WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

Manhattan County Chair Assemblyman Keith Wright is dead wrong. (And so is Bronx County Chair Carl Heastie.)
By this time I'm pretty sure you already know about the desperate struggle we’re having to maintain the strength and future of Black and Hispanic communities in New York State.

You should know that the way the lines have been drawn to define our districts is detrimental to our communities.  The proposed lines will dilute the power for our people that we have gained through hard work and strong leadership.

Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have both stepped up to the plate to call for Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto proposals that have been submitted because even they know that the proposed district lines will dilute the power of Black and Hispanic communities.
I was shocked to read in an article by Andrew Hawkins titled “Minority Fury Growing Over New Congressional Maps” that Assemblyman Keith Wright declared: “This is not a caucus issue, this is not a Shelly issue. This is a county leader issue."

As my eyes continued down the page I could not believe what I was reading: Assemblyman Wright continued by saying, “If Carl Heastie and I could come to an agreement, we’d be all good.  It’s not a caucus issue, not a Shelly issue, it’s between two county leaders. Shelly’s in the middle.”

These are by far the very worst statements that anyone representing any of our communities could possibly make.

You should know that in reality, this problem is not just the problem of two County leaders to work out, but the problem of EVERY elected person who represents Black and Hispanic communities.

This is most definitely a Black and Hispanic issue.

Is there anyone among us who actually believes that the future of our communities are in the hands of Assemblyman Keith Wright and Assemblyman Carl Heastie, and that when they get together the Black and Hispanic communities will all be okay?

What a laugh!

You should know that it is ludicrous to think that "This is not a Shelly issue" when we know perfectly well that everything in Albany ends with Speaker Sheldon Silver. It's just not possible to honestly say that there is a way to take the responsibility of this struggle away from Speaker Silver.
Of course we need to put the blame on Speaker Sheldon Silver!  We – and we includes Assemblymen Heastie and Wright – need to help Speaker Silver to realize that what he is doing is wrong.

If this is not the issue for the Black and Hispanic community, nor the issue for Speaker Silver, then whose problem is this?

Assemblyman Keith Wright should know at the core of his being that this IS a problem for the Black and Hispanic community.  He has to know that the ugly truth is that the proposed district lines are intended to try to kill the civic spirit in Black and Hispanic communities.  He has to know in his heart that a goal to alienate the growing Black and Hispanic population is sufficient so that people become apathetic and don't get involved in politics and all sort of civic matters.

We don't want our young professionals and our youth moving out of the communities because no one speaks for them in our communities.  We don’t want them to feel deprived of their youthful vigor, fresh ideas and ability to become leaders in their communities.

Every single Black and Hispanic elected official has to know that the future of our community, of our youth, of our people is in our hands.  We have no right to let this slip away.

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

New Low Vision Center Dedication

  Mr. Daniel Reingold ( the President & CEO of the Hebrew Home at Riverdale) welcomed those who came to view the new "Sonia Jaye and Edward Barsukov Low Vision Center". There was an amazing view of the local area that included the George Washington Bridge as you exited the elevator to the 7th floor where the new low vision center was located. This is the first ever Low Vision Center in a nursing home in the U.S.  Mr. Reingold said, and it is thanks to the generosity and hard work of Ms. Sonia Jaye. The lighting was bright, the walls were a bright light color, and everything else on the floor was specially designed to meet the needs of residents of the Hebrew Home that had vision problems.

  As Ms. Robin Dessel began the tour of the floor there was a painting done for the Low Vision Center, one that could not only look good, but also be touched by those who had problems seeing it. The new kitchen had vibrant lighting, and more space to sit then before. More 12 watt florescent bulbs replaced the old 75 watt bulbs to increase the lighting and decrease the electricity costs. On the new computers there were larger bolder keyboards that were easy to see, and larger screens to view. In the rooms there was also more and better lighting. The tour of the New Low Vision Center ended with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Ms. Sonia Jaye, Mr. Reingold, joined by State Senator Jeff Klein, and former governor David Paterson (see picture below)

  There are 870 residents currently at the Hebrew Home, and 5,400 low income New Yorkers who receive home medicaid services from the Hebrew Home. This is done at a 1/4 of the cost of in house services, and was signed into law by then Governor Paterson, which has been increased by current Governor Cuomo.

  Mr. Reingold thanked Ms. Sonia Jaye for not only her gift of the Low Vision Center, but her hard work along with others to make it happen. Ms. Jaye said that she chose the Hebrew Home because of the great reputation that the Hebrew Home has, and that she wanted to do something for residents with vision problems.

  State Senator Klein and former Governor Paterson had only words of praise for Ms. Sonia Jaye and the Hebrew Home. Senator Klein said that he had sponsored a bill that then Governor Paterson signed into law to allow the many people with life insurance to use their benefits to help pay for long term care in a place such as the Hebrew Home when it is needed.

  One interesting area of the Hebrew Home has been set aside as a Judaic museum, where there are over 200 different items on display. The theme of the museum is "Memories" so that some of the residents can remember their history as their ability to remember starts to fade away. I was touched by a surviving Torah on display that had come from a German synagogue that was burnt down during what is known as "Kristallnach, The Night of Terror against Jews in Germany" by the Nazi government.

    

You can click on a picture to enlarge, then click back to view another.

Gas Line Repairs by Amalgamated Houses

  Gouverneur Avenue was closed  Thursday, and Con Edison crews were working feverishly at the corner with Van Cortlandt Park South to replace an old rotting gas pipe. One could smell the odor of gas slightly for about a half  block radius of where the work was going on. 

  An unidentified Con Edison worker said that the old rotting metal gas pipe was being replaced by a new plastic one. You can see in the pictures below the old rotting metal pipe that was taken up by Con Edison workers, and them holding the new plastic pipe. 

Koppell Sponsored Medical Marijuana Bill

COUNCIL APPROVES KOPPELL-SPONSORED  RESOLUTION URGING STATE LEGISLATURE TO PASS LEGISLATION LEGALIZING MEDICINAL USE OF MARIJUANA

At its meeting on February 29, 2012, the Council passed a Resolution co-sponsored by Council Member Oliver Koppell, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, urging the NYS Legislature to pass legislation, introduced by Assembly Member Richard Gottfried and Senator Thomas Duane, that would legalize the medicinal use of marijuana. If the legislature adopts the proposal, New York would be the 17^th state to legalize medical marijuana.

 

A joint hearing of the Mental Health Committee and the Subcommittee on Drug Abuse on November 11, 2011 examined the efficacy of medical marijuana, the implementation of laws that remove criminal sanctions for it use, eligibility for such use and means of access.  At the hearing, doctors, and researchers testified in favor of legalizing medical marijuana.  Among these, was Dr. Adam Karpati, Executive Commissioner of the DOHMH, who testified that “in fact there’s a lot of evidence…. that smoking marijuana is superior to the known therapeutic agents for the conditions for which it’s contemplated.”

 

The Resolution reflects these opinions stating that:

 

·        Proponents of medical marijuana point to a large body of reports and journal articles that support the therapeutic value of marijuana;

 

·        Written works address the ability of marijuana to treat a variety of disease-related problems, including relieving nausea, increasing appetite, reducing muscle spasms and spasticity, relieving chronic pain, reducing intraocular pressure and relieving anxiety;

 

·        Multiple public health and advocacy organizations support this legislation.

 

The proposed New York State medical marijuana bill would require a doctor’s recommendation and certification that the patient suffers from a debilitating or life-threatening condition.  Home cultivation would not be allowed under the act and dispensaries would be registered with, and regulated by, the State.

 

“Koppell said, “I have been a longtime proponent of legalizing medical marijuana as a humane and medically effective means of relieving the suffering of people with severe illness.  Currently, there are sixteen states that have legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. I believe that residents of New York State should have the same access as people living in these localities.” 

Wave Hill Events Mar 16–Mar 23

 

SAT, MARCH 17    FAMILY ART PROJECT―SOCK CRITTERS

Sock Critter/Calcetines y animales

Do you have a lonely sock or mitten? We show you how to crop it into a puppet, or stuff it and remake it into a cute critter with cool button eyes. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM–1PM

SAT, MARCH 17    WINTER WORKSPACE―CONCEPTUAL SEEING (TYPOLOGIES OF PLACE) WITH MATTHEW JENSEN

Matthew Jensen introduces an investigative approach to Wave Hill's gardens. Participants explore the act of collecting and the structure of typologies as tools for communicating concepts and notions of place. They photograph as they walk, using these images to create and present a collection based on their findings. Bring a digital camera. Children ages 12 and older accompanied by an adult. Registration is recommended , online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SAT, MARCH 17    PALM HOUSE WALK—SOUTH AFRICAN SPLENDOR

In March, the Palm House is jam-packed with a wonderful array of colorful and fragrant plants from around the world. Don’t miss the chance to see our annual display of South African bulbs and other rare and unusual greenhouse plants, with Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day. Free with admission to the grounds. Takes place Thursday, March 15 as well.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 18    FAMILY ART PROJECT―SOCK CRITTERS

Sock Critter/Calcetines y animales

Do you have a lonely sock or mitten? We show you how to crop it into a puppet, or stuff it and remake it into a cute critter with cool button eyes. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM–1PM

           

SUN, MARCH 18    WINTER WORKSPACE: COLLABORATIVE BOOKLET PROJECT, WITH CAMERON ROWLAND

Artist Cameron Rowland leads an interactive discussion of the role of documentation, language and site in the process of making and viewing art. Participants create a booklet using images and text inspired by the conversation in the space, while developing an awareness of the documentary object in everyday life. Be sure to bring your digital camera! Children ages 16 and older are welcome with an adult. Registration is recommended due to space limitations. No groups larger than five people may register. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SUN, MARCH 18    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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, MARCH 19 

Closed to the public

WED, MARCH 21    DRAWING WITH ABANDON―THE WILD GARDEN AND BEYOND

Session 3

Explore the visual language and fundamentals of drawing through observation and rendering of images found in the natural landscape. Participants will work with contemporary artist Wennie Huang to develop observational skills rooted in traditional drawing media and experiment with various drawing techniques and concepts such as proportion, composition, gesture, contour, perspective, cross contour, and positive negative shapes. All levels welcomed. Series fee: $180 Member/$210 Non-member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. The series continues March 28, April 4, 11.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4PM

WED, MARCH 21    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #3―THOMAS L. WOLTZ: RESTORATION ECOLOGY IN PRIVATE ESTATE GARDENS

Landscape architect Thomas L. Woltz, a partner of Nelson Byrd Woltz, has led designs for institutional and corporate projects here and abroad, as well as private gardens and farmland in a dozen states and New Zealand, worked in Venice for five years and has taught in the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture. He was instrumental in establishing his firm’s Conservation Agriculture Studio for best conservation management practices. An ongoing series hosted by the Friends of Horticulture. $20 Member, Student/$25 General. Reservations recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or by calling 718.549.3200 x220. This is the final lecture in the 2012 series.

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 170 EAST 70TH STREET, MANHATTAN, 6PM

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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. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  Please note that we are now beginning the longer visit day—till 5:30—on March 15, instead of April 15, thanks to daylight savings.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in March.  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 one0day 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 3o 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.

 

 

Senator Rivera Honors the Late Tony DiGiovanna, 

Community Affairs Officer from the 48th Precinct 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D,Bronx) today introduced and passed Resolution J3305, honoring Officer Anthony "Tony" DiGiovanna, a Community Affairs police officer from the 48th Precinct in the Bronx who recently and suddenly passed away. Officer DiGiovanna's family was present in Albany when the resolution passed the State Senate unanimously. In the audience, Officer DiGiovanna's family was represented by his wife, Joanna, his four daughters: Jessica, Melissa, Rebecca and Sabrina.

"Officer DiGiovanna was very committed to his work in the Bronx and to the community he served in West Farms and East Tremont," said Senator Rivera. "As a Community Affairs officer for the 48th precinct, Tony always made everyone feel very comfortable and was always extremely responsive. He referred to the community members he worked with in the Bronx as his "second family" and I know he is very much missed by that second family.

Tony was a local hero - as one of the first individuals to volunteer as a first responder on September 2011, he spent the first 20 hours after the attack at Ground Zero. Like many others who worked at Ground Zero, Officer DiGiovanna was diagnosed with respiratory difficulties and a rare form of cancer in 2002. He fought off cancer and returned to the 48th precinct to continue to serve the people of the Bronx."

Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-Bronx, Westchester) also spoke on the resolution and has part of the 48th precinct in her State Senate District.

JASA Presents: The Annual Volunteer Ventures Expo for New Yorkers 50+

JASA, New York’s largest agency serving older adults in the New York Metropolitan area, is pleased to announce the annual JASA Volunteer Ventures Expo, a free conference and volunteer opportunities fair for adults 50+. The expo will take place on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from 10 am to 2 pm at UJA-Federation of New York, 130 E. 59th Street.

This event is being produced in association with UJA-Federation of New York, New York City Department for the Aging, NYC Service, New Yorkers Volunteer/State Commission on National and Community Service, Retired Senior Volunteer Program/Community Service Society of New York, The Transition Network and Coming of Age NYC.

“JASA recognizes the immense talent and experience that older adults bring to nonprofit organizations,” said Alexandra Collier, JASA’s Director of Volunteer Services and Special Projects. “The JASA Volunteer Ventures Expo provides older adults with the opportunity to find dynamic and engaging volunteer and civic engagement programs in their communities, and connects New York City nonprofits with talented and experienced older adult volunteers.”

At the JASA Volunteer Ventures Expo, adults 50+ from across the New York Metropolitan area will meet with representatives from top New York City nonprofit organizations. Volunteers and staff members from a wide variety of nonprofits including, advocacy, arts, environmental, faith-based and cultural organizations, will answer questions about volunteering with their organizations.

In addition to the Volunteer Opportunities Fair, attendees can choose from 3 workshops on strategies for finding the right volunteer opportunity, volunteering with children and youth, and creating individualized volunteer opportunities.

Admission to the Volunteer Ventures Expo is free for adults 50+, but advanced registration is required. Download registration form online at www.jasa.org or contact Larissa Belcic: 212-273-5222; lbelcic@jasa.org. Organizations interested in sponsoring a table at the Volunteer Opportunities Fair should also email Larissa Belcic at lbelcic@jasa.org or register online at www.jasa.org.

Since 1968, JASA and its affiliates with its 3,000 staff and volunteers, have provided social, recreational, health, housing, cultural and educational programs for 53,000 older adults per year -- regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity -- to help sustain them in their homes and communities and to offer opportunities for a better quality of life.  Services are available in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Statement from Borough President Diaz RE: City Council's approval of the Westchester Square BID

 

“I am extremely happy to hear that today the City Council has approved the establishment of the Westchester Square Business Improvement District.  As I mentioned in my recent “State of the Borough,” my administration has thrown its support behind this BID and its commitment to make this area a premier shopping district.  Westchester Square is one of the most important commercial strips in the Bronx, and each day it brings thousands of residents, students, and visitors to its confines to shop, eat, and converse with their neighbors.  

“I want to thank the members of the BID Steering Committee, property owners, and merchants for their commitment to the Bronx in establishing this BID and look forward to working with them to insure the future vibrancy and economic vitality of this commercial district,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.