31 Members And Associates Of Two Rival Poughkeepsie Street Gangs

Charged In Federal Court With Murders, Attempted Murders, Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

  Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), William V. Grady, Dutchess County District Attorney, Thomas Pape, Chief of Police for the City of Poughkeepsie, Adrian Anderson, Dutchess County Sheriff, and George P. Beach, the Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), announced today the unsealing of two indictments charging 31 members and associates of two rival street gangs operating in Poughkeepsie, New York: Uptown and Downtown.  The gangs are charged in two separate Indictments – United States v. Douglas Owens et al., 17 Cr. 506 (NSR) (the “Uptown Indictment”), and United States v. Ronald Johnson et al., 17 Cr. 505 (the “Downtown Indictment”) – with murders, attempted murders, racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, and firearms offenses.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “As alleged in the indictments unsealed today, two violent Poughkeepsie street gangs have been at war with each other for the last several years.  Their war has left in its wake a bloody trail of tragedy – alleged murders, attempted murders, shootings, and rampant drug dealing.  One of the innocent victims of this alleged gang war was Caval Haylett, an 18-year-old basketball star whose bright future and promise was extinguished on March 9, 2016, in a hail of senseless gunfire.  With today’s charges and arrests, we seek to dismantle these gangs from the top down, and together with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we seek to stem the tide of gun violence and drug dealing in Poughkeepsie.  When gangs flourish, neighborhoods suffer, parents grieve, and children die; it is as simple as that.  And we will not sit by and let that happen.”    

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “Two young lives were lost in the alleged ongoing criminal activity of these street gangs. We will not sit idly in the midst of violence, as shown by the diligent and dedicated work of our FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and our law enforcement partners. As gang rivalry continues to stir strife in our community, we won't stop or slow down in our pursuit to take these members off the streets and keep our residents safe.”

District Attorney William V. Grady said:  “There is no question that gang activity in our community has resulted in drug dealing, shootings, violent crimes and homicides, and this cannot be tolerated.  All possible efforts must and are being made to insure that our community is a safe place to live and work.  These indictments today send a clear message that law enforcement agencies at all levels will join forces to insure that these violent offenders are held accountable and removed from our streets.”

Chief of Police Thomas Pape said:  “On December 23, 2012, a senseless act of violence took the life of a young resident of Poughkeepsie.  This act was the beginning of many more shootings and homicides that plagued our City and took the lives of too many young men. Today, through the cooperation of federal, state and local law enforcement, the persons responsible have been taken into custody and will have to answer for their actions.  I want to personally thank the United States Attorney, Mr. Kim, his office, and all of the law enforcement agencies that through a collaborative effort, removed these violent individuals from our community.”

Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian Anderson said:  “Today was an enormous victory for law enforcement by the taking of these individuals off of our streets. These charges are evidence of the strong commitment that we share with other law enforcement agencies, both local and federal, and should serve as a great example of what can be achieved when everyone works together. I commend all of those involved for their outstanding efforts to remove dangerous individuals from our communities and prosecute them to the fullest extent.” 

NYSP Superintendent George P. Beach said:  “This investigation is another example of our law enforcement partners working collaboratively to put an end to the dangerous gang activity that brings violence and crime into our neighborhoods.  I commend all of our law enforcement partners for their hard work in dismantling these rival gangs and for their commitment to making our neighborhoods safer.  We have no tolerance for those who bring drugs and the threat of violence to our communities.”

According to the Indictments[1] unsealed today in White Plains and Manhattan federal court and other documents in the public record:

The Indictments arise from a joint investigation by the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office into the gang war between Uptown and Downtown, which has led to multiple fatal and non-fatal shootings between 2012 and the present in the City of Poughkeepsie.

Uptown is a criminal organization whose members referred to themselves by, and were known by, several different names.  Those names include the “Spready Gang,” the “400 Savages,” the “Boogotti Boys,” and the “Mob Stars.”  Uptown gang members referred to themselves by different combinations of these names, all of which referred to the same criminal enterprise: the Uptown street gang.  Uptown is based within the eastern portion of Poughkeepsie, from east of Hamilton Street to the city line and, more specifically, within the Hudson Gardens housing development (commonly referred to as the “Bricks”).  Uptown gang members and associates control the narcotics trade within the Bricks, distributing primarily heroin, crack cocaine, and marijuana.  Uptown gang members stored shared guns in various locations known to gang members to protect the narcotics business, to protect each other from rival gangs, and to strike against rival gangs.  The case of United States v. Douglas Owens et al. charges 12 members and associates of Uptown, including its leaders: DOUGLAS OWENS, a/k/a “Born Truth,” and JIHAD WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Goodie.”

Downtown, like Uptown, is the name of a large-scale criminal organization that went by many different names.  Those names include the “420 Boys,” “L-Block,” “Most Hated,” “Hamo Gang,” the “C-Eazy Gang,” and the “Bully Hard Hunna” faction of the Bloods street gang.  Despite the existence of several different names, each one referred to the same criminal enterprise: the Downtown street gang.  Downtown’s base of operations was located in the western portion of Poughkeepsie, from west of Hamilton Street to the Hudson River and, particularly, within the Martin Luther King and Rip Van Winkle housing developments (commonly referred to as the “Ville” and “Rip,” respectively).  Downtown gang members and associates controlled the narcotics trade within the Ville, Rip, and the surrounding area, also distributing primarily resale amounts of heroin, crack cocaine, and marijuana.  Downtown gang members also stored their shared firearms in different locations known to members and associates.  This allowed Downtown gang members to arm themselves quickly when confronted by rivals and to protect each other and their narcotics business.  The case of United States v. Ronald Johnson et al. charges 19 members and associates of Downtown, including its leader: RONALD JOHNSON, a/k/a “Top Gun.”

In addition to countless non-fatal acts of violence against rival gang members and innocent victims, the rivalry between Uptown and Downtown has led to the following two murders:

• The murder of Downtown gang member Daquell LeBlanc, a/k/a “Hamo,” who was killed by a single gunshot wound to the chest at the age of 16 in the vicinity of Main Street, between Academy and North Hamilton Streets, on or about December 23, 2012.

• The murder of Caval Haylett, 18, an innocent bystander and local high school basketball star, who was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head while attending a barbeque in the vicinity of Winnikee Avenue and Harrison Street, on or about March 9, 2016.

In a coordinated operation, 11 defendants were arrested in and around Dutchess County yesterday and early this morning, one defendant was arrested in North Carolina, and one defendant was arrested in Florida.  The Uptown defendants will be presented later this afternoon in Manhattan federal court, while the Downtown defendants will be presented later this afternoon in White Plains federal court.  Eighteen defendants were in custody on state charges and will be transferred to federal custody in the next day.  Charts identifying each defendant, the charges, and the maximum penalties are below.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, as well as the United States Marshals’ Service, the New York State Police, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for their assistance in today’s arrests.  Mr. Kim also thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance in the investigation.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher J. Clore and Maurene Comey are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces $465 Million Joint State-Federal Settlement With Mylan, Maker Of Epipens

New York Leads Coalition Of States In Settlement Of Allegations That Mylan Knowingly Underpaid Medicaid, Costing Taxpayers Millions

Settlement Will Return $38.5 Million To New York

Schneiderman: Efforts To Shortchange Medicaid Will Not Be Tolerated

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that New York has agreed in principle to join a state-federal $465 million settlement with Mylan Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Mylan Specialty L.P.—collectively known as “Mylan.” New York led a coalition of states in the investigation that resolved allegations that Mylan knowingly underpaid rebates owed to Medicaid for the drugs EpiPen® and EpiPen Jr.® (“EpiPen”) that were dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the settlement, New York will receive $38.5 million.

“For nearly seven years, Mylan prioritized its bottom line – and shortchanged the Medicaid program and taxpayers. By misclassifying EpiPen, Mylan attempted to sidestep their obligations, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Pharmaceutical companies should be warned: efforts to shortchange Medicaid will not be tolerated, and we’ll ensure that these companies are held accountable.”

Following a joint federal and state investigation, the settlement resolves allegations that Mylan submitted false statements to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and several states reliant on EpiPen rebates, and knowingly underpaid its obligations for Medicaid drug rebates to the State Medicaid Program for EpiPen.

Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Statute, participating pharmaceutical manufacturers or New Drug Code (NDC) holders, such as Mylan, must sign a Rebate Agreement with the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services as a precondition for obtaining Medicaid coverage for their drugs and pay quarterly rebates to state Medicaid programs for drugs dispensed to Medicaid beneficiaries. Additionally, NDC holders are required to advise CMS regarding the classification of a covered drug as an “innovator” or “noninnovator” drug, as the amount of rebates owed varies depending on the drug’s classification. The amount of the rebate also depends on pricing information provided by the manufacturer. For drugs classified as “innovator” drugs, NDC holders must report their “Best Price,” or the lowest price for which it sold a covered drug in a particular quarter. 

The settlement resolves allegations that, between July 29, 2010 and March 31, 2017, Mylan allegedly submitted false statements to CMS that incorrectly classified EpiPen as a “noninnovator multiple source” drug, as opposed to a “single source” or “innovator multiple source” drug, and failed to report a Best Price to CMS for EpiPen, which is required for all “single source” and “innovator multiple source” drugs. As a result, Mylan submitted false statements to CMS and several states reliant on EpiPen rebates, and knowingly underpaid its obligation for Medicaid drug rebates to the State Medicaid Program for EpiPen.

Today’s settlement also resolves allegations that Mylan Specialty overcharged certain entities (known as the “340B Covered Entities”) that participated in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, 42 U.S.C. § 256b.

The investigation stemmed from two whistleblower, or “qui tam,” actions pending in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, which allege claims under the federal False Claims Act and various state false claims statutes that Mylan underpaid its rebate obligations to states. 

New York’s claims in the case were handled by the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), which worked closely with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the United States Department of Justice, and a multi-state team that included representatives from the Offices of the Attorneys General for California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, and the Commonwealths of Massachusetts and Virginia. New York was also assisted by representatives of the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Health Insurance Programs, headed by Deputy Commissioner Jason A. Helgerson.

New York MFCU’s Chief of the Civil Enforcement Division Carolyn T. Ellis led the multi-state team that negotiated the settlement with Mylan for the states. Senior Auditor-Investigator Matthew Tandle was a member of the state team, assisted by Auditor Investigator Emily Brissette, under the supervision of Stacey Millis, Regional Chief Auditor of the Civil Enforcement Division. 

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Indictment Of State Detention Center's Private Medical Provider Staff For Alleged Theft From State

Staff At Brooklyn Juvenile Detention Center Each Allegedly Stole Over $50,000 By Falsifying Timesheets

  ttorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott and announced today the indictments and arrest of two staff members of a State juvenile detention center’s private medical services provider for allegedly stealing and assisting in the theft of more than $50,000 each.

Roy Hammonds, 64, of Nyack, and Patricia Armstrong, 67, of Brooklyn, were indicted by a Brooklyn Grand Jury and subsequently arrested and arraigned today for Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a felony. Armstrong was additionally indicted on eight counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, also a felony.

Hammonds, a physician’s assistant, and Armstrong, a nursing supervisor, were accused of taking more than $50,000 each. Both are employees of Correctional Medical Care (“CMC”), a company that provides medical staff to New York State correctional facilities, including the Ella McQueen Reception Center in Brooklyn. The Ella McQueen Center is a juvenile detention center reception facility run by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (“OCFS”). An investigation by Inspector General Leahy Scott found that between January 2011 and December 2015, Armstrong completed her own and Hammonds’ time records and submitted them to CMC’s headquarters for payment. The indictment against Armstrong alleges that she submitted employee timesheets containing false information to CMC. Under contract with the State, CMC directly pays its employees and is reimbursed by the State subsequent to the submission of invoices.

“As we allege, the defendants not only defrauded the state, they stole medical resources that are meant to serve vulnerable youth facing urgent medical needs” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “We’ll continue to work with our partners to uncover and eliminate these types of fraudulent schemes.”

“Instead of treating vulnerable youth, these defendants were treating themselves to a no-show job,” said Catherine Leahy Scott, New York State Inspector General. “These two long-term colleagues took advantage of their supervisory roles in a State facility and violated the public trust. I will continue using all the resources of my office and working with my law enforcement partners to pursue anyone who defrauds taxpayers and steals public funds.”

Hammonds and Armstrong were arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun in New York State Supreme Court in Brooklyn. Both defendants were released on their own recognizance. Hammonds is due back in court October 18. Armstrong is due back in court on October 25.

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, the defendants face up to fifteen years in prison. 

The Attorney General thanked the Office of the New York State Inspector General for valuable assistance in this investigation. 

The investigation was conducted by Investigator Steven Broomer, Supervising Investgator Michael Leahy, and Deputy Chief John McManus of the OAG Investigations Bureau.  The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella.

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda on terror attack in Barcelona

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda issued the following statement on the Barcelona terrorist attack today.

  "...these fanatics ultimately cannot and will not win."

My heart and my prayers go out to the victims and to the families of those killed and injured in Barcelona today.

This apparently was yet another terrorist attack, this time in which the driver of a van plowed into a crowd along a pedestrianized stretch in the heart of a popular tourist section, killing at least 12 people and injuring 80 others.

Today's and recent attacks, many involving vehicles plowing into crowds, in England, France, Germany and other nations are acts of desperation by movements finding themselves growing weaker, not stronger.

We have only to look at history to see that these fanatics ultimately cannot and will not win.

                                                                  

Assemblyman Sepulveda represents the 87^thAssembly District covering Parkchester, Castle Hill, West Farms, Van Nest and Stratton Park.

Wave Hill Events Sep 1–Sep 15

Labor Day is one of those rare Mondays when the gardens are open―and looking brilliant in their late-summer finery, I might add.

The first two weeks of the month will be richly artistic ones. We’re planning a one-day show of ikebana that will include a demo and a sale on ikebana titles in our Shop. The very next day, our fall exhibition opens in Glyndor Gallery. It’s a celebration of ten years’ worth of naturally inspired installations by emerging artists in our Sunroom Project Space. Very much not a typical white-box gallery experience, the Sunroom has inspired 60 so far. 50 of them are creating new installations in Glyndor for this anniversary show! One of the 50 will be leading the Family Art Project on September 9, 10.

And here are credits for the two works from the Call & Response show openingSeptember 10.

·        Viviane Rombaldi Seppey, Open Sky (detail), 2017, dried leaves, audio recording, 15 x 1 1/2 inches. Courtesy of the artist.

·        Jeff Slomba, Pyre (detail of work in progress), 2017, vellum, charcoal made from holly, poke weed, black chokeberry, crepe myrtle, brush structure, 72 x 48 x 24 inches. Courtesy of the artist.

Sat, September 2    Family Art Project: Painting Outdoors with Eliza, Susie and Harriet

Follow the adventurous, passionate spirit of trail-blazing Hudson River School painters Elizabeth Gilbert Jerome, Susie M. Barstow and Harriet Cany Peale. Hear stories about their intrepid pursuit of painting nature. Then relish the last days of summer in our annual outdoor painting project, using watercolor paint and pencils to translate what you see into shapes, tones and marks of light. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, September 2    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide 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

Sat, September 2    Family Garden Walk

Visit favorite, family-friendly locations in the gardens on a walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Children ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON

Sun, September 3    Family Art Project: Painting Outdoors with Eliza, Susie and Harriet

Follow the adventurous, passionate spirit of trail-blazing Hudson River School painters Elizabeth Gilbert Jerome, Susie M. Barstow and Harriet Cany Peale. Hear stories about their intrepid pursuit of painting nature. Then relish the last days of summer in our annual outdoor painting project, using watercolor paint and pencils to translate what you see into shapes, tones and marks of light. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, September 3    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, September 4    Labor Day

Wave Hill is open this holiday Monday.   

Mon, September 4    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights on this holiday Monday. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Tue, September 5    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide 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

Sat, September 9    Ikebana on View

Join us in celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Sogetsu School of Ikebanaat Wave Hill. Ikebana is the Japanese tradition of flower arranging, and Sogetsu, founded in 1927, is an avant-garde style, with study groups all over the world. A famous saying by founder Sofu Teshigahara—and the credo of the Sogetsu school—is that Sogetsu can be done by anyone, anywhere, anytime with any kind of material. View beautiful works of art in an exhibition featuring arrangements, courtesy of the New York Branch of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. Attend a live demonstration by Sogetsu instructors, and stop by The Shop at Wave Hill for a special promotion on ikebana-related titles. Registration not required. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–3PM

Sat, September 9    Family Art Project: Borderless Plants and Kavad Boxes

Welcome back artist Tammy Nguyen, exhibiting in Call & Response, the fall exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. She will share her storytelling and book making techniques. Hear her stories about plants as global citizens from her own Kavad Box, a brightly colored folding box used in traditional Indian culture to house stories. Collage and paint your plant story onto a neatly folding box that travels. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, September 9    In The Shop: 20% off all Ikebana Books

In honor of the 90th anniversary of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, The Shop is offering 20% on all its ikebana titles.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

Sat, September 9    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide 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

Sat, September 9    Ikebana Demonstration

Attend a live demonstration by Sogetsu instructors, as part of our celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana at Wave Hill. Ikebana is the Japanese tradition of flower arranging, and Sogetsu, founded in 1927, is an avant garde style, with study groups all over the world. A famous saying by founder Sofu Teshigahara—and the credo of the Sogetsu school—is that Sogetsu can be done by anyone, anywhere, anytime with any kind of material. Stop by The Shop at Wave Hill for a special promotion on Ikebana-related titles. Registration not required. Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM–NOON

Sun, September 10    Fall Birding

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River provides the perfect habitat for resident and migrating birds. Birders of all levels welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

Sun, September 10    Family Art Project: Borderless Plants and Kavad Boxes

Welcome back artist Tammy Nguyen, exhibiting in Call & Response, the fall exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. She will share her storytelling and book making techniques. Hear her stories about plants as global citizens from her own Kavad Box, a brightly colored folding box used in traditional Indian culture to house stories. Collage and paint your plant story onto a neatly folding box that travels. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, September 10    Family Nature Walk

Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. No registration required. Children ages six and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. 

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON

Sun, September 10    Fall Exhibitions Opening

The entire Glyndor Gallery will be given over to new site-responsive projects honoring the tenth anniversary of Wave Hill’s Sunroom Project Space. Call & Response showcases the work of more than 50 artists who have exhibited in this unique venue, in projects ranging from art objects created from natural materials gathered onsite, to sound pieces, outdoor installations and performance works. Opening in Wave Hill House are Mona Kamal’s paintings on birch bark. Paintings and prints by Beth Ganz are also on view. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2–4:30PM

Sun, September 10    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, September 11    

Closed to the public.

Tue, September 12    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide 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, September 12    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow leads a tour of the current exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. This fall, the entire gallery will be given over to new site-responsive projects honoring the tenth anniversary of Wave Hill’s Sunroom Project Space.Call & Response showcases the work of more than 50 artists who have exhibited in this unique venue, in projects ranging from art objects created from natural materials gathered onsite, to sound pieces, outdoor installations and performance works. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Thu, September 14    Early Closing: Annual Wave Hill Gardeners’ Party

Wave Hill closes at 3PM to dress for this annual benefit, an evening that raises crucial funds that support our renowned gardens and horticulture program. Also, the Kate French Terrace of Wave Hill House will be closed all day.

Fri, September 15    Annual Plant Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to acquire some spectacular new plants for your garden! Staff experts are on over the weekend of September 15–17 to offer personal assistance as you shop from our selection of superior cultivars and top-notch performers for your home garden. Sale continues throughSeptember 24th or while supplies last.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM‒4PM

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, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday 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 W. 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.

The New York Public Library Secures New, Larger Home for the Van Cortlandt Branch in the Bronx

Purchase of property on Cannon Place will double the size of the beloved branch, which will open at its new location in 2019

  The New York Public Library has finalized its purchase of a 5,800-square-foot building that will now be transformed into the new, larger home of the Van Cortlandt branch in the Bronx.

The new property at 3882 Cannon Place is only three blocks from the existing 2,700-square-foot branch and more than double the size, allowing the Library to better accommodate the growing community with more space for reading, programs, computers, and more. The new location also has an outdoor space.

The Van Cortlandt Library has been at its original one-room location at 3874 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx since 1968. Even with limited space, the branch has seen a 49 percent increase in program attendance in recent years – and needs to expand.

City Council Member Andrew Cohen, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. allocated over $2 million for the project, which is expected to be complete in spring 2019.

The Library will now begin work on transforming the new space into a branch library. To do this, it will launch a “Building for You” community engagement campaign, soliciting feedback from the community on its wants and needs for a new space to help inform design and plans. In the coming months, the Library will conduct a survey in the existing branch and online, and will hold community meetings.

“For decades the Van Cortlandt Library has been a fixture in this vibrant community, serving a diverse neighborhood that has embraced the resources and services our branch offers. With a new, larger facility – Van Cortlandt Library will have even greater opportunities for our patrons, enhancing our collections and adding new programs that will bring more support to the community we call home. We thank Council member Andrew Cohen, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for their generous support and look forward to enjoying the Library’s next chapter together,” said Van Cortlandt Library Manager Peter Pamphile.

Bronx Dems Law Committee Hosts: Know Your Rights Series

PATROLMEN’S BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION ENDORSES ASSEMBLYMAN MARK GJONAJ FOR NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL

  The New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) endorsed Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj for New York City Council in the 13th District.

“We need a City Council that is going to have NYPD officers' backs. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj has worked hard to support police officers and to ensure the public safety in his district. Mark has consistently fought for fair pay and benefits, and appropriate equipment and training for police officers, all factors that help us keep crime at record lows. We’re proud to endorse Mark Gjonaj and we hope New Yorkers will join us in supporting his campaign for City Council,” said PBA President Patrick J. Lynch.

“I am honored and excited to have the endorsement of the PBA,” said Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.  “Together, we have worked hard to strengthen the community-police relationships in our borough and throughout New York City. The men and women of the NYPD risk their lives to make sure our streets are safe. I was proud to be their partner in Albany and will bring that same commitment to the City Council.”

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is running for New York City Council in the 13th district, which includes Allerton, Bedford Park, Morris Park, Mosholu Parkway, Norwood, Pelham Gardens, Pelham Parkway and Van Nest in the Bronx.  He currently serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Business, and is a member of several committees: Banks, Local Governments, Real Property Taxation, Small Business, Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development, and the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

The NYC Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association is the largest labor union representing police officers of the New York City Police Department.