ECPW Wrestling Returns to St. Francis Xavier Aprill 11th

Women of Distinction 80th A.D. Celebration

  In his first celebration of Women of Distinction 80th A.D. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj said that this would be only the first in what will become an annual event. Five women were honored by Assemblyman Gjonaj who were - Edith Blitzer (Of the Pelham Parkway area), Janet DeProspo (of the Morris Park area), Jean Hill (of Tracy Towers), Grace Lovaglio (of the Allerton area), and Ruth Mastro. 

  The event was Emceed  by Staff member Nathalia Fernandez, who also gave a wonderful welcoming speech. The Benediction was given by Pastor Peggy Smalls, and the National Anthem was sung by Carlos Sanchez. Assemblyman Gjonaj then gave opening remarks in which he thanked the women in his life, his Grandmother, his mother, and his wife. The keynote speaker was Judge LLinet Rosado, and then it was on to the five honorees. as each was called up the reason for choosing each woman was given, and each honoree thanked Assemblyman Gjonaj for being honored. 

Above and below - Assemblyman Gjonaj welcomes some of those who attended as he works the full house before the event.

    

Above - Pastor Smalls gives the Benediction with Ms. Fernandez also in the photo.
Below - Judge Rosado gives the Keynote Speech.

Left - during his opening remarks Assemblyman Gjonaj is pointing to the women of his life.

Right - Two of the women are Assemblyman Gjonaj's grandmother and mother. His lovely wife is just out of the photo.

The Honorees - (L-R) Ruth Mastro, Janet DeProspo, Assemblyman Gjonaj, Grace Lovaglio, Edith Blitzer, and Jean Hill.

Above are the four staff members Nathalia Fernandez, Lilyanna Pekic, Renne Montminy, and Aleatha Williams who were the Hosting Committee for the event.

Senator Jeff klein's Annual Easter Bunny Breakfast and Magic Show

  This was State Senator Jeff Klein's 20th Annual Easter Bunny Breakfast and Magic Show. The kids loved it, the parents loved it, and even the Easter Bunny loved it as you will see in the photos below.

  There was a healthy breakfast which included fruit, bagels and pastries, along with coffee or tea for the parents, and milk or juice for the children. Kassandra the face painter had her hands full as many of the children wanted their faces painted. At the Build a Bunny tables children were given the choice of stuffing an Easter Bunny or Easter Duck. From a distance the yellow duck looked very much like 'Big Bird'. 

  As the Easter Bunny arrived with Senator Klein the children all ran over to sit on the Easter Bunny's lap for their picture with him. John the magician then amazed the children with his magic act. John made mice appear and disappear, had other great magic tricks, and then made a real bunny appear to the delight of the children. The morning went so fast for many of the children as Senator Klein was off to the next event of the day for him, an Easter egg hunt in another part of his large district. 

Left - Children were given the choice to build an Easter Bunny or Easter Duck this year. At first glance however the yellow duck looks a lot like Big Bird.

Right - Rene Gonzalez gets his face painted by Kassandra. 

The Easter Bunny has many of the children around him or her.

Above - Senator Klein stopped at the tables to chat with parents while the children were making bunnies, ducks, having their faces painted or sitting with the Easter Bunny.

Right - Senator klein stands with two lovely young girls for this photo. 

Above - Senator Klein joins the Easter Bunny.

Right - Senator Klein speaks to the children and their parents. John the Magician can be seen in the background waiting to begin his magic show. 

The magic show began, and I had to hop over to another event that was going on.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon

  This story will start at the end, The photo above is of the five $1,000.00 scholarship award winners (Veronica Helena Jimenez of Bronx Leadership Academy, Idown Kehinde of Belmont Prep High School, Donya Quhsil of University Heights High School, Ngoc Tran of Dewitt Clinton High School, and Vanessa Luna of the New York Institute for Special Education) seated, with scholarship presenters Evelyn Oliver (of Con Edison), Sara Bonizio (of Metro Optics), and Joe Kelleher of the Hutch Metro Center along with Honorees Dr. Betty Rosa and Carol Robles-Roman standing. 

Left - The five $1,000 checks to the five scholars were on display before the event.

Right - Ms. Lisa Sorin of the BCC speaks about the BCC Scholarship Program.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro stands with New York State Comptroller Tom Di Napoli.

 

Ms. Sasha Lildharrie of WCBS - TV   was the Mistress of Ceremony.

Above - Comptroller Di Napoli is seated next to the Keynote Speaker Ms. Suzan Colon noted author.

Below - Comptroller Di Napoli stands with the two honorees Dr. Betty Rosa, and Carol Robles-Roman, who are holding certificates from the BCC. 

BCC President Lenny Caro emphasises the importance of the scholarship program to the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Above - Evelyn Oliver presents the Con Edison STEM Scholarships to Ngoc Tran, Veronica Helena Jimenez, and Idowu Kehinde.

Right - The Metro Optics Scholarship award is presented to Vanessa Luna by Sara Bonizio. 

Above - The Hutch Metro Center Scholarship is presented by Joe Kelleher of the BCC and Hutch Metro Center to Donya Quhshil.

Below - Joe picks up one of author Suzan Colon's books which was autographed by Ms. Colon.

Check my column 100 Percent in next Thursday's issue of the Bronx News for more. 

BP DIAZ TO DISCUSSED RECENT TRIP TO ISRAEL

  On Thursday, March 26, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Gary Axelbank (of Bronxnet fame) hosted a discussion, and question and answer session on the BP's recent visit to Israel.

The event will took place at the Riverdale YM-YWHA. It was co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York City, the Riverdale Jewish Community Relations Council and Bronxnet.

In January, Borough President Diaz visited Israel with a delegation of Latino leaders, sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York City. Later that month, Borough President Diaz hosted a dialogue with the President of the State of Israel, H.E. Mr. Reuven Rivlin, at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

Both January events were designed to help foster greater relations between the Latino and Jewish communities of New York City and beyond.

Above and below - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. reflects on his recent visit to Israel with a delegation of Latino leaders. Gary Axelbank of Bronxnet Public Television's show Bronxtalk moderates the evening which included questions from the audience. 

Senator Jeff Klein Easter Bunny Breakfast and Magic Show

Editors Note - Space is limited as on the poster below.
Please call to register your child, and they will have a terrific time.

Imagine Ted Cruz Coming to the South Bronx

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
District 32 Bronx County, New York 

You should know that on Monday, March 23, 2015, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced his candidacy for the 2016 GOP nomination for President of the United States.  Ted Cruz spoke at Liberty University, the largest Christian university in the world, asking us all to "Imagine millions of courageous conservatives rising up.”

To follow up on Ted Cruz’s speech, and to use his Imagine theme, I would like to make the following observations:

Imagine Ted Cruz traveling to the Bronx where there is a grassroots army of Black and Hispanic Evangelical Christians who are just like him - and who have been ignored by every Presidential candidate.

Imagine Ted Cruz coming to the South Bronx where there are many of Hispanic Evangelical Churches that are willing to stand together for liberty - to encourage us and let us know that he is one of us.

Imagine Ted Cruz being willing to break another rule and come to the South Bronx to show his respect for our Black and Hispanic communities, and also to break bread with our Evangelical leaders.

This is why I am extending an invitation to Ted Cruz to come to the Bronx to join together with the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization onSaturday, April 18th for our Annual Minister’s Banquet - and I am asking Ted Cruz to bring with him the gift of hope.

Ladies and gentlemen, imagine Ted Cruz accepting this invitation and coming to the Bronx: "Think just how different the world would be.

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

Editors Note:

It will be interesting to see is Senator Diaz Sr. helps this Republican candidate as he did for Rob Astorino the Republican candidate for New York Governor. 

Council Member Andy King Brings Free Legal Service to 12th C.D.

  The Office of New York City Council Member Andy King is offering free legal consultation to 12th Council District residents on Fridays – now throughJune 26th – at his District Office at 940 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx.

Free legal consultation will be offered on criminal issues, NYCHA, tenant & landlord issues, public assistance, wills, healthcare proxies, contract disputes, family law issues and civil litigations.

The free legal consultation is a partnership between the Office of Council Member Andy King and CUNY School of Law as a part of the Community Legal Resource Network.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact the office of Council Member Andy King at (718) 684-5509.

Wave Hill Events Apr 10–Apr 17

The gardens are rushing to life around us—and drawing back our songbirds! The sight and sound of them brings a lift to our hearts. And gives us ample reason to offer Spring Wings programming all week long—back-to-back birdy art and science for school families, live bird demos and a chance to dissect owl pellets, four different bird walks, Family Art Projects dedicated to our nesting instinct and, capping off the week, an enchanting guitar duo Sunday afternoon. Tweet, tweet!

THU, APRIL 9    IN THE SHOP: VACATION WEEK SALE

In celebration of Spring Vacation Week, enjoy 20% off all kids’ gifts. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

THU, APRIL 9    FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: MIGRATING KITES

Join us for a week of bird-inspired activities and art-making, followed by drop-in science explorations, then come back for more over the weekend! Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Today, we look at how birds fly. Study their wing structure, then using a simple building technique, assemble a flyable kite with wings as your inspiration. Fashion your kite with color and flare to make a real or imagined migrator. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult; additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online at www.wavehillorg or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11. Spring Wings Week event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1–2:30PM

THU, APRIL 9    DROP-IN SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS: FASTEN SEATBELTS!

Join us for this drop-in program following the art workshop in the morning. Learn about the mechanics of bird flight, and how wing length and the shape of a bird’s body determine their flight patterns. Make paper airplanes to recreate different patterns of bird flight, and test how weight distribution and wing shape influence flight. Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Registration not required. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 2:30–3:30PM

FRI, APRIL 10   IN THE SHOP: VACATION WEEK SALE

In celebration of Spring Vacation Week, enjoy 20% off all kids’ gifts. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

SAT, APRIL 11    SPRING BIRDING

Join expert naturalists on a walk through the grounds of Wave Hill and discover the birds passing through the skies during this early migration season. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Spring Wings Week event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SAT, APRIL 11    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 April 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, APRIL 11    FAMILY ART PROJECT: A NEST FOR SONG BIRDS

Let’s welcome back our feathered friends as they return to their spring home at Wave Hill! With visiting artist and sculptor Matt Bua, collect sticks, leaves, grasses and found feathers to make a giant, outdoor bird’s nest in the woods. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Spring Wings Week event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, APRIL 11    LIVE BIRD DEMONSTRATIONS

Volunteers for Wildlife return to Wave Hill to share live birds such as the eastern screech owl, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, mallard duck, dove and barred owl. Between programs, get a close-up look at skulls, feathers and other bird-related artifacts. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Spring Wings Week event. 

ON THE GROUNDS, NOON, 2PM

SAT, APRIL 11    CHIRPS AND TWEETS FAMILY WALK

Can you mimic a bird call? Discover a range of birds that fly through Wave Hill, on a walk with naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a walk through the gardens and woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

SAT, APRIL 11    WINTER WORKSPACE OPEN STUDIOS

For the sixth 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 Julian Chams (a Wave Hill 2015 Van Lier Visual Artist Fellow), Beatrice Glow (also a Wave Hill 2015 Van Lier Visual Artist Fellow), Musa Hixson, Elizabeth Hoy, Sara Jiminez and Amy Lincoln. Registration not required for this drop-in event. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–3PM

SAT, APRIL 11    OWL PELLET DISSECTION

Owls are creatures who swallow their prey whole. Parts of the prey, such as bones, feathers and fur are bound up during digestion into a tight pellet, which the owl regurgitates. Drop-in for this exploratory workshop, and discover the origins of the owl’s diet. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2–4PM

SUN, APRIL 12    SPRING BIRDING

Join expert naturalists on a walk through the grounds of Wave Hill and discover the birds passing through the skies during this early migration season. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Spring Wings Week event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, APRIL 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT: A NEST FOR SONG BIRDS

Let’s welcome back our feathered friends as they return to their spring home at Wave Hill! With visiting artist and sculptor Matt Bua, collect sticks, leaves, grasses and found feathers to make a giant, outdoor bird’s nest in the woods. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, APRIL 12    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 directorNeem 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 April 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, APRIL 12    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, APRIL 12    CHIRPS AND TWEETS FAMILY WALK

Can you mimic a bird call? Discover a range of birds that fly through Wave Hill, on a walk with naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a walk through the gardens and woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

SUN, APRIL 12    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, APRIL 12    CONCERT: BRASIL GUITAR DUO

The Brasil Guitar Duo, praised by The New York Times for its “warm melodies and pinpoint dance rhythms”, is two virtuosos, Douglas Lora and João Luiz, who have been dazzling audiences world-wide for 15 years. The ensemble offers a seamless blend of styles, from traditional works to Brazilian popular tunes, featuring the music of Rameau, Gismonti and Bandolim. $28 general admission/$15 child (ages 8 to 18). $22 Wave Hill Member/$12 Wave Hill Member child. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

MON, APRIL 13

Closed to the public

TUE, APRIL 14    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

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. FreeSaturday and Tuesday mornings 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 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.