Thursday, August 28, 2014

Wave Hill Events Sep 12–Sep 19



  SAT. SEPTEMBER 13    FAMILY ART PROJECT: FRANKENTHALER OUTDOOR PAINTING
Put your abstract spin on the nature you see around you. Follow the easy techniques of New York native abstract painter Helen Frankenthaler: “Landscapes were in my arms as I did it.” Using your whole wrist and broad brush strokes, apply paint to create your favorite Wave Hill landscape scene. This event celebrates Target’s sponsorship of the Family Art Project and its commitment to families. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SAT, SEPTEMBER 13    FREE COMMUNITY TAI CHI CHUAN
This fall, come out and enjoy the benefits of Tai Chi, a gentle exercise that focuses on deep breath and movements based on images found in nature. Once a season, Wave Hill offers a free drop-in session for the community. This free session is led by Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. This session will be held outdoors; indoors in inclement weather. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon—but registration recommended, online only.  Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM‒12:15PM

SAT, SEPTEMBER 13    CREATIVE ACTIONS ART WORKSHOP: KNITTING FROM WILDLIFE
Learn how to knit with multiple yarns and colors with artist Ruth Marshall, whose work is included in the fall exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. Inspired by exotic animals endangered by the illegal skin trade, Marshall creates hand-knit pelts representing individual animals. Using animal photographs from Marshall’s own research as inspiration, learn how to design and knit a four-inch swatch. Participants should know how to knit and purl. Bring a friend! Drop-ins accommodated as space permits. $30/$20 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4PM


SAT, SEPTEMBER 13    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Tammy Nguyen and Alexandra Phillipshave created installations that they started during their Winter Workspace residency. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM


SUN, SEPTEMBER 14    FALL BIRDING
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for native and migrating birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549,3200 x251 for more information.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14   FAMILY ART PROJECT: FRANKENTHALER OUTDOOR PAINTING
Put your abstract spin on the nature you see around you. Follow the easy techniques of New York native abstract painter Helen Frankenthaler: “Landscapes were in my arms as I did it.” Using your whole wrist and broad brush strokes, apply paint to create your favorite Wave Hill landscape scene. This event celebrates Target’s sponsorship of the Family Art Project and its commitment to families. Free with admission to the grounds. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SUN, SEPTEMBER 14    HATHA YOGA
Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Fridaybefore; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM


SUN, SEPTEMBER 14    MEDITATION
This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM‒12:45PM


SUN, SEPTEMBER 14    COLORS OF THE FALL FAMILY WALK
After joining the Family Art Project, continue exploring the theme—or take your artwork in new directions—with a naturalist on a family-friendly walk. Explore the intensity and value of colors in nature around Wave Hill. Naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow investigates a spectrum of colors found in plants and creatures on a stroll through the gardens and woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, SEPTEMBER 15
Closed to the public

TUE, SEPTEMBER 16    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM


TUE, SEPTEMBER 16    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Tammy Nguyen and Alexandra Phillipshave created installations that they started during their Winter Workspace residency. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM


THU, SEPTEMBER 18    ANNUAL WAVE HILL GARDENERS’ PARTY
Wave Hill closes at 3PM to dress for this annual benefit, an evening that raises crucial funds that support our renowned gardens and horticulture program. This year’s Gardeners’ Party draws inspiration from the T.H. Everett Alpine House and Terrace and celebrates its namesake, the preeminent horticulturist Thomas H. Everett.


FRI, SEPTEMBER 19    ANNUAL PLANT SALE
Visit The Shop for our popular annual sale of rare plants, superior cultivars and top-notch performers specially selected by Wave Hill’s gardeners. The sale opens at the annual Gardeners’ Party benefit on Thursday, September 18, an evening that raises crucial funds that support our renowned gardens and horticulture program. The sale continues through the weekend.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM‒4PM


A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15October 31.  
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon.Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule atwww.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.


It’s Time to Pass the Small Business Jobs Survival Act


What You Should Know 
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
32nd Senatorial District 


  You should know that the Small Business Jobs Survival Act, sponsored by New York City Council Member Annabel Palma, is pending in the New York City Council.  If this bill is passed by the Council and signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio, it will provide a lifeline to many businesses that are being forced out of existence throughout the City simply because commercial real estate here is out of control. 

You should know that the current state of affairs of commercial real estate has reached a crisis level- in particular to Hispanic New Yorkers who, for the most part, don't own their businesses and lease their commercial space. Too many bodegas and small businesses are being pushed out by greedy landlords and investment firms, and their businesses are being demolished for luxury development, or remain vacant. 

You should know that the Small Business Jobs Survival Act, in one form or another, has been languishing in the New York City Council for thirty years – since Ruth Messinger and David Dinkins were in office.  While almost every elected official will stand tall and proudly declare his or her support for this legislation, somehow or another, Council leadership makes sure that it never makes it out of committee for a vote - or when it WAS ready for a vote way back when David Yassky served as Chair of the Small Business Committee, the Speaker's office stopped it from moving forward claiming there were "legal concerns." 

The real estate industry's grip on the City Council has become a nightmare for bodegueros and many successful Hispanic businesses, destroying any legacy that thousands of Hispanic New Yorkers could hope to pass on to the next generation.  Add to that, these closings are costing us much-needed revenue in New York City and in New York State. 

We all know that there are hundreds of empty stores in every borough. Many of these were once businesses that have been destroyed all because there is no real lease renewal protection for business owners. They are either unable to afford the astronomical rents, or they are unwilling to be extorted for cash by unscrupulous landlords. 

My dear reader, we know that the major pathway for social mobility for many Hispanic families has been jobs from small businesses. As more and more Mom and Pop stores close, this vital pathway is being destroyed. 

It would be very hard to find any elected official who isn't willing to pose in front of a camera and take a deep bow saying how dedicated he or she is to supporting small businesses.  But when push comes to shove, it seems that all they are really willing to do is to play a sad game of false hope. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I have to ask myself: Is this the cost of doing business in New York, or are there enough elected officials in the New York City Council and in the New York State Legislature who will finally say: "Enough is enough!" and pressure this law into existence. 

This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.


Community Events


  WE ARE LOOKING FOR TWO TO REPRESENT THE 52 PRECINCT
The citizen Academy will begin September 10, 2014 at the police academy  and then every Tuesday there after for the next 14 weeks
                            WE ARE LOOKING FOR TWO TO REPRESENT THE 52 PRECINCT
Please let me know if you have anyone who is interested I have to do a name check on them as well as they have to meet the Co's approval

Citizens Police Academy Program

     The Citizens' Police Academy program was first implemented in 
1993 as part of the Department’s ongoing effort to develop a working
relationship with the community. 
This 14-week program is offered 2 times per year: during the Spring
 and Fall. Participants are nominated by the Commanding Officers of 
every Precinct, Transit District, and Housing Police Service Area.
     Experienced Training Bureau instructors provide training in the 
legal, social and procedural aspects of policing. In addition to core
courses, other areas of study include firearms discipline and 
counterterrorism. Lectures, electronic media, role-plays, simulations, 
and workshops are utilized to educate community members about 
police training and tactics, with the goal of having participants
acquire a better understanding of the authority and limitations of the 
police. 
The information and insight gained from the program allows all 
involved to assess their roles and responsibilities in fostering effective
and productive police-community partnerships.
     Upon graduation, participants are encouraged to participate in the
 Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association which allows for 
continued involvement and education about the Police Department. 
The Association also sponsors a community service program.



Thank You,

PO. Crystal Reveron
52 PCT Community Affairs
Office 718-220-5824

METRO CARD BUS TO VISIT WAKEFIELD AND WOODLAWN ON FRIDAY


Thanks to Requests From Council Member Andrew Cohen
MetroCard Bus to Visit Wakefield and Woodlawn on Friday
The MetroCard Bus Will Assist Senior Citizens and
People With Disabilities Apply for Reduced Fare MetroCards



 On Friday, August 29th a MetroCard Bus will be in Woodlawn and Wakefield with staff to help those who are eligible apply for Reduced Fare MetroCards.

The Bus will be outside the Woodlawn Heights Library (4355 Katonah Avenue) from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and outside of P.S. 16 (4550 Carpenter Ave) from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“It is important that these services are available for senior citizens and people with disabilities that live within our community, especially in the Woodlawn and Wakefield areas of the borough where it is much harder to speak directly with MTA staff. These mobile units create easy accessibility and those who qualify will be able purchase their Reduced Fare MetroCards immediately,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The MetroCard Mobile sales staff will assist senior citizens age 65 and over, as well as people with disabilities in obtaining Reduced Fare MetroCards. While the base subway or local bus fare is $2.50, reduced fare is half the base fare, $1.25, or less with Reduced-Fare MetroCard discounts.

Those who qualify can ride at the reduced fare on local buses anytime, express busses anytime except weekday rush hours (Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), MTA Long Island Rail Road and the MTA Metro-North Railroad anytime except weekday rush hours to New York City Terminals.

A Reduced Fare MetroCard is personalized with your name and photograph. You must apply for and be approved to receive it.

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COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW COHEN REQUESTS ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SIGNS TO BE REPLACED ON RIVERDALE AND JOHNSON AVENUES
Incorrect parking signs changed from six days a week to three


Bronx, NY – The Department of Transportation has corrected the alternate side parking signs that were installed along Riverdale Avenue between West 238th and West 236th Street and on Johnson Avenue between West 236th Street and West 235th Street.

The alternate side parking was previously every day except Sunday from 8:00-8:30 a.m., but recent changes have reduced the days to TuesdayThursday, and Saturday from 8:00-8:30 a.m. Although the signs have already been changed along Riverdale Avenue, those signs on Johnson Avenue are currently in the process of changing.

“After speaking with local business owners on Riverdale and Johnson Avenues, I worked with the Department of Transportation to see that the alternate side parking signs be changed from six days a week to three.

“Many businesses in the area tend to see heavy traffic during that morning time frame, and the previous alternate side parking signs were decreasing business for local store owners. Six days a week was severely hurting our businesses.

“Many constituents were receiving parking tickets while utilizing the many morning businesses in that area. I hope that this new change will increase parking, allowing for a better flow of traffic and for business to return to normal,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz applauds return to alternate side parking on Riverdale Avenue

   Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz applauds the city for returning to a sensible, alternate side parking schedule on Riverdale Avenue between West 236th and West 238th Street, as he had previously requested. Earlier this year, the New York City Department of Transportation installed signs indicating that there would be no parking on either side of Riverdale Avenue between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. from Monday through Saturday. The new schedule, unlike the previous alternate side parking schedule, proved to be a major inconvenience for businesses and local residents alike, as it prevented cars from parking on both sides of Riverdale Avenue for half an hour during every weekday morning.

After hearing complaints from constituents and local businesses, Assemblyman Dinowitz contacted the Department of Sanitation and the Department of Transportation to urge a return to the previous parking schedule, which allowed vehicles to park on at least one side of Riverdale Avenue at all times. Just months after instating the highly inconvenient parking schedule, the city agreed to revert to the more sensible alternate side parking schedule, and recently, the DOT installed new signage along Riverdale Avenue that codified the reversal.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “Parking is hard enough to find in Riverdale without unnecessarily inconvenient parking policies. While our streets must be cleaned, I see no reason why both sides of Riverdale Avenue should be closed to parking during busy mornings every weekday to do so. The new policy placed a burden on the community, and it was clear that a better solution existed. I appreciate that the DOT listened to my concerns and installed new signs that allow people to park on at least one side of Riverdale Avenue at all hours of the day.”

According to the new signage, cars may not park on the east side of Riverdale Avenue on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., and on the west side of the avenue on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. In addition to allowing cars to park on at least one side of the street at all times, the updated parking schedule reduces the total number of hours in which cars are not allowed to park along Riverdale Avenue from six hours per week to three.


TONY ORLANDO TO TAKE THE STAGE IN SETON PARK FOR FREE SUMMER CONCERT


Music Legend to Perform for Hundreds of Bronx Fans under the Stars

State Senator Jeff Klein will host one of America’s most endearing and enduring stars, Tony Orlando, for what is expected to be an exciting evening of music and fun for Bronx families to enjoy free of charge Thursday night.  Orlando is performing as part of Senator Klein’s 2014 Summertime Symphonies Series, an annual event that provides free concerts throughout the month of August to Bronx residents.

Born and raised in New York City, Orlando began hitting the national charts at age 16 and quickly became a sensation. His 1973 recording of  Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree was number one for the year, became Orlando's theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming.

WHO:  Performer Tony Orlando
State Senator Jeff Klein
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz (D-Bronx)
Councilman Andy Cohen (D-Bronx)
Hundreds of concert goers

WHEN: Thursday, August 28th, 2014, 7PM.
WHERE: Seton Park, Independence Ave, Bronx, NY 10463

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Annual Bronx Democratic County Barbecue Sat. Sept. 6th


COME TO OUR ANNUAL BBQ

KLEIN & COHEN ANNOUNCE NEW PLAYGROUND AND TRAIL UPGRADES FOR VAN CORTLANDT PARK


  More than $1.8 Million in State and Municipal Grants slated for projects at Scenic Bronx Park to Enhance Outdoor Activities for Families

(in the photo with Senator Klein, Councilman Cohen, Assemblyman Dinowits, and Bronx Parks Commissioner Aponte are Eric Seiff from the Friends of VCP, and M. Perron VCP administrator. 

State Senator Jeffrey Klein and Council Member Andrew Cohen announced Wednesday that more than $1.8 million in state and municipal capital grants is being provided to the NYC Parks Department as part of an effort to enhance Van Cortlandt Park. The funding will be used to construct a new playground and make environmental and infrastructure improvements to two trails at Van Cortlandt Park.

State Senator Jeff Klein said: “Van Cortlandt Park is a Bronx treasure. I am pleased that I was able to secure funding in this year’s state budget that will help enhance the park’s natural attraction to New Yorkers of all ages. With this new playground and trail upgrades we’ll attract more visitors and ensure that our residents continue to enjoy outdoor fun and a beautiful connection to the environment.”

Council Member Andy Cohen said:After I took office, it became a priority of mine to secure the funding to help NYC Parks create a new playground in the north-west section of Van Cortlandt Park. This particular area was lacking a recreational space for the youth of the community to enjoy. I believe that this new addition, along with the improved park trails, will draw more families to this beautiful space and utilize every portion of the park.  Park improvement is something I am very dedicated to and I am proud to help make this particular need for more recreational space a reality.”
Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte said: “Last year, NYC Parks worked with the communities surrounding Van Cortlandt Park to create a plan which would improve the park and better serve parkgoers. We identified priority projects – including creating a new playground on Van Cortlandt's western side and upgrading park trails.  The plan started to become a reality after allocations by Council Member Cohen were bolstered by grants secured with the help of State Senator Klein.”

Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz said: "All kids deserve to have public spaces in their neighborhoods where they can play safely. Residents in Riverdale enjoy access to many amenities in the world-class Van Cortlandt Park, yet for some, playgrounds are few and far between: the Parks Department’s Van Cortlandt Park Master Plan, released earlier this year, noted the lack of play areas  in the northwest corner of the park and identified the construction of these spaces as a top priority.

A total of $1.275 million was secured in a combination of state ($500,000) and municipal ($775,000) grants for the new playground which is expected to be located in the general vicinity of the Riverdale Stables.  

Senator Klein also secured $542,388 in state grants for NYC Parks to implement two of the remaining projects in the Van Cortlandt Park Trails Plan. Specifically, The John Kieran Nature Trail and the John Muir Nature Trail. The upgrades and improvements to the trails will help to better serve Park users and highlight and protect the Park’s unique natural resources.

Van Cortlandt Park is New York City’s third largest park, encompassing more than a thousand acres atop the ridges and valleys of the northwest Bronx. It is surrounded by five diverse NYC neighborhoods (Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Van Cortlandt Village, Norwood, and Woodlawn). The park is home to the country's first public golf course, the oldest house in the Bronx, and the borough's largest freshwater lake.

More photos are below.