Sunday, February 18, 2024

Bronx River Art Center - BRAC Mid-Winter Break Art Camp Starts Monday!

 


MID-WINTER BREAK

+ BLACK HISTORY MONTH

ART CAMP


"Four Little Girls" by Greg Mills, 2023 Collage Art.


SCHOOL CLOSED? WE ARE OPEN!

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) is excited to announce this year's Mid-Winter Break Art Camp, featuring special two-hour classes for children, teens, and adults. Interested participants can register for individual half-day classes ($10 each), or buy discounted full day ($18) and full week ($90) tickets.


From Monday, February 19th to Friday, February 23rd, join us for daily art workshops in both the morning and afternoon. Classes will take place from 11am to 1pm in the morning, and from 2pm to 4pm in the afternoon.


As part of Black History Month, this year's Art Camp includes a series of art workshops to explore the process of making portraits using collage materials. This four-part collage and drawing class with local artist Gregory Mills will meet February 19, 20, 23, and 24 from 2 to 4pm. Participants will learn the basic techniques of color theory, design, and the use of art materials to create original hands-on collage art pieces in observance of Black History.


A final collage workshop on Saturday will lead into our Black History Month musical performance by Juneteenth LP at 4:30pm.


Monday, February 19

11am - DRAWING

2pm - MIXED-MEDIA COLLAGE 1

Tuesday, February 20

11am - DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION

2pm - MIXED-MEDIA COLLAGE 2

Wednesday, February 21

11am - PHOTO COLLAGE

2pm - CHARCOAL DRAWING

Thursday, February 22

11am - PRINTMAKING

2pm - VISUAL TOY MAKING

Friday, February 23

11am - MASK-MAKING

2pm - MIXED-MEDIA COLLAGE 3

Saturday, February 24

2pm - MIXED-MEDIA COLLAGE 4



NOTE: Classes may not run if there are less than eight registered students. If the class is canceled, you will be notified before classes start.


Covid-19 Protocols:

Vaccination is strongly recommended. If student is sick, must take a Covid test before attending class. If positive, cannot return for five days and must wear mask for ten.

Please ask us if you need tests, we have them available.

We appreciate your continued vigilance and cooperation.


Bronx River Art Center, Inc | 1087 East Tremont Ave.


Wave Hill Weekly Events March 7 – March 14 | Spring Birding & Pi Day!

 

Just as our first blooms of the year were starting to break through the grounds, we have been blanketed in snow. But I’m told this won’t impact them much. And while I personally cannot wait for Spring, it is an amazing time to be at Wave Hill. The stillness of the snow-covered grounds is mesmerizing. And you just need to step into the Conservatory Palm House to warm up and be engulfed in by the scents and blooms of our collection from the Southern Hemisphere on full display to be reminded that Spring is just around the corner.  

Save the Date: April 8 
Wave Hill will be hosting a free Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. Experience this amazing celestial event from our open lawns with spectacular views of the Hudson River and open sky above. Pot up some seeds and make a festive eclipse party hat or celestial floral headband at our activity stations and enjoy live music and story time with the Riverdale Library. There's solar-spirited fun for all at this community event! 

Family Art Project: Accessorize with Pi 
Free with admission to the grounds  
Registration not required 

Celebrate Pi Day with a twist! Make wearable art decorated with the spirals, patterns and shapes found in nature. Discover how math, art and nature blend as you create your own stunning pieces.  

Spring Birding   
$17; including admission to the grounds
Registration required 

Welcome migratory birds back to Wave Hill this spring! Explore the gardens and woodlands with birder Gabriel Willow to look for resident and rare birds as they pass through on their northern journey or settle down for the season. A limited number of binoculars, monoculars and walking sticks are available to borrow at the Perkins Visitor Center. Birding walks take place the second Sunday of every month. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.

Severe weather cancels. Registration required; online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. 

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk 
Free with admission to the grounds 
Registration not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.  

Winter Workspace 2024: Drop-In Sunday  
Free with admission to the grounds
Registration encouraged, but not required 

The Winter Workspace is a program that takes place over two, six-week sessions and provides artists with free studio space, a financial stipend and access to Wave Hill’s living collection. Since its start 14 years ago, the Workspace has supported more than 150 artists. During the Winter Workspace, artists have intimate access to the greenhouses, as well as horticultural and curatorial staff. Experimentation is encouraged and artists expand their practices while working on site. Artists also engage with Wave Hill visitors through Drop-In Sundays and Open Studio events, as well as adult or family workshops. At the core of the Winter Workspace is the recognition that creating art within the context of a garden is a unique experience.

Artists participating in Sessin 2 are: Yan Cynthia Chen, Lili Chin, Anastasia Corrine, Emily Lombardo, María-Elena Pombo and Karina Aguilera Skvirsky.  

The Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday series provides an opportunity for Wave Hill visitors to deepen their connection with the arts and their experience of the garden by learning how artists are drawing inspiration from our site. During this event, visitors can mingle with three Workspace Artists in their studios, ask questions and learn about their creative practice. Each Sunday a different group of artists participates. 

This event is family-friendly, and we welcome visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to attend. A Discovery Guide for families is available at the gallery desk, offering a fun way to engage with the artwork on view.  

HOURS: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 
Shuttle Service suspended until Spring 

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

March 27th - Riverdale Women's Celebration - Nominate a Business

 

We are partnering with Female Fight Club to promote women owned businesses in our community.


Nominate your favorite women-owned business now.

Deadline is Monday, February 19th.


Our community is filled with amazing women-owned businesses who truly deserve to be celebrated. We will choose 4 extraordinary businesses to be celebrated at an award ceremony on

Wednesday, March 27th.


Click here to nominate a business.




Become a sponsor!


Click here for Sponsor Form


Venue to be announced next week! We have very exciting news! 


Look forward to seeing you!


505BX.org




Justice Department Transfers Approximately $500,000 in Forfeited Russian Funds to Estonia for Benefit of Ukraine

 

Estonia to Support Ukraine Using Funds Forfeited by United States After Interception of Sophisticated Military-Grade Machinery Bound for Russia; Defendant in Scheme Separately Pleads Guilty

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco and Estonian Secretary General Tõnis Saar announced at the Munich Security Conference the transfer of nearly $500,000 in forfeited Russian funds for the purpose of providing aid to Ukraine. The funds were forfeited by the United States following the breakup of an illegal procurement network attempting to import into Russia a high-precision, U.S.-origin machine tool with uses in the defense and nuclear proliferation sectors. Additionally, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, a citizen of Latvia charged criminally in connection with the procurement scheme pleaded guilty to violating U.S. export laws and regulations.

This transfer is the first of its kind from the United States to a foreign ally for the express purpose of assisting Ukraine, and the second time the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture has made confiscated Russian assets available for Ukraine—having provided $5.4 million in forfeited funds last year to the State Department for the support of Ukrainian war veterans. The confiscated funds are being transferred to Estonia since under current authorities, the facts of this case do not allow for a direct transfer to Ukraine. Estonia will use the funds for a project to expedite damage assessments and critical repairs to the Ukrainian electrical distribution and transmission system, which have been purposefully targeted by Russian forces.

“This announcement demonstrates the unwavering resolve of the United States and our Estonian partners to cut off President Putin's access to the western technologies he relies on to wage an illegal war against Ukraine,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who signed the transfer agreement on behalf of the United States. “This step for justice and restoration blazes a new trail toward combating Russia’s ongoing brutality. The Department of Justice will continue pursuing creative solutions to ensure the Ukrainian people can respond and rebuild.”

“Preventing cross-border crime has been and will be an even greater priority in the future,” said Secretary General Tõnis Saar of the Estonian Ministry of Justice.“Effective prosecution of sanctioned crimes is a very important part of this. In my opinion, this agreement provides additional motivation to deal with sanctions violations even more. The reason is very simple, the goal here is not only to detect, prosecute and ensure justice, but to direct illegal income to the victim, i.e. Ukraine. I hope that this will become the new normality for sanctioned crimes in other countries in the future.”

“Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Department of Justice, together with its U.S. and overseas partners, has leveraged every tool available to cut off the Kremlin from the resources it needs to prosecute its war of aggression. These efforts are yielding results,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today, we demonstrate once again our commitment to holding Russia to account and to aiding the people of Ukraine as they bravely resist and rebuild.”

“I commend the investigators who prevented this sensitive piece of Connecticut-manufactured equipment from crossing the Russian border, and our team of prosecutors who are not only bringing the individuals and entities involved to justice but have worked to seize and forfeit the funds involved in its purchase,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut. “We thank our law enforcement partners and the Government of the Republic of Estonia for helping us achieve our mission to chase down the assets of those who violate our laws and to ensure proper compensation to their victims.”

“This agreement between the United States and Estonia not only reinforces our strong partnership, it fortifies the commitments of both countries to stand up to Russian aggression,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “This transfer stems from a joint investigation into the attempted illegal shipment of military materials to aid the Russian war against Ukraine. HSI will continue to ensure the safety of the homeland of this great nation, and when necessary, that of our allies.”

“The Putin regime has purposefully targeted critical and civil infrastructure in Ukraine to weaken morale, cripple the Ukrainian economy, and use winter as a weapon of war. The funds we are providing to Estonia today will be used to dramatically reduce the time needed to evaluate and prioritize urgent repairs to Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure, all in effort to literally keep the lights on,” said Task Force KleptoCapture Co-Director Michael Khoo.

This action demonstrates that the Department and its international partners will seek and develop novel solutions to ensure that the profits of Russian criminal networks are redirected for the support of the Ukrainian people.

The agreement with Estonia showcases the joint commitments of the United States and Estonia to both enforce the export control regimes that deprive the Russian war machine of critical technologies and supplies and use the confiscated criminal proceeds to sustain Ukraine as it resists illegal Russian aggression.

In March 2023, an investigation into the attempted smuggling of a dual-use export-controlled item to Russia resulted in the forfeiture of $484,696, representing funds wired into the United States to purchase the item. The item, known as a jig grinder, is a high-precision grinding machine system that requires a license for export or reexport to Russia because of its applications in nuclear proliferation and defense programs. The jig grinder was intercepted before it could reach Russia.

In addition to the forfeiture, U.S. authorities, with the active support of the Estonian Prosecutor General’s Office and the Estonian Tax and Customs Board, charged multiple individuals and companies who were part of the smuggling network. The transfer of the forfeited funds to Estonia is in recognition of the crucial assistance received from the Estonian authorities.

Among those criminally charged in the smuggling case, Latvian national Vadims Ananics, 47, was arrested in Latvia on Oct. 18, 2022, and pleaded guilty earlier this week in federal court in Connecticut. Ananics admitted to his role in the scheme to violate U.S. export laws and regulations by attempting to smuggle a dual-use export-controlled item to Russia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ananics was the general manager of CNC Weld, a Latvia-based corporation. Beginning in 2018, Ananics conspired with others, including individuals in Russia and a Russia-based company, to violate U.S. export laws and regulations to smuggle a 500 Series CPWZ Precision jig grinder that was manufactured in Connecticut to Russia.

In August 2019, to finalize the purchase of the jig grinder, Ananics and others traveled to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he informed the sellers that the jig grinder was being purchased for the benefit of CNC Weld. Only after the jig grinder was exported from the United States did Ananics inform the sellers that CNC Weld was not the end user.

Ananics pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

U.S. authorities, working with Latvian authorities, intercepted the jig grinder in Riga, Latvia, before it was to be shipped to Russia. In March 2023, $484,696 in funds involved in the purchase of the jig grinder were subsequently forfeited.

In turn, Estonia has, in consultation with the United States, agreed to use the transferred funds to finance a drone-based program to assess the damage Russian aggression has done to Ukraine’s electrical distribution and transmission infrastructure.

In April 2023, an additional €312,192.44 (approximately $342,000) was ordered forfeited as part of a criminal sentence imposed on one of the shell companies involved in the jig-grinder smuggling network. The funds are currently held in Latvia pending final enforcement of the U.S. forfeiture order.

HSI Field Offices in New Haven, Connecticut; Portland Oregon; and the Hague, Netherlands; the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement in Boston; and the FBI handled the investigation. In addition to the assistance by Estonian authorities, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Latvia, the Latvian Tax and Customs Police, and the Latvian State Police provided valuable assistance.

Governor Hochul Announces Two Free Snowmobiling Weekends

snowmobilers 

Registration Waived for Out-of-State Snowmobilers for First Two Weekends in March


Governor Kathy Hochul announced two free snowmobile weekends for all out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers to rev their engines. This year’s events will occur March 1- March 3 and now March 8 - March 10, encouraging out-of-state visitors to come ride the 10,500 miles of snowmobile trails in New York State.

“Winter is here in New York, and we are ready to welcome visiting snowmobilers to our trails,” Governor Hochul said. “With the help of local governments and clubs, we are now offering two free snowmobiling weekends this year to boost tourism and support local economies. Plan your trip to explore a scenic, beautiful upstate trail this season.”

New York State already set aside the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in March as free for out-of-state snowmobilers, and is now adding a second. During this time, the registration requirement in New York is waived for already properly registered and insured out-of-state snowmobiling enthusiasts. Participants in these free snowmobiling events must operate a snowmobile that is registered in their home state/Province and must carry any applicable insurance as required. Outside of this promotion, out-of-state and Canadian snowmobilers are required to register their snowmobiles with New York State before hitting the state's trails – from the Hudson Valley to the North Country to Western New York.

These free snowmobiling weekends, March 1 - March 3 and March 8 - March 10, 2024, helps with tourism for state and local economies, and reinforces New York's commitment to the industry. New York State has made an ongoing commitment to snowmobile trail maintenance and our local grants program is funded by snowmobile registration fees collected by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and deposited into the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. County and municipal governments distribute the grants to about 230 snowmobile clubs across the state, which in turn groom and maintain the trails.

This announcement is also a good reminder for riders to observe trail conditions and safety procedures while snowmobiling. Trail conditions vary depending on snowfall amounts and other factors. State Parks cautions snowmobilers, fishermen, skiers and snowshoers to put safety first and to proceed with extreme caution before venturing on ice- or snow-covered bodies of water. Historically, the two leading causes of snowmobile injuries in New York State are excessive speed and operator intoxication.

Top safety recommendations include:

  • INSPECT and properly maintain your snowmobile; carry emergency supplies
  • ALWAYS wear a helmet with DOT-certified standards and make sure you wear appropriate snowmobile gear including bibs, jackets, boots, and gloves to withstand the elements
  • ALWAYS ride with a buddy or group and tell a responsible person where you will be riding and your expected return time
  • SLOW DOWN. Ride within your ability
  • STAY ON MARKED TRAILS. Respect landowners and obey posted signs
  • NEVER drink alcohol or use drugs and ride
  • FROZEN BODIES OF WATER are not designated trails; if you plan to ride on ice, proceed with caution and be aware of potential hazards under the snow. If you choose to ride on ice, wear a snowmobile suit with flotation built-in and carry a set of ice picks as a precaution.

Check the websites of area snowmobile clubs for information on trail conditions, including the status of grooming. Individuals operating a snowmobile should be familiar with safe riding practices and all applicable laws, rules and regulations. The New York State Snowmobile Association website provides information about snowmobiling and snowmobile clubs. Maps of the state snowmobile trail network are available on New York State Parks' website here.

More information on planning a great snowmobile getaway and other ways to enjoy winter in New York State is available at iloveny.com/winter.

DEC recently enacted speed limit regulations, effective immediately, for the length of the Adirondack Rail Trail which posts limits of 15 miles per hour in Saranac Lake and Lake Clear. Visit DEC’s website for more information on the Adirondack Rail Trail. Visit the DEC website here for more information on snowmobiling on Forest Preserve and other DEC lands.

The DMV reminds New York riders that snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually. DMV allows snowmobilers to renew registrations online on the DMV website, by mail or in person at a DMV office. Snowmobile registration costs $100 but is decreased to $45 if the snowmobiler is a member of a local snowmobile club.

Non-New Yorkers who wish to use a snowmobile in New York State before or after this promotional weekend can use the NYS Registration for Out-of-State Snowmobile service to get a 15-day registration and operate their snowmobile here immediately. DMV will send a permanent registration in the mail.

For information on snowmobiling, visit parks.ny.gov.


Housing Lottery Launches For Euclid Glenmore Apartments In East New York, Brooklyn

 

Rendering of Euclid Glenmore Apartments, an affordable housing project in Brooklyn, NY

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Euclid Glenmore, an eight-story residential building at 437 Euclid Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn. Designed by Urban Architectural Initiatives and developed by The Lantern Organization and Mega Contracting Group, the structure yields 135 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 53 units for residents at 30 to 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $24,515 to $105,060.

Aside from the residences, there will also be an on-site supportive services center and community facility offering childcare and medical services.

At 30 percent of the AMI, there are seven one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $617 for incomes ranging from $24,515 to $38,130.

At 40 percent of the AMI, there are seven one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $882 for incomes ranging from $33,600 to $50,840; 11 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,046 for incomes ranging from $40,286 to $61,000; and two three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,197 for incomes ranging from $46,560 to $70,040.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 11 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,364 for incomes ranging from $51,189 to $76,250, and two three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,564 for incomes ranging from $59,143 to $87,550.

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are ten two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,682 for incomes ranging from $62,092 to $91,500, and three three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,931 for incomes ranging from $71,726 to $105,060.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than April 16, 2024.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Partnerships for Parks - Get Grounded: It's My Park Refresher

 


Get Grounded: It’s My Park Refresher


Are you a community leader who organizes It’s My Park projects? Join Partnerships for Parks and other community leaders across our city to learn and share best practices in engaging volunteers and beautifying neighborhood parks.

This workshop will be held both online and in-person and led by expert volunteer coordinators. Become part of our community, sharpen the skills needed to beautify local parks and manage volunteers, and walk away with a free packet of native seeds (while supplies last)!

Featured speakers include:




Note: This workshop is for community leaders who have experience organizing It's My Park projects. 
REGISTER NOW

NYC Green Fund Grassroots Grant Program Is Open


Looking for funding to activate a local park or open space? The NYC Green Fund Grassroots grant program provides funding support up to $40,000 per year along with the option of two-year funding for returning grantees.

Apply for projects involving open space stewardship, environmental action, organizational development, youth development, health and wellness, and arts and culture in local parks and open spaces now! To learn everything you need to know about applying for this grant, attend one of our info sessions, dates and times below. 


The application deadline is March 15, 2024 at 11:59pm.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER

The Power of Native Plants


Passionate about native plants and pollinators? There's still time to register for this popular webinar about nurturing resilient ecosystems in our local parks.

Featured speakers: 

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm

REGISTER NOW

Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to transform these spaces into dynamic community assets.