Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Bronx Borough President Invites you to Celebrate Central American Culture and Heritage Thur. Sept. 4th


  

Candice Giove Responds to Attack By Oliver Koppell at 34th State Senate Debate


  At the 34th State Senate debate last night on the Bronxtalk television show candidate Oliver Koppell commented about Senator Jeff Klein's campaign spokesperson Ms. Candice Giove's previous work experience. 
Here is Ms. Giove's reply --

  "It's sad that Oliver Koppell's Women's Agenda includes putting down career choices of successful media professionals like myself. While it's true that I was one of five reporters who worked on an article about Sen. Klein, I have come to know the senator as a hardworking Democrat, who truly cares about each and every one of his constituents. I cannot say the same about Oliver Koppell, who I also covered as a reporter, and who has consistently insulted the intelligence of the people of New York. During Mr. Koppell's nasty campaign, I have also been the recipient of vicious emails from his wife, Lorraine Coyle Koppell, in an attempt to intimidate me from doing a job that I believe in.Shame on the Koppells."



Monday, August 25, 2014

Bronxtalk 34th State Senate Debate




 It was the debate of the political season in the Bronx, that is the debate between incumbent State Senator Jeff Klein and challenger Oliver Koppell for the 34th State Senate seat. Above left to right are Bronxtalk host Gary Axelbank, challenger Oliver Koppell, and incumbent State Senator Jeff Klein. Candidate Koppell was asked a question about term limits, and why he voted to overturn the will of the voters of the city for a third term in office. Candidate Koppell answered that he does not believe in term limits, and then went into an  attack on Senator Klein claiming that Senator Klein stopped important Democratic legislation such as the Dream Act, a higher minimum wage, and campaign finance reform by caucusing with the Republican Senate Conference.


 Senator Klein responded that he had introduced that exact legislation that candidate Koppell was talking about, and that while the 5 members of the Independent Democratic Conference (that he heads) there were 2 Democratic senators that did not vote for it resulting in the failure of the legislation. Senator Klein then said that he supported the Democratic candidate Bill Thompson for mayor in 2009 while Councilman Oliver Koppell supported Republican candidate Mike Bloomberg for mayor.


  Senator Klein brought up the proposed 11 story medical center in Community Board 8, saying that Councilman Koppell if he had rezoned the area properly could have prevented such a building proposal, and that he and Assemblyman Dinowitz had to have a state law enacted to halt the progress. Candidate Koppell was also slammed for supporting an 11 story project on Broadway in North Riverdale that would have 25 percent of the apartment for seniors go to criminally mentally disturbed occupants. Candidate Koppell answered by saying they have to go somewhere. 
  The back and forth continued with candidate Koppell throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Senator Klein, that is until the closing statements. During his closing statement candidate Koppell brought out a New York Post article from March 2012 claiming that Senator Klein had gamed the system. and possibly broke the law on tax breaks and failure to disclose income. Candidate Koppell then said that Ms. Candice Giove who wrote the article is now Senator Klein's campaign spokesperson. 
  Senator Klein in his closing statement said that the campaign of Oliver Koppell is all personal attacks, and no record to run on. Klein added that he is proud of his record, and what he has done as an elected official. 

  Host Gary Axelbank then thanked both Senator Jeff Klein and challenger Oliver Koppell for appearing. You can read a more comprehensive review of the debate in my column the Riverdale Report in the Bronx News or Parkchester News. To see the debate you can go to www.bronxnet.org and scroll down to the Bronxtalk 34th State Senate debate, or you can catch it in reruns all week on channel 67 Cablevision or 33 FIOS. 

Allerton Avenue Festival Huge Success



  Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj not only was the sponsor of the Allerton Avenue Festival, but in the photo above he also made sure that everything was set up correctly. The crowd estimated over 500 enjoyed the over 50 vendors, and informational booths that were set up, the entertainment, and the elected officials that were on hand.
As part of Team Gjonaj are new District Leaders from the 80th A.D. Marcos Sierra, and Andrea Siegel.
The ripe pineapples are set up at this booth waiting to be made into delicious drinks.

 Birdman Taino Ray and his 2 macaws were a hit on the midway.

The local CERT team was on hand if needed.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Hundreds Attend Committee of 100 Democrats Free Community Barbecue




    There was dancing on East 204th Street as the 10th Annual Committee of 100 Democrats Free Community Barbecue took place yesterday. 

   Above a photo of the crowd around the free food that was being given out to the attendees.

   
  State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein chats with good friend, and Committee of 100 Democrats Chairman Ricky Martinez about the foot operation that has Martinez unable to stand on the foot for a while.


  Senator Klein holds award given to him for his excellence in Leadership by the Committee of 100 Democrats as band members look on. 

  Behind Chairman Martinez right to left are Candidate for Governor Randy Credico, 33rd State Senate Write in candidate Jose Padilla Jr. and Mr. Jay. 
  This could be anyone of a number of elected officials, but it is a real clown who also did face painting as you see.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

September 3rd ! Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Senator Jeff Klein


 
Attention Bronx Businesses !!!
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and NYS Senator Jeff Klein would like to invite you to reserve a table at our upcoming September 3rd Job Fair (4PM-8PM) at The Hutchinson Metro Center. As an employer, you will receive a complimentary table, which will not only help fill your job vacancies but also provide valuable exposure for you company. The fair will attract hundreds of job seekers with broad qualifications. 

Please contact Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro at 718-828-3900or Michelle@bronxchamber.org if you are interested in reserving a booth and to learn more about the Bronx H.I.R.E (Help Identify Real Employment), a new program aimed at connecting Bronx workers with real jobs through a comprehensive, direct approach.  
   

Bronx Democratic County Barbecue Sept. 6



Chairman Carl E. Heastie,

The Bronx Democratic County Committee

& The Bronx Young Democrats present their...


Annual Community BBQ

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 

GAMES  -  GAMES

 FREE FOOD. =  FREE FOOD

INFORMATION T A B L E S


Come see your Elected Officials participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS Awareness

SATURDAY SEPT. 6, 2014

12pm-4pm

Corner of Blondell Ave.& Eastchester Rd.

Any questions please call the 

Bronx Democratic County Committee

1640 Eastchester Rd.Bronx, New York 10461

347-281-9759  www.bronxdems.org



Thursday, August 21, 2014

Wave Hill Events Sep 5–Sep 12



SAT, SEPTEMBER 6   FAMILY ART PROJECT: BECOME A PALISADES PROTECTOR
Learn about Theodore Roosevelt’s role in preserving the cliffs and beautiful vista of the Palisades. Connect to your inner preservationist! Consider what piece of nature you’d like to preserve for future generations to enjoy, and add your painted and collaged image to a group panorama installation. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Illustrious Residents event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SAT, SEPTEMBER 6    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; indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member, includes admission to the grounds. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. 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, 10‒11AM

SAT, SEPTEMBER 6    FALL EXHIBITIONS OPENING RECEPTION
Meet the artists who are featured in Wave Hill’s fall exhibitions. Recapturing the Scenic Wilds investigates natural history as a framing device in contemporary art. Alexa Hoyer, Liselot van der Heijden, Dana Levy, Mark Dion, Richard Barnes,Lori Nix, Ruth Marshall, Jessica Segall and Hugh Hayden raise pressing questions about the capture, collection and display of nature. This lush exhibition—which includes photography, video, installation and sculpture—is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill with a lifelong passion for conservation and natural history, whether in his personal life or political career. Tammy Nguyen’s three handmade books in the Sun Porch draw elaborate parallels between mythology and plant science to address social conditions such as youth, minority life, and family. In Alexandra Phillips’ Sunroom Project, the artist makes use of florist foam in an interactive installation to question the relation between synthetic support and natural growth. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2‒4:30PM


SUN, SEPTEMBER 7    FAMILY ART PROJECT: BECOME A PALISADES PROTECTOR
Learn about Theodore Roosevelt’s role in preserving the cliffs and beautiful vista of the Palisades. Connect to your inner preservationist! Consider what piece of nature you’d like to preserve for future generations to enjoy, and add your painted and collaged image to a group panorama installation. Free with admission to the grounds. Illustrious Residents event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SUN, SEPTEMBER 7    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 outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Fridaybefore; 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, SEPTEMBER 7    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. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. 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, 11:45AM‒12:45PM


SUN, SEPTEMBER 7    COOKING DEMONSTRATION: COOKING WITH MUSHROOOMS
Once found only in the wild, many unique mushrooms are now grown by enterprising farmers in New York State. Find out how to select and cook fresh mushrooms from the farmers market such as enoki, pompom and hen-of-the-woods. Celebrate fall’s wild harvest as a chef from Great Performance’s shares seasonal specialties featuring our favorite fungi. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 1PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 7    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, SEPTEMBER 8
Closed to the public

TUE, SEPTEMBER 9    WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOP SERIES BEGINS
Experience the timeless views and shifting color and light of Wave Hill’s unforgettable autumn landscape. Painting from direct observation, interpret the changing landscape while exploring the expressive, luminous, and challenging medium of watercolor. Artist Wennie Huang offers expert guidance and demonstrates watercolor techniques and color-mixing. Workshops conducted outside, weather permitting. All skill levels welcome. This six-session series continues September 16, 23, 30,October 7 and 14. $260/$200 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information.
ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

TUE, SEPTEMBER 9    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, SEPTEMBER 9    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Tammy Nguyen and Alexandra Phillipshave created installations that they started during their Winter Workspace residency. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM


A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15October 31.  
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon.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 242nd 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 atwww.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.