Ice Skating Back Soon at VCP

 

  The above two photos are from last year when the Van Cortlandt Park temporary ice skating rink was set up. Mr. Ron Kraut of Ice Rink Events is the person in the photos. On the left he is lacing up a  pair of ice skates, and then on the right he is taking a spin on the newly formed ice.

   Last year the ice was not as firm as it could be with warm weather and the crowd of people using the ice skating rink. At times the rink had to be shut down to refinish the ice with the Zamboni machine. This year a sand base was placed under the rink foundation so the ice could freeze faster and last longer. 

   As you will see in the photos below the ice skating rink is almost ready for its grand opening. The "Chillers" are back and being placed inside as the rink that has been set back up. The only thing missing is the ice and the advertisements that will be placed on the sidewalls of the rink.

 

Klein, Dinowitz Announce New Legislation Aimed at Cracking Down on Black Market for Stolen iPhones

 

Amid Rising Numbers of iPhone Thefts Citywide, Klein/Dinowitz Bill Takes Aim at Distribution Network for Stolen Smartphones

 

   From the scene of the April 2012 murder and robbery of Hwang Yang. Yang, who was killed on his way home by two assailants who wanted to steal Yang’s iPhone Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein  and Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, Chair of the Assembly’s Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee, introduced new legislation today aimed at stemming the tide of iPhone thefts across New York City. Over the past several years, iPhone thefts in New York City have soared. Current NYPD statistics show that Apple device thefts are up 10% this year—and with the September release of the new, technologically advanced iPhone 5S, some experts are predicting an even greater increase by year’s end.

  The key to stopping these thefts, Klein believes, is by cutting off demand from some of the most frequent purchasers of stolen phones. News reports demonstrate that many stolen iPhones are sold in neighborhood stores, such as laundromats, flea market stands, and bodegas. These stores sell stolen phones off the books after buying the phones from street criminals. Klein’s bill targets these black market retailers by requiring them to prove that they are the rightful owners of the phones they sell. If a retailer is unable to prove that he or she purchased the phone legally, that retailer can face hefty fines or even jail time.

Senator Klein said, “The goal of this legislation is to scare black market retailers out of this terrible business. If you’re a retailer making a few extra bucks by selling stolen phones, you’re now going to think twice before you open up your wallet and pay one of these criminals. I have had someone killed in my district over an iPhone. That is as bad as it gets. But it’s an epidemic across this city and we can’t wait any longer to take meaningful action.”

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, "The theft of smart phones and other wireless communication devices is perhaps one of the most frequent crimes committed in New York. In my district there has been a rash of these thefts in the past couple of years, including a horrific incident where a young man was murdered for his iPhone. We must take swift action to fight this crime by creating every possible disincentive for committing these thefts."

The legislation will also require retailers to provide detailed receipts for every phone sold. Under the Klein/Dinowitz legislation, these receipts must show the phone’s serial number. By providing that information, law enforcement and consumers will be able to keep better track of how and where stolen phones move in the marketplace. 

 

Left - Senator Klein gives details of the new legislation, with 50th Precinct Community Council President Paulette Schomo (left) , Assemblyman Dinowitz, and PS 24 PTA President Farrah Reuben.
Right - Assemblyman Dinowitz gives more details about the reason for the new legislation.
Below - A vacant lot across the street from where the announcement was made which has been like this for many years. Could it have given cover to the killers as they waited for their prey?

CRAIN'S NEW YORK BUSINESS ENDORSES JOE LHOTA

This came in from the Joe Lhota for Mayor Campaign.  Read the bold print that I highlighted. This endorsement seems to be less than flattering, and even states that the two are much alike. The big sticking point to me is that in a time when Madison Square Garden is negotiating a new deal with the city I do not like that Mr. Lhota was a top executive of Cablevison and MSG. Mayor Bloomberg gave enough of the city away to his friends.

  Crain's New York Business today announced their endorsement of Joe Lhota for mayor of New York City. 

Boiling down the two mayoral candidates to their basic experience and skill makes our choice clear.

Despite the candidates' rhetoric, picking the city's next mayor is not about Bill de Blasio returning New York to its crime-ridden past or Joseph Lhota implementing Tea Party policies. It's not even about their actual goals, which are similar: Both men aim to address the struggles of average New Yorkers, to stop punishing small businesses, to increase the city's supply of affordable housing and to expand early-childhood education.

Rather, New Yorkers should choose the candidate most capable of fulfilling these ambitions in an unusually challenging fiscal environment, judging by the latest battle in Washington. That depends not on ideology or charisma, but on management skill and familiarity with government. It also demands an understanding of the private sector's role in supporting the many public services that help make New York a global center of corporate might and entrepreneurial moxie. On all those counts, Mr. Lhota is the superior choice.

A moderate Republican with a libertarian bent, Mr. Lhota has a résumé tailor-made for the job. He was finance commissioner, budget director and a deputy mayor in the 1990s, and knows city government down to its granular details. Before his public service, he was an investment banker, and after it, was a top executive at Cablevision and Madison Square Garden. He then ran the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, famously getting the world's largest transit system rolling again after Superstorm Sandy.

Mr. Lhota, like all candidates, has shortcomings. He's not exactly inspirational, which would be a nice quality for a mayor, though not essential. While his ideas are good—such as dramatically increasing teacher training and building affordable housing on unneeded Postal Service and MTA properties—he hasn't offered enough big ones to capture the public's imagination.

Yet his strengths more than compensate. The first function of the city's CEO is to run its sprawling bureaucracy, and Mr. Lhota has the ability and experience to do that exceptionally well. He would break down the silos in which some city agencies reside, ensuring that they work together and within a clear chain of command. At the same time, he would not run roughshod over commissioners who understand their fields far better than he does. Mr. Lhota possesses a refreshing combination of competence and humility.

Mr. de Blasio also knows government well, having worked in it or with it his entire career. But the Democrat's management experience is thin, and he has not made a case for himself as chief executive. His economic plan centers on business mandates—a dubious strategy—and his school expansion depends on an unlikely tax increase, whereas Mr. Lhota would fund prekindergarten expansion by finding budget efficiencies. That exemplifies their differing philosophies.

For his breadth of knowledge, managerial expertise and mastery of city government, Crain's endorses Joseph Lhota for mayor.

Bill deBlasio says that he will continue the fight to ban Sugary Sodas

  As for the failed ban on selling sugary sodas over 16 ounces by Mayor Bloomberg that was struck down in a lawsuit, Mayoral candidate Bill deBlasio has said that he will continue the fight in the courts to have that decision overturned.

  "I think the mayor is right and I would continue the legal process" deBlasio said in an interview. He added "the ban would help combat childhood obesity in particular". As a parent he called the fight against childhood obesity a losing battle against an enemy that is the growing with the availability of bigger and bigger sugary drinks. On the issues of health deBlasio often agrees with current Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his effort to make people eat healthier.

  Deblasio's opponent Joe Lhota is opposed to continuing the fight against sugary sodas, and the big question is how can Lhota capitalize on the issue to get votes away from deBlasio.

BRONX VETERANS TREATMENT COURT OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY Mon. October 21

To ALL VETERANS, VA Staff, friends and family, you are cordially invited to the…

BRONX VETERANS TREATMENT COURT

BRONX COURT

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY
Monday, October 21, 2013
NOON – 2PM

Bronx Hall of Justice
265 E. 161st St., 7th Floor
Bronx, NY 10451

  

Ritchie Torres Fundraiser

Wave Hill Events November 1–November 8

 

The first ten days or so of November are typically the height of fall color across the gardens—and along the ancient, majestic Palisades cliff across the Hudson. Join dapper Englishman and Wave Hill Horticultural Interpreter Charlie Day on one of the two foliage walks he’s leading and feast your senses on this most glorious moment of the season.

SAT, NOVEMBER 2    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/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, NOVEMBER 2    FAMILY ART PROJECT: ARMORED INSECTS’ PARADE

Learn about the funny things insects do for protection, then invent an insect mask of your own. Make a spider shaker, then we’ll march our wears in a fall parade at 12:30PM, weather permitting. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, NOVEMBER 2    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. The tour also includes Alan Ruiz’s Sunroom Project Space installation, an architectural intervention that complicates the distinction between interior and exterior spaces. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SAT, NOVEMBER 2    FALL FOLIAGE WALK

Enjoy colorful foliage at its seasonal peak. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day shares some of his favorite trees and shrubs in their vibrant fall finery. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 3    FAMILY ART PROJECT: ARMORED INSECTS’ PARADE

Learn about the funny things insects do for protection, then invent an insect mask of your own. Make a spider shaker, then we’ll march our wears in a fall parade at 12:30PM, weather permitting. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 3    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, NOVEMBER 3    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, NOVEMBER 3    MEET THE ARTIST: ALAN RUIZ

Join us for an artist talk with Alan Ruiz in the Sunroom Project Space.  Ruiz’s architectural interventions in the Sunroom complicate the distinction between interior and exterior space. Perforated screens, partition walls, and translucent panels manipulate the room’s natural light, which Ruiz engages as a privatized material that can be controlled and subverted. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1:30PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 3    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all weekend thanks to the generous support of Target.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, NOVEMBER 4

Closed to the public.

TUE, NOVEMBER 5    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, NOVEMBER 5    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. The tour also includes Alan Ruiz’s Sunroom Project Space installation, an architectural intervention that complicates the distinction between interior and exterior spaces. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, NOVEMBER 6    FALL FOLIAGE WALK

Enjoy colorful foliage at its seasonal peak. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day shares some of his favorite trees and shrubs in their vibrant fall finery. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 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 all day on Tuesdays in November. 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.

DINOWITZ AND GJONAJ ANNOUNCE NEW SLOW ZONE IN NORWOOD

  The newly designated Norwood Slow Zone is located in the Community Board 7 area, and was selected due to strong community support, the presence of 2 schools, 5 pre-k and head start daycare centers, and the amount of crashes in the area. On average, the area now designated as a Slow Zone had 11.8 injuries per year and 4 severe injuries or fatalities per road mile. 

  BACKGROUND: Neighborhood Slow Zones is an application-based program that creates defined areas where the speed limit is reduced from 30mph to 20mph and safety measures are added in order to adjust driver behavior on local streets. The goal of Neighborhood Slow Zones is to lower the incidence and severity of crashes and to enhance the quality of life by reducing cut-through traffic and traffic noise in residential neighborhoods. NYCDOT uses signs, markings and speed bumps to calm traffic within the Zone. 

  When asked why it two assemblymen to get this slow zone approved both answered that the slow zone area covers a part of both assembly districts. Assemblyman Dinowitz said "two is better than one". Assemblyman Gjonaj said when asked about the dividing line of the two assembly districts "there is no dividing line just one big joint district, referring to the joint effort by himself and Dinowitz.

  Others on hand in the photo below were Community Board 7 Traffic & Transportation Chair Lowell Green, CB 7 District Manager Socrates A. Caba, Mr. Roberto Garcia (representing Montifore Hospital, Community Activist Ms. Liz von Uhl, and others.

Dinowitz Kicks Off Annual Canned Food Drive

  

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz kicks off annual holiday canned food drive

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has kicked off his annual canned food and turkey drive with local students from area schools and the Knolls Co-op Sections 1 and 2.

The Assemblyman’s office will be accepting donations until December 13th with a pick-up for Thanksgiving scheduled for November 15th. Food will be donated to the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and the food pantry at Saint Francis of Rome Church in Wakefield for families in need during the Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas holiday seasons.  The following canned and non-perishable food items are accepted: canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, dried beans, pasta, rice, tuna, coffee, teas, canned juices, powdered milk, jell-o, and soups.  No glass jars are acceptable except for baby food.

Some of the schools are also collecting one-dollar donations for the purchase of turkeys for needy families on Thanksgiving.

“Our annual food drive is always such a wonderful event, and I know this year’s edition will be our biggest and best yet,” Assemblyman Dinowitz said. “I am always impressed by the selfless nature of our residents and school kids, who year after year up the ante by donating more and more food for those in need. I look forward to another great year of giving, and thank in advance everyone who participates through their donations.”   

Residents may donate their canned goods to Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office located at 3107 Kingsbridge Avenue; one block west of Broadway, just off of West 231st Street.  For more information, call (718) 796-5345.

Mayoral Debate Tonight 7 PM

   Tonight will be the first of three scheduled Mayoral Debates between Democrat Bill deBlasio and Republican Joe Lhota. Tonight's debate is being presented by WABC TV, Univision 41, NY Daily News, and NYC League of Women Voters at 7 PM. Tonight will only be between Bill deBlasio and Joe Lhota with no other candidate for mayor on stage with them. Independence Party candidate Adolfo Carrion is crying foul, but tonight's debate is not an official New York City Campaign Finance Board debate. Carrion is polling at 2 percent in the latest polls, and rolled over just over $1 million from an existing account into this mayoral run. He has reported net contributions for the cycle of about $164,000. He's spent about $1.1 million and had $96,046 left as of Sept. 30, according to CFB fillings.   

    There will be two more official Campaign Finance Board debates between the candidates for mayor and it is unclear if Independence Party candidate Adolfo Carrion will be a part of those debates. In the governors race with seven candidates on stage there was no real reaction between the two top candidates, and it is hoped that it does not happen in the mayoral debates with candidates like Carrion who have no chance of winning. Carrion has called tonight's debate B.S. In an attempted show of strength an online petition was started by Carrion's supporters to have him be a part of the debate, but it was reported that only 500 people had committed to the petition. 

   The two CFB mayoral debates are Tuesday October 22nd on Channel 2, and Tuesday October 29th on channel 4. Tonight's debate is being carried on channel 7.

Donald Trump For NY Governor?

  It appears that the only chance according to Rochester-area Republican Assemblyman Bill Nojay for his party to win the governorship is to have NBC Television Star of the Apprentice Donald Trump be the Republican candidate. In a NY Post article the name recognition of "The Donald" is what would be banked on for Trump to say to current NY Governor Andrew Cuomo "YOUR FIRED" in 2014. Then in 2016 Trump as governor of NY Trump could launch a better campaign for President. 

  Trump has not said yes to any Republican ideas of him running for governor. However Trump was critical of Governor Andrew Cuomo, his father Mario (who Trump said was one of the worst governor of New York), and NY Attorney General Eric Schniderman who has filed a fraud suit against Trump University. Trump said that Schniderman is driving business away from New York, and has to be one of the dumbest Attorney Generals. Trump also criticized Cuomo for the high taxes in New York, and for not allowing Hydofracturing for natural gas to take place.

Comic Con 2013 Sunday

  Today was the final day of Comic Con 2013. I was a part of the WWE STUDIOS' HALLOWEEN HORROR INTERVIEW SESSION AND PANEL In the room from WWE studios were The Soska Sisters (Co-Directors of SEE NO EVIL 2), WWE® Superstar Kane®, WWE Superstar Hornswoggle®, Zach Lipovsky (Director of LEPRECHAUN: ORIGINS), and WWE Studios President Michael Luisi. Five tables were set up for the five different WWE personal to rotate and meet everyone in the room to discuss what is coming up, and answer any questions that we had. Yes there were other members of the press at the tables, but we all were able to come away with some new insights about the WWE film company, the wrestlers we interviewed, the President of WWE Films, and others who work on the movie end of WWE Entertainment. 

  Zach Lipovsky was first at my table. Zach discussed the new WWE Films movie Leprechaun Origins which takes place in modern day with ancient looking settings. He said that the movie is pure horror that will have people jumping out of their seats. WWE wrestler Hornswaggle is the star of the movie, and Mr. Lipovsky said that the wrestlers dream is to be a video game villain. He added that it took two hours to put on Hornswaggle's make up and take it off. He then said good bye as Hornswaggle came to the table. 

  Hormswaggle said this was his first Comic Con he has attended, and that he has always wanted to do a show like it. Even before the new movie comes out he said that he would love to do a sequel to it. He has been wrestling with the WWE for seven years, and has not had any major injury. As to who Hornswaggles favorite female wrestler is he answered "all of them".

  Our next guest was WWE Superstar Kane. In answering how he has been able to stay in the WWE as long as he has Kane answered that one has to be dependable, work hard, and give it your all 100 percent of the time. There was talk of his former partner the Undertaker, and his former manager Paul Bearer whose death took a toll on Kane for a while since it was Bearer who helped Kane get back into the WWE many years ago. As for the worst match where Kane was injured, he said that it was a steel cage match with Triple H where X-Pac swung the cage door that hit Kane in the head. Kane added that he still has the scar from the match. 

  After Kane the President of WWE films Michael Luisi sat done to explain that while the wrestling if rated PG14 that the movies are generally rated R due to the gore and violence in them. He added that there is plenty of talent in the WWE to choose from, fans want a variety of action, and WWE founder Vince McMahon is still involved in the process. Mr. Luisi said that for the upcoming Wrestlemania that there will be an animated film out called Scooby Doo and the gang go to Wrestlemania with the voices of many wrestlers including current woman's wrestling champion A.J.

  The final visitors to the table were the Soska Sisters who directed Kane in his last film See No Evil II. The twin sisters said that the character Jake returns from the grave, but could only add that missed opportunities like more blood and gore are included. Answering at the same time they said that their favorite horror movie is American Psycho, and favorite video game is the new Grand Theft Auto. They said that they have learned a few wrestling moves and hope to soon battle the Bella twins on Raw or Smackdown. 

  Below are some photos of the panel, and the rest of the characters at Comic Con 2013.

Left - WWE Films President Michael Luisi.

Right - Zach Lipovsky (Director of LEPRECHAUN: ORIGINS).

 

Left - The Soska Sisters (Co-Directors of SEE NO EVIL 2)

Right - WWE Superstar Hoenswaggle.  

Left & Right - WWE Superstar Kane. Height 7' 0 ", Weight 323 pounds, wrestling debut 1992.

 

Left - Wrestler Hack Saw Jim Duggin was on the Comic Con main floor signing his tradwmark 2 by 4 wood planks.

Right - The Star Wars booth with one of the characters.

Left - It may be to early for Christmas, but this Santa visited Comic Con.
Right - This guy dressed as a mermaid was here yesterday dressed as Wonder Woman.

  

And the rest of the visitors and the Babes.