Thursday, March 26, 2015

Imagine Ted Cruz Coming to the South Bronx


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 
District 32 Bronx County, New York
 

You should know that on Monday, March 23, 2015, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced his candidacy for the 2016 GOP nomination for President of the United States.  Ted Cruz spoke at Liberty University, the largest Christian university in the world, asking us all to "Imagine millions of courageous conservatives rising up.”

To follow up on Ted Cruz’s speech, and to use his Imagine theme, I would like to make the following observations:

Imagine Ted Cruz traveling to the Bronx where there is a grassroots army of Black and Hispanic Evangelical Christians who are just like him - and who have been ignored by every Presidential candidate.

Imagine Ted Cruz coming to the South Bronx where there are many of Hispanic Evangelical Churches that are willing to stand together for liberty - to encourage us and let us know that he is one of us.

Imagine Ted Cruz being willing to break another rule and come to the South Bronx to show his respect for our Black and Hispanic communities, and also to break bread with our Evangelical leaders.

This is why I am extending an invitation to Ted Cruz to come to the Bronx to join together with the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization onSaturday, April 18th for our Annual Minister’s Banquet - and I am asking Ted Cruz to bring with him the gift of hope.

Ladies and gentlemen, imagine Ted Cruz accepting this invitation and coming to the Bronx: "Think just how different the world would be.

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


Editors Note:
It will be interesting to see is Senator Diaz Sr. helps this Republican candidate as he did for Rob Astorino the Republican candidate for New York Governor. 

Council Member Andy King Brings Free Legal Service to 12th C.D.



  The Office of New York City Council Member Andy King is offering free legal consultation to 12th Council District residents on Fridays – now throughJune 26th – at his District Office at 940 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx.

Free legal consultation will be offered on criminal issues, NYCHA, tenant & landlord issues, public assistance, wills, healthcare proxies, contract disputes, family law issues and civil litigations.

The free legal consultation is a partnership between the Office of Council Member Andy King and CUNY School of Law as a part of the Community Legal Resource Network.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, contact the office of Council Member Andy King at (718) 684-5509.


Wave Hill Events Apr 10–Apr 17



The gardens are rushing to life around us—and drawing back our songbirds! The sight and sound of them brings a lift to our hearts. And gives us ample reason to offer Spring Wings programming all week long—back-to-back birdy art and science for school families, live bird demos and a chance to dissect owl pellets, four different bird walks, Family Art Projects dedicated to our nesting instinct and, capping off the week, an enchanting guitar duo Sunday afternoon. Tweet, tweet!


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 11Spring 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.

SAT, APRIL 11    SPRING BIRDING
Join expert naturalists on a walk through the grounds of Wave Hill and discover the birds passing through the skies during this early migration season. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noonSpring Wings Week event.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SAT, APRIL 11    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 11    FAMILY ART PROJECT: A NEST FOR SONG BIRDS
Let’s welcome back our feathered friends as they return to their spring home at Wave Hill! With visiting artist and sculptor Matt Bua, collect sticks, leaves, grasses and found feathers to make a giant, outdoor bird’s nest in the woods. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Spring Wings Week event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SAT, APRIL 11    LIVE BIRD DEMONSTRATIONS
Volunteers for Wildlife return to Wave Hill to share live birds such as the eastern screech owl, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, mallard duck, dove and barred owl. Between programs, get a close-up look at skulls, feathers and other bird-related artifacts. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Spring Wings Week event. 
ON THE GROUNDS, NOON, 2PM


SAT, APRIL 11    CHIRPS AND TWEETS FAMILY WALK
Can you mimic a bird call? Discover a range of birds that fly through Wave Hill, on a walk with naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a walk through the gardens and woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM


SAT, APRIL 11    WINTER WORKSPACE OPEN STUDIOS
For the sixth winter, Glyndor Gallery is transformed into studio spaces for artists to develop new work and offer opportunities for public interaction in the context of the garden. Individual artists share their studio practice with the public on this open studio day. Artists include Julian Chams (a Wave Hill 2015 Van Lier Visual Artist Fellow), Beatrice Glow (also a Wave Hill 2015 Van Lier Visual Artist Fellow), Musa Hixson, Elizabeth Hoy, Sara Jiminez and Amy Lincoln. Registration not required for this drop-in event. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–3PM


SAT, APRIL 11    OWL PELLET DISSECTION
Owls are creatures who swallow their prey whole. Parts of the prey, such as bones, feathers and fur are bound up during digestion into a tight pellet, which the owl regurgitates. Drop-in for this exploratory workshop, and discover the origins of the owl’s diet. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2–4PM


SUN, APRIL 12    SPRING BIRDING
Join expert naturalists on a walk through the grounds of Wave Hill and discover the birds passing through the skies during this early migration season. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noonSpring Wings Week event.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, APRIL 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT: A NEST FOR SONG BIRDS
Let’s welcome back our feathered friends as they return to their spring home at Wave Hill! With visiting artist and sculptor Matt Bua, collect sticks, leaves, grasses and found feathers to make a giant, outdoor bird’s nest in the woods. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SUN, APRIL 12    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 12    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 12    CHIRPS AND TWEETS FAMILY WALK
Can you mimic a bird call? Discover a range of birds that fly through Wave Hill, on a walk with naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a walk through the gardens and woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. Spring Wings Week event.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM


SUN, APRIL 12    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

SUN, APRIL 12    CONCERT: BRASIL GUITAR DUO
The Brasil Guitar Duo, praised by The New York Times for its “warm melodies and pinpoint dance rhythms”, is two virtuosos, Douglas Lora and João Luiz, who have been dazzling audiences world-wide for 15 years. The ensemble offers a seamless blend of styles, from traditional works to Brazilian popular tunes, featuring the music of Rameau, Gismonti and Bandolim. $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

MON, APRIL 13
Closed to the public

TUE, APRIL 14    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

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:9AM5:30PM. 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 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.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Invitation from Comptroller DiNapoli



Are you entitled to Unclaimed Funds?
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli
and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 
want to help you find out!



Friday, March 27, 2015
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Bronx County Building, Rotunda
851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451






It's fast, easy & free!!!


Councilman Cohen -- Department of Sanitation -- Organics Pilot Program


Monday, March 23, 2015

Upcoming KRVC events


Here is a listing of the many events that KRVC will be having during the rest of the 2015 calendar year. 

Click here for more info about KRVC's 2015 top sponsorship packages.
Spring 2015 Events
Thursday, March 26 * Jazz Concert * Kelly Ryans, 5790 Mosholu Avenue, Riverdale, NY 10471
Sunday, April 19 * Greenway Day * Riverdale Station Park, 254th Street & Hudson River, Bronx, NY 10471
Sunday, May 3 * Block Festival * Johnson Avenue, 235th-236th Streets, Bronx, NY 10463
Thursday, May 28 * Meet the Merchants Movie Red Carpet Premiere Event * Sotheby’s International Realty, 3732 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463
Sunday, June 14 * Riverdale RiverFest * College of Mount Saint Vincent, 263rd & Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471
Summer 2015 Movie Night Series
Saturday, June 20 * Vinmont Park, Mosholu Avenue at 255th Street, Bronx, NY 10471
New! Movie on the Block! Thursday, July 30 * Riverdale Avenue, 236th-238th Street, Bronx, NY 10463
Saturday, September 5 * Seton Park, 232nd & Independence Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463
More summer movie nights will be added—events are planned for Marble Hill, Van Cortlandt Village, Morris Park and other locations.
Fall 2015 Events
Sunday, September 20 * Block Festival * Riverdale Avenue, 258th-259th Streets, Bronx, NY 10471
Sunday, October 18 * Greenway Gala * Hebrew Home, 5901 Palisade Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471
Thursday, November 19 * Indoor Concert * Location TBA

For more information go to http://www.krvcdc.org/ 

WILLIAMS CONDEMNS HIGH NUMBER OF WEEKEND YOUTH SHOOTINGS IN THE CITY



 
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams,Deputy Leader and co-chair of the Council's Task Force to Combat Gun Violencereleased the following statement after at least four people under the age of 21 were shot last weekend throughout the five boroughs. 
  • A 9-year-old boy accidentally shot a 14-year-old girl in the back with a .22 caliber rifle he retrieved from his parents' apartment in Dyker Heights on Friday around 6:15 P.M., officials said.  
  • On Saturday around 4:00 P.M., Donel Andrew, 18, was fatally shot in the torso on Flatbush Avenue.
  • Ten minutes earlier and less than a mile away, the police said, a one-year-old baby girl was grazed in the leg by a bullet on Foster Avenue and Rugby Road. The child was also transported to Kings County Hospital Center, where she was treated for none life-threatening injuries.
  • On Sunday just after 2:00 A.M., 21-year-old Jordan Santos was fatally shot inside a car in Queens.
STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS

"At what point are words not enough to express heartache and frustration about tragic shootings like those that took place over the weekend, including one that claimed the life of a teenage boy and another that injured a young baby girl. My prayers for comfort, peace and healing are with the victims' families after each of these tragic incidents.

"As we wait for further details to unfold in these cases, it's not enough to just stand by. We do know, however, that the teenager's life was taken just across the street from a McDonald's on Flatbush Avenue which was the recent scene of graphic, disturbing youth violence widely seen on social media. It is clear that this area of Flatbush Avenue is in desperate need of attention. Simply adding more police cannot be the only answer. As a community, each of us must demand real change so we stop seeing incidents like this from happening where our youth reside. We must also deal with the supply of guns our kids have access to, and their misguided penchant for deadly violence as a response to disputes.

"As we get deeper into budget season, our city and state will begin to prioritize initiatives to fund. During this process, it's imperative that our city fund more effective ways to positively engage youth, as well as to fully equip every community so they become the village that can raise a child. 

"This year, let's not accept as fact that just because we are approaching warmer months that gun violence has to increase. It doesn't. It's my hope that with a bold stance and joint city/community efforts, we will put an end to tragedies like these by lowering the gun violence rate once and for all." 

Grade Fixing Probe at John Dewey High School Brooklyn


  In several reports of grade fixing at John Dewey High School it appears that Chancellor Carmen Farina is either tight lipped about the investigation, or knows nothing about what is going on in the schools she runs. The New York Post Reports about the old 'Credit Recovery System', where students are given classroom credit for doing little more than watching movies or playing computer games. Teachers at the school are calling this a bogus way of improving graduation rates. 

  Figures in the Post article from 2009 when the schools current principal arrived graduation rates were at 56 percent. The Post has the 2013 graduation rate at 74 percent, and also says that according to the city's own figures the DOE shows an increase of 7 points from 72 percent in 2012 to 79 percent in 2013. 

   Other reports are saying that Chancellor Carmen Farina is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, and could this be happening in more than just one school.