Assemblyman Dinowitz, Montefiore Medical Center, Walgreens Pharmacy Sponsoring Flu Shots at Riverdale YM-YWHA on October 24

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is pleased to announce that he is sponsoring a second day of flu shots for members of the community in the 81^st Assembly District. Flu shots will be administered on October 24 at Riverdale YM-YWHA on 5625 Arlington Avenue between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This service is also sponsored by Montefiore Medical Center, Walgreens Pharmacy, Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Jeff Klein, and Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Flu shots will be administered at no cost to the constituent, though participants are asked to bring their insurance card.

“I am pleased to partner with Montefiore Medical Center and Walgreens to offer this important service to the community,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “The flu is a serious health matter, and getting a flu shot protects not just yourself but also your friends, family, and neighbors. I encourage everyone to contact my office about getting a flu shot.”

“Flu and pneumonia account for 2,200 to 3,000 deaths a year in New York City, the third leading cause of death. Vaccination is safe, effective, and the best way to prevent getting the flu -- yet only half of New Yorkers report getting a flu shot. Montefiore is excited to partner with Assemblyman Dinowitz and Walgreens to ensure that Riverdale residents have access to flu vaccines at no cost to them. It's a great way to take care of yourself and your family,"said Amanda Parsons, M.D., M.B.A., vice president of Community & Population Health, Montefiore Medical Center. 

“The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every adult get a flu shot, and annual flu shots from Walgreens are a quick and effective way to protect you and your family from the most common influenza viruses each year,” said Morton D. Shaw, Walgreens Pharmacy Supervisor.

Please note that members of the community must be 18 years of age or older to participate, and cannot be allergic to eggs. Residents MUST contact Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office at(718) 796-5345 to guarantee a flu shot. 

Assemblyman Dinowitz also partnered with New York Presbyterian and the Visiting Nurse Service of NY to sponsor flu shots at St. Gabriel’s Church on October 8. 

Assemblyman Dinowitz will be getting his yearly flu shot on Oct 8th at St. Gabriel's Church.

Wave Hill Events Oct 17–Oct 24

SAT, OCTOBER 18   FAMILY ART PROJECT: FAIRY WANDS AND TINY HOUSES

Make a magical fairy wand and then be captivated by Rama Mandel’s enchanting fairy stories. Venture into the woodlands to create your own tiny, fairy-sized dwelling using found sticks, leaves and bark—and behold the magic! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 18    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 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, OCTOBER 18    ENCHANTED WAVE HILL MUSIC: THE METROPOLITAN FOUR

A flute quartet, the Metropolitan Four offer an enchanting accompaniment to the family festivities of the weekend. Look forward to a program that ranges from “Greensleeves” and Pachelbel’s Canon to themes from current films for children. Metropolitan Four is a New York-based ensemble from diverse backgrounds unified by common experiences at Lincoln Center Education, a constituent of the legendary performing arts center. The adventurous young group captivates audiences with its vision and energy, commissioning, presenting and performing new music from around the world. Tyler Menzel,Julian Rose, Felipe Tristan and Emily Wespiser play off and on through the late morning and into the afternoon. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM–1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 18    WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK

Discover the fascinating history of Wave Hill’s architecture and landscape on a walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Hear about the people who once called Wave Hill home, among them Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, Bashford Dean and Arturo Toscanini. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, OCTOBER 18    ARTIST & CURATOR TALK

Join three artists from Wave Hill’s fall exhibition, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds, to discuss how the impulse to collect and frame the living world informs contemporary artistic practice. Despite diverse media and tones, the works of all three artists cross the lines between humans and other animals, or between living beings and dead examples. Dana Levy sets live animals loose in natural history collections. Jessica Segall’s tongue-in-cheek installation literally gives voice to unprotected species like pigeons and starlings. The voyeuristic side of the American Museum of Natural History is revealed inLiselot van der Heijden’s photos and videos. Take this opportunity to ask questions about process and concept.  Please RSVP at visualarts@wavehill.org. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, OCTOBER 19   FAMILY ART PROJECT: FAIRY WANDS AND TINY HOUSES

Make a magical fairy wand and then be captivated by Rama Mandel’s enchanting fairy stories. Venture into the woodlands to create your own tiny, fairy-sized dwelling using found sticks, leaves and bark—and behold the magic! Free with admission to the grounds. Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 19    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 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 19    ENCHANTED WAVE HILL MUSIC: THE METROPOLITAN FOUR

A flute quartet, the Metropolitan Four offer an enchanting accompaniment to the family festivities of the weekend. Look forward to a program that ranges from “Greensleeves” and Pachelbel’s Canon to themes from current films for children. Metropolitan Four is a New York-based ensemble from diverse backgrounds unified by common experiences at Lincoln Center Education, a constituent of the legendary performing arts center. The adventurous young group captivates audiences with its vision and energy, commissioning, presenting and performing new music from around the world. Tyler Menzel,Julian Rose, Felipe Tristan and Emily Wespiser play off and on through the late morning and into the afternoon. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM–1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 19    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, OCTOBER 19    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 20

Closed to the public

MON, OCTOBER 20    MEMBERS DAY TRIP: THE NOGUCHI MUSEUM     EVENT FILLED

Spend a fall day exploring one of New York City’s best kept secrets, the Noguchi Museum. Located in Long Island City, Queens, the Noguchi Museum was the first museum in the United States to be founded by a living and working artist for the exhibition of his own work. Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) was one of the twentieth century’s most experimental and critically acclaimed sculptors. From set designs, public parks and gardens, ceramics, furniture design and sculpture, Noguchi explored many mediums. The Museum is closed to the public on Mondays and will open its doors for this special Wave Hill member’s trip. After our exclusive tour, our day continues with visits to local artists’ studios. $50 Wave Hill Member, includes transportation and tour fee; lunch additional. Space is limited. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information. Not yet a Wave Hill Member? Join at www.wavehill.org/membership/.

MEET AT FRONT GATE, 10AM–4PM

TUE, OCTOBER 21    NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: BACK TO BASICS    WORKSHOP FILLED

Let Wave Hill’s serene grounds inspire you to slow down and return to the fundamental elements of photography. Focusing on the autumnal landscape, explore the basics, such as composition, light, depth of field and color. Photographer Benjamin Swett combines demonstrations, outdoor digital photography assignments and group reflections of student work. All levels welcome. Six-session series continues October 28, November 4, 18, 25 and December 2. $260/$200 Member. Registration required, online atwww.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information. WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

TUE, OCTOBER 21    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 21    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, Hilary Lorenz creates an immersive environment by experimenting with the arrangement of large shaped paper constructions printed with plant and animal imagery that appears to dance around the room, 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. Closes5:30PM, March 15–October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings 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 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.

DIAZ SR. TO ENDORSE ROB ASTORINO?

  

He has always had a mind of his own. He joined with Pedro Espada, Hiram Monserrate, and Carl Kruger to form the 4 Amigos. He has hosted Republican candidates at his many functions, but word is that State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is thinking hard about endorsing Rob Astorino for governor. 

  In City & State Gerson Borrero says that Diaz Sr. will be endorsing Astorino for governor, that is according to a credible source. I was unable to reach Sen. Diaz Sr. at the time of this posting, but will keep trying and update this when I do.

UPDATE:

  After speaking to Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. Monday, the good senator told me that the story is only speculation by Mr. Gerson Borrero, and is not true. Diaz Sr. continued that he has only invited Republican candidate Rob Astorino to speak before the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization.

SENATOR KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN SEPULVEDA, ASSEMBLYMAN CRESPO, COUNCILWOMAN PALMA & CASTLE HILL COMMUNITY ANNOUNCE STOP WORK ORDER for “HOT SHEET MOTEL”

 Standing in front of a construction site at 2338 Bruckner Blvd. State Senator Jeff Klein, Assembly members Luis Sepulveda & Marcos Crespo, Councilwoman Annabelle Palma, and local community leaders voiced their displeasure about a proposed 60 unit "Days Inn" motel which they said would be a "Hot Sheet' Motel. 

  “I continue to have serious concern over the development of a Days Inn Motel that would provide day rates, creating the potential for a “hot sheet motel” at 2338 Bruckner Boulevard. We know from multiple past experiences that these types of establishments breed not only illicit but potentially illegal activity and hurt otherwise strong communities. I am pleased that the NYC Department of Buildings has issued this stop work order and is taking the matter under careful review,” said State Senator Jeff Klein.

“I commend the of Department of Buildings for their responsiveness to this issue in our community.  The residents of Castle Hill have shown that they will not let unscrupulous businesses into their neighborhood without having a seat at the table.  This stop work order shows that when communities and elected officials work together we can have a serious impact on decision making,” said Assemblyman Sepulveda.

“The Castle Hill Neighborhood Betterment Association is elated that our hard work is paying off and that a stop work order has been issued against the motel. We will continue addressing all issues affecting our community,” said Castle Hill Betterment Association member and resident Fernando A. Panate.

The announcement comes on the heels of a letter Senator Klein sent to the NYC Department of Buildings Bronx Borough Commissioner, dated September 29, 2014, stating that he believed the approved plans for construction of a hotel at the 2338 Bruckner Blvd site were made in error. On October 1, 2014 the NYC Department of Buildings notified Klein’s office that a stop work order had indeed been issued on the property.

Left - Heavy machinery lays idle due to stop work order.

Right - Construction work is almost right next to the neighboring house.

The stop work order that took effect on 10/01/2014.

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: Mayor de Blasio Signs Executive Order to Expand Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act

  “I am thrilled with Mayor de Blasio’s executive order to expand the ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers’ Act. Today’s announcement is a victory for the hard working people of the Bronx and the City of New York.  The mayor's executive order will benefit thousands of workers, covering employees of commercial tenants in development projects that take in more than $1 million in city subsidies.  

“We first introduced the ‘Fair Wages for New Yorkers’ Act in 2011 to fight for the rights of those underserved and often ignored residents of this City.  The expansion of this bill will ensure that tax payer subsidized developments work for even more New Yorkers and we applaud Mayor de Blasio for it.   

“As I have said in the past, when developers voluntarily use taxpayer subsidies to make their projects work, they must do better by their employees. New York City is open for business, but at a better rate of return for the taxpayer.  The Mayor’s executive order marks another important step forward for economic development policy in our City and will have an incredible impact on the lives of thousands of hardworking residents,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Council Member Andy King Job Fair

  Council Member Andy King organized and hosted a job fair today at his District 12 office in the Bronx which attracted more than 125 applicants in the first 2 hours. More than 98 percent of those who attended met the qualifications to be hired as a paratransit driver. "In order to stabilize our families, economic prosperity is a must. I applaud all the men and women who showed up today at my district office in search of a new job opportunity,” said Council Member Andy King Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj Senior Gaer Day

  About 100 seniors from the 80th Assembly District stopped by Mastero's Caterers today to partake in the fun and festivities that was being provided by Assemblyman Gjonaj. Tables were set up with many different games to play from Bridge to Yatzee. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Senator Jeff Klein also stopped by to see the seniors, and BP Diaz even partook in a game of Connect Four with one of the seniors. The hottest game being played seemed to be a friendly game of Dominoes by four friends that lasted throughout the event.

   Midway there was dancing, and it appears that a replacement to the former 'Dancing District Leader' was found as Hakeem Egbo (a volunteer in the assembly office). During his stay BP Diaz explained the reason that 'The Bronx' is called 'The Bronx', referring to the settling of Jonas Bronckx 350 years ago in the lower part of the borough. Diaz Jr. 

Above - The hot dominoe game that went on almost for the entire event.

Above - Left BP Diaz starts a game of Connect Four using the blue pieces.
Right - His opponent has lined up four connected pieces, and wins the game.

Left and Right - people hit the dance floor. Gjonaj volunteer Hakeem Egbo seems to have replaced the old 'Dancing District Leader'.

Left - Gene Dinapoli provided the entertainment.
Right - BP Diaz greets some of the seniors.

Left - Assemblyman Gjonaj and BP Diaz.
Right - BP Diaz and Senator Klein.

Pichardo Statement re: Certification of 86th Assembly Seat Recount

  Today, the Board of Elections certified the results for the Democratic primary race in the 86th Assembly District, with the final vote count designating Assembly Member Victor Pichardo as the winner. Assembly Member Pichardo issues the following statement in response to the certification of the election:

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve and represent my community in Albany for a full term.

I am truly humbled to have received the unwavering support of my neighbors - as well as from a great number of elected officials and unions across both the city and the state - during a tough campaign and while we worked to ensure that this was a fair and clean election. I remain committed to working hard to deliver results and to building a better future for the 86th district.” 

We congratulate Assemblyman Pichardo on this victory. Due to the very slim margin ( 2 votes we were told ) we are sure that his challenger will be appalling the Board of Elections certification in the courts.