Urban Word & NY Knicks Annual College Fair and Open Poetry Audition

NOVEMBER  7th, 10AM-3PM

Hammerstein Ballroom (34th Street @ 8th Ave), New York, NY

• Featuring 50+ colleges and universities, 10am-2pm
• All Day Entertainment (spoken word, hip-hop, dance)
• Open Poetry Audition (Spit a 1-minute poem to enter the Spoken Word Competition for cash scholarships), 10am-3pm
• All Day Workshops (financial aid, essay writing)
• Register for full-ride scholarships to University of Wisconsin and Mercy College for Seniors in the “Why I Write” written contest
• See which colleges will be there.

This is the college fair event of the year!

This College Fair is one of the most unique annual college fairs around the tri-state area. High school students are encouraged to come out and meet with over 60 colleges and universities from around the country. While exploring the fair, you will be able to watch master poets and dance groups perform, listen to music and live bands, and interact with over 2,000 students. In addition to all of these festivities, there are two dynamic Poetry competitions going on at the same time.

College application workshops will be conducted throughout the day and financial aid advisors will be on hand to answer any questions. Special guests, including Knicks Alumni, will make periodic appearances throughout the day and sign autographs.

Register for the college fair. Download Flyer.

The Knicks Poetry Slam Program is broken up into two contests, Spoken Word and Written.

(YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ENTER A COMPETITION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COLLEGE FAIR)

1. Spoken Word Competition — A Poetry Slam competition where students progress through an Open Audition, Poetry Workshops, Preliminary Slams, Semi-final Slams, all to compete at the Knicks Poetry Slam Finals at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway.  More info.

Spoken Word Prizes

• 1st place – $10,000 laptop and printer
• 2nd place – $7,500 laptop and printer
• 3rd place – $5,000 laptop and printer
• 4th — 10th – $1,000

To be eligible for this competition, participants must prepare a 1-minute poem audition and perform before a panel of judges at the College Fair on November 7th between 10am-3pm. Top scorers will be placed in a 5-week writing workshop series taking place at sites across the city. Open to teens ages 13-19 years old.

2. Written Competition — students must submit a portfolio of original work including: an essay “The Reason I Write”, poetry samples, community service and a resume. The portfolio will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winners.  More info.

Written contest Prizes

• 2 full scholarships (4 years) to the University of Wisconsin
• 1 full tuition scholarship (4 year) to Mercy College
• To be eligible for this competition, participants must register here at www.knickspoetryslam.com. No audition is necessary. Open to High School Seniors

Volunteer work has many positive effects on kids:

1. It builds character and self-esteem. It provides children/teens an opportunity to be appreciated or recognized for their work. They can feel satisfaction and pride in a job well done.
2. Most colleges or scholarship programs look at extracurricular activities and community service.
3. By helping a local or regional organization, volunteers help create better communities. By participating in these activities, your child will learn about their role and responsibility in the community.
4. It can strengthen your family. Volunteering, specially if done on a regular basis, can support family values.  Even, if you and your child pick one or two projects/organizations to volunteer with a year and make it a tradition, you create bonds that will last a long time.
5. Volunteering gives your child a perspective of life they wouldn’t otherwise have by working along side or opposite people of different backgrounds.
6. They learn responsibility. By volunteering, kids and teens learn what it means to make and keep a commitment.
7. They learn that a single person can have an impact.
8. They learn to be part of something greater than themselves.
9. They learn job skills and learn to work as a team. They may even take on leadership roles and set project goals.
10. Volunteering can become an alternative to idle time.
11. Volunteering allows kids to explore. They can become involved in organizations or activities on a limited basis to explore their interests.

How can parents promote volunteerism in their children?  Here are just a few ideas.

1. Parents can model volunteerism by volunteering themselves.  They can take their child with them to help.
2. Parents can donate to organizations and talk to their children about those organizations and why they donate to them.
3. Parents can encourage and model the sense of “giving”. They can open doors for people, and lend a hand whenever they see someone in need.

What are some volunteer activities that families can do together?

• picking up garbage at the local park
• serving food at a soup kitchen
• painting walls at a community center or facility
• helping at a local animal shelter
• planting plants at a local park or conservancy

Do you have experiences you want to share with K12Genie? Contact Us.

From the Editor:

There are many ways to give back to our communities. Some people volunteer their time, donating a few hours of their day to organizations that serve the homeless or by tutoring kids in their neighborhoods.  Some people, donate their talents.  They sing, or do comedy for worthy causes. Some people donate their treasure, their money.  What organization could function without funds?

This month, November, K12Genie is dedicating much of our content to the theme of  “Giving”.

I myself volunteer at a local homeless shelter once a month. At 7:30 PM on the first Friday of every month, a friend and I meet at the St. Francis Xavier basement on West 15th Street in Manhattan.  We prepare a table of food for a group of homeless men that will arrive by 8:30 PM from one of the intake organizations in the New York area. When the bus arrives, we check the roster to make sure all the men, most of whom are regulars, are accounted for. They get their rollout beds and sheets from the storage room, take what food they want from the table, and prepare for bed.  By 10 PM, they are all asleep; wake up is at 5:30 AM the following morning.  My friend and I sleep in the shelter, in rollout beds just like theirs.  Through this work, we not only help provide these men a safe and dry place to stay the night, we get the opportunity to see the world through a different lense. There are numerous shelters and programs like this in New York City and around the country.  They couldn’t operate without volunteers, without people that are willing to lend a hand in whatever way they can.

You probably volunteer in some capacity yourself or know someone that does.

You might be wondering why K12Genie, an organization focused on relationships between kids and parents, would focus on volunteerism or giving?  Through the articles and content this month, hopefully you’ll see why. For those of you that already have an answer, we’ll help you improve the relationships you already have with your kids or parents and deepen your understanding of yourself and them.

Sincerely,

Fernando DeGuia, Founder and Editor

You’ll find all articles or content related to this month’s theme under Monthly Themes

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton. It offers neutral humanitarian care to victims of war and devastating natural disasters.

Did you know?

• that every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood?
• that 1 out of 10 people admitted in a hospital needs blood?
• that blood cannot be manufactured, but only comes from donors?
• that the main blood types are A, B, AB, and O and that each of these types is either positive (+) or negative (-)?
• the blood type most requested by hospitals is Type O?
• that the American Red Cross provides nearly 45% of the nation’s blood supply?
• that the American Red Cross also provides training?

What can you do to get involved?

• Donate funds
• Volunteer to help victims or teach courses such as first aid.
  • Take an ONLINE orientation course with the Red Cross to help you become familiar with their mission.
• Give blood.
  • Read stories from people who have received blood.
  • To give blood, you need to be 17 years old or older, be in good health, and weight at least 110 lbs.

Elementary and Middle School Heroes

While too young to donate blood themselves, students at an Ohio middle school recruited donors–parents, family members, faculty, friends, neighbors–for a blood drive. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE for more information on organizing your own blood drive.

• Get Trained
  • You can take courses with the Red Cross. They offer courses in CPR, First Aid, Babysitting, HIV AIDS education, lifeguarding, and water safety. For more information on their courses, click here.
• Write a letter to military personnel as part of the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign.

For more information about getting involved with the Red Cross, click here.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. The organization was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. Today, the organization has built over 300,000 houses around the world. There are a variety of ways in which you can get involved.

• Habitat for Humanity website
• Donate to Habitat
• View Opportunities to Volunteer or get involved with Habitat in your area

Did you know that Habitat for Humanity has programs for kids as young as 5 years old?  They do. They have youth programs and programs for parents, teachers, and youth leaders.  Find out more here.

Did you like the music on the video? Buy them on itunes:

Switchfoot “This is Home” 

If you have ever volunteered with Habitat, share your story. Contact us and tell us your story.

• 1 Package of butter recipe cake mix
• 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 15 oz can of pumpkin
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 Cup confectioners sugar

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F
2. Prepare cake mix as directed on package but OMIT the water and ADD the can of pumpkin instead.
3. Add cinnamon.
4. Mix well and spoon into paper lined cupcake trays.
5. Bake for 20 minutes.
6. Frosting–mix cream cheese and confectioners sugar until blended and frost when cupcakes are completely cooled.

ENJOY!

Submitted by: Carol Laurie (Staten Island, NY)

Ingredients:

• 1 Package Spice cake mix
• 1 PackageVanilla instant pudding(3.4 oz)
• 1 Cup of canned pumpkin
• 1 Package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 Cup sugar
• 1 Egg

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350.
2. Prepare cake batter as directed on package.
3. Add DRY pudding mix and pumpkin and mix well.
4. Fill 24 paper-lined muffin cups.
5. Beat cream cheese, sugar and egg until creamy.
6. Add 1 teaspoon-full of mixture over each cupcake.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

ENJOY!

Submitted by: Carol Laurie (Staten Island, NY)

“Great for Thanksgiving Starter!!!!”
-Lynn

Yields: 10 cups

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbs. butter
• 1 Large onion, finely chopped
• 2 Carrots, finely chopped
• 2 Cans (14 1/2oz. each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 Cup water
• 1 Can (29 oz) solid-pack pumpkin
• 1 Golden delicious apple, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 Tsp. ground ginger
• 1 Tsp. salt
• 1/4 Tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 Cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and carrots; cook 5 minutes, until softened.
3. Add broth, water, pumpkin, apple, ginger, salt and nutmeg; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool Slightly.
5. Using a hand blender, puree soup in pot, or puree in batches in a standing blender.
6. Whisk in cream. Reheat gently.
7. Ladle into a soup tureen.

Lynn’s Suggestions:

I sometimes sprinkle cinnamon before I serve.

Enjoy!!

Submitted By: Lynn Worobel

Please join K12Genie and Eastern Mountain Sports (Soho) for free clinics this November that will help you enjoy the winter and the outdoors with your family. These events will be fun and educational for parents, teachers, and kids of all ages!

Clinics are Free.  Feel free to attend any or all sessions. Space is limited, so an RSVP is requested. RSVP here.

SESSIONS:

SESSION 1:  Things to Know, Places to go for a Family Hike
Saturday, Nov. 14
1 PM – 2 PM
EMS SoHo, 530 Broadway at Spring St., Manhattan

Workshop Description:

• What to wear on your feet,and your body to stay warm and dry.
• What kinds of snacks to bring.
• How to stay healthy by treating your water and keeping clear of poison ivy.
• What’s inside a Guide’s first aid kit?
• Bringing the outdoors back home; photography while hiking.
• Respect for plants and animals you’ll find outside.

This clinic will be conducted by The New York Wilderness Guide Company. We’ve scheduled a separate hiking trip to Bear Mountain on Nov. 22nd for those families that are interested. See below for details.

SESSION 2:  Mom, do I need a Coat? Warm and Dry in Winter
Saturday, Nov. 21
1 PM – 2 PM
EMS SoHo, 530 Broadway at Spring St., Manhattan

Workshop Description:

• Staying warm and dry from head to toe
• Dealing with temperature changes between indoors and outdoors
• Staying healthy during the winter season

SESSION 3: Family Bonding Through Winter Sports
Saturday, Nov. 28
1 PM – 2 PM
EMS SoHo, 530 Broadway at Spring St., Manhattan

Workshop Description:

• Dressing for outdoor activity
• Skiing/Snowboarding and winter sports
• Family time, family moments

Space is limited. Please RSVP here. All clinics in this series are FREE but donations are accepted and help support our ongoing efforts to help families interact with each other and with the world around them.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the New York City Outward Bound.

Family Hiking in Bear Mountain

Sunday, Nov. 22
“Family Hiking in Bear Mountain”
8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Join The New York Wilderness Guide Company for a great hike up Bear Mountain.  The hike is an easy-to-intermediate hike in Bear Mountain offering an introduction to hiking for novices while giving veteran hikers an opportunity to enjoy a favorite local hike and great views from the top, weather permitting.

Tickets

There are two ticket packages, with transportation to Bear Mountain and without. There are also discounts for kids. For those needing transportation from the city, the morning starts at Grand Central.  The group will leave at 8:30 AM and return to the city by 6:30 PM. For those not needing transportation, the meeting location will be at Bear Mountain, with the exact location TBD. You can see more details and purchase tickets here.

ENTER A CONTEST FOR 1 FREE TICKET.  ENTER HERE.

About Bear Mountain: Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River and offers spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands, and Harriman State Park.  Click Here for more info.

About the Guide: Nathan Todd is the Chief Guide of the New York Wilderness Guide Company. He has traveled the Rockies, the Andes, the Appalachians, and loves to hike nearby destinations in New York.

For those persons thinking about the hike, please consider attending the Nov. 14th Session 1 clinic on family hiking.

ABOUT US

About K12Genie: K12genie provides families with school-aged children with education and activities that improve family relationships and encourage personal development.  We provide articles, activities, recipes, an online brag wall, local resources, and workshops that foster positive interactions and dialogue between siblings and between generations.

About Eastern Mountain Sports: Since 1967 EMS has been providing quality outdoor gear and outdoor skills training to customers along the East Coast. The EMS SoHo location is the New York City flagship store. (www.emssoho.com)

About The New York Wilderness Guide Company: NYWGC is an outdoor sports and recreation tour company that teaches beginners and seasoned experts the basics of life in the outdoors. We teach the camping, hiking, and outdoor skills needed to have fun and stay safe in mountains and parks just outside of the city.

In a survey conducted by Microsoft, 49% of teens between 7th and 10th grade didn’t know the rules and guidelines for downloading media from the internet. However, a majority of teens familiar with the rules agreed that people who downloaded content illegally should be punished.

Counterfeiting and piracy cost the U.S. nearly $250 billion annually according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Before he left office, President Bush signed into law the PRO-IP Act. It stands for Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2008. This law increases both civil and criminal penalties for trademark and copyright infringement and establishes the Office of the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Representative (USIPER). In September 2009, President Obama appointed Victoria A. Espinel the first “copyright czar”.

Anything original that you create that is expressed in writing, on video, in music, in a painting or photo or in computer code, in a game, etc. is copyrighted.  That means that the copyright law protects you too even if you aren’t a professional author or musician.  Your work is protected and someone using it without your permission is violating the law. Under The Copyright Act people are not allowed to copy, modify, share, perform or even show the copyrighted works without the copyright owner’s permission. When you download music or videos, or other media and share them with friends, you are making copies and that’s when it becomes a violation. It’s even worse if you are making money off of distributing this content.

What you should know about Copyright:

• As the author of an original work, the right to it is yours. Once you create the work, it is protected by copyright law. As the author, you are the source of this work and can produce other works like it. It also means you deserve the ability to make a living from your own work–selling paintings, songs, books. Having a copyright law is a form of societal respect for the person who created the work. When you violate someone else’s right to control their work, you are violating the law.

• Some companies allow you to have more than 1 copy of a downloaded song, movie, or other media. For example, they may allow you to keep the song on 3 different devices or 3 different computers.

• Some works are not protected by the law.  Ideas are not protected. Titles and names are not protected. Commonly available facts and information cannot be protected. Works by the U.S. government are usually not protected. Works “for hire” means that the employer owns the rights to the work.

• The Fair Use doctrine allows limited use of copyrighted works for the purposes of “criticism, news, reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research”.

• If you want to provide notice that something is copyrighted and by whom, you can use the copyright symbol, ©,  or the word “Copyright” followed by the year of publication, and your name. Copyright protection lasts from the time the work is created till 70 years after the death of the author/artist.

• Parents can be held liable for copyright violations of their children.

Resources

• Wiredteens.org
• Teenangels.org