Assemblyman Dinowitz to Introduce New Legislation to Protect Consumer Reviews

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz Chair of the New York State Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee announced that he is introducing legislation to protect the rights of consumers to review products and services. While most businesses have recognized the growing importance of consumer reviews, both online and elsewhere, in providing feedback to businesses and information to potential customers, some have sought to restrict customer reviews by including provisions that limit or prohibit a customer from voicing their opinions about the business’s products or services. These provisions, often included in lengthy contracts, may not be obvious or fully understood by the consumer. Assemblyman Dinowitz’s legislation would ban businesses from including such provisions.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “Public comments and reviews are quickly becoming an essential part of how consumers make purchasing decisions in the 21^st century. The ability to express honest opinions about goods and services, both good and bad, empowers consumers and encourages businesses to create the best possible product, which benefits everyone.”

“Yet there are some businesses that seek to suppress the voices of their customers through restrictive, little-discussed provisions in contracts,” Assemblyman Dinowitz continued. “That is why I am introducing a bill to prevent businesses from prohibiting their customers from publishing reviews, thereby ensuring that consumers will have the right to both write and read honest opinions about goods and services before purchasing them.”

The legislation would prohibit all attempts to limit consumer reviews, but would levy additional fees for “willful, intentional, or reckless violation” of the law. The practice of limiting a consumer’s rights to publish reviews was struck down by a New York Court (People v. Network Assoc., INC), but a ban on such actions has not been placed into statute in New York. Similar legislation was recently enacted in California.

Wave Hill Events Oct 3–Oct 10

SAT. OCTOBER 4  FAMILY ART PROJECT: BE A BEE

Join us for this Family Art Project classic. Outfit yourself with wings, antennae, a pollen cup and a kazoo to hum with. Buzz around in a cardboard hive of six-sided cells and forage in the flowers. Join in a bee parade and dance at 12:30PM, weather permitting. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Honey Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 4    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. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by3PM 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, OCTOBER 4    CANDLEMAKING WORKSHOP

Beeswax has been used for centuries in art, woodworking and in religious ceremonies. Try your hand at creating an assortment of beeswax candles to take home and enjoy. Materials fee: $15 per kit, which includes enough to make several candles. Registration is not required for this drop-in program. Honey Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM−3PM

SAT, OCTOBER 4    HONEY TASTING

You’ll be amazed at the complex flavors of different varieties of honey! Sample a few, then purchase your favorite to take home. Gourmet honey producers and chocolatiers will be on hand each day. Today, enjoy tastings of Catskills Provisions’ raw honey (and chocolate-honey truffles and honey-infused marinades), while Brooklyn-based Mike’s Hot Honeyshows off how deliciously its chili pepper-infused honey pairs with pizza, chicken, roasted veggies and more. Visitors will also be able to sign up for a jar of Wave Hill’s own “Liquid Gold” honey, harvested from our hives over Honey Weekend. Limit one jar per customer while limited stock lasts. Honey Weekend event.

THE SHOP AT WAVE HILL, 11AM−4PM

SAT, OCTOBER 4    HONEY EXTRACTION DEMONSTRATION

How do bees make honey? How do we collect it? Help us extract and bottle honey from our resident honeybees. Free with admission to the grounds. Honey Weekend event.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM

SAT, OCTOBER 4    HIVES AND HONEY INFORMATION STATION

Try on beekeeping gear, peek inside an empty hive and learn fascinating facts about honeybees. Free with admission to the grounds. Honey Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1−3PM

SAT, OCTOBER 4    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 FellowsTammy Nguyen and Alexandra Phillips have 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

SUN, OCTOBER 5    FAMILY ART PROJECT: BE A BEE

Join us for this Family Art Project classic. Outfit yourself with wings, antennae, a pollen cup and a kazoo to hum with. Buzz around in a cardboard hive of six-sided cells and forage in the flowers. Join in a bee parade and dance at 12:30PM, weather permitting. Free with admission to the grounds. Honey Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 5    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 at8AM 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, OCTOBER 5    CANDLEMAKING WORKSHOP

Beeswax has been used for centuries in art, woodworking and in religious ceremonies. Try your hand at creating an assortment of beeswax candles to take home and enjoy. Materials fee: $15 per kit, which includes enough to make several candles. Registration is not required for this drop-in program. Honey Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM−3PM

SUN, OCTOBER 5    HONEY TASTING

You’ll be amazed at the complex flavors of different varieties of honey! Sample a few, then purchase your favorite to take home. Gourmet honey producers and chocolatiers will be on hand each day. Today, enjoy Seaway Trail Honey’s popular range of award-winning honeys, highlighting the role of seasonal flowers in honey. The unique flavor of John & Kira’s Chocolates’ Honey Caramel Chocolate Bees comes from the fragrant, basswood honey supplied by the Draper Family Apiaries in north-central Pennsylvania. Visitors will also be able to sign up for a jar of Wave Hill’s own “Liquid Gold” honey, harvested from our hives over Honey Weekend. Limit one jar per customer while limited stock lasts. Honey Weekend event.

THE SHOP AT WAVE HILL, 11AM−4PM

SUN, OCTOBER 5    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 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, 11:45AM‒12:45PM

SUN, OCTOBER 5    HONEY EXTRACTION DEMONSTRATION

How do bees make honey? How do we collect it? Help us extract and bottle honey from our resident honeybees. Free with admission to the grounds. Honey Weekend event.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM

SUN, OCTOBER 5    HIVES AND HONEY INFORMATION STATION

Try on beekeeping gear, peek inside an empty hive and learn fascinating facts about honeybees. Free with admission to the grounds. Honey Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1−3PM

SUN, OCTOBER 5    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, OCTOBER 6

Closed to the public

TUE, OCTOBER 7    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, OCTOBER 7    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 FellowsTammy Nguyen and Alexandra Phillips have 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 15–October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday andTuesday 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 athttp://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.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL ‘CITIES FOR CITIZENSHIP’ EFFORT WITH MAYORS EMANUEL AND GARCETTI

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today the launch of Cities for Citizenship (C4C), a major initiative by the mayors of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago aimed at increasing citizenship among eligible U.S. permanent residents and encouraging cities across the country to invest in citizenship programs.

“I’m proud to stand today with my fellow mayors Rahm Emanuel and Eric Garcetti as we launch the national Cities for Citizenship initiative,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This win-win effort will help us create more inclusive cities that lift up everyone. From increased economic activity to larger voting and tax bases, the advantages of citizenship will not only expand opportunity to our immigrant families, but to all New Yorkers and residents nationwide.” 

The national C4C initiative builds on the Mayor’s pledge to reduce economic inequality and improve immigrant integration in our City. Benefits of naturalization range from higher earning potential home ownership rates, to increased voting and political participation. Naturalizing the 684,000 legal permanent residents who are currently eligible for U.S. citizenship is estimated to add up to $4.1 billion over 10 years to the City’s economy.

“Increasing immigrant access to citizenship is a powerful tool for fighting poverty,” saidNisha Agarwal, New York City Commissioner for Immigrant Affairs. “This initiative will help thousands of people who haven’t taken the final step to citizenship because of cost, fear of a cumbersome process, or access to legal counsel.” 

The announcement comes in conjunction with a pledge by Citi Community Development to contribute $1.15 million to the C4C initiative, which will be coordinated by two leading national non-profits, The Center for Popular Democracy and the National Partnership for New Americans. Citi Community Development is making its largest contribution to date to this public-private partnership, and the funds will be divided among New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles.

The funds will be used by New York City for NYCitizenship, the first large-scale, coordinated effort by a municipal government to connect low- and moderate-income New Yorkers to free, high-quality legal assistance for naturalization applications and to address the financial barriers to naturalization. NYCitizenship works with City agencies to connect the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers eligible to become U.S. citizens with the critical assistance they need to take the final step to citizenship, including legal advice, application assistance, financial counseling, and case management support. NYCitizenship is also forging new partnerships with the public libraries to promote awareness of citizenship and further expand the City and the libraries’ citizenship work.  

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs will also commission a first-of-its kind study on the economic impact of citizenship programs for mayors across the country. The study will demonstrate the importance of new municipal investments in naturalization, as well as the financial impact of connecting immigrant communities with legal support.

Revised Montefiore Riverdale Medical Center

  The above photo shows the original 11 story medical center/parking garage proposal by Montefiore Hospital on the left. On the right is the revised 6 story medical center/parking garage proposal that was presented to Community Board 8 last night at the boards Land Use Committee meeting. 

  

  The revised proposal has only 2 floors of medical space which Ms. Lynn Richmond of Montefiore Hospital said was under 30,000 square feet. She added that this falls within the size of a medical center that does not need to go through the community review process. The recent Klein/Dinowitz law that requires that any medical facility in the Bronx that is over 3 stories in height or over 30,000 square feet in size be mandated to go before a community review process. There is also parking for 100 cars included in 4 floor of the building below the 2 floors of medical space. 

  

   There are scheduled to be 25 various doctors and approximately 45 staff members at the medical center. While the doctors will be parking on site, it was said that the staff members would be parking at a nearby area off site. The community continued their opposition to any size building by Montefiore, and Senator Jeff Klein said that he will ask for the review process to begin stating that the entire facility is over the limits prescribed in the Klein/Dinowitz Bronx medical facility law.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CM COHEN,COMMUNITY BOARD 7 & FDNY HOLD CLOTHING DRIVE FOR VICTIMS OF NORWOOD FIRE

Community Encouraged to Donate Winter Clothing Items and Baby Food

   On Wednesday, September 10^th a three-alarm fire on Decatur Avenue in Norwood left a Bronx family without basic necessities or winter clothing.

“I am reaching out to the community to ask that they donate winter clothing for an adult man and woman, as well as for a 1-year-old boy. This family is without clothing that will keep them warm during the cold months that are approaching, as well as baby food and other basic necessity items.

“If you are able to, I encourage you to donate winter jackets, sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets and personal care items. It is my hope that we can come together during our neighbors time of need and help them get through this difficult time,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

“Last week, the Norwood community was rocked by a devastating house fire that has left a family destitute and homeless.  Now is our chance, as neighbors, to lend a helping hand and do our part to help this family get back on their feet and to that end, Community Board 7 is proud to partner with Council Member Cohen, FDNY and community members to launch a clothing drive for those who were affected by this terrible tragedy,” said Dustin Engelken, District Manager, Community Board 7.

All donations are being collected at the FDNY Engine Company 79, located at 2928 Briggs Avenue.

  

Job Screening for Parkchester Marshalls

This came in from Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda

As Marshalls prepares to open in Parkchester I am pleased to share with you that they are looking to hire people from the community. Tomorrow, Workforce1 will be screening and interviewing candidates at the Parkchester Library for the positions of: COORDINATORS MERCHANDISE ASSOCIATES LOSS PREVENTION ASSOCIATES Position Requirements: HS/GED preferred but not required. Experience in  customer service preferred Coordinators must have 1 year of previous experience in retail as a shift supervisor All candidates must be able to provide the contact  information of 3 references, 2 of whom must be in a   management/supervisory capacity Loss prevention candidates must have 6-12 months  experience in customer service. Certificates preferred Screening/Interview will take place at the: Parkchester Library 1985 Westchester Avenue (at Pugsley Ave.) Bronx,  NY 10462 Wednesday September 17th Check-in 9-9:30 am  (please expect to be there until 12) All candidates must: o Bring the names and contact information of 3 references o Bring copies of a professional, updated resume o Dress professionally for an interview o Bring a photo ID (a driver’s license or state ID will work) o Be prepared to complete the application onsite  This is a great opportunity for those looking for work and I hope to see a long line outside the library tomorrow morning. Your Assemblyman, Luis R. Sepulveda

BP DIAZ ISSUES LETTER ON SHELTER SITES

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has issued a letter to Lilliam Barrio-Paoli, Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Services, concerning the lack of community notification and community input regarding the siting of homeless shelters in The Bronx.

The letter specifically mentions the recent decision by the Department of Homeless Services to bring a family shelter to the former Capri Whitestone Motel, located at 555 Hutchinson River Parkway, despite both the area’s lack of amenities and numerous economic development projects that have taken a foothold in the surrounding communities.

“Again, I am not opposed to sheltering our homeless families, but I am opposed to sheltering them at this site,” states Borough President Diaz in the letter.

The complete letter can be read here: http://on.nyc.gov/1ww5lkv.

Bronx Faithbased Institutions--Building on Faith-A Faithbased Development Seminar for Clergy-Thursday, September 18th..

  Building On Faith

A faith based develosment seminar for c

A Faithbased Development Seminar for Clergy

Does your property have untapped value, but you’re are not sure where to begin?

Are you approached by developers regarding your property?

Do you want to renovate, rebuild or expand?

Many faith-based organizations in the Bronx have properties that are in need of repair and that are underutilized. 

Development offers an opportunity to fund renovation and mission, but it can also be complicated and mired with pitfalls, cost and delay.

The Faith-Based Development seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of faith-based development options and strategies. 

Learn about the benefits and risks of development and how to create a successful project, from pre-development and financing to construction and occupancy.

·        Hear from the key partners you’ll need to achieve your development goals, including attorneys, architects, and lenders.

·        Expert panelists will review common terms, provide a project overview, and discuss how to begin the planning process.

·        The 90-minute seminar includes breakfast and a question and answer session.

 DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2014

TIME: 10:00AM – 11:30AM

LOCATION: Savoy Building, 120 East 149th Street, 2nd Floor Multipurpose Room

SPEAKERS: Greg Maher, Executive Director, Leviticus 25:23 Alternative Fund, Inc.

Matthew Hall, Partner, Goldstein Hall PLLC

Michael McCaw, Michael Ivanhoe McCaw Architect, P. C.

Caroline G. Harris, Partner, GoldmanHarris LLC

Please RSVP to jchang@goldsteinhall.com