Subject: Weekly 3E's Recap
From: Assemblymember Michael A. Blake<[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 6 May 2016 21:58:51 +0000
List-Id: 455bc6c87b952f7efebdc076emc list <455bc6c87b952f7efebdc076e.340229.list-id.mcsv.net>

Friends,

When elected to office, we pledged to do transformative work that would help achieve the 3 Es of Economic Development, Education and Equality for all. Here is an update on recent events and efforts that help us achieve our shared goals and bring us one step closer to #BuildingABetterBronx.

For more information or questions about events happening in the 79th assembly district, please call us at 718-538-3829 or email us at [email-masked]
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Economic Development & Entrepreneurship

Assemblymember Blake Tours Business Corridor with the NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop

Commissioner Gregg Bishop (Department of Small Business Services) and Assemblymember Michael Blake engaging small business owners and employees at K&L Jamaican Restaurant and Perry's Diner

Last week, Assemblymember Michael Blake met with Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop and visited local businesses along the 3rd Avenue - 149th Street business corridor. During the tour, the SBS Commissioner and Assemblymember Blake spoke with several business owners and informed them of services available through the Department of Small Business Services. Our office remains committed to growing and strengthening our small business community. From working with Libra group on the American Entrepreneurship Award and their efforts to provide start-up capital for entrepreneurs to creating an eco-system for women entrepreneurs, we will continue to support and provide resources for our small businesses.

Interested in learning more about the NYC Department of Small Business Services, please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/html/home/home.shtml
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Education

Teachers across the country work countless hours to provide our children with a quality education. While we are appreciative of their service to our children every week, we took this week to recognize our teachers and acknowledge their immeasurable impact in the lives of our children and families. In the 79th assembly district, we have prioritized education because we understand the transformative impact it can have on our communities.

In order for education to truly be the great equalizer, we must take the necessary steps to ensure all children are afforded a quality education that will adequately prepare them to realize their dreams. Throughout the year, we continue to work closely with our teachers and schools to provide programming and supplement the great work they are doing with our students.

A few of our education highlights this year include:
* Partnered with Tata Consulting Services and First Book to successfully donate 10,000 books to children in the 79th Assembly District;
* Participated in the NYC Peace week challenge under the leadership of Erica Ford and Life Camp, Inc where 1,000+ students in the 79th assembly district made a pledge to peace in their schools and communities.
* Partnered with WNBA All-Star and Center for the New York Liberty, Tina Charles and her Hopey's Heart Foundation on the 3rd Annual Hopey's Heart Day. The annual event gives students the opportunity to attend a sports clinic and learn about sports safety;
* Implemented a 8 week life-enriching Dharma Girls program for girls at PS55. This program focuses on active wellness, holistic health and creating positive living habits

None of our projects in the 79th assembly district would have been possible without support and guidance from our teachers. We have some of the most dedicated teachers working in the 79th assembly district. They not only provide educational tools, they prepare our students to address the growing needs of our communities. Teachers are responsible for mastering the art of classroom management, lesson preparation, student and parent engagement and incorporating fun activities to peak the interest of students. Often times, our teachers go above and beyond by purchasing supplies for school projects and committing additional hours to execute extra-curricular activities. For the countless acts of kindness, the inspiring words that pick our children up when they are down, and the ongoing care and concern, we say THANK YOU! If you know a teacher, we hope you took this week to show gratitude and recognize their dedication to building our leaders of tomorrow.

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Dharma Girls Health and Wellness Program Kicks-off at PS55 in the Bronx!

Dharma Girls training with teachers and facilitators in preparation for Dharma Girls Launch in The Bronx

This week, the Office of Assemblymember Michael Blake successfully launched the Dharma Girls program at PS55! Dharma Girls is a life-enriching program focusing on girls age 7 to 17. It can be offered as a standalone program or incorporated into schools, summer camps, sports teams, and will generally run for 8 weeks.

Our office is excited to work closely with Dharma Girls and the teachers at PS55 to provide an example of healthy living for our young girls. This program is enriching lives by teaching girls and young women the importance of active health and giving them the tools needed to thrive in stressful environments. If you work at a school in the 79th assembly district and have an interest in launching a Dharma Girls program, please contact our office at 718-538-3829 and speak with Arielle Wright.

For more information about Dharma Girls, please visit http://www.dharmagirls.org/

Universal Pre-K
We have exciting news – we are making it as easy as possible for every family to find a great program and register their child for Pre-K. That's why the earliest ever first round of pre-K for All offers went out this week: families applied more than a month earlier than last year, and yesterday’s offer letters were sent out over a month earlier than last year. A record 85 percent of families are receiving an offer to one of their top three free, full-day, high-quality pre-K program choices, and 71 percent of families are receiving an offer to their top choice. All 67,689 applicants received an offer for a pre-K for All seat yesterday.

All families that receive an offer must pre-register by May 20th following the instructions in their offer letter in order to reserve their seat.

Additionally, for families in our district, the second pre-K application period opened yesterday! Families have until May 20 to apply in Round 2. The second round of pre-K applications is also over a month earlier than last year, and features additional, newly awarded fall 2016 pre-K programs as well as programs with remaining available seats. This additional month provides both families and pre-K programs with more opportunity to plan for the upcoming year.

All families with children born in 2012 – including those who received offers yesterday – are eligible to apply in the second round. Submitting a Round 2 application does not affect a family’s current offer or waitlist status; families can apply in Round 2 even if they accept their offer and will remain eligible to receive waitlist offers.

Families can use a variety of resources to explore pre-K options. They are encouraged to use the online Pre-K Finder (maps.nyc.gov/prek)  for the latest information and program updates, as well as the 2016 Pre-K for All Round 2 Program List available on the pre-K website (nyc.gov/prek (http://www.nyc.gov/prek) ) in ten languages. Enrollment specialists will also be available to help families throughout the process.

Families can apply in one of three ways:
* Online at nyc.gov/prek (http://www.nyc.gov/prek)
* Over the phone by calling 718-935-2067 (tel:718-935-2067)  (8am - 6pm, Mon – Fri)
* In person at a Family Welcome Center (8am – 3pm, Mon – Fri). For locations, visit schools.nyc.gov/welcomecenters

For general pre-K application and enrollment inquiries, please direct families to nyc.gov/prek (http://www.nyc.gov/prek) .

Please reach out to Justin Brannan, [email-masked] (mailto:[email-masked])  (212) 374-2157 (tel:%28212%29%20374-2157)  if you have questions.

CALLING ALL TEEN WRITERS
Bronx Loaf Teen Writers Conference
On behalf of the Foundation for Letters, which promotes improved college access through engagement with writing by providing urban schools with a range of literary-focused academic and enrichment programs, we would like for you to encourage your students to apply to attend the 2016 Bronx Loaf Teen Writers Conference. Bronx Loaf is a six day writers’ conference for teens, held at the Bronx Academy of Letters from July 6-11th. Students from all over NYC will come together to work on their writing in individual and group workshops, conferences, readings, performances and revision sessions. Workshop leaders help over 50 students prepare pieces of writing to be published in student anthology, Breaking Bread. Students often point out the exciting field trips, new friendships and closing ceremony as highlights of the week. With brand new workshops to choose from, such as Graphic Storytelling, there is really something for all writers! Learn more by watching the video from last
year's workshop and checking out Bronxloaf.org. Attached I've also included a fun, informational flyer for distribution.

BRONX LOAF 2015 VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watchv=dK0YsK2vGIE&feature=youtu.be
BRONX LOAF 2016 APPLICATION:
https://bronxloaf.org/application-form/   The deadline for students to apply is May 15th.
For any questions, contact Ms Sarose Klein, Executive Director at the Foundation [email-masked] (mailto:[email-masked]) or 516.672.6125 (tel:516.672.6125)
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Equality For All

Assemblymember Michael Blake Co-hosts The Boricua Community Health Fair Promoting Preventative Health Care

Left: Assemblymember Michael Blake taking a blood pressure test. Right: Assemblymember Blake, Staff of Urban Health Plan standing with health fair planning committee and constituents.

Last week, the Office of Assemblymember Michael Blake co-hosted the Boricua Community Health Fair with Urban Health Plan. The fair offered blood pressure screening and nutritional information, live music, children's activities and giveaways. During the event, Assemblymember Michael Blake had the opportunity to engage with constituents, take advantage of the blood pressure screening and tour the Boricua Community Health Center - Urban Health Plan facility. Promoting healthy lifestyles and preventative care continues to be a top priority for the 79th assembly district.

For more information about Urban Health Plan, please visit
.

Planned Parenthood of NYC Launches "Your Body Needs You" in the 79th Assembly District!

Assemblymember Michael Blake getting a HIV screening in the Planned Parenthood mobile medical unit

Assemblymember Michael Blake stands with Planned Parenthood activists at the launch of the Project Street Beat Mobile Medical Unit

Assemblymember Michael Blake  recently spoke at the Planned Parenthood of New York City (PPNYC) launch of “Your Body Needs You,” an innovative STI/HIV prevention and treatment campaign created by and for women of color in the Bronx. This community mobilization campaign utilizes social marketing to promote HIV and STI testing and safer sex to African-American and Latina women ages 20 to 44 who are HIV positive or at high risk of transmission. The initiative provides the resources, information and support to help women stay HIV and STI negative—including PrEP—and, for those who are positive, help them get the health care they need.

Quoted in a press release announcing the mobile unit, Assemblymember Blake said, "I applaud the efforts of Planned Parenthood of New York City and Project Street Beat on their collaboration on a new HIV and STI prevention campaign called 'Your Body Needs You.' This initiative will go a long way in improving the sexual and overall health of women of color in the Bronx who are at increased risk of HIV infection. I stand with Planned Parenthood and look forward to continuing our work to ensure all women have access to the health care and services critical to #BuildingABetterBronx"

For more information about Planned Parenthood of NY, please visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-new-york-city

Assemblymember Stands With SEIU 32BJ Members in the Contract Fight for Decent Wages for Security

Assemblymember Michael Blake speaks at the rally in support of SEIU 32BJ security workers

Assemblymember Blake proudly stood with members of SEIU 32BJ to demand a strong and fair contract for 12,000 security workers negotiating new contracts with their employers. We entrust our security officers with our safety when we visit our cities' most iconic landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, our universities, and government and infrastructure buildings. It is our responsibility to ensure that the people who keep us safe have the financial security that comes with a good paycheck, benefits, and a fair contract. Security officers work tirelessly and are #AlwaysThere for us when we need them. It is our obligation to stand with them when their livelihood is being threatened.

Our shared goal in the 79th assembly district is to achieve the 3 E’s of Economic Development, Education and Equality for All. We can not reform and improve our education systems if our children are not safe in our schools or if their parents don’t have the financial means to provide food and shelter. We won’t achieve our equality for all if people who work 40 hours a week are still living in poverty and struggling to feed their family. That is why this fight is so important; we must ensure that all of our workers and their families are safe in the workplace and secure financially.

For more information about SEIU 32BJ, please visit http://www.seiu32bj.org/districts/new-york/
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Other Important Upcoming Events

Bronx Week 2016
Bronx Week has officially commenced and events will continue through May 15th! Please see here (https://issuu.com/thebronxtourismcouncil/docs/2016_calendar_issuu) for a complete list of Bronx Week events.

Bronx Week celebrates the best of us—our veterans, mothers, seniors, youth, business leaders, volunteers, artists, civic leaders and hometown greats, and unites the many communities that make up this great borough.
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., along with the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and the Bronx Tourism Council have worked hard to make this 45th Annual Bronx Week a special one.
For more information and the full schedule, please go to www.ILoveTheBronx.com
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Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program

Date: Tuesday, May 10th
Location: Greater Holy Tabernacle Church, 3780 Third Avenue
Time: 6:00pm

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Montefiore Health Day

Date: Friday, May 13th
Location: Montefiore Hutchingson Campus, 1250 Waters Place
Time: 11:00am - 3:30pm

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THANK YOU for your continued support. We will continue to work hard and deliver on our promises to the community and New York. We hope you will continue to engage us on the issues, volunteer and take advantage of opportunities available. Together, we are truly #BuildingABetterBronx. Let's keep rocking!

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