST. Any applications received after this time cannot be

considered for this position. Applications may also be printed out and mailed (Postage must

be dated by May 21st, 2015) to

 Friends of Van Cortlandt Park

 ATTN: John Butler

 80 Van Cortlandt Park South

 Suite E1

 Bronx, NY 10463

Any questions may be relayed to john@vancortlandt.org. Applicants will be notified about

interviews by the end of the first week of June.

Van Cortlandt Park Summer Teen Trails Crew

Internship Application 2015

I. Applicant Contact Information

Name:_____________ ________________

 (Last) (First)

Address: _____________________________________________________________

 (Street Address) (City) (State) (Zipcode)

Telephone:___________________ ________________________

 (Cell) (Home)

E-mail:_________________________________

Date of Birth:____/____/____ Age:______ Gender:_________

 (Mon.) (Day) (Year)

II. Education

Name of School:______________________ Borough:_________ Grade:_______

III. Parent or Guardian Contact Information

Name:_____________________________

Telephone:_________________ ___________________

 (Home) (Work)

Email:____________________________

IV. Work Experience (Please list previous employment, internships and volunteer

experience)

1.__________________________ ________________ ____/____ to ____/____

 (Organization/Employer) (Position Held) (Mon.)/(Year) (Mon.)/(Year)

2.__________________________ ________________ ____/____ to ____/____

 (Organization/Employer) (Position Held) (Mon.)/(Year) (Mon.)/(Year)

3.__________________________ ________________ ____/____ to ____/____

 (Organization/Employer) (Position Held) (Mon.)/(Year) (Mon.)/(Year)

V. Extracurricular Activities (Please describe any extracurricular activities you

 are involved in or have taken part in both inside school and out)

VI. Please answer the following questions in paragraph form (minimum two paragraphs).

Describe why you would like to be a part of the Teen Trail Crew in Van

Cortlandt Park. What skills and experiences do you want to gain being a

part of this program? What aspects of your character can you bring that

would benefit the crew as a whole?

WILLIAMS TO CHAIR COUNCIL HEARING TO DISCUSS RENEWAL & STRENGTHENING OF NYC RENT LAWS

Tomorrow, the New York City Council's Committee on Housing and Buildings, Chaired by Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader, will hold a hearing to consider a number of bills and resolutions to address an urgent matter that affects all residents in the City of New York - the renewal and strengthening of New York's rent laws. The Committee expects to receive testimony from representatives of the Department of Housing reservation and Development (HPD), housing advocates, building owners, legal service providers, and other interested members of the public.

Under State law, the rent regulation system will expire in June 2015, unless the City conducts a housing vacancy survey and finds that there is still a housing shortage, defined as a less than 5% vacancy rate. In addition to conducting the survey, the Council must pass a resolution, finding that, because there is still a housing shortage, there continues to be a need for rent regulation.

HPD recently published the results of the 2014 Housing and Vacancy Survey (HVS). The current HVS indicates a citywide rental vacancy rate of 3.45%. According to the HVS, there were approximately 75,000 vacant available rental units in New York City as of the survey period, an increase of approximately 7,000 units since 2011. The Survey also found that the median contract rent, including utility payments, increased by 4.3 percent from $1,100 in 2011 to $1,325 in 2014.

 The hearing will focus on several pieces of legislation, including Res No. 597 sponsored by Council Member Williams, Corey Johnson and Helen Rosenthal, a Resolution determining that a public emergency requiring rent control in the City of New York continues to exist and will continue to exist on and after April 1, 2015; Int. No. 685 sponsored by Council Member Johnson, Williams and Rosenthal, a Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to extending the rent stabilization laws; Proposed Res. No. 86-A sponsored by Council Members Williams, Arroyo, Johnson, Mendez, and Rosenthal, a Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to create a review process for Individual Apartment Improvement rent increases and make such increases a temporary surcharge rather than a permanent rent increase; Proposed Res. No. 596-A sponsored by Council Member Williams, a Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to approve, A.1865, in relation to repealing vacancy decontrol; and other Preconsidered Resolutions.

WHO: Council Member Jumaane D. Williams; members of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee; those testifying, including members of the Administration,  elected officials,  members of the real estate industry, and other interested members of the public.

WHAT: Council Hearing on the Renewal & Strengthening of New York City's Rent Regulation Laws

WHERE: Chambers of City Hall

WHEN: Monday, March 2, 2015, 10:00 AM

Senator Ruben Diaz Calls Upon Senate Democrats to Boycott the Budget

What You Should Know
By Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

"After hearing that Governor Andrew Cuomo has invited Senator Jeff Klein, (the Leader of 5 Independent Senate Democrats) to become #4 in the 3-Men-In-The-Room for New York State Budget negotiations - and that Governor Andrew Cuomo has ignored Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Leader of the 25 Member Senate Democratic Conference  - I am calling on my Democratic colleagues in the Senate to boycott the Budget vote. 

It is a shame and an insult to every Democrat in the state, especially to each of us 25 Democratic Senators.  It is an insult to Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who is the first woman to hold the position of a Senate Conference Leader. It is an insult to the mostly Black and Hispanic constituents she and I - and many of my fellow Democratic Senators represent. 

I have no opposition to Senator Jeff Klein being a part of the Budget negotiations to represent the interests of his 5 Independent Democratic Members. However, to ignore Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Leader of the Senate Democratic Conference and by that the 25 Democratic Senators, is to leave us without a voice. This effects millions of people. 

It is appalling! I ask that once and for all, for my fellow Senate Democrats to stand on their own feet, to stop this abuse and farce, and to boycott the Budget vote. Don't vote for the Budget. They already have the votes to pass the budget without us, and we should stop being part of the farce. 

This insult to Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins affects us all.  Racism and sexism have no place in our government, and I implore my colleagues to have no part in this vote. 

This is Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know."

Assembly Dems pass DREAM Act - All or Nothing

  The Assembly pass the New York State Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act (A.4311), which he co-sponsored. The legislation would allow children of immigrants to apply for state scholarships and the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to help with the cost of higher education, as well as establish a private scholarship fund (the DREAM Fund). 

New York State has been at the forefront of giving students a fair shot at attending college. Since 2002, all students who graduate from a high school in New York State – including undocumented immigrants – are eligible for in-state tuition at SUNY and CUNY colleges and universities. The DREAM Act would further assist these youth by increasing access to state educational assistance programs, including the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP); Educational Opportunity Program (EOP); Collegiate Science and Technology Program

(C-STEP); and opportunity programs available at community colleges.

To be eligible for state tuition assistance and educational opportunity programs, undocumented immigrant students must satisfy certain requirements, including attending high school in New York State for at least two years and having graduated or received a high school equivalency diploma in-state.

The DREAM Act also creates the DREAM Fund, an initiative to raise private funds for scholarships that would assist college-bound students with at least one immigrant parent. The legislation would also expand access to the New York State College Tuition Savings (529) Program, making family tuition accounts available to anyone who provides a valid taxpayer identification number. This would help many families save for their children’s education over time.

Passage of the DREAM Act into law would make New York one of six states – including California, Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas and Washington – to offer state financial aid to undocumented students and children of undocumented immigrants. At least 18 states allow immigrant students to pay in-state tuition at state universities and college. 

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “Every student should have access to an affordable higher education, regardless of his or her immigration status. The DREAM Act allows hardworking immigrant students to apply for the same funding for higher education that all other students in New York currently have access to.”

“Students who have worked hard to meet admission standards should not be at a disadvantage because of where they came from,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “Diversity is a big part of what makes New York so great – nearly all of us are the children or descendants of immigrants. This legislation would help deserving students invest in their own education and pursue their version of the American Dream.”

 All or Nothing 
By Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

"After hearing that Governor Andrew Cuomo has invited Senator Jeff Klein, (the Leader of 5 Independent Senate Democrats) to become #4 in the 3-Men-In-The-Room for New York State Budget negotiations - and that Governor Andrew Cuomo has ignored Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Leader of the 25 Member Senate Democratic Conference  - I am calling on my Democratic colleagues in the Senate to boycott the Budget vote. 

It is a shame and an insult to every Democrat in the state, especially to each of us 25 Democratic Senators.  It is an insult to Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who is the first woman to hold the position of a Senate Conference Leader. It is an insult to the mostly Black and Hispanic constituents she and I - and many of my fellow Democratic Senators represent. 

I have no opposition to Senator Jeff Klein being a part of the Budget negotiations to represent the interests of his 5 Independent Democratic Members. However, to ignore Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Leader of the Senate Democratic Conference and by that the 25 Democratic Senators, is to leave us without a voice. This effects millions of people. 

It is appalling! I ask that once and for all, for my fellow Senate Democrats to stand on their own feet, to stop this abuse and farce, and to boycott the Budget vote. Don't vote for the Budget. They already have the votes to pass the budget without us, and we should stop being part of the farce. 

This insult to Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins affects us all.  Racism and sexism have no place in our government, and I implore my colleagues to have no part in this vote. 

 This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

Irish Heritage Month Celebration

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Invites you to His Annual Irish Heritage Month Celebration   Master of Ceremonies        Pat O'Keefe News 12-Sports Director The Rambling House 4292 Katonah Ave Bronx, New York      Thursday, March 12, 2015                 12 noon until 3pm             2015 Honorees Patricia Lynch Government/Media Strategist  Joe McDermott Executive Director for the CWEProclamation Aedin Moloney  Producing Artistic Director   The Fallen Angel Theatre Company, Inc.

Seating is limited please RSVP to 718.590.3989 or smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov

GOOD - BYE MR. SPOCK Leonard Nimoy Dies at Age 83

 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which Nimoy had been battling the past year has been declared the cause of his death. The disease is related to smoking, which Nimoy had given up light years (about 30) ago. 

 Leonard Nimoy 'MR. SPOCK' now joins Deforest Kelly (Dr. McCoy 'BONES'), James Doohan (Mr. Scott, 'SCOTTY'), and Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry in the great beyond. 

 Remaining original cast members include William Shatner 'CAPTAIN KIRK' currently age 83, Michelle Nichols 'LIEUTENANT UHURA' currently age 82, George Takei 'MR. SULU currently age 77, and Walter Koenig 'Ensign Checkov' currently age 78. 

 'LIVE LONG AND PROSPER'.

photo credit to Live Journal.com

BP DIAZ RELEASES ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT

Highlights Over $7.2 Billion in Total Bronx Development Since 2009

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has issued his annual development report, highlighting the total development seen in The Bronx since he first took office in 2009.

The report notes that, in total, The Bronx has seen more than $7.212 billion in total development in all categories since 2009, when Borough President Diaz first took office. In 2014 alone, The Bronx saw over $1.13 billion in new development.

The report follows last week’s “State of the Borough” address, in which Borough President Diaz outlined his continued vision for the ongoing growth of the borough’s economy.

“The Bronx continues to grow stronger and stronger each year, as we create new jobs, build new housing and improve quality of life in the borough,” said Borough President Diaz. “We will continue to attract the type of investors that want to help The Bronx flourish and reach its full potential.”

The report notes other development highlights from 2014, including a total of $788 million in residential development, $483 million in institutional development and $134 million in commercial development across the borough.

“This is truly an exciting time to visit, work, live and do business in The Bronx. Since 2009, our borough has seen a transformation, with more than $7 billion invested on improving the quality of life of all Bronxites, building more and better affordable housing units, greener business infrastructure and creating thousands of new jobs,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

“We are witnessing an influx of people returning to their roots in The Bronx.  It is a great time to invest in our borough – build it and they will come,” said Lenny Caro, President & CEO, Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

To read the complete report, visit http://on.nyc.gov/1Ee3Udk.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ CELEBRATES THE FLAVORFUL CULTURE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

  On Thursday, February 26, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., hosted his annual Dominican Heritage Celebration at Salsa Con Fuego, honoring Queens City Council Member Julissa Ferreras, Nestor Montilla Sr., Director of Corporate & Community Development at Lehman College, and Rosa Garcia, Entrepreneur and Owner of the Mott Haven Bar & Grill.

“With over 210,000 individuals of Dominican heritage calling this great borough their home, it is a proud moment to recognize the growing population and share their flavorful culture. With their growing businesses and exciting cultural celebrations, the history of this great community is being written each day in our borough,” said Borough President Diaz.

“I could not miss this for anything, because it is more than just being honored. I am here for a great man and the great borough of The Bronx. Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. chooses to recognize the work of individuals everywhere and that is kind of him,” said Council Member Ferreras as she accepted her honor.

“I am very proud to be here, because Dominicans are productive citizens and each day they are getting more involved,” stated Mr. Montilla as he chatted with invited guests and co-workers at the event.

“I am humbled and surprised because when I was growing up, Dominicans were never really recognized and over the years that has changed,” added Ms. Garcia as they all smiled for a picture.

Vice-Consuls of the Dominican Republic in New York, the Honorable Victor Compres and the Honorable Cecilia Santana, were also recognized for their contributions in keeping Dominican culture and heritage vibrant in The Bronx and throughout the city.