Frank Durkin Way

   Saturday afternoon was the unveiling of Frank Durkin Way at the corner of West 240th Street and Tibbett Avenue, in front of Gaelic Park. Mr. Martin Lyons was the master of ceremony and he gave a history of the life of Frank Durkin. During the story Mr. Lyons invited those who were with Frank Durkin in his many ventures to help people. He said that Frank Durkin is only the third person of Irish descent to have a street naming in the city, say that former TWU president and labor leader Mike Quill, and Former City Council President (and relative to Frank Durkin) Paul O'Dwyer were the others. 

   Mr. Lyons thanked those who helped make Frank Durkin Way happen to those who collected signatures, helped support the project, those on Community Board 8 and Councilman G. Oliver Koppell who was with his own family for Thanksgiving out of state. Annie O'Connor Koppells chief of staff filled in for him and of course a few of the other elected officials were on hand such as Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Jeff Klein who proclaimed November 24th as Frank Durkin Day in New York. below are a few photos of the event. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Left - Mary and Monica Durkin get ready to pull the covering off Frank Durkin Way.

Right - the covering rips as an alternate way was found to take the covering off Frank Durkin Way.

                                          

Left - How The Frank Durkin Way sign looks on the street pole. 

Right - Mr. Lyons, Nivardo Lopez (of the mayors CAU division), Assemblyman Dinowitz, Ms. M. Durkin, Senator Jeff Klein, and Ms. Annie O'Connor (Councilman Koppells chief of staff) hold street sign "Frank Durkin Way".

Left - Mr. Lyons reads the history of Frank Durkin as the elected officials look on with Senator Klein holding the Frank Durkin Day proclamation.

Right - Assemblyman Dinowitz with Senator Klein on either side of photo of Frank Durkin.

Thanksgiving Poll Shows Lhota and Carrion as TURKEYS

   Here is one from Celeste Katz of the New York Daily News titled- Q-poll-2013-mayoral-runs-by-Joe-Lhota-Adolfo-Carrion-Jr-would-be-turkeys .

   Ms. Katz says that a poll recently taken by Quinnipiac University asking about the current MTA head Joe Lhota as the Republican candidate vs. the Democratic candidate is currently at 60% for the Democrat and only 9% for Lhota with apparently 31% undecided. This after what appears to be the way that Lhota got the MTA back on course after Hurricane Sandy raising interest by some to have Lhota run for mayor.. 

   Let us not forget former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr, and his push to run for mayor on the Republican line with his $1.1 million dollar war chest (from another citywide race he never did) to entice Republican County Leaders for the nod. It may not be the same type of money as Mike Bloomberg tossed around, but it may be better than Lhota can. Katz says that the poll shows Carrion two points higher than Lhota at 11%, but also has the Democrat two points higher at 62% with apparently only 27% undecided. 

   One bright spot was that City Council Speaker Christine Quinn led the pack of Democrats at only 32% of those questioned. Former City Comptroller Bill Thompson at 10%; Public Advocate Bill de Blasio at 9%;  City Comptroller John Liu at 5%, and apparently 44% undecided. Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer announced that he was going to run for City Comptroller, and it is not known what percentage he received. . 

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Thanksgiving Greeting From BP Diaz

 

Dear Friend,

My staff and I would like to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

I have so much to be thankful for as Borough President of The Bronx. I am proud to represent the 1.4 million residents of the borough I like to refer to as "God's Country." 

Once again, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Sincerely, 

Ruben Diaz Jr.

Andrew Cohen Announces Bid for City Council

Left to right are Senator Jeff Klein, Councilman G.Oliver Koppell, City Council candidate Andrew Cohen, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Congressman Engel.

    Attorney Andrew Cohen, Community Board 8 member and longtime community activist, has announced his candidacy for New York City Council. Mr. Cohen will seek to bring his years of hard work and experience in community service to the City Council’s 11th District, which covers most of the northwest Bronx. The district is currently represented by Councilmember Oliver Koppell, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits. The announcement was made Tuesday on the steps of City Hall, where Mr. Cohen was joined by supporters, including Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilmember James Vacca and Councilmember Koppell.

“The 11th Council District is a diverse district, geographically, economically, and ethnically, but residents of each and every one of our neighborhoods have so much in common,” said Cohen. “They want better schools, they want safe streets, and they want their fair share of city services for our senior centers, our youth programs, and of police and fire services. These are neighborhoods we can be proud of, yet they can all be made better.”

Congressman Engel said, “I am pleased to endorse Andy Cohen to be the next Councilmember from the 11th district.  Andy will bring great insight and compassion to the Council.  He will be a hard worker for all of our communities, and be a great partner in accomplishing things on behalf of New Yorkers. Whether it be community concerns or citywide issues, Andy will use his thoughtfulness to help the people of the 11th district and the people of New York City.”

Assemblyman Dinowitz endorsed Cohen, stating, “The importance of electing an excellent council member in the 11th district cannot be overstated. That is why I am proud and delighted to endorse Andrew Cohen. No one will be a stronger advocate and leader. He knows how to bring people together but also knows how to effectively fight for us. He is an independent Democrat who knows how to get things done. No one will work harder for us than Andrew Cohen.”

“Our city needs more young leaders like Andy Cohen,” said Senator Klein. “Andy is someone who can do anything in life: but because he's so committed to the betterment of our community, he's chosen to go into public service. I'm thrilled that he's decided to run for New York City Council. I think that Riverdale--and indeed all of New York City--will benefit enormously with Andy as a member of that great chamber.”

Councilmember Koppell said, “I am pleased to strongly support Andy Cohen in his campaign to succeed me in the City Council. I am certain that he will provide the district and its residents with the effective and independent leadership that I have worked to provide for the many years that I have represented our local communities.” 

Bronxtalk with Newly elected Assemblymen Mark Gjonaj 80th A.D. and Luis Sepulveda 87th A.D.

    Host Gary Axelbank had some tough questions for newly elected Assemblymen Mark Gjonaj and Luis Sepulveda this past Monday night on Bronxtalk. Mark Gjonaj represents the 80th A.D. after his second  victory over soon to be former Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera.  Luis Sepulveda represents the 87th A.D. that has been with out an assemblyman since the former Assemblyman Peter Rivera joined the Cuomo administration as State Commissioner of Labor. 

   You can see the entire Monday November 19th show here. 

Wave Hill Events December 7–December 14

 

Wave Hill’s holiday workshop weekend always sets the tone for the season for me—naturally creative, expansive, relaxing—in short, the perfect antidote to the kind of consumer frenzy that can take over the season. The felted soaps I’ve crafted two years running have been treasured gifts!

Happy holidays—both on Thanksgiving and later this winter!

SAT, DECEMBER 8    FAMILY ART PROJECT—SEASON’S GREETINGS

Season’s Greetings/Felices Fiestas

See the inspiring signs of Wave Hill’s wintry wonderland. Draw your own cold-weather tales in surprise, pop-up holiday cards that come alive with scenes of the season. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, DECEMBER 8    HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND—MINIATURE ARRANGEMENTS

Drop by this weekend to create your own gifts and holiday decorations inspired by the gardens and galleries at Wave Hill. Fashion a quartet of sweet miniature arrangements in tiny containers, using fresh greens, pinecones and other natural materials. Give your arrangement as a gift, or enjoy it as a centerpiece for your own holiday table. Creative assistance offered by Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer. Children eight and older welcome with an adult. $20 Member/$30 Non-member per project. Registration not required.

GLYNDOR HOUSE, 11AM−3PM

SAT, DECEMBER 8    HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND—NATURAL WREATHS AND SWAGS

Drop by this weekend to create your own gifts and holiday decorations inspired by the gardens and galleries at Wave Hill. Craft one-of-a-kind holiday decorations using fresh greens harvested from Wave Hill’s extensive gardens. Each participant designs a verdant wreath or swag accented with natural materials and elegant accessories. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day demonstrates simple floral techniques and provides plenty of materials to fuel your creative spirit. Children eight and older welcome with an adult. $20 Member/$30 Non-member per project. Registration not required.

GLYNDOR HOUSE, 11AM−3PM

SAT, DECEMBER 8    HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND—COOL WOOL-FELTING WORKSHOP

Drop by this weekend to create your own gifts and holiday decorations inspired by the gardens and galleries at Wave Hill. Want to make something cool with felted wool? Roll up your sleeves and join visual artist and Nature and Art Programs Manager Gisela Insuaste to create colorful wet felting projects such as soaps, balls or bowls that will brighten your winter day. Children eight and older welcome with an adult. $10 Member/$18 Non-member per project. Registration not required.

GLYNDOR HOUSE, 11AM−3PM

SUN, DECEMBER 9    WINTER BIRDING

Hudson River valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitats. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds.  (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, DECEMBER 9    FAMILY ART PROJECT—SEASON’S GREETINGS

Season’s Greetings/Felices Fiestas

See the inspiring signs of Wave Hill’s wintry wonderland. Draw your own cold-weather tales in surprise, pop-up holiday cards that come alive with scenes of the season. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, DECEMBER 9    HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND—MINIATURE ARRANGEMENTS

Drop by this weekend to create your own gifts and holiday decorations inspired by the gardens and galleries at Wave Hill. Fashion a quartet of sweet miniature arrangements in tiny containers, using fresh greens, pinecones and other natural materials. Give your arrangement as a gift, or enjoy it as a centerpiece for your own holiday table. Creative assistance offered by Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer. Children eight and older welcome with an adult. $20 Member/$30 Non-member per project. Registration not required.

GLYNDOR HOUSE, 11AM−3PM

SUN, DECEMBER 9    HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND—NATURAL WREATHS AND SWAGS

Drop by this weekend to create your own gifts and holiday decorations inspired by the gardens and galleries at Wave Hill. Craft one-of-a-kind holiday decorations using fresh greens harvested from Wave Hill’s extensive gardens. Each participant designs a verdant wreath or swag accented with natural materials and elegant accessories. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day demonstrates simple floral techniques and provides plenty of materials to fuel your creative spirit. Children eight and older welcome with an adult. $20 Member/$30 Non-member per project. Registration not required.

GLYNDOR HOUSE, 11AM−3PM

SUN, DECEMBER 9    HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND—COOL WOOL-FELTING WORKSHOP

Drop by this weekend to create your own gifts and holiday decorations inspired by the gardens and galleries at Wave Hill. Want to make something cool with felted wool? Roll up your sleeves and join visual artist and Nature and Art Programs Manager Gisela Insuaste to create colorful wet felting projects such as soaps, balls or bowls that will brighten your winter day. Children eight and older welcome with an adult. $10 Member/$18 Non-member per project. Registration not required.

GLYNDOR HOUSE, 11AM−3PM

SUN, DECEMBER 9    GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY 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, DECEMBER 10

Closed to the public

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 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon October Tuesdays, and all day Tuesdays in December. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s 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 3o 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 242^nd 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 at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

For more information call 718.549.3200, or on the web at www.wavehill.org.

 

 

Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink Ribbon Cutting

   NYC Parks Commissioner Veronica M. White welcomed those assembled to the ribbon cutting of the new Van  Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  said that he was glad to be on hand for the ribbon cutting here, and that he would like to have a permanent Ice Skating rink and arena for the future stars of the Bronx. Diaz naming former New York Ranger great Mark Messier and  Olympic gold medal winner Sarah Hughes, both who are pushing a proposed plan for up to nine professional ice skating rinks in the Kingsbridge Armory. Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz also spoke of their hopes that the Kingsbridge Armory would be transformed into what is being called an Ice Skating Palace at the armory that they and other elected officials support. 

   Also on hand were members of the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, Community Board # 8, and others that were involved in the process that made the Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink possible including the Project Manager Mr. Ron Kraut of Eckstein Development the operator of the rink.

    The Ice Theater of New York housed at the Chelsea Piers Sky Rink performed several different skating routine (as you will see in the photos below). Currently the Chelsea Piers are closed due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. The director of the Ice Theater said that it was great that the Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink opened up as the Chelsea Piers will not reopen for a few weeks.  

 The "Ribbon Cutting" ceremony by the elected officials. It was even colder on the ice  on this crisp fall day, as you can see.

 

           

In both photos is Gold medal skater 11 year old Jenny Birlin. She is wearing her Ice Theater of N.Y. warm up jacket as she is testing out the ice.

Left - Is another skater from Ice Theater checking out the ice. 

Right - You see Jenny and the other skater together on the ice.

Left - Another pair of skaters on the ice. 

Right- Since the rink is curbside, that is a real truck on Broadway in the background of the skaters.

Left and Right - A skating routine from "Buggy Woggy Bugle Boy".

Left - Some of the over 800 pairs of ice skates available for rental.

Right - The price list 

You can click on any photo to enlarge it.

Senator Klein's Veteran Day Breakfast

    Here is yet another reason that people in the Bronx love State Senator Jeff Klein. Sunday was his annual Bronx Veterans Day Parade Breakfast, and vets from wars back to World War II were on hand. I found two WWII vets Joe Garofalo (age 92) and Albert Mazza (age 89) on hand as you will see in one of the photos below. I also found out that one of the honorees Ms. Hattie Harris served during WWII and she was not afraid to say that she was 91 years old. This year all the honorees were women, and Senator Klein posed for a photo with a group of proud Korean War Veterans.  

 

 Left- The Color Guard enters the room.

Right - The SUNY Maritime College Chorale perform.

Left - The invocation with a moment of silence for those who have fallen in the line of duty.

Right - Taps is played by bugler Albert Nicotina. 

Left - With the exception of Mr. Joe McManus no cap who did not serve in WWII are Joe Garofalo (age 92) and Albert Mazza (age 89) who are wearing WWII vets with their American Legion caps on. Right - Ms. Hattie Harris (age 91) also a WWII vet was one of the honorees. 

Left - Senator Klein with all of the honorees that were present,

Tight - Senator Klein with a group of Korea War Veterans.

Howard Padernacht Way

   On Saturday November 17th the corner of Sedwick Avenue and Giles Place became "Howard Padernacht Way". Sons Michael, Daniel, and Steve joined with their mother Pam, Uncle Elliot, cousins, and over 100 other people to see the dedication of Howard Padernacht Way by Councilman G. Oliver Koppell. Mr. Howard Padernacht was the manager of the Shalom Aleichem Houses on Sedwick Avenue, and everyone said what a wonderful man Mr. Padernact was. I was told that it was Howard Padernachts dream that his three sons graduate from college which all three have done. Also on hand was former Councilman Larry Warden (another friend of Howard Padernacht) who helped get the street naming passed in the city council. Below are a few photos of the event.

 

 Sons Michael, Daniel, and Steve hold street sign in memory of their father. They are standing across the street from the apartment that their father grew up in.

 The family stands with Councilman Koppel after the sign Howard Padernacht Way is revealed. Howard Padernachts sons Steve and Michael (holding his child), wife Pam, and brother Elliot are in the front row, as third son Daniel who is partly blocked stands next to Councilman Koppell in the back row. 

The family thanked all those who came out to the street naming. 

 

Excelling at Work: Learning Excel for Business Workshop!!!

Food Drive in Riverdale

   The North Riverdale Merchants association headed by Mr. Gary Wartel (of Skyview Liquors), State Senator Jeff Klein, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz teamed up to gather over 200 pounds of canned food for the local food panty that was running low. Also a part of the amount of food will be sent to victims of Hurricane Sandy in other parts of the city.

Here you see some of the canned food collected as Senator Klein talks with North Riverdale Merchants Association Vice President Anthony Fellia.

Here Community Board # 8 member Mr. Andrew Cohen talks with Mr. Wartel as Senator Klein and Assemblyman Dinowitz look on.

LIU: CITY SHOULD CLAW BACK $6.6 MILLION IN COSTS FROM CONSULTANT’S DESIGN FLAWS

Audit finds DEP Failed To Monitor and Recoup $6.6 Million in Errors and Omissions on Bowery Bay Water Pollution Control Project in Queens

   City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that an audit of the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Bowery Bay Water Pollution Control project in Queens determined that a consultant’s design errors and omissions had cost the City an extra $6,591,192, but the agency made little or no effort to recoup the money for the City.

 

“A great deal of taxpayer money was wasted on this waste-treatment project, money that the City can and should recoup,” Comptroller Liu said. “Consultants may sometimes make mistakes but the City must not pay for those mistakes. We must recoup the money for taxpayers — now more than ever, in order to help rebuild and restore New Yorkers’ livelihoods, businesses, and neighborhoods in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.” 

 

When construction plans need revisions, they incur what are called “change-order costs.” When these revisions are the result of the hired consultant’s errors or omissions, the City has the power to recoup the added costs. The Comptroller’s audit found that the $213 million Bowery Bay project included $6,591,192 in costs caused by the designer’s errors and omissions.

 

DEP officials stated during the course of Comptroller Liu’s latest audit that they had created a review panel to oversee the collection of change order costs that resulted from errors and omissions.

 

The audit of DEP’s Bowery Bay project is available for download at: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/yearlyview.asp?selaudyear=2012

 

BACKGROUND:

In the past, the City has missed opportunities to aggressively go after costs attributable to design errors and omissions made by its hired vendors.  A 2011 audit of the Department of Design and Construction found that the agency had failed recoup $3 million in costs due to the consultant’s design errors and omissions.  (Audit Report on the Recoupment of Change Order Costs by the Department of Design and Construction, 7E11-063A; www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2011/06-20-11_7E11-063A.shtm)