Former Governor Mario Cuomo Passes Away at Age 82 Today

  Holding his son Andrew's arm in victory was probably Mario Cuomo's last great achievement in his life, as every father always wishes that his son can take over the business from him. In this case after being governor of New York from January 1983 to December 1994 (12 years), Mario Cuomo's son Andrew Cuomo became governor of New York on January 1, 2011. Andrew Cuomo began his second term as governor of New York today, and Mario Cuomo was pronounced dead only hours after his son Andrew gave his inaugural speech at the age of 82.  

  Mario Cuomo had been hospitalized right after Thanksgiving. His son Andrew changed his second inauguration plans from Albany to the World Trade Center to be closer to his father. Andrew even mentioned in his speech that he had hoped that his father Mario could have been at the inauguration, but was home and not well enough to come. Andrew even said that the family had visited with his father Mario last night to ring in the new year.  

   Mario Cuomo has passed away  at the age of 82.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet Thursday Feb, 26th

Wave Hill Events Jan 16–Jan 23

SAT, JANUARY 17    FAMILY ART PROJECT: FREEDOM QUILTS

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, we explore symbols of peace related to nature. Discover some of the techniques used in African American quilts, and then make your own tapestry design, using cloth, yarn and felt to embellish your own personal dream of freedom. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 17    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 hour-long 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 in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SAT, JANUARY 17    BEHIND-THE-SCENES GREENHOUSE TOUR

Venture through closed doors for a behind-the-scenes tour of Wave Hill’s horticulture facilities. Peek inside the potting shed, preview the South African bulbs getting ready for their dazzling Palm House debut and chat with a Wave Hill gardener to learn first-hand about their plans for the 2015 gardening season.  Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SUN, JANUARY 18    FAMILY ART PROJECT: FREEDOM QUILTS

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, we explore symbols of peace related to nature. Discover some of the techniques used in African American quilts, and then make your own tapestry design, using cloth, yarn and felt to embellish your own personal dream of freedom. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JANUARY 18    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath and mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss Director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors, and last for an hour and a quarter. 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 in winter. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SUN, JANUARY 18    MEDITATION

Let nature inspire you to find your center and reconnect with your true self using guided mindfulness and other meditation practices. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques, followed by guided meditations. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. Sessions are held indoors. All levels welcome. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration offered online only and includes a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM

SUN, JANUARY 18    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: INK AND COLOR—A GONGBI-INSPIRED WORKSHOP

Gongbi, a traditional style of Chinese painting, relies on highly detailed brushstrokes to produce a realistic image. Learn how Winter Workspace artist Fay Ku uses this style in her artwork and then explore introductory Gongbi techniques in the studio. Participants will be instructed in simple drawing exercises, ink handling and color methods. All workshops with Winter Workspace artists begin in their Glyndor Gallery studios with an introduction to their creative process. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session. 

GLYNDOR GALLERY AND ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4PM

SUN, JANUARY 18    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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, JANUARY 19

Closed to the public

WED, JANUARY 21    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #1—MARCO POLO STUFANO: LOOKING BACK

This ongoing series is hosted by Wave Hill’s Friends of Horticulture Committee and is devoted to landscape design and the meaning of our interactions with plants and the natural world. When founding Director of Horticulture Marco Polo Stufano arrived at Wave Hill in 1967, not long after the property was donated to the City of New York, he found the property in a “sorry state”—with old greenhouses in ruins and paths eroded—and sorely in need of rethinking. The spectacular site and its potential proved so seductive that he devoted 34 years to it. This illustrated talk, the first of Wave Hill’s three 2015 Horticultural Lectures, offers a rare opportunity to hear him trace the evolution of the garden. Stufano retired from Wave Hill in 2001, though his presence is still deeply felt here and in other green spaces across New York City and beyond. The second in this series takes place February 18. Series: $60/48 Wave Hill Member, Student. Individual lectures:$25/$20 Wave Hill Member, Student. Reservations recommended, online atwww.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Sponsor and series tickets on sale starting November 12; individual tickets on sale starting December 10. 

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 170 EAST 70TH STREET, MANHATTAN, 6PM

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 untilnoon. 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.

NYC Clean Heat Program Helps Remaining Bronx Heavy Oil Buildings Meet June 2015 Deadline

Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo (District 85) and various State & City colleagues today announced a New Year’s Resolution helping fellow Bronx constituents to better health and cleaner air by calling for building owners and managers to meet cleaner fuel requirements before the approaching June 30th, 2015 deadline.

“Harmful emissions from heating systems still burning heavy heating oils (No. 4 or 6) are associated with hundreds of premature deaths and thousands of ER visits and hospitalizations each year in New York City,” said Assemblyman Crespo. “In the Bronx alone, buildings still using heavy fuels emit approximately 75 tons of fine particulate matter annually. Until these building heating systems are converted to use cleaner fuels, the emissions from these buildings will contribute to health disparities for Bronx residents.”

"The need to protect our communities from the negative impacts of heavy heating oil is an environmental, economic, and moral imperative. Here in the Bronx, where asthma rates have reached epidemic proportions, we are especially vulnerable to the harmful emissions that result in thousands of hospital visits and hundreds of deaths each year," said Assemblyman Blake. "Dirty fuels increase energy consumption and result in higher heating costs, which isn't good for anybody. I stand here today with Assemblyman Crespo and my fellow colleagues to call upon building owners to make the switch from dirty oil to clean fuel for a better, healthier, and more efficient NYC."

“Historically, the Bronx has been disproportionately affected by various health and quality of life issues.  Our borough has one of the highest asthma rates in the country, and reducing our boroughs greenhouse gas emissions from residential and commercial building’s heating systems, will help improve our air quality. I support the Mayor’s NYC Clean Heat program to promote clean and efficient burning fuels and protect the health of our most vulnerable New Yorkers from harmful emissions,” said Councilmember Annabel Palma.

“All New Yorkers should have the right to breathe clean and healthy air that minimizes noxious toxins that are proven to increase the incidence of asthma, emphysema and other chronic illnesses that have long plagued much of the Bronx,” New York City Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson (D-Bronx, 16^th CD) said. “By targeting air pollution at its source, the City’s Clean Heat program has had a major positive impact on air quality in the Bronx and today we are showing our support for these efforts, and encouraging landlords throughout the Borough to participate.”

"The NYC Clean Heat Program is intended to transition buildings to less harmful heating fuels and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers by 2015," said Assemblymember Victor Pichardo. "It is important that we all do our part to make our environment cleaner and our air, pollution free."

“The cleaner fuel requirements are a win for Bronx residents, a win for public health and a win for our environment," said Council Member Andy King (12th CD, Bronx), Co-chair of Black, Latino & Asian Caucus of the City Council. "By promoting the NYC Clean Heat Program and cutting harmful emissions, we’re continuing to build on PlaNYC’s broader goal, of increasing energy efficiency in residential building, reducing pollution and improving air quality. The NYC Clean Heat program will help heavy oil building owners and managers meet cleaner fuel requirements. I encourage them to get with the program! Our residents are suffering and this program attacks this head on."

As part of PlaNYC’s goal to achieve the cleanest air of any large U.S. city, The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability launched the NYC Clean Heat program to provide resources to owners, managers, and tenants of buildings that are required to stop burning heavy heating oils, and to encourage those conversions to the cleanest fuels possible. The NYC Clean Heat team provides assistance directly to building decision makers at no cost to help make the switch to cleaner heating fuels. Switching to the cleanest fuels improves the air and the bottom line. Getting off of heavy heating oils can increase the energy efficiency of a building and also ensure that the building does not incur any permit violations. NYC Clean Heat helps buildings make the best choices for their financial situation and the air quality of New York City.

NYC Clean Heat has already reduced over 50 percent of the fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) emissions from buildings burning heavy oil. NYC Clean Heat’s achievements have contributed to the City’s overall pollution reductions. Since 2008, the levels of sulfur dioxide (SOx) in the air have dropped by 69 percent and since 2007 the level of PM 2.5 pollution has dropped by 23 percent.  The cleaner air enjoyed by New Yorkers today is preventing 800 deaths and 2,000 emergency room visits and hospitalizations from lung and cardiovascular diseases annually, compared to 2008.

Nilda Mesa, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, confirms that “when buildings switch to cleaner fuels, we get a twofer – we reduce the particulate emissions that trigger asthma, and we cut greenhouse gas emissions. Asthma kills too many of vulnerable New Yorkers, often in low-income neighborhoods.” Additional pollution reduction will result in additional lives saved.

“There has been a significant reduction in heavy oil use since the NYC Clean Heat Program began” continued the Assemblyman. “But in the Bronx, over 240 buildings using No.6 oil remain in operation, and over 1,100 use No.4 oil. I am strongly encouraging building owners and managers to utilize the NYC Clean Heat team and deliver cleaner air throughout the Bronx while meeting their fuel compliance requirements.”

###

Jerome Park Reservoir Update by Gary Axelbank

VAN CORTLANDT JEWISH CENTER

3880 Sedgwick Ave. (next to library)

PRESENTS:

MONTHLY MONTHLY BREAKFAST BREAKFAST LECTURE SERIES LECTURE SERIES 

Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 10:00am 

Speaker: Gary Axelbank (Host of BronxTalk) 

Topic: Jerome Park Reservoir Update 

BronxTalk host Gary Axelbank will provide an informative update on the Jerome Park Reservoir. A lifelong resident of the neighborhood and VCJC member, Mr. Axelbank has been following the developments around this historic facility for years and  is prepared to give attendees insights into the city's plans, available updates on construction, and most importantly, the community's interest in greater access to thereservoir and how that might be achieved.

BronxTalk is seen Monday nights at 9:00pm

on BronxNet channel 67 and Fios 33 and is streamed live at www.bronxnet.org.

Free admission. 

Breakfast will be served at 10am followed by the lecture at 10:30am.

For more information call 718-884-6105

Wow! Governor Andrew Cuomo Mentioned My Name in His Book!

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

Wow! Governor Andrew Cuomo Mentioned My Name in His Book! 

You should know that in his book titled "All Things Possible," New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo makes reference to me by name several times. 

You should know that in his book, Chapter 10 is titled "33."  "33" is devoted to the fight to pass same-sex marriage and the struggle to get 33 Senators to vote YES in favor of his promise to the gay community to have New York State legalize same-sex marriage.  In "33" the Governor gave me the honor of mentioning me by name on pages 382, 289, 400 and 402. 

On page 382 the Governor mentioned me by name by stating: 

"We needed thirty-two votes. We knew that one Democrat, Ruben Diaz, a senator from the Bronx, was a no-go. A Pentecostal minister, he could not be moved to change his mind. That meant we had to lock in the remaining twenty-nine Democrats and sway three Republicans. Difficult? Yes."

On page 389, recounting his wheeling and dealing with Republican Leader Senator Dean Skelos, the Governor wrote: 

"In June, Majority Leader Skelos made a clever move that transferred all of the pressure from his team to ours. A skillful tactician, he announced that he wouldn't let the bill go to the floor unless we had all the Democrats with us except Ruben Diaz, the Pentecostal minister who we both knew was unshakable."

You should know that as the chapter continues, the Governor explains all of the roadblocks and troubles he had to bypass, and the negotiations he went through to get the same-sex marriage bill approved. He wrote about the chaos that ensued on the night of the vote, and how they prevented me and stopped me from speaking on the bill.  On pages 399-400, he mentioned an important negotiation he had with Senator John Sampson: 

"Republicans had asked for one concession.  "We don't want long speeches," Skelos told us. They didn't want political rhetoric to inflame the already nervous senators. The Senate Minority Leader, a Democrat, John Sampson, who represented parts of Brooklyn including Crown Heights and East Flatbush, assured us he will keep the Democrats' comments to a minimum. The plan was: Get the legislation on the floor.  Do a rolling voice vote. Go home. 

... Sampson had previewed with both Skelos and Steve that the only speech from one of their members will be from Senator Diaz, the sole opponent on the Democrats’ side, who would speak for two minutes. Diaz, used to speeches from the pulpit, led with, "God, not Albany, has settled the definition of marriage a long time ago." And he kept going. When Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy cut him off he said, "Senator, Senator, I know you want to go on but we have twenty-three people who want to speak on the bill." 

Twenty-three people?

The proceedings ground to a halt as Diaz and his allies complained that he had been cut off, and the Republicans approached Steve and Myland warning them that is exactly what was not supposed to happen."

The Governor continues explaining on page 402 how he managed to get things under control - and after the vote was taken and the gay marriage legislation was approved - how he decided to come to the Senate Floor to thank the senators.  He stated that when he got to the Senate Floor: 

"Almost all of the Republicans and Ruben Diaz, who'd voted against marriage equality were all gone."

In "All Things Possible," New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is telling the whole world that he and only he is responsible for achieving what he and only he is able to achieve.  Maybe, just maybe, he'd like the gay community to consider him to be their Number 1 Candidate for U.S. President. 

On my behalf, I am honored that the Governor mentioned me by name in his book, and let the whole world know about my principled stand against his gay marriage legislation. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I purchased Governor Andrew Cuomo's book, and I look forward to the Governor signing my copy. 

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

STATE SENATOR RUBEN DIAZ TO CELEBRATE “THREE KINGS DAY” FOR THE CHILDREN OF OUR COMMUNITY

    

STATE SENATOR RUBEN DIAZ TO CELEBRATE “THREE KINGS DAY” FOR THE CHILDREN OF OUR COMMUNITY

  

On Saturday, January 3^rd, 2015, State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, along with Assembly Members Luis Sepulveda, Marcos Crespo, and The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, will be celebrating the visit of the Three Kings to the Bronx.  During these activities, children between the ages of 1- 9 years old, will receive a toy and a book bag with school supplies. “Live music and entertainment will also be provided for the children,” stated Senator Díaz. 

  
The Three Kings Day visit to the Bronx will take place on this Saturday, January 3, 2015, at 12:00 pm, in Public School #5 located at 564 Jackson Avenue (corner of 149th St.).

Note: Children must be present in order to receive a free toy.
 
For more information, please contact Ms. Leila Martinez, Senator Diaz’s Director of Operations at 718-991-3161.

COUNCIL MEMBER KING AND THE SAFETY NET PROJECT HOST KNOW YOUR RIGHTS SERIES ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2015, 9:30 AM

NYC Council Member Andy King and The Safety Net ‘Project will host their second in a series of “Know Your Rights” trainings on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. at Bay Eden Senior Center, 1220 East 229^th St., Bronx.

The session will focus on issues and safety net programs critical to many Bronx residents in District 12.   Legal staff will be on hand to answer questions regarding NYCHA tenant rights, accessing SNAP (food stamp) benefits and public assistance.

Residents are invited to meet with advocates and attorneys from the Safety Net Project to discuss any issues they may be experiencing regarding a denial, sanction or reduction in their public assistance and /or food stamps case. In addition, attorneys will be available to answer questions for NYCHA residents interested in seeking advice as to recertification, succession rights and how to obtain repairs. All legal services are free.

The Safety Net Project is New York City’s advocate for economic justice, protecting the rights of low- and no-income New Yorkers through direct legal services, litigation, research, and policymaking. It ensures access to the safety net, ensuring government accountability for vital programs that lift families out of poverty.

“This event is open to everyone in the community. In these tough economic times, there are people in need of assistance for food and housing. This forum is geared to help all those in need,” said Council Member King.

According to Denise M. Miranda, Esq., Managing Director of the Safety Project at the Urban Justice Center, “District 12 is home to five NYCHA development and countless families that rely on safety net programs. There is an urgent need for NYCHA residents and low-income families to have access to free, high-quality legal services and we are proud to partner with CM King to fill this void.”

The Safety Net Project is committed to protecting due process rights and providing direct legal services for low and no-income New Yorkers while engaging the greater community in casting a wider, finer safety net for economic justice and human dignity. For further information, visit www.safetynetproject.org.

For more information dial 646-602-5640.