Saturday, March 7, 2015

Finally - Mr. Chairman, Bronx Democratic County Organization




 





























  
  I wrote in a February 1, 2015 st blog posting When Carl Heastie announced he was stepping down that there were only two possible candidates to fill his county leader position.  Two weeks later in my Bronx News political column '100 PERCENT' it was narrowed down to the next county leader, and just why. That is the reason that I have not been in a rush to tell you who the new Bronx Democratic County Leader was, because I already told you weeks ago. 

  My congratulations once again to the new Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. I know that Assemblyman Crespo will step up into the position of Bronx Democratic County Leader just as he did when he stepped up into the role of the new 85th assemblyman in 2009 when his predecessor 85th A.D. Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. was elected Bronx Borough President. 

  I have already spoken to Bronx Democratic County Leader Crespo, and said that I will be watching him like I have past county leaders. I offered some advice to Marcos, and told him that he is now going to be the new target of certain people including those who have been trying to go after his predecessor, now Speaker Carl Heastie.  


Upcoming Bronx Chamber of Commerce Events




Here are a listing of Upcoming events sponsored by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Please read each one carefully for all the information.



Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce at our upcoming events: 




Friday, March 6, 2015

Is Oliver Koppell Moving out of Riverdale?



  Pictured above holding the Riverdale restaurant Guide that he and KRVDC produced when he was in the City Council, Oliver Koppell has put his home in Fiedston up for sale according to Crains New York. Crains quotes Koppell "It has nothing to do with politics," Crains adds that Koppell says the decision to sell the $2.5 million asking price for his current home is due to the desire to find a smaller place to live for just him and his wife Lorraine now that they are the only 2 occupants of the home. 

  The Crains article goes on to say that the Koppells have not decided where to live and can be found here.

Editors Note:   The Koppells have grandchildren near the Washington D,C, area where they have vacationed at in the past few years. Perhaps Congressman Eliot Engel might be thinking of retirement. Could we then see a congressional run by Oliver Koppell?



Women's History Month Celebration 2015 By Bronx BP D



Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Invites you to celebrate

Women's History Month

Honoring Outstanding Leaders of the 21st Century

Thursday, March 19, 2015 
           
 Breakfast will be from 10:00 am - 11:30 am
 Program to begin at 11:45 am.


Sukanya Krishnan  
PIX 11 Morning News  
Mistress of Ceremoni

 Pelham Split Rock
        870 Shore Road, Bronx


     

       HONOREES 
Marissa Shorenstein
President of AT&T NY
at AT & T Corp.














Sonia Manzano
Actress & Author

Verona Greenland
Founder, President & CEO Morris Heights Health Center, Inc




                                                                                           
Musical Entertainment 
Sophisticated Ladies Jazz Band
Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music

Seating is Limited.  Please call 718-590-3522 to confirm your attendance or


KLEIN ANNOUNCES $50,000 IN HEALTHY EATING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FUNDING FOR BRONX YMCA AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM



New Program Promotes Health & Wellness for Hundreds of Bronx Students K-5

Boosting the availability of health and wellness after-school programs in the Bronx, State Senator Jeff Klein today announced $50,000 in funding for the local YMCA Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards (HEPA) after-school program at P.S. 14, P.S. 108 and the Bronx branch of the YMCA. Klein, joined by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, YMCA officials, school administrators and Bronx elementary school students, toured P.S. 14 and engaged in a series of fun-filled activities with youngsters including a hands-on cooking demonstration, soccer game and healthy poster contest.

“It’s never too early to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and encourage smart choices when it comes to nutrition. The YMCA HEPA program is a win-win for students, families and the community -- providing young people with the tools they need to stay active and eat well,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “I’m proud to have been able to secure the $50,000 in funding to ensure first-rate after-school programming for our students and I applaud the YMCA’s continued commitment to the well-being of our children. I look forward to continuing to work together and  ensure that all of our youngsters are able to lead full, healthy and happy lives.”

“On behalf of New York City’s YMCA, we would like to applaud Senator Klein for helping the Y strengthen the foundations of community in the Bronx through support of our programs to engage young people and prevent chronic disease,” said Sharlene Brown, Executive Director of the Bronx YMCA.  “We know that one of the best tools in the fight against childhood obesity is to engage kids in exercise on a regular basis and teach them how to eat well. These funds enable the Y to give today’s kids a healthier tomorrow.”

The YMCA HEPA program focuses on fostering effective health outcomes for children, with curriculum based on six core standards: parent engagement, physical activity, screen time, nutrition, beverages and infant feeding. Program time includes a healthy snack like apples, oranges or carrots served ‘family style,’ and at least 30 minutes of physical activity.  

In New York City, nearly 1 in 4 children in public elementary schools are obese, and nearly 4 in 10 are overweight or obese, according to the New York City Department of Health. As more young people spend an increased amount of time behind a desk or in front of a computer, after-school programs that encourage smart nutrition and exercise play an expanded role in promoting long-term health and wellness.

The YMCA’s after-school programs operate at more than 450 locations across the state, serving over 50,000 children. One in two school districts across New York partner with a YMCA to deliver after-school programming to students.



Our City is Committed to Affordable Housing and Survet


This comes to us from the Mayor Bill deBlasio.

No matter what language you speak, affordable housing is critical to the future of our city. Watch this video and then share it with your friends and family.
More than half of all New York City renters spend 30% or more of their income on rent. 


That's why the City is committed to building and preserving more affordable housing -- so hardworking New Yorkers can build lives and raise their families in this city. 




If you live in the five boroughs, you're a New Yorker -- no matter where you're from or what language you speak. And all New Yorkers should have the comfort of knowing they can afford to live in the city they've made their home. 


That's what we're working toward together. 



Watch and share our video now: 






What's your big idea for the future of New York City, friend? 

Every four years, New York City updates PlaNYC to make sure that we're building toward a future that's resilient, sustainable, and makes sense for the lives of all New Yorkers. 

This year, we're making equity a lynchpin of PlaNYC -- and we've made the process more inclusive than ever before. Every New Yorker has a voice in this plan and can participate in building our city's future. 

What's your vision for New York City in the years and decades to come? Take this survey now to let us know. 

Your idea could be about anything: from the environment to jobs to education to affordable housing to transportation. 

You have the power to shape the future of our city if you speak up -- for yourself and for future generations of New Yorkers. 

Leave your mark on the future of New York City. Take the survey now: 

on.nyc.gov/survey 

Thank you, 

Bill de Blasio
Mayor 



Thursday, March 5, 2015

Irish Heritage Month Celebration





Bronx Borough President
Ruben Diaz Jr.
Invites you to His Annual
Irish Heritage Month Celebration


  Master of Ceremonies
       Pat O'Keefe
News 12-Sports Director
The Rambling House
4292 Katonah Ave
Bronx, New York
     Thursday, March 12, 2015 
               12 noon until 3pm            


2015 Honorees
Patricia Lynch
Government/Media Strategist
 Joe McDermott
Executive Director for the CWEProclamation
Aedin Moloney
 Producing Artistic Director  
The Fallen Angel Theatre Company, Inc.

Seating is limited please RSVP to 718.590.3989 or smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov

Wave Hill Events Mar 20–Mar 27


SAT, MARCH 21    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 in March are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. 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. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, MARCH 21    FAMILY ART PROJECT: OH, MY! ORCHID PRINTS     
Observe the unusual shapes of the enchanting orchid flower. Working with large pieces of construction paper, simple templates and contrasting backgrounds, we’ll make simple, bold and brushy orchid-inspired prints that are easy for all! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Orchid Day event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SAT, MARCH 21    GARDENING DEMO: ORCHID CULTURE, A CLOSE-UP LOOK
If you have successfully grown one or more orchids and want to expand your understanding of these wonderful plants, then this program is for you! Find out how to anticipate the needs of a plant by observing its morphology, or plant structure. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM

SAT, MARCH 21    IN THE SHOP: ORCHID EXPERT ISABEL LOPATIN
As part of Orchid Day at Wave Hill, drop by The Shop at Wave Hill to chat with orchid grower Isabel Lopatin, who shares successful techniques for selecting and growing a variety of orchids. Then purchase your own that will thrive in your home. Come early for an orchid-inspired Family Art Project from 10AM to 1PM and an orchid demo with Ms. Lopatin from 11AM to noon. 
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1–3PM


SUN, MARCH 22    FAMILY ART PROJECT: OH, MY! ORCHID PRINTS     
Observe the unusual shapes of the enchanting orchid flower. Working with large pieces of construction paper, simple templates and contrasting backgrounds, we’ll make simple, bold and brushy orchid-inspired prints that are easy for all! Free with admission to the grounds. Orchid Day event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SUN, MARCH 22    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 in March are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. 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. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, MARCH 22    MEDITATION
Let nature inspire you to find your center and reconnect with your true self using guided mindfulness and other meditation practices. Each session, led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors, includes instruction in simple techniques, followed by guided meditations. Sessions are held indoors. All levels welcome. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, MARCH 22    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: [RE]VISION PROJECT
With Winter Workspace artist Musa Hixson, engage in drawing and discussion as you design a plan for making your community more environmentally sustainable. All workshops with Winter Workspace artists begin in their Glyndor Gallery studios with an introduction to their creative process. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Newcomers and practicing artists alike are welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session, which includes admission to the grounds. Advance registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.
GLYNDOR GALLERY & ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM–1PM


SUN, MARCH 22    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 22
Closed to the public

TUE, MARCH 24    BLACK AND WHITE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP SERIES BEGINS
Photography’s origins began in black and white, with shades of gray. With photographer Benjamin Swett, explore composition, light and subject matter through this lens, and experiment with transforming digital color images back to black and white. This six-session workshop continues March 24, 31 and April 7, 14, 21 and 28. $260/$200 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.
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. Closes5:30PM, March 15October 31.  
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. 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 30 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 242nd 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.