Saturday, March 1, 2014

13th Congressional Candidate Adriano Espaillat Visits Fordham Road With Senator Gustavo Rivera


  It was a cold brisk morning that State Senator Adriano Espaillat and State Senator Gustavo met on Fordham Road to greet voters from Senator Rivera's district and introduce Senator Espaillat as the candidate for the 13th Congressional District. The two walked along Fordham Road visiting several stores to speak with the merchants and possible voters. In 2012 Senator Espaillat ran for this very same seat losing to umpteen incumbent Congressman Charles Rangel. 
  Only 6 percent of the eligible voters came out two years ago for the June primary. I asked Senator Espaillat before he announced his candidacy what he would be doing different this time around. He said that he would be out more with the voters, and make them aware of the June congressional election. He added that he would also show the voters why he is the best candidate in the race to represent the 13th Congressional district. Below are a few photos of the Fordham Road walking tour. Click on any photo to make them larger.












 Left - 13th Congressional candidate Senator Espaillat speaks with potential voters on Fordham Road.
Right - Senator Gustavo Rivera stands with 13th Congressional candidate Espaillat as he greets another voter.

 













Left - The pair enjoy a bite to eat in a Fordham Road eatery, as the reporters covering the walk are at the bottom of the photo.
Right - Senator Rivera took Senator Espaillat into this store to meet the merchant.

UPCOMING EVENTS FROM THE BRONX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


Bronx Chamber Logo  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Mark your calendar for
   our upcoming events! 
  

 

Irish Heritage Month Celebration By Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr.


Irish Heritage Month Celebration
 
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Invites you to join him at the

Rambling House
4292 Katonah Avenue
Bronx, New York
Thursday, March 13, 2014
12 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

2014 Honorees 
Caroline Duggan
Teacher, Public School 59
Founder of Keltic Dream Dance Group

Father Richard Gorman
Chairman, Community Board #12

John Samuelsen

President, TWU Local 100



Friday, February 28, 2014

CMs LEVIN AND RODRIGUEZ TO INTRODUCE RESOLUTION CALLING ON ALBANY TO LOWER NYC SPEEDS TO 20MPH


  Council Members Stephen Levin and Ydanis Rodriguez are introducing a resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass legislation that would lower New York City's speed limits to 20 miles per hour unless otherwise noted and to give the City Council the authority to impose different speed limits in the city. New York State law currently sets 30 miles per hour as the speed limit in New York City unless otherwise noted.

The chances of survival after being struck by a vehicle increase dramatically when a vehicle travels at a slower speed. A study conducted by the United Kingdom Transportation Department found that a pedestrian has a 45 percent chance of dying if struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 miles per hour, but when the vehicle is traveling at 20 miles per hour there is only a 5 percent chance of death.

Senator Martin Dilan and Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell have introduced legislation in the State Legislature that would allow New York City to lower the city's speed limit to 20 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.

Council Member Stephen Levin said, "The data is conclusive: slower speeds decrease the probability that someone will be seriously injured or killed in a crash. We have seen time and time again the pain inflicted on families as the result of crashes and we as New Yorkers refuse to stand by and let another person be killed in traffic. By reducing speed limits in New York City we will save lives and achieve the goals of Vision Zero. I want to thank Senator Dilan and Assemblyman O'Donnell for introducing this legislation at the state level and urge their colleagues for their support."

"Speed kills, plain and simple," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "Whether here or in Albany, we as legislators have a responsibility to protect the lives of our constituents. Easily avoidable traffic deaths devastate our city and we must be given the tools to prevent them. When lives are at stake, death is the price of inaction."

According to NYPD data, in 2013 alone 268 people - including 168 pedestrians - were killed in traffic crashes in New York City. Additionally, unsafe speed was cited as a contributing factor in over 3,000 collisions that resulted in injuries or fatalities.

  Editors Note:
  What is needed is more enforcement of the laws that are currently in effect. 
More police officers on patrol, and not answers like more cameras to catch offenders because there is no real penalty for the offending driver. It is not the offender who has to pay for the fine from a camera it is the owner of the vehicle.



Rangel Affordable Care Act Event - March 7, 2014 @ 8:30 AM


  Even though this event is taking place in Manhattan Congressman Rangel still does represent areas of several Bronx Assembly Districts.

 
Are you uninsured?
Learn About the Affordable Care Act

Keynote Speaker
Congressman Charles B. Rangel

Friday, March 7th
515 Audubon Avneue
(Near West 190th Street)
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Sign-up opportunities for affordable and comprehensive health insurance.

Authorized Navigators will be available to provide you with free help on obtaining insurance. The Federal government’s current open enrollment period ends March 31, 2014.

To RSVP or for additional information, please call the Washington Heights-Inwood Chamber of Commerce at (212) 928-6595.

Hosted by: The Washington Heights-Inwood Chamber of Commerce, Community Board 12, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, and Isabella Geriatric Center.

Light refreshments will be served


Thursday, February 27, 2014

ADRIANO ESPAILLAT ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS


 Inline image 1
  



State Senator Adriano Espaillat and supporters have announced that he will be running for the 13th Congressional once again currently held by Congressman Charles Rangel.
In 2012 Senator Espaillat came in a close second to Rangel in a field of five candidates. 
So far there are three announced candidates. Congressman Charles Rangel has announced his intention to run for another term, Pastor Michael Walrond of Harlem has announced his intention to run for the 13th Congressional seat, and now State Senator Adriano Espaillat has made it official that he will also be seeking the 13th Congressional seat.

  I spoke with Senator Espaillat recently and asked him what would make him think that he could win this time around after coming in second two years ago. Senator Espaillat told me that he has changed several things including finding out where things may have gone wrong on the campaign two years ago. He said that he will have a better get out the vote operation among several other adjustments to his campaign for this year. 

It is unclear if any other candidates will enter the 13th Congressional race.


New York Green Card Holders to Receive Free Citizenship Assistance


  This came in from from State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

 
New York Green Card Holders to Receive Free Citizenship Assistance  
Innovative Partnership Holds Workshop in the Bronx
 

Green card holders will attend a free citizenship application assistance workshop in the Bronx this Saturday. 

The event, hosted jointly by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, La Fuente, Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Church World Services, Servicios de Educacion Basica, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Assembly Member Victor Pichardo, will provide free citizenship application assistance and naturalization exam study materials, as well as one-on-one legal consultations to Bronx's eligible legal permanent residents and those seeking to inform themselves of the naturalization process.

The opportunity to talk with local immigration rights experts about the recent changes to the N-400 citizenship application form, the socioeconomic benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen, and the important work local organizations are doing to promote integration among New York's 920,000 lawful permanent residents eligible for citizenship today.


WHAT:    Local organizations hold free citizenship workshop for green card   holders

WHO:      Local Bronx green card holders
                 NALEO Educational Fund
                 La Fuente
                 Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights
                Church World Services
                Servicios de Educacion Basica
                State Senator Gustavo Rivera
                Assembly Member Victor Pichardo

WHEN:   11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, March 1st

WHERE:   P.S. 33 Timothy Dwight School
                   2424 Jerome Avenue
                   Bronx, NY 10468


Wave Hill Events March 14–March 21


  SAT, MARCH 15    FAMILY ART PROJECT: THE EARLY BIRD GETS INTO THE MOBILE
Look for the first returning birds and overwintering residents, along with early migrants passing through on their way north. Cut out their birdie shapes and hang and balance them to make a colorful, moving mobile. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 15    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

SAT, MARCH 15    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: REPHOTOGRAPHY SCAVENGER HUNT
Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Brandon Neubauer’s creative process and explore the late winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Participants in this workshop will use printed photographs provided by the artist to juxtapose images they take of prominent trees and vistas with those taken of the same locations last summer and fall at Wave Hill. Each participant must bring their own camera or camera phone with the Instagram app and are encouraged to work in groups or pairs; all other materials are provided. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SAT, MARCH 15    GARDEN WORKSHOP: TERRARIUMS
Don’t have a garden or greenhouse? Create your own tabletop landscape with Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer. Tiny ferns, creeping fig and other tropical plants thrive in the humid conditions of an enclosed glass jar as if in their own miniature greenhouse. Create your own fanciful scene with a selection of diminutive plants, perfect for home or office. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. $45/$35 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 16    BIRDING BOOT CAMP
Can you tell a catbird from a cowbird? New birders are invited to join expert birder, naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow to discover the many groups of birds that call New York City their home. Through images and a short lecture, Gabriel shares proven techniques to simplify bird identification using visual and audible clues. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission.)  Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 9:30–11:30AM

SUN, MARCH 16    FAMILY ART PROJECT: THE EARLY BIRD GETS INTO THE MOBILE
Look for the first returning birds and overwintering residents, along with early migrants passing through on their way north. Cut out their birdie shapes and hang and balance them to make a colorful, moving mobile. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 16    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 16    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. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Registration opens online and 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 16    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 17
Closed to the public.

WED, MARCH 19    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #3—WILLIAM CULLINA: WHAT DO YOU MEAN I’M NOT A PERENNIAL?
This ongoing series is hosted by Wave Hill’s Friends of Horticulture Committee and is devoted to landscape design and the meaning of our interactions with plants and the natural world. The final lecture this season is provided by William Cullina, award-winning author and Executive Director of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Most folks are familiar with the concept of the mixed border—perennials, annuals, shrubs and evergreens blended together in a seamless composition year-round. It sounds good in theory, but transplanting this concept into a real garden is more difficult than it seems. In this talk, Bill Cullina profiles his favorite 50 “natural mixers,” focusing on native woody plants and how to manage them to bring, form, texture, color and wildlife to the perennial garden. $25/$20 Wave Hill Member, Student. Reservations recommended, online, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x216.
NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 170 EAST 70TH STREET, MANHATTAN, 6PM

THU, MARCH 20    ART WORKSHOP: PAINTING IN PIECES: DRAWING WITH COLOR AND COLLAGE
With artist Wennie Huang as your guide, paint highly articulated and layered artwork inspired by the rich colors and textures of spring. Combine soft pastels, colored pencils and watercolor to create complex surfaces reflecting the diverse dimensions and nuanced hues of the landscape. Six sessions: $270/$210 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 March 27, April 3, 10, 17 and 24.
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 15October 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. 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 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.