“Bedtime Story Time” at the Morris Park Community Association with State Senator Jeff Klein

  

  Friday night State Senator Jeff Klein visited the Morris Park Community Association to see many pajama clad children waiting for the senator to read them a few stories. This is a revival of an old storytelling idea that the MPCA had in the past, and will have on the last Friday of each month. In the photos below Senator Klein gave a short overview of what is going on in the political world in Albany, and what his goals are for this legislative session. He read to the children, and presented the MPCA a check to help cover the costs of the holiday lights this past holiday season. 

 

Left - Senator Klein is speaking about what he will be doing in the new session of the legislature in Albany.

Right - Senator Klein is showing the children a picture from the book that he is reading to them.

Left - A group photo of children, parents, MPCA members, and Senator Klein.

Right - Senator Klein gives a check for $250.00 to help pay for the holiday lights that were put up by the MPCA. Tony Signorile, Chris Alessandro, and Al D'Angelo of MPCA are in the photo with Senator Klein.

Ben Franklin Democratic Club Meeting

  Above Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz answers a question that was posed to him and the other local elected officials that were on hand for the January meeting of the Ben Franklin Democratic Club of the 81st Assembly District. Left to right are Councilman Andrew Cohen, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Chief of Staff to Congressman Eliot Engel Bill Weitz. State Senator Jeff Klein was unable to attend, and that is Ben Franklin Club President Ellen Feld standing behind Councilman Cohen and Assemblyman Dinowitz.

  This was a new format of the club to have its elected officials all sit up front together rather than in the past calling them up one at a time. The club also announced its slate of officers that were nominated by its nominating committee to be voted on at the end of the month.

DiNapoli: State Tax Receipts Below Projections Three Quarters Through Fiscal Year

 

  State tax receipts for the first three quarters of the fiscal year were $534 million below the latest Financial Plan projections, according to a quarterly report on state finances released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“The state started the fiscal year strong but it is not clear if we will end the year that way, given that some state revenue streams are slowing down,” DiNapoli said. “Business taxes are lagging behind projections and growth in personal income tax withholding is slowing down. Still, sales tax collections continue to be strong and other tax receipts may exceed projections. It is critical that we closely monitor revenue trends in the last quarter of the fiscal year. While the last three budgets have narrowed the state’s structural imbalance, there is still much to do to ensure the state’s fiscal health.”

Major findings in the quarterly report include:

• All Funds tax collections of $49 billion through Dec. 31 were $2.6 billion higher than last year, but $534 million below midyear projections. Personal Income Tax (PIT), the state’s largest in-state revenue source, totaled $29.8 billion, 7.4 percent higher than last year for the same period, although almost all of this growth occurred in April; and
• Overall PIT collections through the first three quarters were $225 million lower than the latest projections. However, certain categories within PIT may end the year above planned levels. Consumption and use tax collections totaled $11.5 billion through Dec. 31, an increase of 4.5 percent and $12 million over current projections. Business tax collections through December were down 4.5 percent and $465 million below projections.  

DiNapoli also noted:

• All Funds spending of $96.2 billion through December was $938 million below current projections. The variance is primarily due to lower than anticipated spending for local assistance programs ($858 million lower than projected). All Funds spending for state operations totaled $14.7 billion through December, which was $141 million lower than planned. General state charges increased $1.2 billion, which was $45 million higher than projections. Total spending was $5 billion, or 5.5 percent, higher than the same period in SFY 2012-13; and
• All Funds receipts totaled $99.5 billion through the first three quarters, $606 million below updated projections. The majority of the variance was in taxes ($534 million) and federal receipts ($113 million), offset by higher than anticipated miscellaneous receipts ($41 million higher than projected). 

The state's finances are generally broken down by two main categories: General Fund and All Funds. The General Fund is the major operating fund of the state and accounts for all receipts that are not required by law to be deposited into another fund. All Governmental Funds includes General, Special Revenue, Debt Service and Capital Projects funds, as well as funds from the federal government.

Former Indian Point Supervisor Sentenced In White Plains Federal Court For Falsifying Nuclear Facility Records

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DANIEL WILSON was sentenced today in White Plains federal court to 18 months’ probation for engaging in deliberate misconduct while serving as Chemistry Manager at Indian Point Energy Center (“Indian Point”), a nuclear power plant in Westchester County. WILSON was sentenced by United States District Judge Nelson Román, who also imposed a $500 fine.

  The U.S. Attorney stated: “The safe operation of the Indian Point nuclear power facility is of critical importance to our communities in and around it. This Office will be vigilant about prosecuting criminal misconduct that takes place at the facility.”

  According to the felony Information to which WILSON pleaded guilty, the Complaint, and information provided for purposes of sentencing:

  Indian Point maintains a backup system of emergency generators for use in part to provide power in the event of a power outage and shutdown. WILSON, the Chemistry Manager at Indian Point from 2007 through 2012, was responsible for, among other things, ensuring that certain aspects of the operation at Indian Point were in compliance with technical specifications required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”). One such requirement related to the amount of particulate matter in the diesel fuel used to power emergency generators at Indian Point, which could not exceed a set limit. In 2011, tests of the diesel fuel maintained for use in powering the emergency generators at Indian Point showed that the ratio of particulate matter in the diesel fuel exceeded the limit set by the NRC.

  In February 2012, WILSON concealed material facts from his employer and the NRC by fabricating test data, falsely showing that resampling tests of diesel fuel tested below the applicable NRC limit. In fact, no such resamples were taken, and the purported test data were fabrications. Later in February 2012, WILSON, in response to questioning by other employees of Indian Point in advance of an inspection by the NRC, wrote a report – the kind on which the NRC ordinarily relies in inspecting nuclear facilities for safety – in which he gave a false explanation for the lack of supporting documentation for his fabricated test results. In a subsequent interview with NRC personnel, WILSON admitted that he had fabricated the test results so that Indian Point would not have to shut down.

  In April 2012, Wilson resigned from Indian Point.

  On October 16, 2013, WILSON pleaded guilty to a one-count Information charging him with deliberate misconduct in connection with a matter regulated by the NRC, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 2273.

7th Annual Sweetheart Luncheon

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. & Healthfirst are hosting their 7th Annual Sweetheart Luncheon  on February 13, 2014. If you’re a couple that resides in the Bronx, have been married for 50+ years and would like to participate in the event, please contact Larcenia Walton, Director of Senior Services, at 718-590-6248 for further information.   

Wave Hill Events January 31–February 7

 

  If you have youngsters in your life, they’ll provide the perfect excuse to hear Sonic Escape—“a force of epic proportion”—perform here on February 2. It’s only the second concert in the 2014 return of concerts to Armor Hall, and this one is especially designed to include younger ears. Prepare to be engaged and charmed!

In their own world, bees are another force of epic proportion. And there’s still a little room left in our workshop for beginning beekeepers. I’d register promptly since space is limited.

SAT, FEBRUARY 1    FAMILY ART PROJECT: NATURE’S MUSIC

Collect a sample of twigs, leaves and seeds or use the ones provided. Then, join visiting artist Donna Maria de Creeft in celebrating the presence of Toscanini at Wave Hill. Create a collage with natural materials and incorporating imaginary music. Assemble your findings and drawings into a mixed-media, pocket-style, accordion book to take home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 1    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. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, FEBRUARY 1    WINTER SURVIVAL WONDERS: TALK AND WALK

How do plants and animals survive our harsh New York winters? Naturalist Gabriel Willow combines a multimedia presentation with an outdoor walk to illustrate the challenges faced by plant and animals during the chilliest months. Witness some amazing adaptive strategies that help them survive, from hibernation to migration to “anti-freeze-laced” blood. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–NOON

SAT, FEBRUARY 1    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: SEED LANGUAGE—PAPERMAKING  WAIT-LIST ONLY

Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Jan Mun’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration.  Learn simple paper-making techniques to make a card with embedded seeds, exploring how the meaning behind specific seeds can be used to create a message in the paper. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 8 and over when accompanied by an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 1    BEGINNING BEEKEEPING WORKSHOP
Thriving beehives exist in community gardens, backyards and on rooftops throughout New York City. Share the joys and challenges of urban beekeeping with Bronx beekeepers Roger Repohl. Learn what you need in order to start a hive—including equipment, start-up costs and where to obtain bees—and decide if urban beekeeping is for you. $30/$25 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.439.3200 x251.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–4:30PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 2    FAMILY ART PROJECT: NATURE’S MUSIC
Collect a sample of twigs, leaves and seeds or use the ones provided. Then, join visiting artist Donna Maria de Creeft in celebrating the presence of Toscanini at Wave Hill. Create a collage with natural materials and incorporating imaginary music. Assemble your findings and drawings into a mixed-media, pocket-style, accordion book to take home. Free with admission to the grounds. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 2    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 2    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. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 2    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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, FEBRUARY 2    CONCERT: SONIC ESCAPE
The Music Makers: How The Music And Stories Of North America Came To Be

Sonic Escape's most exciting, virtuosic and emotive musical works are presented in the context of five settings—The Campfire, The Parlour, The Session, The Protest and The Workplace. Each is brought to life as Sonic Escape weaves folk, classical, pop, bluegrass, protest songs and sea shanties into a tale of how North America’s music came to be. The Music Makers is about communal gatherings, sharing songs and stories and raising the spirits of all. Works to be performed include Maria Millar’s Walking the Woods in Twilight and Mosquito Blue, Franz Joseph Haydn’s London Trio No. 3 in G, Wade Hemsworth’s The Log Driver’s Waltz and traditional songs, such as "We Shall Overcome," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and "Rolling Down to Old Maui." The musicians of Sonic Escape—Shawn Wyckoff (flute), Maria Kaneko Millar (violin) and Nan-Cheng Chen (cello)—call themselves “daredevils” with instruments. This program shows us why! One hour, no intermission. General Admission Tickets $32, $28 Senior, $18 child (ages 7 to 18); Wave Hill Members $22; child $12. Tickets on sale online, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

MON, FEBRUARY 3
Closed to the public.

TUE, FEBRUARY 4    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: COVER-TO-COVER BOOKBINDING   WAIT-LIST ONLY

Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Jessica Lagunas’ creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. Learn the basics of bookbinding with a focus on creating some simple structure books made without adhesive. Participants will make a pamphlet book with a decorative cover inspired by nature. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 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—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 Tuesdays in January and February. 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.

New York State Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo’s Inauguration Ceremony

  New York State Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo will be joined by community leaders at his inauguration ceremony on Friday, January 17, 2014 at Bronx Community College.

 

WHAT: Inauguration Ceremony for New York State Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo

WHEN:      Friday, January 17, 2014 at 6:30 PM

WHO:         Assemblymember Victor Pichardo

                    U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer

                    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

                    Assemblymember Carl Heastie

                    City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito

                    State Senator Gustavo Rivera

                    Public Advocate Letitia James

                    Comptroller Scott Stringer

WHERE:   Bronx Community College
                   Gould Memorial Library Auditorium
                   2155 University Avenue

                   Bronx, NY 10453

Bronx General Post Office

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Potential Sale of the Bronx General Post Office

“Our priority is for this location to remain a Post Office. However, in light of the fact that the USPS has made an apparent decision to sell the Bronx GPO over our objections, good faith demands that they seek community input on the future of the building. They must solicit the input of community stakeholders before any sale is made. This building is too important to simply be auctioned to the highest bidder,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.