Public Advocate James to Appeal Judge Verdict on Eric Gatmer Grand Jury Opening

  

My fellow New Yorkers, This afternoon, a State Supreme Court justice ruled against releasing the evidence presented to the grand jury in the Eric Garner case. As you may recall, I am one of the plaintiffs making the case in court that what transpired in the Garner case should not be kept from the public; that transparency will strengthen, not weaken our criminal justice system. A short while ago, I announced that I am immediately appealing the judge's decision and will continue to press our legal case. I am doing so because the only way to restore the public's faith in our criminal justice system is by bringing sunlight to a system that has operated in secrecy for far too long. Like millions of Americans around the country, I was horrified by what I saw in the videos in the Garner case and simply amazed that it wasn't enough to lead to a fair trial. Simply put: the results in the courtroom did not match the reality we saw with our own eyes. Together, we will continue to fight for justice in this case and broader reforms that will strengthen our entire system of justice. Sincerely, Letitia James New York City Public Advocate

Dinowitz, Cohen announce improvements to BxM4 Express Bus schedule

  

New schedule will allow Woodlawn commuters to make it to work on time

   Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz  and Council Member Andrew Cohen announced their successful efforts to adjust the schedule of the BxM4 Express Bus, as requested by numerous commuters who rely on the service each day. On weekdays, the bus service, which connects Woodlawn and other communities in the Bronx with Midtown Manhattan, first reached Midtown at 7:05 a.m., too late for many Woodlawn commuters whose work shifts began at 7:00 a.m. After Assemblyman Dinowitz and Council Member Cohen contacted the MTA regarding this issue, the MTA agreed to adjust the BxM4 bus schedule by having the earliest southbound bus depart ten minutes earlier.

The BxM4 Express Bus schedule will also be adjusted in the afternoon, with the first northbound bus departing from Midtown Manhattan at 4:35 p.m., rather than 4:45 p.m. This change will allow commuters to make it home to their families more quickly. Both schedule changes will go into effect on April 6, 2015.

Assemblyman Dinowitz and Council Member Cohen issued the following statement:

“This is an example of government in action. After hearing from numerous constituents that the existing BxM4 bus schedule was making them late to work and delaying their return home, we urged the MTA to adjust their schedule to adapt to the needs of their passengers. We are pleased that the MTA has agreed to adopt our recommended changes in their spring bus schedule. These small changes will make a big difference to the commuters who rely on this bus to get to work every day. We believe that investment in public transportation can be a virtuous cycle: the more we invest in improving the system, the more people will use it, allowing for further investment. We will continue to advocate for changes that improve the daily commutes of our constituents.”

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN lUIS SEPULVEDA, AND COMUNILIFE’S – LIFE IS PRECIOUSTM PROGRAM HOLD LATINA TEEN SUICIDE PREVENTION ROUNDTABLE

  Senator Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, Dr. Rosa Gil CEO of Comunilife, Jennifer Humensky PhD. Research Director at Columbia University, Parents and Bronx School Counselors Come Together for Guidance Counselor Roundtable Discussion on Latina Teen Suicide

   State Senator Jeff  Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, and Comunilife’s Life is Precious Program™ (LIP) hosted an expert panel and guidance counselor roundtable to raise awareness of the suicide epidemic for Latina teens, highlight early intervention measures, assess current state response and promote community-based, culturally sensitive solutions.

Senator Klein was joined by Comunilife President and CEO Dr. Rosa Gil, Jennifer Humensky PhD. NY Research Director of Center of Excellence in Cultural Competence at Columbia University, parents and Bronx school guidance counselors.

“One of the most important messages we can send to young people today, is that every life is precious,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Comunilife’s LIP program works to ensure positive outcomes for generations of New Yorkers, providing vulnerable teen populations with invaluable resources to combat depression and most importantly, save lives. Today’s roundtable shows that when the community joins together, we can make real progress, affect positive change and help thousands of teens in need.”

“Today’s guidance counselor roundtable is critical in raising awareness of a growing epidemic among Latina teens in our city,” Dr. Rosa Gil, President and CEO of Comunilife said. “The statistics have never been more staggering and the time has never been more pertinent to act. In the Bronx, one in seven Latina teens contemplates, and more than one in nine attempt, suicide. Our girls need help, and today’s panel and discussion is an important step. We appreciate Senator Klein's support of our Life is Precious™ program and more importantly his support of the at-risk Latina teens in his district and throughout New York City.”

"The tragic epidemic of suicide amongst Latina adolescents is one that rarely receives the attention it deserves," said Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda. "Dr. Rosa Gil and the Comunilife organization have dedicated themselves to helping to change this and to lessen the stigma amongst Latino families. This additional funding secured by Senator Klein will go a long way in ensuring that the work done by Comunilife is preserved and that a change in the perception of mental health in the Latino community is achieved."

“The issue of teen suicide is a reoccurring issue in all communities. Unfortunately, when we review the data, we seen Latina teens are at a far greater risk than their non-Hispanic counterparts.  This is truly alarming. This problem needs a collaborative effort to reduce these statistics. I commend New York State Independent Democratic Conference Leader, Senator Jeffrey Klein for his continuous efforts on advocating for program funding for the topics which affects the communities within our District. Although this is a very sensitive topic, this is something we cannot ignore. The Life is Precious™ program created by Comunilife will provide cultural and linguistic appropriate education support, creative therapy, and wellness activities to Latina teens,” stated Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, Chair for the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

In 2014, Senator Klein provided $300,000 in state funding to expand the program in the Bronx and increase the number of at-risk teens receiving services. In June of that year, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their 2013 Youth High Risk Behavior Survey, which revealed nationally 26% of Latina teens contemplate suicide, up 5% from 2011 and more than twice the rate of their non-Hispanic counterparts. What’s more, Latina teens represent nearly one out of every six suicide attempts in the U.S. Contributing factors include acculturation stress, economic status and developmental and social disparities.

About Life is Precious™:

In 2008, Comunilife created Life is Precious™ (LIP) to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate educational support, creative art therapy, and wellness activities to Latina teens, aged 12 to 17, who have contemplated or attempted suicide and their families. All participants come from low-income families and most live in New York City’s poorest communities. LIP’s goal is to eliminate suicide by Latina adolescents by giving them tools that build their confidence and provide the skills to succeed.

BCC Irish Heritage Celebration

Above - (l-r) Bronx Chamber of Commerce Chairman Joseph Kelleher, Joe McManus, Honoree Ms. Tracy McDermott, Honoree Mr. James McQuade, Honoree Ms. Marianne Anderson, BCC President Lenny O'Caro, and Master of Ceremonies Bob Nolan. 

  It was a wonderful event at the Pines on Bronxdale Avenue for the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Irish Heritage Celebration. BCC President Lenny O'Caro opened the event, and Bcc President Joseph Kelleher did an excellent job of singing God Bless America (as you will see in a photo below). Mr. Bob Nolan the master of ceremonies said that as late as a week before the event he did not know that he was going to be the Emcee, until Lenny O'Caro asked him a few days ago at the Throggs Neck St. Patrick's Day Parade.

  The three Honorees were Ms. Marianne Anderson the current Pelham Bay Park Administrator, Mr. James E. McQuade owner of Schuyler Hill Funeral Home, and Ms. Tracy McDermott of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz's office. There was also a membership presentation to 10 newest members of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Doctors Express - Urgent Care, Schuyler Hill Funeral Home, Core BTS, Triangulum, 15 Dynasty, S and D Moving, All in One Construction, 5 Guys Burgers and Fries, Rooter Plus Plumbing and Heating, and McClarren Accounting. 

Above - The new member listed before with Ms. Geri Sciortino of the BCC in the middle in the green blouse. 

 BCC President Joseph Kelleher and Master of Ceremonies Bob Nolan singing God Bless America.

 Mr. Joe McManus with Mr. Nolan.

Above -The lovely Michelle Donglow and Mr. Dirk McCaskill of BP Diaz's office

Below - Bcc President Lenny O'Caro and Joe Mc Manus.

‘ROAD TO 10 MILLION MORE VISITORS’

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND NYC & COMPANY ANNOUNCE

‘ROAD TO 10 MILLION MORE VISITORS’

New tourism target of 67 million annual visitors by 2021 unveiled at

NYC & Company annual meeting

   Mayor Bill de Blasio, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen, NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon, and NYC & Company Board of Directors Chairman and President of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Emily K. Rafferty today announced that New York City is on the ‘Road to 10 Million More Visitors,’ sharing the next tourism forecast of 67 million annual visitors by the end of 2021. The announcement was made during NYC & Company’s Annual Meeting of more than 800 tourism and hospitality industry members at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. NYC & Company previously achieved its goal of 55 million visitors one year ahead of its 2015 schedule by welcoming an all-time record 56.4 million visitors last year.

“From the North Bronx to the South Shore, New York City is home to thousands of diverse neighborhoods and communities—and we’re proud to welcome visitors from across the globe to our vibrant and ever-growing city. This year, we’re committing to attract a record 67 million annual visitors by the end of 2021—and we look forward to working alongside businesses large and small to showcase all that our five boroughs have to offer,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“There's never been a better time to visit New York City and experience the dynamism and diversity that makes it the most exciting destination in the world. We look forward to welcoming 67 million annual visitors by 2021 to explore the boroughs, grow the economy, support the creation of hundreds of thousands of good jobs, and discover all the City has to offer,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen.

“Travel and tourism are a cornerstone of the City’s economy—our hotels, restaurants, attractions, retailers, Broadway theaters, performing arts, five-borough cultural organizations and transportation providers continue to draw new and repeat visitors to our City each year. Through the continued support of the de Blasio administration, I am confident we will reach our new target of 67 million annual visitors by 2021, further spreading tourism to every corner of our City, drawing visitors during slower periods, and showcasing the attractive new product in all five boroughs,” said NYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon.

“As chairman of the board of directors of NYC & Company, I applaud the de Blasio administration for their continued commitment to growing our tourism industry.  Through our mutual collaboration we will expand tourism opportunities in every corner of this City, and arrive at our new destination of 67 million annual visitors by the end of 2021,” said Emily Rafferty, chairman of NYC & Company’s board of directors and president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“From our cultural attractions, restaurants, wonderful neighborhoods and friendly people New York is the greatest city in the world, and we want to encourage everyone from around the world to visit. Tourism helps businesses big and small throughout the five boroughs, and by committing to adding ten million more visitors we help create jobs while also showcasing the greatness of New York City,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

Each additional million visitors would result in significant economic gains for the City of New York, solidifying the tourism industry as a major engine for the City—including generating more tourism-related jobs and visitor spending.  Of the predicted 67 million visitors expected by the end of 2021, 16 million are forecasted to come from international markets while 51 million would originate from U.S./domestic markets.

In 2014, New York City welcomed 56.4 million visitors to New York City, beating the projection of 55 million visitors by the end of 2015. Visitor spending resulted in an estimated $61.3 billion in economic impact and $3.7 billion in City tax revenues, as well as supported 359,000 tourism related jobs. Total visitor volume for 2015 is projected to rise 3 percent overall to 58.1 million.

Wave Hill Events Apr 3–Apr 10

Commuters may breathe a sigh of relief when the schools close for a week, but for those of us with school-age kids, the week can be a challenge…or an opportunity to share some engaging time with your young one—son, daughter, nephew, niece or grandchild! Family programs this week are part of Spring Wings Week at Wave Hill, a time to enjoy the return of the much-loved birds with whom we share the landscape.

P.S. Do stop in The Shop, too, for the sale going on this week. I fell in love with a very soft, squishable bunny hand-puppet yesterday. The space is full of life and color, a wonderfully appealing collection of gifts to engage little ones.

FRI, APRIL 3    IN THE SHOP: VACATION WEEK SALE

In celebration of Spring Vacation Week, enjoy 20% off all kids’ gifts. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

SAT, APRIL 4    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 April 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, APRIL 4    FAMILY ART PROJECT: ECO FAIR 

Display your care for our planet with your own nature-inspired crafts. Fashion a fancy flower from a discarded CD, binoculars from cardboard tubes, little insects from found metal zippers, a board game from bottle caps or an Earth Day pin from a recycled jar-top.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, APRIL 4    IN THE SHOP: VACATION WEEK SALE

In celebration of Spring Vacation Week, enjoy 20% off all kids’ gifts. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

SUN, APRIL 5    FAMILY ART PROJECT: ECO FAIR

Display your care for our planet with your own nature-inspired crafts. Fashion a fancy flower from a discarded CD, binoculars from cardboard tubes, little insects from found metal zippers, a board game from bottle caps or an Earth Day pin from a recycled jar-top.  Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, APRIL 5    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 directorNeem 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 April 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, APRIL 5    IN THE SHOP: VACATION WEEK SALE

In celebration of Spring Vacation Week, enjoy 20% off all kids’ gifts. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

SUN, APRIL 5    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, APRIL 5    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, APRIL 6

Closed to the public

TUE, APRIL 7    IN THE SHOP: VACATION WEEK SALE

In celebration of Spring Vacation Week, enjoy 20% off all kids’ gifts. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

TUE, APRIL 7    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

TUE, APRIL 7    FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: PASTE PAPERS

Join us for a week of bird-inspired activities and art-making, followed by drop-in science explorations, then come back for more over the weekend! Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Today, learn how to use an acrylic paint and paste medium to make decorative and textured paste papers. Embellish yours with plumy marks that you make from actual feathers. Participants will make multiple sheets to take home or use atWednesday’s workshop. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult; additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online atwww.wavehillorg or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.Spring Wings Week event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1–2:30PM

TUE, APRIL 7    DROP-IN SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS: SHELLS AND FEATHERS

Join us for this drop-in program following the art workshop in the morning. Feathers and eggs are two of the most recognizable attributes of birds, but how do they work? Using water, sand, fabric and soil screens, explore how water and air pass through the egg’s membrane, while its shell protects it. Learn how feathers camouflage birds and keep them warm, dry and aloft. Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Registration not required. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 2:30–3:30PM

WED, APRIL 8    IN THE SHOP: VACATION WEEK SALE

In celebration of Spring Vacation Week, enjoy 20% off all kids’ gifts. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

WED, APRIL 8    FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: BIRDY PAMPHLET BOOK

Join us for a week of bird-inspired activities and art-making, followed by drop-in science explorations, then come back for more over the weekend! Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Today, delve into the art of bookmaking using a simple pamphlet stitch. Choose a local bird species for the silhouette cover, along with textured paste papers to give your homemade book special character. We’ll provide a list of bird songs to include; add your own notes about the birds you see at Wave Hill. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult; additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online at www.wavehillorg or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11. Spring Wings Week event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1–2:30PM

WED, APRIL 8    DROP-IN SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS: BIRD CALLS

Join us for this drop-in program following the art workshop in the morning. Watch a balloon demonstration of how a bird’s voice box—its syrinx—works. Listen to bird-call recordings, and learn simple mnemonics to help you identify the birds you hear at Wave Hill. Make a homemade bird-call using clothespins, electric tape and rubber bands. Learn some tips to sound like a convincing bird. Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Registration not required. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 2:30–3:30PM

THU, APRIL 9    IN THE SHOP: VACATION WEEK SALE

In celebration of Spring Vacation Week, enjoy 20% off all kids’ gifts. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

THU, APRIL 9    FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: MIGRATING KITES

Join us for a week of bird-inspired activities and art-making, followed by drop-in science explorations, then come back for more over the weekend! Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Today, we look at how birds fly. Study their wing structure, then using a simple building technique, assemble a flyable kite with wings as your inspiration. Fashion your kite with color and flare to make a real or imagined migrator. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member per session includes one child and one adult; additional child or adult $10. Registration required, online at www.wavehillorg or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11. Spring Wings Week event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1–2:30PM

THU, APRIL 9    DROP-IN SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS: FASTEN SEATBELTS!

Join us for this drop-in program following the art workshop in the morning. Learn about the mechanics of bird flight, and how wing length and the shape of a bird’s body determine their flight patterns. Make paper airplanes to recreate different patterns of bird flight, and test how weight distribution and wing shape influence flight. Programs are geared to children between the ages of five and 10 with a parent or caregiver. Registration not required. Free with admission to the grounds.Spring Wings Week event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 2:30–3:30PM

FRI, APRIL 10    IN THE SHOP: VACATION WEEK SALE

In celebration of Spring Vacation Week, enjoy 20% off all kids’ gifts. The Shop at Wave Hill offers unique, seasonal gifts inspired by nature; all proceeds from sales support Wave Hill’s world-class gardens and outstanding programs.

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–5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. FreeSaturday 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.

Congratulations to Eric Schneiderman

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

You should know that I offer my congratulations to New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman for proposing a ban on outside income for legislators, as was reported in every newspaper today.

You should also know that New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is no “Johnny-Come-Lately” to this matter.  In 2009 and in 2010, when I first introduced Senate Bill 3149 asking for the same thing - barring outside income for legislators - the only State Senator at the time who supported my bill and co-sponsored it was Eric Schneiderman.  (I have continued to introduce this legislation every year and so far, only a handful of my colleagues have offered their support.)

Ladies and gentlemen, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s record speaks for itself, and I congratulate him for having the moral fiber to remain strong on this much-needed piece of ethics reform.

I am State Senator Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.