Thursday, March 19, 2015

BCC Irish Heritage Celebration




Above - (l-r) Bronx Chamber of Commerce Chairman Joseph Kelleher, Joe McManus, Honoree Ms. Tracy McDermott, Honoree Mr. James McQuade, Honoree Ms. Marianne Anderson, BCC President Lenny O'Caro, and Master of Ceremonies Bob Nolan. 

  It was a wonderful event at the Pines on Bronxdale Avenue for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Irish Heritage Celebration. BCC President Lenny O'Caro opened the event, and Bcc President Joseph Kelleher did an excellent job of singing God Bless America (as you will see in a photo below). Mr. Bob Nolan the master of ceremonies said that as late as a week before the event he did not know that he was going to be the Emcee, until Lenny O'Caro asked him a few days ago at the Throggs Neck St. Patrick's Day Parade.

  The three Honorees were Ms. Marianne Anderson the current Pelham Bay Park Administrator, Mr. James E. McQuade owner of Schuyler Hill Funeral Home, and Ms. Tracy McDermott of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz's office. There was also a membership presentation to 10 newest members of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Doctors Express - Urgent Care, Schuyler Hill Funeral Home, Core BTS, Triangulum, 15 Dynasty, S and D Moving, All in One Construction, 5 Guys Burgers and Fries, Rooter Plus Plumbing and Heating, and McClarren Accounting. 



Above - The new member listed before with Ms. Geri Sciortino of the BCC in the middle in the green blouse. 


 BCC President Joseph Kelleher and Master of Ceremonies Bob Nolan singing God Bless America.





 Mr. Joe McManus with Mr. Nolan.


























Above -The lovely Michelle Donglow and Mr. Dirk McCaskill of BP Diaz's office
Below - Bcc President Lenny O'Caro and Joe Mc Manus.

‘ROAD TO 10 MILLION MORE VISITORS’



MAYOR DE BLASIO AND NYC & COMPANY ANNOUNCE
‘ROAD TO 10 MILLION MORE VISITORS’

New tourism target of 67 million annual visitors by 2021 unveiled at
NYC & Company annual meeting

   Mayor Bill de Blasio, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen, NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon, and NYC & Company Board of Directors Chairman and President of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Emily K. Rafferty today announced that New York City is on the ‘Road to 10 Million More Visitors,’ sharing the next tourism forecast of 67 million annual visitors by the end of 2021. The announcement was made during NYC & Company’s Annual Meeting of more than 800 tourism and hospitality industry members at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. NYC & Company previously achieved its goal of 55 million visitors one year ahead of its 2015 schedule by welcoming an all-time record 56.4 million visitors last year.

“From the North Bronx to the South Shore, New York City is home to thousands of diverse neighborhoods and communities—and we’re proud to welcome visitors from across the globe to our vibrant and ever-growing city. This year, we’re committing to attract a record 67 million annual visitors by the end of 2021—and we look forward to working alongside businesses large and small to showcase all that our five boroughs have to offer,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“There's never been a better time to visit New York City and experience the dynamism and diversity that makes it the most exciting destination in the world. We look forward to welcoming 67 million annual visitors by 2021 to explore the boroughs, grow the economy, support the creation of hundreds of thousands of good jobs, and discover all the City has to offer,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen.

“Travel and tourism are a cornerstone of the City’s economy—our hotels, restaurants, attractions, retailers, Broadway theaters, performing arts, five-borough cultural organizations and transportation providers continue to draw new and repeat visitors to our City each year. Through the continued support of the de Blasio administration, I am confident we will reach our new target of 67 million annual visitors by 2021, further spreading tourism to every corner of our City, drawing visitors during slower periods, and showcasing the attractive new product in all five boroughs,” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon.

“As chairman of the board of directors of NYC & Company, I applaud the de Blasio administration for their continued commitment to growing our tourism industry.  Through our mutual collaboration we will expand tourism opportunities in every corner of this City, and arrive at our new destination of 67 million annual visitors by the end of 2021,” said Emily Rafferty, chairman of NYC & Company’s board of directors and president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“From our cultural attractions, restaurants, wonderful neighborhoods and friendly people New York is the greatest city in the world, and we want to encourage everyone from around the world to visit. Tourism helps businesses big and small throughout the five boroughs, and by committing to adding ten million more visitors we help create jobs while also showcasing the greatness of New York City,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

Each additional million visitors would result in significant economic gains for the City of New York, solidifying the tourism industry as a major engine for the City—including generating more tourism-related jobs and visitor spending.  Of the predicted 67 million visitors expected by the end of 2021, 16 million are forecasted to come from international markets while 51 million would originate from U.S./domestic markets.

In 2014, New York City welcomed 56.4 million visitors to New York City, beating the projection of 55 million visitors by the end of 2015. Visitor spending resulted in an estimated $61.3 billion in economic impact and $3.7 billion in City tax revenues, as well as supported 359,000 tourism related jobs. Total visitor volume for 2015 is projected to rise 3 percent overall to 58.1 million.


Wave Hill Events Apr 3–Apr 10



Commuters may breathe a sigh of relief when the schools close for a week, but for those of us with school-age kids, the week can be a challenge…or an opportunity to share some engaging time with your young one—son, daughter, nephew, niece or grandchild! Family programs this week are part of Spring Wings Week at Wave Hill, a time to enjoy the return of the much-loved birds with whom we share the landscape.
P.S. Do stop in The Shop, too, for the sale going on this week. I fell in love with a very soft, squishable bunny hand-puppet yesterday. The space is full of life and color, a wonderfully appealing collection of gifts to engage little ones.


FRI, APRIL 3    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.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM


SAT, APRIL 4    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 4    FAMILY ART PROJECT: ECO FAIR 
Display your care for our planet with your own nature-inspired crafts. Fashion a fancy flower from a discarded CD, binoculars from cardboard tubes, little insects from found metal zippers, a board game from bottle caps or an Earth Day pin from a recycled jar-top.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SAT, APRIL 4    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.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM


SUN, APRIL 5    FAMILY ART PROJECT: ECO FAIR
Display your care for our planet with your own nature-inspired crafts. Fashion a fancy flower from a discarded CD, binoculars from cardboard tubes, little insects from found metal zippers, a board game from bottle caps or an Earth Day pin from a recycled jar-top.  Free with admission to the grounds. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SUN, APRIL 5    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 5    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.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

SUN, APRIL 5    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 5    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, APRIL 6
Closed to the public

TUE, APRIL 7    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.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

TUE, APRIL 7    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

TUE, APRIL 7    FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: PASTE PAPERS
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, learn how to use an acrylic paint and paste medium to make decorative and textured paste papers. Embellish yours with plumy marks that you make from actual feathers. Participants will make multiple sheets to take home or use atWednesday’s workshop. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult; additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online atwww.wavehillorg or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.Spring Wings Week event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1–2:30PM

TUE, APRIL 7    DROP-IN SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS: SHELLS AND FEATHERS
Join us for this drop-in program following the art workshop in the morning. Feathers and eggs are two of the most recognizable attributes of birds, but how do they work? Using water, sand, fabric and soil screens, explore how water and air pass through the egg’s membrane, while its shell protects it. Learn how feathers camouflage birds and keep them warm, dry and aloft. 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

WED, APRIL 8    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.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

WED, APRIL 8    FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: BIRDY PAMPHLET BOOK
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, delve into the art of bookmaking using a simple pamphlet stitch. Choose a local bird species for the silhouette cover, along with textured paste papers to give your homemade book special character. We’ll provide a list of bird songs to include; add your own notes about the birds you see at Wave Hill. $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 11Spring Wings Week event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1–2:30PM

WED, APRIL 8    DROP-IN SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS: BIRD CALLS
Join us for this drop-in program following the art workshop in the morning. Watch a balloon demonstration of how a bird’s voice box—its syrinx—works. Listen to bird-call recordings, and learn simple mnemonics to help you identify the birds you hear at Wave Hill. Make a homemade bird-call using clothespins, electric tape and rubber bands. Learn some tips to sound like a convincing bird. 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

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 11Spring 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.


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 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.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Congratulations to Eric Schneiderman


What You Should Know 
By State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
32nd Senatorial District 


You should know that I offer my congratulations to New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for proposing a ban on outside income for legislators, as was reported in every newspaper today.

You should also know that New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is no “Johnny-Come-Lately” to this matter.  In 2009 and in 2010, when I first introduced Senate Bill 3149 asking for the same thing - barring outside income for legislators - the only State Senator at the time who supported my bill and co-sponsored it was Eric Schneiderman.  (I have continued to introduce this legislation every year and so far, only a handful of my colleagues have offered their support.)

Ladies and gentlemen, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s record speaks for itself, and I congratulate him for having the moral fiber to remain strong on this much-needed piece of ethics reform.

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


Assembly Speaker Heastie's New Car




 
  It may not be this color, but new Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is driving a new 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited according to a Daily News article . The new Jeep cost $39,448 according to the Daily News, and fits the new speaker as does his new larger office and higher pay he receives as Speaker. The Daily News also points out that Heastie's predecessor drove a 2011 Ford Taurus which had 40,000 miles. 


Bronx Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events


 
Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce at our upcoming events: 

 Save the date for our following events: 
 Irish Heritage - Wednesday, March 18
CDL Interview Job Fair - Thursday, March 19
Women of Distinction -Friday, March 27
Annual Golf Outing - Wednesday, May 6 
Business Expo -Tuesday, June 16


 Call 718-828-3900 or go onto our website www.bronxchamber.org for more
 information

Apply For Pre-K For All Today!



PRE-K FOR ALL
Application Period Starts Today!
March 16 - April 24
It's a big day for our city.

Applications are now open for free, full-day, high-quality pre-K starting this fall. And for the first time ever, there's a seat waiting for every four-year-old in New York City who wants one.

Each child enrolled in pre-K means one more kid in our city who gets a stronger start on his or her education and one more family that can put itself on a stronger financial footing, thanks to less time and money spent on childcare
If your child was born in 2011 and you live in New York City, you can apply to district schools or NYC Early Education Centers for the 2015-2016 school year.

Apply now: 
Online at nyc.gov/prek
Over the phone by (718) 935-2067
In person at a Family Welcome Center (Find one here.)

Attend an information session to learn about Pre-K admissions for September 2015. You can also use the Pre-K directory, which we have in our office, to research your school choices