ATTENTION: WellCare Sponsors Free Comedy Show for Seniors; 10/28; BK Museum

Representative Yvette Clarke, State Senator John Sampson, State Senator Eric Adams, Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, and Council Member Letitia James present a comedy show for seniors!

Wellcare Health Plans, Inc. is sponsoring a FREE comedy show and entertainment show for Brooklyn's senior citizens!

WHERE: Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY

WHEN: Friday, October 28, 2011
2:00PM- 5:00PM

For more information, please contact (347) 834-0802 or carol.martinez@wellcare.com.

DFTA's Annual Plan Summary & Public Hearings

The New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) is pleased to share with you the Annual Plan Summary for 2012-2013. This Plan provides a valuable opportunity for the Department to share its goals, objectives and program planning with the aging network. A series of public hearings on the Plan provides forums for consumers, community partners, advocates, and other interested parties to give the Department feedback and suggestions on issues that impact New York City’s older adults.

DFTA encourages you to attend and/or testify at one of the five Public Hearings in October; a Testimony Request Form can be found on their website. If you are unable to attend one of the hearings, please feel free to submit written comments via email or mail. The Department welcomes your input and values your expertise. All comments will be carefully considered.

BROOKLYN PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The dates of the hearings for the other boroughs are: Queens, Tuesday, October 11th; Manhattan, Monday, October 17th; Staten Island, Tuesday, October 18th; and Bronx, Friday, October 21st. All hearings will take place between 10am and noon.

To register please call 212-442-0960 or email your name and borough to testimony@aging.nyc.gov.

ATTENTION: 35th District Lien Sale Outreach Session

The Office of Council Member Letitia James will be hosting a 35th District Lien Sale Outreach Session on Monday, July 18, 2011 at--

Benjamin Bannekar Academy
77 Clinton Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

During the sale, unpaid water, sewer, and property tax debt will be sold by the City to private collection agencies, who are likely to impose heavy interest fees. You have until August 1, 2011 to settle your debt with the City and avoid the lien sale.

The outreach session is being sponsored by the NYC Department of Finance, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, who will be available to meet one-on-one.

Please be aware that some groups— such as veterans and seniors— may be exempt from the lien sale. Those individuals who are in exempted categories should fill out an “Exemption Eligibility Checklist”. For further information, please contact (212) 788-7081.

ATTENTION: OEM Opens Citywide "Cooling Centers"

NEW YORK CITY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE COOLING CENTERS WILL BE OPEN WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
New Yorkers Urged to Take Precautions During Heat Event

The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) today announced that cooling centers will be open in all five boroughs on Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9. According to the National Weather Service, the heat index is expected to exceed 95 degrees on Wednesday and may exceed 100 degrees on Thursday.

Cooling centers are public places, such as Department for the Aging (DFTA) senior centers, libraries and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Salvation Army community centers where air conditioning is available.

To find the cooling center nearest to you, call 311, or use OEM’s Cooling Center Finder at http://www.nyc.gov/oem.

CM James Calls on Home Health Agencies to Restore Senior/Disability Services

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
MAY 4, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES CALLS ON HOME HEALTH AGENCIES TO IMMEDIATELY RESTORE SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED
Many have lost home care due to arbitrary, illegal decisions and are currently at grave risk

(Brooklyn, NY) Last month, the way Certified Home Health Agencies (CHHAs) are reimbursed by Medicaid was changed. In response, CHHAs have illegally reduced the services they provide. In some cases they have stopped providing care altogether.

Regarding this sad situation, Council Member James stated, “Can you imagine being a 90-year old person, living alone, and having no one to care for you? People who had been receiving 24-hour care for years are suddenly receiving only 12 hours of care, or worse. I am appalled that this is happening in a country that prides itself on taking care of our own.”

James continued, “New York Legal Assistance Group filed a lawsuit recently, and I trust the courts will ultimately put an end to this terrible mistake. But until that happens, dozens of disabled and elderly people are in grave danger. I urge the CHHAs to immediately restore all services to those affected by their recent, arbitrary decisions. Our most vulnerable should not suffer because of greedy corporations trying to pinch pennies.”

NYLAG's press release is attached and includes stories of those actually affected by these changes, including a 90-year old holocaust survivor whose care was terminated with no notice, as well as an 87-year old with severe dementia whose care was cut in half, also without notice.

###

ATTENTION: 2011 NYC Lien Sale

Let’s Talk Lien Selling:
A lien sale is when the City sells debt to a private collector (known as a lien holder) who assumes the right to collect the debt, and move to foreclosure if owner remains in arrears. In a lien, the lienholder assumes the debt, not property. The lien sale is the City’s primary enforcement tool to collect delinquent debt owed by property owners

Property Tax Debt:
You are at risk if you own— a 1-3 unit residence, a condo/co-op, a small business with 1-2 residences, or vacant land zoned for residential use
-any of the above categories with minimum $1,000 in property taxes for 3+ years
You are at risk if you own— a 4+ units
-the above category with minimum $1,000 in property taxes for 1+ years

Water/Sewer Liens:
You are at risk if you own— a Tax Class 1 property other than a single-family residence
-the above category with minimum $2,000 in debt for 1+ years
You are at risk if you own— a Tax Class 2 multi-family home, a commercial property
-the above categories with minimum $1,000 in debt for 1+ years

Emergency Repair/ Alternative Enforcement Program:
You are at risk if you own— any property other than a 1-3 family residence
-the above category with minimum $1,000 in debt for 1+ years

All 1-3 unit properties will be excluded from the lien sale with the exception of non-owner-occupied 3-unit buildings in the Alternative Enforcement Program.

Property tax liens will NOT be sold on 1-3 family homes with the Veteran or Active Military Personnel Exemption; Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption; Disabled Homeowner Exemption; or the Real Property Circuit Breaker Personal Income Tax Credit (PIT) for 2010.

Stats on At-Risk Properties:
-Total Eligible CityWide- 25, 937 (Brooklyn- 11,375)

Important Dates:
May 2- 90-Day Publication
May 3- 90-Day Mailing
June 1- 60-Day Mailing
July 1- 30-Day Mailing
July 22- 10-Day Publication & Mailing
August 1- Last Day to Pay

Customers can call 311 for questions related to the lien sale.

To be removed from the lien sale list, customers must either pay in full or enter into a payment agreement.
Department of Finance- for property and ERP/AEP debt
www.nyc.gov/liensale
For general lien sale inquiries:
(212) 504-4039
taxlien@finance.nyc.gov

Department of Environmental Protection- for water and sewer debt
www.nyc.gov/dep
(866) 622-8292
For general lien sale inquiries:
(718) 595-7000
ombuds@dep.nyc.gov

Housing Preservation and Development- for ERP/AEP debt
For general lien sale inquiries:
(212) 863-5300
taxlien@hpd.finance.gov

Lien Sale Outreach Dates:
Outreach sessions will be held in each borough from 5PM- 7PM.
Brooklyn’s session is—
July 28, 2011
Brooklyn Finance Business Center
210 Joralemon Street, 1st Floor
Please call Finance's Outreach Unit at 212-669-8745 for more information.

CM James and Elected Officials Rally In Opposition to Senior Center Closings

STATE AND CITY ELECTED OFFICIALS HELD RALLY IN OPPOSITION TO SENIOR CENTERS CLOSING– FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH AT 11AM ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL

Council Member James urged the community, all seniors and advocates to mobilize against severe threats to senior services

(Brooklyn, NY) – Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have joined forces to cut funding for New York City’s senior centers, many who rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship. The Bloomberg Administration announced its plan to close over 100 centers throughout the five boroughs, putting as many as ten thousand seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

“This potentially devastating loss of state funding would profoundly affect senior centers across New York City. We are working hard to have this action reversed, but unless the state dollars are restored, DFTA will be forced to close up to 105 of its 256 senior centers,” said Christopher Miller Director of Public Affairs, NYC Department for the Aging.

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery said: “Our Seniors built this country and this city with their work and dedication, and we will not balance the budget on their backs. The Legislature has identified funding for these programs, and these programs will be saved!”

“The reduction in state funding for ‘mandated’ services and the consequent diversion of financing used for ‘discretionary’ services will drastically weaken a necessary support system for our seniors that has been in place for more than twenty years,” said State Senator Eric Adams. “After decades of hard work providing for their families, senior citizens deserve fundamental services and protections so that they can continue to lead healthy and active lives. The dire economic condition of the State of New York requires severe budgetary constraints, but it is imperative that our senior citizens do not bear the brunt of this fiscal retrenchment.”

“Long before I was old enough to use one, I was the president of a senior center from 1973 to 1978,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “So, I know firsthand the central role they play in seniors’ lives. Cutting $25.2 million of funding would force 105 centers to close in New York City, 31 in Brooklyn alone. With our economy and aging population, not only is this the wrong time to cut funding we should be increasing funding for senior centers. For seniors, the ‘social network’ isn’t about Facebook or Twitter—it’s about the people they meet and socialize and interact with at the neighborhood senior center.”

“I believe there are only two reasons that any of us are here, God and our seniors, and we’ll be judged by how we treat them. The State wants to close two out of the three centers in my district. How can one center serve all of my seniors? What about the millionaire’s tax extension or the "421A" tax abatement program? Yankee’s player, Alex Rodriguez, practically gets a free ride while our senior centers are decimated,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams.

Igal Jellinek, Executive Director, Council of Senior Centers and Services, CSCS, said: “On behalf of thousand older New Yorkers, we are proud that Brooklyn’s elected leaders are standing with them to protect senior centers. However, the fight is not over until it is over. Senior centers are still in danger of closing by April 1. Older New Yorkers, elected leaders, service providers, and advocates must continue to place pressure on the governor and tell him to stand up for seniors by standing with Brooklynites. Our elected leaders must make senior center funding mandatory so that older New Yorkers and their senior centers are not faced with this devastating cut every year.”

“A loss of $25 million to DFTA's senior center budget, or approximately 1/3 of funding for senior centers is reprehensible. We stand on the shoulders of these seniors; they are the backbone of society and I’m going to fight this with every fiber of my being,” said Council Member Letitia James. “Our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have paid their dues, and their lifelines will not close on my watch. New York City senior centers are a vital source of community life.”

WHO: Council Member Letitia James
NYS Senator Eric Adams

U.S. Representative Yvette Clarke
NYS Senator Velmanette Montgomery
NYS Assembly Member Annette Robinson

NYS Assembly Member Karim Camara

NYS Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries
Council Member Jumaane Williams
Council Member Lew Fidler

Council Member Mathieu Eugene

WHAT: Rally to Oppose the Closing of Senior Centers in New York City

WHERE: Steps of City Hall, Lower Manhattan

WHEN: Friday, March 18
11:00 AM

###

CM James On Protecting Our Seniors

Dear New Yorker:

As you well know, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s FY 2011-2012 budget would allocate a cut of over $25M in Federal Title XX funding to senior centers. Title XX is funding administered by the Social Security Act of the United States Department of Health and Human Services: Administration for Children and Families, and the Office of Community Services.

This dramatic cut in statewide funding would close 105 of 256 senior centers throughout New York City; two within the 35th District that I represent. An estimated 7,000 to 10,000 older New Yorkers would lose their local senior center. It is a fact that senior centers keep older adults healthy, engaged, and active as they progress into their golden years. Many seniors also rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship.

This proposed loss of $25.2M in the Department for the Aging (DFTA) senior center budget equates to an estimated 1/3 of overall funding for senior centers. This is a completely unacceptable proposal, and I stand strong with my colleagues in the New York City Council, as well as on the state level, in opposing a budget cut that would put thousands of seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

I ask you to join me by contacting Governor Cuomo by phone at (518) 474-8390, or by mail at:
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Sincerely,

Letitia James

Member of the City Council

CMs Hold Rally In Opposition to Senior Center Closings; 3/11; 1PM

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
March 8, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL HOLDS RALLY IN OPPOSITION TO SENIOR CENTER CLOSING THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 11TH, AT 1PM ON THE STEPS OF CITY HALL

Council Member James urges the community; all seniors and advocates to mobilize against threats to senior services

(Brooklyn, NY) – Governor Cuomo and Mayor Bloomberg have joined forces to decrease funding for New York City’s senior centers, many who rely on these centers for meals, social activities, and companionship. The Bloomberg Administration announced its plan to close over 100 centers throughout the five boroughs, putting as many as ten thousand seniors at risk of hunger and social isolation.

“This potentially devastating loss of state funding would profoundly affect senior centers across New York City. We are working hard to have this action reversed, but unless the state dollars are restored, DFTA will be forced to close up to 105 of its 256 senior centers,” said Christopher Miller Director of Public Affairs, NYC Department for the Aging.

“A loss of $25 million to DFTA's senior center budget, or approximately 1/3 of funding for senior centers is reprehensible. We stand on the shoulders of these seniors; they are the backbone of our community. These parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have paid their dues, and their lifelines – New York City senior centers will not close without a fight,” said Council Member Letitia James.

What: Rally to Oppose the Closing of Senior Centers in New York City
Where: Steps of City Hall, Lower Manhattan
When: Friday, March 11
Time: 1pm

##

ATTENTION: DFTA Presents Annual Plan To Public

Each year the Department for the Aging shares its goals and objectives with the public through its Annual Plan Summary. Public hearings are held in each borough to receive feedback on the Plan. Seniors and service providers are especially encouraged to attend.

BROOKLYN
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon
Brooklyn Borough Hall
Courtroom
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

ATTENTION: Health and Wellness Fair; FG; 10/2; 12Noon

Queen of All Saints Church is hosting a Health and Wellness Fair! You and invited to attend and speak with health professionals and receive health screenings.

WHEN: Saturday, October 2, 2010
12Noon- 4PM
WHERE: 300 Vanderbilt Avenue
Queen of All Saints Church

For more information, please contact the church at (718) 638-7625.

ATTENTION: Met Council Accepting Applications for Senior Affordable Housing

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty is pleased to announce that they are accepting applications for the waiting list of senior affordable housing rental apartments in a building located in the Lincoln Square section of Manhattan.

These studio apartments are for one person households only. The age eligibility requirement is 62 years of age at the time of completing the application. Rent range is below $900 a month, and there is an income limit.

Monthly rent includes heat, hot water and gas for cooking. Seniors will be required to meet income guidelines and additional selection criteria to qualify. Income limits are subject to change based on the area median income. One application per household.

Applications may be downloaded from: http://www.metcouncil.org/, or requested by mail from-
Council Management/West 61st Street Residence
80 Maiden Lane, 21st floor
New York, NY 10038

Please include a self-addressed envelope. There is no application fee.

FRIA SELECTED AS AN OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2010 ING NYC MARATHON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Jackson
Lilclif@verizon.net


FRIA SELECTED AS AN OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2010 ING NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

District 35 Council Member Letitia James joins FRIA on the steps of City Hall, Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12 Noon, for the RUN-Raise fund-raiser to support FRIA’s programs and services for New York Elders and Their Caregivers

ALERT: This press conference was originally scheduled for 11am and moved to 12pm.New York, NY – July 20, 2010 – On Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12 Noon, Council Member Letitia James, other elected officials and supporters of FRIA will join FRIA on the steps of City Hall to announce its selection as one of the Official Charities for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon to take place on Sunday, November 7, 2010, as well as inform the public that it will also be accepting donations. This opportunity allows FRIA to provide guaranteed marathon entries to 5 runners who pledge to raise a minimum of $2500 each for FRIA.

The marathon lottery is officially closed for 2010; hence, running for an official ING NYC Marathon Charity is the only way an applicant may run in the marathon. This is not only an opportunity to run in the premier race attracting world-class professional athletes before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television viewers…. but also a great opportunity to support New York’s leading elder-care advocacy organization dedicated to fostering the dignity and independence of seniors in long term care settings. It is befitting that this opportunity present itself in November, which is National Family Caregivers Month.

For over 30 years, FRIA has provided resources, information and advocacy on long term care issues to New York elders, their caregivers, elder-care attorneys and other health care professionals. As an Official Charity Partner, FRIA is building a team of five designated FRIA runners, other already registered marathoners and supporters from New York and afar who will donate and RUNRaise on behalf of FRIA. All funds raised by Team FRIA will be used to support FRIA's programs and services.

FRIA is pleased to be joined by New York City Council Member, Letitia James of Brooklyn’s 35th District; Olanike Alabi, District Leader of the 57th Assembly District; other elected officials and/or their staff.

“I am proud to be a friend of FRIA because this organization supports those shoulders the community stands on….the elderly and their caregivers. Also, now that FRIA is an official charity for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon, 5 more athletes will have the opportunity to run in the world’s premiere marathon, as well as fundraise for New York ’s leading elder-care advocacy organization,” said Council Member James. “Every November I join my neighbors in supporting runners, and this year my level of enthusiasm will be unmatched when FRIA runners pass by my residence, as they race through the 35th Council District on the way to the finish line.”

FRIA’s Board Members, one of whom is 88 year old Ethel Paley, a founding member of FRIA (and former NY1 News, New Yorker of The Week) who still volunteers with FRIA’s Help Line, will attend; along with caregivers who FRIA has assisted and supporters of FRIA over the years. Quintessential New Yorkers and caregivers, Tony Award winning stage/screen actress, Adriane Lenox (“Doubt”) and her husband, Tony Award Nominated Composer & Music Director, Zane Mark (“Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk”) will also be present.

Job Opportunity- NY Fdtn for Senior Citizens Positions Available

New York Foundation for Senior Citizens has the following positions available at their soon-to-open, new 77-unit Housing & Urban Development (HUD)-subsidized senior citizen apartment building at 31-21 Surf Avenue and 31st Street in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

· Social Service Worker (BA/BSW degree required)

· Building Manager

· Superintendent (Bilingual English/Russian and English/Chinese preferred; position is for live-in placement)

The qualifications for the superintendent position are five years experience as superintendent of an apartment building, knowledge of gas fired boiler maintenance (ability to read gauges, check temperature, to oil dynamos and circulating pumps and to check burner’s eye), as well as sprinkler systems, air conditioning, plumbing, elevators (basic knowledge of wear and tear of ropes and brake pads) general building and apartment repairs. Applicant must possess valid Fire Department Certificate of Fitness.

All interested applicants (for all positions) are advised to send their resumes to:

Fax: 212-410-4462

Email: nancy_wan@yahoo.com

ATTENTION: Common Ground Senior Housing Affordable Apartments Available!

NEWLY CONSTRUCTED AFFORDABLE SENIOR APARTMENTS FOR RENT
STUDIOS & ONE BEDROOM ELEVATOR BUILDING

Beginning September 1st, 2010, The Domenech (aka Common Ground Senior Housing), a 71 unit building including 11 units that are handicapped accessible, located at 1501 St. Marks Avenue in Brooklyn will available for rent to persons 62 years of age or over.

Upon completion, The Domenech will offer 24-hour security, on site laundry, green roof terrace, spacious court-yard, resident activity space, and other amenities. Qualifications will be based on HUD Section 202 PRAC Federal Guidelines.

Tenants pay approximately 30% of qualified income
- Income Eligibility Guide
* 1 Person Household with an income of no more than $26,900 per year
* 2 Person Household with an income of no more than $30,700 per year

Applications may be requested by calling (212) 624-1471. The application can be downloaded here, or by submitting a written request to:
Common Ground Community Housing Operations
The Domenech
505 8th Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10018

Completed applications must be returned to the PO Box listed on the application and must be received by June 28, 2010.

Reminder: Keep It Funky

Reminder: NYS Senator Eric Adams
and NYC Council Member Letitia James

Present a Spring Concert featuring
“Black Velvet” aka James Brown, Jr.

Where: Brooklyn Center for Performing Arts (Walt Whitman Theatre)
2900 Campus Road and Hillel Place
Brooklyn, NY 11210

When: Thursday, April 22, 2010, 2PM

Tickets are free can can be obtained by contacting Rosalyn Johnson or Fay Brown at the Office of State Senator Eric Adams at 718-284-4700, or the Office of Council Member Letitia James at 718-260-9191.

CM James, Sens. Sampson and Adams Present "Black Velvet"/James Brown, Jr. Seniors Concert; 4/22; BK Center for Performing Arts; 2PM

State Senator John Sampson, New York State Senator Eric Adams and Council Member Letitia James present a free senior citizen concert. "Black Velvet" aka James Brown, Jr. will be performing Thursday, April 22nd at the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Whitman Theater.

Where: Brooklyn Center for Performing Arts (Walt Whitman Theatre)
2900 Campus Road and Hillel Place
Brooklyn, NY 11210

When: April 22, 2010, 2PM

Tickets are free can can be obtained by contacting Rosalyn Johnson or Fay Brown at the Office of State Senator Eric Adams at 718-284-4700.