What You Should Know

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

I Am Glad I Voted Against It 

You should know that a Manhattan Supreme Court Justice blocked Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempt to harm New York City’s public schools poor students by cutting $260 Million in education aid.

The Governor’s decision came after the City of New York and the teacher’s union failed to meet a deadline on a deal for a new teacher evaluation system, prompting the Governor to take his vengeance upon the innocent students of those poor, in need and in really bad shape public schools in New York City.

According to the New York Post, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez issued the ruling stopping Governor Cuomo from denying New York City the $260 million in school aid by stating “Innocent students that have no influence over the legislative process or negotiations were potentially placed at risk academically.”  The judge also stated that “there are alternative means of achieving the goal while preserving federal grant funds without the long term affect of financial sanctions on the students.”

You should know that after this ruling, by a Hispanic Supreme Court Judge,  and the setback that it means to Governor Cuomo’s administration, I wonder if this is why Governor Cuomo wants his friends to be appointed to the court system, even if they are not qualified.

Immediately after the ruling, a spokesperson for Governor Cuomo stated that the Governor intends to appeal the ruling of Justice Mendez. Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson, speaking on behalf of the City of New York, according to the Post, stated that: “We have said all along that students should not be penalized for the UFT’s failure to negotiate and our goal has been and continues to be a fair and effective evaluation system.”

You should know that this is a great victory for the New York City Department of Education and the children that it serves.  Mr. Michael Rebell who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the city parents stated that “There’s no point to this penalty anymore. I hope the fact the Governor knows it is going to be solved….would get him and the legislature to reconsider and not impose this penalty.”

Finally, you should know that since the beginning, Governor Cuomo wanted to punish the children of the City of New York and the school system by imposing this penalty. He found a way to include this damage and ill-conceived idea by including it in the budget and forcing legislators to vote for it. I saw it coming, I spoke to my colleagues and asked them not to vote for it, I spoke against it on the Senate floor, nobody listened because it was the Governor’s idea and the Governor was pressuring them.

Praise the Lord because there is justice and someone like Supreme Court Justice Manuel Mendez, who saw the damage that this cut of funds would have done to the poor and needy children of our communities.  Now, I can rejoice and say I am glad that I voted against it.

I am Senator Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

SEN. JEFF KLEIN HOSTS ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH BREAKFAST

 

   State Senator Jeff Klein joined Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, former New York City Comptroller, Bill Thompson, African-American Community leaders and nearly 300 constituents in celebrating Black History Month at his annual breakfast at Villa Barone Manor today. At the breakfast, the program included a keynote address from former New York City Comptroller, Bill Thompson, musical performances from the Reverend Nathaniel Tyler Lloyd Legacy Choir of Trinity Baptist Church and the presentation of awards to African-American community leaders for their work in the district and beyond.

Senator Klein stated that the event “recognizes the incredible contributions of African-Americans in our community. The contributions of those honored today help shape our communities for the better and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize them for their incredible efforts. Whether it is working hand in hand with community leaders to empower minority candidates running for office or working to ensure that African-Americans have access to quality health care, schools and employment, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with and work for African-Americans in the Bronx and across New York to uplift all of our communities. I look forward to meeting, working and honoring future leaders in the African-American community for years to come.”

 Event honorees included the Hon. Richard Thomas, Council Member, The City of Mount Vernon, Mr. Lamont Parker, Youth Committee Chair, Bronx Community Board No. 8, Ms. Herma Williams, President, Pelham Parkway Houses Residents Council and Ms. Monique Johnson, President, Throggs Neck Houses Residents Council.

 Senator Klein and keynote speaker, former NYC Comptroller, Bill Thompson with guests at the Black History Month Breakfast this morning.

 Senator Klein stands with honorees at the Black History Month Breakfast. (From L to R): Assemblyman Crespo, Ms. Herma Williams, Ms. Monique Johnson, Senator Klein, Honorable Richard Thomas and Mr. Lamont Parker. 

 Senator Klein, Assemblyman Crespo, and former Comptroller Thompson speak with Honoree Ms. Herma Williams.

 Senator Klein and former Comptroller Thompson give some tips to Candidate for comptroller and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

KOPPELL OPPOSES CO-LOCATION OF TWO NEW HIGH SCHOOLS IN DEWITT CLINTON BUILDING

A Rose by Any Other Name is Still a Rose 

At a public meeting on February 26, 2013 on DeWitt Clinton’s Future, Council Member Oliver Koppell, a member of the Education Committee, strongly opposed the proposal of the Department of Education to downsize Clinton and co-locate two new high schools in the building.

Initially heartened by the DOE’s decision not to close the school, he soon learned that a rose by any other name is still a rose. “Placing two new high schools in the building is tantamount to ensuring Clinton’s demise,” he said.

“There is no doubt in my mind.” Koppell continued, “that the new high schools will drain Clinton of the more well prepared and motivated students. Clinton will become the “school of last resort” for English Language Learners, “Over the Counter” students and those who are underprepared. Without the resources necessary to help these students, the school’s academic record will plummet, leading to a renewed call for its closure.”

Koppell expressed the opinion that this need not happen. He indicated that funding, support and new leadership could reinvigorate the school. “Improvement can come about,” he stated, “by allocating more teaching and counseling resources, increasing staff development, revising the curricula and enlisting the help of the alumni and neighboring institutions of higher learning,”

Koppell defended the role of the large comprehensive high schools saying that that they offered students a wide choice of courses, extracurricular activities and sports teams.

“The success Clinton has had in the past in its 100 year-old tradition of educating students is predictive of the future success it can have if it is given the necessary support.  I urge the DOE not to give up on Clinton by reallocating its resources and space to other schools, but to bolster it by providing the necessary assistance it needs to become a school of excellence once again,” Koppell concluded.

 

 

LIU: CITY SHOULD BOYCOTT HP IF COMPANY FAILS TO PAY $163 MILLION IT OWES TAXPAYERS

 Cites Company’s ‘Possible Corruption’ in Letter Urging Mayor to Sue

In a letter Wednesday to Mayor Bloomberg, City Comptroller John C. Liu warned that his office may reject future contracts with Hewlett-Packard (“HP,” NYSE: HPQ) if the company fails to reimburse taxpayers for the up to $163 million it owes the City. That bite would hurt HP: City agencies have spent almost a quarter-billion dollars on HP’s products and services over the past three years.

 

“Doing business with the City of New York is a privilege, not a lifetime guarantee,” Liu wrote. “Let’s be clear: HP is not the only vendor the City can use to purchase printers, laptops, and servers. It’s about time we teach companies that their attempts to cheat New York City taxpayers will have serious consequences.”

 

HP owes the City the money for overbilling as a contractor on NYC’s 911 call center project, known as the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP), which is nearly eight years behind schedule and more than $1 billion over budget. A May 2012 audit by the Comptroller’s office found that HP’s work on the 911 call center was so poorly monitored and rife with billing and other errors that Liu referred the matter to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for further review. A new three-month analysis Comptroller Liu’s Audit team conducted of HP’s time and material billings for May 2007, October 2008, and September 2010 found serious billing errors similar to those noted in the 2012 audit report, as well as further instances of improper practices.

 

Liu urged Bloomberg to sue HP to recover the taxpayer funds lost because of HP’s overbilling, and stated that the Comptroller’s Office “will carefully review any HP contract submitted to this office for registration for possible rejection under Section 328(c) of the City Charter on grounds of ‘possible corruption in the letting of the contract or that the proposed contractor is involved in corrupt activity.’”

Bloomberg’s office has repeatedly dismissed the audit’s findings as inaccurate, but its claims that the project came in under budget are false and misleading. The original scope of the call center contract always included a project known as PSAC 2, which later had to be contracted out separately, resulting in millions of dollars of added costs for the City.

“City Hall can’t turn back the clock and undo the gross mismanagement of this project, but it must pursue the consultant to refund our taxpayers for sham billings,” Liu said. “And both the Mayor’s office and the consultant must stop their duplicitous claims that the project came in under budget when in fact it was only half-completed.”

 

The City desperately needs the money to address next year’s budget challenges.

“Last year’s budget was balanced in large part because of the half-billion-dollar settlement with Science Applications International Corporation for its mismanagement and fraud connected with the CityTime project,” Liu wrote. “The nearly $163 million HP owes would help restore the 20 fire companies, more than 30,000 childcare slots, and nearly 1,000 school teachers that face elimination in the upcoming year’s budget.”

 

Background:

 

·         City agencies have spent an average of more than $80 million per year on HP products and services over the past three years.

 

Spending with Hewlett-Packard by City Agency Rank Agency Amount 1 Department of Information Tech & Telecom      --- $137,959,668 $137,959,668 2 Department of Education                                                ---   $54,127,203 $54,127,203 3 School Construction Authority                                  ---   $16,555,001 $16,555,001 4 Department of Health and Mental Hygiene       ---     $6,307,530 $6,307,530 5 Department of Social Services                                    ---     $5,724,500 $5,724,500 6 Department of Citywide Administrative Services - $4,890,044 $4,890,044 7 City University of New York                                      ---     $2,833,593 $2,833,593 8 Department of Environmental Protection          ---     $2,043,821 $2,043,821 9 Department of Homeless Services                        ---     $1,517,867 $1,517,867 10 Fire Department                                                               ---     $1,155,565 $1,155,565 All Other                                                                                                      ---     $7,448,741 $7,448,741 Total                                                                                                      ---  $240,563,534 $240,563,534 Data Source: CheckbookNYC.com spending data (1/1/2010 - 12/31/2012)

·         May, 30, 2012, audit report on HP 911 call center project expenditures: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2012/06-30-12_FM11-107A.shtm

_________________________

Text of the letter from Comptroller Liu to Mayor Bloomberg:

February 20, 2013

Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg 

Mayor               

The City of New York

City Hall

New York, N.Y. 10007

Re:   Hewlett-Packard’s Emergency Communications Transformation Program Overbilling

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

I write regarding our May 30, 2012 audit of Hewlett Packard’s wrongful overbilling of the City and deficient work on its System Integration Contract for the Emergency Communications Transformation Program (ECTP). As we found in our audit, HP used unscrupulous billing and other practices to inflate its charges to the City by up to $163 million. At the time, your spokesman dismissed those findings.

My audit staff recently uncovered new information about HP’s unscrupulous practices that could strengthen the City’s efforts to obtain the maximum recovery from HP. Our new three-month analysis of HP’s time and material billings for May 2007, October 2008, and September 2010 found serious billing errors similar to those noted in the 2012 audit report, as well as further instances of improper practices.

Our office met with the Law Department and apprised it of these findings, which underscore the fact that HP’s wrongful business practices pervaded its contract and reflect not merely gross error, but possibly willful misconduct.

I therefore strongly urge your office and the Corporation Counsel to intensify and accelerate the City’s efforts, through litigation and otherwise, to recover taxpayer funds lost as a result. The Law Department should immediately reflect the results of our post-audit review in its claims and potential litigation against HP, as well as the issues raised in the 2012 audit report. Prompt and aggressive action by the City is needed to recover all of the money HP owes the City and its taxpayers.

The City should immediately review all other agreements it may have or is considering with HP, because the facts call into serious question whether HP qualifies as a responsible vendor with the requisite integrity to receive taxpayer dollars. 

In this regard, please be advised that my office will carefully review any HP contract submitted to this office for registration for possible rejection under Section 328(c) of the City Charter on grounds of “possible corruption in the letting of the contract or that the proposed contractor is involved in corrupt activity.” Moreover, in light of our audit findings, this office intends to freeze future ECTP-related payments to HP.

We must not permit HP to exploit New York City’s taxpayers. Doing business with the City of New York is a privilege, not a lifetime guarantee. Let’s be clear: HP is not the only vendor the City can use to purchase printers, laptops, and servers. It’s about time we teach companies that their attempts to cheat New York City’s taxpayers will have serious consequences.

My audit staff remains available to provide the Law Department with support in our common efforts to substantiate the strongest possible case against HP in order to enable the maximum recovery for the City.  

As you well know, last year’s budget was balanced in large part because of the half-billion-dollar settlement with Science Applications International Corporation for its mismanagement and fraud connected with the CityTime project. The nearly $163 million HP owes would help restore the 20 fire companies, more than 30,000 childcare slots, and nearly 1,000 school teachers that face elimination in the upcoming year’s budget.

While we appreciate the actions your office has taken since to look into HP’s egregious conduct, the clock is ticking. Let’s join forces and work together to recoup these funds.

Sincerely,

John C. Liu

Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson Announces for 16th Council Seat

  In what may have been the worse kept secret this past month 77th A.D. Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson officially announced her intention to run for the soon to be term limited seat of Helen Diane Foster in the 16th City Council District. The announcement came with many Bronx elected officials (as you will see in the photos below), and even Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick who may be eyeing the position of city council speaker next year. 

  Deputy Borough President Aurelie Greene was the host of the Gibson for Council event, and it was then Assemblywoman Greene who gave Vanessa Gibson a job in her assembly office over ten years ago. Gibson later won election to the 77th A.D. in a special election when New Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. took Ms. Greene to be his Deputy Borough President. Diaz Jr. had only words of praise for the job of Assemblywoman Gibson, and said that she is good for the district, the Bronx , and will be for the city when she becomes a city council member. 

   Current 16th Councilwoman Helen Foster said to Assemblywoman Gibson that it is your time now, and that she (Foster) was passing the baton to Gibson. Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl E. Heastie, Congressman Jose Serrano, and other Bronx Assembly members said that they were sad to see Assemblywoman Gibson leave Albany, but that they knew she can do the job needed down at City Hall. It was a little strange to see Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick who had announced last year that he was going to run for City Comptroller only to pull out of the race when Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer announced that he was going to run for comptroller instead of mayor. It could be that Garodnick may attempt to become the next speaker of the council as the current speaker is term limited out next year.

 

Left - Assemblywoman Gibson poses with Congressman Jose Serrano before the event.

Right - A group photo of the elected officials.

Left - Current 16th Councilwoman Helen Diane Foster at the mike.

Right - Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl E. Hestie has words of praise for council candidate Gibson.

Lefy - Bronx Borought President Ruben Diaz Jr. speaks highly of Assemblywoman Gibson.

Right - It was Congressman Jose Serrano's turn.

 

Left - State Senator Gustavo Rivera had his turn.

Right - A shot from the back of the packed room as Manhattan Councilman Dan Garodnick winds up the list of elected officials. Assemblymen Dinowitz, Crespo, & Castro, and State Senator Serrano also spoke.

ARE WE ALONE? Month is Back!

SCIENCE CHANNEL JOINS THE SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE

THIS MARCH WITH ARE WE ALONE? MONTH

--World Premiere Episodes of Alien Encounters and Aliens: the Definitive Guide Air Tuesdays at 10 PM (ET/PT)--

(Silver Spring, Md.) — Science Channel’s ARE WE ALONE? month returns to viewers in March with a search for answers to bold new questions about mankind’s search for extraterrestrial life. Beginning Tuesday, March 5 at 10 PM (ET/PT), Science Channel renews its partnership with SETI Institute and is once again pushing the boundaries of the unknown. Four all-new, world premiere episodes feature leading scientists on the hunt for alien life forms that lie beyond Earth, examine the probable human response to actual aliens landing on Earth, and divulge fascinating new scientific discoveries about the existence of extraterrestrials.

“ARE WE ALONE? month was a big hit for Science Channel last March. We invited viewers to join the search for extraterrestrial life, and it’s clear that everyone enjoys programming of an alien kind,” said Debbie Adler Myers, executive vice president and general manager, Science Channel. “Especially the way our network approaches it–with a uniquely scientific perspective. This year, Science Channel has four world premieres that use stunning visuals, world-renowned experts and enthralling storytelling that help us to once again own the alien category.”

Last year in the two-part special ALIEN ENCOUNTERS, distinguished scientists examined how extraterrestrials might communicate with Earth and discussed the ramifications. Now, the aliens have answered humanity’s call and after travelling billions of miles they’ve landed on our planet in all-new, world premiere episodes of ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: THE INVASION on Tuesday, March 5 at 10 PM (ET/PT) and ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: THE OFFSPRING on Tuesday, March 12 at 10 PM (ET/PT).

Science is constantly looking for evidence of life in outer space. In the world premiere of Aliens: the Definitive Guide on Tuesday, March 19 at 10 PM (ET/PT) and Tuesday, March 26 at 10 PM (ET/PT), viewers trek to stunning, remote locations on Earth and throughout the galaxy to gain a better understanding of what mankind currently knows about life beyond our planet including on Earth-like exoplanets.

Along with Science Channel’s unique brand of programming, ScienceChannel.com and SETI Institute are once again joining forces to offer a unique digital component which will enhance the ARE WE ALONE? viewing experience and take the search for extra-terrestrial life to citizen scientists everywhere.

During ARE WE ALONE? month Science Channel will also air premiere NASA’S MISSION TO MARS on Tuesday, March 19 at 9 PM (ET/PT). This in-depth special reveals the science behind Curiosity – NASA’s largest and most powerful rover ever – and its exceptional journey to the red planet. TRANSIT OF VENUS, premiering Tuesday, March 26 at 9 PM (ET/PT) on Science Channel, brings a unique, fresh perspective to the rare astronomical event that occurred on June 5, 2012, when Venus passed directly between the Earth and the Sun.

ALIEN ENCOUNTERS is produced for Science Channel by Karga Seven Pictures. For Karga Seven Pictures, the executive producers are Emre Sahin, Kelly McPherson and Sarah Wetherbee, with co-executive producer Avigail Schotz. Aliens: the Definitive Guide is produced by Arrow Media and Handel Productions. For Arrow Media, Tom Brisley is executive producer, Mike Davis is director and Lucy van Beek is series producer. For Handel Productions, Alan Handel is executive producer and André Barro is producer. Debbie Adler Myers is the executive vice president and general manager of Science Channel, and Bernadette McDaid is vice president of production. Executive Producers for Science Channel are Rocky Collins and Neil Laird, Kaitlin McIntyre is a producer and Katie Pyne is an associate producer.

ARE WE ALONE? EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS:

**All Times ET/PT**

ALIEN ENCOUNTERS

The Invasion World Premieres Tuesday, March 5 at 10 PM

The Offspring World Premieres Tuesday, March 12 at 10 PM

These two episodes of ALIEN ENCOUNTERS begin where last year’s two episodes left off. A swarm of alien spacecraft hover in the Earth’s atmosphere and suddenly deposit thousands of mysterious capsules on the surface. As the mother ship floats, ominously silent, in Earth’s orbit the capsules begin to split and multiply as humans scramble to brace for the unknown. How will mankind respond to the extraterrestrial presence? Will humans panic or show restraint? How will humans understand the aliens’ motives if there is no common language or technology? What happens when mankind sends an ambassador rover to the mother ship? Using cutting-edge science and dramatic science fiction, ALIEN ENCOUNTERS examines these exciting questions and more.

ALIENS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE

Episode One World Premieres Tuesday, March 19 at 10 PM

Episode Two World Premieres Tuesday, March 26 at 10 PM

This all-new special is an “Encyclopedia Galactica” of non-Earth life forms, and an investigation into the latest scientific understanding of life beyond planet Earth. ALIENS: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE showcases the brilliant scientists who are currently grappling with extraordinary questions about alien life including: what will aliens really look like; how will they sound; what might their worlds look like; and, of course, will they come in peace. This two-part special takes viewers to stunning, remote locations on Earth as well as elsewhere in the universe.

 

Wave Hill Events March 8–March 15

A new group of artists have settled in in Glyndor Gallery for our residency program. I’ve had a chance to peek in to get a sense of the subject and process of each artist, usually or my way in or out for a stroll through the gardens. All the artists’ workshops are full, but we are accommodating drop-ins at these free events, where space permits. But two upcoming events that you can reserve space in are the hike along the Palisades and our third and final horticultural lecture. Both happen to be offsite, one in New Jersey, and one on the upper east side. Get all the details below!

Just a reminder that our hours change on March 15: Starting that Friday, we are open until 5:30pm, taking advantage of the increasingly long, lovely days of spring.

SAT, MARCH 9   FAMILY ART PROJECT—STYLISH SEED POTS

Stylish Seed Pots/Diseños, semillas y macetas

Be inspired by colorful and varied mosaics from many cultures, and invent patterns of your own. Then, take an ordinary terra cotta pot and embellish it with stones, beads and ceramic tiles. Add a precious seed and plant it in your new pot. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 9    WINTER WORKSPACE: BUILDING VERTICAL GARDENS—COLLABORATIVE DRAWING   FULL

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Naomi Reis’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Participants will visit the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory and look at images of existing vertical gardens, to gain inspiration for creating a collaborative “vertical garden” made up of drawings and paintings on Mylar. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

SAT, MARCH 9    WINTER WORKSPACE: COLOR MIXING AND INTERACTION IN PAINTING   FULL

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Francisco Donoso’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Donoso leads a short discussion on the mixing, interaction and basic properties of color. Participants will use this knowledge to create their own vibrant paintings inspired by the gardens. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. This program also takes place on March 17.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 1–4PM

SUN, MARCH 10    BIRDING AT WAVE HILL

Expert birder, naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow leads these regular Sunday walks. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission. 

MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, MARCH 10    FAMILY ART PROJECT—STYLISH SEED POTS

Stylish Seed Pots/Diseños, semillas y macetas

Be inspired by colorful and varied mosaics from many cultures, and invent patterns of your own. Then, take an ordinary terra cotta pot and embellish it with stones, beads and ceramic tiles. Add a precious seed and plant it in your new pot. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 10    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, MARCH 11

Closed to the public.

MON, MARCH 11    HISTORY HIKE: MILLIONAIRES’ ROW ON THE PALISADES

Explore the cliffs along the Palisades. Once known as “Millionaires’ Row”, the tumbled remains of a dozen or so estates line a lonely precipice more than 400 feet above the Hudson River. Historic Interpreter Eric Nelsen and Trail Crew Supervisor and Educator Christina Fehre of the Palisades Interstate Park–NJ Section recount the fascinating cultural history of the Palisades and the wealthy families that left behind their stately manor homes and ornate gardens, now almost reclaimed by the forest. $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Transportation provided from Wave Hill. Space is limited.

MEET AT VISITORS PARKING LOT, 12:30−3:30PM

TUE, MARCH 12    WINTER WORKSPACE: PORTRAIT OF A LANDSCAPE—SCULPTING IMAGINERY PLANTS   FULL

Visitors gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Lina Puerta’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. The artist demonstrates how she creates images of the environment using natural materials such as mud and beeswax sourced from the site. Using these techniques, participants will make their own drawings of the local landscape. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, so registration is recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.  Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

WED, MARCH 13    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #3―JASON ESLAMIEH: BOSWELLIAS OF THE WORLD

Wave Hill Horticultural Lectures are devoted to landscape design and the meaning of our interactions with plants and the natural world. This year’s distinguished lecturers offer a walk down memory lane. But these presentations are not simply an indulgence in nostalgia, because the past strongly informs the present in the three subjects we address. After a quarter of a century practicing architecture, Jason Eslamieh has established a research nursery in Tempe, Arizona, to pursue a 20-year passion for studying, and writing about, three genera of the Burseraceae family. The first was the subject of his 2011 publication Cultivation of Boswellia, better known to many of us as frankincense. A second volume, on the genus Bursera, is on the way. His March lecture illuminates the diversity and habitat of Boswellia, outlines its venerable history and speculates about its future. The second in this series takes place February 27 Individual lectures: $20 Member, Student/$25 General. Reservations recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or by calling 718.549.3200 x216. This is the final lecture on the 2013 series.

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 170 EAST 70TH STREET, MANHATTAN, 6PM

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 all day Tuesdays in March. 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/.

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

 

 

State of The Borough Photos

Below are a few of the photos taken at the State of the Borough Speech by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Left - 11th City Council District candidate Andrew Cohen sitting next to Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie before the BP's State of the Borough address. Could Mr. Cohen be asking when Chairman Heastie will be endorsing his candidacy?

Right - State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Councilwoman Mellisa Mark-Vittero chew the fat with Congressman Jose Serrano.

Left - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. with recently elected Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj who Diaz Sr. supported, and on the left of Diaz Sr. is his candidate in the 15th City Council race Mr. Joel Bauza. 

Right - Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. giving the Invocation.

Left - The front row of elected officials. Closet are the four other borough Presidents, State Senate Co-Leader Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Heastie, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, City Comptroller John Liu, Public Advocate Bill deBlasio, and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli rounds out the front row. Deblasio, Liu, and Quinn are also candidates for mayor on the Democrat line, seated a row back out of the photo is former City Comptroller Bill Thompson, and just out of the picture in the second next to Bronx DA Robert Johnson is former Bronx BP Carrion a candidate for mayor on the Republican line currently.

Right - After Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. finishes all stand to applaud him.

Benjamin Franklin Democratic Club Meeting

MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 7 pm

At the Clubhouse

304 West 231th Street

AGENDA

1. President’s Report 
2. Guest Speaker

 

Bill Samuels, Founder

The New Roosevelt Initiative

 “An Innovative Proposal for         

State Election Campaign Finance”

  

3. Elected Officials’ Reports 
4. New Business

 

Benjamin Franklin Democratic Club
304 West 231st Street
Bronx, New York 10463
(718) 796-6177      www.bfrdc.org
benfranklinclub@gmail.com