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Friday, August 30, 2013
Friends of Van Cortlandt Park
Upcoming Events
Run for the Trail Series
B’Ramble 10K/5K
Sunday September 1st, 2013 at Starts at 10am
Van Cortlandt Track Club is partnering with the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park to put on the inaugural race in this series to celebrate the 100th anniversary year of Van Cortlandt Park’s historic cross-country course, and to raise maintenance funds. All proceeds from the Sept. 1st race go to the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park’s Summer Teen Trails Crew.
Registration for B’Ramble : $25 online, $30 mail in.
Save the Dates of the Remaining Run for Trail Series Events: Sunday October 27th at 11:30am and Friday November 29th at 10am
B’Ramble 10K/5K
Sunday September 1st, 2013 at Starts at 10am
Van Cortlandt Track Club is partnering with the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park to put on the inaugural race in this series to celebrate the 100th anniversary year of Van Cortlandt Park’s historic cross-country course, and to raise maintenance funds. All proceeds from the Sept. 1st race go to the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park’s Summer Teen Trails Crew.
Registration for B’Ramble : $25 online, $30 mail in.
Save the Dates of the Remaining Run for Trail Series Events: Sunday October 27th at 11:30am and Friday November 29th at 10am
Get Active Hiking Series in VCP
Join us on the First Saturday of Each Month at 10am for a hike in Van Cortlandt Park. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water and a snack for the hike.
Join us on the First Saturday of Each Month at 10am for a hike in Van Cortlandt Park. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water and a snack for the hike.
September 7th, meet at the last stop of the 4 train: An introductory hike of 2-3 hours on the East side of VCP.
October 5th, meet at Woodlawn Playground (VCP East & Kepler Ave.): Family friendly leisurely hike in the Northeast Wood. Hike will last 60-90 minutes. Appropriate for young and old.
November 2nd, meet at the Friends Compost & Garden Site (enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave): An introductory hike of 2-3 hours in the Northwest Woods.
December 7th at 10am, meet at the last stop of the 1 train: Our longest hike- a 3-4 hour hike to see all Seven Wonders of Van Cortlandt Park.
Volunteer Trails Restoration Crew
Second Saturdays of the Month
Second Saturdays of the Month
from September to December 2013 from 10am to 3pm
Want to develop useful skills, while making a significant contribution to the future of Van Cortlandt Park and the Bronx Community? Crew Members will work alongside trails professionals, developing skills in various areas of trail construction while improving the various trails in Van Cortlandt Park. Projects include building boardwalks, clearing waterbars and drainage swells and installing drainage dips. No prior trails experience is necessary but encouraged; all training will be offered in an on-the-job format. All volunteers must register online by September 6th.
Want to develop useful skills, while making a significant contribution to the future of Van Cortlandt Park and the Bronx Community? Crew Members will work alongside trails professionals, developing skills in various areas of trail construction while improving the various trails in Van Cortlandt Park. Projects include building boardwalks, clearing waterbars and drainage swells and installing drainage dips. No prior trails experience is necessary but encouraged; all training will be offered in an on-the-job format. All volunteers must register online by September 6th.
Seven Wonders of VCP: Vault Hill
Tuesday September 24th from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Visit and learn more about the next wonder- Vault Hill- in our continuing series of the Seven Wonders of VCP. Arrive by 6:40pm for a presentation on the History of Vault Hill from the Director of the Van Cortlandt House Museum. Then the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park will lead a hike up to Vault Hill to see the location in person and enjoy a beautiful view of the Park and city. After the hike, refreshments and snacks will be served. This is also a great opportunity to learn about the Friends and our generous host, the Van Cortlandt House Museum. Please RSVP by Friday Sept. 20th. Meet on the grounds of the VC House Museum- enter the Park at Broadway & W. 246th St.
Tuesday September 24th from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Visit and learn more about the next wonder- Vault Hill- in our continuing series of the Seven Wonders of VCP. Arrive by 6:40pm for a presentation on the History of Vault Hill from the Director of the Van Cortlandt House Museum. Then the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park will lead a hike up to Vault Hill to see the location in person and enjoy a beautiful view of the Park and city. After the hike, refreshments and snacks will be served. This is also a great opportunity to learn about the Friends and our generous host, the Van Cortlandt House Museum. Please RSVP by Friday Sept. 20th. Meet on the grounds of the VC House Museum- enter the Park at Broadway & W. 246th St.
Fall Kickoff Forest Volunteer Event
Saturday September 28th meeting at 10am
Join us for this nationwide day of volunteering, as we start our fall volunteer season with projects throughout the Northwest Woods of Van Cortlandt Park. Projects, including tree plantings and invasive plant removal, will take place on the John Muir and Cass Gallagher Trails. Meet at the Compost Site- enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.
Saturday September 28th meeting at 10am
Join us for this nationwide day of volunteering, as we start our fall volunteer season with projects throughout the Northwest Woods of Van Cortlandt Park. Projects, including tree plantings and invasive plant removal, will take place on the John Muir and Cass Gallagher Trails. Meet at the Compost Site- enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.
Fall Garden Crew
Tuesdays from October 1st- 29th from 3:30 to 5:30pm
Garden Crew is a chance to get outside, learn something new, have fun with your friends, and spend time working towards making your community and park a better place. With a new expansion to our garden we need more help than ever. Any high school and middle school students interested in community service can come out and prepare our garden for the winter by sifting compost, harvesting vegetables, weeding and watering the plants. Applications are due by September 27th. Meet at the Friends Compost Site- enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.
Tuesdays from October 1st- 29th from 3:30 to 5:30pm
Garden Crew is a chance to get outside, learn something new, have fun with your friends, and spend time working towards making your community and park a better place. With a new expansion to our garden we need more help than ever. Any high school and middle school students interested in community service can come out and prepare our garden for the winter by sifting compost, harvesting vegetables, weeding and watering the plants. Applications are due by September 27th. Meet at the Friends Compost Site- enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.
BDCC Annual BBQ Sat. Sept. 7th
The Bronx Democratic County Committee
Annual BBQ
Will Take place on Saturday September 7th 2013
Time: 12 - 4 PM
Location: BDCC HQ on Blondell Avenue.
(Between Eastchester Road & Chesbrough Streets.)
For more information call 718-679-10000.
Bronx Democratic County Committee
1640 Eastchester Road. 10461.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Bronx Young Democrats Host Meet and Greet
The Bronx Young Democrats led by President John Zaccaro Jr. hosted a meet and greet for candidates at the Bronx Ale House last night. All Democratic candidates were invited to come and speak to the Bronx Young Democrats, and the BYD's were taken up by several Democratic candidates.
While the event started at 7 PM things quickly got going when Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner arrived. Weiner could only stay a short time due to other events citywide going on, and Weiner was headed to an event in Rockaway Queens.
Bronx Borough President and candidate for re-election this year spoke to the large crowd that had gathered. Diaz told the story of a young District Leader from the Soundview section of the Bronx who then became an assemblyman, and now was the Bronx Borough President. Diaz said it took a lot of hard work to climb the ladder, and that he still has some steps to go. Bronx Democratic Councty leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie echoed BP Diaz's words about working hard, and praised the BYD's for the forum.
Many others that came to the BYD's forum included Mayoral candidate John Liu who came at the end and was having a ball with some patrons in the establishment. Public Advocate candidate Letitia James, City Council candidates Andrew Cohen 11th district, Albert Alvarez 15th, Joel R. Rivera 15th district, 86th A.D. special election candidate Victor Pichardo, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Councilman Oliver Koppell, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, many district leaders and state committee members, as well as the many others who showed up. It was very dark so click on the photo to enlarge it.
Left - Term limited Councilman Oliver Koppell talking to BDCC Chairman Assemblyman Carl Heastie. Could it be about a rumored possible run for the 34th State Senate seat?
Right - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. addresses the BYD.
Left - A photo of the crowd.
Right - Some proud BYD leaders.
Left - 15th City Council candidates Albert Alvarez and Joel R. Rivera.
Right - Public Advocate candidate Letitia James with 80th A.D. District Leader Kenny Agosto.
Left - John Desio of BP Diaz's office (left), Nivardo Lopez Bronx Director of Community Affairs for the Mayors Office (center), Andrew Sandler Aide to Councilman Oliver Koppell (right).
Right- State Senator Gustavo Rivera with 86th A.D. special election candidate Victor Pichardo (Chief of Staff to Senator Rivera).
Left - Senator Gustavo Rivera (a supporter of Speaker Christine Quinn) points to Mayoral candidate John Liu.
Right - Two patrons of the Bronx Ale House pose with Mayoral candidate John Liu.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA WOULD AID 100,000 IN NYC
Liu Recommends Steps to Help Boost Medical Marijuana Research
City Comptroller John C. Liu today estimated that more than 100,000 New
York City residents would benefit
from legalized medical marijuana and issued a report proposing ways to
make New York City a global leader in medical marijuana research. The
report recommends seeding a $100 million public-private research fund,
establishing City-owned and -operated medical
marijuana growing sites, and requiring insurance providers to cover
medical marijuana.
“We
estimate that more than 100,000 New Yorkers with serious medical
conditions would benefit if medical marijuana were
legalized — and that gives us 100,000 good reasons to do it,” said
Comptroller Liu. “Marijuana’s medical value is well-established, but it
is still routinely denied to patients and researchers. It’s time for
that to change, and New York City government can
play a role in reshaping our understanding of marijuana’s medical uses.
We should leverage our City’s tremendous medical, bioscience, and
academic resources to lead the way in medical marijuana research in
order to make a meaningful impact on suffering for
years to come.”
Seeking
to quantify the number of New Yorkers who could benefit from such a
program, the Comptroller’s office estimated
that 105,527 New York City residents suffering from serious ailments
could be helped by medical marijuana if it were legalized by the state
legislature. The figure is a conservative estimate derived by
calculating the medical marijuana patient share of the
population in the 14 states with significant-sized medical marijuana
programs and extrapolating the rate (1.27%) to New York City’s
population. That group would include roughly 88,000 suffering from
chronic or severe pain, 15,000 with muscle spasms or multiple
sclerosis, and 11,000 with severe nausea. Other qualifying conditions
would include cancer, seizures, wasting syndrome, HIV/AIDS, and
glaucoma.
Insurance Coverage for Medical Marijuana
Comptroller
Liu recommended that the state Legislature require insurance companies
to cover medical marijuana, a provision
lacking in the bill that Albany considered in June 2013. (That bill
passed the New York State Assembly but died in the Senate.) Medical
marijuana is typically not covered by insurers, making it available only
to patients who can afford to purchase it out-of-pocket.
The
report also finds that New York City is equipped to become a worldwide
center for marijuana-related research because
of the city’s robust medical, scientific, and academic resources.
According to the City’s Economic Development Corporation, New York City
is home to the largest bioscience workforce in the country, nine major
academic medical centers, the world’s largest concentration
of academic institutions, and a number of major pharmaceutical
companies. In order to capitalize on those assets, the report recommends
establishing a Medical Cannabis Research Fund and financing City-owned
and -operated medical marijuana greenhouses.
City-Owned and -Operated Greenhouses
To
ensure an adequate supply of high-quality marijuana for medical and
research purposes, the report proposes that the
City provide the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation with
the necessary capital funds to construct one or more medical greenhouses
on its grounds or inside its facilities. Given HHC’s existing research
affiliations and its own 420,000 member “MetroPlus”
health plan, it is uniquely positioned to play a leadership role in
medical marijuana research.
New York City Medical Cannabis Research Fund
Under
the proposal, the City would provide $5 million in start-up funds and
match up to $50 million of private donations
on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The ultimate goal would be to finance up
to $100 million of medical marijuana research over the next five years
by partnering with private-sector companies, academic institutions, and
hospitals. Areas of research could include:
·
Use
of medical cannabis extracts as cancer chemotherapeutic agents in
glioblastoma other brain tumors, as well as other cancers which have
shown promise in preliminary
research
·
Use of medical cannabis extracts in pediatric and adult intractable epilepsy
·
Palliation and quality of life promotion in chronic disease
·
Pain management
·
Post-traumatic stress disorder
·
Disease modification in multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders
Wave Hill Events September 13–September 20
Garden and Gallery offer highlights this week. Our annual plant sale starts on Friday, offering choice additions to your green space. Then on Sunday our fall exhibitions open. The group show, Tandem Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology,
explores the passions and professions of Bashford Dean, resident of
Wave Hill House from 1909 until his death in 1928. During this time,
Dean served as both Curator of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum
of Art and Curator of Fish at the American Museum of Natural History.
Inspired by this unique intersection of interests, Wave Hill’s
curatorial team has brought together a remarkable group of contemporary
artworks that explores concepts of adaptation, pattern and protection.
I’ve had a chance to read about each of the works in the show―spoiler
alert: imagine an armor-like structure encrusted with countless blue
roses―and highly recommend coming for the opening reception to take a
first look.
P.S. If you are in a hands-on kind of mood, there’s still time to register for Rachael Wren’s plein-air oil painting workshop.
FRI, SEPTEMBER 13 WAVE HILL PLANT SALE
Don’t
miss this once-a-year opportunity to acquire some great plants for your
home garden! Staff experts are on hand this weekend to offer personal
assistance as you shop from a wide range of rare plants, superior
cultivars and top-notch performers, hand-selected by the Wave Hill
gardeners.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−4PM
SAT, SEPTEMBER 14 WAVE HILL PLANT SALE
Don’t
miss this once-a-year opportunity to acquire some great plants for your
home garden! Staff experts are on hand this weekend to offer personal
assistance as you shop from a wide range of rare plants, superior
cultivars and top-notch performers, hand-selected by the Wave Hill
gardeners.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−4PM
SAT, SEPTEMBER 14 FAMILY ART PROJECT—SHIELD ME WITH A TURTLE SHELL
Marvel
at the beautiful protective shell of the turtle and build, design and
decorate a shell of your own. Then, we’ll gather outside at 12:30PM for a very slow parade—at a turtle’s pace—weather permitting. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM
SAT, SEPTEMBER 14 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. In this beginner-level class,
Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces
students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its
benefits. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent.
Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM
SUN, SEPTEMBER 15 WAVE HILL PLANT SALE
Don’t
miss this once-a-year opportunity to acquire some great plants for your
home garden! Staff experts are on hand this weekend to offer personal
assistance as you shop from a wide range of rare plants, superior
cultivars and top-notch performers, hand-selected by the Wave Hill
gardeners.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−4PM
SUN, SEPTEMBER 15 FAMILY ART PROJECT—SHIELD ME WITH A TURTLE SHELL
Marvel
at the beautiful protective shell of the turtle and build, design and
decorate a shell of your own. Then, we’ll gather outside at 12:30PM for a very slow parade—at a turtle’s pace—weather permitting. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, SEPTEMBER 15 HATHA YOGA
Find
refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and
increase your energy by focusing on your posture, your breath and your
mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and
Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The
Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held
outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM
SUN, SEPTEMBER 15 MEDITATION
This
fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner
self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in
simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Led by
Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. All
levels welcome. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration
opens onsite at 9:30AM.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM
SUN, SEPTEMBER 15 OPENING RECEPTION FOR FALL EXHIBITIONS
Join
us for a reception marking the opening of Wave Hill’s fall exhibitions,
Tandem Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology, which celebrates the
interests of former Wave Hill House resident Bashford Dean and Sunroom
Project Space installations by Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Onyedika
Chuke and Francisco Donoso.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2–4:30PM
SUN, SEPTEMBER 15 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, SEPTEMBER 16
Closed to the public.
TUE, SEPTEMBER 17 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM
TUE, SEPTEMBER 17 GALLERY TOUR
Join
a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition, Tandem
Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology, which celebrates the interests of
former Wave Hill House resident Bashford Dean. Dean was Curator of Arms
and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Curator of Fish at the
American Museum of Natural History. The intersection of his interest in
both fish and armor provides the opportunity to bring together a
remarkable group of contemporary art that explores concepts of
adaptation, pattern, and protection. The tour also includes Sunroom
Project Space installations by Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Onyedika
Chuke and Francisco Donoso. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
THU, SEPTEMBER 19 EARLY MORNING MEMBERS’ GARDEN WALK
Just
for members! Enjoy special access to the grounds on a quiet autumn
morning before we open to the public. Horticultural Interpreter Charles
Day or Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer leads this
early-morning garden walk. Seniors welcome! Although this event is free
for Wave Hill Members, registration is required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.
MEET AT WAVE HILL FRONT GATE, 8AM
THU, SEPTEMBER 19 LANDSCAPE OIL PAINTING ART WORKSHOP
Exploring the Fall Palette
Explore
techniques and concepts of oil painting in this plein-air class.
Working from direct observation of the landscape, consider composition,
creating space through color and edge, paint handling and the reasons
for using a limited palette. Artist Rachael Wren offers demonstrations,
critiques and individual guidance. All levels welcome. Limited supplies
provided. $135/Wave Hill Member $105. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. The series continues September 26 and October 3.
MEET AT THE ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM−1PM
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 until noon on Tuesdays in September. 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 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.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Assemblyman Jose Rivera Claims he was Called an Asshole by City Comptroller Candidate Scott Stringer
In a New York Post Story Bronx Assemblyman (and former Bronx Democratic County Leader) Jose Rivera claims that Manhattan Borough President and candidate for City Comptroller Scott Stringer called him an "Asshole" for supporting Eliot Spitzer for City Comptroller. This is reported to have happened before the Dionne Warwick concert that took place in Seton Park in the Riverdale section of the Bronx.
I saw Assemblyman Rivera with his close political advisor Mr. Mike Nieves (a former Queens council candidate this year) with Spitzer for Comptroller material, but this was after Spitzer had left, and before Stringer arrived to the Warwick concert. I also saw both Assemblyman Rivera and Mr. Nieves at the opening of 15th City Council candidate Albert Alvarez"s campaign office that is doubling as a Spitzer for Comptroller site. Alvarez was Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Rivera's son Joel Rivera for his 12 years as the councilman from the 15th district.
1,000 Attend Dionne Warwick Concert in Seton Park
Estimates of about or more than 1,000 people in attendance at last night's Dionne Warwick concert that was held in Seton Park in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. The politicians and those running for office were also there. Both candidates for city Comptroller Eliot Spitzer who left early, and Scott Stringer who arrived shortly after Spitzer left. Public Advocate candidate Dan Squadron, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, 11th City Council District candidates Andrew Cohen and Cliff Stanton (who handed out free ice cream on the hot night). The concert was one of a series being sponsored by State Senator Jeff Klein throughout his senate district in the Bronx and Westchester County.
Ms. Warwick arrived as the elected officials were speaking, and went right into song even before they left the stage that was set up for her in the park. Ms. Warwick sang hit after hit, and roamed across the large stage so people could see her and take photos from many different angles. The concert ended at 9PM and the crowd was thanked for coming by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who said that he was a big fan of Ms. Warwick. People came from all over the Bronx to see the Dionne Warwick Concert, with some saying to me they attend every concert that Senator Klein has scheduled. Below are some photos.
Before the Dionne Warwick Concert began in Seton Park the elected officials were there.
Left - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (left), State Senators Dan Squadron (candidate for Public Advocate center), and Jeff Klein (right).
Right - Manhattan Borough President and candidate for City Comptroller Scott Stringer stumping for votes.
11th City Council candidates Andrew Cohen and Cliff Stanton were at the event.
Left - Stanton is handing out free ice cream.
Right - Cohen is just enjoying a great evening with the people.
Left - You can see just how large the stage set up in the park was.
Right - A close up of Ms. Warwick.
Left - One shot of the huge crowd that came to Seton Park to hear Ms. Dionne Warwick.
Right - Some of the ice cream wrappers found on the ground after the concert.