Statement from Council Member Andy King on the New Leadership of City Council

  “First, I would like to congratulate Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and my colleagues on their new assignments and leadership positions to deliver for the residents of New York City. As we start a new day in City Council my commitment to the body has not changed. I am still committed to continuing to do the work I have been doing with my colleagues; I am still committed to serving the residents of the 12th District; and most importantly, I am still committed to advocating for the children and youth of New York City. Congratulations to all of us on our new assignments as we move forward together.”

Wave Hill Events February 7–February 14

  SAT, FEBRUARY 8    FAMILY ART PROJECT: HEARTS, FLOWERS AND LOVE BIRDS

Breathe in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers, enjoy their colorful blooms and learn about cuddly winter doves. Using the wintry inspiration of Wave Hill, make your own lovely, lacy, feathery and flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 8    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 8    WOODWORKING: WAVE HILL CHAIR WORKSHOP—DAY ONE

Wave Hill’s inspirational landscape is complemented by the iconic Wave Hill chair. In this two-day workshop, construct your own Wave Hill Chair under the guidance of master carpenter and Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. Participants receive step-by-step instructions; no previous carpentry skills required. Attendance required at both sessions, on December 8 and 9. Space is limited! $230/$210 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.439.3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 8    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: WAVE HILL WINTER IN 3-D

Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Evie McKenna’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. The artist gives an introduction to the basics of photography, including composition, light, form and a brief history of 3-D techniques. Participants will take digital photographs of the landscape and learn how to transform these into eye-popping 3-D images. Each participant must bring their own camera or camera phone; all other materials are provided. 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, 1–4PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9    BIRDING WALK

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for native and migrating birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x 245 by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9    FAMILY ART PROJECT: HEARTS, FLOWERS AND LOVE BIRDS

Breathe in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers, enjoy their colorful blooms and learn about cuddly winter doves. Using the wintry inspiration of Wave Hill, make your own lovely, lacy, feathery and flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9    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 9    WOODWORKING: WAVE HILL CHAIR WORKSHOP—DAY TWO

Wave Hill’s inspirational landscape is complemented by the iconic Wave Hill chair. In this two-day workshop, construct your own Wave Hill Chair under the guidance of master carpenter and  Wave Hill Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. Participants receive step-by-step instructions; no previous carpentry skills required. Attendance required at both sessions, on December 8 and 9. Space is limited! $230/$210 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.439.3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–NOON

SUN, FEBRUARY 9    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 9   GARDEN LECTURE: BEATRIX FARRAND AND THE GARDEN AT BELLEFIELD

Beatrix Farrand was one of America’s most revered early landscape architects and a pioneer of innovative design during the first half of the 20th century. Very few of her gardens remain intact, but one of her existing gems is right here in the Hudson Valley. Anne Cleves Symmes, Horticulturist for the Beatrix Farrand Garden Association, describes the two-decade-long process of restoring Bellefield, Farrand’s secret garden in Hyde Park, NY. The formal garden has been fully restored to its former glory and plans are underway to recreate the surrounding Wild Garden with its informal layout of trees, shrubs and flowering bulbs. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 9   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

MON, FEBRUARY 10

Closed to the public.

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 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.

SPEAKER MELISSA MARK-VIVERITO AND RULES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BRAD LANDER ANNOUNCE COUNCIL LEADERSHIP AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS

  Pledging a more inclusive and democratic City Council, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Rules Committee Chairman Brad Lander announced the Council committee chairpersons and leadership today.
In a joint statement, Speaker Mark-Viverito and Rules Committee Chairman Lander said: “The leadership and committee chairs appointed today show that this City Council will be reflective of New York’s diversity and values. These committees will be critical to examining and debating legislation, engaging the public and holding the administration accountable. Our commitment is to empower committees and members to make sure all voices are heard within the council and today is the start of that commitment.”

LEADERSHIP
Van Bramer
Garodnick
Gentile
Rose
Torres
Vacca
Williams
Lander
Ignizio (Minority Leader)
AGING
Chin, Chair
Arroyo
Koslowitz
Rose
Deutsch
Treyger
Vallone
CIVIL RIGHTS
Mealy, Chair
Eugene
Dromm
Rose
King

CIVIL SERVICE & LABOR
Miller, Chair
Crowley
Dromm
Constantinides
Cornegy
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Arroyo, Chair
Palma
Crowley
King
Gibson
Maisel
Rosenthal
CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Espinal, Chair
Gentile
Ferreras
Koslowitz
Lancman
CONTRACTS
Rosenthal, Chair
Koo
Wills
Constantinides
Deutsch
Johnson
Miller

CULTURAL AFFAIRS, LIBRARIES & INTERNATIONAL INTERGROUP RELATIONS
Van Bramer, Chair
Crowley
Ferreras
Koo
Levin
King
Constantinides
Cumbo
Rosenthal

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Garodnick, Chair
Gentile
Ferreras
Koslowitz
Weprin
Wills
Richards
Barron
Miller
EDUCATION
Dromm, Chair
Gentile
Garodnick
Chin
Levin
Rose
Weprin
Williams
King
Barron
Deutsch
Levine
Maisel
Reynoso
Treyger
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Richards, Chair
Levin
Constantinides
Lancman
Ulrich
FINANCE
Ferreras, Chair
Rodriguez
Van Bramer
Gibson
Cornegy
Cumbo
Johnson
Levine
Miller
Rosenthal
Ignizio
FIRE & CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Crowley, Chair
Eugene
Cabrera
Lancman
Vallone
GENERAL WELFARE
Levin, Chair
Palma
Cabrera
Wills
Richards
Gibson
Johnson
Menchaca
Torres
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
Kallos, Chair
Greenfield
Levine
Torres
Matteo
HEALTH
Johnson, Chair
Arroyo
Mendez
Eugene
Koo
Van Bramer
Barron
Cornegy
Espinal
HIGHER EDUCATION
Barron, Chair
Vacca
Cabrera
Williams
Cumbo
HOUSING & BUILDINGS
Williams, Chair
Mendez
Rodriguez
Koslowitz
Cornegy
Espinal
Levine
Reynoso
Rosenthal
Torres
Ulrich
IMMIGRATION
Menchaca, Chair
Eugene
Dromm
Koo
Espinal
JUVENILE JUSTICE
Cabrera, Chair
Arroyo
Vacca
Barron
Lancman
LAND USE
Greenfield, Chair
Palma
Arroyo
Dickens
Garodnick
Mealy
Mendez
Rodriguez
Koo
Lander
Levin
Weprin
Williams
Richards
Barron
Cohen
Kallos
Reynoso
Torres
Treyger
Ignizio
MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY, ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ABUSE & DISABILITY SERVICES
Cohen, Chair
Crowley
Wills
Johnson
Vallone
OVERSIGHT & INVESTIGATIONS
Gentile, Chair
Dickens
Dromm
Constantinides
Deutsch
Lancman
Rosenthal
PARKS & RECREATION
Levine, Chair
Mealy
Cabrera
Van Bramer
Cohen
Maisel
Treyger
PUBLIC HOUSING
Torres, Chair
Mendez
Van Bramer
Richards
Cumbo
PUBLIC SAFETY
Gibson, Chair
Gentile
Vacca
Ferreras
Williams
Cornegy
Deutsch
Espinal
Lancman
Torres
Matteo
RECOVERY AND RESILIENCY
Treyger, Chair
Mendez
Chin
Richards
Menchaca
Ulrich
Matteo
RULES, PRIVILEGES, & ELECTIONS
Lander, Chair
Dickens
Garodnick
Rodriguez
Chin
Rose
Williams
Espinal
Levine
Ignizio
Mark-Viverito

SANITATION & SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Reynoso, Chair
King
Gibson
Constantinides
Matteo
SMALL BUSINESS
Cornegy, Chair
Dickens
Eugene
Koo
Koslowitz
Wills
Menchaca
Vallone
Ulrich
STANDARDS & ETHICS
Maisel, Chair
Ferreras
Lander
Menchaca
Ignizio
STATE & FEDERAL LEGISLATION
Koslowitz, Chair
Dickens
Lander
Espinal
Kallos
Maisel
Reynoso
TECHNOLOGY
Vacca, Chair
Palma
Weprin
Greenfield
Matteo
TRANSPORTATION
Rodriguez, Chair
Garodnick
Vacca
Chin
Levin
Rose
Van Bramer
Weprin
Greenfield
Constantinides
Menchaca
Miller
Reynoso
VETERANS
Ulrich, Chair
Cabrera
Cohen
Maisel
Vallone
WATERFRONTS
Rose, Chair
Garodnick
Deutsch
Johnson
Vallone
WOMEN'S ISSUES
Cumbo, Chair
Mealy
Crowley
Koslowitz
Kallos
YOUTH SERVICES
Eugene, Chair
Palma
Mealy
Chin
Greenfield
King
Cumbo
LAND USE SUB COMMITTEES
LANDMARKS, PUBLIC SITING & MARITIME USES
Koo, Chair
Palma
Arroyo
Mendez
Levin
Barron
Kallos
PLANNING, DISPOSITIONS & CONCESSIONS
Dickens, Chair
Mealy
Rodriguez
Cohen
Treyger
ZONING & FRANCHISES
Weprin, Chair
Garodnick
Williams
Richards
Reynoso
Torres
Ignizio
SUB COMMITTEES
DRUG ABUSE (MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY, ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ABUSE & DISABILITY SERVICES)
Wills
LIBRARIES (CULTURAL AFFAIRS, LIBRARIES AND INTERNATIONAL INTERGROUP RELATIONS)
Constantinides
NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS (EDUCATION)
Deutsch
SENIOR CENTERS (AGING)
Vallone

BE PART OF THE 100 YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE BRONX - FEBRUARY 26TH 2014 AT THE MARINA DEL REY

  

  

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce

and the Bronx Borough President's Office

will be celebrating the

Centennial of the Bronx

on Wednesday, February 26, 2014

at the Marina del Rey.

 

Below you will find sponsorship opportunities as well as

 both journal ads and single ticket prices.

We would love for you to take an active role

 in this memorable event!

 

With any questions, please email

Alexandra@Bronxchamber.org or call 718-828-3900.

Thanks! 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER RODRIGUEZ NAMED CHAIR OF COUNCIL'S COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

   Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez was announced the newest chair of the City Council Committee on Transportation. This important committee is vital to oversight over the MTA, DOT, NYCTA & TLC and is set to be a major forum in discussing Mayor deBlasio's VisionZero initiative. Transportation is something that affects the lives of almost every New Yorker, as well as the many millions more who travel here from out of state and country. The focus of this committee will be to ensure efficiency, affordability and equality for all major forms of transportation.

Over the past four years, Council Member Rodriguez has been a fierce advocate for street safety in his community and across the city. An active member of the Transportation Committee prior to this appointment, he will continue to advocate for safe and efficient public transportation, while looking to expand service to under-severed communities. Upon his appointment, Council Member Rodriguez had this to say:

"I am grateful to our Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, for this great opportunity to make our city's expansive transportation system more efficient, affordable and equitable for all New Yorkers. We will seek to focus this committee on accomplishing Mayor deBlasio's Vision Zero initiative, placing a premium on pedestrian safety to avoid any further avoidable loss of life. Additionally, we will look for ways to expand our great public transportation system with the help of the MTA and transportation advocates; we will seek to cut travel times for New Yorkers to increase the efficiency of our city as a whole; and strike a suitable balance between the thousands of bicyclists and motorists who use our streets."

  The previous chair of the City Council Transportation Committee was Bronx Councilman Jimmy Vacca. 

Hazardous Travel Advisory

  At 9:47 AM. The NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory for today (Tuesday) and Wednesday due to anticipated weather conditions that will result in wet, slick sidewalks. Roadways could quickly turn icy. The National Weather Service has forecasted 8 to 12 inches of snow accumulation through Wednesday. Dangerously cold temperatures expected through Friday. Residents should drive slowly, monitor weather and traffic, use major streets or highways, and keep the name and number of at least one local towing service. Pedestrians should avoid slippery surfaces, dress in layers, and maintain a heightened awareness of cars, especially when crossing intersections. Please review the complete Hazardous Travel Advisory attached for additional details about the impending storm and precautions to take.

Editor's note --

You will find conditions like those in the photos below so walk carefully, and drive even more carefully especially over those extremely slippery metal plates covering Con Edison "Oil to Gas conversion" construction. The best advice "Get a good lawyer".

Left - A street that was not salted, and could lead up to an accident happening at this and other intersections.

Right - An overpass that was not fully salted, and could lead up to an accident as overpasses freeze up quicker than regular roads.

 

Left - A very slippery Con Edison metal plate covers construction in this crosswalk and others around the Bronx. Pedestrians not only have to worry about cars, but also have to worry about falling on the very slippery surface of the metal plate, and also if a car can stop on this surface.

Right - An intersection where very slippery Con Edison metal plates are. If you look closely a car has just slid about 10 feet on this metal plate Con Edison has left in this intersection. It is an accident waiting to happen. This is the area where a snow plow moved one of these metal plates in the street that opened a very dangerous 2 foot wide section of the construction trench area. Drivers of snow plows have been told not to plow over these metal Con Edison plates in the street.

Preschoolers at Bronx Special Ed. School Compete in Annual Winter Olympics

 
Update: This event has been postponed due to weather. 

  As U.S. athletes prepare for the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, about 100 preschoolers in the Readiness Program at New York Institute for Special Education (NYISE) will participate in their own annual Winter Olympics, Thursday, January 23, from 10 AM- Noon, in the Readiness Solarium, 985 Astor Avenue, behind the main building on Pelham Parkway North, Bronx.

Developmentally-delayed three to five-year-olds will participate in fun winter-themed activities designed to improve gross motor skills such as coordination, balance, strength and agility.

Each class will select a country to represent and make a flag for display at the Olympics. Students will wear their team color as they partake in Olympics-inspired games such as hockey, winter bowling, luge, ice-skating and snow ball fights with crumbled paper. The students will also get to participate in their favorite activity, the ice breaker.

A medal ceremony will follow and the children will be invited to create a large torch on the wall using pre-made painted hand-prints. Each student will receive a medal and be crowned a winner.

The New York Institute for Special Education, founded in 1831 as The New York Institute for the Education of the Blind, is one of the oldest and most respected schools in the nation that provides specialized services for children with disabilities.

WHAT:         WINTER OLYMPICS FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS AT NEW YORK INSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

DATE:           THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014

TIME:           10 AM – NOON

PLACE:         READINESS SOLARIUM (BEHIND MAIN BUILDING AT 999 PELHAM PARKWAY NORTH)

985 ASTOR AVENUE

BRONX

*Please RSVP if interested in attending: Bill Easton at weaston@rubenstein.com*

Welcome to Johnson Avenue Con Edison

As if the merchants on Johnson Avenue aren't struggling enough with the high rents and the poor economy Con Edison wants to add to the their despair. As you see in the photo on the left Johnson Avenue between West 235th & West 236th Street is being sliced so workers can open a foot and a half wide trench to put in high pressured gas lines as part of the Con Edison "Oil to Gas conversion" of apartment buildings that surround the Johnson Avenue shopping area. 

  This is what Johnson Avenue above West 236th Street looks like as workers were in, next to, and around the open trench near the middle of the street. Yes there is no parking allowed at the curb so that the workers an do their job while the construction is ongoing. Don't forget those slippery and pointy metal plates cover the work area when no work is going on, and that is often.

  Below on the left you can see how the cut is on an angle as it is thought on how the old gas pipe is aligned under the street.

  On the right you can see the markings that go down the full length of Johnson Avenue. Note how bad the previous  covering of construction work by and under the white car has left the roadway. Don't forget there will be no parking on this side of the street for about as long as it takes for Con Edison to do the work.