New York Observer - Mayor de Blasio Only Measures his Buccess by How Many People are on Welfare

  In addition to the headline The Observer also writes that Astorino would like to see a Walmart open up in New York City in an interview with the papers editorial board. Astorino adds that Walmart is a good thing for poor neighborhoods so people have lower prices and job opportunities. 

  Astorino then is quoted as saying that Success should not be measured by how many people are on welfare, which Astorino thinks that is how Mayor Bill de Blasio sees success as. Astorino added in the interview that the goal should be to get people off welfare. 

  I don't see the New York Observer endorsing Rob Astorino for Governor, and you can find the entire article at the link in the first line of this post.

  

Walmart Targeted in Day of Protests at City Hall and Outside Home of Walmart Heiress

  26 people were arrested outside the upper East Side home of Walmart Heiress Alice Walmart The Daily News Article reports, in that two separate rallies were held against the Walmart chain. One anti Walmart rally was held at City Hall where Public Advocate Letitia James and City Comptroller Scott Stringer attended, and the other outside the upper East Side home of Walmart heiress Alice Walmart.

  At City Hall James and Stringer slammed the Walmart chain charging that the chains influence has driven down wages and other benefits at their competition to compete with Walmart. Full time hours, consistent schedules, and a living wage of $15 an hour,” were demanded by Public Advocate James of Walmart. Comptroller Stringer mentioned that small businesses are disappearing, Walmart will be hold to a higher standard, and that Walmart is not going to be let in to the city because of what they are doing. 

  Walmart has no stores in New York City after a failed attempt two years ago at opening a store in East New York. 

Raymond W. Kelly '63 Student Commons Dedication

  As you can see in the photo above today was a great day for Manhattan College as the dedication for the new Raymond W. Kelly Student Commons. On hand were Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, hundreds of Manhattan College alumni and supporters, and of course former NYPD Police Commissioner and 1963 graduate of Manhattan College Raymond W. Kelly and his wife of 50 years Veronica. 

  The photos below will show you more of the dedication of the 5 story 70,000 square foot student commons building. The building has a state of the art fitness center, Barnes and Noble College bookstore, numerous dining options with a full service Starbucks Coffee shop, a convertible 6,500 plus square foot multi purpose meeting space to accommodate gatherings of various sizes, and is Manhattan College's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) registered building on campus. 

  If you click on the photo you can see that Governor Cuomo is smiling for me, with Senator Jeff Klein in the row behind the governor, Former NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, and Veronica Kelly with her hand up. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo who came to the dedication, says a few words about his friend Ray Kelly and how Ray Kelly transformed the NYPD into the worlds largest and best counter-terrorism force in the world. 

State Senator Jeff Klein whose district Manhattan College is in, also had nothing but praise for Ray Kelly and Manhattan College.

The crowd cheers as Ray Kelly finishes his humble address, thanking those who made today possible. 

Finally, the official ribbon cutting to open the new Raymond W. Kelly Student Commons at Manhattan College.

Governor Cuomo gets a final word in with the Kelly's before he leaves. 

  While he did not speak at the dedication Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz sent the following statement. "Congratulations to former New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and to Manhattan College, on the dedication of the school's new Raymond W. Kelly '63 Student Commons building. Commissioner Kelly has been a dedicated public servant his entire life, not only for this great city, but for our country as well. Manhattan College could not have chosen a more fitting name to bestow on its new Student Commons building. Here I am pictured with my Senate colleague Jeffrey D. Klein, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and of course, Raymond W. Kelly."

Wave Hill Events Oct 31–Nov 07

SAT, NOVEMBER 1    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 indoors. 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, NOVEMBER 1    ART AND NATURE PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Artists have the opportunity to meet with a curator, gallerist or critic for a 20-minute session providing feedback on their work or presentation materials. Guest reviewers to be announced. Review fee: $25 per artist to meet with one reviewer. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org. Call 718.549.3200 x398 with questions.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10:30AM–4:30PM

SAT, NOVEMBER 1   FAMILY ART PROJECT: PLANT JEWELRY

Collect intriguing items from the grounds of Wave Hill. Then visiting artist Jessica Lagunas shows us how to turn our found natural wonders into exciting plant jewelry. Save some to glue to a found box, along with fabric or embossed foil, and make a treasure chest to house your prized possession of the season. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 2   FAMILY ART PROJECT: PLANT JEWELRY

Collect intriguing items from the grounds of Wave Hill. Then visiting artist Jessica Lagunas shows us how to turn our found natural wonders into exciting plant jewelry. Save some to glue to a found box, along with fabric or embossed foil, and make a treasure chest to house your prized possession of the season. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 2    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. 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, NOVEMBER 2    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, NOVEMBER 2    HARVEST BRUNCH

Presented by Wave Hill's long-time partner and exclusive caterer Great Performances, New York City’s premier catering and events company, this very special brunch in historic Wave Hill House’s Armor Hall will feature a beautiful spread of unique twists on classic brunch presentations and is perfect for honoring the harvest season. Seatings will be offered at 11:30, Noon and 12:30PM.  Wave Hill’s Harvest Brunch is $45 per person excluding tax and gratuity, $40 for Wave Hill Members, $25 for children ages three to 11. Unlimited mimosas will be provided. Reservations may be made by emailing wavehillreservations@greatperformances.com by October 30. Guests will be provided with a secured credit card payment link when reservations are requested.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11:30AM, NOON & 12:15PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 2    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, NOVEMBER 3

Closed to the public

TUE, NOVEMBER 4    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, NOVEMBER 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, 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

WED, NOVEMBER 5    FALL FOLIAGE WALK

Enjoy colorful foliage at its seasonal peak. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day shares some of his favorite trees and shrubs in their vibrant fall finery. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 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 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 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 atwww.wavehill.org/visit/.

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

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 20th ANNUAL ‘TOUR DE BRONX!’ Sunday October 26th

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and Transportation Alternatives today announced the 20^th Annual “Tour de Bronx,” the largest free bicycling event in New York State which will take place on  Sunday October 26th

Sponsored by the Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and the Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, the “Tour de Bronx” traditionally brings together nearly 6,000 bicyclists from around the world. This year’s launch event was held at the Bronx YMCA, one of the stops on the Tour de Bronx.

During the event, Borough President Diaz encouraged potential riders to register to participate atwww.ilovethebronx.com.

"Riding in the Tour de Bronx is a healthy way to explore our borough, especially with 6,000 fellow travelers. Once again, I am proud to welcome cyclists from all over the region to this fantastic event, which gives them an opportunity to explore our amazing parks and neighborhoods and discover all the things that make our borough a great place to live, work and raise a family," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 "We are proud to sponsor this borough-wide biking event that celebrates Bronx historic districts and diverse neighborhoods, while promoting health and wellness in our community,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and CEO, Montefiore. “For the past six years, Montefiore has supported the Tour de Bronx in its efforts to bring community members together to help increase awareness about the importance of exercise and healthy living."

It couldn’t be easier to participate in the “Tour de Bronx,” as numerous City agencies and corporate sponsors are rolling out the red carpet for cycling enthusiasts. Metro North Railroad will waive their bicycle permit requirements and quantity limits for the day, allowing for groups of riders to participate. The Department of Transportation will fit and distribute free bicycle helmets beginning at 8 a.m. while supplies last. The rider must be present and sign a waiver. For children under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and will also need to sign a waiver. Coca Cola will distribute Dasani water, Powerade sports drinks and Fuze. Pizza will be provided after the ride courtesy of Domino’s.

The event offers both a 25- and 40-mile course, each of which winds through dozens of beautiful Bronx neighborhoods, historic districts, parks, waterfront, Greenway paths and more. Both routes culminate at The New York Botanical Garden for an end-of-ride slice of pizza, light refreshments and a live music festival.

NYPD's 2014 Community Career Day on Saturday, October 18

NYPD's 2014 Community Career Day Saturday, October 18th 12:00pm to 4:00pm Poe Park Grand Concourse and E. 192nd St. Bronx, NY 10462

NYPD's 2014 Community Career Day Saturday, October 18th 12:00pm to 4:00pm Poe Park Grand Concourse and E. 192nd St. Bronx, NY 10462

Council Member Cohen Announces Scheduling of Participatory Budgeting Neighborhood Assemblies

  Council Member Andrew Cohen has announced the scheduling of several Participatory Budgeting Neighborhood Assemblies throughout the 11^th Council district during the month of October. 

Participatory Budgeting is a new, grassroots process that allows community residents to have a direct voice in how their tax dollars are spent.  Twenty-Three Council Members have now bought this groundbreaking initiative to their districts allowing the public to be more involved in the budget process.  The public will have the power to suggest ideas and ultimately vote on how City dollars are spent in their own communities.  

The Neighborhood Assemblies are open forums where members of the public can suggest ideas for projects they would like to see implemented in the community through the Council Member’s capital funding.  For projects to be considered eligible for funding, they are required to be large construction or renovation type projects on City property (parks, streets, public schools, etc.) that cost a minimum of $35,000 and have a lifespan of at least five years.  Anyone can participate in the Neighborhood Assemblies and suggest ideas they believe will be a benefit to the community.

“I am very excited to hear the great ideas that my neighbors will have in how we can improve our community.  Participatory Budgeting is the true definition of bringing government to the people and through this process we will engage residents, increase civic participation and give the public more confidence in government.  I encourage everyone to attend a Neighborhood Assembly and suggest an idea,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The following Neighborhood Assemblies are scheduled throughout the district (with a few more that remain to be scheduled).  If someone is unable to attend an Assembly they can submit an idea online at pbnyc.org/11.

Monday October 20^th- Schervier Nursing Home, 2975 Independence Avenue at 7:00pm

Wednesday October 22^nd- Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Avenue at 7:30pm

Thursday October 23^rd- Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 Dekalb Avenue at7:00pm

Monday October 27^th- Riverdale Y-M/WHA, 5625 Arlington Avenue at 7:00pm

Wednesday October 29^th- Lehman College Lovinger Theatre, 250 Bedford Park Blvd at7:00pm

Thursday October 30^th- Vladeck Hall, 74 Van Cortlandt Park South at 7:00pm

If anyone has questions about the upcoming Neighborhood assemblies or about Participatory Budgeting in general, they are encouraged to call Council Member Cohen’s office at 718-549-7300.

Friends of Mark Gjonaj Fundraiser