STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: Mayor de Blasio’s ‘State of Our City’ Address

“We welcome Mayor de Blasio’s announcement of committing $200 million to the Lower Grand Concourse for the creation of 4,000 affordable housing units, site remediation, social programs and the redevelopment of our transit structure and infrastructure. My office, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, SoBRO and others have long advocated for the transformative redevelopment of the Lower Grand Concourse and our Harlem River waterfront, and we look forward to working with the de Blasio administration on this transformative proposal.

“I am also looking forward to working with the mayor to bring more affordable housing to The Bronx, including veterans’ and senior housing. My administration has helped to create nearly 16,000 new units of housing since 2009, and we know that increased affordable housing development can help narrow the gap of inequality. The administration’s commitment to examine the future of the Cromwell/Jerome corridor, to open this neighborhood up to greater housing development, is a welcome one.

“My office has long supported expanding ferry service to Soundview. We have to attract manufactures and new commerce to our borough while also easing commutes, and we believe that with the upgrading of our local infrastructure and the development of a ferry system that connects The Bronx with not just Manhattan but the other boroughs over our waterways as well, we can open up our borough to new economic development and recreation opportunities.

“In The Bronx, we are maximizing our assets, and improving the quality of life of our residents. We have created thousands of new jobs and helped improve existing businesses as well as created new ones. Our efforts are significant, but there is more to be done. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Mayor de Blasio and his administration as we develop an agenda that makes The Bronx and even better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Upcoming Events From the Van Cortlandt Senior Center

  :JASA Hosts Art Salon Presentation for Older Adults

WHAT:   JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center will host artist France Hilbert as part of our JASA Art Salon series.  A meal of turkey meatballs or vegetarian burger will be served at 12:15 PM.

We would like to invite you to join us for Ms. Hilbert's power point retrospective. Recommended senior voluntary contribution for lunch is $2.00 and $1.00 for the event. Non-seniors are welcome to attend for a fee of $6.15 for the meal and $2.00 for the event. 

WHO:   France Hilbert is a contemporary artist and art educator. Hilbert’s major work consists of sculpture for public space. As a classically trained artist, she also has created many commissioned paintings and drawings. This event will be hosted by JASA, a New York-based nonprofit serving 43,000+ older adults each year by providing social work, recreational, health, home care, housing, cultural, and educational services to help sustain them in their homes and communities and offer opportunities for a better quality of life. 

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 23rd, 2015 

 12:15 pm – 2:15 pm 

WHERE: JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center

3880 Sedgwick Ave, 1st Floor

Bronx, NY 10463

718.549-4700

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 JASA Hosts Film History Presentation for Older Adults

WHAT: JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center will host a slide presentation about the life accomplishments of actress Hedy Lamarr. A meal of stuffed cabbage or tuna salad will be served at 12:15 PM.

We would like to invite you to join us for this presentation. Hedy Lamarr was a famous actress as well as an inventor.
Recommended senior voluntary contribution for lunch is $2.00 and $1.00 for the event. Non-seniors are welcome to attend for a fee of $6.15 for the meal and $2.00 for the event.

WHO: Pierre Montiel graduated City College with a degree in Cinema and Speech.
He has been presenting slide lectures on Hollywood's legendary stars from the golden age since 1998. This event will be hosted by JASA, a New York-based nonprofit serving 43,000+ older adults each year by providing social work, recreational, health, home care, housing, cultural, and educational services to help sustain them in their homes and communities and offer opportunities for a better quality of life.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 25th, 2015

 12:15 pm – 2:15 pm

WHERE: JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center

3880 Sedgwick Ave, 1st Floor

Bronx, NY 10463

718.549-4700

Congratulations Pour in For New Speaker Carl Heastie

STATEMENT FROM BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

“I am incredibly proud that my good friend, Assembly Member Carl Heastie, has been elected to serve as the new Speaker of the New York State Assembly by his colleagues.

“Speaker Heastie’s credentials speak for themselves. He has done a great job representing his Bronx and New York City constituents since first being elected in 2000, and will continue to do so in his new role as Speaker.

“Carl Heastie’s ascension to the speakership is historic, for several reasons. Speaker Heastie is the first African-American to hold this position, as well as the first-ever Bronx resident. The impact of Speaker Heastie’s trailblazing path to the speakership cannot be understated. Here, during Black History Month, we have elevated an African-American man of tremendous ability and accomplishment to the pinnacle of New York State government.

“Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has always made the people of The Bronx proud, and I know he will continue to do so as our speaker. I look forward to continuing my work with Speaker Heastie in his new role, as we enact an agenda that makes our borough, our city and our state an even better place,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz.

Assemblyman Dinowitz congratulates Carl Heastie on being elected Speaker of the Assembly

   Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Chair of the Bronx Assembly Delegation, today congratulated Carl Heastie on being elected Speaker of the New York State Assembly.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to my friend and colleague, Carl Heastie, on his election as Speaker of the New York State Assembly. This is a historic day for New York State. Today, my colleagues and I have chosen a man who has displayed exemplary leadership skills and a remarkable ability to bring people together to reach consensus throughout his years in public service.”

Assemblyman Dinowitz continued, “Carl and I have worked closely together for over a decade. In 2008, Carl and I, along with a number of other elected officials, helped reorganize political leadership in the Bronx to be more inclusive and representative of the diversity of this great borough in what was called the “Rainbow Rebellion.” I know Carl to be a tireless advocate for his constituents and a strong voice on labor, education, and many other important issues.”

“As Chair of the Bronx Democratic Party, Carl has proven to be a fair, inclusive, and effective leader who understands that working collaboratively is more important than claiming credit. I have no doubt that he will have a similarly effective approach as leader of our Democratic conference and Speaker of the Assembly. I look forward to working closely with our new Speaker and my other Assembly colleagues to fight for Democratic values, from protecting tenants’ rights, to keeping our communities safe and healthy, to providing quality public education for our children, in the years to come,” Assemblyman Dinowitz concluded.

STATEMENT FROM SENATOR JEFF KLEIN ON ELECTION OF CARL HEASTIE AS SPEAKER OF THE NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY: 

"I offer my sincerest congratulations to Assemblyman Carl Heastie as he takes on his new role as Speaker. In the years I've had the pleasure of knowing now Speaker Heastie I've always been impressed by his ability to bring people together and build coalitions. This smooth and swift transition demonstrates to hard-working New York taxpayers that those representing them in the Assembly have put their lives and the lives of their families ahead of politics during the critical months ahead. 

"There is a lot of work to be done this legislative session and the Independent Democratic Conference has outlined a number of solid and sensible proposals that will keep our great state moving in the right direction through our New Deal for New York and Invest NY agendas, including: creating good paying jobs; revitalizing infrastructure; creating more middle class affordable housing; making college more affordable and ensuring that we are supporting our children and seniors. 

"I know we will have a strong partner in Speaker Heastie as we work on these important policy initiatives and know he will be a great advocate and tireless leader for the City of New York and the entire state in the years ahead. "

Statement from Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda

RE: Election of Speaker Carl E. Heastie

  “The last few weeks in the Assembly have been difficult for all Members.  However, now is an opportunity for us to start fresh and move towards real reform in this legislative body.

Over the last few days I have enjoyed interacting with my colleagues to discuss ways to better run this institution.  It has been a pleasure to hear from the candidates for Speaker on their thoughts regarding the ideas we as a group presented to them.  I believe it has been a truly worthwhile effort and one that I hope we will continue to build on in the coming months.

I would also like to congratulate our new Speaker, Carl E. Heastie, someone who I have gotten to know very well in his role as Chair of the Bronx Democratic Party.  I know that he will be a fair leader of this body and will work with other members towards meaningful reforms.

It is a great day for the Bronx to have one of our own elected to such a prominent position.  I know that he will make our borough proud.”

Senator Espaillat Congratulates Newly Elected Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

“I had the pleasure of serving with Carl Heastie in the Assembly and can think of no better person to lead the chamber moving forward. He is an energetic, thoughtful and committed legislator who puts the people first.  When I was Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus I worked with Carl to put together the ‘People’s Budget’, a list of the Caucus’s legislative priorities. I look forward to continuing to work with him to forward progressive policies in New York State. "

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING ON ELECTION OF ASSEMBLY MEMBER CARL HEASTIE TO SPEAKER OF THE STATE ASSEMBLY

"I am elated to learn that my brother Carl Heastie was chosen as speaker by the membership of the New York State Assembly.  His leadership style offers an inclusionary vision that will be admired both upstate and downstate as the people of New York get to know him. For his part, he has pledged to bring about change in the Assembly that will regain the voters trust. I can say that we, in the 12th Council District, are so proud to see the man who has represented us for the past 15 years ascend to this leadership role," said Council Member Andy King, co-chair of the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus of the New York City Council who was in Albany to witness the vote. "To my brother, friend and State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, congratulations to you for accepting this 'historic challenge.'"

Statement from Council Member Ritchie Torres on the Election of Carl Heastie as Speaker of the New York Assembly

My own experience with the new Speaker of the Assembly, Carl Heastie, leads me to believe that he will be to the Assembly what he has been to the Bronx for almost seven years: a magnanimous statesman, intent on governing with the calm wisdom and core integrity that have been his trademark. It fills me with pride to know that the legislative home of Theodore Roosevelt will be ably led by a level-headed son of the Bronx, and makes me even prouder that the City and State I love will be better for it.

Bellow - a photo of city and state members of the Bronx delegation with the new speaker of the assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.  from left, are Assemblyman Pichardo, Assemblyman Crespo, Nevada Shillingford-King, Council Member Annabel Palma, Council Member Andy King, Speaker Heastie, Bronx Borough President Diaz, Council Member Gibson, Assemblyman Gjonaj, Assemblyman Dinowitz, State Senator Diaz, District Leader Tapia, and Assemblyman Sepulveda.

New Speaker Selection to Come Tuesday Morning

    It appears that Queens Assemblywoman Kathleen Nolan has admitted defeat in not having near enough votes to become the next speaker, but she has not withdrawn her name as of now.  

   A vote is scheduled for 11 A.M. tomorrow morning, this after a unanimous vote was taken to move up the scheduled speaker vote from February 10th. 

  It is expected that it will be a unanimous for Bronx Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie.

   Either before or after being sworn in as the new speaker it is expected that Heastie will relinquish his role as Bronx Democratic County Leader. 

  Two names have surfaced as a replacement for Heastie as Bronx Democratic County Leader. The current Bronx Democratic County County Committee Chair Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and recently named Somos chair Assemblyman Marcos Crespo.

  The argument for Assemblyman Dinowitz is that as Bronx Democratic County Committee Chair he is able to take over for Heastie since Dinowitz was the number two man in the county organization. 

 The argument for Assemblyman Crespo is that the Bronx is a majority Latino borough, and that it was Crespo who was elected to fill the vacant 85^th assembly district when then Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. was elected Bronx Borough President.

  It is not known yet when the election for the new Bronx Democratic County Leader will take place, but since he is second in command it is expected that Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz would be the man in charge until the vote for a new county leader is taken.

   

African-American Heritage Month

 Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

presents

African-American Heritage Month 

celebrating

"A Century of African- American Life, History, and Culture"

1915 - 2015

  

Honorees

Ken Thompson

Brooklyn, District Attorney

Karen Washington

Community Activist/Urban Farmer

The Association for the Study of

African American Life and History

Bronx Branch

Thursday, February 12, 2015

12 Noon - 3:00 P.M.

Dreiser Loop Community Center, 177 Dreiser Loop

Co-op City

Please call to confirm your attendance 718-590-3522 or emaillroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov 

Since 2009, I Have Been Trying to Prevent It

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

You should know that in order to prevent corruption and the temptation of elected officials from earning money from outside of their legislative salaries, back in 2009, which was six years ago, I introduced a piece of legislation, S.3149, which prohibits a member of the legislature from engaging in any outside paid activity during his or her term of office.  In other words, the New York State Legislature should be a full-time Legislature. See the attached copy of the bill. 

You should also know that for six consecutive years, I have re-introduced this bill.  In 2015 the same bill is known as S.111.  The only member of the Assembly to ever sponsor this bill was former Assemblyman Greg Ball, who introduced in that house in 2009 and 2010.  Since then, no member of the Assembly has introduced the bill in that house, and no support has been given from the leadership of the Senate to bring this bill to the floor for a vote. 

If the Senate and the Assembly leadership would have taken a look at my piece of legislation and would have given it the green light, I could assure, you that many of my colleagues would not be regretting their extra-curricular activities. 

I am not a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but in 2009, when I introduced my legislation, I wrote a justification paragraph explaining the legislation. Anyone that reads it would think that it was a prophecy: 

JUSTIFICATION:  How much transparency should be demanded by the people of their representatives? As long as we allow legislators to hold outside business interests, there is a potential that these outside business interests could one day cause a serious conflict of interest, 

or at least in the public's eye, the perception of one. This bill prohibits members of the legislature from engaging in any outside paid activity during their term of office. The public has a right to know that his or her Senator or Assemblyperson is not beholden to outside financial pressures. The best way to limit legislators' outside income is to eliminate it. 

I hope that after all the recent scandals, my fellow legislators will see fit to give the green light to my bill. 

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

Assemblyman Carl Heastie to Step Down as Bronx Democratic County Leader

  As much as it is a foregone conclusion that Bronx Assemblyman and Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie will become the next speaker of the assembly, word is that he will be stepping down as county leader. The two names mentioned as possible replacements for Heastie are Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic County Committee Chairman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and upcoming Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. It was Marcos Crespo who replaced Ruben Diaz Jr. in the 85th Assembly District when Diaz Jr. was elected Bronx Borough President.

 

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz Above

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo Below

  

  

  

  A

With these two possible replacement for Heastie, it is possible that because they are friendly and may draw from the same delegations that a third candidate could make it a race for new county leader, with enough votes to win. Names are still being thrown about, but no New York City elected official may serve as the county leader. 

Wave Hill Events Feb 13–Feb 20

  SAT, FEBRUARY 14    FAMILY ART PROJECT: I HEART POLLINATORS

Visit Wave Hill’s Tropical House—housed in one wing of the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory—and breathe in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers and enjoy their colorful blooms. Then, using a variety of charming styles—and adding a pollinator helper—make your own lovely, lacy, feathery and flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 14    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, FEBRUARY 14    VALENTINE’S DAY COOKIE-DECORATING WORKSHOP

Roses are red, violets are blue, cookies are colorful and sprinkles are, too! Bring your sweethearts to Wave Hill this Valentine’s Day for a special cookie-decorating event. Use sanding sugars, cookie icing and a variety of sprinkles to design your own cookies. Fill a box with your creations to show that certain someone how much you love them. Perfect for families and crafty visitors of all ages. $15 Materials fee per project. No registration required for this drop-in workshop.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11‒3PM

SAT, FEBRUARY 14    IN-STORE ARTIST: ERIKA ROSENBAUM 

Local jewelry artist Erika Rosenbaum will be on hand in The Shop at Wave Hill with a selection of her jewelry designs, including heart pendants evoking twisting garden vines and organic wave forms. Based in New York, Erica is strongly inspired by nature, interpreting shapes in a minimalist fashion and incorporating vibrant color. Her diverse collection of contemporary fine jewelry uses a mix of gold, sterling silver, bronze and gemstones, with an unusual stone often driving the design of a one-of-a-kind piece. 

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11‒4PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 15    FAMILY ART PROJECT: I HEART POLLINATORS

Visit Wave Hill’s Tropical House—housed in one wing of the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory—and breathe in the fragrance of greenhouse flowers and enjoy their colorful blooms. Then, using a variety of charming styles—and adding a pollinator helper—make your own lovely, lacy, feathery and flowerful Valentine’s Day cards. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 15    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, FEBRUARY 15   WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: MEDITATION AS ARTISTIC PRACTICE

Winter Workspace artist Saya Woolfalk and meditation leader Biet Simkin introduce you to meditation as artistic practice. Experience a 50-minute mediation combining breathing, virtual travel and aural exercises. End with a discussion exploring your experience with the group. 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, 1–2:30PM

SUN, FEBRUARY 15    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, FEBRUARY 16

Closed to the public

TUE, FEBRUARY 17    PRESIDENTS’ VACATION WEEK FAMILY WORKSHOPS: STARGAZE

Take a break from winter this week and join us for one, two or three afternoons of hands-on art-making as we explore the cool winter skies using an array of fun and exciting media. At today’s workshop, discover the constellations that light up the night sky in winter and throughout the year. Using an empty cereal box, paint and LED light strings, make your own light box to recreate your favorite constellation and gaze at the stars all day long. Geared to children ages five to 10 and a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. $23/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult. Additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–3PM

WED, FEBRUARY 18:    PRESIDENTS’ VACATION WEEK FAMILY WORKSHOPS: WINTER CLOUD MOSAICS

Take a break from winter this week and join us for one, two or three afternoons of hands-on art-making as we explore the cool winter skies using an array of fun and exciting media. At today’s workshop, observe the different types of clouds with their distinct shapes and beautiful, soft colors and discover how to use your observations to make weather predictions. Create your own mosaic masterpiece of clouds and sky using a wood base, grout and glass tiles in an array of colors, shapes and sizes. Geared to children ages five to 10 and a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. $23/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult. Additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–3PM

WED, FEBRUARY 18    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #1—ULRICH LORIMER: LOCALLY SOURCED—MARRYING FIELD BOTANY AND HORTICULTURE

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. Ulrich Lorimer offers his vision for how to marry horticulture with field botany— the experience of plants in the context of their communities in the wild—as an approach that yields intimate clues for using native plants in a garden setting. At the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where Lorimer has been Curator of the Native Flora Garden for nine years, the results have been rich and rewarding. Prior to joining the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Lorimer spent three years as a Wave Hill Gardener. The last lecture in this series takes place March 18. Series: $60/48 Wave Hill Member, Student. Individual lectures:$25/$20 Wave Hill Member, Student. Reservations recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x216. 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

THU, FEBRUARY 19:    PRESIDENTS’ VACATION WEEK FAMILY WORKSHOPS: EARTH MEETS SKY

Take a break from winter this week and join us for one, two or three afternoons of hands-on art-making as we explore the cool winter skies using an array of fun and exciting media. At today’s workshop, create a textured landscape against the winter sky, inspired by the painting techniques of contemporary artist and sculptor Anselm Kiefer. Like Kiefer, bring your painting to life by applying thick layers of impasto on canvas and adding dried natural materials, such as flowers, straw, sticks and clay. Geared to children ages five to 10 and a parent or caregiver. Space is limited. $23/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult. Additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online atwww.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1:30–3PM

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 at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

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