State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. ABRAZO GARIFUNA 2014

  As he has done the past several years State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. has held an Abrazo Garifuna in honor of Garifuna-Americn Heritage Month. Over 500 people attended this years event that was held Friday night at Maestro's Caterers. The elected officials on hand with Senator Diaz were Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Congressman Charlie Rangel, State Senator Fernando Cabrera, Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson, Councilwoman Maria Del Carmen Arroyo, Civil Cort Judge candidate Brenda Rivera, and others who stopped in. 

  After there was an award reorganization of the four honorees there was a fabulous dance performance in which several audience members joined in with the Budari Dance Company. Below are some photos of the event.

The new Team Diaz? City Councilwoman Maria Del Carmen Arroyo and Congressman Charlie Rangel join Assemblymen Marcos Crespo & Luis Sepulveda and State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.

 

 Left - As Assemblyman Marcos Crespo is speaking Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda tries on Senator Diaz's hat.

Right - Assemblymen Luis Sepilveda and Marcos Crespo point to Senator Diaz's favorite assemblyman.

Left - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. reads from Community & Civic Leadership Award presented to Aquina Valentin.

Right - Assemblyman Luis Sepilveda reads from the Culture & Arts Award presented to Felix Gamboa.

 

Left - State Senator Fernando Cabrera reads from the Faith Leadership Award presented to Pastor Andrew Nunez.

Right - State Senator Marcos Serrano reads from the Youth Leadership Award presented to Perla Gonzales.

 Senator Diaz, Assemblyman Crespo, and Jose Avila join the Budari Dance Company for this photo.

The dance company at the start of the performance.

 The dancing was so inviting that even several audience members joined in.

TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION LOCAL 100 ENDORSES ADRIANO ESPAILLAT FOR CONGRESS

 

  John Samuelsen, President of TWU Local 100 said, “We are proud to endorse Senator Adriano Espaillat’s bid for Congress today.” “We are a diverse union of hard working New Yorkers who deliver a vital service to millions of fellow New Yorkers every day. Adriano has pledged to work with us to ensure our members are treated fairly on the job; that they work in a safe environment, and that they receive a fair and just contract from the MTA.  I am excited to work with him on initiatives to improve and expand transit service to the City’s traditionally underserved communities.  We view Adriano as a powerful force for social justice and we are proud to be part of his coalition of support. We are confident that he is the best person to fight for us in Congress and we are ready to get to work to make him our next Representative in the 13th District.”

   The Transport Workers Union Local 100 (TWU), which represents more than 64,000 active and retired members in New York, announced their support for Adriano Espaillat in his bid to represent the 13^th Congressional District. This is the first major union endorsement for Espaillat since his announcement at the United Palace Theatre two weeks ago. Espaillat has received several key endorsements, including New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assemblymembers Karim Camara and Gabriela Rosa, Council Members Mark Levine and Ydanis Rodriguez, the Barack Obama Democratic Club of Upper Manhattan, and the Democratic Club of El Barrio & East Harlem.

  

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Irish Heritage Luncheon

BCC President Lenny Caro, BCC Chief of Staff Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, Honorree Bill Long, Honoree Taryn Duffy, Honoree Noreen O'Donoghue, Honoree Carolyn Murphy, and BCC Chairman Joe Kelleher line the back row (L - R). Seated are Former Assemblyman John Dearie, Justice Douglas McKeon, Robert "BOB" Nolan, and Community Board 10 District Manager Kenneth Kearns. 

     The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is stronger than ever, and the proof was this sold out Irish Heritage Luncheon. BCC President and "Bronx Good Will Ambasador" was all smiles after this thrill pached luncheon. As you will see in the photos below those in attendance were told several very funny Irish stories and jokes, heard the singing of the duo of Laurence Broderick & Shanna Mahoney, had some delicious Irish food, and green beer was also available.. 

Left - There was water, soda and green beer to drink.
Right - Laurence Broderick & Shanna Mahoney pose for this photo.

Left - the pair sing the national anthem, as BCC President Lenny Caro shows his enjoyment in the background.
Right - Laurence Broderick came back out to sing "Danny Boy".

Left - BCC Chief of Staff Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro asks everyone to find their seats so the luncheon can start, as BCC Chairman Joe Kelleher looks on.
Right - Father Richard Gorman gives the invocation.

Left - A photo of the packed room. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is on the right.
Right - BCC staffer Alexandra poses for this photo.

Borough President Diaz Hosts Annual Irish Heritage Celebration

 

On Thursday, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual Irish Heritage celebration at the Rambling House in Woodlawn. This year, Borough President Diaz presented a proclamation to Noel Kilkenny, Consul General of Ireland, and honored Caroline Duggan, teacher at PS 59 and founder of the Keltic Dream Dance Group; Father Richard Gorman, chairman of Community Board #12; and John Samuelsen, president of TWU Local 100.

 

Left - Reverend Brendan Gormely of St. Brendans Church gives the invocation.

Right - Laurence Brodrick and Shanna Mahoney sing the National Anthem. 

Left - Master of Ceremonies Bob Nolan introduces Bronx Borough President Ruben O'Diaz.

Right - BP O'Diaz holds the certificate he presented to Father Richard Gorman Chair of Community Board 12, Bronx DA Robert O'Johnson looks on. 

 

Council Member Ritchie Torres Newsletter

  When I was elected in November, I promised to be a champion for the working families in my district and at City Hall. I am excited to announce my appointment as Deputy Leader of the New York City Council and Chair of the Committee on Public Housing.  In both roles, I will build on my record of advocating for the issues that matter most to Bronx communities.

Come Meet Our Team At Our New Office:

We have moved into a new permanent office located at 573 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458.

We handle cases covering a range of issues: 

Employment Housing Public Safety Quality of Life Social Services 

Results by the numbers:

In the past month, my office has been able to resolve over a hundred cases from constituents in the areas of housing, social services, quality of life and public safety. 

- 62% of cases were related to housing (housing applications, rental overcharges, repairs...).

- 17% of cases were related to social services (public assistance, unemployment benefits...).

- 15% of cases were related to quality of life (dog poop, graffiti, potholes, sanitation, snow removal...).

- 6% of cases were related to public safety.

Meeting Tenants Where They Live:

I started my career in public service as a housing organizer and quickly learned that meeting tenants where they lived better enabled me to address their needs.  My office doesn't just wait for you to come to us.  We come to you.  

We have held tenant meetings in buildings on East 176th Street, East 180th Street, Olinville Avenue, and Topping Avenue.  

If you have concerns about the conditions in your apartment or building and would like my office to advocate for you, please contact my District Office at (718) 842-8100.  

Advocating for Critical Medical Services:

The closing of the maternity ward at North Central Bronx Hospital (NCBH) has led to a severe shortage of labor-and-delivery services in the central, northern, and western parts of the Bronx.  Working with a coalition of health care advocates and local residents, I am fighting hard to restore these services.  

If you wish to join me in the fight to restore these services, please attend the following community meeting.  

Date: Tuesday, March 18

Time: 6:30pm

Where: North Central Bronx Hospital, 17th Floor (3424 Kossuth Ave, Bronx, NY)

Ensuring Constituents Know Their Rights:

                                                                    

My office is partnering with the lawyers at Bronx Defenders to host a "Know Your Rights" training.  If you are stopped by the police, what do you do?  What are your rights?  Come and find out.  

Date: Monday, March 17

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM

Where: The Bronx Defenders, 360 East 161st Street

For more information, please contact: kemaub@bronxdefenders.org

  

Bringing Relief to Hoffman Fire Victims:

On January 9th a major fire on Hoffman Street destroyed three apartment buildings,  displacing a dozen families from their homes. I immediately sent my staff to the scene and coordinated with the American Red Cross, city agencies and local housing providers to ensure that the needs of the those families were being met.   After the fire, my office partnered with The Islamic Center to hold a clothing drive for the affected families and partnered with the Belmont Arthur LDC to provide housing for the families who had nowhere else to go.  

Working For You at City Hall:

Since taking office in January I:

• Passed legislation extending the right to paid sick leave to half a million people
• Advocated for the expansion of fulltime Pre-Kindergarten to every child in New York City
• Drafted legislation that that would impose penalties on landlords who fail to make repairs
• Advanced legislation that would protect the right of low-wage workers to unionize

In my first hearing as Chair of the Committee on Public Housing I brought government directly to the community in the first City Council hearing to ever take place at a NYCHA development. In a joint hearing with the Committee on Recovery and Resiliency I took NYCHA to task for the repeated failure of temporary boilers heating the public housing towers still recovering from the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. 

                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                

                                                                                                Ritchie Torres

                                                                                                

Council Member, District 15

NYC Council Member Ritchie Torres

District Office: 573 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458  |  Tel: 718-842-8100

Legislative Office: 250 Broadway, Suite 1759, New York, NY 10007  |  Tel: 212-788-6966

Wave Hill Events March 28–April 4

  With the gardens just beginning to hint at the new season, let’s anticipate Mother Nature’s stunning spring palette. Join a guided walk through the gardens, spend some time with the artists finishing up in the Winter Workspace, invite the little ones in your life to create a garden design of your own at the Family Art Project—choose the opportunity that best evokes for you the anticipation we are all feeling. Add in a session of yoga or tai chi, or a scrumptious meal in the Café, to complete the visit.

SAT, MARCH 29    FAMILY ART PROJECT: GARDEN DESIGNS
Visit the various garden areas of Wave Hill and consider which one might be your ideal garden to take home. Then, use textured paper and flower images to create a garden design to your own specifications. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 29    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. March sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SUN, MARCH 30    FAMILY ART PROJECT: GARDEN DESIGNS
Visit the various garden areas of Wave Hill and consider which one might be your ideal garden to take home. Then, use textured paper and flower images to create a garden design to your own specifications. Free with  admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 30    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors until May. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, MARCH 30    MEDITATION

This spring, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, MARCH 30    WINTER WORKSPACE SESSION 2: OPEN STUDIOS

For the fifth winter, Glyndor Gallery is transformed into studio spaces for artists to develop new work and offer opportunities for public interaction in the context of the garden. Individual artists share their studio practice with the public on this open studio day. Artists include Whitney Artell, Cristina Ataide, Shanti Grumbine, Brandon Neubauer and Van Lier Artist Fellows Tammy Nguyen and Alexandra Phillips. Registration not required for this drop-in event. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1‒3PM

SUN, MARCH 30    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 31

Closed to the public.

TUE, APRIL 1    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

WED. APRIL 2    ART WORKSHOP: NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY—THE PHOTOJOURNAL  FULL

Explore the theme of photography as a personal record with photographer and writer Benjamin Swett. Review the work of professional writers and photographers who combine pictures and words as you create your own small book or photojournal. Sessions combine outdoor photography with gentle critiques of students’ work. All levels welcome. $260/$200 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Series continues April 9, 16, 23, 30 and May 7.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

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 on Tuesdays in March and April. 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.