50th Precinct Council Meeting

  It was a full house at the 50th Precinct Council meeting last night. In the photo above are (L - R) Dan Padernacht Chair of Community Board 8, Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson, Deputy Inspector Paul Rasa, and Councilman Andrew Cohen. 

  Bronx DA Johnson was the guest speaker and over 100 people came to the meeting. DA Johnson went through several topics and then took many questions from the attendees. The questions raised were - why are there repeat offenders almost after they are arrested? DA Johnson spoke of the system of bail that allows someone who is arrested to be back out on the street shortly after they see a judge who sets the bail. Auto Theft, and other crimes that people carelessly allow themselves to become a victim of. 

  Councilman Andrew Cohen applauded the officers of the 50 for the excellent job they do in the community. Commanding officer Deputy Inspector Rasa also went over the Compstat Report, or the crime statistics for the 50th precinct. While crime in general continues to decline there was a spike here or there due to the very low numbers previously. 

 Above - Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson listens to a question, as 50th Precinct Council President Paulette Schlomo adds a comment that makes Deputy Inspector Rasa, Community Affairs officer Ramos, and Councilman Cohen chuckle. 

HE DID IT

  It seems that after saying that the rumor about him endorsing Republican candidate Rob Astorino for governor was not true, Thursday morning at the New York Hispanic Clergy breakfast Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. did indeed endorse Republican Rob Astorino candidate for governor. 

  I was able to sit down with Senator Diaz Sr. to ask him why he was endorsing Republican Rob Astorino over the Democratic incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo. Senator Diaz said that he was a man of the cloth and that candidate rob Astorino is much more in line with his beliefs. Things are changing in New York against the church, and it is because of the agenda of Andrew Cuomo. Diaz Sr. mentioned a few pieces of legislation such as the Equal Marriage bill that was passed, and. finished by saying that sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in even if you may not win. You must get your message out.

  His son Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. who has a bright future in New York City politics did damage control as he has done in previous elections where he and his father have wound up supporting different candidates.

Croton Filter Project - October FMC Meeting is on October 28

  The next meeting of the Croton Filtration Monitoring Committee will be held on Tuesday October 28th at 7 PM.. The location is the DEP office located at 3660 Jerome Avenue across from the water filtration plant. 

  Once the agenda is made available it will be added to this posting.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce 3rd Annual Italian Heritage Month Leadership Luncheon

   Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro (far left), and Chairman Joe Kelleher (back center) stand with the nine honorees who are holding the BCC Eagles they received at the BCC Italian Heritage Luncheon. 

  It was a sold out event by the BCC, as BCC President Lenny Caro spoke of the many new businesses that have joined the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Membership in the BCC is up 30 % Caro said as 10 - 15 new members join each month. He added that the new mall at Bay Plaza has given residents of the Bronx new options in shopping and restaurants.  

  Also on hand were State Senators Jeff Klein and Ruth Hassel-Thompson, Assembly members Mark Gjonaj, Mike Benedetto and Jose Rivera, with Community Board 12 Chairman Father Richard Gorman giving the invocation. 

Honoree Roseann Pignatelli Carotento holds her BCC Eagle that was presented by State Senator Jeff Klein. Lenny Caro and Joe Kelleher are also in the photo.

98 year old founder of RAIN Beatrice Castigila-Catullo receives here BCC Eagle from Joe Kelleher.

John DeSio Communications Director to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. holds his BCC Eagle as he stands between Lenny Caro and Joe Kelleher of the BCC. 

State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson sits between two of the most powerful people in the Bronx, State Senate co-Leader Jeff Klein on her right, and Father Richard Gorman on her left.

  The Bronx Chamber of Commerce has many events coming up - 

Sunday Oct. 19th - Walk for the American Cancer Society at Orchard Beach.8 AM, and Fall Festival at Pelham & Split Rock Golf Course 2 - 7 PM.

Monday Oct. 20th - Marriott Job Fair at the Hutch Metro Center 4 PM.

Wednesday Oct. 22th - Healthcare Workshop for Business & MWBE Certification Wave Hill 630 - 8 PM.

Monday Oct. 27th - Grand opening of Applebee's at the Throggs Neck Mall 5:30 PM. 

Go to www.bronxchamber.org for more information and other upcoming BCC events. 

Bronx County Democrats, Elected Officials Endorse Tom DiNapoli for Re-Election

   In an outpouring of support today, Bronx elected officials vociferously endorsed NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for re-election. Led by Bronx County Democratic Party Chair Carl Heastie and Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., officials cited Tom’s diligent work over the past eight years in cleaning up an office marred by scandal and reaffirming the integrity needed in the NYS Comptroller’s office. Surrounded by representatives from all corners of the Bronx and from all levels of government, Comptroller DiNapoli accepted their endorsement to a rousing applause.

A Quinnipiac University poll released today puts Comptroller DiNapoli nearly thirty points ahead of his opponent as the comptroller’s race enters its final month before Election Day. This results from a strong record of putting New Yorkers first when it comes to holding corrupt officials accountable, uncovering waste and misuse of taxpayer dollars and his deft stewardship over New York State’s pension fund.

“It is with great humility and pride that I accept the endorsement of my great friends from the Bronx today,” said NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. “The diverse communities across this borough have always been an important part of the social fabric that makes up our great state. Their support will be invaluable as our campaign moves into the final month and I could not be more thankful. From Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to County Chair Carl Heastie to my many friends at all levels of government, the Bronx leadership will be a pivotal part of our effort to spread our message of accountability and integrity to New Yorkers across the state.”

Bronx officials repeatedly cited this work, as well as Comptroller DiNapoli’s support for budding economic development in the Bronx as reasons for their offering their support:

"From our time together in the New York State Assembly right through today, Tom DiNapoli and I have always been great partners. Together, we are working to create new jobs in The Bronx and develop and agenda for the future growth of our borough. I am proud to call Tom DiNapoli our comptroller, and I am even prouder to call him friend. I urge everyone to join me on November 4th to reelect Tom DiNapoli as our comptroller," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“New York Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has been a true champion to the people of New York.  He has taken a stand when others have cowered fighting corruption, ending waste in government, stewarding our pension system to record highs and providing insightful oversight to our state agencies,” said Bronx Chairman Carl Heastie. “We in the Bronx are proud of the work he has done, and we enthusiastically support Tom in his re-election. We need him to continue the outstanding work he is doing for the people of the Bronx and New York State.”

“Comptroller DiNapoli is a reformer who has gotten concrete results for the taxpayers of New York State,” said Assembly Member Jeffery Dinowitz. “His leadership in fighting waste and corruption have saved New Yorkers millions and millions of dollars. And there has been no better steward of our pension fund than Tom DiNapoli. I wholeheartedly support him for reelection and urge my fellow New Yorkers to come out in big numbers to support him.”

"During my tenure as a member of the New York State Assembly, Tom DiNapoli has been responsive to the needs of my community and to the state of New York.  His work on increasing diversity in the comptroller's office and with Minority and Women owned Business Enterprises has been especially meaningful here in the Bronx.  It is with great pride that I endorse Tom DiNapoli for reelection as Comptroller and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the years to come," said Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

Editor's Note: It looks like the Bronx Democratic County organization is fully united behind State Comptroller Di Napoli, unlike previous elections. 

Wave Hill Events Oct 24–Oct 31

SAT, OCTOBER 25    EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK

Join naturalist Paul Keim on a special, early-morning bird walk to spot birds in the gardens and woodlands, we well as in the skies. You’ll be amazed by the diversity of birds that are active on the grounds before the gates open to the public. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information.

MEET AT THE FRONT GATE, 8AM

SAT, OCTOBER 25   FAMILY ART PROJECT: HAWKS TAKE FLIGHT

Look for migrating hawks soaring, circling and gliding above the Hudson River. Stretch your arms and sail across the grassy lawns. Then fashion a sailing hawk glider or feathery windsock for the autumn breezes. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 25    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 25    FALCONRY PRESENTATION: SKYHUNTERS IN FLIGHT

Watch hawks, falcons and owls sharpen their hunting skills during an exciting outdoor flight demonstration with master falconer Brian Bradley of New Paltz, New York. Hear about the ancient sport of falconry and see live raptors from around the world. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. 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.  Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 1PM

SAT, OCTOBER 25    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

SUN, OCTOBER 26   FAMILY ART PROJECT: HAWKS TAKE FLIGHT

Look for migrating hawks soaring, circling and gliding above the Hudson River. Stretch your arms and sail across the grassy lawns. Then fashion a sailing hawk glider or feathery windsock for the autumn breezes. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, OCTOBER 26    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 26    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 26    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

SUN, OCTOBER 26    CONCERT: HORSZOWSKI TRIO

The Horszowski Trio (violin, cello, piano) plays with an exhilarating, expressive freedom. The ensemble, described by The New Yorker as “destined for great things,” has toured the U.S. and made debuts in Japan, China and India. Its Wave Hill program includes the Beethoven Piano Trio, Op. 70, No. 1 in D, known as “The Ghost Trio.” Single tickets: $28 general admission, $15 child (ages 8 to 18). $22 Wave Hill Member, $12 Wave Hill Member child.  Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

MON, OCTOBER 27

Closed to the public

TUE, OCTOBER 28    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 28    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. 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.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month!

Join us for our Hispanic Heritage Celebration! Unasea nosotros para nuestra Celebracion de la Herencia Hispana!

We invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage with the community, featuring music, food and more!   Date:  Saturday October 11,2014  Location: Pelham Pkwy South at Wallace Ave Time:12pm-6pm

Te invitamos a celebrar  la Herencia Hispana con nosotros y la comunidad, ofrecer musica, comida y mas! Fecha: Sabado Octubre 11 de el 2014  Ubicacion: Pelham Phky Sur en Wallace Ave. Tiempo:12pm-6pm

The Journey of Two Peoples, a Celebration of Jewish and Hispanic Cultures

 From left: Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Congressman Eliot Engel, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Consul General of Israel in New York Ambassador Ido Aharoni and Council Member Andrew Cohen

  It was a celebration of the Jewish Holiday Sukkot, and Hispanic Heritage Month at the  Salanter Akiba Riverdale (SAR) Academy last night. 

 The event—sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel in New York, the Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and JCRC-NY—highlighted the Jewish and Hispanic peoples' experiences with migration, and underscored how each community's exodus has uniquely shaped them today.

  Consul General of Israel in New York, Ambassador Ido Aharoni remarked, "In celebrating the holiday of Sukkot this year, we not only reflect upon the story of the migration of the Jewish people and the temporary dwellings they lived in, but we also remember the difficult personal exodus so many Latinos faced when immigrating to the United States." 

 "Just as the Jewish people in Israel carried with them their heritage and culture, so too have the Latinos who have come to this country," Aharoni added. "Both of our communities have understood that preserving a rich heritage while building a new home is paramount to ensure a meaningful future."

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  "This was an amazing event, one that brought together the Latino and Jewish communities of not just The Bronx but the entire City, both of which have played important roles in reshaping their communities. This evening not only helped ring in the Jewish Holiday of Sukkot and celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, it also offered our Latino and Jewish communities a chance to bond through stories, music and even Kosher Mexican food. Both groups left realizing that they share a lot more in common than a date on the calendar, and it is my sincere hope we can replicate this event in the future."

  “There are many parallels between our Jewish and Hispanic cultures that we must celebrate and embrace, and in a city like New York, it’s imperative that both communities support one another, said Congressman Eliot Engel “As the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the AJC Latino Jewish Caucus, I am committed to further strengthening the ties between our two communities. Together, we can advance our common goals and our shared vision for the future.”

   Rabbi Michael S. Miller, Executive Vice President and CEO, Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, “Sukkot is a joyous festival made all the more jubilant by the coming together of family and friends in the sukkah, a temporary dwelling with a thatch roof commemorating the 40 year journey of the Children of Israel during Biblical times from slavery in Egypt to nationhood in Israel, the Promised Land. The sukkah is also viewed in Jewish tradition as a singular symbol of peace, Sukkat Shalom. As Jews celebrate their spiritual heritage, we are doubly blessed to peacefully gather together in the sukkah this evening with sisters and brothers from the Hispanic community, who have experienced their own journeys, as they celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. May the festival of Sukkot continue to serve as a binding force bringing Jews, Hispanics and New Yorkers of all faiths and ethnicities closer together.”

Rabbi Michael S.Miller welcomes every one to the Jewish festival of Sukkot, and Hispanic Heritage Month at SAR. 

 The front row included (L -R) Ambassador Ido Aharoni Consul General of Israel, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Councilman Andrew Cohen, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Jeff Klein,  Congressman Eliot Engel, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.