Dear Friend,

Since my last newsletter, the New York City Council has made tremendous progress on the issues that are plaguing communities across the five boroughs.

I am proud to announce that my first bill, Intro 187 was signed into law on September 10 by Mayor Bill de Blasio. The new law requires the Administration for Children's Services to submit an annual report of the number of youth in foster care graduating from high school to the City Council on October 1. The enactment of this legislation is a major victory for our children and advocates.

On October 7, Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, chair of the Public Safety Committee, and I announced the allocation of nearly $6 million towards domestic violence programs and initiatives. The timing of this funding is critical as we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October.Since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) nearly 20 years ago, our nation's response to domestic violence has greatly improved. Recently what was too often seen as a private matter best hidden behind closed doors is now a national conversation and of great concern. Domestic violence is an issue that transcends gender, age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Though this form of violence is prevalent in certain communities, its overwhelming impact on the lives of New Yorkers - particularly women and children - is undeniable and will not be tolerated. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is our annual call to action, to stop the violence.

I hope that you will continue to engage with my office, exchanging ideas and solutions to improve our district, city, and state.

Yours in Partnership,

Laurie A. Cumbo

Member of the New York City Council 

• Beginning Wednesday, October 8, 2014 you can submit a Request for Testing (RFT) form to have your child tested for a Gifted & Talented program. The deadline to submit a RFT form is Friday, November 7, 2014. We encourage families to submit the form online. If you prefer to use a paper form, please review the Handbook for instructions. Whether you submit online or in person, be sure to get a receipt!

• Medicare's Fall Open Enrollment Period : October 15 - December 7, 2014 allows beneficiaries to make changes as needed and will go into effect on January 1, 2015.
• Division of Code Enforcement, Heat Bulletin (Oct. 1 through May 31st): All NYC tenant-occupied dwellings must maintain a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Tenants without heat should call 311(Citizen Service Center) or for the hearing impaired TTY (212) 504-4115.
• NYC Public Advocate Letitia James has launched the 2014 Worst Landlords Watchlist, a list comprised of the most egregious examples of negligent landlords.The list is based on information obtained from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), constituents, and other advocates throughout the city.
• The New York City Department of Transportation has implemented safety improvements along Park Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.
• According to the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), the reconstruction of Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street and Emerson Place will begin on October 16.
• Retail operations at the Pratt Station Post Office will be suspended, effective October 25.
• Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is pleased to announce a major expansion of library hours, nearly doubling the number of branches offering six- or seven-day service, as well as increasing Saturday and evening hours. 

Brooklyn Woods Training Program

Brooklyn Woods is recruiting for their next cycle starting November 3rd and running through December 23rd. Orientation sessions will occur on October 15th, 22nd & 29th.

*No RSVP necessary.

*Bring your ID and a PEN!

*Individuals receiving food stamps and/or criminal justice issues are highly encouraged to apply.*

*Individuals who have previously completed a BWI training program are not eligible to take another BWI training.

Please visit the "Brooklyn Woods" pages at www.bwiny.org for more information.

Brooklyn Woods offers five cycles per year and is continuously recruiting for the next training cycle. To begin the application process you must attend an orientation session where we will provide detailed information about the program, offer a tour of the shop and give you an application to fill out. We also require that applicants take a reading, math and measurement test during orientation. Orientations are held every Wednesday at 10AM sharp at BWI's Sector Skills Center and last about three hours. Please bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to fill out information about your work history. If you have a resume, you may bring it. You do not need to pre-register. Please note that latecomers may not be admitted.  

We advise attending an orientation as soon possible as admission is highly competitive for all cycles.

Eligibility

To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:

*Live in New York City & be legally eligible to work in the U.S. and 21 years or older

*Be unemployed, have a low income, or receive public assistance

*Able to pass an 8th grade level reading test and a 6th grade level math test

*Be physically fit, able to work on your feet for hours and able to lift 70lbs

*Have minimal or some background working with your hands, with tools, in a trade, or as a laborer

*Demonstrate a commitment to utilizing the training to work in the field of woodworking or a related business for at least two years

Individuals with past criminal convictions are welcome to apply.

Brooklyn Woods can accept applicants with a history of substance use who are clean for ninety days and who are in a counseling program. Individuals who recently completed or are completing college degrees or who are working in a career and simply want to make a career change are not typical candidates.  Please call Brooklyn Woods to discuss your particular situation. For more information contact Brooklyn Woods at 718-389-3636 or Toby Gardner.

Location 

Brooklyn Woods is located at the BWI Sector Skills Center at 125 8th Street, between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue in Gowanus, Brooklyn.  

Monday         Appointment Only

Tuesday        10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday    4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Thursday        1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Friday             Appointment Only