Use these anchor links to go straight to the section you’re most interested in: News & Information // Useful items // Events 
---
Gmail will “clip” the bottom off the following text; to avoid that, just click the “View this email in your browser” link above—or scroll down and click Gmail's “message clipped” link at the bottom—and a new tab will open with the complete newsletter.
 

Friends,

It’s Thursday, April 27, 2023. 

Deaths from COVID in the United States are the lowest they’ve been since March 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data tracker. But that doesn’t mean COVID is over. Catch up here: What’s Going On With Covid Right Now? (NY Times). Also, the New coronavirus subvariant Arcturus is now in L.A. (L.A. Times). And there are anecdotal reports linking Arcturus to what has been a rare COVID symptom: pink eye. 

Katelyn Jetelina addresses the big question, “Do I need a spring booster?” in the latest edition of her newsletter. Worth reading ahead of the expiration of the federal public health emergency—in two weeks, on 5/11!

Use this pre-built search (at vaccines.gov) for booster availability here in the 6th Council District. We still have plenty of free test kits and masks available for pickup during business hours at my district office: 563 Columbus Ave. at 87th St., from 10 am – 6 pm. To have four test kits mailed to you free, visit COVIDTests.gov. (And don’t forget that non-chain pharmacies also offer vaccinations!)

CHOICE

Late last Friday (4/21), the Supreme Court halted the two injunctions against Mifepristone, until an appeal of the Texas case is resolved; the appeals court has scheduled a hearing for 5/17.  (To refresh you: a Texas judge invalidated FDA approval nationwide, and an appeal of that decision to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals stayed that but rolled back normal access to the drug nationwide—including by mail.) The Supreme Court’s halt is temporary while the appeals court considers the entire Texas case. What a mess.

Here’s the backup plan if and when Mifepristone is banned, as described by Katelyn Jetelina: Abortion pills: An option not talked about. Right now, medication abortion patients are administered a two-step protocol: mifepristone (“mife”) followed by misoprostol (“miso”). But it’s possible to use only miso, as they do in some countries in Europe. Read more at the link. 

CLIMATE

I was a tiny bit surprised to learn that carbon emissions from power plants in the U.S. have never been regulated—despite comprising 25% of greenhouse gases. So this is the kind of action that should have happened already: E.P.A. to Propose First Controls on Greenhouse Gases From Power Plants (NY Times).

It’s no coincidence, then, that the Greenland ice sheet is melting at an “unprecendented“ rate and getting worse. The average annual melt from 2017 to 2020 was 20% more a year than 2010, and more than seven times higher than its annual shrinkage in the early 1990s. Using 50 different satellite estimates, researchers found that Greenland’s melt has gone into hyperdrive in the last few years. “‘Devastating’ melt of Greenland, Antarctic ice sheets found” (AP)

Somewhat related: State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued a report showing that 55% of $1.34 billion in actual and anticipated capital projects’ spending by NYS local governments are in response to climate-related hazards, including flooding and severe storm damage.

News & information.

As you may know, I’m a big fan of arts education. In touring the Martin Luther King, Jr. HS campus recently, I noticed a dance studio—full-length mirrors, etc—being used for things other than dance. In speaking to the principals there, I suggested they bring in some outside dance instructors. 

They met with the great people at Ballet Hispanico, and together they are about to launch an outreach along with the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District, to help bring dance back to the students at MLK. For further info, click the link or email Aburnett@schools.nyc.gov (Principal of HS for Law, Advocacy and Community Justice, one of the six schools at MLK Campus Schools) if you’d like to help.
—
I’m helping to connect families living in the Belnord Hotel on W. 87th St. and Riverside Terrace on W. 88th St. and their children—hailing from from South America, Eastern Europe, Russia, and Africa—to day care services, summer programs and clothing, strollers, & quarters for the laundromat. Thank you to St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church, Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, Open Hearts UWS, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Rodeph Sholom, and Orsid New York, who have jumped into action and delivered much-needed supplies. (You can help too, at the front desks of the two buildings.) 
—

I co-wrote “Our Newest New Yorkers Want to Work: What They Need from the President and Mayor” in Gotham Gazette this week with Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition. On Twitter. Proper work documents are a huge barrier to getting a job—and eventually their own apartments—for most new immigrants. But the feds have to help. 

—

My Oversight and Investigations Committee (jointly with the Committees on Public Safety and General Welfare) held a joint oversight hearing Monday (4/24) about Family Court and the City Administration for Children's Services. Here’s coverage in the Daily News: NYC lawmakers blast ‘dire situation’ at family courts. We’re going to put together a task force of stakeholders to hold ACS accountable. 
---

At today’s Council meeting (4/27), I introduced two new bills:

• Intro 1010, which would add a 311 complaint category for unlicensed cannabis retailers.
• Intro 1009, which would require double decker sightseeing buses to have at least one tour guide present on the upper level at all times whenever passengers are present. 

The Mayor issued another budget Wednesday (4/26), increasing spending by about $4 billion from his previous version (and restoring some, but not all, library, fire, and sanitation cuts). Even with the new budget, libraries are facing a $36 million gap. 

—

This week, the Dept.of City Planning issued a text amendment (the term of art for changing zoning) to reflect a carbon-neutral future for new construction. They’re calling it “City of Yes” and there’s much more information at this Carbon Neutrality page; the full amendment language is here. The text amendment will now go through the ULURP process—including votes by local community boards—and eventually be voted on by the Council. (Here’s the link I promised last week to the Mayor’s strategic climate plan, “PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done.”)

—

The Rent Guidelines Board has begun their annual consideration of rent increases on rent-stabilized apartments in the city. The initial step in that process is an “Income and Expense Study” which the RGB published 3/30, suggesting rent hikes as high as 8.25% on one-year leases and as much as 15.75% on two-year leases. PLEASE DO NOT PANIC. The final number is likely to be much lower. The RGB is now conducting hearings—one happened Thursday 4/27—to gather input from tenants and landlords and will vote on the final amount by 7/1. (I will be testifying against outrageous rent hikes.) Here are the remaining meetings listed as of now on the RGB website:

• Tuesday, 5/2, 7 pm, in person and virtual, Great Hall at Cooper Union (7 E. 7th St.): Preliminary vote on proposed lease adjustments for rent stabilized apartments, lofts and hotels. Livestream the meeting via the RGB’s YouTube channel.
• Thursday, 5/25, 9:30 am, in person and virtual, Landmarks Preservation Commission Conference Room, Municipal Building (1 Centre Street, 9th Floor). Livestream the meeting via the RGB’s YouTube channel.

The FCC has halted CityBridge’s installation of Link5G cell towers because CityBridge failed to conduct a review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and a review under Sec 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) for each cell tower and each antenna prior to construction. Therefore, CityBridge can’t construct any more 5G towers while this review is underway. More at Link5G Towers Must Pass Historic Preservation and Environmental Reviews, Says FCC (TheCity.nyc)

— 

Our monthly virtual Housing Clinic next Wednesday (5/3) at 6 pm covers “DHCR: MCIs and IAIs” and you can sign up for the zoom at the link. As always, my thanks to our partners at the Goddard Riverside Law Project and Takeroot Justice. And don’t forget on the second Tuesday of each month (next is 5/9) we have a representative from the City Dept. of Finance in my District Office to assist SCRIE/DRIE applicants and renewers. Also, appointments are available for our dedicated volunteer assisting with SCRIE/DRIE applications every Monday from 2–6 pm. Make an appointment for these one-on-one sessions at (212) 873-0282. 

MEDIA ROUNDUP
NYC libraries could cut weekend service if Mayor Adams’ budget cuts go through (Gothamist)

Two States Have Proposed Bans on Common Food Additives Linked to Health Concerns (NY Times)

A Harlem Institution Reimagines How Americans Interact With the African Continent (NY Times)

How to Throw a Block Party in New York City (TheCity.nyc)

ChatGPT is going to change education, not destroy it (MIT Tech Review) The narrative around cheating students doesn’t tell the whole story. Meet the teachers who think generative AI could actually make learning better.

Useful items.

Spotted Lanterflies are back, and hatching early in NYC, likely due to the warm winter. If you see one, kill one. (Click the link for a picture!) 

—

Last chance to nominate someone to Goddard Riverside’s Good Neighbor Awards. Their "Neighbor to Neighbor" committee of community members is accepting nominations until 4/30; they’ll meet and decide the award recipients in May with a celebratory event in June.  

—

Community Education Council voting is open now. Cast your votes in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA). Each family has a ballot for every child and/or program listed in the NYCSA account, and each ballot has three votes. If you don’t have a NYCSA account, please contact your school’s Parent Coordinator for instructions on how to sign up.

Last chance for parents to enroll their child in Summer Rising 2023, the DOE’s academic and enrichment program; applications close this Monday, 5/1. Instead of a first-come, first-served approach, applicants will now be able to rank multiple program preferences. Acceptance will be confirmed by email approximately a week later. Click the link to apply. 

—

Friday, 5/5, 12 – 1 pm, in-person and virtual, Goddard Riverside’s Lincoln Square Older Adult Center (250 W 65th St.): Information session on Reduced-Fare OMNY for seniors. The MTA is phasing out MetroCards by the end of 2023; new OMNI cards will be introduced later this year, but you can use a smartphone to use OMNY now. Representatives from the MTA will explain how, and help you set things up on your phone and answer any questions. Please bring a smartphone, a debit card, and your current reduced-fare MetroCard. RSVP at the link or by calling 212-633-8052. I’m co-sponsoring with State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal. (Take a look at the new OMNY machines at OMNY vending machines coming to NYC subway this summer—Gothamist and This Is What the End of the MetroCard Machine Looks Like—Curbed.com)
—

The Center for Healthy Aging at The New York Academy of Medicine recently launched an updated version of IMAGE:NYC, an interactive map with current and projected population of age 65 and older and nearby available resources, services, and amenities—with a new user interface and a wide-screen view. The new map uses the latest Neighborhood Tabulation Area boundaries from the 2020 Census and a range of data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and the NYC Dept. for the Aging. Try it out at the link. 

—

ACCESS HRA, the online app from the City Human Resources Administration, is now offering: 

• Medicaid-only clients with authorizations ending 6/30/23 or later will be able to submit their renewal online instead of completing the MAP-206F or MAP-909E forms.
• Ability to ask questions and upload required Medicaid renewal documents using the mobile app.

Medicaid renewals with authorization end dates through 5/31/23 will be extended; but renewals with authorization end dates in June and beyond must be fully processed (i.e., clients must return their renewal and provide relevant documentation to continue their coverage). All cases with authorization dates ending 6/30/23 will undergo a full review with no easements applied. Clients will be required to provide all documentation for application and renewal as was required pre-pandemic. And beginning on 7/1/23, all new applications will return to full eligibility review.  

—

The Trust for Governors Island will launch a new hybrid electric to the Governors Island’s ferry fleet next summer. New Yorkers are invited to submit their suggestions on what to name the ferry at this link until 5/25.  The suggestions will be narrowed down to three finalists, and the winner will be chosen by the Governors Island Community Advisory Council and announced this summer. (NYC wants your help naming the new hybrid Governors Island ferry, Gothamist)

—

Submissions for the 2023 Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film close on 5/15. The project must be a late-stage documentary film on American history with a running time of 50 minutes or more; the applicant must have previously produced or directed at least one long-form documentary for broadcast or online distribution. For questions, email submissions@betterangelssociety.org.

—

Applications are now open for two fellowships at the CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance: the Lindsay Fellowship in Government Leadership & Practice, designed for recently-elected city and state legislators, and the Kriegel Fellowship for Public Service Leaders, designed for legislative chiefs of staff. To apply for the Lindsay Fellowship, legislators should email Mia.Greco@islg.cuny.edu (attach resume!). For the Kriegel Fellowship, chiefs of staff can complete this form. Applications for both are due Friday, 5/5. 

—

The Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) and the City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) offer individuals, groups, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and other entities grants up to $5,000 to implement “creative projects that promote community respect, prevent hate violence, and seek to address hate crimes, bias-motivated incidents, and discrimination through pathways outside of law enforcement and the criminal legal system.” Learn more and apply for Community Project Grants to Prevent and Address Bias and Hate here. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis through 5/17. 

—

Applications are open until 5/14 for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations’ Youth Solidarity Fund, which supports youth-led organizations that foster peaceful and inclusive societies and intercultural and interfaith dialogue. Click the link. 

—

Applications are open (until 5/9) for the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs’ Cultural Development Fund (CDF) grants to non-profit arts and cultural organizations citywide. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend a CDF application webinar on Wednesday, 4/26 at 6 pm or Monday, 5/1 at 3 pm. Cultural Affairs is also looking for a diverse pool of (paid) panelists to help review CDF grant applications. Learn more here.

—

As part of WSCAH Rocks the Block, the annual block party on W. 86th St. (bet. West End & Riverside) on Sunday, 5/21, the West Side Campaign Against Hunger announces a poetry and prose competition for young writers (ages 10 to 18) to share their creative work on how food can strengthen ourselves and our communities. Student Writing Competition winners will be invited to perform their work at the block party and will receive a gift card to a local business. Click the link for a PDF of the contest guidelines.

—

Wednesday, 5/24, 6–7 pm, virtual: Navigating the System training open to families, caregivers, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and professionals explains how to apply for eligibility and services through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Sponsored by YAI.org, which provides innovative services for the intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD) community, supporting over 20,000 people. 

—

Applications are now open for New York Women in Film and Television’s Ravenal Foundation Grants. These encompass four grants to support a woman director or producer over 40 in the production of a dramatic feature film. Four winners will be named, a first ($5,000) and second ($2,500) place director and producer. Grant-seekers must have previously directed/produced a dramatic feature that was released theatrically, included in a major film festival, or shown on a national TV platform. Click the link to apply; deadline is Friday, 6/2. 

JOBS & INTERNSHIPS 

The Partnership for Public Service sponsors the Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program which helps bring diverse young talent to government and offers students the opportunity to apply their educational training to work at a federal agency. The program is actively recruiting its fall 2023 cohort to join the National Science Foundation and the Small Business Administration as paid interns—which this year includes a public interest technology track. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students from across all academic disciplines are welcome to apply. Fully remote and in-person opportunities are available. Applications are due by 6/2.

—

Earth Matter NY is now accepting applications for their Zero Waste Internship (ages 16–18 or 18+ years) on Governors Island. Get hands-on, practical skills related to composting, processing organics, waste audits, vendor relations, outreach, and education. Deadline to apply is 5/15 for their Spring cohort. Learn more and apply at the links. 

—

The City Dept. of Administrative Services manages job recruitment for city government, including examinations for Civil Service. Start at this page, or search for jobs here (to search by agency or area of interest) or here (to search by job ID# or agency). Learn more about applying for HRA open positions by downloading a PDF flyer here.

—

Wellness in the Schools is hiring WITS Chefs (PDF) to work as culinary instructors in NYC public schools. To apply, email resume to recruitment@wellnessintheschools.org. 

Events. (New since Monday!)

It’s the last edition of the month and that means it’s again time to remind you that New York City residents get free admission to the Museum of Modern Art on the first Friday of every month on UNIQLO NYC Nights, from 4 –8 pm. Tickets are released online for that First Friday a week in advance—that’s tomorrow 4/28—at this page (scroll down to the “Reserve UNIQLO NYC Nights” option). A new exhibition has opened of Georgia O’Keeffe’s work, “To See Takes Time” which shows her artistic process by bringing together her works in charcoal, pencil, watercolor, and pastel alongside with key paintings. 

And since we’re talking low cost admission, on Mondays at noon the Guggenheim opens online reservations for pay-what-you-wish (minimum $1; suggested $10) tickets for Saturday night admissions at 6 and 7 pm. Current exhibitions include: “Gego: Measuring Infinity” and “Sarah Sze: Timelapse” and opening 5/3 is A Year with Children 2023 featuring works created by students in the Guggenheim’s artist-in-residence program.

One of the loveliest spots in Manhattan to relax and maybe have a glass of wine, the Roof Garden of the Metropolitan Museum, has unveiled a new site-specific commission by Lauren Halsey, titled “the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (i)” designed to be inhabited by visitors, who will be able to “explore its connections to sources as varied as ancient Egyptian symbolism, 1960s utopian architecture, and contemporary visual expressions like tagging that reflect the ways in which people aspire to make public places their own.” New York State residents and NY/NJ/CT students can attend on a pay-what-you-wish basis with a valid ID, no advance reservations are required.

Finally, there’s only about a month left to see Princeton University’s campus-wide series exploring Toni Morrison’s creative process—including “Toni Morrison: Sites of Memory,” with more than a hundred never-before-displayed items from the university’s Morrison archive. Until 6/4.

—

Thursdays and Fridays 5–6 pm and Tuesdays 8–9 am, through 6/2: Birding Tours at Bryant Park. Spot the wide range of birds visiting the park during this migratory season with guided tours by NYC Audubon. Sightings have included warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and—wait for it—a Chuck-will’s-widow. Meet at Heiskell Plaza, near the corner of Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street. Free, and no pre-registration required.

—

Saturday 4/29, 11 am – 2 pm, Grace & St. Paul’s Church (123 W 71st St.): Spring Outreach Day for the West 71st Street Block Association. Children and dogs are welcome!  
---

Saturday, 4/29, 2 pm, Rutgers Presbyterian Church (236 W 73rd St): General Membership Meeting of Moms Demand Action NYC and learn  more about upcoming events and how you can make a difference in the fight against gun violence, including updates on state legislation, NYC elections and their annual Rally and Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge as part of Wear Orange. Sign up at the link or just drop by.

—

Saturday 4/29, 2:30 pm, Goddard Riverside Bernie Wohl Center, 647 Columbus Ave. (@ 91st St.): Composers Concordance presents “Bagels & Brass”, a unique concert featuring eGALitarian Brass Quintet, David Taylor Trombone Ensemble, Trombonist Craig Harris, and a fresh homemade bagel spread. Free house tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis at this link. Walk-ins also accepted at the door.

—

Sunday, 4/30, 4 pm, Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew (263 W 86th St): Concert by mezzo-soprano Megan Moore and pianist Francesco Barfoed as part of Carnegie Hall Citywide, which presents New York’s exceptional artists in free performances around the city. Doors open at 3:30 pm. Rising stars Moore and Barfoed’s New York recital debut was recently praised as compelling and musically rewarding. 

—

Monday, 5/1, 7 pm, free, Kaufman Music Center (Ann Goodman Recital Hall, 129 W. 67 St.): Opera Workshop Concert. Music from Mozart's Don Giovanni, Verdi's La Traviata, Rossini's Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier, and Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. 

—

Monday, 5/1, 1–2 pm, Zoom: The NYC Geospatial Information Systems and Mapping Organization will launch the GISMO Rat App, which allows anyone with a smartphone to report rat sightings and they’ll be automatically logged and mapped. When you spot-a-rat, report-a-rat! 

—

Monday 5/1, 7–8:30 pm, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center (199 Chambers St): “Confronting Antisemitism: Communities Standing Up, Together.” Speakers include R. Derek Black, former white nationalist; Hanadi Dolah of the Interfaith Center NY; Heather Fife of the Professional Performing Arts School; Rev. Edward-Richard Hinds of the 67th Precinct Clergy Council; and Rabbi Bob Kaplan of JCRC-NY. Joining together with Facing History for an essential conversation and panel discussion exploring NYC community efforts to combat antisemitism. Register at the link. 

—

Year Up is hosting 90 minute drop-in Career Series Sessions for young people from high school to 18-29 years old to help redefine success, understand the market and their skills, as well as develop a tangible, personalized, and flexible path to achieve their goals. Monday, 5/1 and Wednesday, 5/3: Identify skills and understand what stepping stone careers are—and connect the dots between the type of skills you can learn in any opportunity. Register at the link. 

—

Monday, 5/1, 8 pm, Paul Hall, The Juilliard School (155 W. 65th St.): Composition Concert. Livestream available for free at the link.

—

Tuesday, 5/2, 7 pm, Central Park Precinct, 86th Street Transverse (between Central Park West and Fifth Ave): Joint Community Council meeting with both Central Park Precinct and 19th Precinct councils.

—

Tuesday, 5/2, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, New-York Historical Society (170 Central Park West): Necessary Trouble: An Evening with Drew Gilpin Faust moderated by David M. Rubenstein. Free tickets for 6th District residents at the link using discount code D623. (Closing 6/11 at the NYHS is Kara Walker’s annotations of Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War, published in 1866, which omitted African Americans.)

—

Wednesdays, now through 5/24 from 6–7:30 pm online: Close To Home: Virtual Town Halls On Housing Equality features experts who will discuss and share solutions regarding housing and economic justice, food sovereignty and security, homelessness and community, cultural displacement, and media narratives about housing. RSVP at the link.

—

Wednesday, 5/3, 9 am–4 pm, 130 E. 59th St: Facing the Gun Violence Epidemic. The Jewish Community Relations Council and UJA-New York host a forum exploring gun violence as the complex, multifaceted public health issue that it is. Michael Dowling of Northwell Health keynotes; Rev. Charles Galbreath of Clarendon Road Church opens; and Daniela Gilbert, Director of the redefining Public Safety project at the Vera Institute of Justice speaks. 

—

Wednesday, 5/3, 2:30–1:30 pm: Webinar on Special Education Mediation, sponsored by the NY Peace Institute. Parents of children who have or need IEP’s in public or private schools can learn more about the NYPI’s free and efficient mediation service that helps resolve conflicts between parents of children who need Special Education services and the DOE. Click the link to register.

—

Wednesday, 5/3, 6 pm, at the south end of Straus Park, Broadway and 106th Street. Join popular tour guide Jim Mackin, author of “Notable New Yorkers of Manhattan’s Upper West Side,” as he shares stories about the people and places that make up the history of the Bloomingdale neighborhood. Sponsored by the Bloomingdale Neighborhood History Group. More info 212-666-9774. 

—

Wednesday, 5/3, 6:30 – 7:30 pm New-York Historical Society (170 Central Park West) JFK and the Promise of Democracy featuring author Fredrik Logevall in conversation with David M. Rubenstein. Free tickets for 6th District residents at the link using discount code D623.

—

Thursday, 5/4, 12 pm, free: Crown JEWEL Conversation with Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll who believes religious women are key to making lasting change in the Israeli Orthodox Jewish community. 

—

Thursday, 5/4, 8:15 am – 6:30, Washington D.C: The American Economic Liberties Project hosts the Anti-Monopoly Summit. Join a community of workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, business owners, community activists, policy researchers, advocates, and public officials who want a future where markets are fair and competitive, create widely-shared ownership and prosperity, and allow the best ideas, products, and services to flourish.

—

Bloomingdale School of Music’s free faculty concert series continues most Fridays at 7 pm at the David Greer Concert Hall (323 W 108th St) and also available for livestream; RSVP required at the links. 

• Friday, 5/5, 7 pm: Kaleidoscope of Moods. Violist Aundrey Mitchell joins faculty pianist Judith Olson in a program of evocative character pieces by Robert Schumann, Rebecca Clarke, Nino Rota, and Astor Piazzolla.
• Friday, 5/19, 7 pm: Into the Future! A Modern Jazz Odyssey of Woodwind Music. Saxophonist Daniel Bennett presents a concert of Modern Jazz for all ages including music by Daniel Bennett, Lennon and McCartney, Gustav Holst, Harold Arlen and Joni Mitchell.
• Friday, 6/2, 7 pm: Sounds of Nature: Piano Miniatures. Judith Olson and her students present piano works inspired by the sights and sounds of nature: birds, insects, animals, water, landscapes, and atmospheric conditions.

—

Saturday, 5/ 6, 12-4 pm, Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center (250 W 65 St.): Goddard Riverside Children’s Book Giveaway.

— 

Sunday, 5/7, multiple performances at 1pm, 3:30pm, 6pm, 8:30pm, Morse Hall, The Juilliard School, 155 W. 65th St.): Chamber Music Recital. Attend in person or livestream available for free.

— 

Sunday, 5/7, 8 pm, Bruno Walter Orchestral Studio, The Juilliard School (Rm 309, 155 W. 65th St.): Chamber Music with Fortepiano. Attend in person or livestream available for free.

—

Monday, 5/8, 7 pm, free, Kaufman Music Center (Ann Goodman Recital Hall, 129 W. 67 St.): Art Song Workshop concert.

—

Tuesday, 5/9, 2–3 pm, virtual: Sesame Street in Communities: Supporting Families Facing Addiction An event for caregivers and professionals who support children dealing with a parent or loved one struggling with addiction sponsored by presented by THIRTEEN and Sesame Workshop. Learn about tools and actionable strategies for families and service providers, and view a panel discussion and Q&A with licensed experts. RSVP at the link. (If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, call the NYS HOPEline at 877-8-HOPENY or text 467369 for free confidential support.)

—

Tuesday, 5/9, 5 – 7 pm and Thursday, 6/8, 5 – 7 pm: Virtual “Rat Academy” trainings from the City’s Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene where you can learn about the rodent crisis and how to take action. The next in-person date in Manhattan is Wednesday, 5/31, 5:15– 7:30 pm at the East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center, 158 E. 115th St.

—

Tuesday, 5/9, 6 pm, virtual: A Conversation with the Second Generation: The Importance of Telling Our Stories. Authors will discuss how they were affected by the trauma of the Holocaust, regardless of how much their parents had or hadn't told them, and the ways it affects their lives. Register for the Zoom at the link. Sponsored by the Museum of Jewish Heritage. 

— 

Wednesday, 5/10, 7:30 pm, free, Kaufman Music Center (Ann Goodman Recital Hall, 129 W. 67 St.): Chamber Music Associates Concert. A variety of Adult Division chamber ensembles – from piano duos and trios to string quartets—perform music by Schumann, Mendelssohn, Bach, Fauré, Debussy, Brahms, Mozart, Kapustin, Reinecke and Bennett. 

—

NYC Tourism + Conventions is rolling out their It’s Time for Culture program, from 5/9 to 5/21 with nearly 100 events offered by cultural organizations across the five boroughs. Click the link for more.

—

Thursday, 5/11, 6:30 pm, zoom: The Paterno Buildings in Bloomingdale, An immigrant family’s contribution to the Upper West Side. The Paterno family emigrated to NYC from Castelmezzano, Italy in 1880, and subsequently built 164 buildings in Manhattan, mostly apartment houses—32 buildings in Bloomingdale alone. Carla Golden, great-granddaughter of Dr. Charles V. Paterno, will introduce those Bloomingdale buildings, sharing the stories behind them, along with an enchanting tale of immigration involving one of Manhattan’s most prolific building families. Sponsored by the Bloomingdale Neighborhood History Group and the Columbus Amsterdam BID.

—

Thursday, 5/11, 10 am – 11:30 pm, Virtual: “Older Adult Housing: We Need More! How to Advocate for What Is Needed” Roundtable sponsored by State Senator Liz Krueger featuring Rachel Fee (New York Housing Conference), Kevin Kiprovski, (LiveOn NY), and Kevin Jones (NYS AARP). Learn about the challenges to creating affordable and accessible housing and how to advocate to get more units built. Register at the link. 

—

Sunday, 5/14, 7:30 pm, Bruno Walter Orchestral Studio, The Juilliard School (Rm 309, 155 W. 65th St.): Euan Shields, Conducting. 

—

Monday, 5/15, 7 pm, in-person and online, Ethical NYC (Ceremonial Hall, 2 W 64th St., 4th Floor): The First Amendment and Free Speech. Explore the state of the First Amendment and free speech with Norman Siegel, former executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union and a noted civil rights and civil liberties lawyer. RSVP to attend in-person or on Zoom at the link.

—

Tuesday, 5/16, 6 pm, free, Kaufman Music Center (Ann Goodman Recital Hall, 129 W. 67 St.): Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Improvisation Concert. 

—

The New York Studio School’s 2023 Certificate Completion Exhibition is now open through 5/9 (at 8 West 8th St.). Their MFA Thesis Exhibition opens Wednesday, 5/17 (through 5/31), with an opening reception on Thursday, 5/18, 5–8 pm. Work by Cee Cee Belford, Avi Friedman Levy, Rosemary Joy Glidden, Char Healey, Avery Johnson, Daniel Licht, Paula Querido, Natasha Tripathi, Anita Trombetta, Julia Wess, and Lenore Wolf. 

—

Friday, 5/19, 7–8:30 pm, The Metropolitan Museum (Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium): The Fil at The Met Concert: Panorama of Sound. Musicians from The Filomen M. D'Agostino Greenberg Music School perform soundscapes of 1920s America, inspired by Thomas Hart Benton's mural America Today. “The Fil” is a community school of the arts dedicated to helping individuals of all ages pursue their study of music while addressing the challenges posed by vision loss. The concert includes verbal description. Sighted guides will be available at the Museum's 81st and 82nd Street entrances from 6:15 pm. For further information, contact access@metmuseum.org or 212-650-2010. (Again, New York State residents and NY/NJ/CT students can attend on a pay-what-you-wish basis with a valid ID, no advance reservations are required.)

—

Saturday, 5/20, 10 am–2:30 pm, John Jay College (524 W. 59th St.): CUNY Citizenship Now event. Get help completing citizenship applications; see this link for the documents necessary to bring. Appointment required; call 646-664-9400 or text 929-334-3784.

—

Saturday, 5/20, 11 am–12 noon, David H. Koch Theater (Columbus Avenue and W 63rd St): A Dancer’s Life, Part of Family Saturdays, an exciting one hour presentation for families with children ages 5 and above that features short works and excerpts performed by New York City Ballet dancers and orchestra members—the perfect introduction to NYCB and the world of classical dance. Discounted $5 tickets are available for this program at the link using the promo code: GOVFAM23 (or by calling the NYCB Call Center at 212-496-0600).

—

Saturday, 5/20, 12 noon – 4 pm, from 6th Ave. @ 17th St. to Avenue A: one of the most entertaining events of the season, Dance Parade. 10,000 dancers showcase every style of dance—break to ballet—to spectators along 6th Avenue, across 8th Street, past a grandstand at 4th Avenue, ending in Dancefest at Tompkins Square Park with five stages of performers, free dance lessons, and fun. 

—

Sunday, 5/21, 12–6 pm, 280 Broome St (bet. Allen St and Eldridge St.): Greek Jewish Festival celebrates the unique Romaniote and Sephardic heritage of the Jews of Greece. Authentic kosher Greek foods and homemade Greek pastries, traditional Greek dancing, live music, an outdoor marketplace full of vendors, and arts and educational activities for kids. Sponsored by Kehila Kedosha Janina (the Holy Community of Janina), the only Romaniote synagogue in the Western Hemisphere—and a NYC designated landmark!

—

Sunday, 5/21, starting at 10 am, Museum of Jewish Heritage (Edmond J. Safra Plaza, 36 Battery Place): The day-long Mishpachah Festival will celebrate and explore Jewish genealogy, heritage, and immigration with the Museum of Jewish Heritage’s genealogy arm JewishGen, their LOX Café, the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, and the Center for Jewish History. Join them for a family-friendly event kicking off with a concert by Grammy Award-winning musician Joanie Leeds. More at the link; directions down to Battery Place here. 

(Quirk of the Week will return this summer!)