For more information contact Angela Porcelli at (718) 283-4081 or angela@masmarketingny.com.
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Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
DOT to Create "Neighborhood Slow Zone" proposed by Assemblyman Dinowitz for Independence Avenue
The NYC Department of Transportation announced tod, ay that it
will implement a “Neighborhood Slow Zone” that was proposed by
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz for Independence Avenue and several surrounding
streets. Assemblyman Dinowitz submitted an application for the
Neighborhood Slow Zone last November with the support of Council Member Oliver
Koppell, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, the captain of the 50th
Police Precinct, members of the community board, and the parents associations
of several schools.
The Neighborhood Slow Zone will include many important
traffic safety modifications for the area, including a 20 miles-per-hour speed
limit, speed bumps, markings, and signs and gateways indicating the presence of
the Slow Zone. The Slow Zone will help remedy the dangerous traffic
situation on Independence Avenue, which is home to several schools, houses of
worship, a library, and a public park.
“I am delighted that the City has agreed to my
proposal for a Neighborhood Slow Zone. The safety of all people in our
community must come first. This is possible because we put together a
coalition of leaders in our community to support this proposal, including
Council Member Koppell, Senator Espaillat, Captain Burke of the 50th Precinct,
and members of the community board and parents associations. I am
confident that the slower speed limit combined with additional signage and speed
bumps will result in fewer accidents and make our community safer,” said
Assemblyman Dinowitz.
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Monday, July 9, 2012
Espaillat Calls it Quits in 13 C.D. Race
In a press conference outside his State Senate office Adriano Espaillat announced that he will no longer go forward with his challenge to the results of the 13th congressional race. Espaillat said that while a few more votes were found for him lowering Rangel's lead to 953 votes that number could not be overcome. Espaillat then congratulated Rangel on his victory saying that he will work with him as he has done in the past for the districts they share.
When asked if he would be continuing the court challenge, he said that he would not, but others will still be doing that in the hopes of fixing the election system.
When asked if he would now be running for his old state senate seat, Espaillat fudged a little saying that after the June 26th election when he thought that he lost he allowed people to get signatures in his name for state senate.Petitions are being handed in starting today for state senate and assembly seats, and will continue for the next few days. After that is the challenge phase, and then rulings by the Board of Elections as to just who stays on the September primary ballot.
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LIU CALLS ON BLOOMBERG TO CHANGE EDC’S “LAW-BREAKING” CULTURE
Urges Mayor to hold senior Administration officials accountable and open EDC’s books
Liu called on Bloomberg to change the agency’s “law-breaking” culture a day before the EDC was set to hold a public meeting to approve the agency’s restructuring as part of its recent settlement with the New York State Attorney General.
City
Comptroller John C. Liu today called on Mayor Bloomberg to move swiftly
to identify those senior administration officials
responsible for orchestrating and overseeing the illegal lobbying
activities at the Economic Development Corporation. In a letter to
Bloomberg, Liu also called for all of EDC’s finances to be made publicly
available online through the Checkbook NYC transparency
website.
Liu called on Bloomberg to change the agency’s “law-breaking” culture a day before the EDC was set to hold a public meeting to approve the agency’s restructuring as part of its recent settlement with the New York State Attorney General.
“Installing
new leadership and opening the books would help change the EDC’s
law-breaking culture, which, as documented in the settlement with
the Attorney General, used the agency’s budget as a political slush
fund for illegal lobbying,” Liu wrote.
The
EDC signed an agreement with the State Attorney General last week in
which it admitted to illegally lobbying City Council Members about
the Mayor’s economic agenda. However, there has been no move to hold
anyone at City Hall or the EDC accountable for these acknowledged
illegal activities.
Background:
Comptroller
Liu has been an outspoken critic of the EDC, its policies, and the
failure of the agency to create jobs — one of its main objectives. Some
links to past statements/audits are below:
LIU STATEMENT ON EDC ILLEGAL LOBBYING SETTLEMENT
(July 3, 2012)
LIU: EDC SUBSIDIZES EMPTY JOB PROMISES (March 19, 2012)
LIU STATEMENT ON EDC’s $100 MILLION SUBSIDY TO FRESH DIRECT (February 14, 2012)
AUDIT REPORT ON CONEY ISLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S FINANCIAL AND OPERATING PRACTICES
(November 7, 2011)
LIU: EDC KEEPS MILLIONS IDLE (Sept. 21, 2011)
LIU STATEMENT ON EDC’S IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM (April 12, 2011)
LIU: CASH DISAPPEARS AT THE WATER CLUB ON EDC’S WATCH (February 9, 2011)
CITY RECAPTURES $120 MILLION FROM EDC (July 27, 2010)
AUDIT: EDC HOARDS $125 MILLION OF TAXPAYER MONIES (April 28, 2010)
The full letter from Comptroller Liu to Mayor Bloomberg is below:
July 9, 2012
Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor
City Hall
New York, New York 10007
Dear Mayor Bloomberg:
Last week your Administration admitted in a settlement with the New York State Attorney General that the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) knowingly and illegally lobbied City Council members about your development agenda.
The proposed legal restructuring of the EDC, which appears to have been undertaken so that the impermissible lobbying can continue, is clearly insufficient. It amounts to nothing more than business as usual.
To this end, I urge you to move swiftly to identify those senior officials from City Hall and the EDC responsible for the flagrant and repeated law-breaking activities, and hold them accountable. I also urge you to finally open the EDC’s books to the public. The EDC’s FY 2013 budget is projected to exceed $800 million. It’s time to post all of the EDC’s spending online on a daily basis, as other City agencies now do through Checkbook NYC.
Installing new leadership and opening the books would help change the EDC’s law-breaking culture, which, as documented in the settlement with the Attorney General, used the agency’s budget as a political slush fund for illegal lobbying.
As someone who has signed into law a number of lobbying reforms and been outspoken on the need for “insulating policymakers from the sway of special and moneyed interests” and strengthening the “taxpayers’ faith in their elected and appointed representatives,” I trust you agree that accountability and transparency in government are imperative.
These actions are necessary to prevent further waste of taxpayer money. I look forward to your prompt action in these matters.
Sincerely,
John C. Liu
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Adriano Espaillat Calls for 2 PM Press Conference
13th C.D. candidate Adriano Espaillat who finished second after all the ballots have been counted has schudeled a press conference for today at 2 PM.
It is being speculated that Espaillat will either admit defeat in the 13th C.D. race to run for his State Senate seat again, or will announce that he will push on with his lawsuit against the Board of Elections.
We will have the results for you in a later post.
Exhibit at Bronx Senior Center Turns Spotlight on Elderly Artists; Portraits Draw on Favorite Memories
Jacqueline
Amonitti with her grandson Cosmo Arzeno, 7, in front of her painting
called "Cosmos Dream" at SPARC (Seniors Partnering with Artists
Citywide) Art Show at the JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center.
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Holding
her grandson close, Jacqueline Amonitti stood before a colorful drawing
of a carousel horse on display at the JASA Van Cortlandt senior center.
"I call it 'Cosmo's Dream,'" she said, then looked at 7-year old Cosmo Arzeno. "It's his when the show is over."
The
informal exhibit, which features drawings, paintings and collages of 23
artists, is the culmination of art classes at the senior center on
Sedgwick Ave. run by the Jewish Association Serving the Aging (JASA).
Artist
Michael Ferris Jr. worked with the seniors for five months as part of
the city's SPARC (Seniors Partnering with Artists Citywide) program
which pairs artists with senior centers.
Ferris encouraged his students to delve into their memories to create self portraits, landscapes and other imagery.
"As
time went on, they became a lot freer and weren't so intimidated by the
process of making art," he said. "As a result, there was a lot of
creativity kicking in at the end."
Amparo
Charneco's colorful drawing of two ballerinas took her back to her days
studying fashion illustration as a student at the Fashion Institute of
Technology in Manhattan.
"This
refreshed me," said Charneco, 73. "I haven't drawn anything in more
than 35 years. This got me to be more active again and I really enjoyed
it."
Amonitti,
65, who described the classes as "therapeutic," enjoyed them so much
she plans to return for more sessions in the fall.
"It was great," she said. "It's a type of expression and that brings out stuff you didn't even know was there."
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BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ PROVIDES NEARLY $23 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR BRONX ORGANIZATIONS
Housing, Education & Economic Developmen
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced that his office has provided more than $22 million in capital funding to worthy Bronx organizations as part of his FY2013 budget.
In
total, Borough President Diaz has provided $22,971,000 in capital
funding to organizations from every corner of the Bronx, focusing on
areas of economic development, housing, education and parks, among other
areas.
“Each
year, my office is proud to support dozens of amazing schools,
community organizations and development projects across the Bronx. This
critical funding will help to bring many important projects to
completion, helping our borough become an even greater place to live, to
work and to raise a family,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz
Jr.
The
largest portion of this year’s budget allocation—roughly 24
percent—went towards funding housing developments in the borough. This
includes 110 units of mixed-use housing in West Farms as well as a solar
thermal project to green existing buildings through partnerships with
community organizations.
Borough
President Diaz also threw a significant portion of his funding—22
percent—behind several crucial economic development projects in the
Bronx. This includes $3 million towards site remediation at the Hunts
Point Produce Market, $1 million towards the creation of an alternative
fueling station in Hunts Point and another $1 million towards site
remediation at the Harlem River Rail Yards.
“Our
borough’s economy continues to grow, and these projects will ensure
that we continue to see considerable job creation and retention in the
Bronx,” said Borough President Diaz.
Borough
President Diaz also funded a total of 29 projects related to the
borough’s education institutions. This includes funding for a green roof
installation at the future Highbridge Middle School, an auditorium
upgrade at P.S. 91 in University Heights, gymnasium upgrades at P.S. 119
in Castle Hill and technology upgrades at a number of schools across
the borough.
Borough
President Diaz also funded several important higher education projects,
including new handicapped entrance ramps and a renovation of Ohio Field
on the campus of Bronx Community College, a roof replacement at the
Savoy Building at Hostos Community College and the development of a
One-Stop Student Services & Transfer Center at Lehman College.
“Education
remains an important focus of my administration, and my office will
continue to provide the necessary funding that Bronx students at all
levels need to succeed,” said Borough President Diaz.
Borough
President Diaz also provided significant funding for parks, almost 15
percent of the budget for a total of $3.4 million. This includes a new
dog park at Soundview Park, as well as renovations to the hockey rink at
Bufano Park in Throggs Neck and basketball courts at Orchard Beach.
Borough President Diaz also funded libraries, health providers and other
important institutions in this year’s capital budget, such as upgrades
at the Spuyten Duyvil and Wakefield branch libraries and new dental
equipment at both Lincoln Hospital and the Union Community Health
Center.
The
borough president’s budget also provides for security cameras at three
Bronx public housing developments—Betances Houses, Mill Brook Houses and
the Soundview Houses—along with funds for a renovation of BronxNet’s
current studio at Lehman College and new tennis courts for the New York
Junior Tennis League.
“Each
of these projects, in its own way, will contribute to the continued
revitalization of our borough, and I am thrilled to have played a role
in so many exceptional new developments,” said Borough President Diaz.
******************************************************
Sunday, July 8, 2012
End in 13th Congressional District Race Could be Near
The Board of Elections has counted all the holdover votes that being the affidavit and absentee ballots and there are preliminary numbers that show Congressman Rangel's lead increased to 990 votes.
The total unofficial breakdown of the 42,718 votes is as follows. Charlie Rangel - 18,940, Adriano Espaillat - 17,950, Clyde Williams - 4,227, Joyce Johnson - 1,009, and Craig Schley - 592. Since the lead between the first and second place finisher is less than 5 percent of the total vote there is no automatic recount by the Board of Elections.
The results for the 13th C.D. is scheduled to be made official at Tuesdays meeting of the commissioners of the board. A scheduled Wednesday court date will be the last chance for Senator Espaillat to try to over tun the election.
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Thursday, July 5, 2012
13th C.D. Vote Count Continues
Today the count of the affidavit and absentee ballots in the 13th C.D. started both in the Bronx and in Manhattan. The Bronx Board of Elections is responsible for the Assembly Districts in the Bronx, while the same is true for the Manhattan Board of Elections and the A.D.'s in that borough. We stopped by the Bronx Board of Elections this morning to see how the count was going to take place, and who would be representing each candidate. Mr. Mike Nieves was heading the Rangel team, while Ms. Coreen Roller was heading the Espaillat team.
We were told that 91 affidavit ballots and about 500 absentee ballots were to be tallied. The rules of the ballot counting were laid out by veteran BOE worker Kevin Fiore to each team, and the starting time as well as break, lunch, and daily ending times. The first two Bronx Assembly Districts to be tallied were the 78th and 81st as it was said those were the two largest districts to be counted of those in the Bronx. We left shortly after the first ballot was checked, as we heard that the Bronx Supreme Court Judge had put a hold on revealing the results of the ballots. We suspect that it may take a few weeks to have the complete results, and then it looks like there should be a full manual recount of all the ballots by the BOE.
Below are a few photos of the count.
 |
| You can see the ballots to be counted in baskets on the table to the left. |
 | ||
| BOE worker Kevin Fiore explains the process of how the ballots are to be counted to both sides. |
 | |
| Bronx Board of Election Republican head Anthony Robestelli going over Bronx 13th C. D. election Assembly books. |
 |
| BOE workers start going over 78th A.D. affidavit and absentee ballots. |
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Governor Cuomo's Small Business Outreach Initiative - REGISTER TODAY!
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On
Wednesday July 11th, the Governor's office is hosting a Small Business
Outreach Initiative event at Monroe College from 6:30pm-9pm. It would be
an honor if you can attend this event hosted by Deputy Secretary of
Civil Rights and Workforce, Alphonso David.
This event will
provide necessary and important information regarding the state
requirements to run and operate a business in New York. There will be a
presentation from several agencies and then an opportunity to ask agency
representatives questions on a one on one basis.
We believe this is a
great opportunity for small business/potential business owners to get
very important information and make contacts with the agencies that
oversee important agency processes.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
New York Small Business Outreach Initiative
A road map to business opportunities in New York State
Bronx
July 11th (6:30PM)
Monroe College 2501 Jerome Avenue King Hall, Gymnasium
Bronx, New York
Parking available at Municipal Lot (190th Street & Jerome Ave.)
Register today at:
-Spend
an hour with small business experts from the Governor's office and six
state agencies, and learn what you need to know to start, grow, or
simply function efficiently as a business in New York State.
-Participants
will be given the opportunity to meet with agency panelists for
individual consultation following the presentation.
-NY
State has $100 million available in assistance for small business and
offers a range of free hiring, recruitment and training programs.
-Get
answers to questions on how to: - License and expand your business. -
Protect your personal assets. - Explore tax breaks and development
incentives. - Access the services for businesses in
each state agency.
Presentations by:
* Empire State Development
* Department of State
* Workers' Compensation Board
* Department of Labor
* State Liquor Authority
* Department of Taxation and Finance
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WAVE HILL EVENTS JULY 20-27
FRI, JULY 20 YOGA TOGETHER
Jumping
frog, twisty owl, downward dog, oh my! Child and parent or caregiver
practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and
relax the body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Lisa Ferraro,
an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Incorporate breathing and relaxation
techniques into a dynamic and playful experience that you and your child
can enjoy together. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a
mat if possible. Recommended for ages 2–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245
by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15
Member/$23 Non-member. Session fee includes one adult and one child,
Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
ON THE GROUNDS, 10‒11AM
SAT, JULY 21 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. Short and long form classes
are led by Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245
by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15
Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM Beginners, 11AM Intermediates
SAT, JULY 21 FAMILY ART PROJECT—WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Water, Water Everywhere/Agua, agua en todas partes
Sketch
the river landscape, enjoy the cool sprinklers and discover that water
is everywhere! Experiment with several different techniques to create
watery images and liquid landscapes to take home. Free, and admission to
the grounds is free until noon.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SAT, JULY 21 WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK
Discover
the fascinating history of the gardens, buildings and the people who
once called Wave Hill their home, with historian and Wave Hill Garden
Guide Deirdre LaPorte. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM
SAT, JULY 21 FAMILY GALLERY TOUR
Family
Gallery Tours offer an opportunity for children and their parents or
caregivers to enjoy looking at and sharing ideas about art. Tours will
include discussions and activities about contemporary art that responds
to Wave Hill’s Wild Garden. The tour begins promptly at 1pm and lasts
approximately 45 minutes. A maximum of 20 visitors can be accommodated
on the tour. Children ages 4 and older are welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1PM
SAT, JULY 21 GALLERY TOUR
Join an exhibition interpreter for one of our regularly scheduled tours of Tending toward the Untamed: Artists Respond to the Wild Garden.
Wave Hill’s Wild Garden serves as inspiration for new painting,
photography, animation, sculpture and installation, by artists Gary Carsley, Chris Doyle, Julie Evans, Isabella Kirkland, Janelle Lynch, Rebecca Morales, Erik Sanner and Anat Shiftan. In the Sunroom Project Space, Wave Hill’s Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Nova Jiang and Cameron Rowland
have each created installations. Jiang’s project combines art,
technology and garden design to create an interactive experience for
visitors; Rowland investigates the architecture and open space of
public housing projects in relation to Wave Hill. Tours take place
Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM, through August 18. Free with admission to
the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
SUN, JULY 22 HATHA YOGA
Release
stress and find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga,
surrounded by the beauty of Wave Hill. Hatha Yoga involves the use of
physical postures, breath control and meditation to create a supple,
strong and relaxed body-mind. Classes are led by Neem Dewji,
certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health
Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in
NYC. Participants should bring a mat, dress in loosely fitting clothing
and come to class with breakfast well digested. All levels welcomed. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245
by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15
Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11:15AM
SUN, JULY 22 FAMILY ART PROJECT—WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Water, Water Everywhere/Agua, agua en todas partes
Sketch
the river landscape, enjoy the cool sprinklers and discover that water
is everywhere! Experiment with several different techniques to create
watery images and liquid landscapes to take home. Free with admission to
the grounds.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, JULY 22 DRAGONFLY WALK
Did you know that dragonflies begin their lives underwater? Join naturalist Paul Keim
on this family-friendly nature walk to observe interesting aspects of
dragonfly behavior and view their aerial antics in the garden. Ages 6 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 12:30PM
SUN, JULY 22 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
SUN, JULY 22 WILD GARDEN ARTISTS TALK
Join Assistant Curator Gabriel de Guzman and artists Chris Doyle and Julie Evans for an insiders’ tour of the summer exhibition Tending toward the Untamed: Artists Respond to the Wild Garden. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
MON, JULY 23
Closed to the public
TUE, JULY 24 STORIES IN THE GARDEN
Each
week, a “mystery reader” from Wave Hill’s staff shares a few of her or
his favorite stories with budding young naturalists. Sessions are held
outdoors only and are weather dependent. Ideal for ages 3 and up and their adult companions. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.
ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM
TUE, JULY 24 GALLERY TOUR
Join an exhibition interpreter for one of our regularly scheduled tours of Tending toward the Untamed: Artists Respond to the Wild Garden.
Wave Hill’s Wild Garden serves as inspiration for new painting,
photography, animation, sculpture and installation, by artists Gary Carsley, Chris Doyle, Julie Evans, Isabella Kirkland, Janelle Lynch, Rebecca Morales, Erik Sanner and Anat Shiftan. In the Sunroom Project Space, Wave Hill’s Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Nova Jiang and Cameron Rowland
have each created installations. Jiang’s project combines art,
technology and garden design to create an interactive experience for
visitors; Rowland investigates the architecture and open space of
public housing projects in relation to Wave Hill. Tours take place
Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM, through August 18. Free, and admission to
the grounds is free all day.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
WED, JULY 25 SUNSET WEDNESDAY
Try
an outdoor yoga class, join a guided garden walk or wander onto the
Great Lawn to enjoy a plein air performance by local BxIndie musicians,
through the Bronx Council on the Arts. Bring your own folding chair and
enjoy the concert from the comfort of your own favorite seat. Gardens
open until 8:30PM. Glyndor Gallery, Perkins Visitor Center, The Shop at
Wave Hill and Food Service open until 8PM. Check www.wavehill.org/visit
for the schedule for Sunset Wednesdays free shuttle service to and from
Metro-North and the #1 subway. All events are free with admission to
the grounds with the exception of yoga.
ON THE GROUNDS, 6‒8:30PM
WED, JULY 25 SUNSET YOGA
Find
refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga on the tranquil lawns
at Wave Hill. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on
your posture, breath control and meditation. Sunset Wednesday sessions
are taught by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salome.
Participants should bring a mat if possible, dress in loosely fitting
clothing and come to class with their latest meal well digested. All
levels welcomed. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather
dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration onsite day-of.
ON THE GROUNDS, 6‒7:15PM
WED, JULY 25 SUNSET GARDEN WALK
Join
us for a short guided walk through the evening gardens. Visit a
different garden every Sunset Wednesday through August. Free with
admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM
WED, JULY 25 BxINDIE MUSIC AT SUNSET—JAZZ QUARTETEnjoy
a plein air performance by local BxIndie musicians, through a
collaboration with the Bronx Council on the Arts. New this year, you can
bring your own folding chair and enjoy the concert from the comfort of
your own favorite seat. Tonight, the Libby Richman Quartet offers a program of smooth jazz that combines original music and standards. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 7PM
ON THE GROUNDS, 7PM
WED, JULY 25 BAT WALK
Yes, there are bats in NYC! Hunt for these mysterious creatures of the night with naturalist Paul Keim,
the “Batman of Brooklyn.” Aided by the use of an electronic device
called an echo locator, participants use both eyes and ears to search
for bats as they skim the dusky sky looking for insects. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited. $10 Member/$18 Non-member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Rain date: August 1.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 7:30−9PM
THU, JULY 26 ARTISTS’ CIRCLE
Capture
the beauty of Wave Hill’s landscape in these drop-in, open-air studio
sessions. Wave Hill provides easels and boards, and you bring art-making
materials and paper or canvas. All levels welcome; new artists
encouraged! Facilitated group critique at the end of each session.
Weather dependent. Session fee: $10 Member/$18 Non-member. Registration
day-of at Perkins Visitor Center starting at 9:30AM. Meet on the grounds
for critiques. This weekly series continues through August.
REGISTER AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−1PM
THU, JULY 26 GARDEN WALK—REVELING IN THE SUNSHINE
Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day
leads this walk, part of a series examining strategies that plants have
evolved to survive the hottest months of the year. Some plants thrive
in the sunniest areas of the garden. Investigate tricky adaptations that
keep plants perky as they bask in the hot sun. This walk repeats
Saturday, July 28. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM
FRI, JULY 27 YOGA TOGETHER
Jumping
frog, twisty owl, downward dog, oh my! Child and parent or caregiver
practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and
relax the body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Lisa Ferraro,
an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Incorporate breathing and relaxation
techniques into a dynamic and playful experience that you and your child
can enjoy together. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a
mat if possible. Recommended for ages 2–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245
by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15
Member/$23 Non-member. Session fee includes one adult and one child,
Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
ON THE GROUNDS, 10‒11AM**************************************************************************
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Espaillat: "It's Not Over Yet"
Wednesday Night July 3rd current State Senator and candidate in the 13th Congressional race Adriano Eapaillat told a packed room of supporters that the race for the 13th C.D. is not over yet. "We will fight until every vote is counted", and asked those in attendance to come forward with any problems that occurred at any poll site to suppress voter participation be reported to the campaign if it has not already been done. We were told that there were problems at poll sites in most of the district with the Tracy Towers and Fordham Hill poll sites at the top of the list.
Espaillat said that the campaign is now in the technical phase, and legal process. He added that the campaign will be at the Board of Elections Thursday morning to watch the counting of the remaining ballots that have to be counted. Espaillat then thanked all the people who helped on the campaign from the Bronx, Washington Heights, Marble Hill, and any other part of the district.
Below are a few photos of the event. You can click on the photo to enlarge it.
Left - Manhattan District Leader Mark Levine, Right - Bronx District Leader Yudelka Tapia speaking to the huge crowd. 
Left - Espaillat as he is in the front of the room after thanking people who helped on the campaign. Right - Espaillat waits to be introduced to the crowd.
Left - The crowd roars as Espaillat is introduced. Right - Espaillat addressing the crowd on where the campaign is at the moment.
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FORDHAM ROAD BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
FORDHAM FEVER FRIDAY’S! at MULLER PARK & PLAZA
The
Fordham Road Business Improvement District (BID) presents Fordham Fever
Friday’s! taking place the first Friday of the month (Friday, July 6, August 3,
September 7, and October 5, 2012) from 11AM-4PM at Muller Park & Plaza at
East Fordham Road & Creston Avenue.
Join the Fordham Road BID as they expand their retail services into a unique day of culturally diverse activities, giving shoppers and their families a delightful experience while visiting one of the busiest shopping districts in the Bronx. Shoppers can take a break from bargain hunting and bring children to enjoy Native American Storytelling, stretch and learn how to make the most of a hot day work-out with a fitness challenge boot camp instructor, or listen to live music later in the afternoon.
Join the Fordham Road BID as they expand their retail services into a unique day of culturally diverse activities, giving shoppers and their families a delightful experience while visiting one of the busiest shopping districts in the Bronx. Shoppers can take a break from bargain hunting and bring children to enjoy Native American Storytelling, stretch and learn how to make the most of a hot day work-out with a fitness challenge boot camp instructor, or listen to live music later in the afternoon.
The event series will feature free Native American Storytelling with Bobby Gonzalez, free Belin Sports & Fitness Boot Camp Demos, artists displaying their artwork, live musical performances and much more.
The
Fordham Road BID is a non-profit corporation under contract with the
City of New York
to provide supplementary services to the community. The BID focuses on
sanitation, beautification, promotion and overall advocacy of the Fordham Road area –
striving to make the district a more attractive and dynamic locale in which to
shop, work and visit. The BID boundaries extend from Third to Jerome Avenues
along East Fordham Road
and also includes the commercial areas on select side streets. The
district is comprised of approximately 80 buildings and almost 300 businesses
ranging from nationwide chains to locally owned independent shops.
For
more information about this event or any of our other programs, events or services,
please contact the BID office at (718) 562-2104 or visit the BID website at www.fordhamroadbid.org.
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State Senator Rivera Hosts Bronx CAN Health Initiative Event Focused on Nutrition
SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS BRONX CAN HEALTH FAIR
The focus of Saturday's Health Fair is Nutrition and Healthy Eating
State
Senator Gustavo Rivera, along with Montefiore Medical Center and
other community health partners will host the second Bronx CAN Health
health fair of the summer on Saturday July 7th at St. James Park. The
Bronx CAN Health Initiative was launched in response to the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation's study that showed the Bronx as the unhealthiest
county in the state of New York. The month of July as well as the July
7th health fair will be focused on nutrition and ways to eat better.
WHO: Senator Gustavo Rivera, Montefiore Medical Center and other community partners
WHAT: Bronx CAN Health Initiative Second Health Fair
WHERE: St. James Park- 2530 Jerome Ave Bronx NY 10468
WHEN: Saturday, July 7th, 2012 1:30-3:30 PM
This
event is the second in a series of Bronx CAN Health fairs. All events
are free and open to the public. The last Bronx CAN Health fair will be
on August 4, 2012 at St. James Park from 1:30PM to 3:30PM and will focus
on access to affordable health care.
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Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Statement from Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo Supporting Con Ed Workers
As a State Assemblyman and
Member of the NYS Assembly Energy Committee, I support the 8,500 members of Locals 1 and 2
Utility Workers of America who have been locked out in their fight for a fair
contract with Con Edison.
Certainly no one wants to see
electric service disrupted to homes and businesses of New York’s 3.2 million Con Ed customers
this summer, but no one should blame union leaders for advocating for their workers since this is, in
fact, the time of year when their union contract has been set to expire. As we enter the height of the
summer season, New Yorkers are at great risk of a heat wave leading to black outs and other life or death
emergencies. Now is not the time to exacerbate this risk by locking out workers who are trained and
ready to address any situation that may arise.
I am respectfully requesting
Con Ed’s administration to bring these workers back to their positions
and that they work with union
leaders, return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract in good faith.
While the economy has
continued a slow rebound, Con Edison has seen increased rates and has been cited for having one of the
country’s highest paid Chief Executive. None of which helps their
argument in seeking these steep
demands from the hard working men and women who keep Con Ed running.
My District Leader, Mr.
Michael Robles, a hard working member of this union, is an active National Guardsmen, and a father of
three beautiful children who has earned the right to provide for his children and to enjoy this
Independence Day celebrating the greatness of our country. Neither Mr. Robles
nor any of his colleagues should
have to spend their time on any picket line.
The responsible thing for
all parties is for negotiations to continue while these individuals remain on
the job.
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DYCD 2012 EDITION OF THE NEW YORK CITY GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN
COMMISSIONER MULLGRAV of the Department of Youth and Community Development IS PLEASED TO PRESENT THE 2012 EDITION
OF THE NEW YORK CITY
GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN
Summer is magical in New York City and a time for families to build great memories together. Across the five boroughs, a variety of activities can be found to capture the interest of everyone.
The 2012 guide and activities can be found HERE.
It is broken down week by week, by borough, and by event.
You can also look into other services provided by the DYCD on the different links on the left.
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Monday, July 2, 2012
Espiallat--- Don't Let The 13th C.D. election be another Florida
Senator Adriano Espiallat's campaign is in court trying to secure ballots so as the campaign says "That there can be a correct and honest accounting for all ballots". In this New York Daily News piece Celeste Katz says that Espiallat does not want the NY 13 race to become another Florida .
Ms. Katz tells you exactly what we have been saying that not all the ballots have been counted, and that many people who wanted to vote for Espiallat were told that their names were not in the list of voters and to go home. Hundreds of complaints came into the Espaillat headquarters about that, and that still with thousands of vote not counted that Rangel's lead keeps getting smaller and is no at 802.
We are wondering if this race will be decided by the November Election, if this election will be thrown out by the courts and there will be another election in September on the state primary date, or even that the way things have been handled by the Board of Elections that heads start to roll as Mayor Bloomberg said Friday after the election when asked "this is the most easily corruptible in the world" as Bloomberg slammed the Board of Elections once again.
So How Did It Happen, and Who is Responsible?
We hope to have the answer for you.
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Saturday, June 30, 2012
What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz Calls
for A Thorough Investigation into 13th C.D. Election
Adriano Espaillat should have known that before he conceded on Tuesday night, that there were many uncounted ballots that might have declared him the winner.
It is unbelievable and incredible that despite the extremely low voter turnout, the final tally to decide who actually won the Democratic Primary race between Senator Adriano Espaillat and Congressman Charlie Rangel (and three other candidates) continues to change.
According to today’s media reports, there are 3,174 affidavit ballots for New York’s Primary Race in the 13th Congressional District, 776 from the Bronx and the rest mostly from the 72nd Assembly District in Washington Heights.”
How can it be that on election night there was a 6.6 percentage gap showing Charlie Rangel was the clear victor, and now, two days later, we hear that all the votes have not been counted, and as the remaining votes are being counted, Congressman Rangel is now only leading by a mere 1,000 votes and still 30 machines have not been counted yet?
We need to know what actually transpired with the Board of Elections and the candidates for this race. How can it be that two days after the Primary, things are such a mess?
Is this how a democracy functions?
Will this mean that from now on, candidates will have to wait two or three days before conceding the seat or do we have to send the people from the board of elections to a counting and additions course?
This calls for a thorough investigation!
I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
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32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
Adriano Espaillat should have known that before he conceded on Tuesday night, that there were many uncounted ballots that might have declared him the winner.
It is unbelievable and incredible that despite the extremely low voter turnout, the final tally to decide who actually won the Democratic Primary race between Senator Adriano Espaillat and Congressman Charlie Rangel (and three other candidates) continues to change.
According to today’s media reports, there are 3,174 affidavit ballots for New York’s Primary Race in the 13th Congressional District, 776 from the Bronx and the rest mostly from the 72nd Assembly District in Washington Heights.”
How can it be that on election night there was a 6.6 percentage gap showing Charlie Rangel was the clear victor, and now, two days later, we hear that all the votes have not been counted, and as the remaining votes are being counted, Congressman Rangel is now only leading by a mere 1,000 votes and still 30 machines have not been counted yet?
We need to know what actually transpired with the Board of Elections and the candidates for this race. How can it be that two days after the Primary, things are such a mess?
Is this how a democracy functions?
Will this mean that from now on, candidates will have to wait two or three days before conceding the seat or do we have to send the people from the board of elections to a counting and additions course?
This calls for a thorough investigation!
I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
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Luis Sepulveda Fundraiser
Friday night there was a fundraiser held at the Pines located on Eastchester Road right across the street from the Bronx Democratic County Headquarters for 87th Assembly candidate Luis Sepulveda. This fundraiser was being hosted by Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie. The Bronx County Democratic organization has announced that they will be backing every incumbent in the Bronx this year, and since there is no incumbent in the 87th A.D. Mr. Luis Sepulveda has been endorsed by the Bronx Democratio organization and Chairman Heastie. There were many friends and supporters of 87th A.D. candidate Luis Sepulveda, but due to the high temperature outside the fund raiser was moved from the Rooftop Garden of the Pines inside to a much cooler space.
Luis Sepulveda ran in 2010 against Assemblyman Peter Rivera loosing by only a few votes, and now that Peter Rivera has been confirmed to be the new state labor commissioner Sepulveda is campaigning each and every day as he is the underdog. Tthe Luis Sepulvedahe campaign headquarters is located at 1512 Castle Hill Avenue, or you can his Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/luis.r.sepulveda.
Here you see Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie on the right, 87th assembly candidate Luis Sepulveda in the center, and possible 2013 11th City Council candidate Dan Padernacht on the left.
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