James V. Downey Way

  Mosholu Avenue between West 254th & West 255th Street today officially became James V. Downey Way. This stretch of Mosholu Avenue in front of Sid Augarten Field where children play baseball was a significant part of the North Riverdale Baseball League and was very important to the man who helped make it happen, Mr. James V. Downey. Downey was also involved in his church St. Margret's of Cortona, and the Knights of Columbus Pro-Patria Council. Those three organizations and a slew of others requested the street renaming in 2012, three years after Mr. Downey passed away due to loosing his battle with cancer. 

   Community Board 8 voted for the street renaming in September of 2012, and it was off to the city council where Councilman Oliver Koppell guided the street renaming through. Below are some photos.

 

Left - Mr. Jerry Woods gives the introduction.

Right - Councilman Oliver Koppell says a few words. On the pole under the Mosholu Avenue sign you can see another sign awaiting to be uncovered.

 

Left - James V. Downey Way is unwrapped as cheers are heard from the almost 200 people in attendance.

Right - In a traditional Irish ceremony a lone bagpiper plays.

Animal Planet's Finding Bigfoot experts will be at NYCC on Saturday, Oct. 12

Ever had a Bigfoot sighting? Curious about the best place to hunt for a Sasquatch? Want to be the first to know about the latest evidence?

 Now is your chance to sit down with experts!

FINDING BIGFOOT PANEL

Animal Planet’s hit series FINDING BIGFOOT returns with all-new episodes this fall, and the intrepid cast of investigators – Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO) president Matt Moneymaker, researchers James “Bobo” Fay and Cliff Barackman, and skeptical scientist Ranae Holland – are traveling across America and around the globe in their search for the elusive creature. But before they hit the woods, they’ll take to the NYCC stage on Saturday, October 12 at 7:45pm. Moderated by executive producer and FINDING BIGFOOT: UNTOLD STORIES host Keith Hoffman, the cast will discuss investigations in greater detail, answer fan-submitted questions and preview footage from the upcoming season. Find out how the  team films at night without scaring a sasquatch, or what the cast believes is its most compelling evidence to date?

 

 

Bill deBlasio now leads by 50 points over Joe Lhota

   Normally the early polls will show candidates who wind up winning not the front runner. Such was the case for Democratic candidate Bill deBlasio who was running second or third in the early polls. As the campaign wore on second place poll choice Anthony Weiner dropped down and Bill deBlasio became the number two choice for Democrats. As primary day came closer there seemed to be a backlash against current Mayor Michael Bloomberg that at the time front runner Christine Quinn could not separate herself from, and Quinn wound up coming in third to deBlasio when the votes were counted. Bill Thompson ran a good race, but while at times he was almost even in the polls with deBlasio he could not pass deBlasio winding up second in a decisive election that did not need a run off to determine a winner.

  Coming back to the November Mayors race, with the results of the first poll showing Joe Lhota trailing by 40%, the second poll now shows that Lhota is trailing by 50%. In breaking down the areas of voters the closest Lhota comes to deBlasio is with white voters where deBlasio leads by only 15%. The only area where Lhota leads is with Republican voters who are outnumbered now almost 8 to 1 by Democrats. Better than 75% of those polled said that they would not switch candidates either. One interesting breakdown is that under both deBlasio and Lhota those polled thought that taxes would rise the same under either candidate. 

  So why is Lhota so far behind? Lhota's comments are what gets him in trouble. Such as the kittens that were stranded on train tracks tying up service for hours in Queens, Lhota's comment was that he would have had the trains running "Cats or no Cats". Lhota is not liked on Republican strong hold Staten Island since he raised the fare on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Lhota also raised the subway fare and some say due to his mismanagement as head of the MTA. Lhota is also seen as a bully in this election with his rants of deBlasio's past, and lack of past leadership. DeBlasio on the other hand is coming off as the darling of the people trying to help improve what Mayor Bloomberg would or did not do. 

  Can Joe Lhota make up 50% in the upcoming four weeks, I don't think so. Look for this to be a Democratic landslide for mayor. Forget about Adolpho Carrion stealing votes from deBlasio as the margin will be twenty times or more than any votes Carrion will get.

 

Bronx Borough President invites you to the Italian-American Heritage Celebration

FUNimation/Hero Complex NYCC Exclusive Screenings

To celebrate Comic Con weekend in New York, FUNIMATION & Hero Complex invite convention attendees to explore the very best from world of Japanese animation with 2 exclusive screenings. Seating is extremely limited to these events and is based on first come first served.

“Wolf Children” won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Animation Film of the Year, the equivalent of the American Academy Award. It joins a list of other prestigious films like Hayao Miyazaki’s “Ponyo” and “The Secret World of Arrietty,” as well as director Mamoru Hosoda’s other films: “The Girl Who Leapt

Through Time”

FREE SCREENING

WOLF CHILDREN

Saturday, 10/12

6:30pm

AMC Empire 25

“Akira” is regarded as one of the greatest animated movies of all time. “Akira” obliterated the boundaries of Japanese animation and created space for movies like the “The Matrix” to be dreamed into brutal reality. FUNIMATION is pleased to offer Hero Complex readers and new fans a chance to see this landmark cyberpunk classic back on the big screen.

FREE  SCREENING

AKIRA

25th Anniversary Screening

Saturday, 10/12

9:00pm

AMC Empire 25

NYCC: Dark Horse Announces New York Comic-Con 2013 Schedule

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES

NEW YORK COMIC-CON 2013 SCHEDULE!

It's here! New York Comic-Con 2013 is upon us, and Dark Horse Comics is delivering a full slate of signings from your favorite creators! 

SIGNINGS IN DARK HORSE BOOTH #1636 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

3:30 p.m. ELFQUEST: Richard and Wendy Pini

5:00 p.m. HALO: Frank O’Connor, Christopher Schlerf

6:00 p.m. MASS EFFECT: Mac Walters

7:00 p.m. EVE ONLINE: B. Börkur Eiríksson

8:00 p.m. Tommy Lee Edwards: Project TBA

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

10:00 a.m. SCIENCE FICTION COMICS: Ron Randall (Trekker), Michael Dialynas (Amala’s Blade), Ulises Farinas and Erick Freitas (Gamma)

11:00 a.m. MASS EFFECT: Mac Walters

12:00 p.m. THE FIFTH BEATLE: Vivek J. Tiwary, Andrew C. Robinson

1:00 p.m. NEW SUPERHEROES FROM GREAT CREATORS: Mike Norton and Dennis Hopeless (The Answer!), Bryan J. L. Glass (Furious), Donny Cates (Buzzkill, Hunter Quaid), Eliot Rahal (Hunter Quaid)

2:00 p.m. HORROR COMICS: Alex de Campi (Grindhouse, Smoke/Ashes), Chris Peterson (Grindhouse), Tim Seeley (Ex Sanguine), Tom Mandrake (To Hell You Ride), Jonathan Maberry (Project TBA)

3:00 p.m. HUSBANDS: Brad Bell, Jane Espenson, Sean Hemeon

4:00 p.m. ELFQUEST: Richard and Wendy Pini

4:00 p.m. CONAN, STAR WARS, THE MASSIVE: Brian Wood

5:00 p.m. THE STAR WARS, STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI: Jonathan Rinzler, Jan Duursema

6:00 p.m. DARK HORSE SUPERHEROES: Frank Barbiere (Blackout), Joshua Hale Fialkov (Skyman), Fred Van Lente and Freddie Williams II (Brain Boy), Josh Williamson (Captain Midnight)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

10:00 a.m. LONE WOLF & CUB: Kazuo Koike (Courtesy of Wikia: Masters of Animanga)

11:00 a.m. THE SHAOLIN COWBOY: Geof Darrow

12:00 p.m. WHEDONVERSE COMICS: Dan Dos Santos, Jane Espenson, Scott Fischer, Victor Gischler, Rebekah Isaacs, Georges Jeanty, Steve Morris (Angel & Faith, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity)

1:00 p.m. GRENDEL 30^TH ANNIVERSARY: Matt Wagner

1:00 p.m. Greg Rucka:  Project TBA

1:00 p.m. BUZZKILL:  Donny Cates, Geoff Shaw

2:00 p.m. THE LEGEND OF KORRA: Bryan Konietzko, Joaquim Dos Santos, P.J. Byrne (voice actor for Bolin)

*Ticketed event. Come to the Dark Horse booth when NYCC opens on Friday and Saturday mornings for the chance to draw a signing ticket while supplies last.

3:30 p.m. THE TRUE LIVES OF THE FABULOUS KILLJOYS: Becky Cloonan, Shaun Simon

4:30 p.m. HORROR COMICS: Victor Gischler (Kiss Me, Satan!, Clown Fatale), James Harren (Abe Sapien, B.P.R.D.), Cameron Stewart (Sin Titulo, B.P.R.D.), Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden)

5:30 p.m. THE MASSIVE: Brian Wood, Garry Brown

5:30 p.m. MIND MGMT: Matt Kindt

6:30 p.m. ELFQUEST: Richard and Wendy Pini

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

10:00 a.m. BLOODHOUND: Dan Jolley, Robin Riggs

10:00 a.m. THE WHITE SUITS: Frank Barbiere, Toby Cypress

10:00 a.m. AMALA'S BLADE:  Michael Dialynas

11:00 a.m. ITTY BITTY HELLBOY: Art Baltazar, Franco

12:00 p.m. MASS EFFECT: Mac Walters

12:00 p.m. Tommy Lee Edwards: Project TBA

12:00 p.m. S.H.O.O.T. FIRST: Justin Aclin, Nicolás Daniel Selma

1:00 p.m. ELFQUEST: Richard and Wendy Pini

2:00 p.m. MONSTERS! & OTHER STORIES: Gustavo Duarte

2:00 p.m. HALLOWEEN LEGION: Diana Leto

3:00 p.m. STAR WARS: SHADOWS OF ENDOR: Zack Giallongo

DARK HORSE / PARTNER PANELS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m. Rewriting the Classics: Modern Sci-Fi in Comics!, 1A10

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Drawing on Your Nightmares: Dark Horse Horror, 1A22

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Comics and Hollywood: What Creators Need to Know, 1A08

12:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Editors on Editing, 1A08

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Full-Color Fantasy: Fantasy Comics Past, Present, and Future!, 1A14

5:15 p.m.–6:15 p.m. Wikia [Live] Presents: Learn from the Animanga Masters,  1A14

6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Whedonversity: A Look at the Future of Buffy and Serenity in Comics!, 1A06

6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Spotlight on The Fifth Beatle: The Story of Brian Epstein Story, 1A01

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Breaking into Comics Right Now, 1A01

Jacobi and NCBH Offering More Therapy Dog Classes

 

Program Offers Dog Training at No Cost to Owners

   It’s been said that dogs are man’s best friend. And hospital patients always benefit from a friend’s visit. For many patients at Jacobi Medical Center (Jacobi) and North Central Bronx Hospital (NCBH), that friend comes in the form of a furry, four-legged tail-wagger. In its ongoing effort to provide a world-class experience for its patients, both Jacobi Medical Center (Jacobi) and North Central Bronx Hospital (NCBH) announce new therapy dog training classes for people with dogs who want to join the D.O.C. (Dogs on Call) program.

D.O.C. began in 2011 at the two hospitals, and has received an enthusiastic response from patients and staff, is continuing to attract dog owners and their pets dedicated to providing therapy to patients on a regular basis. These teams of trained dog and owner visit inpatient divisions in each hospital, spending time with patients who need a little companionship. The visits improve patients’ morale and research shows that visits of therapy dogs significantly reduces stress and anxiety.

Lana Wechsler worked to establish D.O.C. at Jacobi and NCBH after starting a similar program at Cornell Medical Center. “When I had my own personal tragedy, my dog Jasper made me go outside and interact with the world,” said Ms. Wechsler. “So I know these visits can go a long  way in encouraging patients, while also adding a little bit of home to their hospital stays.”

Each therapy dog owner-volunteer has a personal story of a patient who was profoundly moved by their visit. There was the day that Elvis, a West Highlight Terrier, visited Jacobi’s rehabilitation floor and met a patient with two broken legs. As Elvis walked up to her bed, she leaned over and picked him up. Holding the little dog in her arms, she began to weep from happiness, saying that Elvis reminded her of her own dog that she would soon see when she returned home.

In order to enter the program, owners and their dogs must participate in an evaluation on the evenings of October 8 and October 15. Once a dog has passed the evaluation, the animal and its owner will participate in a training course of five weekly classes on Tuesdays, from October 22 to November 19, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The course, which leads to certification, is valued at $200 and will take place at Jacobi Medical Center in Building 4 in the Penthouse (PH). Once a dog is certified, each volunteer team is asked to visit the hospital twice a month for at least one hour.

Those with additional questions are encouraged to contact the Public Affairs Department at (718) 918-3827. 

Wave Hill Events October 18–October 25

SAT, OCTOBER 19    TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, 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. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: $23/$15 Wave Hill Member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, OCTOBER 19    FAMILY ART PROJECT: EMBOSSED AND BEDAZZLED EMBLEMS

What is the first letter of your first name? Have you ever wanted to see it shine? Now is your chance to turn it into an emblem as we make our projects shimmer and shine, inspired by former Wave Hill resident Bashford Dean’s armor. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 19    WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK

Discover the fascinating history of Wave Hill’s architecture and landscape on a walk with a Garden Guide. This season, tours focus on Wave Hill House, recently reopened after a two-year renovation. Hear about the people who once resided in this splendid Hudson River mansion, among them Mark Twain, Arturo Toscanini, Bashford Dean and Theodore Roosevelt.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, OCTOBER 19    ARTISTS’ TALK

The curators of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition, Tandem Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology, lead a gallery talk with exhibition artists, who share the concepts behind their work, as well as their research about fish and/or armor. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, OCTOBER 20    EARLY MORNING MEMBERS’ BIRD WALK

Just for members! Enjoy special access to the grounds on quiet autumn mornings before we open to the public. Naturalist Gabriel Willow leads this early morning bird walk. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Although this event is free for Wave Hill Members, registration is required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT WAVE HILL FRONT GATE, 8AM

SUN, OCTOBER 20    FAMILY ART PROJECT: EMBOSSED AND BEDAZZLED EMBLEMS

What is the first letter of your first name? Have you ever wanted to see it shine? Now is your chance to turn it into an emblem as we make our projects shimmer and shine, inspired by former Wave Hill resident Bashford Dean’s armor. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 20    HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, your breath and your mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, 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 only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, OCTOBER 20    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. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. All levels welcome. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM..
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, OCTOBER 20    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

SUN, OCTOBER 20    COOKING DEMO: A FRIEND IN MEAD

Long associated with the Middle Ages, mead is making a comeback with artisanal “meaderies” cropping up from coast to coast. Channel your inner knight and join local beekeeper and mead-maker Roger Repohl as he extols the virtues of this ancient alcoholic libation made from honey. Sample robust recipes made with mead with a chef from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances—armor optional. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

MON, OCTOBER 21

Closed to the public.

TUE, OCTOBER 22    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, OCTOBER 22    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition, Tandem Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology, which celebrates the interests of former Wave Hill House resident Bashford Dean. Dean was Curator of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Curator of Fish at the American Museum of Natural History. The intersection of his interest in both fish and armor provides the opportunity to bring together a remarkable group of contemporary art that explores concepts of adaptation, pattern, and protection. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

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—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon on Tuesdays in October. 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 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.

MTV'S HIT DRAMA "TEEN WOLF" RETURNS TO NEW YORK COMIC-CON

o Rayna, Lameka

MTV’S HIT DRAMA “TEEN WOLF” RETURNS TO NEW YORK COMIC-CON WITH A PANEL FEATURING
DYLAN O’BRIEN, HIS ON-SCREEN DAD LINDEN ASHBY AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JEFF DAVIS 

 

 MTV's "Teen Wolf" will make its second appearance at New York Comic-Con on Saturday, October 12, with a panel featuring Executive Producer Jeff Davis and on-screen son and father duo Stiles and Stilinski played by Dylan O’Brien and Linden Ashby, respectively.  The hour-long panel session moderated by TV Guide Magazine Senior Writer, Damian Holbrook, will give exclusive details on what twists and turns fans can look forward to when the winter season premieres on Monday, January 6 at 10:00p.m. ET/PT with 12 all-new episodes. Fans attending the panel will also get a sneak peek at never-before-seen content that will be featured in the second half of “Teen Wolf” season three. 

 

MTV’S COMPLETE NEW YORK COMIC-CON 2013 SCHEDULE

 

Panel
1:30—2:30 p.m.  
Theater ID

 

 

WWE STUDIOS PRESENTS HALLOWEEN HORROR AT NY COMIC CON OCTOBER 13TH

WWE STUDIOS PRESENTS HALLOWEEN HORROR 

AT NEW YORK COMIC CON ON OCTOBER 13TH
See what WWE STUDIOS is brewing this HALLOWEEN season! Join the twisted twin directors of SEE NO EVIL 2, the Soska Sisters (AMERICAN MARY), with their latest on-screen psychopath WWE® Superstar Kane®.  They will be joined by director and VFX guru, Zach Lipovsky (TASMANIAN DEVILS), and his own silver-screen monster of yore, WWE Superstar Hornswoggle® for their new film, LEPRECHAUN: ORIGINS. Michael Gingold, Managing Editor of FANGORIA will moderate the panel. 

The Panel will be held from 1:30pm-2:30pm in room 1A23

Science Channel, Animal Planet and Destination America -2013 New York Comic Con Panels

                                               

SCIENCE CHANNEL, ANIMAL PLANET AND DESTINATION AMERICA RULE THE 2013 NEW YORK COMIC CON UNIVERSE

WITH FIVE OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD PANELS

-- Science Channel Shines With Three Panels Including: PUNKIN CHUNKIN featuring THE MYTHBUSTERS; FUTURESCAPE WITH JAMES WOODS; and ODDITIES ----

-- Animal Planet Presents Blockbuster Show FINDING BIGFOOT and

Films a Special Episode in Front of a Live Audience --

-- Destination America’s Band of Hardcore West Virginians Invades New York

With Their Breakout Hit MOUNTAIN MONSTERS —

TWITTER: @ScienceChannel

TWITTER: @AnimalPlanet

TWITTER: @DestAmerica

(NEW YORK)—Science Channel, Animal Planet and Destination America today announced they will descend upon the east coast’s ultimate comics and pop culture convention with five exclusive all-star panels at this year’s New York Comic Con (NYCC), taking place on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12. 

Science Channel leads the network pack with three mind-blowing presentations during the East Coast’s four-day bonanza. Headlined by a star-studded lineup, Science Channel will present: A Punkin Chunkin Extravaganza hosted by Discovery Channel’s MYTHBUSTERS;  Academy-Award nominee James Woods will premiere exclusive footage from his new series FUTURESCAPE; and ODDITIES, local favorites and masters of the macabre, will shock audiences with a show-and-tell session that NYCC won’t soon forget.

Animal Planet returns to NYCC with fan-favorite FINDING BIGFOOT, this time turning the cameras on the convention-goers themselves in a special episode filmed in front of the live audience, while NYCC newcomer Destination America presents their monstrous sensation MOUNTAIN MONSTERS to the Comic Con audience for the very first time.

“This is going to be our biggest and best show yet,” said Lance Fensterman, global vice president  of ReedPOP. “We’ve got out of this world talent and Science Channel, Animal Planet, and Destination America are adding to the mix to help make this the one not-to-miss event of the year.”

On Saturday October 12, Science Channel gives a double-dose of entertainment with two brand new panels.  Discovery Channel’s MYTHBUSTERS present A PUNKIN CHUNKIN EXTRAVAGANA.  For 25 years, the World Championship Punkin Chunkin backyard engineers have been launching pumpkins high into the skies above Bridgeville, Del. For the fifth consecutive year in Science Channel returns to the pumpkin paradise November 1- 3 to catch every far-flinging, high-flying moment for the network’s annual Thanksgiving Day special PUNKIN CHUNKIN. From air cannons and catapults to torsion machines and the ever-mighty trebuchet, join hosts Grant Imahara, Tory Bellecci and Kari Byron as they demonstrate these unbelievable, home-engineered machines! The team will share behind-the-scenes footage from past Chunks and reveal what’s on the horizon for those who seek the 2013 Punkin Chunkin title.

THE MYTHBUSTERS Present A PUNKIN CHUNKIN EXTRAVAGANZA

Date: 10/12/2013

Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Location: 1A22

Also on Saturday, October 12, prepare to glimpse into the future of life on Earth. Join Academy Award-nominee James Woods on a Tech Road Show from the Future, as he presents never-before-seen footage of the new Science Channel series FUTURESCAPE,  premiering on November 19 at 10PM ET/PT. He leads this panel with the most notable rock stars of the gadget world as they unveil the latest and greatest in the world of technology. Clips will take fans on a journey to reveal world-changing breakthroughs and their implications for the future, including demonstrations of synthetic biology, predictive analytics, habitable planets, and nano technology. What’s happening in these game-changing fields? What does it mean for us? Woods will ask the big questions, ignite debate and reveal a stunning image of the future.

FUTURESCAPE With James Woods: Tech Toys From The Future

Date: 10/12/2013

Time: 5:15 PM - 6:15 PM

Location: 1A14

Animal Planet’s hit series FINDING BIGFOOT returns with all-new episodes this fall, and the intrepid cast of investigators – Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO) president Matt Moneymaker, researchers James “Bobo” Fay and Cliff Barackman, and skeptical scientist Ranae Holland – are traveling across America and around the globe in their search for the elusive creature. But before they hit the woods, they’ll take to the NYCC stage on Saturday, October 12. Moderated by executive producer and FINDING BIGFOOT: UNTOLD STORIES host Keith Hoffman, the cast will discuss investigations in greater detail, answer fan-submitted questions and preview footage from the upcoming season. Find out how the  team films at night without scaring a sasquatch, or what the cast believes is its most compelling evidence to date?

Animal Planet Presents FINDING BIGFOOT

Date: 10/12/2013

Time: 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM

Location: 1A14

On Friday, October 11, join New York’s fan favorites and purveyors of the peculiar – Evan Michelson, Mike Zohn, and Ryan Matthews – from Science Channel’s hit series ODDITIES as they return to NYCC to appraise some of their most macabre, bizarre and obscure items. They will open the doors of their famed East Village shop, Obscura Antiques and Oddities, to the NYCC audience, and interact with fans to talk about what’s in store for their new season.

ODDITIES Antique Road Show Presented by Science Channel

Date: 10/11/2013

Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: 1A22

Also on Friday, October 11, Destination America presents its breakout hit series MOUNTAIN MONSTERS. Devil Dog, Wampus Beast, Mothman, Lizard Demon – for generations, these mysterious monsters have spawned countless sightings in the Appalachian Mountains. Now, a band of hardcore hunters and trappers native to West Virginia and known as The Appalachian Investigators of Mysterious Sightings (AIMS) is attempting to identify and snare these shadowy figures to help local mountain communities rest more easily when night falls and nature comes out to play. AIMS members John “Trapper” Tice, Jake “Buck” Lowe, and Bill “Wild Bill” Neff unleash authentic artifacts from their hunts and never-before-seen footage exclusive to Comic Con fans. Door prizes and plenty of surprises await to transport fans into the thick of this timeless battle between monster and man.

MOUNTAIN MONSTERS Presented by Destination America

Date: 10/11/2013

Time: 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM

Location: 1A14

For more information on the shows featured in this year’s NYCC lineup, please visit: SCIENCECHANNEL.com, ANIMALPLANET.com and DESTINATIONAMERICA.com. More information about New York Comic Con is available online at http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/

DAY-BY-DAY PANELS AT NEW YORK COMIC CON 2013

FRIDAY OCTOBER 11 ODDITIES Antique Road Show Presented by Science Channel

Date: 10/11/2013

Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: 1A22

MOUNTAIN MONSTERS Presented by Destination America

Date: 10/11/2013

Time: 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM

Location: 1A14

SATURDAY OCTOBER 12

THE MYTHBUSTERS Present A PUNKIN CHUNKIN EXTRAVAGANZA

Date: 10/12/2013

Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Location: 1A22

FUTURESCAPE With James Woods: Tech Toys From The Future

Date: 10/12/2013

Time: 5:15 PM - 6:15 PM

Location: 1A14

Animal Planet Presents FINDING BIGFOOT

Date: 10/12/2013

Time: 7:45 PM - 8:45 PM

Location: 1A14

International Music Fest! This Sunday, Oct. 6th

Friends of VCP's October 2013

Upcoming Events

Get Active Hiking Series in VCP
Join us on the First Saturday of Each Month at 10am for a hike in Van Cortlandt Park.  Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water and a snack for the hike.

October 5th, meet at Woodlawn Playground (VCP East & Kepler Ave.):  Family friendly leisurely hike in the Northeast Wood.  Hike will last 60-90 minutes.  Appropriate for young and old.

November 2nd, meet at the Friends Compost & Garden Site (enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave):  An introductory hike of 2-3 hours in the Northwest Woods.

December 7th at 10am, meet at the last stop of the 1 train: Our longest hike- a 3-4 hour hike to see all Seven Wonders of Van Cortlandt Park.

Northeast Forest Volunteer Day
Saturday October 5^th meeting at 10am
Join us as we continue our forest restoration efforts in the Northeast Woods of VCP.  Volunteers are needed to remove invasive plants and plant native trees and shrubs.  Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground, located near Van Cortlandt Park East and Kepler Ave.

Volunteer Trails Restoration Crew
Second Saturdays of the Month

from September to December 2013 from 10am to 3pm
Want to develop useful skills, while making a significant contribution to the future of Van Cortlandt Park and the Bronx Community?  Crew Members will work alongside trails professionals, developing skills in various areas of trail construction while improving the various trails in Van Cortlandt Park.  Projects include building boardwalks, clearing waterbars and drainage swells and installing drainage dips.  No prior trails experience is necessary but encouraged; all training will be offered in an on-the-job format.  All volunteers must register online by the first Friday of each month.

It’s My Park Day: John Kieran Trail
Saturday October 19^th, meeting at 10am
Join us for this citywide month of giving back to your local parks.  Volunteers are needed to remove invasive plants and help plant native trees and shrubs as the Friends continue our efforts on the John Kieran Trail.  Meet at 242^nd Street and Broadway- just inside the Park near the last stop of 1 train.