Senator Jeff Klein Receives Key Riverdale Endorsements

   Standing with State Senator Jeff Klein at the senators latest endorsement announcement are key Riverdale leaders Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, Councilman Andy Cohen, former Riverdale Councilwoman June Eisland, both Riverdale Democratic District Leaders, and the Female Democratic State Committeewoman who announced their support of incumbent State Senator Jeff Klein for re-election.

  Each of the present and former Democratic Party Leaders and elected officials had only praise for the job being done by Senator Jeff Klein in their statements as to why they have chosen to support Senator Klein in what may be his possible primary challenge by former Riverdale Councilman Oliver Koppell.

  “Jeff Klein has done a superb job representing our community as its State Senator, and we have worked closely together on all of the important issues in our community and on legislation in Albany. He works hard and he gets the job done,” were the words of Riverdale Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. 

“Senator Klein has been an outstanding partner in government both here in the Bronx and up in Albany. Whether he is standing with our community against irresponsible development or working to maintain and improve quality of life, Jeff Klein always has the best interests of his constituents in mind.  Not only has Senator Klein been a terrific advocate for our community, his effective leadership in Albany has benefited all New Yorkers.” Were the statement of Riverdale Councilman Andrew Cohen who added “From enacting the toughest gun laws in the country and ensuring funding for universal pre-K to increasing the the minimum wage and successfully fighting for marriage equality, Jeff Klein has been a champion for all New Yorkers."

Former Riverdale Councilwomen June Eisland did not hold back anything by saying “I’ve known Jeff Klein and interacted with him as an elected official as far back as when he was a Democratic District Leader, an assemblyman and now as state senator. Politics is the art of the possible and Jeff Klein makes progressive politics possible. He has certainly proven himself as a leader in our community and richly deserves to be reelected to the 34th state senate district,” 

After more complements on the job he has done as state senator from the 34th district, and Co-Leader of the State Senate by the Riverdale Democratic District Leaders and State Committeewoman Senator Klein said the following. “I'm proud to partner with such dedicated elected officials and deliver results with them on everything from major Democratic issues to local concerns. Working as a team we have successfully slowed the unreasonable, proposed Montefiore development, thwarted an unwanted mixed use housing complex for seniors and the ‘severely mentally ill,’ and brought a legal fight against LG to protect the beauty of the Palisades from its proposed tower. I look forward to fighting for this community well into the future with my colleagues and I’m honored to have their support." 

It is hoped that this endorsement by the key members of the Ben Franklin Democratic Club will able to get Senator Jeff Klein the endorsement of the powerful Riverdale Democratic club.

Senator Jeff Klein has clinched endorsements from top Bronx Democrats in every corner his district and of the borough including Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer; Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie; State Senator Ruben Diaz; Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, Mark Gjonaj, Luis Sepulveda, Jose Rivera, and Michael Benedetto; and Council Members James Vacca, Ritchie Torres, Fernando Cabrera, and Annabel Palma. Senator Klein now adds Riverdale Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic County Committee Leader Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Riverdale Councilman and Bronx Democratic County Vice-Chair Andrew Cohen to the ever growing list which does not include all the union endorsements. 

 Riverdale Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz speaks on why he is endorsing State Senator Jeff Klein for re-election

 State Senator Jeff Klein is all smiles after receiving these key Riverdale endorsements.

Senator Klein, the New York Knicks and Liberty hold Basketball Clinic for Soundview Students

 

  State Senator Jeffrey D. Klein held a basketball clinic with New York Knickerbockers alum John Wallace and Liberty legend Kym Hampton at Soundview Academy Thursday. The former professional athletes were on hand to show more than a 100 students the ropes in shooting hoops, running pro-style basketball drills and performing conditioning exercises. “Anytime such spectacular pro-athlete talent takes the time to meet with students it not only lifts up their school day but could very well be the seed to big dreams that may someday grow into their own professional sports career. John and Kym are such powerful role models and their enthusiasm and commitment to the sport of basketball and the lessons learned both on and off the court are a great inspiration for the students at Soundview and throughout New York City.  Sports are always a great vehicle for keeping our children on the right track to leading healthy and happy lives,” said Senator Klein.

"Going out into the community with the Knicks and the Liberty has always been an honor and a privilege for me," said Wallace "It's an important responsibility to give back and I want to help positively influence these children's lives. The group today worked as hard and as diligently as any group we've ever had the privilege of helping," said Wallace.

"It's really important for the New York Liberty and Knicks to be out in the community," said Hampton. "These young kids are our fans and our future. We get a kick out of coming out and teaching them skills and letting them know that if they work hard, anything can be achieved."

"We are grateful to Senator Klein for securing major basketball legends to participate in a fun fitness day with our students. Days like this one are special, and having the experience of shooting hoops with basketball stars is a memory that our ​scholars will carry with them for years to come. ​Soundview Academy from its inception has stressed the holistic education of our scholars, including robust physical education and health education. We appreciate the recognition this event brings to our program and other similar middle schools making the education of the whole child their priority,"  said Soundview Academy Principal William Frackelton.

Wallace was a first round draft pick of the Knicks in 1996, selected 18th overall. Hampton was drafted by the New York Liberty in the first round of the WNBA elite draft of 1997 and went on to be named to the team’s Ring of Honor in 2011.

Sat. May 17, 2014 Drake Park - Its My Park Day & Historical Sign Unveiling in Hunts Point, Bronx

Saturday May 17, 2014  IT’S MY PARK DAY at Joseph Rodman Drake Park.

Join us to learn about Joseph Rodman Drake Park in Hunts Point, and hear about the historical research done by PS48 4^th grade students

10AM-12PM

Park stewardship (raking, planting and mulching) & Urban Park Ranger (Tree, Bird ID & History programs)

12PM-2PM

Program including remarks by Bronx Borough Historian Lloyd Ultan & Unveiling of the new Historical Sign, that honors the historical research done by PS48 students.

All ages are welcome!

Spanish language translation will be offered.  

Bring your NYC tree & wildlife questions! Learn about the history of Hunts Point and Joseph Rodman Drake Park.

Roll up your sleeves and do some gardening!

Kindly see the English and Spanish language flyers attached.

Please RSVP to Barbara.Nikonorow@parks.nyc.gov

Wave Hill Events May 30–Jun 06

  SAT, MAY 31    FAMILY ART PROJECT: MOVING FOREST
Join visiting artist Virva Hinnemo as she creates a child-sized forest with movable parts out of cardboard and tempera paint. Who will live and play in this forest? Make a mini inchworm pet or turn yourself into a brightly striped inchworm and together we’ll parade or walk or inch along inside the forest. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MAY 31    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 as weather permits. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the 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, MAY 31    COOKING DEMONSTRATION: AN ODE TO THE ALLIUMS
Celebrate the diversity of the onion family and sample some of their edible members (such as ramps, garlic, chives and leeks) in seasonal dishes prepared by a chef from Great Performances. Afterwards, take a garden walk with Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day to observe some delightful flowering alliums in the gardens. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 1PM

SAT, MAY 31    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial assistant for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Experience the natural landscape from the comfort of a domestic interior in Marek and Kristyna Milde’s Sunroom Project, an installation of planters shaped as couches and chairs. In the Sun Porch space, listen to With Hidden Noise, a traveling exhibition featuring evocative sounds, some recognizable from traditional instruments and field recordings, and others masked through electronic processes. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JUNE 1    FAMILY ART PROJECT: MOVING FOREST
Join visiting artist Virva Hinnemo as she creates a child-sized forest with movable parts out of cardboard and tempera paint. Who will live and play in this forest? Make a mini inchworm pet or turn yourself into a brightly striped inchworm and together we’ll parade or walk or inch along inside the forest. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JUNE 1    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. Sessions are held indoors; indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only at www.wavehill.org. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, JUNE 1   MEDITATION

This spring, 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. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only at www.wavehill.org. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

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

SUN, JUNE 1    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, JUNE 2

Closed to the public

TUE, JUNE 3    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, JUNE 3    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial assistant for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Experience the natural landscape from the comfort of a domestic interior in Marek and Kristyna Milde’s Sunroom Project, an installation of planters shaped as couches and chairs. In the Sun Porch space, listen to With Hidden Noise, a traveling exhibition featuring evocative sounds, some recognizable from traditional instruments and field recordings, and others masked through electronic processes. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

THU, JUNE 5    ART WORKSHOP: EARLY MORNING NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Calling all nature photographers! Don’t miss this special opportunity to capture the early morning light and tranquil garden views before the gates open to the public. Photographer Benjamin Swett works with participants to solve problems particular to early morning photography and to explore shadow and brightness in their images. This session combines outdoor photography with reviews of students’ work. $50/$40 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x251 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.
MEET AT FRONT GATE, 7:30–10:30AM

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 until noon on Tuesdays in May and June. 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 30 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.

 

Liberty Dems Spring Fling 2014

LIBERTY DEMOCRATIC ASSOCIATION

  

Special Business Meeting•1PM-2PM

Sunday-May 18, 2014

Janel Towers - 801 Neill Ave  Community Room at back of lobby

Agenda

• Expulsion of Member

• Legal Document Planning Workshop

"Spring Fling"         2 PM - 5 PM

  Hot Food and Refreshments

        Honoring 

Councilman Andrew Cohen

Regina Gorelick

Gaspar  Gonzalez

Free: Members, inspectors, coordinators & Awards Dinner

participants- All Others $10.

RSVP : Joseph A. McManus 718-644-1841

email: mcmanus638@aol.com

Miriam Schwartz 718-829-3041

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ HOSTS BRONX VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY

   Veterans of all the wars the United States has been involved going back to World War II were in the house as Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. held his Annual Bronx Veterans Appreciation Day breakfast. Stories were told and recognition was given to those who rightfully deserved it. The Color Guard from the Navy Operation Support Center brought out the flags, while Ms. Belinda Barnes made the vets in the room even prouder as she belted out the National Anthem. Bishop Angelo Rosario of the Bronx Clergy Task Force gave the invocation, and there was a moment of silence for all the fallen soldiers who never made it home. 

  It wasn't the speech of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. that had everyone in the room at a roar, but what happened after the BP was finished. BP Diaz wanted to make sure that World War II Veteran Joe Binder came up to tell a few jokes. The reason - Mr. Binder is the oldest living active Veteran in the Bronx at the age of 104. BP Diaz said that it is people like Mr. Binder and many other vets some of whom are on his Veterans Advisory Council who have informed him of the needs of Bronx Veterans. 

 

Left - As he arrived BP Diaz went around the room thanking the Vets for their service to the country.

Right - The Navy Color Guard stands ready.

 

Left - Bishop Rosario Gives the Invocation.

Right - BP Diaz during his speech thanking the Veterans who served so the United States could continue to enjoy its freedom.

 

Left - BP Diaz Introduces WWII veteran Joe Binder who is the oldest active living veteran in the Bronx. Mr. Joe Binder is 104 years old.

Right - BP Diaz asked Mr. Binder to tell a few war jokes, and you can see the BP trying to keep a straight face as one joke is being told.

What Real Campaign Reform Should Be

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

 

What Real Campaign Reform Should Be

You should know that soon I will be organizing a press conference together with many religious and Hispanic ministers to start a movement in which our minority community should be educated in regards to campaign finance reform. Leaders of both parties, Democrat and Republican, will be invited to join us.
You should also know that yes, we are in need of election reform – but not just any old window-dressing reform. We are in need of real, deep and serious campaign finance and election reform.  
Therefore, let me give you in advance what I believe real campaign reform should include.
As I have said before in another What You Should Know:
First, let’s start by giving four-year terms to our New York State Senators and Assembly Members.
Everybody else has four-year terms.  The Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the New York City Mayor, and the New York City Council Members – they all serve four-year terms. This gives them all ample time to dedicate themselves to the business of the people – without having to be distracted too much about making time to raise money for their next election. Instead, as soon as New York State’s Senators and Assembly Members get elected, they have to start raising money to get re-elected instead of honestly and faithfully dedicating most of their time to their duties as legislators. It is important to give Senators and Assembly Members four-year terms. I assure you that this will be good, and it will help to lessen corruption and desperation for some legislators to raise money for their next campaign.
Second, it would be ideal if New York State’s election reform would also include a mandate to stagger elections.
You should know that in the United States Senate, Senators have six-year terms and every two years, one third of the Senate is elected. If the New York State Senate and Assembly would have elections staggered so that only half of the body would be up for re-election every two years, we would have continuity and seniority and experience. It would be more stabilizing for our government, and for our election cycles.

Third, legislators should be full time with no outside income.

We need legislators to provide full disclosure about all their business dealings, as well as every aspect of their operations. If election reform changes the status of Senators and Assembly Members from a part-time to a full-time job, it would help eliminate a lot of the temptation and the hanky-panky of lawyers in elected office who currently do business with firms and serve as 'of counsel' to companies that do business with cities, local municipalities, and the State. A legislator should be a full time legislator, with no other part-time jobs.

Fourth, you should also know that the proposed election package reform bill will give more power and control to groups, unions, organizations and PACS.

Right now, they can only contribute limited amounts of money to candidates. As things stand now, they are limited to how much money they can spend on a candidate.  If Governor Andrew Cuomo’s election reform bill passes as it is, they most certainly will have even more power and ability to raise money.

For example, if a political party decides to ask every one of their members to contribute at least $25 dollars to a candidate of their choice to oust an opponent, and they all contribute, the government matching funds for each of those $25 dollar donations grows to $150. If you multiply that amount by the number of party members who donate, that’s a lot of money – and a powerful tool for the party to either oust or help an incumbent or an insurgent. I am deeply concerned that political parties and Super PACS and organizations backed by wealthy individuals will make it much easier to say “Bye-bye!” to any incumbent who has the strong support of his or her constituents.

Finally, you should know that I personally never liked using public funds to support political candidates when our communities are in need of services. Why are they proposing to spend between two hundred to three hundred million dollars from public funds to give politicians money to run their campaigns? It seems to me that money should be spent building affordable housing or to help senior citizens or to improve child care services. The list is endless.

If there really is no money to help community organizations, senior citizen centers, little leagues, block associations and community watch groups, then we should not use public money to support political campaigns. After eliminating resources to community groups and not-for-profit organizations that serve the people, why should we instead be giving money to politicians to run their campaigns? New Yorkers would be much better served if their tax money is given to our senior citizens for computer labs, little leagues for uniforms and baseball equipment, and block associations to strengthen the role of our families and neighbors.

Ladies and gentlemen, as people attempt to pressure me and discuss ways to approach the much-needed election reform, you should know that I feel obligated to share with you what real campaign reform should be.

This is New York State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

KLEIN’S TRYING TO HIDE HIS REPUBLICAN ALLEGIANCES

Editors Note:

This came in an e-mail from Koppellforsenate@gmail.

I am sure this will generate many replies.

  Candidate Oliver Koppell demanded Republican-enabling Jeff Klein forgo any attempt at securing the Republican ballot line in the 2014 elections.

In 2012, Jeff Klein simultaneously ran for re-election to the state senate as a Democrat and a Republican. After the 2012 election, even though Democrats earned an outright majority, Klein defected, empowering the Senate Republican Conference in exchange for a Leadership position, more member item money and an increased staff payroll.

Recent reports indicate Klein has decided to decline to run on the Republican line for the 2014 election. However, even if Jeff Klein initially refuses the line there is another option for Klein and his Republican allies. They could gather petitions for a "placeholder" candidate who could then be replaced on the ballot in favor of Mr. Klein following his defeat in September Democratic primary.

“Jeff Klein has proven he will say anything to win election, but then will do something completely different after the election to empower himself and disenfranchise Democratic voters” stated Senate Candidate Oliver Koppell. "If Jeff Klein believes his rejection of the Democratic Party benefits New Yorkers, then why is he now making such a show of rejecting the Republican ballot line this year?  Is it because Klein’s political ally, former Bronx Republican Chairman Jay Savino, is going to federal prison for trying to sell the Republican ballot line to Klein’s other political ally Malcolm Smith?  Malcolm Smith will stand trial next month, but neither Klein nor Savino have ever explained why or how Savino authorized Klein to receive the Republican ballot line in 2012.  Democrats have a right to know what Klein promised and what Savino got in exchange.”

“No good Democrat would ever dream of running as both a Democrat and Republican.  Given the damage Klein’s sleazy backroom deal has caused to progressive concerns, what would be more appropriate is for Klein to run as a Republican in 2014 and to turn down the Democratic line, since he is a traitor to the Democratic Party, and has delivered nothing more than half-measures and broken promises" Koppell concluded. 

###

Oliver Koppell has served the voters of New York as a State Assemblyman, New York City Councilmember and as State Attorney General. While in the City

York.  Prior to serving as the 61^st Attorney General for the State of New York, Mr. Koppell represented the residents of the Bronx in the State Assembly where he was the Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Following his service in the State Assembly, Oliver Koppell was elected to the New York City Council where he served from 2002 to 2013.

For more information on Oliver Koppell’s campaign, please visit: www.Oliverkoppell.com