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Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Hispanic Ministers of New York 25th Annual Luncheon
Saturday afternoon was the 25th Hispanic Ministers Organization of New York luncheon. All of the candidates for mayor of New York City were invited. Democrats John Liu, Bill Thompson, & Erick Salgado, Republicans Joe Lhota & John Catsimatidis, and even third party candidate Adolfo Carrion were in attendance as well as almost 700 ministers or supporters of the clergy. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Bronx Assembly members Marcos Crespo & Luis Sepulveda, And Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. who was the Master of Ceremonies. City Council Speaker Christene Quinn and Public Advocate Bill Deblasio were not in attendance.
There were speeches by the mayoral candidates, and here are some of their more memorable words. City Comptroller John Liu said "The city needs the Bronx", and looking at BP Diaz added "Its great to be here in God's Country". Joe Lhota spoke of his Bronx roots, and how as Deputy Mayor to Mayor Giuliani "500 jobs for Senator Diaz were created for his community". Not to be outdone John Catsimatidis spoke of being an alter boy, and how he helped build a church in the South Bronx. Former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion spoke about his job as Bronx Borough President.
Left - Senator Diaz is at the microphone is about to introduce the candidates for mayor in attendance. Candidate for mayor John Liu gives the thumbs up.
Right - City Comptroller John Liu speaks to the packed room.
Left- Republican John Catsimatidis speaks to the crowd.
Right - It was Republican Joe Lhota's turn at the Microphone.
Left - Bill Thompson speaking to the audience.
Right - Rev. Erick Salgado Speaks with Bronx Conservative Party Leader Bill Newmark, possibly for Newmarks support for the Conservative line in the November election.
Left - New York State Comptroller Tom Di Napoli.
Right - 15th Council District candidate Reverend Joel Bauza (one of the honorees) and his wife.
Senator Diaz poses with both Republican candidates for mayor Joe Lhota (left), and John Catsimatidis (right).
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What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
Why Are We So Afraid of Governor Cuomo?
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York
Why Are We So Afraid of Governor Cuomo?
You should know that today the New York State Senate will begin a public
push to limit how Senate campaign funds can be spent. These campaign funds
are donations from individuals and organizations given with the understanding
that the candidate will use them as they see fit - like renting a car and
paying for meals.
You should also know that while this effort to turn up the heat on Senators has begun, there is still no effort underway to restrict what Governor Cuomo does with resources he raises, and no demand for a complete disclosure of the names of the donors from the Committee to Save New York - his ally - a private lobbying committee not subject to state campaign finance law. The names of many of their donors remain in the shadows.
The Committee to Save New York has been lockstep with Governor Cuomo's agenda and has spent more money on lobbying activities in 2012 than any other group.
You should know that the billionaires and business leaders who support Governor Cuomo's Committee to Save New York have won billions in government bailouts. Now they insists upon “fiscal responsibility” for the rest of New York.
I would like to recommend to my colleagues that instead of going after each other and restricting how much money we spend from our donors to rent cars and pay for dinners for our campaigns, that we focus our attention on reviewing policy payoffs that impact our ability to legislate on behalf of our constituents - instead of on behalf of the groups who lobby and profit from their participation of the Committee to Save New York.
I would like to recommend that ethics reform in New York State begin in the Governor's mansion.
While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used to pay for meals, I would like my readers to know that many of my colleagues are routinely invited to the Governor's mansion to eat his food and drink his wine with no oversight to who pays those bills.
While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used to rent cars, I would like my readers to know that this past Thursday JCOPE quietly posted on their website on state ethics ruling that Governor Cuomo can bring Sandra Lee, his girlfriend and Food Network star who lives with him in Westchester County, along with his daughters on the state aircraft with him when he's on official business.
While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used for our cell phones, You should know that the millions of dollars raised by the Committee to Save New York to expand casino gambling needs should be investigated.
You should know that corruption in New York State needs to be thoroughly investigated, and is far more important that the way we spend money donated to us from our supporters - who donate with the full knowledge that we decide how to spend it.
We should be more concerned with stopping big money influence of corporations, groups and people that are getting access to meetings with Governors and others by contributing big donations and by the conflict of interest of legislators serving as of-counsels and those that are board members of institutions whose leaders contribute big money. Amen.
This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
You should also know that while this effort to turn up the heat on Senators has begun, there is still no effort underway to restrict what Governor Cuomo does with resources he raises, and no demand for a complete disclosure of the names of the donors from the Committee to Save New York - his ally - a private lobbying committee not subject to state campaign finance law. The names of many of their donors remain in the shadows.
The Committee to Save New York has been lockstep with Governor Cuomo's agenda and has spent more money on lobbying activities in 2012 than any other group.
You should know that the billionaires and business leaders who support Governor Cuomo's Committee to Save New York have won billions in government bailouts. Now they insists upon “fiscal responsibility” for the rest of New York.
I would like to recommend to my colleagues that instead of going after each other and restricting how much money we spend from our donors to rent cars and pay for dinners for our campaigns, that we focus our attention on reviewing policy payoffs that impact our ability to legislate on behalf of our constituents - instead of on behalf of the groups who lobby and profit from their participation of the Committee to Save New York.
I would like to recommend that ethics reform in New York State begin in the Governor's mansion.
While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used to pay for meals, I would like my readers to know that many of my colleagues are routinely invited to the Governor's mansion to eat his food and drink his wine with no oversight to who pays those bills.
While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used to rent cars, I would like my readers to know that this past Thursday JCOPE quietly posted on their website on state ethics ruling that Governor Cuomo can bring Sandra Lee, his girlfriend and Food Network star who lives with him in Westchester County, along with his daughters on the state aircraft with him when he's on official business.
While we consider how to restrict Senate campaign donations that are used for our cell phones, You should know that the millions of dollars raised by the Committee to Save New York to expand casino gambling needs should be investigated.
You should know that corruption in New York State needs to be thoroughly investigated, and is far more important that the way we spend money donated to us from our supporters - who donate with the full knowledge that we decide how to spend it.
We should be more concerned with stopping big money influence of corporations, groups and people that are getting access to meetings with Governors and others by contributing big donations and by the conflict of interest of legislators serving as of-counsels and those that are board members of institutions whose leaders contribute big money. Amen.
This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
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Sunday, April 14, 2013
Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distiction Luncheon
Friday was the date of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon. The Mistress of Ceremony was WINS 1010 radio reporter Juliet Papa. The national anthem was sung by Preston High School student Brittany Mitchell. Sister Seline Mary Flores of the Providence Rest Nursing Home gave the invocation. The audience was then welcomed by Event Chair Geri Sciortino, the owner of the Bronx Design Group. BCC President Lenny Caro gave the opening remarks on how great it is to be in the Bronx today. He went into all of the new business opportunities and new businesses that have recently come to the Bronx.
BCC Chairman Joe Kelleher then added some more comments about the future of Bronx Business, and the new Metro North stations to be built in the East Bronx and how it would increase ridership to and from the Bronx.
Keynote speaker Commissioner of the Department of Corrections Dora B. Schribo said that she is the fifth woman to run the DOC in its 100 year history. She spoke about the prison population, and how she is trying to decrease the return to prison ratio so that she in essence can be put out of business in the future.
The five students awarded a one thousand dollar scholarships were Faith Daniel (Bronx Center for Science & Math), Selene Munoz (Gateway School of Environmental Research & Technology), Rosalias Read (Metropolitan High School), Yaritza Rendon (Bronx Aerospace High School), and Zoraya Almonte (Bronx Engineering & Technology Academy).
The two Honorees were NYPD Deputy Inspector Nilda Hofmann and Preston High School Dean of Studies Linda Youngren.
Left - Mistress of Ceremony Juliet Papa of WINS 1010 radio.
Right - Preston High School student Brittany Mitchell sings the National Anthem.
Left - Sister Seline Mary Flores giving the invocation.
Right - Scholarship award winners Faith Daniel, Selene Munoz, Rosalias Read, and Yaritza Rendon hold up their $1,000.00 checks. Zoraya Almonte was unable to attend.
Starting from the left - BCC President Lenny Caro, Honoree and NYPD Deputy Inspector Nilda Hofmann, Honoree and Preston H.S. Dean Linda Youngren, Juliet Papa of 1010 WINS radio, and Event Chair Geri Sciortino.
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87th A.D. Office Grand Opening
Saturday April 13th was the official grand opening of the 87th A.D. office of Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda at 1973 Westchester Avenue. This is the same office that the previous assemblyman Peter Rivera had, but according to Assemblyman Sepulveda the office was rearranged to what he and his staff feel will serve the community better. The front is a brighter and the front window will display important information such as job listings that were there on Saturday April 13th as you can see in the photos above and below.
Left - is one of the signs that was put up to announce the grand opening of the new 87th A.D. office of Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.
Right - You can see job listings for the Bronx Botanical Garden posted on the front window of the new 87 A.D. office.
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Zaro's Parkchester Store Closed
In what appears to be the closure of Zaro's Bread Basket located at 29 Metropolitan Avenue by the Board of Health Wednesday April 9th after a second inspection the store remained closed as of our visit on Saturday April 13th as you see in the photos below. There was no one inside the store or any notice of when the store would reopen. Several shoppers in and around the store were surprised to see what had happened.
Left - The outside of Zaros Bread Basket located at 29 Metropolitan Oval in the Parkchester section.
Right - A view through the door of the closed store.
Left - The grade pending sign dated March 23, 2013.
Right - The Yellow notice that the store has been closed by the Department of Health dated April 9, 2013.
Wave Hill Events April 26–May 3
Oh,
my, oh, May! Ever transforming in spring, the gardens leave us
breathless. Birds, blossoming boughs, bees…it often feels like the best
of times for a garden. The trees get to proclaim the beauty of the
season first, all through Arbor Week, ending April 28.
SAT, APRIL 27 FAMILY ART PROJECT—FLY ME TO THE DOVE TREE
Fly Me to the Dove Tree/El árbol de la paloma
Visit
Wave Hill’s dove tree to observe the beautiful white flower-like bracts
that give this tree its name. Then, using natural materials and paper,
make a dove tree sculpture, or use plaster of Paris to create a flock of
doves. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SAT, APRIL 27 BEST TREES FOR THE SMALL GARDEN
Are
you thinking about planting a tree for your yard but overwhelmed by the
choices? Enjoy a spring walk around Wave Hill as a garden interpreter
highlights some great trees with four seasons of interest,
suitably-scaled to the smaller garden. Free with admission to the
grounds. This Arbor Week walk also takes place on April 20, 21 and 28.
MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM
SAT, APRIL 27 BIKES AND NATURE: EXPLORING BRONX TREES
Join
us on a low-impact bicycle tour of some of the great trees in Riverdale
and surroundings with professional tree photographer Benjamin Swett,
author of New York City of Trees. Organized by Wave Hill’s Nature
and Art Programs Manager Gisela Insuaste and Boogie Down Rides, a
Bronx-based bicycling and art project, this nature-based bicycle tour
will start off-site and end at Wave Hill, exploring some of the trees
and their stories highlighted in the book. Ride starts in Northern
Manhattan at the southeast corner of Isham Park at Broadway and W. 211th
Street at the 207th Street/Inwood subway stop on the A train. Ride ends
at Wave Hill. This event is free, but registration is required, online
at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Registrants may visit Wave Hill free of admission after the ride. Arbor Week event.
MEET AT SOUTHEAST CORNER OF ISHAM PARK, 10AM−1PM
SAT, APRIL 27 PRUNER PRIMER
Are
your garden tools clean, sharp and ready for your spring chores?
Observe and learn as students from Wave Hill’s Forest Project Summer
Collaborative demonstrate the care and maintenance of hand pruners.
Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Arbor Week event.
ON THE GROUNDS, NOON
SAT, APRIL 27 “THE PROPER CUT” PRUNING DEMONSTRATION
Even
healthy trees and shrubs may require occasional pruning. Join students
from Wave Hill’s Forest Project as they discuss tool selection and
demonstrate proper cutting techniques for woody plants in the Abrons
Woodland. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Week event.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM
SAT, APRIL 27 GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn to Nature,
which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to convey a
deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project Space,
Matthew Jensen’s installation showcases found objects from the east and
west coasts of the Bronx. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at
2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
SUN, APRIL 28 ARBOR WEEK TREE GIVEAWAY
Thanks
to a partnership with the MillionTreesNYC initiative at New York
Restoration Project, Wave Hill welcomes families, individuals and
community groups to pick up a free tree for planting on private property
within the five boroughs of New York City. Staff horticulturists will
be on hand to help you make your selection and simple tree planting and
care instructions will be available. At home, all you’ll need is a
spade, a place to plant and access to water. Trees will be distributed
on a first-come, first-served basis. A variety of trees will be
available; these may include small flowering trees, fruit trees and
shade trees. Check back closer to the event date for a list of tree
species. Tree sizes will range from 3 to 8 feet and may weigh anywhere
from 10 to 50 lbs. NEW THIS YEAR: Reserve your tree online to
ensure that you get your top choice! A link to online reservations will
be posted in early April.
VISITOR PARKING LOT, 9–11AM
SUN, APRIL 28 FAMILY ART PROJECT—FLY ME TO THE DOVE TREE
Fly Me to the Dove Tree/El árbol de la paloma
Visit
Wave Hill’s dove tree to observe the beautiful white flower-like bracts
that give this tree its name. Then, using natural materials and paper,
make a dove tree sculpture, or use plaster of Paris to create a flock of
doves. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Week event.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, APRIL 28 MEET THE ARTIST: MATTHEW JENSEN
Brooklyn-based
Matthew Jensen’s artistic practice investigates how public perception
of landscapes affects the experience of these spaces. His Sunroom
Project will showcase two Bronx collections. The “west coast” component,
a totemic structure displaying objects collected in and around Wave
Hill during his 2012 Wave Hill Winter Workspace residency, will be
constructed from a reclaimed Wave Hill beehive. The “east coast”
assemblage will consist of artifacts found throughout Pelham Bay Park
and Hunter Island, displayed in vitrines made from large chunks of dock
foam, buoys and driftwood that litter the coasts of the park. Free with
admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1:30PM
SUN, APRIL 28 BEST TREES FOR THE SMALL GARDEN
Are
you thinking about planting a tree for your yard but overwhelmed by the
choices? Enjoy a spring walk around Wave Hill as a garden interpreter
highlights some great trees with four seasons of interest, suitably
scaled to the smaller garden. Free with admission to the grounds. This
Arbor Week walk also takes place on April 20, 21 and 27.
MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM
SUN, APRIL 28 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, APRIL 29
Closed to the public.
TUE, APRIL 30 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM
TUE, APRIL 30 GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn to Nature,
which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to convey a
deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project Space,
Matthew Jensen’s installation showcases found objects from the east and
west coasts of the Bronx. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at
2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
THU, MAY 2 SPRING INTO DRAWING REGISTER NOW!
Session 1
Working
from direct observation, participants learn to translate the complex
forms of nature into two-dimensional images. Each week, students focus
on different techniques and concepts including gesture, contour,
perspective, proportion and positive/negative shape. Artist Rachael Wren
offers demonstrations, individual guidance and critiques. All levels
welcome. $180 Member/$210 Non-member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Continues May 9, 16, 30 and June 6, 13.
ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4 PM
A
28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River
and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and
legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views,
and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs
in horticulture, education and the arts.
HOURS Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.
ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in April and until noon in May. 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/
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 242nd
Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available
for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with
continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot
and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.
Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.
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Saturday, April 13, 2013
1,000 Trees Are Planted in Van Cortlandt Park
On Thursday dozens of volunteers came to Van Cortlandt Park to plant 1,000 new trees as part of the Million Trees Program. Part of the group were several New York Knick team cheerleaders, and former players John Starks and Larry Johnson. as you will see in the photos below holes were set up for the saplings that sat in pots to be planted. The volunteers were given gloves and shovels, instructed on how deep to dig, and how to remove the excess dirt from the emerging tree roots so they would be able to grow. One thing I noticed was that dozens of tree saplings were being planted almost next to each other, and I asked why they were being planted so close together. The answer I got was that some of the saplings will die off for one reason or another, grouping them tightly will produce more shade and density to keep out evasive vines (that were removed from some of the older trees), and it is better for the park population to have a dense forest area.
There were some old trees that had fallen for one reason or another that were being left to become part of the eco-system for insects, birds, and small animals to live in and off of. The dead tree would also become mulch after time again good for the soil.
Left - Dozens of volunteers showed up to help plant 1,000 trees in Van Cortlandt Park.
Right - The New York Knick organization was well represented along with the new VCP Park manager on the far right.
Left - The Knick Cheerleaders may have looked pretty, but they soon got down to work as you will see.
Right - A few of the 1,000 new trees to be planted in Van Cortlandt Park.
Left - The Knick Cheerleaders each took a shovel and started digging.
Right - The girls are given instructions on how to place the sapling into the ground.
Left- Knick star John Starks guides his sapling into the hole he dug. Knick player Larry Johnson tells him how to do it as might have been the case on the basketball court.
Right - You can see several saplings that were planted in front of this large tree that came down during Hurricane Sandy.
