Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Wave Hill Events Nov 21–Nov 28


  Harvest-time has taken on new meaning at Wave Hill this year as we begin to celebrate the institution’s fiftieth anniversary. The kick-off comes on Harvest Weekend, Nov. 22-23, with a bunch of events that will inspire and entertain and edify. What a lovely way to lead up to Thanksgiving!

Please note we are open the day after Thanksgiving, when you can indulge in a free session of Meditation, designed to ease any Black Friday-related stress.


SAT, NOVEMBER 22    FAMILY ART PROJECT: CORNHUSK DOLLS
Celebrate corn and harvest time! Listen to tales told by Native American Joe Cross, and hear about the power of a talking stick. Then tie, weave and shape our dried husks into a cornhusk doll or corny doll family. Storytelling at noon. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM


SAT, NOVEMBER 22    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 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, 10‒11AM

SAT, NOVEMBER 22    ARTISANS IN THE SHOP: COPPER BEECH BOWLS
Welcome a piece of Wave Hill history into your home! Over Harvest Weekend at Wave Hill, take advantage of a limited release of hand-made, wooden bowls salvaged from one of Wave Hill’s iconic copper beeches. The ancient, much-loved tree—one of the last copper beeches on the property—had to be removed from the grounds last year, but has found a new vitality in these spectacular pieces.

Superbly crafted by two experienced wood-turners, Chris Busak and James Tyrrell, these one-of-a-kind bowls perfectly symbolize Wave Hill’s deep sense of caring—for our renowned gardens, and for the community that infuses the institution with life. Meet both artisans on Harvest Weekend for a chance to learn more about their work and about these unique pieces. A limited number of bowls is available for purchase.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM–4PM

SAT, NOVEMBER 22    PERFECT PUMPKIN PIE WORKSHOP
Do you have pie anxiety? A chef from Great Performances alleviates all of your pie-making fears in this hands-on workshop. Mix and roll pastry from scratch and make a delicious pumpkin filling laced with seasonal spices. We’ll bake your pie in the kitchen of The CafĂ© at Wave Hill and you’ll take it home the same day. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center, by Wednesday, November 19 at noon. For more information, please call718.549.3200 x251
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM


SAT, NOVEMBER 22    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, NOVEMBER 23    FAMILY ART PROJECT: CORNHUSK DOLLS
Celebrate corn and harvest time! Listen to tales told by Native American Joe Cross, and hear about the power of a talking stick. Then tie, weave and shape our dried husks into a cornhusk doll or corny doll family. Storytelling at noon. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM


SUN, NOVEMBER 23    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 23    ARTISANS IN THE SHOP: COPPER BEECH BOWLS
Welcome a piece of Wave Hill history into your home! Over Harvest Weekend at Wave Hill, take advantage of a limited release of hand-made, wooden bowls salvaged from one of Wave Hill’s iconic copper beeches. The ancient, much-loved tree—one of the last copper beeches on the property—had to be removed from the grounds last year, but has found a new vitality in these spectacular pieces.

Superbly crafted by two experienced wood-turners, Chris Busak and James Tyrrell, these one-of-a-kind bowls perfectly symbolize Wave Hill’s deep sense of caring—for our renowned gardens, and for the community that infuses the institution with life. Meet both artisans on Harvest Weekend for a chance to learn more about their work and about these unique pieces. A limited number of bowls is available for purchase.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM–4PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 23    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 23    CONCERT: CANAL STREET STRING BAND
The Canal Street String Band puts a brand-new shine on some seriously fun, traditional American music with captivating vocals, 55 strings and a pair of cow bones. As The Buffalo News put it, “This is timeless music. From three-part vocal harmonies to masterful playing on pretty much every stringed instrument…these guys sound like they’re having a great time.” This concert is part of Wave Hill’s Fall Harvest Weekend and honors illustrious former resident Theodore Roosevelt.  Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. $28 general admission, $15 child (ages 8 to 18). $22 Wave Hill Member, $12 Wave Hill Member child.  Registration required, online or at the Perkins Visitor Center.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, NOVEMBER 23    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 24
Closed to the public

TUE, NOVEMBER 25    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM


TUE, NOVEMBER 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


THU, NOVEMBER 27    THANKSGIVING
Closed to the public.


FRI, NOVEMBER 28    BLACK FRIDAY MEDITATION
This Black Friday, avoid the malls in favor of a serene outlook on the holiday season! Mindfulness meditation helps relieve stress, increase focus and even make you happier! Led by a member of the Yoga for Blissteam, this class is offered free of charge, and admission to the grounds is free until noon—but registration recommended, online only.  Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. All levels welcome.

WAVE HILL HOUSE,11AM–NOON


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 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 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 at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

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

Cuomo Wins, Senate Dems Loose at the Federal and State Levels.



Above Andrew Cuomo was victorious as the polls predicted, but it was a tighter race than thought with other fallout state wide and nation wide.

  Nation wide in his next two years of being a lame duck President, Barack Obama should have trouble as both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are now in Republican control. What that means for the people will be played out over the next two years. 

   State wide it was the fall of the hopes for Democratic control of the State Senate as Republicans won 32 of the 63 seats for a clear majority. Then there is also Brooklyn Democrat Simca Felder who has caucused with the Republican Conference the past two years. There is no reason now to believe that is going to change. There is also indicted Brooklyn State Senator John Sampson who won his seat back, for now that is. Things look bad for the Senate Democratic Conference as members will look to point fingers and blame others. 

   Things now could look even worse for the five current members of the Independent Democratic Conference led by soon to be former State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein. Senator Klein came to his victory party at his campaign headquarters on Williamsbridge last night to thank everyone who helped him, but he quickly left after answering some questions by myself and another reporter. To me Senator Klein was not his usual self as I have seen him in the past. He reminded me of the night I was with State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. It was the night Pedro Espada Jr. lost to now State Senator Gustavo Rivera. Diaz Sr. knew five minutes after the polls closed what the outcome would be, and told me "It looks like I am going to loose one of my Amigo friends" referring to Pedro Espada, and the 'Four Amigos' that he was a part of.. Diaz Sr. won, but wound up a loser when the Republicans won back the State Senate after the two short years of Democratic control.



 It was a joyous event for the three victors. State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Bronx Supreme Court Judge John A. Barone.
  Senator Klein in a happy and joyous mood, as he thanks his supporters at his campaign Headquarters.

A more subdue Senator Klein as he answers questions from a reporter outside the campaign office as he is about to leave. When Senator Klein told me that the Republicans were going to win three Democratic seats it reminded me of the night I was with Senator Diaz Sr. when the 'Four Amigos' were finished. Senator Klein however said that the IDC is here to stay, and may be adding to its ranks another member.



Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Mickey Mouse for Governor


  With the Mickey Mouse way this election for New York State Governor has gone on, I decided to make a statement, and keep my word that I printed in last week's 100PERCENT column in the Bronx News. When I went into vote today, and I asked the poll coordinators exactly how I should write my choice of Mickey Mouse in. I say this because there was confusion with the way the ballot was set up with a huge area in which to write in a name. I asked should I write the name in at the top. middle or bottom of this huge space to write in a name. I say this because in looking at past election results for the ballot scanning machines in New York more than half of the write in votes were not counted and marked as an 'UNATTRIBUTABLE WRITE IN'. I wanted my vote for Mickey Mouse for governor to count.

  It was amazing to me that no one in my poll site knew exactly where to place a write in name, but I will say that I was told to make sure that I filled in the circle next to the words 'write in'. I left one other way that I would know if my write in ballot will count by writing in another name elsewhere on the ballot. I now will wait to see who tells me of my second choice and for what ballot line it was for. As for the 3 ballot proposals on the back in case you did not see then as many people did not, I voted NO on all 3, If it came out of the current Albany legislation, I wanted no part of it.

  I await any comments, but they will be moderated so keep them clean and not offensive.  


 


Monday, November 3, 2014

BP DIAZ KICKS OFF 4th ANNUAL 'SAVOR THE BRONX' RESTAURANT WEEK







Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and a variety of local epicureans sample the flavors of The Bronx Beer Hall as part of the kickoff of the 4th annual “Savor the Bronx” restaurant week. The Bronx Beer Hall, which is located in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, is one of restaurants participating this year. For more information, visit www.savorthebronx.com

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. officially kicked off the 4th Annual “Savor the Bronx” Restaurant Week today at The Bronx Beer Hall in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market.

“Savor the Bronx” Restaurant Week, produced by the Bronx Tourism Council and co-hosted by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC), showcases the borough’s best eateries by offering special values and discounts. 

“We have so many great flavors in our borough, and I hope everyone—visitors and locals alike—will take advantage of this promotion and try something new. Our borough has an amazing food culture, and ‘Savor the Bronx’ is a great way to explore our epicurean delights,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"Savor The Bronx Restaurant Week is our way of featuring some the borough's best eateries. We invite visitors to sample a few and enjoy the diverse flavors we have here,” said Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of The Bronx Tourism Council. 

This 12-day event, which runs from November 3rd to November 14th, is the perfect opportunity to explore your taste buds and the Bronx.  From Italian cuisine in Little Italy to seafood on City Island, from sushi in Mott Haven to burgers in Kingsbridge and everywhere in between, “Savor the Bronx” offers everyone a chance to enjoy the diverse flavors our borough has to offer. 

The Bronx Beer Hall highlighted its new menu while also providing samples from two borough breweries: Gun Hill Brewery’s Void of Light Stout, which recently won a gold medal at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival; and Jonas Bronck’s Beer Company’s New York Chocolate Egg Cream Stout, which includes the iconic Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup among its ingredients.

In addition, Chef King Phojanakong of Small Axe Peppers was on hand to provide samples of The Bronx Hot Sauce, a new product that is made using peppers grown in community gardens across the borough.

For more information, visit www.savorthebronx.com.

L=Lunch Pre Fixe Menu $16.41       D=Dinner Pre Fixe Menu $20.14
%= 15% off check over $20*                      O=Other offer
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ITALIANMEXICAN
LATIN AMERICANASIAN
AMERICANHEALTHY ALTERNATIVE
FRENCHCOUPONS

ITALIAN

Antonio’s Trattoria2370 Belmont Avenue antoniostrattoria.com  
718-733-6630                         
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Arties Steaks and Seafood 394 City Island Avenue artiesofcityisland.com
718-885-9885                         
L/D

Giovanni Restaurant579 Grand Concoursegiovanninyc.com
718-402-6996                         
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Giovanni’s Restaurant2343 Arthur Avenue giovannisrestaurant.net
718-933-4141                         
L/D

Ice House Café
and Restaurant
140 Reynolds Avenue icehousecafebronx.com
718-863-5580                       
L/D

John’s Pizzeria
2326 Arthur Avenue
718-220-0000                        
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Lucca Restaurant3019 Westchester Avenue lucca-restaurant.com
718-892-8282                       
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Spoto's4005 East Tremont Avenuespotosnyc.com        
718-828-5613 
D

Tosca CafĂ©       
4034 East Tremont Avenue 
toscanyc.com
718-239-3300                      
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 Babalu3233 East Tremont Avenue babalubx.com718-824-8400                          L/D
Don Coqui565 City Island Avenue doncoqui.tv718-885-2222                          D/O
 Havana CafĂ©3151 East Tremont Avenue bronxhavanacafe.com718-518-1800                                L
Siete Ocho Siete3363 East Tremont Avenue sieteochosiete.com718-430-6600                             %

Charlies Bar & Kitchen 112 Lincoln Avenuecharliesbarkitchen.com718-684-2338                               %
Hard Rock CafĂ© - Yankee Stadium1 East 161st St, Gate 6hardrock.com/yankeestadium646-977-8888                                 %
 Jake's Steakhouse6031 Broadwayjakessteakhouse.com718-581-0182                                %
 P & K’s Grille170 West 231st Streetpkgrille.com347-602-7880                                  O
The Bronx Beer Hall 2344 Arthur Avenuethebronxbeerhall.com347-396-0555                                     %

Bistro SK273 City Island Avenuebistrosk.com718-885-1670                                            D

 Cabo3764 East Tremont Avenuecabobx.com718-863-0091                                               L
 RJC Family CafĂ©2338 Jerome Avenue718-220-4888                                            L/D
 Santa Fe Grill & Bar6025 Broadwaysantafegrillrestaurant.com718-796-5095                                           %
 Xochimilco Family Restaurant653 Melrose Avenuexochi-restaurant.com718-402-5400                                          %

 Ceetay129 Alexander Avenue ceetay.com718-618-7020                                  D

 Muscle Maker Grill4041 East Tremont Avenue musclemakergrill.com718-822-6992                                          %


Police Chief Gerald Nelson, an African-American, and Inspector Manuel De la Rosa, a Puerto Rican: They have both endured the same injustice


What You Should Know
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District



You should know that both New York City Police Chief Gerald Nelson and New York City Police Inspector Manual De la Rosa have been confronted with difficult times and apparent discrimination toward them, within the NYPD.

You should know that I met Chief Gerald Nelson – who calls me “Dad” – back in mid-2000 when he visited me in my office.  At that time, he was just a Police Inspector. Inspector Nelson provided me with a copy of his Curriculum Vitae and made me aware of the fact that he had been an Inspector for 6 years.  I was afraid that his future in the NYPD had come to a halt because it is very rare that anyone remains an Inspector for 6 years without getting promoted to Deputy Chief. It appeared to me that he was being punished by remaining a Police Inspector for 6 years.

You should know that I immediately called the Office of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and I spoke with the First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. I followed that telephone conversation with a letter in which I explained Police Inspector Gerald Nelson’s situation, and I included a copy of his resume.  In both my telephone call and in my written correspondence, I notified the Office of the Mayor of the apparent discrimination that Inspector Gerald Nelson was confronting.  I asked them to please take a look at his resume and pay attention to Inspector Nelson’s trajectory, capacity, experience and education.

I was not asking for any special favor. I was just asking them to review the facts. I was asking for justice because there was no reason why – with all of Inspector Gerald Nelson’s preparation and all of Gerald Nelson’s qualifications – that after 6 years, he was still an Inspector, blocked from his opportunity to become a Deputy Chief while others under his command had already been promoted.

It is important for you to know that a few weeks after my telephone conversation and letter – and to be even more exact – in September, 2000, Police Inspector Gerald Nelson was promoted to Deputy Chief. Since that time, no one has ever again ignored Gerald Nelson’s ability and competence, to the point that now Gerald Nelson holds one of the highest positions in the New York City Police Department. His name has been included among those to be considered for NYPD First Deputy Commissioner.

You should know, my dear reader, that the same thing that happened to Gerald Nelson, an African-American, is happening to Inspector Manuel De la Rosa, a Puerto Rican.

Manuel De la Rosa was promoted to Police Inspector in January, 2004. For the past 10 years – almost 11 – Inspector De la Rosa has been ignored, and I am afraid to say that to me, this looks like discrimination. Many others who have served under the supervision of Police Inspector De la Rosa have been promoted.  Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains who  have served under Inspector De la Rosa have already been promoted to Chief, while Manuel De la Rosa remains an Inspector, the same rank he had almost 11 years ago.

What a shame!

You should know that Police Inspector De la Rosa is a humble, professional and well-educated person. His vast experience and preparation was brought to the attention of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Administration.  They never showed interest, and instead, ignored and refused to take a look at De la Rosa’s situation.

Today, as in 2000, when I wrote about Gerald Nelson, I write with respect for Manuel De la Rosa. Today, like in 2000, I am not asking for any personal or political favor. I am not asking for special treatment. I am simply asking for justice.

You should know, my dear reader, that even though I did not support Bill de Blasio when he ran for Mayor of the City of New York, and I did not vote for him, I still believe as the Mayor of all the people in New York, he should take a look at Manuel De la Rosa's situation. I do not expect any special favors.  I am simply asking for justice.

Ladies and gentlemen, today, I write with the purpose of having someone in authority review Police Inspector De la Rosa’s situation, his trajectory, behavior, education, experience. I write to ask for justice for this man who, for more than 10 years, has seen his friends being promoted while he remains ignored with no one offering any reason or explanation about why this injustice has been allowed.

This is Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz kicks off annual holiday canned food drive


  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has kicked off his annual canned food and turkey drive with students from local schools and participating residential buildings.

The Assemblyman’s office will be accepting donations until December 15th with a pick-up for Thanksgiving scheduled for November 17th. Food will be donated to the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and the food pantry at Saint Francis of Rome Church in Wakefield for families in need during the Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas holiday seasons.  The following canned and non-perishable food items are accepted: canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, dried beans, pasta, rice, tuna, coffee, teas, canned juices, powdered milk, jell-o, and soups.  No glass jars are acceptable except for baby food.

Some of the schools are also collecting one-dollar donations for the purchase of turkeys for needy families on Thanksgiving.

“Our annual food drive is always such a wonderful event, and I know this year’s will be our best yet,”said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “I am always impressed by the selfless actions of our community, who year after year donate food for those in need. I look forward to another great year of giving, and thank in advance everyone who participates through their donations.”  

Residents may donate their canned goods to Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office located at 3107 Kingsbridge Avenue; one block west of Broadway, just off of West 231st Street.  For more information, call (718) 796-5345.