On-Time, Balanced Budget Approved By Council

  Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and members of the City Council announced an agreement for an on-time and balanced City budget for Fiscal Year 2015—marking one of the earliest budget handshakes in recent history. The Council approved the budget with a vote of 50-0-1.

The $75 billion budget represents a fiscally responsible, progressive, and honest approach to the City’s finances, moving forward key initiatives that will improve the vitality of the city and address income inequality, while strengthening our fiscal health.

The vote follows a more honest budget process that ended the cynical “budget dance” and reflects a more productive and respectful relationship between the administration and the Council.

The adopted budget will continue to move forward the Mayor’s signature initiatives, including high-quality, universal pre-K, after-school and summer programming for middle schoolers, critical investments to lower the homelessness rate, a comprehensive affordable housing plan, a reduction in arbitrary and punitive small business fines, and Vision Zero. It also includes major new initiatives, developed with the Council, including a comprehensive anti-violence initiative at NYCHA developments, key investments to provide mental health services in city jails, and much more.

Key budget monitors and investors have validated the prudent way in which this administration has handled its first budget, which keeps out-year gaps and debt service at management levels that are well below the prior two administrations’ averages. The administration has also kept the city’s reserves strong – in fact, the annual general reserves (or “rainy day funds”) are more robust than in any previous administration.

All three major rating agencies recently affirmed the City’s strong, stable ratings, highlighting the City’s “highly effective budget management.” The City also just finished its first major bond sale since the labor agreement and executive budget; the sale increased in size from the planned $850 million to over $1 billion, reflecting extremely strong demand, while the City secured low interest rates that resulted in significant savings.

Fitch Ratings specifically stated, “the city’s sound approach to budget development features reasonable revenue and expenditure forecasting, proactive budget monitoring, and effective actions to eliminate projected deficits.”

As the Independent Budget Office testified before the Council earlier this month, “Contrary to the assertions of some fiscal observers, the city’s budget gaps are not ballooning. By historical standards, the budget shortfalls we anticipate are relatively modest.”

News From Councilman Ritchie Torres

  These two items came in from Councilman Ritchie Torres.

COUNCIL MEMBER RITCHIE TORRES REDEDICATES PARK TO HONOR WORLD WAR ONE HERO

WHO              Council Member Ritchie Torres and Vincent Daly, nephew of Thomas A O’Brien

WHAT           The O’Brien Oval is being rededicated to Captain Thomas A. O’Brien. Captain Thomas A. O’Brien grew up at 280 Burnside Avenue, just a few blocks away from the Oval, and served as a Lieutenant in World War I. He was killed in the second battle of the Marne, a month before Armistice. In recognition of  Independence Day, Council Member Torres has arranged for the Parks Department to create a new sign for the park to commemorate Captain O’Brien’s service to our great nation.

WHEN           Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 11:30 AM

WHERE         O’Brien Oval, on East Tremont Avenue between Valentine Avenue and Webster Avenue

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 Adopted Budget includes unprecedented $150 Million Dollar Investment in Public Housing

NYCHA Community and Senior Centers - Housing – $17.1 million dollars

The budget allocates $17 million dollars to keep the doors open at 57 NYCHA run Community and Senior Centers across all 5 boroughs. These centers, which serve approximately 5,000 NYCHA residents daily and employs 160 workers, provides a range of vital services that many New Yorkers have come to see as essential components of their daily life, including public meeting spaces that promote a sense of community and encourage civic engagement, childcare services for working families, meals and outings for Seniors, and safe havens against gang activity for teenagers and other vulnerable youths.

              

Painters Apprenticeship Program - Housing – $8 million dollars

The Painters Apprenticeship Program (PAP) provides funding to train NYCHA residents as Painters’ Apprentices through classroom instruction and hands-on experience. The PAP program effectively tackles two of the City’s biggest concerns: job creation and public housing viability. It provides NYCHA residents with valuable in-demand skill sets that have already created 280 jobs for NYCHA residents in the last two years, while producing tradesman who are able to help maintain, upkeep and repair portions of the City’s public housing stock.

Member Items for Security Cameras and other Capital Improvements at NYCHA  – $34.98 Million dollars

The City Council has allocated approximately 25 million dollars to various Capital projects around the city, including Council Member initiatives aimed at enhancing security measures at NYCHA developments. Among these, Council Member Ritchie Torres’ $3.4 million dollar investment in security cameras and layered access controls.

City Council  NYCHA Security Investments – $ 10 Million dollars: The City Council allocated $10 million dollars, on top of individuals member items, to further ensure that residents of Public Housing have a safe and secure environment to come home to and to raise their families in. Primarily focused on the installation of security cameras throughout NYCHA developments, these funds address a need NYCHA residents themselves have long demanded.

Citywide NYCHA Crime Prevention-  $19 Million dollars

The Mayor allocated $19 million for a comprehensive, citywide plan to reduce violent crime in NYCHA developments focused on improving community engagement efforts and expanding neighborhood watch and domestic violence outreach teams.  The plan also includes increased access for residents to employment opportunities, benefits assistance, and structured recreation, and mentorship opportunities. 

NYCHA Payment Relief towards NYPD –70 Million dollars

Under the FY 2015 budget, NYCHA is exempted from paying $70 million dollars towards the NYPD for patrolling and law-enforcement activities, which many residents had argued constituted a double payment (after taxes) towards the NYPD. The removal of this fee allows NYCHA to allocate more funds towards addressing the vital repairs and security enhancements that NYCHA residents have long demanded.  

Museum of Natural History Family Science Program-  $100,000 dollars

This program is a partnership with the American Museum of Natural History, and will provide science education to 1,000 families. Families will develop skills for observing and understanding the natural world, encouraging and providing them with resources to engage in scientific exploration.

Green City Force- Workforce Development for NYCHA Youth-  $50,000

This initiative will engage young adult NYCHA residents on six-month environmental projects to educate on sustainability issues and provides critical work experience. The program has been so successful that 80% of program graduates are either placed in jobs or are enrolled in college. 

Klein and Top Chef Host Padma Lakshmi Announce $250,000 in Funding to Expand Education Campaign on Endometriosis

  State Senate Coalition Co-Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Top Chef Host and Co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) Padma Lakshmi announced $250,000 in funding secured by Senator Klein to support an education campaign aimed at raising awareness around endometriosis, a painful, and often undiagnosed disorder that affects women. The funding will help the EFA expand the scope of their program, which started last year, statewide.

 The announcement was held in front of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club on Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx, which held an educational training at its club late last year.

 Senate Majority Coalition Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) said, “When I launched the Teen Health Awareness Campaign last year, I made a commitment to do everything possible to give our kids the tools they need to make smart choices about their health. Unfortunately, our teen health survey demonstrated that 70% of New York adolescents do not recognize the symptoms or signs of endometriosis. That’s why I am proud to have secured a grant that will go towards interactive programming aimed at raising awareness of endometriosis for our youth statewide. With more information, we can better understand how to recognize and treat endometriosis.”

Padma Lakshmi, Co-Founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America, author and Emmy-winning host of Top Chef, said, "There is no doubt that we must educate our children in a broader, more comprehensive manner. If we are to prepare our youth for a successful future, we must ensure that their physical well being and emotional health are addressed  in concert with their academic endeavors.  The ENPOWR Project is a critical step in raising awareness about endometriosis among adolescents. Thanks to Senator Klein, we, now, are able to educate young New Yorkers statewide about this healthcare priority. The value of such education not only helps these adolescents but everyone their lives touch.”

  “We are thrilled by the progress that The ENPOWR Project has made thus far, and even more excited about its future,” said Mady Schuman, the EFA’s Executive Director.  “We are honored that Senator Klein has supported the EFA in fulfilling its mission, and that he facilitated the launch of such a critical program. The impact we are making on New York State’s young people is clear. Finally, endometriosis is being recognized as a public health priority, and strides are being made toward improving health outcomes.”  

The grants have enabled Endometriosis Nation Promoting Outreach and Wide Recognition (ENPOWR) Project – an educational program started at the beginning of  2013  school year that will now be expanded statewide in 2014 with the new funding secured by Senator Klein. This program seeks to increase endometriosis awareness and reduce the diagnosis delay by educating adolescents about the symptoms and treatment of the disease. The EFA engages a network of stakeholders from the state’s public school systems, private schools and community-based organizations in an effort to reach as many youth as possible. Presentations include differentiated, multimedia content designed to empower youth to disseminate their newly acquired knowledge to others, as well as to seek treatment if necessary. 

 Senator Klein, and Padma Lakshmi discuss the importance of this program being funded by Senator Klein.

Fallout From The 13th Congressional Election Victory of Charles Rangel

  Here are some items of interest that have happened since the 13th congressional election Tuesday June 24th where Charles Rangel defeated State Senator Adriano Espiallat to keep his seat in congress. 

1 - Candidate Adriano Espiallat decided to wait two days before conceding to the Congressman Rangel who won by a larger margin then two years ago.

2 - Elizabeth Ritter who was on the petition for state senate in the district of Senator Espiallat has withdrawn, and is supporting her boss current State Senator Adriano Espiallat to be her replacement.

3 - A scheduled 'unity rally' with both Congressman Charles Rangel and State Senator Adriano Espaillat planned by Al Sharpton was cancelled on Friday due to concerns that it would led to more disharmony.

4 - It is reported that Mayor Bill deBlasio has not called Congressman Rangel to congratulate him on his win.

5 - Then there is the case against now former Espiallat ally and Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. Rosa has resigned from the assembly, pled guilty to having a arraigned sham marriage to become a U.S. citizen, and also lying about her assets in bankruptcy court. 

What else can happen?

News From Council Member Andrew Cohen

The following comes from Councilman Andrew Cohen

Council Member Cohen Touts Funding to Combat Mental Illness in City Budget

“This budget is progressive, fiscally responsible and most importantly it helps all New Yorkers.  I thank Speaker Mark-Viverito for ensuring an inclusive process that was not only open and transparent but substantive as well.

“As the Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, I am especially proud that we were able to secure $33 million to combat violence and mental illness on Rikers Island.  I am also pleased that we have secured a $200,000 enhancement for the Children Under Five Initiative and $50,000 for the Young Adult Initiative.  Mental health is a serious issue and this funding shows that the City is serious about fighting this epidemic on behalf of these vulnerable populations,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Council Member Cohen to Bring Participatory Budgeting to District 11 and the Bronx

Groundbreaking program allows community residents to determine how taxpayer money is spent

Council Member Andrew Cohen has announced that he is instituting Participatory Budgeting in the 11^th Council district for Fiscal Year 2016.  Participatory Budgeting is a groundbreaking program which allows community residents to vote on how a portion of their tax dollars are spent.  Council Member Cohen is the first Bronx Council Member to establish this program in the borough and he will allocate a minimum of $1million of his discretionary funds to the process.

The participatory budgeting process involves a series of meetings that feed into the City’s annual budget cycle.  Starting in the fall, community members will brainstorm spending ideas at budget assemblies. Volunteers will turn these ideas into full proposals, and the public will also be able to submit, review, and discuss project ideas online.  In April 2015 residents will vote on which proposals to fund.

“I am excited to bring Participatory Budgeting to my district and let our community have a voice in how their tax dollars are spent.  It is my hope that through this process we will have residents from all over the district engage one another and work together to develop and support various projects that will benefit everyone.  I am looking forward to working with my neighbors on establishing this program in the Bronx and ensuring its success,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

This summer, the Council Member and his staff will be hosting information sessions throughout the district to let residents know more about participatory budgeting and how they can get involved. The confirmed information sessions are listed below and they will all begin at 7:00pm.  Additional information sessions will be confirmed shortly.

Monday, July 7^th at Community Board 7 Office, 229A East 204^th Street

Thursday, July 10th at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East

Tuesday, July 15^th at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, 4275 Katonah Avenue

Thursday, July 17^th at the Riverdale Y-MWHA, 5625 Arlington Avenue

WHERE WAS OLIVER KOPPELL?

  Today at 2 PM Oliver Koppell scheduled an anti-IDC/Jeff Klein rally in front of the Jeff Klein for Senate Headquarters on Williamsbridge Road. What was missing was Oliver Koppell and his supporters, because the only rally to go off in front of the Klein for Senate Headquarters was a pro Klein rally. Starting just before 2 PM Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and over 100 Klein supporters shouted "Koppell take a hike, Go back to retirement","Koppell is an outsider to this community," and "Jeff Klein is the hardest working senator in New York." This went on for about 20 minutes, and with so many people the police asked that the crowd allow a path for people to get through several times.

  By 3 PM the crowd was asking "Where's Ollie, Where's Ollie?" Oliver Koppell never showed, and this columnist was waiting for Koppell to announce that he was withdrawing from the race now that Senator Klein and the IDC were going to return to work with the Senate Democratic Conference which was one of Koppell's demands. Only time will tell if Koppell stays in the race, because it was Koppell and others who encouraged 33rd State Senate candidate Dan Padernacht in 2010 to withdraw for the good of the Democratic Party. I am sure that Oliver Koppell has already received such calls now that Senator Klein and Governor Coumo have announced that the IDC will no longer share the senate leadership position with the Republican Conference, but will share the senate leadership with the Senate Democratic Conference. 

A crowd of over 100 Jeff Klein supporters were on hand for any Oliver Koppell rally, but Koppell was a no show for a scheduled 2 PM rally.

80 A.D. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj led the Pro Jeff Klein rally. 

BP DIAZ & SENATOR KLEIN TO HOST ANNUAL FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

   Tomorrow, Friday June 27, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and State Senator Jeff Klein will host the borough’s official kickoff to the Independence Day Celebrations, the annual “New York Salutes America” boardwalk festival and fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach.

The event is free; open to the public and includes fun activities for the kids, such as magicians, balloon artists, music performances and much more. The event will begin at 6 p.m., with the fireworks show beginning at 9 P.M.

The event is produced by The Bronx Tourism Council.

WHEN:       Friday, June 27, 2014

WHERE:    Orchard Beach, Bronx

TIME:         6 P.M.

Wave Hill Events Jul 11–Jul 18:

A jazzy Sunset Wednesday, birds and bees!

  Summer is a happy time for life—horticultural and human—in a gem of a garden like Wave Hill, as visitors enjoy the opportunity to be outdoors—for yoga, family art time, a bird walk, story-telling, a bee workshop and more, This Wednesday take in a free performance by the latin-jazz quartet of saxophonist and Bronx native Mitch Frohman, one of the top saxophonists and flutists on the jazz scene today.

SAT, JULY 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT: LUMINOUS PAPER LANTERNS  

Cut nature shapes from brightly multicolored tissue paper. Then, with a simple papier-mâché method, use your cut shapes to make festive lanterns that will brighten and make magical your summer days and nights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JULY 12    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 are held outdoors; indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration 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 Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JULY 12    MEET THE BEES: A HANDS-ON ADVENTURE IN THE APIARY 

Get up close and personal with the bees of Wave Hill! Observe bee behavior in the gardens, then suit up in a hat and veil to peek inside a hive filled with 50,000 honeybees. Search for worker bees, drones, brood (baby bees) and maybe even catch a glimpse of the elusive queen. Beekeeper Roger Repohl leads this fascinating foray into the world of the honeybee. This workshop is appropriate for curious adults and kids ages 14 and up accompanied by an adult. $35/$25 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, atwww.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x251 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, JULY 12    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour in the main gallery. Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JULY 13    SUMMER BIRDING

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it an appealing destination for a wide variety of birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online atwww.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549,3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, JULY 13    FAMILY ART PROJECT: LUMINOUS PAPER LANTERNS  

Cut nature shapes from brightly multicolored tissue paper. Then, with a simple papier-mâché method, use your cut shapes to make festive lanterns that will brighten and make magical your summer days and nights.  Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JULY 13    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 outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration 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 Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JULY 13    MEDITATION

This spring, 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. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration 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 Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, JULY 13    MEET THE ARTISTS: LAUREN CARLY SHAW & READE BRYAN

Join us at this artist talk to gain insight into the creative practice of artists Lauren Carly Shaw andReade Bryan. In the Sunroom Project Space, Lauren Carly Shaw transforms the space into the setting of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1899), set in the late 19th century, when the original Glyndor House was constructed. Shaw chronicles the effect of confinement on a woman’s mental state. In the Sun Porch space, Reade Bryan’s sculptural installation investigates the way that iconic building materials, such as plywood and drywall supplies, are created and used. Here he evokes the effects of a flood or the mass of a cliff’s edge; the natural landscape appears to intrude on the interior, although the sculpture itself is made of domestic building material. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1:30PM

SUN, JULY 13    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, JULY 14

Closed to the public

TUE, JULY 15    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’sFireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety; Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures.  In the Sunroom Project Space, Lauren Carly Shaw transforms the space into the setting of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1899), set in the late 19th century, when the original Glyndor House was constructed. Shaw chronicles the effect of confinement on a woman’s mental state. In the Sun Porch space, Reade Bryan’s sculptural installation investigates the way that iconic building materials, such as plywood and drywall supplies, are created and used. Here he evokes the effects of a flood or the mass of a cliff’s edge; the natural landscape appears to intrude on the interior, although the sculpture itself is made of domestic building material.

Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, JULY 16    MOMMY AND BABY YOGA

Designed for mothers, fathers or caregivers and babies eight weeks old to crawling, this yoga class brings families together for a gentle exercise session in a beautiful garden setting. Stretch, breathe and bond with your child while meeting other parents Led by certified instructors from Yoga for Bliss. Mats provided. $25/$15 Wave Hill member. Advance registration online at www.wavehill.org receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Tuesdaybefore; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins accommodated as space allows. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11AM

WED, JULY 16    SUNSET WEDNESDAY

Experience summer at its best—an expansive landscape of rolling lawns and gorgeous formal gardens, fresh river breezes, plein-air performances by local musicians, yoga, guided walks and cutting-edge art in Glyndor Gallery. Order dinner from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances, and you have the makings of a superb summer evening. Gardens open until 8:30PM. Wave Hill House, Perkins Visitor Center, Glyndor Gallery, The Café and The Shop at Wave Hill open until 7:30PM. Checkwww.wavehill.org/visit for the schedule for Sunset Wednesdays free shuttle service to and from Metro-North and the #1 subway. Beginning at 4PM on Sunset Wednesdays, admission is $10 Adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6‒18. No guest passes or reciprocal admission accepted.

ON THE GROUNDS, TILL 8:30PM

WED, JULY 16   SUNSET HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life with a blissful yoga class! Reduce your stress levels and increase energy by working with your body and breath. This sunset session is led by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salomone. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Call718.549.3200 x245 by 4PM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online at www.wavehill.org receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Tuesday before; after that, refunds will not be made. A limited number of mats are available onsite, please bring your own mat. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6–7:30PM

WED, JULY 16    SUNSET GARDEN WALK

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a mini tour of one of Wave Hill’s magnificent gardens. Tours vary by week―come back on another evening for a glimpse of a different garden area! Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

WED, JULY 16    SUNSET MUSIC:  MITCH FROMAN LATIN-JAZZ QUARTET

A high point of each Sunset Wednesday includes a live performance on the grassy expanse of the Great Lawn, overlooking the majestic Palisades. Tonight’s performer, saxophonist and Bronx native Mitch Frohman, is one of the top saxophonists and flutists on the jazz scene today. He has toured and/or recorded with a list of who’s who in the music world, including Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Machito, Paquito D’Rivera, Celia Cruz, Chico O’Farrill, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, David Byrne, the Talking Heads and Blood, Sweat and Tears. He is leader of the Bronx Horns and co-leader of the Mambo Legends and the Spanish Harlem Orchestras. Last but not least, he is the saxophone soloist for the theme song for the mega-hit television show “Sex & The City,” heard world-wide every day. For Sunset Wednesdays, his quartet, comprised of upright bass, drums and keyboard, with Mitch on sax and flute, offers selections from his latest CD, “From Daddy with Love.” Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 7–8PM

THU, JULY 17    STORIES IN THE GARDEN: HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories––classics and more––will come to life through interactive readings, sing-alongs and puppets. Programs are held outdoors in good weather; in inclement weather we will meet in Wave Hill House. As any gardener will tell you, what you sow is not always what you reap.  This week, listen to stories and sing songs about unexpected harvests, unintentional gardens and surprise garden visitors. Our books this week are How Groundhog’s Garden Grew by Lynne Cherry, Hare and the Big Green Lawn by Katharine Crawford Robey and Mossy by Jan Brett. Ideal for children ages 3 to 6 with their adult companions. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 2PM

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. Closes5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings untilnoon. Free all day on Tuesdays in July. 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.