Citizens’ Police Review Board vacancy

City of Albany Common Council

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Citizens’ Police Review Board

The Albany Common Council is seeking nominations of qualified residents of the City of Albany for the following position:

Title of Position:
Member, Citizens’ Police Review Board (CPRB)

Term of Appointment:
To fill a vacancy expiring 10/26/13

Appointees are eligible for reappointment at the end of their term to an additional term of three years.

Position Responsibilities/Duties:

The CPRB is an independent body established by the City of Albany in 2000 to improve communications between the Police Department and the Community, to increase police accountability and credibility with the public, and to create a complaint review process that is free from bias and informed of actual police practice. In addition to review and determination on completed investigations of complaints made by citizens against officers of the City of Albany Police Department for alleged misconduct, the nine member Board may make recommendations to the Common Council and the Mayor regarding police policies and practices relevant to the goals of community policing and the exercise of discretionary authority by police officers. Board members are appointed by the Mayor (4) and the Common Council (5). The Board is required to, among other things, undergo significant training, and engage in public outreach and education.

Members of the CPRB shall reside in the City of Albany and possess a reputation for fairness, integrity and responsibility and have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service. The Common Council and the Mayor shall endeavor to reflect community diversity in their appointments, including income level, race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation and experience and shall, in their appointments, solicit recommendations from the community. Officers, current employees of the City of Albany and the immediate relatives of officers and employees shall not be eligible for appointment.

Members shall be appointed for three-year terms. No members of the CPRB shall serve for a period which exceeds two consecutive terms. Completion of an orientation program concerning the goals, powers and procedures of the CPRB is required before a member may participate as a voting member. In addition, graduation from the Albany Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy within six months of the start of the member’s term is required. Members are also required to undergo continuing education on issues related to the interaction between civilians and police officers from the perspectives of both the citizen and the police officer.

The CPRB meets once per month and Board members are required to take responsibility in preparing cases for presentation. Board members also participate in community outreach efforts.

Additional information on the CPRB is available on http://www.albanylaw.edu/sub.php?navigation_id=1130 their web site maintained by the Albany Law School’s Government Law Center.
Statutory Authority:

The CPRB is established in accordance with Article XLIV of Part 33 of Chapter 42 of the Code of the City of Albany (sections 42-332 through 42-352). A copy is available on the CPRB web site (see above) or by contacting the Common Council’s office (see below).

Application Requirement:

Applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent describing qualifications and include a current resume to:

Cashawna Parker
Senior Legislative Aide
Albany Common Council – Room 206
City Hall
Albany, NY 12207

Tel: 434-5087
Fax: 434-5081
e-mail: parkerc@ci.albany.ny.us


Applicants will be interviewed by a selected committee of the Common Council prior to appointment.

Deadline for Applications: August 13, 2012

Calling all Hands to the Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence Work Party!

The Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence and associated URHPCR properties need
your help.

Join us to weed, mow, tend the Dr. Thomas Elkins garden, and continue working
on the UGR walking path begun by Summer Youth Employment teens.

When - Saturday, August 4 from 10am - 12noon
Where - Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence
194 Livingston Avenue, Albany 12210

Gloves and tools will be provided, but please bring your favorite tools if you
like

Refreshments will be provided

See you Saturday, August 4 from 10am-12noon!

State Library Offers Training Webinars

Bernard A. Margolis, New York State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries, is pleased to announce a series of free training webinars for JobNow, an online workforce development tool offered through the NOVELny Portal or through your local library.

JobNow is funded by federal ARRA funds through the State Library's Broadbandexpress@YourLibrary Project and is an online resource tool for job seekers that features the following services: live interview coaching, resume/cover letter assistance, and access to both statewide and nationwide job resources. It includes an Adult Learning Center that offers test preparation (including the GED and the U.S. Citizen Test), an expert writing lab, study tools, and a unique academic skills center featuring live, online tutors.


The following is a list of webinar dates and times, with a link to registration information for each session. Space is limited, but registrations will be accepted up to the day of each webinar. Registrants will receive an email confirmation and webinar information.

1) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/221150457
Date: Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

2) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/240181097
Date: Thursday, August 2, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

3) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/716368225
Date: Monday, August 6, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

4) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/906106584
Date: Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

5) https://www4.gotomeeting.com/join/161065151
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

6) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/453929256
Date: Thursday, August 16, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

7) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/388558777
Date: Monday, August 20, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

8) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/802799305
Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

9) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/724441721
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT

10) https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/164954648
Date: Thursday, August 30, 2012
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT


Computer System Requirements

PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server


Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

Albany Schools' 2012 Summer Celebration July 28

You're invited to the City School District of Albany's 2012 Summer Celebration presented by ShopRite of Albany this Saturday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Krank Park in the South End.

This second annual community event once again will include a celebrity softball game with radio personalities from JAMZ/96.3 -- a rematch of last year's 12-12 tie! The Summer Celebration also will include fun summer activities for the whole family, including a cookout, face-painting, a bouncy-bounce, games, the popular Latino NY snow-cone machine, information about Albany's public schools and community organizations, and more.

And there is Krank Park's popular spray park to beat the heat on a hot summer day.

Please join us this Saturday for the 2012 Summer Celebration!

Albany schools make superintendent selection

From SNN:

The City School District of Albany Board of Education has selected Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard, Ph.D., to become the district’s next superintendent. The board voted Tuesday night to ask the New York State Department of Education to grant Dr. Vanden Wyngaard a School District Leader certificate that would allow her to serve in that capacity.

Dr. Vanden Wyngaard is deputy superintendent in the Paterson (N.J.) Public Schools. Although she currently does not hold a School District Leader certificate in New York, state education law allows the commissioner to grant a certificate to those “whose exceptional training and experience ... qualify such persons for the duties of a superintendent of schools.”

The board strongly believes Dr. Vanden Wyngaard meets those standards, President Dan Egan said. Visit the District News section to read more.

City School District of Albany’s Hall of Fame Class of 2012

A United States ambassador, the first African-American woman elected to the Albany Board of Education, an orthopedic surgeon and Albany High School’s only New York State Miss Basketball recipient are among the eight people selected for the City School District of Albany’s 2012 Hall of Fame.

The Class of 2012 will be inducted during ceremonies on Homecoming weekend in October. Visit the Hall of Fame section to read more about this year's inductees as well as past classes, and to find out how to nominate candidates for the Class of 2013.

Air quality alert in effect from 11 am to 11 PM EDT Tuesday in eastern NYS

From wunderground.com

The New York state department of environmental conservation has issued an air quality health advisory for the following counties...

Dutchess... Ulster... Columbia... Greene... Schoharie... Albany... Rensselaer... Saratoga... Schenectady... Washington... Fulton... Montgomery... southern Herkimer.

Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for the pollutant of ozone. The air quality index... or aqi... was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale. The higher the aqi value, the greater the health concern.

When pollution levels are elevated... the New York state Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very Young, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician.

A toll free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The toll free number is: 1 800 535-1345.

Perfume that smells like a freshly printed book

Karl Lagerfeld teams with Wallpaper for scent Paper Passion: The scent of of 'freshly printed books'

'I am a paper freak. It's a physical passion," writes Chanel's Lagerfeld. "I cannot live without paper. Touching perfect paper has something sensuous about it."

Albany Public Library Board Swears in Trustees, Elects Officers

The Albany Public Library Board of Trustees has three new trustees and a slate of new officers.

Three new trustees, who were elected in May, were sworn into office at the July 10 meeting at the Howe Branch

More HERE.

NEW YORK STATE LIBRARY LAUNCHES Creating the Future WEBPAGE

State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Bernard A. Margolis and Chair of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries Gerald Nichols announced today the launching of a new webpage focused on the implementation of Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Services in New York State.

“We invite the library community and other interested stakeholders to bookmark this new webpage and to help us implement this exciting new vision and statewide plan for library services,” said Nichols. “This plan sets a new course for the future and recognizes that, in spite of economic challenges, quality library service must be available to every child and every adult in New York.”

Information about implementation activities, events and strategies will be posted on the State Library’s new Creating the Future webpage and shared broadly with the library community and other stakeholders. There is a Latest News link to a new Creating the Future blog. The blog is intended to keep readers up-to-date on how library leaders and champions across New York State are going about implementing the sixty recommendations listed in Creating the Future. Readers will find out how to join Regents Advisory Council members Jill Hurst-Wahl, Gerald Nichols, John Hammond and others on LinkedIn to share and discuss implementation ideas and strategies.

Library leaders are encouraged to send information about upcoming planned events or discussions focused on the implementation of Creating the Future to Council Vice-Chair John Hammond (john@nnyln.org ). Events will be posted on the webpage. Library leaders are also encouraged to send ideas and suggestions for implementation strategies or action steps to John Hammond (john@nnyln.org) or Gerald Nichols (Gerald.Nichols@liu.edu).

The New York State Board of Regents accepted the new vision and plan as statewide policy for libraries at their April 2012 meeting. Members of the Board, the State Librarian and the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries will provide an opportunity for further discussion concerning the Plan and its implementation during the November 2012 New York Library Association Conference in Saratoga Springs. Questions about implementation or about Creating the Future may be directed to Gerald Nichols (Gerald.Nichols@liu.edu).

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FOR Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Services in New York State.

State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries Bernard A. Margolis and Chair of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries Gerald Nichols encourage the library community and other interested stakeholders to discuss and recommend implementation strategies for Creating the Future: A 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Services in New York State.

“We invite the library community and other interested stakeholders to help us implement this exciting new vision and statewide plan for library services,” said Nichols. “This plan sets a new course for the future and recognizes that, in spite of economic challenges, quality library service must be available to every child and every adult in New York.”

The New York State Board of Regents accepted the new plan as statewide policy for libraries at their April 2012 meeting. Members of the Board, the State Librarian and the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries will provide an opportunity for further discussion concerning the Plan and its implementation during the November New York Library Association Conference in Saratoga Springs. The Council would like to incorporate implementation ideas from the library community and others.

“The Board of Regents has directed me to work with the Council and the library community to develop an implementation strategy and detailed action plan,” said Margolis. “The strategy will identify which of the recommendations will be implemented through Regents action, which may require changes to legislation and some other type of action by the State Library, the library community and/or other key stakeholders.”

“Library leaders, associations and other groups are scheduling various summer and fall regional and statewide discussions focused on the plan and strategies for implementation. My hope is that these discussions will occur in every corner of the state,” said Nichols. “For example, the New York Alliance of Library Systems will be focusing on the Plan’s recommendations concerning library systems during its annual retreat in East Greenbush on August 17th, and the NY3Rs Association is convening a statewide summit concerning academic and research library information infrastructure in Saratoga Springs in September.

Library leaders are encouraged to send information about upcoming planned events or discussions focused on the implementation of “Creating the Future” to Council Vice-Chair John Hammond (john@nnyln.org). Information about implementation activities and events will be posted on a new “Creating the Future” webpage on the State Library’s website and shared broadly with the library community and other stakeholders. Library leaders are also encouraged to send resulting ideas and suggestions for implementation strategies or action steps to John Hammond (john@nnyln.org) or Gerald Nichols (Gerald.Nichols@liu.edu).

Questions about implementation or about “Creating the Future” may be directed to Gerald Nichols (Gerald.Nichols@liu.edu).

The Libraryization of a Walmart

Via PSFK

The International Interior Design Association recently selected the McAllen Public Library as the winner of their 2012 Library Interior Design Competition. The city inherited the former Wal-Mart after the retailer closed the store and abandoned it. The decision was made to reuse the structure and create a new main library within. Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. of Minneapolis were selected to design the interior of the building which the city required to be functional, flexible and affordable to construct. For a library, the existing 124,500 square foot space is huge. That’s the size of about 2 1/2 football fields making the new library the largest single-story location in the US.

NY3Rs Newsletter

The NY 3Rs Association, Inc. is pleased to announce the publication of the Association’s new monthly email newsletter, Reference, Research, Resources. This newsletter will highlight the latest news about how NY 3Rs is working to help the libraries of New York State improve their services through collaboration and education.

The first issue of the newsletter is now available.

Start a book discussion group for children at your library

“Summer Reading at New York Libraries” has been expanding their partnership with the New York Council for the Humanities to include exciting new training opportunities for librarians. The first opportunity, which was held in June and announced on the blog Summer Reading News, trained 70 librarians throughout the state on how to start and maintain a quality Summer Reading book discussion group.

Presented and created by Erika Halstead from the New York Council for the Humanities, the webinar focused on training librarians to develop a “Big Idea” for discussion and start activities that trigger further discussions in the book group. Librarians walked away from the webinar with definite insight and enthusiasm for starting a book discussion group or adding to an existing program.

Here are visuals and text from the presentation. You can click through with the arrows or use the "More" tab to view it in full screen.

The link is also available on the New York State Library Development website, along with other helpful training information.

Americans Still Want to be Homeowners

Source: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

A recent survey by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars finds that despite the bursting of the housing bubble, an overwhelming majority of Americans still feel that homeownership is both important to them and a part of the American Dream. A majority also said homeownership should be a national priority.

Despite the importance placed upon homeownership, however, more than 40% of respondents also said the federal government was too involved in developing policies to assist with homeownership. Only 29% of respondents favored the removal of the federal government from mortgage financing when they were informed that this would increase the cost of home loans and eliminate the availability of 30-year mortgages.

Respondents also had unfavorable views of mortgage institutions Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac.

Libraries, patrons, and e-books

Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project

Some 12% of Americans ages 16 and older who read e-books say they have borrowed an e-book from a library in the past year.

Most e-book borrowers say libraries are very important to them and their families and they are heavy readers in all formats, including books they bought and books lent to them. E-book borrowers say they read an average (the mean number) of 29 books in the past year, compared with 23 books for readers who do not borrow e-books from a library. Perhaps more striking, the median (midpoint) figures for books reportedly read are 20 in the past year by e-book borrowers and 12 by non-borrowers.

But most in the broader public, not just e-book readers, are generally not aware they can borrow e-books from libraries. We asked all those ages 16 and older if they know whether they can borrow e-books from their library and 62% said they did not know if their library offered that service. Some 22% say they know that their library does lend out e-books, and 14% say they know their library does not lend out e-books.

These findings are striking because more than three-quarters of the nation’s public libraries lend e-books.

Four Reasons to Visit Your Local Library This Summer

You don’t have to be outdoors to have a fun summer. In fact, some of the most gratifying and enriching activities might happen within the four walls of one of our country's 123,000 public libraries. If you haven't been to the library lately, you should check it out.

Here are four reasons why you should visit your local library this summer.

A Portrait of Today’s Tablet User

Source: Online Publishers Association

Summary Findings:

1. Tablet usage is exploding.
2. Tablets have become embedded in people’s lives.
3. Content consumption continues to dominate tablet usage.
4. Tablet users have an appetite for paid content.
5. After seeing tablet ads, tablet users are driven to actions.
6. Tablet content purchasers and cross-platform tablet users are more positive about tablet ads and are more likely to purchase products from their tablets.

SummerFest Party is Saturday, July 7 at APL Delaware Branch

Enjoy fun in the sun with APL at the third annual SummerFest outdoor family party on Saturday, July 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Delaware Branch Library (331 Delaware Avenue). This free outdoor party features bounce houses, activities, games and prizes, magic, music and dancing, and snacks.

SummerFest is the major event in the library’s Summer Reading Program, which encourages literacy by rewarding kids for reading. The party gives children a chance to sign up for the Summer Reading Program and sample the activities and books available at the library.

The SummerFest party is so big that the library is closing all branches—except for Delaware and the Main Library—on July 7. The Delaware Avenue neighborhood is also participating in the festivities with a street fair, special sales at many businesses, food and activity booths, and a garage sale.

More HERE.

July 4th Oration: What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?

"What To The Slave Is the Fourth of July" is a Reader's Theater presentation of the political analysis of Frederick Douglass on the experiences of slavery and the hypocrisy of the principles espoused as the reason for celebrating the 4th in the historical present and post-racial context.

Reader's Theater will be followed with refreshments and conversation. Join us
for a rich, reflective July 4th experience!

Please bring your own chair.

Wednesday, July 4
11am - 1pm
Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence
194 Livingston Avenue
Albany, New York 12212

For more information, go to www.undergroundrailroadhistory.org, or call
518-432-4432

Jeremy Johannesen is the new NYLA Executive Director

Jeremy Johannesen is the new Executive Director of the New York Library Association. He began on July 1. A full announcement is here.

Why e-books will soon be obsolete

E-books will be obsolete within five years. Crippled by territorial license restrictions, digital rights management, and single-purpose devices and file formats that are simultaneously immature and already obsolescent, they are at a hopeless competitive disadvantage compared to full-fledged websites and even the humble PDF.

More HERE.