Join the Communicator!

If you're curious as to the sorts of events and issues that journalists for The Communicator are asked to cover, feel free to sit in on the Journalism Class taught by Professor Andrew Rowan of the English Department each semester. He also serves as the Faculty Advisor for the college newspaper and can be contacted by e-mail, telephone, or in-person. You may visit him in his office in Colston Hall, Room 612 during his office hours. If you’re unable to do so, by all means feel free to email him at Andrew "dot" Rowan "at" bcc "dot" cuny "dot" edu or call his office at (718) 289-5314. 

Through the Communicator you will have the opportunity to learn advertising and marketing, journalism, writing, and periodical publishing. Paid work-study positions are always available for those who qualify. And please remember, you choose your level of involvement with the newspaper. Without you the newspaper couldn't have survived for as long as it has to serve Bronx Community College.

Editor-in-Chief, The Communicator

The Communicator
Bronx Community College, C.U.N.Y.
2155 University Avenue
Colston Hall, Room 605
Bronx, New York 10453
communicator "at" bcc "dot" cuny "dot" edu

Call for submissions for the next issue of crossBRONX!

Call for submissions for the next issue of crossBRONX

Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry and Photography from or about the Bronx

For the summer issue, the online literary journal Cross Bronx (crossbronx.org) is seeking short stories, creative non-fiction, poetry, and photography on the theme of HOME. What does home mean to you? What is it like to have a love/hate relationship with your home? What if home is a friend's couch, or a shelter, or a park? Is is a color, a sound, a sudden sharp sense memory? Home is a complicated concept, and for this issue we want new and challenging views of what "home" means. We want to meet fictional characters who wrestle with the diverse emotional, physical, and spiritual landscape of "home." We want poetry that illuminates different aspects of "home" - safety, warmth, family, confinement, repression, fear, love, food, sex, etc. We want photographs that show us something we've never seen before. Submissions are welcome from Bronx-based writers, as well as from writers of work that place in the Bronx. The deadline for summer submissions has been extended to July 15, 2009(right around the corner.) The summer edition is scheduled for publication in late July (online only.) A PubParty and reading will be held on Wed, Oct 7th, as part of the Bronx Culture Trolley night. Support the community of writers in the Bronx and promote yourself by submitting work! For Fiction & Creative Non-Fiction Submissions can be no more than 6,500 words or approximately 20 double-spaced pages. Very short works welcome. Send prose submissions/proposals to: prosesubmit@bronxarts.org. For Poetry Submissions of up to three (3) poems per author. Send poetry submissions to: poetrysubmit@bronxarts.org. For Original Digital Art/Photography Up to three (3) submissions per artist, with a maximum file size of 100 megabytes. Send digital art/photography submissions or a link to a website to:artphotosubmit@bronxarts.org. Submissions will be accepted by e-mail only. Include full name, mailing address, and e-mail address in the body of your e-mail. All text pages must be titled and numbered with one-inch margins, double-spaced and typed in 12-point font. Also if you have any questions or suggestions about The Bronx Writers' Center, please contact Maria Romano, maria@bronxarts.org. Deadline for submissions to the summer edition is July 15, 2009

AmeriCorps Alums Names Shawn Rubin 2009 Eli J. Segal Award Winner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg Heinrich

July 2, 2009 AmeriCorps Alums

404.979.2931

AmeriCorps Alums is proud to announce Shawn Rubin as the 2009 AmeriCorps Alums Eli J. Segal Entrepreneurship Award winner. He received the Eli Segal Award at the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco. The award was presented in front of more than 4,000 people who attended this year’s National Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco on June 22, 2009, the world's largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors. The Eli J. Segal Award, named after the first CEO of the Corporation for National Service, is the highest and most prestigious honor awarded by AmeriCorps Alums.

Rubin, a teacher at Highlander Charter School, also received a $5,000 prize to assist with Longitude, the non-profit organization he founded in 2005. Rubin is an AmeriCorps alumnus who founded Longitude, a non-profit organization that aims to build grassroots initiatives for education and human rights in developing countries. He plans to use the $5,000 to develop Longitude’s volunteer network further through the creation of an interactive website where volunteers can track the work that needs doing, create their own fund raisers for Longitude’s partner projects, and access the marketing materials they will need to spread the word of Longitude. “AmeriCorps Alums is excited to announce Shawn as this year’s winner. His dedication and passion for service and volunteering, combined with his social entrepreneurial and impressive leadership talents, make him a choice that we feel best reflects the ideals and characteristics of the late Eli Segal,” said Amity Tripp, Executive Director of AmeriCorps Alums.

Rubin beat out more than 60 candidates for his work helping to launch the Highlander Charter School in 2000 while he was still an AmeriCorps member, and for founding Longitude, which grew out of an extended honeymoon where he and his wife volunteered at various non-profits in five countries. Longitude primarily assists two causes: a secretarial school in Ghana, and another organization that helped tsunami victims in India. It does so by connecting volunteers with citizen leaders in both Ghanaand India.

“This award is really about the volunteers, donors, and most importantly, the leaders who are creating change in their own countries,” said Rubin. “The recognition and award will help us continue to support individuals who have the vision and perseverance to lift up people in their own community.”

Since its inception, Longitude has sent more than 150 volunteers overseas. These volunteers have raised more than $100,000 for Longitude’s partner projects while Longitude has spent less than $2,000 on overhead expenses during its four years of existence. Last year, Longitude and the PROFESA secretarial school in Ghana were the subjects of a documentary entitled “Big World, Small World.”

About AmeriCorps Alums - AmeriCorps Alums is a leadership organization that connects, supports and mobilizes the vibrant network of 550,000 individuals who spent a year or more in service to our country through AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps Alums believes that the lifetime engagement of alumni is a transformational force for change in America’s communities. The mission is to fully realize the potential of national service alumni as leaders in communities by fostering the identity and pride in AmeriCorps service to country, engaging them locally as leaders in direct action and recognizing and empowering them as nation’s most prestigious civic leaders, such as through the Eli J Segal Award. For more information visit www.americorpsalums.org

About Longitude- Longitude is a Rhode Island based 501 (c)3 non-profit organization working with visionary leaders of grassroots educational and human rights initiatives in resource-poor countries. Currently Longitude aids a community secretarial school in Ghana, and a human rights organization inIndia that helps members of India’s lowest caste. To learn more about Longitude, visitwww.golongitude.org.

CHC Prepares for Next Steps on Immigration Reform

For Immediate Release	Contact: Miguel Ayala
June 25, 2009	miguel.ayala@mail.house.gov

(Washington DC) -Today, President Barack Obama hosted a bipartisan, bicameral group of Members of Congress in an effort to open the discussion on a concrete and achievable plan to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) that took part in the meeting believe the President strongly articulated his commitment to moving immigration reform and look forward to working with Secretary Janet Napolitano and leaders in Congress to get a reform bill passed this year. "For the first time since I've been a Member of Congress, I'm seeing a genuine effort to bring together the diverging views on immigration and move past the rhetoric, so that we can have an honest and open conversation with the end goal being true comprehensive immigration reform. I am excited that the President has named Secretary Janet Napolitano to be the point person of his Administration on this reform, and I believe that selection speaks volumes to the level of commitment the White House has to resolving this crisis," said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez, the Chairwoman of CHC. "The American people want meaningful reform and, after today's meeting, I believe that we have a group of legislators who are ready to make that happen. Complex and sensitive issues, such as immigration, require the leadership of the President and on behalf of the CHC, I want to thank him for bringing us together." "From a national security perspective, we need comprehensive immigration reform to bring the estimated 9 to 12 million people out of the shadows so we can focus our efforts on the select few who may pose a security risk," Congressman Silvestre Reyes, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, said. "The President reiterated his commitment to moving forward with comprehensive immigration reform legislation and sought a commitment from both Republicans and Democrats to seek common ground on vital issue." "President Obama understands the importance of the issue and has put the weight of the White House behind our efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform," said Congressman Xavier Becerra, Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. "I believe the American public has the will to support a comprehensive reform of our immigration laws. They are tired of the broken immigration system and want to see something done. We will continue working with the President and in a bipartisan manner to finally come forth with a bipartisan solution." "Today, a lot of cynicism and a lot of doubt were left behind," said Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez, Chair of the CHC Immigration Task Force. "President Obama said he wants to get this done this year. The President convened a meeting, he brought together a group of lawmakers who are serious and committed to comprehensive immigration reform, and he led. He was the President of the United States, and he led today."

HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION & WELLNESS - Summer Recreation Hours

Department of Health, Physical Education & Wellness Students, Faculty, Staff Summer Recreation Hours Monday – Wednesday 3-6:00 pm Tuesday – Thursday 11-1:00 pm (Cardio Center, Weight Room, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium) Starts: Monday, June 29, 2009 Ends: Thursday, July 30, 2009

NY Int'l Children's Film Festival: US Premiere! "Secret of Kells"

***US PREMIERE***

THE SECRET OF KELLS

NYICFF is honored to present the US Premiere of The Secret of Kells, the highly anticipated new animated masterpiece from the producers of Kirikou and the Sorceress and Triplets of Belleville. Hailed by international critics as one of the most beautiful films of the year and winner of the audience award at the prestigious Annecy Animation Festival. The film blends fantasy and mythology, folding traditionally Celtic influences into a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes. Do not miss this wonderful film!

Sat & Sun, July 18 & 19, 11:00am - IFC Center, 323 West Sixth Ave (at West Third)

In English - Recommended ages 6 to adult.

To purchase advance tickets click here.

THE SECRET OF KELLS

Animation, Tomm Moore, Ireland/France/Belgium, 2009, 95 min

In English - Recommended ages 6 to adult

Sat & Sun, July 18 & 19, 11:00am at IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue at West Third

Young Brendan lives in the Abbey of Kells, a remote medieval outpost, where he labors with the other monks to fortify the abbey walls against Viking raids. But a new life of adventure beckons when one day a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands, carrying a ancient--but unfinished--book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him for the first time beyond the abbey's walls and into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf/girl, who helps him along the way. But with the Viking hordes closing in, will Brendan's artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against barbarians?

"A visual universe of true splendor that holds the spectator from beginning to end

in a continuous state of awakening. - Le Monde

"Luscious to behold" - Variety

"Stunning! A cascade of light, color and wonder burst from the screen!" - The Irish Times

"A gorgeously realized fable about the power of imagination and art to thrive

even in the most hostile times. Immediately establishes Moore as an absolute master of

his craft - a story teller and visual artist who deserves to be mentioned in the same breath

as masters such as Michel Ocelot and Sylvain Chomet." - Twitch

Comment: Dark scenes of mythical beasts and raiding warriors may be too intense for youngest audiences.

To purchase tickets click here.

TriCaucus Encouraged by Health Reform Draft Unveiled Today

For Immediate Release	CONTACTS:
June 19, 2009	CAPAC - Gloria Chan - 202-302-8606
	CBC - Jioni Palmer - 202-226-9776
	CHC - Miguel Ayala - 202-225-2410

TriCaucus Encouraged by Health Reform Draft Unveiled Today Many TriCaucus Priorities Included (Washington DC) - Reps. Barbara Lee, Nydia Velazquez and Mike Honda - Chairs of the Congressional TriCaucus - comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus - issued the following joint statement today: "We applaud this important first step toward comprehensive health care reform, of which the cornerstone must be a robust public health option and the elimination of all health disparities. "While this initial proposal in not inclusive of the all of the TriCaucus healthcare reform priorities, we are encouraged that many of our main concerns are addressed and we will work to strengthen the proposal by including others. "We look forward to working with President Obama, House and Senate leaders and the committees of jurisdiction to ensure that the final package addresses the concerns of minority and underserved communities."