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Seating is limited please RSVP to 718.590.3989 or smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Irish Heritage Month Celebration
Wave Hill Events Mar 20–Mar 27
SAT, MARCH 21 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 21 FAMILY ART PROJECT: OH, MY! ORCHID PRINTS
Observe the unusual shapes of the enchanting orchid flower. Working with large pieces of construction paper, simple templates and contrasting backgrounds, we’ll make simple, bold and brushy orchid-inspired prints that are easy for all! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Orchid Day event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM
SAT, MARCH 21 GARDENING DEMO: ORCHID CULTURE, A CLOSE-UP LOOK
If you have successfully grown one or more orchids and want to expand your understanding of these wonderful plants, then this program is for you! Find out how to anticipate the needs of a plant by observing its morphology, or plant structure. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM
SAT, MARCH 21 IN THE SHOP: ORCHID EXPERT ISABEL LOPATIN
As part of Orchid Day at Wave Hill, drop by The Shop at Wave Hill to chat with orchid grower Isabel Lopatin, who shares successful techniques for selecting and growing a variety of orchids. Then purchase your own that will thrive in your home. Come early for an orchid-inspired Family Art Project from 10AM to 1PM and an orchid demo with Ms. Lopatin from 11AM to noon.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1–3PM
SUN, MARCH 22 FAMILY ART PROJECT: OH, MY! ORCHID PRINTS
Observe the unusual shapes of the enchanting orchid flower. Working with large pieces of construction paper, simple templates and contrasting backgrounds, we’ll make simple, bold and brushy orchid-inspired prints that are easy for all! Free with admission to the grounds. Orchid Day event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, MARCH 22 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 22 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 22 WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: [RE]VISION PROJECT
With Winter Workspace artist Musa Hixson, engage in drawing and discussion as you design a plan for making your community more environmentally sustainable. 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. 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
SUN, MARCH 22 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 22
Closed to the public
TUE, MARCH 24 BLACK AND WHITE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP SERIES BEGINS
Photography’s origins began in black and white, with shades of gray. With photographer Benjamin Swett, explore composition, light and subject matter through this lens, and experiment with transforming digital color images back to black and white. This six-session workshop continues March 24, 31 and April 7, 14, 21 and 28. $260/$200 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM
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/
DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.
Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.
Cardinal Edward Egan Passes Away at Age 82 -- Local Tributes Come in
Former Archbishop of New York Cardinal Edward Egan dies at at 82 of Cardiac Arrest.
Egan was appointed in 2000 to succeed Cardinal John O'Connor by then Pope John Paul II. Archbishop Egan watched the Catholic Church grow in number of parishes, and its schools grow in enrollment as well/ Below are some local comments about Cardinal Egan's passing.
STATEMENT OF MAYOR DE BLASIO
“Chirlane and I are saddened to learn of the death of Edward Cardinal Egan. He was a generous man who committed his life to serving others. His compassion was reflected in his deeds, and his ability to inspire those around him. As Archbishop-Emeritus, 12th bishop and 9th archbishop and 7th Cardinal of the See of New York, Cardinal Egan spread love and knowledge, and brought comfort to countless New Yorkers and others across the country and the world who sought his guidance and counsel – especially in the aftermath of 9/11. On behalf of all New Yorkers, Chirlane and I extend our deepest sympathies to Cardinal Egan’s family and his extended family at the Archdiocese of New York.”
STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Cardinal Edward M. Egan, a man whom hundreds of thousands looked up to as a spiritual role model and who represented his faith and the faith of all Catholics as an exemplary servant of God.
“Cardinal Egan presided over the New York Archdiocese for nine years and was an inspiration to his more than 2.5 million parishioners and to numerous Catholics all over the world. The cardinal was one of America’s most visible and respected Catholic leaders, and was especially strong for the people of this city in the aftermath of the terror attacks of 9/11. We will miss him.
“I, along with all 1.4 million residents of The Bronx offer my thoughts and prayers to his entire family and to the Archdiocese of New York in their time of mourning,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Statement from State Senator Jeff Klein
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, the former Archbishop of New York City. I extend my deepest prayers and sympathies to his family and the members of the Roman Catholic Church who mourn his passing. Beloved Cardinal Egan’s spirituality touched so many New Yorkers, particularly on September 11 when he administered last rites to those in their final moments of life. His legacy of increasing parishioner rolls, school enrollment and fighting for funding for religious and independent schools in my district will always be remembered. My condolences go out to the entire Catholic community.”
STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING
“My heart is with the extended family of the late Edward Cardinal Egan, New York’s 2.5 million Catholics who are mourning the loss of an esteemed leader of faith,” said Council Member Andy King, Co-Chair of the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus. “I recall his pastoral leadership especially after our city’s tragedy on 9/11, as well as his commitment to stewarding the institution of the Archdiocese of New York and the schools and social services that it provides for New Yorkers of diverse faiths. It is a blessing that his passing this afternoon was a peaceful one and today, we remember him in life, a life lived fully in Christ.”
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Former New York City Council Member Daniel Halloran Sentenced In White Plains Federal Court To 10 Years In Prison For Role In Bribery And Fraud Schemes
Former New York City Council Member DANIEL HALLORAN was sentenced today in White Plains federal court to 10 years in prison in connection with his role in arranging the bribery of New York City Republican leaders to allow New York State Senator Malcolm Smith, a Democrat, to run as a Republican candidate for New York City Mayor in 2013, and accepting a $15,000 cash bribe in exchange for designating up to $80,000 in New York City funds to a non-profit entity that would allow the money to be embezzled through a no-show job. HALLORAN was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas, who presided over the two-month trial that resulted in HALLORAN’S conviction in August 2014.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “When elected officials, like Daniel Halloran, not only corrupt themselves but, unseen, corrupt the body politic from within they undermine the public’s confidence in a representative form of government. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners at the FBI and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office for working with us to ensure that the defendant was pursued, prosecuted, and faced justice.”
In addition to the prison term, HALLORAN, 42, of Queens, New York, was also sentenced to two years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $45,300. HALLORAN’s co-conspirators, Smith and Tabone, were convicted for their roles in the bribery conspiracy in January 2015 and are currently scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Karas on July 1, 2015.
In the sentencing of HALLORAN, Judge Karas remarked, “This was a very serious crime. When a public official gets into cars and takes wads of cash or promises public money in return for cash to the politician, it is so troubling. It causes us all to be cynical about our leaders. It causes us to doubt that our leaders are looking after us. And it's a very serious matter.”
NYC Council Member Andy King to share “State of the 12th District”
On Thursday, March 12th, Council Member Andy King will host the State of the 12th District Address at 7 p.m. at Beulah Church of God, 986 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx.
The address will highlight the district’s finances, accomplishments over the past year, challenges facing the district, and future planning.
All community members are invited to attend the State of the District Address, as well as stay for a birthday celebration for Council Member King.
WHO: NYC Council Member Andy King
WHAT: State of the 12th District Address
WHEN: Thursday, March 12th at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Beulah Church of God, 986 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx
WHY: To share district information regarding FY2015-16 and plans for the future
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
WILLIAMS' STATEMENT ON RISE OF SHOOTINGS ACROSS THE CITY
Today, Council Member Jumaane D. Williams Deputy Leader and co-chair of the Council's Task Force to Combat Gun Violence, released the following statement after recent reports show that an increase in shootings and murders have occurred across the five boroughs.
"It is troubling to learn that increases in shootings have occurred across the city. We must remember that these are not just statistics, but are New Yorkers being killed by senseless acts of violence. My prayers for peace and comfort are with the friends and family of the victims, including Alexander Manning, a former marine who was shot and killed last week by a group of teenagers when he refused to let them rob him in front of his East Flatbush apartment.
"We must continue to push back against such violence and not accept it as the norm. I was pleased to attend a Committee on Public Safety hearing today, Chaired by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, where we had productive conversations with the Administration, representatives of NYPD and advocates on community policing. During the hearing, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Susan Herman and the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice Director Elizabeth Glazier reported that the department has developed creative strategies to engage community members to deal with crime and violence holistically.
"Included in that discussion was the Council's Task Force to Combat Gun Violence, which launched in 2012 and later created the Crisis Management System to address shootings as a public health issue by using an multi-faceted approach through funding grassroots groups, providing wrap around services and coordinating inter-agency initiatives. The program employs 'violence interrupters,' typically former gang members who have turned their lives around, to quell street disputes -- intervening before escalation to gun violence -- and links potential shooters to case management and supportive services.
"We all know that we cannot combat shootings with police tactics alone, and owe it to the men and women in blue and the communities they serve to initiate creative strategies like these and others discussed during today's hearing to improve public safety and police-community relations. I look forward to working further with Chair Gibson, the Administration and NYPD to address these issues and limit shootings across the five boroughs."
Preliminary Survey of Ectoparasites and Associated Pathogens from Norway Rats in New York City
Every so often a study like this comes around about New York City inhabitants that can't be passed up.
In a report in the Oxford Press the Entomological Society of America did a study of the Norway Rat (Rattus Norvegious). They studied whatever fleas, insects, and anything else the rat may be carrying as to how they might effect any human life the rats may come in contact with.
All told 133 Norway Rats were collected over 10 months in Manhattan (not the Bronx). 72 were male rats and 61 were female that were further broken down into 3 age groups, The youngest were Juveniles, next were sub-adult, and adult rats. The rats were collected from three residential sites (57), one outdoor site (26), and one mixed use indoor site (50).
The report goes on to say that in all but one rat there were fleas or other potential disease carrying ectoparsites. To read the entire Entomological Society of America report click on the Manhattan Norway Rat Study, but you had better not have a weak stomach.
Monday, March 2, 2015
21st Annual Bronx Park Speak Up
Saturday February 28th was the 21st Annual Bronx Parks Speak Up. Who better than NYC Commissioner of the Parks Department Mitchell Silver to have on hand to speak up for our parks. Over 350 people enjoyed an afternoon of discussion and displays from various organizations from around the Bronx.
Commissioner Silver spoke of the inequality that has gone on in New York City when it came to the parks of New York City. He went on to say that 215 parks citywide need over 1 billion dollars to be fixed due to lack of funding and maintenance. He hopes to change that, but for now the 134 neediest parks will get fixed. Mayor deBlasio has set aside 131 million dollars that will go into 35 parks of which 20 million will go into 9 parks in the Bronx.
Councilman Andrew Cohen was on hand to speak about his participation in the city councils 'Participatory Budgeting Process'. Councilman Cohen has set aside monies from his budget for projects in his district that will come from people or groups in the district and be voted on by the people of the district.
As you will see below groups from 'Restore the Highbridge', 'Friends of Van Cortlandt Park', 'Bronx Council for Environmental Quality (BCEQ), 'Friends of Ferry Point Park', 'Bronx Transportation Alternatives', 'Bronx River Alliance', and many others were on hand. This year was even larger both in turnout and in exhibits of what is going on in the Bronx related to the parks. Everyone could agree with Commissioner Silver that our parks need to be fixed and maintained.
Below - Left - BCEQ, Right - Earthsavers.
Above - The Pugsley Creek Park Community shows where the Bronx - Manhattan ferry will go.
Below - Left - New Yorkers for Parks. Right - The Bronx Children's Museum
The Department of Sanitation was in the house to inform of upcoming new regulations in certain areas of the Bronx about composting.