SENATOR KLEIN & ASSEMBLYMAN LUIS SEPÚLVEDA HOST 2ND ANNUAL THREE KINGS DAY CELEBRATION

  Klein, Sepúlveda, Community and Faith Leaders, Families and Children Celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany

   State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester),  together with Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda (D-Bronx) and District Leader Julia Rodriguez hosted the 2nd annual Three Kings Day celebration this past Saturday, January 11th. More than 200 community members, families and children came together to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany -- featuring a special appearance by a talented magician, music by the Church of the Holy Family choir and school choir, an animated narration of the nativity scene and a fun-filled toy giveaway for children.

“At our second annual Three Kings Day celebration, I couldn’t be happier or more proud to see all of you out here celebrating together. This is a special holiday for so many of our friends, neighbors and community members,” said Senator Jeff Klein.“ In a short period of time, this event has grown to be a tremendous success and I would like to thank my colleagues Assemblyman Sepúlveda and District Leader Julia Rodriguez for helping to make that happen. I wish all of you a happy holiday and health, joy and prosperity in the New Year.”

"What makes the holiday season so beautiful is the feeling of community that is indelibly woven into our daily lives," said Assemblyman Sepúlveda. "This Three Kings Day event is a time when our community comes together again at the close of the Christmas season in the hopes that we may maintain those feeling of charity and kindness for the months ahead. Our celebration aims to continue this trend into the new year as a reminder that such good will should be a part of our daily lives."

The celebration began in the early afternoon, where members of the community followed in a spirited procession from Roselyn Johnson Democratic Headquarters to Mechler Hall at the Church of the Holy Family. The program kicked off with a performance by the school choir, followed by a selection of songs in spanish and a narration of the nativity scene by the church choir. Guests enjoyed light snacks and refreshments including hot dogs, juice, coffee and more. Children in attendance were given a special toy at the end of the event, including stuffed animals, toy cars, and board games like Monopoly or Clue.

“I want to thank Senator Klein and Assemblyman Sepulveda for putting together this wonderful event and bringing the community together. Three Kings Day is one of my favorite holidays and this is such a wonderful way to celebrate. Because of their efforts, I’m already looking forward to next year” added District Leader Julia Rodriguez.

Assemblyman Sepulveda and Senator Klein are joined by Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson, District Leader Julia Rodriguez, the Three Kings, and children.

MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO LAUNCHES IDNYC, THE COUNTRY’S MOST AMBITIOUS MUNICIPAL IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM

  Mayor announces the acceptance of IDNYC by more than 10 financial institutions and the complete package of card benefits, including entertainment and BigAppleRx prescription discounts

   Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito launched the IDNYC municipal identification program for residents of all five New York City boroughs. The Mayor also announced that the IDNYC card will be accepted as valid primary identification for opening a bank or credit union account at more than 10 financial institutions, and revealed the card’s full suite of benefits.

“IDNYC is not only a card for all New Yorkers, it is the gateway to City services, the key to opening a bank account or getting a library card, and the ticket to many of our city’s finest cultural institutions. More than that, this card represents who we are: New Yorkers who value equality, opportunity and diversity,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I want to thank Speaker Mark-Viverito and our partners in the Council for their tremendous work and collaboration on this program. Today, we are launching the most ambitious, dynamic and useful municipal ID program in the country, which will have a real and tangible impact on the lives of all New Yorkers.”

“Time and again, New York City has shown that we are not afraid to lead,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “In launching the IDNYC program, we are living up to our highest ideals about who we are as a city. I’m proud of my colleagues and bill sponsors Immigration Committee Chair Carlos Menchaca and Council Member Daniel Dromm for their support in this process and thank the de Blasio administration for its partnership in making IDNYC a reality for all New Yorkers.”

“IDNYC identifies you as a card-carrying New Yorker,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm, the card’s main sponsor. “This is an exciting day, because today we are saying that all New Yorkers—regardless of gender identity, immigration status, homelessness, or other identifiers—are an important part of our city. I am so proud to have worked with Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito, Commissioner Agarwal, and Council Member Menchaca to create what I have called the ‘must-have accessory for all New Yorkers in 2015.’  Congratulations, all!”

“The IDNYC municipal ID card is an opportunity for New Yorkers to become included in the hundreds of programs throughout the five boroughs with a membership to over 30 cultural institutions and libraries, while also acting as a free government-issued ID. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for this innovative program that will unify all of New York City’s residents, regardless of their immigration status, race, gender or sexual orientation under one identity: a New Yorker,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The IDNYC card will be integrated into New York City’s official prescription drug discount card, BigAppleRx, giving card holders up to 50 percent off most FDA-approved prescription medications at more than 2,000 New York City pharmacies. It will also be accepted as valid primary identification for opening bank or credit union accounts at more than 10 financial institutions, including Popular Community Bank, Amalgamated Bank, and Carver Federal Savings Bank.

The Mayor also announced the full suite of IDNYC benefits, including:

·        Exclusive entertainment discounts on movie tickets, Broadway shows, sporting events, theme parks, and more with Entertainment Benefits Group.

·        A 10 percent discount off annual NYC Parks Recreation Center membership for adults age 25-61 and NYC Parks Department tennis permits.

·        A 20 percent discount on family memberships at all 22 YMCA centers citywide.

·        A free 30-day trial and fitness evaluation with a certified trainer at all New York Sports Club locations.

·        A 5 percent discount off all purchases at Food Bazaar supermarkets in New York City Mondaythrough Friday, from 7 AM to 7 PM.

·        A 25 percent discount on New York Pass, a citywide pass to 83 tourist attractions in all five boroughs.

·        Free one-year membership packages at 33 of the City’s leading cultural institutions, including world class museums, performing arts centers, concert halls, botanical gardens, and zoos across the five boroughs. 

The IDNYC card will make government work more effectively and efficiently for New Yorkers by expanding access to the services, programs and opportunities available to City residents. It will be accepted by the New York Police Department for the purposes of issuing summonses or desk appearance tickets in lieu of arrest, and has been incorporated into the NYPD Patrol Guide. The IDNYC card will grant access to all City buildings, increasing the confidence of New Yorkers to interact with their local government, schools and hospitals. The IDNYC program will continue to expand functionality and grow after the launch date to create an integrated form of identification that will be the one card New Yorkers need in their wallet.

All City residents age 14 and above are eligible to get a municipal ID card, and enrollment is free for anyone who applies in 2015. The City has established 17 permanent enrollment centers throughout the five boroughs, 11 of which are open to the general public in locations highly convenient to mass transit and commercial hubs, including five of the most-trafficked library branches. The City has also opened six enrollment centers for City agency clients in the Department of Probation and the Human Resources Administration. The 18th permanent public enrollment center will open in the spring, and two mobile locations will launch later in January to increase accessibility across the five boroughs.

The Mayor announced support for a municipal ID program during his campaign, and committed to delivering it by January 2015 in his first State of the City address. The New York City Council introduced legislation to create the municipal ID program in April 2014 and the law passed on June 26, 2014 by a vote of 43 in favor to 3 opposed, with 2 abstentions. The legislation signed into law on July 10, 2014 authorizes the City of New York to begin issuing IDNYC cards on January 10, 2015. In August of 2014, the Mayor issued an executive order designating HRA as the administering agency of the IDNYC initiative.

“The people of The Bronx can now represent their borough and their city with great pride by signing up for the newIDNYC municipal identification card, which launches today.

“The program, which will not only provide people with a legal identification recognized as a valid form of ID, but it will also help the 1.4 million residents of The Bronx gain access to city programs such as discounts on prescription drugs, libraries across three boroughs, movie tickets, fitness and health centers as well as free memberships to some of our borough’s amazing cultural institutions such as the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden.

“I congratulate Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito and the entire City Council on the implementation of this incredible, groundbreaking program, and encourage all New Yorkers to sign up, just like I did today. If you live in New York City, show that you’re a real New Yorker and sign up for IDNYC,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

For more information about IDNYC and how to sign up, visit: http://on.nyc.gov/1CTMkvz.

Huge Gas Leak Causes Havoc in Riverdale

   The scene was chaos at the corner of the Henry Hudson Parkway North service road and West 239th Street today as during construction a huge gas leak was discovered at 2 PM today. As you see in the photo above emergency Con Edison workers are all around the site of a gas leak that occurred as the Con Edison contractor was connecting two different gas lines during the 'Oil to Gas' conversion by Con Edison contractors. The fire department stood ready with a hose that was attached to a nearby hydrant just in case. All roads to and around the West 238th Street overpass of the Henry Hudson Parkway were closed as a precaution. That meant that Riverdale Avenue north was closed to traffic at West 238th Street, as was the northbound HHP service road. Also closed was the West 239th Street overpass to southbound parkway service road traffic. All northbound MTA buses were detoured onto Independence Avenue at West 232nd Street. This lasted into the rush hour as it took hours to fix the leak by using smaller bypass piping. One unidentified worker for the contractor who wished to remain anonymous  told me that it was a Con Edison employee and not a worker the contractor who was responsible for the major gas leak. 

  As the repair work go on this Con Edison worker is checking a sewer for any gas residue. 

  This fire engine was spread across Riverdale Avenue just below West 239th Street, as you can see the truck is connected to the hydrant just in case.

 A close up photo of the work area. The fire Department is just out of camera range on the left with a hose ready should any fire start.

Three Kings Day Celebration - This Sunday!

Wave Hill Events Jan 23–Jan 30

  SAT, JANUARY 24    FAMILY ART PROJECT: OUR FAMILY STORY—A WAVE HILL AT 50 ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM

Visiting artist Donna Maria DeCreeft guides us in creating an elegant, collaborative, community album complete with pressed flowers, decoupage and photo memorabilia. We invite you to bring in photos and stories of your time at Wave Hill for display in the Sally and Gilbert Kerlin Learning Center. Plus, create your own personal Wave Hill family album with fabric pieces to take home as a keepsake. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 24    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 24   WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: SOUNDING SILENCE AND THE WINTER WALK

Join Winter Workspace artist Nicolás Dumit Estévez in an experiential workshop beginning with a mute stroll around the Wave Hill winter landscape. Also in silence, use the sounds, impressions and mental images collected on the walk to create an individual or collaborative mixed-media artwork in the warmth of the art studio. Oral communication is reestablished toward the end of the session, in time for a conversation on the work generated and on the overall experience. Hot ginger tea and cookies will be served.  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 25    FAMILY ART PROJECT: OUR FAMILY STORY—A WAVE HILL AT 50 ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM

Visiting artist Donna Maria DeCreeft guides us in creating an elegant, collaborative, community album complete with pressed flowers, decoupage and photo memorabilia. We invite you to bring in photos and stories of your time at Wave Hill for display in the Sally and Gilbert Kerlin Learning Center. Plus, create your own personal Wave Hill family album with fabric pieces to take home as a keepsake.  Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JANUARY 25    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 25    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 25    CONCERT: THE BOHEMIAN TRIO

The vibrant Bohemian Trio (saxophone and chekeré, cello, piano) draws on melodies from Europe and South America and the rhythms of the African Diaspora. Its program is a mix of classical, Afro-Cuban, tango and jazz works, including an arrangement of a movement from Ravel’s Piano Trio in a. $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. In addition to tickets for individual concerts, subscriptions are also available for any three performances in this 10-concert series, with a 10% discount, or any four performances, for a 15% discount.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, JANUARY 25    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 26

Closed to the public

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.

50 PCT. Meeting Crime keeps going down in the 50

   State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Councilman Andrew Cohen stopped by last nights 50 Precinct meeting. Above the trio pose with 50 Pct. commanding officer Deputy Inspector Paul Rasa. 

   

   Each of the three elected officials spoke briefly at the meeting congratulating DI Rasa on the fine work of the 50 PCT., and the citywide police force as a whole in lowering crime even lower than last year's historic lows.

   It was announced by DI Rasa that the 50 Pct. would be getting 6 new officers from the recent graduating class of police officers. 

  

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: 2014 Crime Statistics

  “Mayor de Blasio’s announcement today—that New York City saw in 2014 the lowest number of homicides since modern policing began in 1993—shows us just how far The Bronx and the entire City have come in so short a time.

“This year, for the second straight year, the number of murders in The Bronx was lower than 100, a level of success in policing this borough had not seen since the early 1960’s. This would not be possible without a deeply committed, highly professional police force like the NYPD, working hand-in-hand with the citizens of our borough and our city. It is worth noting that this continued reduction in overall crime occurred alongside a dramatic decrease in the use of ‘stop & frisk,’ which proves that effective crime fighting and strong police work does not require questionable tactics.

“As the people of this city continue to examine the role of law enforcement within their communities, we must not forget the important role that the police department and its dedicated membership play in keeping our communities safe and secure. I will continue to work with our mayor, Commissioner Bratton and the New York Police Department to build on the continued efforts to make The Bronx an even safer place to live, work and raise a family,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Kudos To The Bronx!

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

Kudos To The Bronx! 
  

You should know that after 50 years, for the second year in a row, the murder rate in Bronx County is under 100. According to a December 30, 2014 New York Daily News article, EXCLUSIVE: Murders in the Bronx under 100 for second year in a row: "The last time the borough had two consecutive years with fewer than 100 murders was in 1963 and 1964." For this, I have to give Kudos to the Bronx! 

  

We all understand that even one death by murder is too many, and we pray to see the day when there are zero murders in the Bronx and anywhere else. Nonetheless, it is exciting to see that the crime rate here is coming down. 

  

You should know that Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. should be proud that after 50 years, under his leadership the murder rate in Bronx County has decreased to figures this borough has not seen since 1963 and 1964. In 2013 there were 80 murders in the Bronx, and in 2014 there were 91. 

  

According to the Daily News article: 

  

"The NYPD started keeping modern records in 1963, and numbers showed a steady rise in murderous mayhem through the 1970s, ’80s and into the ’90s. 

The peak bloodshed came in 1990, when 653 people were slain. The year before that, it was 484; the year after, 553. 

It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the rate began to fall under 200 — but it stayed in that range for decades. In 2012, there were 114 murder victims." 

  

My dear reader, with the Bronx murder rate under 100 for the past two consecutive years, we also have to praise the efforts of the New York City Police Department's Bronx Borough Commander, Precinct Commanders, and Police Officers. These statistics that show a drop in murder are proof that the NYPD is doing an outstanding job in its efforts to build strong community relations here in the Bronx. 

  

We also have to recognize the efforts of the leaders of the many Bronx faith communities. Our many religious leaders, priests, rabbis, imams and ministers use their houses of worship to fight crime as they teach people to love and respect each other, strengthen family life, and obey the law. 

  

Parents, Community Leaders, Community Organizations, and members of the community, that year after year coordinate and work hard to organize marches, prayer vigils, and activities against crime to bring peace and harmony among residents of the borough, they also deserve mention and recognition for their contributions to this magnificent news. 

  

Like Hillary Clinton's book title says: "It takes a Village." 

  

Ladies and gentlemen, I need to repeat that the loss of even one life is too many, and we need to see crime rates come down completely - but it is refreshing to see that for the second year in a row, the murder rate in the Bronx is under 100. Kudos to the Bronx! 

  

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

Editor's Note - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is the father of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.