SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

 NYC Council Speaker Christine. Quinn and City Council member G. Oliver Koppell and Jeffrey Dinowitz held a business luncheon with small business owners to see how they and the City Council can help them operate and grow. The luncheon was held at Greentree Restaurant in the heart of the North Riverdale Merchants Association area, and was well attended with members or representatives of, the South Riverdale Merchants Association, Kingsbridge Business Improvement District, Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corp and others also attending.

 Speaker Quinn opened the meeting by asking everyone to get their lunch, and then Councilman Koppell thanked Speaker Quinn for her attendance at the luncheon to hear from his local merchants and what types of problems that they run into. Koppell noted that the council is not anti-business, but business friendly. Dinowitz also thanked Speaker Quinn for coming to listen, and said that it appears that this is an area that new business wants to come to by the two new shopping centers that are being built in the area.

 There was a question and answer period in which questions about a central data base, the local business city scape, street vendors, lack of bike racks, lack of credit for small business, and the lousy repaving that is being done by DOT in the area were brought up. 

 Quinn answered that the city does send business around to different agencies, but that she is trying to help business by having a central office help in cutting that down. As for the city scape Quinn replied that DOT can come out to do a survey of what can be changed, and gave examples of more trees, better street lights, and even surveillance cameras (but that the city can not pay for such cameras), with Koppell and Dinowitz concurring. On the subject of the repaving Councilman Koppell said the DOT has done a miserable job by towing cars with short notice, and not working on days that signs said they were posted. As for street vendors Quinn said that there is a task force that was set up for Manhattan, and maybe they should come to the area for a day. She added that it is up to the police department, DOT, and Department of Consumer Affairs to monitor street vendors.

  Below are a few photos of the event, which went off very well with everyone learning something new. There was a call for more of the businesses to band together such as having a local Restaurant Week similar to the City and Bronx ones. 

Left - Councilman G.Oliver Koppell addressing the luncheon.

Right - City Council Speaker Quinn addresses the luncheon.

Speaker Quinn answers a question from Mr. Gary Wartel (far left) the President of the North Riverdale Merchants Association.

 

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS LAST BRONX CAN HEALTH FAIR OF THE SUMMER

The focus of Saturday's Health Fair is Access to Healthcare and Preventative Medicine

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-WF), along with Montefiore Medical Center and other community health partners, will host the third and final Bronx CAN Health fair of the summer on Saturday, August 4th at St. James Park. The Bronx CAN Health Initiative was launched in a partnership with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. in 2011 in response to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's study that showed the Bronx as the unhealthiest county in the state of New York.

  

WHO: Senator Gustavo Rivera, Montefiore Medical Center and other community partners 

  

WHAT: Bronx CAN Health Initiative Final Health Fair of the Summer

  

WHERE:  St. James Park- 2530 Jerome Ave Bronx NY 10468

  

WHEN: Saturday, August 4, 2012 1:30-3:30 PM

This event is the last in a series of Bronx CAN Health fairs. Saturday's health fair will include a free pilates class as well as free health screenings. All events are free and open to the public.

New York League of Conservation Voters Endorses Luis Sepulveda For State Assembly

    The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political and policy priority in New York State has announced its endorsement of candidate Luis Sepulveda for the 87th Assembly District.

As an environmental advocate in his community in the Bronx, Luis Sepulveda co-founded the Cross Bronx Expressway initiative. This agenda was created to bring attention to the toxicity produced by the traffic congestion of the expressway and its deleterious effects on the health of the surrounding community.

Although Sepulveda is a new candidate, this has not undermined his dedication to environmental health. His background in environmental biology will prove to be very useful in the fight to protect New York’s environment.

“The Bronx needs leaders who understand the importance of environmental sustainability, and realize that it is the path to a greener community and a stronger economy” said Marcia Bystryn, NYLCV’s president. “Luis Sepulveda has proved that he has the passion and the drive to fight for a greener New York within the State Assembly, and that’s why the New York League of Conservation Voters is proud to endorse his candidacy.”

In response to the endorsement, Sepulveda said: “I am honored to be endorsed by the New York League of Conversation Voters. The mission of this environmentally-oriented organization is right in line with my campaign's ethos which aspires to make the great borough of the Bronx and the state of New York, "greener" places to live. With their support, I will be a staunch advocate for the advancement of environmental concerns within the state legislature.”

DOT Still Leaves Road Paving Unfinished

  We told you in today's edition of the Bronx News about the Movie in Seton Park, and how the road Independence Avenue was milled the first week of July weeks before the event and was awaiting repaving by the Department of Transportation. Well the event went on July 21st with the street still unpaved, and Independence Avenue as of August 2nd still has not completely been repaved. DOT also put up signs for the repaving with less than 24 hour notice, and then did not repave the area only to put up signs for the next day.

  The stretch of Independence Avenue from West 232nd Street to West 239th Street was milled in two days, but the repaving has gone on one block at a time. The last two blocks we will say was held up due to Con Edison work under the street, but Con Ed was finished quickly. This stretch of Independence Avenue is an emergency route that ambulances, police, fire trucks, buses, and many trucks use as an alternate to the busy service road of the Henry Hudson Parkway that often gets backed up. You will see in the photos below how the paving is going, sections of the road left unpaved, and problems due to the way DOT has left the unpaved sections.

Left - The corner of Independence Avenue and West 239th (south side)

Right - Crater left in street by Dot after removing Con Ed patch.

Left - Area by a handicap access ramp is not completley smoothed down.

Right - Sewer cover sticks up several inches by unpaved section remaining.

Left - Shows seams in repaving

Right - Another photo of the sewer cover that sticks up past repaved area in front of 3777 Independence Avenue.

Left - BX 10 bus going down unpaved area of Independence Avenue.

Right - MTA Express bus enters Independence Avenue South at West 239th even though the street has not been completely repaved. Note that the street is closed even though no paving is going on.

UPDATE
  On Friday August 3rd the DOT paving crew finished paving the last section of Independence Avenue, and other areas in the local community board that were scheduled to be milled and repaved.
 We want to commend the mayor on the usual swiftness, and lack of information as is commonly found throughout the Bloomberg administration.  

Manny Tavarez On the Ballot

This came in from the Manny Tavarez for 33rd State Senate campaign.

 

Manny Tavarez is On the Ballot for New York’s Senate Democratic Primary

  

            New York State Senate Candidate Manny Tavarez has released the         

            following statement:

“I am proud to announce that I have fulfilled all of the requirements set by New York´s Board of Elections, and that I am officially a candidate in this year’s State Senate Democratic Primary.  I am thankful to each member of my team, and to all who continue to help and support me.  I am especially honored to have the support of State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz!

Since the beginning of my candidacy for State Senate, I have been warmly greeted and welcomed by so many people who work and live in this Senatorial District.  They continue to make one thing very clear to me: We need a change.  I am honored by their support and trust, and look forward to serving them and representing them when I win this election.

My campaign platform is “Putting People First.”  These people include families and individuals who need affordable housing, senior citizens who need and always deserve quality care and support, sick and infirmed people who need affordable healthcare, and young people who need and deserve quality education. 

They also include young men who need programs to build their lives and keep them away from crime, guns, and violence that have been plaguing our neighborhoods. I believe that because of my experience in professional sports, I will be able to take practical steps to bring sports programs into the district.  These programs will play a significant role in the development of many young men.  The programs will promote fitness and provide valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, responsibility, integrity, courage, honor and compassion. 

My campaign will also stress the need to provide women and families with alternatives to abortion.  We need to protect and defend the lives of all of our children, the most vulnerable members of our society.  We need to be sure that New York treats all children’s lives as treasures instead of seeing our children lives as burdens.

I look forward to running an effective campaign and to achieving victory on September 13^th.”

For further information please contact Brady Tavarez 646-204-8682.

Manny Tavarez for State Senate

Manny Tavarez Facebook

Manny Tavarez (Twitter)

Wave Hill Events August 17–August 24

FRI, AUGUST 17   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, AUGUST 18   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, AUGUST 18    FAMILY ART PROJECT—ROLL OUT THE LANDSCAPE

Roll Out the Landscape/Haga una película de Wave Hill

Experience and sketch some of the many delights of Wave Hill's landscape. Then extend the landscape of your choice onto a paper scroll to make your own mini nature movie. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, AUGUST 18   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, AUGUST 18    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. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, AUGUST 19   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, AUGUST 19    FAMILY ART PROJECT—ROLL OUT THE LANDSCAPE

Roll Out the Landscape/Haga una película de Wave Hill

Experience and sketch some of the many delights of Wave Hill's landscape. Then extend the landscape of your choice onto a paper scroll to make your own mini nature movie.  Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, AUGUST 19   GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, AUGUST 20

Closed to the public

TUE, AUGUST 21   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

WED, AUGUST 22    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, AUGUST 22    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, AUGUST 22    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, AUGUST 22    BxINDIE MUSIC AT SUNSET—THE BODOMA GARIFUNA-CULTURAL BANDEnjoy 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 performance from the comfort of your own favorite seat. WNYC Battle of the Bronx Bands winner BODOMA Garifuna-Cultural Band performs West African influenced percussion and song. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 7PM

THU, AUGUST 23    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, AUGUST 23    IN THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER―PLANT GROOMING

Don’t fear the shears! Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day shares techniques for reviving your tired summer plants.  Free with admission to the grounds.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER. 1–3PM

FRI, AUGUST 24  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

 

 

Summer Olympics Comes to NY Institute for Special Education Thursday - 8/2/12

  

NEW YORK INSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOLERS COMPETE IN 2012 SUMMER OLYMPICS

Inspired by the many heroic performances at this year’s summer Olympics in London, approximately 100 developmentally delayed preschool students, ages three to five, each class representing a different country, will demonstrate their athletic abilities and team sportsmanship at The New York Institute for Special Education Olympics, Thursday, August 2^nd (Games and Awards Ceremony) at 9:45 a.m.  – 12:30 p.m., 999 Pelham Parkway North, Bronx.

Preschoolers will compete in: A javelin throw using pool noodles, weight lifting using various sized water bottles, hurdles, balance beam tricks and badminton with sand paddles and beach balls. Following the games, students will be awarded gold medals and an Olympic torch will be lit.    

DATE:   Thursday, August 2^nd (Games and Awards Ceremony)

TIME:             9:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
           

PLACE:         The New York Institute for Special Education
                        Solarium Auditorium

                        999 Pelham Parkway North

                        Bronx, New York

 

 

Board of Elections Hearings-Is it a Big Waste of Money?

   We were at the hearings of the Board of Elections for the Bronx candidates that were either challenging their opponent or being challenged by their opponent. The hearings started on time at 10 AM however only 6 of the 10 commissioners were on hand when the hearings began. A quorum of 6 of the 10 commissioners is needed only to hold hearings and be able to vote on matters before the board. We were given the names of the missing commissioners by Ms. Valerie Vasquez (of the board) as Commissioners Dent (Bklyn Dem), Schacher (Bklyn Rep), Saunias (Man Dem), and Polonco (Bx Rep). We saw Commissioners Dent and Schacher arrive at 10:20AM, and Commissioner Polonco and Saunias arrived a short time later.

   We had a story (in our column in the Bronx News) two years ago at this time about "King Stanley" referring to one of (if not) the best election lawyers in the Bronx Mr. Stanley K. Schlein ESQ..King Stanley was magnificent in his arguments in trying to keep his (or should we say Bronx Democratic County) candidates on, while doing his best to knock off any opponents. While there remained a few "Renegade" (as king Stanley said) candidates that were kept on the ballot by the commissioners of the Board of Elections, those words "Similar Handwriting, Forgery, and Fraud" were said by King Stanley which means that those renegades would be taken to court to knock them off since the Board of Elections does not rule on those items.

   We saw one possible candidate for a city council seat in 2013 in the audience taking notes, and he probably wanted to see what he would be up against as a renegade candidate or would have on his side should the Bronx Democratic County organization endorse him. Mayor Bloomberg has said that the Board of Elections is "A waste of taxpayer money", and we might have to agree with the mayor. Nothing has changed at the Board of Elections, and there is no reason why the incumbent state legislatures would want to change a system that is tilted way in their favor. We also wondered how a commissioner appointed by the borough county organization (Democrat or Republican) could rule on a matter of their party in their borough. Below are a few photos of the hearings

Left - The hearings have started and there are some empty chairs.

Right - Commissioner Polonco is seated.

Left - King Stanley with his crew as they await the next challenge.

Right - King Stanley in action defending the petition of 78th A.D. Assemblyman Jose Rivera. It was Rivera that fired King Stanley during Rivera's tenure as Bronx Democratic County Chairman.

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