Wave Hill Events Mar 13–Mar 20

SAT, MARCH 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 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 in March 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 Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, MARCH 14    FAMILY ART PROJECT: STYLISH SEED POTS

With spring fast approaching, we need pots for planting! Take an ordinary terracotta pot and make it into something fantastic by adding beads, tiles, buttons, ribbons and other odds and ends. Then, add some soil and a seed, and don’t forget to water! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 14    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: THE SENSORIAL BODY—EXPLORING THROUGH PERFORMANCE

Winter Workspace artist Sara Jimenez’s sculptures build on her interest in vulnerability, using impermanent media like salt crystals. At her workshop, explore the expressive possibilities of your body in movement exercises inspired by Wave Hill’s landscape, beginning in her Glyndor Gallery studio with an introduction to her creative process. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Newcomers and practicing artists alike are welcome. Ages 14 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session, which includes admission to the grounds. Advance registration recommended, online atwww.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4PM

SAT, MARCH 14    TERRARIUM GARDENING WORKSHOP

Don't have a garden or greenhouse? Tiny ferns and other tropical plants thrive in the humid conditions of an enclosed glass jar as if in their own miniature greenhouse. Design and plant your own fanciful landscape in a glass jar with a selection of diminutive plants, perfect for home or office. Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer provides plants, materials and technical assistance. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. $50/$35 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration required, online atwww.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2–3:30PM

SUN, MARCH 15    FAMILY ART PROJECT: STYLISH SEED POTS

With spring fast approaching, we need pots for planting! Take an ordinary terracotta pot and make it into something fantastic by adding beads, tiles, buttons, ribbons and other odds and ends. Then, add some soil and a seed, and don’t forget to water! Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 15    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 in March 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 Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, MARCH 15    MEDITATION

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

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM‒12:45PM

SUN, MARCH 15    CONCERT: RAY VEGA LATIN JAZZ QUINTET

Trumpeter Ray Vega is a South Bronx native. He brings his Latin Jazz ensemble back to Wave Hill with a mix of his own works and his unique take on standard tunes. Described by JAZZIZ Magazine as “…a dean of golden tones and elegant, melody-respecting improvisational development,” Ray Vega has performed with such legendary figures as Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Lionel Hampton and Paquito D’Rivera. $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.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 15    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, MARCH 16

Closed to the public

TUE, MARCH 17    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: INVENTING LANDSCAPES

How might you bring disparate parts of nature together? Create drawings based on the flora and landscape of Wave Hill with Winter Workspace artist Amy Lincoln. Return to the studio to combine your fragments and figments into an invented composite space. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Newcomers and practicing artists alike are welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session, which includes admission to the grounds. Advance registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM–1PM

WED, MARCH 18    HORTICULTURAL LECTURE #3—ED BOWEN: WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?

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. Horticulturist Ed Bowen takes a plant-centric look at ornamentals, examining past use and offering suggestions and strategies for ensuring their continued viability and relevance. Described by garden writer Tovah Martin as “the seminal plant nerd,” Bowen explores the intersection of plants and commerce, including how nursery production practices affect garden center offerings, and vice versa. He founded and owns Opus Plants, a deliberately small nursery in Little Compton, Rhode Island, where he propagates plants. This is the last of Wave Hill’s 2015 Horticultural Lectures. 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. 

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. Closes5:30PM, 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 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.

"NOT GUILTY"

  Those were the words of former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver as he told reporters as he was leaving the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan.  Silver's lawyer commented that his client has already declared guilty by U.S. Attorney Pheet Bharara, with the help of the media. The U.S. Attorney's office dismissed the charges as 'Baseless'. Silver who said little, did say that he would be found not guilty. 

  Silver has been indicted on three counts which are 

1 - Mail Fraud

2 - Wire Fraud

3 - Extortion

The full 25 page Indictment - The United State VS. Sheldon Silver can be found here.

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN MARCOS CRESPO, SOUNDVIEW HOMEOWNERS & ATTORNEY SUSAN CHANA LASK ANNOUNCE $8 MILLION FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS CONTRACTORS & NYC DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS

NYC Department of Buildings, Contractors Allegedly Duped Bronx Homeowners Into Spending Life Savings on Unsafe, Uninhabitable Homes

    An unscrupulous contractor and the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) swindled Bronx homeowners out of millions of dollars by constructing substandard homes and failing to provide new homeowners with valid certificates of occupancy upon closing, alleges an $8 million federal lawsuit announced today by State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, the Soundview Homeowners and Attorney at Law Susan Chana Lask, and Homeowner Johanny DelaCruz

Senator Klein said: “The actions taken by unscrupulous Bronx contractors to dupe unsuspecting families into spending their  life savings on uninhabitable new homes are reprehensible. Not only are these new homes constructed poorly and with shoddy, cheap materials – they pose significant health and safety concerns to the families living there. When scheming agencies and contractors prey on aspiring homeowners, they need to know that we will hold them accountable."

For years, the DOB has permitted its licensee, Bad Ass Inc.,  to build unsafe homes across the Bronx that are not up to New York City building codes and as a result, cannot receive permanent certificates of occupancy. Under constant threat of eviction from DOB, Soundview Homeowners pay more than $400 a month in upkeep to combat leaking roofs, cracked walls, irregular plumbing, black mold and improper insulation. What’s more, because they lack permanent certificates of occupancy they are unable to sell or refinance their homes.

Attorney Susan Chana Lask said: “The Department of Buildings has ignored these people long enough. It is responsible for safe housing, not issuing building permits for illegal housing because its more concerned with its $100 Million a year revenue while people suffer.”

Homeowner Johanny DelaCruz said: “This has been a nightmare to me, my family and my children.  We thought we purchased the American Dream, but the Department of Buildings and Bad Ass gave us a nightmare.  We live in a freezing, damp uninsulated structure that is illegal and frightening." 

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo said: “I stand today with Senator Jeff Klein and these homeowners to support this new filing and to fight for swift justice on behalf of these families. We can no longer allow unscrupulous individuals and shady companies to defraud those willing to invest in our community and make a commitment to raise their families in our neighborhoods. They deserve justice and today we take another step in seeking it!”

The federal lawsuit comes on the heels of a state lawsuit filed in Bronx civil court in December 2013, alleging contractor Bad Ass Inc. conducted an elaborate scheme to scam first time home buyers into purchasing unsafe properties. Attorney Lask recently requested a stay to amend the complaint and Senator Klein submitted a letter of support.

“I ask the court to grant the plaintiffs’ request for a stay in the proceeding so that new motion papers can be filed. These plaintiffs deserve their day in court.” continued Senator Klein.

Senator Klein, Assemblyman Crespo. Lawyer Susan Lask, Homeowner J. DelaCruz, and other people and their children who are some of the 150 home owners in this situation living in homes built by Bad Ass Inc. 

Bad Ass Inc. is still a licensed home builder of the New York City Department of Buildings. 

Could this type of housing be in store for people who will be moving into the 200,000 new affordable housing units planned by Mayor Bill deBlasio?

City Council to Hold Hearing Evaluating the City’s Veterans Treatment Courts

City Council Member Andrew Cohen, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disability, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Disability Services, will hold a joint hearing with the Veterans Committee, and the Committee on Courts and Legal Services to evaluate the City’s Veterans Treatment Courts.

Veterans Treatment Courts - modeled after drug courts - first emerged in 2008 under Buffalo City Court Judge Robert Russell Jr. These specialized courts connect veterans to services that can assist with substance abuse, mental health challenges, and other issues. Participants are also paired with a court appointed mentor, and those who successfully complete the program may have their charges dismissed, reduced, or receive a reduction in their sentence.

Other New York City elected officials, local district attorneys, judges, direct providers, veterans service organizations and various stakeholders are expected to give testimony.

What: City Council Oversight Hearing - Evaluating the City’s Veterans Treatment Courts

When: Wednesday, February 25th, 2015 at 1:00 P.M.

Where: Committee Room, City Hall, New York, NY 10007

State Senate Coalition releases bombshell report on dangerous sex offenders living near Universal Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs

  After devastating New York State Court of Appeals ruling in Nassau, State Senate Coalition will act on a series of bills to strengthen protections for children against sex offenders

 The New York State Senate Coalition today unveiled an alarming joint-investigative report, “Keeping Our Children Safe From Sex Offenders,” conducted by the offices of Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein and State Senate Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos , which uncovered startling violations of residency restrictions and a major loophole in the law.

The joint-investigative report comes on the heels of a devastating New York State Court of Appeal’s ruling relating to  Nassau County.  As a result, the New York State Senate Coalition will immediately act on key sex offender legislation — including closing the major loophole in the law and allowing localities to strengthen residency restrictions.

“As the author of Megan's Law, I recognize that the recent Court of Appeals decision is a clarion call for New York to take whatever steps are necessary to protect our children from dangerous sexual predators.  I thank the members of the Senate Republican Conference — who have been at the forefront of the state's efforts on these issues for years — for their ongoing commitment to common-sense measures that keep kids safe.  I urge the Governor and our Assembly colleagues to join us in enacting a swift and smart legislative solution,” Senate Majority Leader Skelos said.

The joint-investigation uncovered convicted pedophiles violating state law by living within 1,000 feet of grade schools with Pre-K programs and brought to light a dozen sex offenders residing within 1,000 feet of stand-alone Universal Pre-K programs not attached to grade schools—currently unprotected by state law.

“Time and time again, I find dangerous sexual predators convicted of committing heinous crimes against children living far too close to schools in violation of state law. This is absolutely unacceptable. But even more shocking is that the legal definition of ‘school’ does not necessarily include Pre-K and kindergarten programs. Right now a dozen predators live near stand-alone programs in compliance with state law — including one man who had sexual contact with a four-year-old girl. It’s our duty to protect all children from pedophiles in the spirit of the law and we must immediately close this loophole,” said Senator Klein.

“It’s an outrage that we continue to find sex offenders practically living in the backyards of schools despite a statewide sex offender registry in place. It’s also inconceivable that the law banning predators from living within 1,000-feet of schools doesn’t apply to our youngest students and we need to correct that immediately,” said Senator Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn).

“The loophole revealed in this report is disturbing. Allowing convicted sex offenders to live near our pre-schools and kindergartens flies in the face of the intent of the law.  I applaud Senator Klein in spearheading this initiative, and I am committed to working to keep our children and our streets safe. That is why I introduced a bill to ensure that sex offenders are properly assessed before being released into our communities. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to pass these necessary resolutions,” said Senator Tony Avella (D-Bayside).

“When talking about the safety and security of the children of New York, we cannot waste a minute in passing this vital piece of legislation.  While  I  strongly  disagree  with  the  court’s  ruling and the short term ramifications it has across our great state, it emphasizes the need to pass our  legislation  and keep registered sex offenders away from our schools.  I urge my colleagues to pass this bill as soon as possible and the Governor to sign it,” said Senator Golden, a co-sponsor of a bill to allow localities to fortify sex offender residency restrictions.

On February 17, the New York State Court of Appeals sided with a sex offender who completed his parole and moved within 500-feet of a Nassau school, in compliance with state law, but against local law. The court ruled that only the state, not a locality, is authorized to create residency restrictions for sex offenders.

When session resumes this week, the New York State Senate Coalition will pass the following legislation:

●       Allowing localities to fortify sex offender restrictions in ways that are no less restrictive than state laws (Senator Michael Venditto)

●       Requiring school districts to distribute information about a sex offender’s residence upon notification from law enforcement (Senator Kenneth LaValle)

●       Closing the loophole on the legal definition of a school to include Pre-K and Kindergarten (Senator Klein)

●       Holding risk assessment hearings before a sexual predator is released into a community (Senator Tony Avella)

While Senator Klein’s bill to correct the definition of a school passed last year, it died in committee in the Assembly. Sadly, the joint-investigation uncovered five sex offenders living within 1,000-feet of a school in violation of state law and 12 residing near stand-alone UPK programs.

DOCCS fails to recognize a stand-alone Pre-K or kindergarten as a school because of the word’s ambiguous definition in the statute. The Office of State Senator Klein discovered the loophole last year when a Level 3 sex offender moved close to the Carrig Montessori School, which only contains a Pre-K and Kindergarten.

Like Senator Klein’s legislation to clarify the definition of a school, which passed last year with bipartisan support in the Senate, these bills also passed last year, but failed to pass in the Assembly:

●       Banning Level 1, 2 and 3 sex offenders from residing within 1,000 feet of a building used exclusively as an elementary or high school (Senator Golden)

●       Banning  registered  sex  offenders  from residing within 1,500 feet of their victims (Senator Terrence Murphy)

●       Clarifying the definition of “residence” in SORA (Senator Robert Ortt)

●       Additional disclosure of workplace information if a sex offender is working in the community where he or she resides (Senator Andrew Lanza)

●       An expansion of the definition of an institution for the care and treatment of children under age 18 to clearly include day care centers (Senator James Seward)

Last month, the New York State Senate Coalition passed legislation to protect children from sex offenders, which are awaiting passage by the New York State Assembly. The legislation includes:

●       Prohibiting Level 2 and 3 sex offenders from residing in family homeless shelters (Senator Klein)

●       Criminalizing housing or employing a sex offender who failed to register or verify employment (Senator Michael Ranzenhofer)

●       Prohibiting certain sex offenders from being granted custody or unsupervised visitation with a child (Senator John Flanagan)

●       Requiring sex offenders to report multiple or part-time residences (Senator John Bonacic)

●       Requiring the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to contact local officials when a sex offender is placed in a community residence within their municipality (Senator Patrick Gallivan)

●       Prohibiting sex offenders from living in student housing (Senator Joseph Robach)

●       Creating a sex offender public awareness program (Senator Joseph Robach)

Editors Note: 

Those named and their addresses have been omitted.

CB 7 Public Hearing on the Preliminary Budget

Bronx Community Board #7 will be hosing a Public Hearing on the Preliminary Budget on March 3, 2015. The hearing will focus on the City Agencies' responses to the budget priorities that were submitted last year (see the attached document). 

WHEN: Tuesday, March 3, 2015

TIME: 5:00 pm

WHERE:  CB7 - 229 East 204th Street; Bronx.

Call 718-933-9650 for more information.

CM Cohen Prays at the Western Wall

Council Member Andrew Cohen prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem during his first visit to Israel on February 21^st. The Councilman joined his colleagues in the Council Delegation on a week-long trip to strengthen the relationship between the Israeli leadership and New York City, which was hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.

"Who Gave This Son of a Bitch His Green Card?"

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

You should know that the immigrant community was insulted and disrespected by actor Sean Penn during last night’s Oscars presentation. 

You should also know that during last night's Oscars, Alejandro González Iñárritu provided several magnificent moments of pride for Mexicans and for the entire international Hispanic community. The movie Birdman was directed by Mr. Iñárritu, winning Oscars for directing, screenplay and cinematography.  During one of his gracious acceptance speeches - for Best Director of Birdman - the proud Mexican made a public plea for Americans to treat immigrants with respect. 

As American actor Sean Penn stood before the world to open the envelope for Best Movie, he took a long pause and directing his comments toward Alejandro González Iñárritu he said: "Who gave this son of a bitch his green card?" 

You should know Mr. Penn is one of the biggest liberals in Hollywood, and it has to be said that his racist remark was a huge dishonor to someone who had just requested respect for all.  Mr. Penn's comment also implied that there is something illegal about Mr. Iñárritu's success here in the United States. 

While I won't deny all of the glory Mr. Penn should receive for his humanitarian aid, that does not excuse his racist comment.  If those same remarks were made by any Conservative American, all hell would break loose. The double standard that exists in our society allows liberals to make racist jokes. 

Where is the outrage about Sean Penn's disgraceful and disgusting joke? Where are all of the groups that claim to be out there fighting for equality? Where are their voices?  Where are the editorial boards and pundits and why aren't they holding Sean Penn's feet to the fire? I can't imagine any conservative making any comment like that and getting a pass.

My dear reader, much has been said about the Oscars nominations where only Caucasian actors were nominated.  Despite that, a great moment of hope shined through and celebrated the talents of Alejandro González Iñárritu. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I join with the Mexican community and with all Hispanics to celebrate and treasure the memory of last night's Oscars Award Ceremony - but I also join everyone who opposes racism as I wait for a very public apology from Sean Penn. 

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