Bringing technology to Bronx students

Technology

In an effort to bridge the digital divide that leaves so many children behind academically, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is joining the Bronx-based nonprofit technology firm Per Scholas to announce the availability of low-cost computers offered on a first-come, first-serve basis to students and their families from October 1st to October 31st.

The 2010 Back-To-School Campaign will offer reconditioned laptop and desktop computers at very affordable prices to Bronx students and their families. PerScholas’ high quality, brand name computers are pre-loaded with top-of-the-line software needed to complete homework assignments, perform research, and promote education and family fun. Prices range from $220 to $300, including a warranty package and tech support.

Bronx Borough President Diaz and Per Scholas are not only committed to connecting underserved communities to high quality, pre-owned office technology but they are also committed to helping Bronx residents make an environmentally responsible purchase. A reconditioned computer is not only a budget friendly purchase; it is environmentally responsible as well. Year to date Per Scholas has connected over 85,000 individuals and families to the tool of technology and has kept over 10 million pounds of E-Waste out of landfills.

“A home computer is one of the best gifts and investments you can make in a child’s education,” said Plinio Ayala, PerScholas President and CEO. “Having access to technology plays a crucial part in a child’s academic future.”

“Nowadays technology and education go hand in hand. These computers are a good alternative for many Bronx children, who will be able to perform better in their classrooms and compete academically with those who already have a computer at home,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Any family interested in placing an order should call Per Scholas at (718) 991-8400 or visit the group’s factory outlet at 1575 Bronx River Avenue. To take advantage of this special offer, all who are interested must mention the following promotion code at the time of purchase: NW2010 Representatives will be available between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and between 12 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

source: Bronx BP release

WHEDco assists entrepreneurs as NYC green carts waiting list opens

Community calendar

WHEDco, a Bronx-based nonprofit dedicated to the economic advancement of low-income families, will host a free NYC Green Carts application on Tuesday, October 5, at 1330 Intervale Avenue. Workshop participants will be able to fill out their application to become a Green Cart vendor with help from WHEDco and Karp Resources.
Participation is open for individuals who currently have or will obtain their Mobile Food Vendor License and Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) before October 31.
Participants are asked to RSVP to Courtney Williams at WHEDco (718) 839-1183 or Cassandra Flechsig (Karp Resources) at (212) 337-4311. There is no fee to attend.


Workshop participants should bring copies of their Mobile Food Vendor License and ITIN documents. The NYC Green Carts mobile food vending program waitlist is open to applicants from October 1-31.

For more information, RSVP to Courtney Williams (WHEDco) at (718) 839-1183 or Cassandra Flechsig (Karp Resources) at (212) 337-4311.

Stop by to chat with Senator Serrano's reps TODAY

Serrano Bronx Constituent Hours!
I just got this TODAY in my inbox. I thought I'd share. If you are in the area, stop by and let the senator know your concerns.

From Senator Serrano's office:

Today staff from Senator José M. Serrano's office will be available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and - most importantly - listen to your ideas on how we can continue to improve education, immigrant rights, environment, health, and housing issues in the 28th District.

Bronx Constituent Hours take place the third Monday of each month, aside from regular office hours in Senator Serrano's District Office.

Serrano Bronx Constituent Hours
3:30-6:30 p.m. TODAY
Community Board 1
3024 Third Avenue
Bronx, NY
(212) 828-5829 (Serrano Office)
(718) 585-7117 (Community Board 1)

TONIGHT: Bronx 'Tribute' to Jazz legends Eddie and Charlie Palmieri and Ray Barretto

MS302 (Formerly PS52) will unveil and dedicate the mural “TRIBUTE” created and painted by artist Leybe Diaz, honoring Jazz legends Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto and Charlie Palmieri, all former students of the school. The dedication will take place TONIGHT at the MS302 auditorium, at 681 Kelly Street, from 6 to 8 p.m. Eddie Palmieri will be the guest of honor at the dedication.

School Principal Angel Rodriguez is very pleased to have the mural at his school. “Right from the beginning when I first became Principal and learned that such great human beings like Eddie Palmieri, Charlie Palmieri and Ray Barretto had graduated from our school, as well as Collin Powell, I had this vision of bringing them back to our school. They are role models who our students could really identify with and relate to. Somehow I wanted to have them back here in a long lasting way. The mural speaks about them. They are here, so now our children don’t need to Google them to find out who they are”

Brooklyn-Based Dominican artist Leybe Diaz, who specializes in collaborative public art, mainly murals and sculptures, is thrilled with the experience she had creating “TRIBUTE” at MS302 “I’ve never painted this fast in my life and it was worth it. The experience has been so rewarding. Everybody at the school seemed to be so interested in the mural and so excited about the progress in the process. There was so much enthusiasm and excitement about it and as an artist that feedback and energy is like fuel. I felt I was painting a mural everyone at the school could relate to. People from this school have something in common with these great musicians, Eddie, Charlie and Ray. They all share this school and this community and “TRIBUTE” tells the story about that connection that exists among this school, the entire community and these great musicians. I painted a mural about connection, origin, community and possibilities. As an artist I want to tell stories of hope and change, stories that help shorten the bridge between dreams and reality. I hope this mural will remind all of us that we can do whatever we want to do regardless of where we come from; that if they did it, we can do it.”

MS302 Social worker Evelyn Figueroa is also excited about unveiling the mural “It’s all about inspiration, getting the students inspired to reach for the heights. The mural will bring inspiration to our students”

School Principal Angel Rodriguez welcomes these three MS302 famous alumni. ”They all have contributed something great to the community and I want our current generation to learn from it and be inspired by their stories. I welcome them back into our school”

The dedication ceremony will include music, including a performance by school students and speeches by Principal Rodriguez, Ms. Diaz and a special message from Mr. Palmieri himself.

source: press release


UPDATE: To view photos from the event, go to the Bronx Latino Facebook page
Photos courtesy of artist Leybe Diaz

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Clarisel

Scenes from the 'Bronx Blogger Fiesta: A Community Mixer' on Aug. 31st

www.flickr.com clarisel's Bronx Blogger Fiesta: A Community Mixer photoset

Welcome to the Village of Melrose: Good Times at the 1st Ever Bronx Blogger Fiesta!

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Bronx Blogger Fiesta at the PeaceLove Cafe. A special Bronx night. -- Clarisel

Here's what Ed Garcia Conde of the Welcome to Melrose blog had to say:

Welcome to the Village of Melrose: Good Times at the 1st Ever Bronx Blogger Fiesta!