Bronx Week Parade and Music & Food Festival 2014

  It was a beautiful sunny day for the annual Bronx Week finale. As usual the parade started a little late, but it seemed that everyone watching knew that as many came right before it started. Hundreds lined the Mosholu Parkway to get a view of the two hour event that was then capped off by the Music & Food Festival.

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was joined by Bharati S. Kernrat of Bronxnet Television as his co host of the parade. The two gave an exciting description of just who was passing the reviewing area and what they were going to do if they were to perform. The many schools in the parade stopped by the reviewing area to show off their talents as you will see in some of the photos below. 

  The Bronx Week honorees were Grammy-award winning hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz, actor and star of Showtime’s “Dexter” David Zayas, film and TV star Rachel Ticotin, New York Jets offensive lineman William M. Colon III and Tony-award winner Priscilla Lopez. Unfortunately Swizz Beatz had business to attend to, but he attended several Bronx Week events including the Bronx Week Kick off on May 8th. 

  There were many elected officials also in attendance which there is not enough room to mention them all so let's go right to the photos of the Bronx Week Parade.

Left - BP Diaz and Bharati Kernrat are at the microphones describing who is coming as the honorees sit in the front row on stage.

Left - Former Jet Willie M. Colon says a few words. 

 

Left - Bronx Historian Lloyd Ultan is seated next to Honoree Willie M.Colon.

Right - The PS 170 Steppers.

 

 Left - The Soundview Academy for Culture and Scholarship.

Right - The MS 131 Cheerleaders.

 

Left - Councilman Andy King marches with a youth group from his district.

Right - That's Miss New York State marching with the Bronx Bridges.

Left - The De Witt Clinton High School Cheerleaders.

Right - Honoree Priscilla Lopez talks to children from IS 76 about not giving up. Ms. Lopez is a graduate of IS 76.

Left - The Garifuna Coalition USA.

Right - The Bronx LGBTQ Center.

 

Left - The MTA brought one of the buses that rolled down Bronx streets 50 years ago.

Right - After the parade BP Diaz, Honoree David Zayas, Councilman Andy King with his daughter on his shoulders, Honoree Willie M. Colon and co-host Bharati Kernrat.

Upcoming Events at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center

Upcoming activities and special events at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center in late May and June 2014:

New Music & Memories class with flutist, Yael Acher, will continue on Wed. mornings at 11:00 AM.

New Ballroom Dance class with Arturo Perez will meet on Tues. June 10th and 24th at 1:00 PM.

Thurs. May 29th: The Meetles, a 6-member Rock Tribute Band will play 60’s and 70’s rock classics at 1:00 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $3.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non- senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.
Please call in special event meal reservations to the senior center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

Join us on Sunday, June 8th for a delectable lunch of Tilapia Francaise and Quinoa and dynamic entertainment by Ricky Pen, international singer/keyboard player. Recommended senior meal contribution is $3.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non-senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.
Please call in special event meal reservations to the senior center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

Goldman Sachs volunteers will be gardening and decorating JASA Van Cortlandt Sr. Center on Fri. June 13th. Chicken lunch will be sponsored by GS Community Team Works. After lunch entertainment by Bryan Lammers, lively R&B keyboard/vocal music. All ages are welcome. Please call the center at 718-549-4700 for advance meal reservations.

CANTANDO ASI: Lisa & Josue, Spanish Guitar Duo w/Angel Feliciano, Tenor will present romantic songs from Puerto Rico on Tues. June 17th at 1:00 PM. Honey Chicken meal will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non-senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.

Please call in meal reservations to the senior center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

Bronx Opera Company Ensemble will present a varied program of classic and Broadway favorites on Wed. June 25th at 6:30 PM. Honey lemon chicken and yams will be served at 5:30 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $3.00 plus $2.00 for event. Non-senior meal fee is $6.15 and $3.00 for event.

Please call in meal reservations to the senior center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

Rose and Meir Beer will present Yiddish and Hebrew songs at belated Shavuot Oneg Shabbat program on Fri. June 27th at 1:00 PM. (Roast chicken will be served at 12:15 PM.) Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.00 plus $1.00 for event.

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center offers Senior Fitness on Mon., Exercise, Tai Chi and Ballroom Dance on Tues., Gentle Exercise and Flowing Yoga on Wed. PM, Yoga on Thurs. and Tone & Stretch on Fri. All exercise instructors are certified. Call the center at 718-549-4700 for dates and times of these classes.

All meals at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center are catered by Mauzone (kosher) Meal Service. We offer a daily alternate choice of main dish. Refreshments are served at all cultural arts events.
JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center is are located in the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. (on the first floor). Take the Bronx #1, 2 or 10 bus to the intersection of Sedgwick Ave. and Van Cortlandt Ave. West. For more information, please call the center office at 718-549-4700.

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.