Morris Park Mural Unveiling

The above mural done by the children of P.S. 108 was only one of several that were painted on the walls under the Amtrak Train overpass on Bronxdale Avenue in the Morris Park section of the borough. Senator Jeff Klein along with Community Activist (and candidate for the 80th Assembly seat) Mr. Mark Gjonaj, Dom Casrore Chairman Community Board #11, CB 11 District Manager Jeremy Wareneke, Mr. Al D'Angelo President of the Morris Park Community Association, children who painted the murals, and some parents were on hand to unveil the finished project that was also helped along by an artist from the Bronx Council For The Arts. 

 Here student Amanda Mooney stands in front of another mural that was done. and you may have to click on the photo to make it larger to see just how great of a job the students did in making this one look real.

Here you see the ribbon cutting ceremony by Senator Klein along with some of the children, their parents, CB 11 District Manager Jeremy Wareneke and Chair Dom Casrore, Mr. Mark Gjonaj, MPCA president Al D'angelo, and others as they posed for the photo.

 

LIU CALLS ON MAYOR TO REFORM NYPD RELIGIOUS GARB POLICY

City Comptroller John C. Liu today called on Mayor Bloomberg to reform NYPD policy to allow Sikh officers to serve without having to forsake their turbans and beards.

In a letter, Comptroller Liu commended the Mayor for his words of comfort and support to the City’s Sikh community in the wake of the Wisconsin shootings, saying that now is the time for New York City to make a meaningful change of inclusion to Sikh members of the NYPD.

“The attack in Wisconsin reminds us that intolerance still rears its ugly head today. Sikhs have felt alienation and distress over the past decade since September 11. In the wake of the Wisconsin killings, which have shocked the national conscience, our City can enact meaningful inclusion of this community by changing NYPD rules to allow Sikhs to serve without having to forsake their turbans and beards,” Comptroller Liu wrote.

Comptroller Liu noted that the Washington D.C., Metro Police Department has amended its rules to allow Sikh officers to wear religious garb and pointed to a recent City Council law that requires workplaces to foster supportive environments for religious practices.

Comptroller Liu said that by reforming the NYPD policy, individuals of other faith groups who wear head coverings and grow beards, as required by their religion, would also benefit.

“Shouldn’t the NYPD, providing security in one of the most diverse cities in the world, proudly display its own diversity?” Comptroller Liu said.

Jasminder Kaur, project manager of United Sikhs, said:

“It’s imperative for people to know that Sikhs are woven into the fabric of American society and are not the ‘other.’ One way to promote that is through increasing participation of Sikhs with turbans and beards in government jobs. We appreciate Comptroller Liu for taking the initiative to bring this up with the NYPD and assuring us of his continuous support.”

Harpreet Singh Toor, Chairman of Public and External Affairs for the Sikh Cultural Society, said:

“It is heartening to see that all of America came out to support the Sikh community in this time of tragedy, but as long as the systematic discrimination continues at the city, state, and federal levels, Sikhs will always feel themselves to be lesser Americans than others. Why, after living in this great country for more than 100 years, do we have to prove every time that we are as much American as anybody else?”

Rabbi David Zwiebel, Executive Vice President of Agudath Israel of America, said:

“As wonderful a job as the NYPD does in carrying out its awesome esponsibilities, New York’s Finest would be finer still if its membership reflected the full diversity of the beautiful mosaic that is New York City. Policies that have the effect of excluding members of certain faith communities because of their religious garb or grooming should be re-evaluated. I commend Comptroller Liu for raising
this important issue.”

Comptroller Liu added:

“We must eliminate all religious barriers to joining the NYPD. Religious men from all faiths, whether they are Sikhs or Orthodox Jews, should be able to serve the people of New York City.”

---

FULL TEXT OF COMPTROLLER LIU’S LETTER TO MAYOR BLOOMBERG:

August 10, 2012

The Honorable Michael Bloomberg
Mayor
City Hall
New York, NY 10007

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

Thank you for the words of support and comfort offered to our City’s Sikh community in the wake of the horrific shootings in Wisconsin and for increasing NYPD security around our City’s gurdwaras.

The attack in Wisconsin reminds us that intolerance still rears its ugly head today. Sikhs have felt alienation and distress over the past decade since September 11. In the wake of the Wisconsin killings, which have shocked the national conscience, our City can enact meaningful inclusion of this community by changing NYPD rules to allow Sikhs to serve without having to forsake their turbans and beards.

These outward signs of religious observance are for Sikhs an article of faith. Sikh community groups have long fought to secure officers the right to wear them while proudly serving our City.

There is precedent for such a move. The Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department recently amended its rules to allow Sikhs to wear religious garb while serving as full-time law enforcement officers.

In our own City, the MTA recently dropped its requirement that Sikh employees affix their turbans with the MTA logo. In 2004, the NYPD reinstated two Sikh traffic enforcement agents, allowing them to wear turbans and full beards. And the City Council last year passed a law enhancing religious freedom in the workplace, aimed, among other things, at making it easier for officers to challenge the NYPD’s turban/beard ban.

Reforming the NYPD policy on religious garb would also benefit individuals of other faith groups who wear head coverings and grow their beards as required by their religion.

Shouldn’t the NYPD, providing security in one of the most diverse cities in the world, proudly display its own diversity?

Sincerely,

John C. Liu

Wave Hill Events August 24–August 31

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

SAT, AUGUST 25   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 25    FAMILY ART PROJECT—FISHY FUN

Fishy Fun/Peces divertidos

The focus is on friends with fins, especially those popular goldfish swimming in Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden. Using colorful paper bags, create fantastical, 3D fish that can swim through the air and flutter home with you. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, AUGUST 26   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 26    FAMILY ART PROJECT— FISHY FUN

Fishy Fun/Peces divertidos

The focus is on friends with fins, especially those popular goldfish swimming in Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden. Using colorful paper bags, create fantastical, 3D fish that can swim through the air and flutter home with you.   Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, AUGUST 26   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 27

Closed to the public

TUE, AUGUST 28   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 29    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 29    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 29    SUNSET GARDEN WALK

Join us for a guided walk through the evening gardens. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

WED, AUGUST 29    BxINDIE MUSIC AT SUNSET—JACQUELINE FLOWERS QUNITET PERFORMS R & BEnjoy 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 Jacqueline Flowers Quintet offers an evening of R & B.  Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 7PM

THU, AUGUST 30    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.

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

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

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.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day on August Tuesdays.  Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s 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 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.

Bill Thompson Hit With $17,000.00 fines by CFB

  Former City Comptroller, candidate for mayor in 2009, and candidate for mayor in 2013 Bill Thompson has been hit with over $17,000.00 dollars in various fines by the City Campaign Finance Board as reported here by the Daily News from his 2009 mayoral campaign. There were nine separate items Thompson was fined for, and one item that there was no fine. Items of "over the limit" to "failing to report" were among the laundry list given out by the CFB. We only wonder which other possible mayoral candidate will be next.

COMPTROLLER LIU RECOVERS RECORD $2 MILLION FROM DAMAGE TO CITY PROPERTY

   City Comptroller John C. Liu announced today that over the past fiscal year, his office recovered $1,978,370 from the insurance companies of individuals who damaged or destroyed City government property. The amount is the highest ever recovered for damage claims by the City Comptroller’s office, and marks a 34% increase over last year’s total, the prior record.

“When City property gets damaged — whether it’s a police car or a stop sign — we’re going to do everything we can to get restitution for taxpayers,” Comptroller Liu said.  “I am pleased we are doing an even better job, as this record-breaking year for damage recoveries shows."

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, 854 of such cases — known as “affirmative claims” — were settled by the City Comptroller’s office, averaging $2,316.59 per claim. Claims settled in FY 2012 involved incidents such as the following:

·         On 6/1/2011, a vehicle making an illegal U-turn at East Tremont and LaSalle Avenues in the Bronx totaled an NYPD vehicle that had its lights and sirens engaged. This resulted in the largest claim settled by the Comptroller’s office in FY 2012. $23,973 was collected on 9/26/2011

·         On 7/29/2009, an NYPD vehicle was hit at Flatbush and Woodruff Avenues in Brooklyn as it was driving with its lights and sirens engaged to an in-progress assault. The collision resulted in a five-vehicle accident. $6,155 was recovered on 11/23/2011

·         On 10/31/2011, one of two vehicles involved in a collision knocked over a traffic light at Avenue L and East 108th Street in Brooklyn. $3,705 was collected on ­­­4/24/2012

·         On 4/11/2012, a vehicle at Atlantic Avenue and 76th Street in Queens ran a red light and collided with another vehicle that knocked over a traffic light. $1,240 was recovered on 6/19/2012

·         On 6/17/2011, the driver of a rental truck crashed into an NYPD vehicle as it was pulling into a parking spot in front of a police precinct on Foster Avenue in Brooklyn. $1,090 was collected on 2/13/2012

The New York City Charter empowers the Comptroller’s office to settle and adjust claims in favor of or against the City. The affirmative-claims process is administered by the Comptroller’s Bureau of Law and Adjustment, which works with insurance companies to settle claims without litigation. Claims that cannot be settled by the Bureau of Law and Adjustment are referred to the City’s Law Department.

Comptroller Liu credited the Bureau of Law and Adjustment for its hard work on behalf of New York City’s taxpayers.

Senior Picnic from Assembly Member Nelson L. Castro

UPDATE

Due to the weather tomorrow

August 11,2012, the Senior Picnic will

be postponed for Thursday August 16,

2012 at the same time 10:00am.

 

Debido al clima, el evento de mañana

 Agosto 11, 2012, Pasadia Anual

para Envejecientes va hacer

pospuesto

para el jueves Agosto 16, 2012 a la

misma hora 10:00am.

The phone number is 718-933-6909.

Ray Harding Former City Power Broker Dies at Age 77

 

  

    Ray Harding the head of the former Liberal Party that was instrumental in getting Rudy Giuliani elected mayor in 1993 has passed away at the age of 77 today. Harding pleaded guilty in the pay to play scandal that rocked Albany and also took down Former State Comptroller Alan Hevisi and political consultant Hank Morris. 

   In 2002 the Liberal Party came to an end when the party line could not get the required 50,000 votes in the election for governor to be a recognized state political party. The Liberal Party also played a key role in a lesser known special election for the 81st Assembly District to replace Assemblyman G. Oliver Koppel who replaced former Attorney General Bob Abrams. One candidate took the Liberal Party line in place of the Conservative Party line, where as the Conservative Party put up a candidate that changed the outcome of this race, and the rest is history, as is Mr. Ray Harding now. Our condolences to the family.

What You Should - Endorsement in the 80th A.D.

By Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz

32^nd Senatorial District

You should know that for a very long time, I have been letting all of you know that there is no money, influence, race, nationality, color, or pressure that could make me change my religious beliefs and my faith in my savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ.

That is why I am not and will not support candidates, e.g. black, white, Hispanic, Asian, etc. etc. that go against my beliefs. Especially those who stood up in the State Legislature and voted for same sex marriage in the State of New York.

You should know that these are the reasons why in the upcoming Democratic Primary on Thursday September 13, 2012, I am supporting various candidates, amongst them, Mark Gjonaj, against Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera.

“Its time for our community to have a dedicated and hard-working pubic servant who will help us reverse the crime rate, create jobs and provide more opportunities for our senior citizens and for our community.

Mark Gjonaj will represent us well in the State Assembly. Mark Gjonaj has led the fight on many issues that impact our communities and families.  Mark Gjonaj understands the needs of our community and he understands our values. During these tough economic times, we need a person like Mark Gjonaj who has experience in business and in job creation.

I am asking for all voters to follow their convictions.  I am asking for Christians both Catholics and Evangelicals to vote for what it says in the Bible, for Jews to vote for what it says in the Torah, and for Muslims to vote for what it says in the Koran.  I am asking all voters to vote for traditional marriage and family values and for respect for life.  Beside his qualifications, this is why I am supporting Mark Gjonaj.

This is not about winning or losing! I am reminding every pastor, minister, rabbi, iman, or religious leader that this is about standing up for our teachings and beliefs.

This is Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.

___________________________________________________________

   We spoke with Senator Diaz, and he told us that he is indeed supporting Mark Glonaj in the upcoming 80th Assembly District Primary that will be held on Thursday September 13th.