Virtual Wave Hill

 

Farewell, summer! Hello, Fall! We think you'll fall for the changing season at Wave Hill. It's already beginning to look and feel like autumn in the gardens. Plan your visit today--advanced reservation is required. Reserve your ticket here. 

And while you visit the gardens, don't miss out on what's new with our virtual programs: 

Meet the Artist: Ana Flores in Conversation with Jennifer McGregor (VIRTUAL)

Thursday, September 24, 2-3PM

Join us for a conversation between exhibiting artist Ana Flores and Jennifer McGregor, Senior Director of Arts, Education and Programs. Flores created the sculpture Forest Dialogue, a pair of bronze chairs with branches growing from their backs, inviting the visitor to sit amongst the majestic trees—Metasequoia glyptostroboides and the Taxodium distichum—in front of Glyndor Gallery. These sheltering seats remind us that we are one with the forest.

This program will be streamed live on Facebook and on wavehill.org.

September Salute to the Bees (VIRTUAL)

Our annual Honey Weekend moves online this year to celebrate the hard-working pollinators in our yards, gardens and natural areas. Throughout the month of September, we're offering virtual activities and information you can access on-demand as well as live virtual programs with experts.

Local honey, beeswax products and candle-making supplies are available by mail through The Shop at Wave Hill. And if you plan to visit the garden, take a self-guided tour of pollinator-friendly plants or just enjoy the gardens in their fall glory.

Fall Exhibitions

The first of our Fall 2020 exhibitions have been installed and we are thrilled to be reopening Glyndor Gallery to the public. Visit wavehill.org for most up-to-date hours and visitor policies so you can see these works in person.

Family Art Project (VIRTUAL)

Saturday, September 26, 10AM

Stories help us share knowledge and gain new understanding. Throughout time and across borders people have told stories to relate to the plants around them. Bees find their way into many of these stories, spreading pollen and life. Folklore tells us that important life events must be first told to the bees so they will continue to care for the flowers. What stories should we tell the bees about our most beloved flowers? Connect with a plant that is important to you and illustrate its story in a uniquely crafted pollination myth.

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: Special restricted hours as New York City recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic: 10AM–5:30PM, Wednesdays–Sunday.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

 

0.94 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive

5 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

SLA and State Police Task Force Visits 1,077 Establishments; Observes 5 Establishments Not in Compliance

Confirms 665 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 451,892; New Cases in 43 Counties

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.

"New York's most powerful tools in the fight against COVID-19 are the actions each of us take to slow the spread. When you wear a mask, socially distance and wash your hands, you're protecting other New Yorkers, not just yourself," Governor Cuomo said. "Local governments have critical roles to play enforcing state guidance and I urge them to keep doing so. We'll closely monitor the data here as the pandemic continues to spread across the country, and we'll get through this together by staying New York Tough."

Yesterday, the State Liquor Authority and State Police Task Force visited 1,077 establishments in New York City and Long Island and observed 5 establishments that were not in compliance with state requirements. A county breakdown of yesterday's observed violations is below:

• Manhattan - 1
• Suffolk - 4

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 490 (+20)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 83
• Hospital Counties - 34
• Number ICU - 141 (+8)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 68 (+1)
• Total Discharges - 76,306 (+60)
• Deaths - 5
• Total Deaths - 25,437

Macy’s And The City Of New York Announce Plan For Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® Celebration

 

The iconic holiday event will be reimagined safely for a national television presentation

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide on NBC-TV Thursday, November 26 from 9 a.m. – Noon, in all time zones

 Macy’s and the City of New York announced details of the reimagined plan for the safe production of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® celebration. For the first time in its more than 90-year history, the annual Macy’s Parade will be modified to safely bring the magic to more than 50 million viewers nationwide on Thanksgiving Day, while maintaining all of the spectacle and wonder of this cherished holiday tradition. This year the celebration will shift to a television only special presentation, showcasing the Macy’s Parade’s signature mix of giant character helium balloons, fantastic floats, street performers, clowns and heralding the arrival of the holiday season with the one-and-only Santa Claus.

“New York City is always proud to join Macy's to ring in the holiday season with New Yorkers and viewers around the world. We’ve worked closely with the Macy’s team on a safe and creative plan this year, and we look forward to keeping this tradition going on Thanksgiving Day,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“Macy’s believes in celebration and the joy of marking milestone moments with family and friends. The Macy’s Parade is our love letter and gift to the City of New York and the nation. Under the unique challenges of these unparalleled times, we felt it was important to continue this cherished holiday tradition that has been the opening act to the holiday season for generations of families,” said Susan Tercero, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “While it will certainly look different in execution, this year’s Macy’s Parade celebration will once again serve its historical purpose – to bring joy into the hearts of millions across the nation.”

For nearly 100 years, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been synonymous with the official start of the holiday season in the United States. Growing from a two block-long collection of Macy’s colleagues dressed in whimsical clown outfits, playing instruments and adorning floats in 1924, to the world-famous spectacle we know today, at the core of the Macy’s Parade has been the warm memories that fill the hearts and minds of generations of American families.

To safely produce this icon of American culture during this unprecedented time, Macy’s partnered with the City of New York to create a safe plan that would keep the tradition alive. Following the success of this summer’s reimagined Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® show, the Macy’s team meticulously reviewed every area of the Thanksgiving Day playbook to put in place enhanced health and safety practices that align with CDC guidelines, as well as local and state government protocols.

The safety of participants and spectators is Macy’s number one priority and this year’s 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebration will be produced solely as a television event allowing millions of New Yorkers and the nation to safely experience it from the comforts of home.

As part of Macy’s comprehensive health and wellness plan a number of changes will be implemented in order to execute this event safely. These changes include, but are not limited to the following:

• Reducing the overall number of participants by approximately 75%, and splitting the remaining participants over two days
• All participants will be appropriately socially distanced during performances and be required to wear face coverings and additional personal protective equipment depending on their role
• Shifting to a television-broadcast-only production with staging for Parade elements focused solely in/ around the Herald Square area of Midtown Manhattan
• The traditional 2.5-mile Parade route will not be utilized this year
• No participant in the Parade will be under 18 years of age
• Previously selected regional High School and College Marching Bands performances will be deferred to the 2021 Macy’s Parade, with locally based professional marching and musical ensembles taking musical duties in the lineup
• Macy’s traditional Giant Balloon Inflation public event on Wednesday will not take place
• Macy’s signature giant character balloons will be flown without the traditional 80-100 handlers and instead employ an innovative, specially rigged anchor vehicle framework of five specialty vehicles tested and approved by the NYCDOT and NYPD

The 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air nationwide on NBC-TV, Thursday, November 26, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, in all time zones. For more information visit macys.com/parade. To follow and participate in the excitement, check out @macys on various social platforms and follow #MacysParade.

MAYOR DE BLASIO EXTENDS EXECUTIVE ORDER 148 AND ANNOUNCES ALTERNATE CELEBRATIONS FOR SIGNATURE EVENTS

 

Mayor de Blasio today extended Executive Order 148, which sets limitations on event permits through December 31, 2020. The Executive Order limits the types of outdoor events permitted by the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Police Department, and the Street Activity Permit Office in order to minimize crowding, facilitate COVID testing and treatment sites, and to allow for use of streets and parks for recreation, learning and dining. Currently, there are over 475 outdoor learning sites in city parks and streets, in addition to 10,200 Open Restaurants and 79 miles of Open Streets.

 

“Beating back COVID-19 means staying smart about public events with large gatherings. It also means drawing on our city’s greatest resource: our resilience and creativity,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New Yorkers are rising to the occasion with inventive, inspirational uses of public space, and we’ll support every effort to safely keep New York City the greatest and most vibrant city in the world.”

 

“From surprise musical performances on a pickup truck, to races staggered through the course of a day, our communities are finding ways to come together safely to celebrate, commemorate, and draw attention to causes they hold dear,” said Ellyn Canfield, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management. “The City will work with every applicant to produce memorable events that keep New Yorkers safe.”

 

Safe, creative arrangements will be made for community celebrations, performances, and activations to continue in the city. Planned events include alternate celebrations for signature events, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and New Year’s Eve in Times Square, in addition to a spooky walk through the West Village for Halloween, and ceremonial motorcycle procession for Veteran's Day, among other virtual and socially distanced in-person activities.

 

Recent events permitted by Department of Parks and Recreation and the Street Activity Permit Office include dozens of pop-up music performances by the Philharmonic, a staggered run with NYC Runs, and a musical press conference in Times Square with Arts Hero in addition to hundreds of block parties, athletic events, religious events, health fairs, and cultural performances.

 

Apply for street permits at nyc.gov/SAPO and parks permits at nyceventpermits.nyc.gov/parks. Frequently asked questions about the about Executive Order 148 can be found here.

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera Honors Evonne Capers as the 2020 Woman of Distinction for the 33rd Senate District

 

Held at the New York Botanical Gardens, the ceremony recognized Ms. Capers long-standing leadership in Senator Rivera's district 

At a small ceremony at the New York Botanical Gardens, State Senator Gustavo Rivera presented Evonne Capers with the 2020 Women of Distinction award. Each year, the New York State Senate honors outstanding women across New York State who are leaving an indelible mark within their communities while setting an example for future generations of New Yorkers. 

Ms. Capers moved to the Bronx at a young age where she served as a proud postal worker for 25 years until her retirement. Throughout the years, Ms. Capers became an active member in her community. She started by joinign the Twin Parks NE II Tenant Association and eventually became its President due to her steadfast leadership and determination. She then joined the Community Action for Safe Apartments (CASA) New Settlement, a Bronx-based not-for-profit with a 23-year track record of revitalizing neighborhoods, building community, and facilitating positive youth development. She also became a member of Tenants and Neighbors, a grassroots organization that helps tenants build, protect, and access affordable housing opportunities. In June 2014, Ms. Capers joined Community Board 6. Since then, she has worked on several of the Community Board's committees, served in multiple positions, and now proudly serves as its Chair. 

"I am proud to present Ms.Evonne Capers with this year's New York State Senate Woman of Distinction award for the 33rd Senate District. Ms. Capers has vocally advocated to protect affordable housing in our neighborhoods while fighting for tenants' rights, and as Community Board 6 's current Chairperson, she continues to selflessly build bridges to solve the most pressing issues impacting our communtiy. Ms. Capers is an integral member of my district and I am incredibly grateful to count with her leadership and support. The Bronx is a better place because of her hard work," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Calls for Increased Funding for Schools and Childcare Across New York

 

 Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez released a statement advocating for additional school funding, as schools begin to re-open despite parent and teacher concerns around COVID-19 safety protocols and staffing in many of our cities schools.

"After hearing from parents and school staff across the district, it’s clear that there’s significant evidence to suggest that schools are not safe to re-open. Poorly ventilated and unsanitized classrooms, ambiguous or ineffective health screening, COVID testing and contact tracing protocols, and severe staffing shortages, on top of COVID cases in at least 55 schools, all indicate we are not ready to re-open. At the same time, working parents desperately need relief from full-time childcare and work. But we do not actually have to choose between unsafe schools and childcare for parents. I’m calling on Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo to raise revenue to fund universal childcare programs, significantly increase staffing at schools, and fund the infrastructure improvements, including ventilation, that our school buildings need to be safe. In June, the Mayor pushed for a budget that cut more than $700M from schools, but cut almost nothing meaningful from NYPD. The state still owes NYC schools $3.9B in Foundation Aid funding. We are in this situation because we have balanced our budgets on the backs of students for decades. 

Staff at NYC schools have worked tirelessly since the start of the pandemic to provide the best education they can with very few resources. They deserve all of our gratitude and appreciation, but they also deserve the resources they need to succeed. Our kids and communities deserve for us to get this right."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

In a time of deep budget cuts due to a great loss of revenue, we have to ask Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez this question.

Where do you expect the mayor and governor to find the extra money needed when every area in the budgets of the city and state are being asked to cut spending?

Perhaps the needed monies can come from the federal government in any one of the many funding streams already available?

Bronx Progressives Virtual Meeting - Wednesday, September 330th 2020 at 6:00pm

 

Join Fellow Progressives for our September Meeting!

 

When: Wednesday, September 30^th, 6pm

 

Where:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81747889600

  

Greetings Bronx Progressives Members!

 

How are you all? Hope this email finds you all well, and that your loved ones are healthy and safe during the pandemic. As I write this, I am reminded that several long months have passed by since we’ve last held a meeting. So much has happened since not only in our own personal lives, but as a society. This health crisis has changed us forever!

 

With that said, Bronx Progressives has been on hiatus since the pandemic broke out, and because of other internal challenges we’ve been facing as a group. At this moment we find ourselves in a very difficult and painful situation of deciding what is the future of Bronx Progressives. Do we disband it or create a plan of action to reactivate the group? 

 

Join us, Wednesday, September 30^th at 6pm, to take part in this crucial discussion about the future of Bronx Progressives. Your feedback and participation are crucial!

 

We will also have a special guest joining us. Sochie Nnaemeka, Working Families Party NYS Director, will be joining us to chat about the upcoming elections, and the Working Families Party.

 

We will also discuss the upcoming election on November 3, and how to plan your vote.

 

When: Wednesday, September 30^th at 6pm

 

Where:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81747889600

***This meeting is ADA accessible and is a safe space for all races, religions, sexes, gender identities, ages and beliefs***

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES EXPANDED FURLOUGHS FOR CITY EMPLOYEES

 

 Mayor de Blasio today announced the City will expand furloughs to all managerial and non-represented City employees. This announcement expands on the announcement made last week of a week of furloughs for Mayor’s Office employees between October and March. These expanded furloughs will impact nine thousand employees and save $21 million.

“I know this is difficult news for the dedicated public servants of our City,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “But we are forced to make these difficult decisions as we face a massive budget shortfall with no help in sight. We need Washington and Albany to step up. We need a federal stimulus and we need long term borrowing.”

 

The City is facing an enormous budget challenge, a $9 billion toll on City revenue, and has already cut $7 billion from the budget between February and the Fiscal Year 2021 Adopted Budget announced in June. The City continues to work with labor groups to find savings and prevent layoffs.

 

The Administration has made historic moves to make the City fiscally responsible and prepared for adversity, including:

• Increased reserve levels every year and increased general reserve to record levels
• Created first ever Capital Stabilization Reserve
• Achieved billions of dollars in savings every year, even when revenue was strong
• At the height of the pandemic, achieved the largest savings plan of this Administration ($5.8 billion in FY20 and FY21 and $1.7 billion recurring)
• Saw our bond rating increased last year due to strong fiscal management
• Created New York City’s first-ever Rainy Day Fund.
•