James V. Downey Way

  Mosholu Avenue between West 254th & West 255th Street today officially became James V. Downey Way. This stretch of Mosholu Avenue in front of Sid Augarten Field where children play baseball was a significant part of the North Riverdale Baseball League and was very important to the man who helped make it happen, Mr. James V. Downey. Downey was also involved in his church St. Margret's of Cortona, and the Knights of Columbus Pro-Patria Council. Those three organizations and a slew of others requested the street renaming in 2012, three years after Mr. Downey passed away due to loosing his battle with cancer. 

   Community Board 8 voted for the street renaming in September of 2012, and it was off to the city council where Councilman Oliver Koppell guided the street renaming through. Below are some photos.

 

Left - Mr. Jerry Woods gives the introduction.

Right - Councilman Oliver Koppell says a few words. On the pole under the Mosholu Avenue sign you can see another sign awaiting to be uncovered.

 

Left - James V. Downey Way is unwrapped as cheers are heard from the almost 200 people in attendance.

Right - In a traditional Irish ceremony a lone bagpiper plays.

Animal Planet's Finding Bigfoot experts will be at NYCC on Saturday, Oct. 12

Ever had a Bigfoot sighting? Curious about the best place to hunt for a Sasquatch? Want to be the first to know about the latest evidence?

 Now is your chance to sit down with experts!

FINDING BIGFOOT PANEL

Animal Planet’s hit series FINDING BIGFOOT returns with all-new episodes this fall, and the intrepid cast of investigators – Bigfoot Field Research Organization (BFRO) president Matt Moneymaker, researchers James “Bobo” Fay and Cliff Barackman, and skeptical scientist Ranae Holland – are traveling across America and around the globe in their search for the elusive creature. But before they hit the woods, they’ll take to the NYCC stage on Saturday, October 12 at 7:45pm. Moderated by executive producer and FINDING BIGFOOT: UNTOLD STORIES host Keith Hoffman, the cast will discuss investigations in greater detail, answer fan-submitted questions and preview footage from the upcoming season. Find out how the  team films at night without scaring a sasquatch, or what the cast believes is its most compelling evidence to date?

 

 

Bill deBlasio now leads by 50 points over Joe Lhota

   Normally the early polls will show candidates who wind up winning not the front runner. Such was the case for Democratic candidate Bill deBlasio who was running second or third in the early polls. As the campaign wore on second place poll choice Anthony Weiner dropped down and Bill deBlasio became the number two choice for Democrats. As primary day came closer there seemed to be a backlash against current Mayor Michael Bloomberg that at the time front runner Christine Quinn could not separate herself from, and Quinn wound up coming in third to deBlasio when the votes were counted. Bill Thompson ran a good race, but while at times he was almost even in the polls with deBlasio he could not pass deBlasio winding up second in a decisive election that did not need a run off to determine a winner.

  Coming back to the November Mayors race, with the results of the first poll showing Joe Lhota trailing by 40%, the second poll now shows that Lhota is trailing by 50%. In breaking down the areas of voters the closest Lhota comes to deBlasio is with white voters where deBlasio leads by only 15%. The only area where Lhota leads is with Republican voters who are outnumbered now almost 8 to 1 by Democrats. Better than 75% of those polled said that they would not switch candidates either. One interesting breakdown is that under both deBlasio and Lhota those polled thought that taxes would rise the same under either candidate. 

  So why is Lhota so far behind? Lhota's comments are what gets him in trouble. Such as the kittens that were stranded on train tracks tying up service for hours in Queens, Lhota's comment was that he would have had the trains running "Cats or no Cats". Lhota is not liked on Republican strong hold Staten Island since he raised the fare on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Lhota also raised the subway fare and some say due to his mismanagement as head of the MTA. Lhota is also seen as a bully in this election with his rants of deBlasio's past, and lack of past leadership. DeBlasio on the other hand is coming off as the darling of the people trying to help improve what Mayor Bloomberg would or did not do. 

  Can Joe Lhota make up 50% in the upcoming four weeks, I don't think so. Look for this to be a Democratic landslide for mayor. Forget about Adolpho Carrion stealing votes from deBlasio as the margin will be twenty times or more than any votes Carrion will get.

 

Bronx Borough President invites you to the Italian-American Heritage Celebration

FUNimation/Hero Complex NYCC Exclusive Screenings

To celebrate Comic Con weekend in New York, FUNIMATION & Hero Complex invite convention attendees to explore the very best from world of Japanese animation with 2 exclusive screenings. Seating is extremely limited to these events and is based on first come first served.

“Wolf Children” won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Animation Film of the Year, the equivalent of the American Academy Award. It joins a list of other prestigious films like Hayao Miyazaki’s “Ponyo” and “The Secret World of Arrietty,” as well as director Mamoru Hosoda’s other films: “The Girl Who Leapt

Through Time”

FREE SCREENING

WOLF CHILDREN

Saturday, 10/12

6:30pm

AMC Empire 25

“Akira” is regarded as one of the greatest animated movies of all time. “Akira” obliterated the boundaries of Japanese animation and created space for movies like the “The Matrix” to be dreamed into brutal reality. FUNIMATION is pleased to offer Hero Complex readers and new fans a chance to see this landmark cyberpunk classic back on the big screen.

FREE  SCREENING

AKIRA

25th Anniversary Screening

Saturday, 10/12

9:00pm

AMC Empire 25

NYCC: Dark Horse Announces New York Comic-Con 2013 Schedule

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES

NEW YORK COMIC-CON 2013 SCHEDULE!

It's here! New York Comic-Con 2013 is upon us, and Dark Horse Comics is delivering a full slate of signings from your favorite creators! 

SIGNINGS IN DARK HORSE BOOTH #1636 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

3:30 p.m. ELFQUEST: Richard and Wendy Pini

5:00 p.m. HALO: Frank O’Connor, Christopher Schlerf

6:00 p.m. MASS EFFECT: Mac Walters

7:00 p.m. EVE ONLINE: B. Börkur Eiríksson

8:00 p.m. Tommy Lee Edwards: Project TBA

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

10:00 a.m. SCIENCE FICTION COMICS: Ron Randall (Trekker), Michael Dialynas (Amala’s Blade), Ulises Farinas and Erick Freitas (Gamma)

11:00 a.m. MASS EFFECT: Mac Walters

12:00 p.m. THE FIFTH BEATLE: Vivek J. Tiwary, Andrew C. Robinson

1:00 p.m. NEW SUPERHEROES FROM GREAT CREATORS: Mike Norton and Dennis Hopeless (The Answer!), Bryan J. L. Glass (Furious), Donny Cates (Buzzkill, Hunter Quaid), Eliot Rahal (Hunter Quaid)

2:00 p.m. HORROR COMICS: Alex de Campi (Grindhouse, Smoke/Ashes), Chris Peterson (Grindhouse), Tim Seeley (Ex Sanguine), Tom Mandrake (To Hell You Ride), Jonathan Maberry (Project TBA)

3:00 p.m. HUSBANDS: Brad Bell, Jane Espenson, Sean Hemeon

4:00 p.m. ELFQUEST: Richard and Wendy Pini

4:00 p.m. CONAN, STAR WARS, THE MASSIVE: Brian Wood

5:00 p.m. THE STAR WARS, STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI: Jonathan Rinzler, Jan Duursema

6:00 p.m. DARK HORSE SUPERHEROES: Frank Barbiere (Blackout), Joshua Hale Fialkov (Skyman), Fred Van Lente and Freddie Williams II (Brain Boy), Josh Williamson (Captain Midnight)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

10:00 a.m. LONE WOLF & CUB: Kazuo Koike (Courtesy of Wikia: Masters of Animanga)

11:00 a.m. THE SHAOLIN COWBOY: Geof Darrow

12:00 p.m. WHEDONVERSE COMICS: Dan Dos Santos, Jane Espenson, Scott Fischer, Victor Gischler, Rebekah Isaacs, Georges Jeanty, Steve Morris (Angel & Faith, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Serenity)

1:00 p.m. GRENDEL 30^TH ANNIVERSARY: Matt Wagner

1:00 p.m. Greg Rucka:  Project TBA

1:00 p.m. BUZZKILL:  Donny Cates, Geoff Shaw

2:00 p.m. THE LEGEND OF KORRA: Bryan Konietzko, Joaquim Dos Santos, P.J. Byrne (voice actor for Bolin)

*Ticketed event. Come to the Dark Horse booth when NYCC opens on Friday and Saturday mornings for the chance to draw a signing ticket while supplies last.

3:30 p.m. THE TRUE LIVES OF THE FABULOUS KILLJOYS: Becky Cloonan, Shaun Simon

4:30 p.m. HORROR COMICS: Victor Gischler (Kiss Me, Satan!, Clown Fatale), James Harren (Abe Sapien, B.P.R.D.), Cameron Stewart (Sin Titulo, B.P.R.D.), Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden)

5:30 p.m. THE MASSIVE: Brian Wood, Garry Brown

5:30 p.m. MIND MGMT: Matt Kindt

6:30 p.m. ELFQUEST: Richard and Wendy Pini

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

10:00 a.m. BLOODHOUND: Dan Jolley, Robin Riggs

10:00 a.m. THE WHITE SUITS: Frank Barbiere, Toby Cypress

10:00 a.m. AMALA'S BLADE:  Michael Dialynas

11:00 a.m. ITTY BITTY HELLBOY: Art Baltazar, Franco

12:00 p.m. MASS EFFECT: Mac Walters

12:00 p.m. Tommy Lee Edwards: Project TBA

12:00 p.m. S.H.O.O.T. FIRST: Justin Aclin, Nicolás Daniel Selma

1:00 p.m. ELFQUEST: Richard and Wendy Pini

2:00 p.m. MONSTERS! & OTHER STORIES: Gustavo Duarte

2:00 p.m. HALLOWEEN LEGION: Diana Leto

3:00 p.m. STAR WARS: SHADOWS OF ENDOR: Zack Giallongo

DARK HORSE / PARTNER PANELS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10

3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m. Rewriting the Classics: Modern Sci-Fi in Comics!, 1A10

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Drawing on Your Nightmares: Dark Horse Horror, 1A22

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Comics and Hollywood: What Creators Need to Know, 1A08

12:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Editors on Editing, 1A08

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Full-Color Fantasy: Fantasy Comics Past, Present, and Future!, 1A14

5:15 p.m.–6:15 p.m. Wikia [Live] Presents: Learn from the Animanga Masters,  1A14

6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Whedonversity: A Look at the Future of Buffy and Serenity in Comics!, 1A06

6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Spotlight on The Fifth Beatle: The Story of Brian Epstein Story, 1A01

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Breaking into Comics Right Now, 1A01

Jacobi and NCBH Offering More Therapy Dog Classes

 

Program Offers Dog Training at No Cost to Owners

   It’s been said that dogs are man’s best friend. And hospital patients always benefit from a friend’s visit. For many patients at Jacobi Medical Center (Jacobi) and North Central Bronx Hospital (NCBH), that friend comes in the form of a furry, four-legged tail-wagger. In its ongoing effort to provide a world-class experience for its patients, both Jacobi Medical Center (Jacobi) and North Central Bronx Hospital (NCBH) announce new therapy dog training classes for people with dogs who want to join the D.O.C. (Dogs on Call) program.

D.O.C. began in 2011 at the two hospitals, and has received an enthusiastic response from patients and staff, is continuing to attract dog owners and their pets dedicated to providing therapy to patients on a regular basis. These teams of trained dog and owner visit inpatient divisions in each hospital, spending time with patients who need a little companionship. The visits improve patients’ morale and research shows that visits of therapy dogs significantly reduces stress and anxiety.

Lana Wechsler worked to establish D.O.C. at Jacobi and NCBH after starting a similar program at Cornell Medical Center. “When I had my own personal tragedy, my dog Jasper made me go outside and interact with the world,” said Ms. Wechsler. “So I know these visits can go a long  way in encouraging patients, while also adding a little bit of home to their hospital stays.”

Each therapy dog owner-volunteer has a personal story of a patient who was profoundly moved by their visit. There was the day that Elvis, a West Highlight Terrier, visited Jacobi’s rehabilitation floor and met a patient with two broken legs. As Elvis walked up to her bed, she leaned over and picked him up. Holding the little dog in her arms, she began to weep from happiness, saying that Elvis reminded her of her own dog that she would soon see when she returned home.

In order to enter the program, owners and their dogs must participate in an evaluation on the evenings of October 8 and October 15. Once a dog has passed the evaluation, the animal and its owner will participate in a training course of five weekly classes on Tuesdays, from October 22 to November 19, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The course, which leads to certification, is valued at $200 and will take place at Jacobi Medical Center in Building 4 in the Penthouse (PH). Once a dog is certified, each volunteer team is asked to visit the hospital twice a month for at least one hour.

Those with additional questions are encouraged to contact the Public Affairs Department at (718) 918-3827. 

Wave Hill Events October 18–October 25

SAT, OCTOBER 19    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/$15 Wave Hill Member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, OCTOBER 19    FAMILY ART PROJECT: EMBOSSED AND BEDAZZLED EMBLEMS

What is the first letter of your first name? Have you ever wanted to see it shine? Now is your chance to turn it into an emblem as we make our projects shimmer and shine, inspired by former Wave Hill resident Bashford Dean’s armor. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 19    WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK

Discover the fascinating history of Wave Hill’s architecture and landscape on a walk with a Garden Guide. This season, tours focus on Wave Hill House, recently reopened after a two-year renovation. Hear about the people who once resided in this splendid Hudson River mansion, among them Mark Twain, Arturo Toscanini, Bashford Dean and Theodore Roosevelt.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, OCTOBER 19    ARTISTS’ TALK

The curators of Wave Hill’s fall exhibition, Tandem Pursuits: Armor & Ichthyology, lead a gallery talk with exhibition artists, who share the concepts behind their work, as well as their research about fish and/or armor. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, OCTOBER 20    EARLY MORNING MEMBERS’ BIRD WALK

Just for members! Enjoy special access to the grounds on quiet autumn mornings before we open to the public. Naturalist Gabriel Willow leads this early morning bird walk. Recommended for ages 10 and older. 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

SUN, OCTOBER 20    FAMILY ART PROJECT: EMBOSSED AND BEDAZZLED EMBLEMS

What is the first letter of your first name? Have you ever wanted to see it shine? Now is your chance to turn it into an emblem as we make our projects shimmer and shine, inspired by former Wave Hill resident Bashford Dean’s armor. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 20    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, OCTOBER 20    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, OCTOBER 20    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

SUN, OCTOBER 20    COOKING DEMO: A FRIEND IN MEAD

Long associated with the Middle Ages, mead is making a comeback with artisanal “meaderies” cropping up from coast to coast. Channel your inner knight and join local beekeeper and mead-maker Roger Repohl as he extols the virtues of this ancient alcoholic libation made from honey. Sample robust recipes made with mead with a chef from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances—armor optional. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

MON, OCTOBER 21

Closed to the public.

TUE, OCTOBER 22    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, OCTOBER 22    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. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

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 October. 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/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.