Wave Hill Events Apr 24–May 1

At last, we can welcome Night Lights at Wave Hill! Even better, it launches just as we are once again celebrating Arbor Weekend. We anticipate a glorious, celebratory spring season at Wave Hill! As a refresher, I have attached release for both Night Lights and Arbor Weekend.

And the caption of Chris Doyle’s work: Chris Doyle, The Lightening, 2015. Still from digital animation. Courtesy of Andrew Edlin Gallery , New York, and Catharine Clark Gallery, San Francisco.

FRI, APRIL 24    TREE TLC WITH WAYNE: AN ARBOR DAY WALK AND DEMONSTRATION

Both young and old trees need care to thrive. Wander among centuries-old trees and newly-planted specimens with Assistant Director of Horticulture Wayne Morris as he discusses and demonstrates practical tree care, including basic pruning techniques. This program is intended for homeowners and tree-lovers alike. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Weekend event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

FRI, APRIL 24    NIGHT LIGHTS AT WAVE HILL

Wave Hill’s 50th anniversary festivities reach a crescendo this spring with Night Lights at Wave Hill, a month-long celebration, when, for the first time in Wave Hill’s history, visitors will be invited to attend in the evening to enjoy the garden landscape at a time of day and during a season when it is normally closed to the public. Take in The Lightening: a Project for Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden, an immersive installation by acclaimed artist by Chris Doyle, with music by composer Jeremy Turner, recorded by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Stop by Glyndor Gallery to see Chris Doyle: Landscape Fictions. Visit The Shop, The Café and the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, and enjoy informal piano performances in Wave Hill House. This evening’s pianist is Randy Ingram. Same-day tickets for Night Lights at Wave Hill: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member/$12 children. (Purchase tickets in advance and save $2.) All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Rain or shine. Tickets available now at wavehill.org and onsite. A Wave Hill at 50 anniversary event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6:30–9:30PM

SAT, APRIL 25    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 25    FAMILY ART PROJECT: BUDS, BUDS, BUDS

Explore some of Wave Hill’s many budding trees and observe the myriad shapes and sizes of these flowery beginnings. Visit and sketch the nearby magnolia tree with its massive spring flower buds. Then, using a wood base, paper and a variety of natural materials, make your own sculptural tree. It could even be a magnolia replica! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Arbor Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, APRIL 25     JUNIOR ARBORIST STATION

Kids ages seven and older are invited to don tree-climbing harnesses and hardhats and ascend into the canopy of our old sugar maple tree to get a birds-eye view of Wave Hill. On hand to assist budding arborists, as well as answer questions about the big old trees at Wave Hill, are arborists from Almstead Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care, which has generously sponsored this drop-in event. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Arbor Weekend event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM–3PM

SAT, APRIL 25    IN THE SHOP: WOODTURNER CHRIS BUSAK

In celebration of Arbor Week, artist Chris Busak demonstrates woodturning; a limited collection of bowls turned from our precious copper beech tree will be available for purchase. Demonstration is free with admission to the grounds.Arbor Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM–4PM

SAT, APRIL 25    FIFTY YEARS OF TREES WALK

To celebrate Arbor Day and Wave Hill’s 50th Anniversary, stroll through the gardens with staff horticultural interpreters to see extraordinary trees that have been planted in the last five decades. Compare existing trees with historical images to see how these treasures have become defining elements in the landscape. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Weekend and Wave Hill at 50 Anniversary event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM 

SAT, APRIL 25    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for an exhibition tour designed to draw visitors into a lively discussion about the relationship between art and nature. In the main gallery,Chris Doyle: Landscape Fictions brings to life the Hudson River. An artist whose sense of craft verges on the obsessive, Doyle presents three animations from a decades-long practice animating the natural world that exists on the urban fringes. This exhibition accompanies The Lightening, a site-specific project installed in the Aquatic Garden that combines mirrored surfaces with backlit animations into an artwork that changes as the day turns into night. At the same time, in the Sunroom Project Space, Kiran Chandra explores the “swarm” as a social form through a sculptural and sonic interpretation of Eugene Marais’ The Soul of the White Ant. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.  

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, APRIL 26    FAMILY ART PROJECT: BUDS, BUDS, BUDS

Explore some of Wave Hill’s many budding trees and observe the myriad shapes and sizes of these flowery beginnings. Visit and sketch the nearby magnolia tree with its massive spring flower buds. Then, using a wood base, paper and a variety of natural materials, make your own sculptural tree. It could even be a magnolia replica! Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, APRIL 26    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 26    IN THE SHOP: WOODTURNER CHRIS BUSAK

In celebration of Arbor Week, artist Chris Busak demonstrates woodturning; a limited collection of bowls turned from our precious copper beech tree will be available for purchase. Demonstration is free with admission to the grounds.Arbor Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM–4PM

SUN, APRIL 26    FIFTY YEARS OF TREES WALK

To celebrate Arbor Day and Wave Hill’s 50th Anniversary, stroll through the gardens with staff horticultural interpreters to see extraordinary trees that have been planted in the last five decades. Compare existing trees with historical images to see how these treasures have become defining elements in the landscape. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Weekend and Wave Hill at 50 anniversary event

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SUN, APRIL 26    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 26    MAPLE MADNESS: COOKING WITH MAPLE SYRUP

Think maple syrup is only for pancakes? Discover delicious and creative ways to cook with maple syrup with a chef from Great Performances, Wave Hill’s exclusive caterer. Enjoy maple-flavored dishes, then drop by the Shop at Wave Hill to sample different grades of syrup and other maple products.  Purchase your favorites to take home. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM

SUN, APRIL 26    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 26    NIGHT LIGHTS AT WAVE HILL

Wave Hill’s 50th anniversary festivities reach a crescendo this spring with Night Lights at Wave Hill, a month-long celebration, when, for the first time in Wave Hill’s history, visitors will be invited to attend in the evening to enjoy the garden landscape at a time of day and during a season when it is normally closed to the public. Take in The Lightening: a Project for Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden, an immersive installation by acclaimed artist by Chris Doyle, with music by composer Jeremy Turner, recorded by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Stop by Glyndor Gallery to see Chris Doyle: Landscape Fictions. Visit The Shop, The Café and the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, and enjoy informal piano performances in Wave Hill House. This evening’s pianist is Randy Ingram. Same-day tickets for Night Lights at Wave Hill: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member/$12 children. (Purchase tickets in advance and save $2.) All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Rain or shine. Tickets available now at wavehill.org and onsite. A Wave Hill at 50 anniversary event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6:30–9:30PM

MON, APRIL 27

Closed to the public

TUE, APRIL 28    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 28    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for an exhibition tour designed to draw visitors into a lively discussion about the relationship between art and nature. In the main gallery,Chris Doyle: Landscape Fictions brings to life the Hudson River. An artist whose sense of craft verges on the obsessive, Doyle presents three animations from a decades-long practice animating the natural world that exists on the urban fringes. This exhibition accompanies The Lightening, a site-specific project installed in the Aquatic Garden that combines mirrored surfaces with backlit animations into an artwork that changes as the day turns into night. At the same time, in the Sunroom Project Space, Kiran Chandra explores the “swarm” as a social form through a sculptural and sonic interpretation of Eugene Marais’ The Soul of the White Ant. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.  

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

THU, APRIL 30    THE PERFECT COLOR ART WORKSHOP BEGINS

Immerse yourself in the principles of color and take your mixing and matching skills to the next level! Join artist Rachael Wren in a variety of exercises using both paint and collage. Meet a Wave Hill Gardener in the Flower Garden to discuss how color influences plant palette, then use the spring gardens as a starting point for your own investigations with the color wheel. All levels welcome. Three-session series continues May 7 and 14. $125/$95 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

THU, APRIL 30    NIGHT LIGHTS AT WAVE HILL

Wave Hill’s 50th anniversary festivities reach a crescendo this spring with Night Lights at Wave Hill, a month-long celebration, when, for the first time in Wave Hill’s history, visitors will be invited to attend in the evening to enjoy the garden landscape at a time of day and during a season when it is normally closed to the public. Take in The Lightening: a Project for Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden, an immersive installation by acclaimed artist by Chris Doyle, with music by composer Jeremy Turner, recorded by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Stop by Glyndor Gallery to see Chris Doyle: Landscape Fictions. Visit The Shop, The Café and the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, and enjoy informal piano performances in Wave Hill House. This evening’s pianist is David Virelles. Same-day tickets for Night Lights at Wave Hill: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member/$12 children. (Purchase tickets in advance and save $2.) All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Rain or shine. Tickets available now at wavehill.org and onsite. A Wave Hill at 50 anniversary event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6:30–9:30PM

FRI, MAY 1    NIGHT LIGHTS AT WAVE HILL

Wave Hill’s 50th anniversary festivities reach a crescendo this spring with Night Lights at Wave Hill, a month-long celebration, when, for the first time in Wave Hill’s history, visitors will be invited to attend in the evening to enjoy the garden landscape at a time of day and during a season when it is normally closed to the public. Take in The Lightening: a Project for Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden, an immersive installation by acclaimed artist by Chris Doyle, with music by composer Jeremy Turner, recorded by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Stop by Glyndor Gallery to see Chris Doyle: Landscape Fictions. Visit The Shop, The Café and the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, and enjoy informal piano performances in Wave Hill House. This evening’s pianist is David Virelles. Same-day tickets for Night Lights at Wave Hill: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member/$12 children. (Purchase tickets in advance and save $2.) Also open tonight is theNight Lights Lounge in Wave Hill House. Lounge + Night Lights ticket $60/$55 Wave Hill Member. All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Rain or shine. Tickets available now at wavehill.org and onsite. A Wave Hill at 50 anniversary event.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6:30–9:30PM

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.

Council Member Andrew Cohen to Cast his Participatory Budgeting Vote at the Riverdale Y

  Kicking off Participatory Budget voting week, Council Member Andrew Cohen will be casting his vote at the Riverdale Y, on Sunday April 12th. All week long, beginning on Sunday April 12th through Saturday April 18th, Council Member Cohen’s office will be hosting community expositions and voting opportunities throughout various locations in the district.

Participatory Budgeting gives residents decision-making power of $1 million towards community improvement projects in their neighborhoods. During this week, residents in the community will be able to see all the proposals on the ballot, as well as place their votes on which projects they think deserves funding the most. There are a total of 11 proposals this year, focused on renovations to schools, parks and libraries throughout different neighborhoods. Anyone who lives in the district, 16 years and older are welcome to vote; all that is needed is proof of residency.

This week is the culmination of yearlong efforts by community leaders and volunteers dedicated to the Participatory Budgeting initiative. Council Member Andrew Cohen will submit spending priorities to City Council, including the winning PB projects. A total of twenty-four council members are participating this year, giving communities all over the city decision-making power of more than $25 million.

2015 Participatory Budgeting Projects

District 11

Education

 1. P.S. 8 Auditorium Renovation  --  $450,000
Replace outdated seating in auditorium, which is almost 60 years old. Performances and community meetings are held in the auditorium throughout the year.
 3010 Briggs Ave. (Bedford Park)

 2. M.S./H.S. 141 Auditorium -- $375,000
Upgrade 55 year old auditorium used by 1,400 students and several other community organizations. Installation of new stage drapes and replacement of wooden seats in disrepair.
 660 W. 237th St. (Riverdale)

3. P.S. 7 Cafeteria Upgrade -- $200,000
Install a roof air conditioning unit to cafeteria. There is only one wall of outside windows which does not allow for cross ventilation and is not usable when the temperature is above 80 degrees.
3201 Kingsbridge Ave. (Kingsbridge)

4. P.S. 24 Technology Expansion -- $70,000
Purchase of two computer carts consisting of 36 laptop units each. Computer technology is necessary to address current curriculum and prepare students for future subject matter and college readiness. 
600 W. 236th St. (Riverdale)

Parks and Recreation

5. Wakefield Playground Renovation  -- $400,000
Reconstruct park with new spray shower, play equipment, swings, seating, fencing and planting. The current playground is outdated and cannot be enjoyed by the community.
Matlida Ave. and E 239th St. (Wakefield)

6. Spuyten Duyvil Playground Renovation -- $400,000
Reconstruct existing wading pool as an accessible spray shower and install new pavement, fencing, seating, planting and utilities.
Douglas Ave. and West 235th St. (Riverdale)

Transportation

7. Bus Countdown Clocks -- $120,000
Commuters wait for long lengths of time without knowing when the next bus will arrive.
Bus countdown clocks will alert riders as to how many stop away the next bus is.
Bx1, Bx10, Bx16, Bx26, Bx34 (throughout District 11)

Libraries 

8. New HVAC at Spuyten Duyvil Library -- $550,000

The current HVAC system is outdated and the library serves as a cooling center during the summer months. The new system would include a roof unit, compressor, air handling units and ejector pumps.
650 W. 225th St. (Riverdale)

9. Van Cortlandt Library Roof Replacement -- $300,000
The current roof is outdated and causes leaks in the library. A new roof will prevent additional water damage to the facility.
3874 Sedgwick Ave. (Van Cortlandt Village)

10. Mosholu Library Window Replacement  -- $300,000
New windows and frames for the library will help insulate the facility during the summer and winter months and protect from potential water damage.
285 E. 205th St. (Norwood)

11. Replace HVAC Unit at Riverdale Library  -- $550,000 
The current HVAC system is outdated and the library serves as a cooling center during the summer months. The new system would include a roof unit, compressor, air handling units and ejector pumps.
5540 Mosholu Ave. (Riverdale)

Where to Vote --

2015 Participatory Budgeting Expo and Voting locations

District 11

April 12, 2015 --  Riverdale Y
o 5625 Arlington Ave, Bronx, NY 10471
o 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
o Expo and Vote

April 13, 2015 --  Mosholu Public Library
o 285 E 205th St, Bronx, NY  10467
o 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
o Voting only

April 14, 2015 -- Riverdale Public Library

5540 Mosholu Avenue, Bronx,  NY, 10471
o 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
o Voting only

Rambling House
4292 Katonah Ave, Bronx, NY  10470
o 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
o Expo and Vote

April 15, 2015  --Spuyten Duyvil Public Library
o 650 W. 235th St., Bronx, NY,  10463
o 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
o Voting only

 Amalgamated Housing –- Vladeck Hall
74 Van Cortlandt Park South, Bronx, NY 10463

o 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
o Expo and Vote

April 16, 2015  -- Van Cortlandt Public Library
o 3874 Sedgwick Ave, Bronx, NY 10463
o 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
o Voting only

April 17, 2015 -- Woodlawn Public Library
4355 Katonah Ave, Bronx, NY  10470
o 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
o Voting only

April 18, 2015 -- Mosholu Montefiore Community Center
o 3450 Dekalb Ave, Bronx, NY  10467
o 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
o Expo and Vote

The Return OF 'ONE PUSHY BROAD"?

   Seen above at the May 2013 Ben Franklin Democratic Club Mayoral Debate, then candidate former City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is said to be eyeing a return to elected office. Just what office Quinn may run for has not been announced, but she did head Governor Andrew Cuomo's Women's Equality Party movement that resulted in the WEP receiving over 50,0000 votes statewide which made it an official state designated party. However since the November 2014 election there has been little if any movement by the WEP since gaining a ballot line. In fact when going to their website there still remains a posting to vote on the Women's Equality Line in November 2014 so it can become an officially recognized state ballot line.   

  Quinn is reported to be regretting having not played up the nickname she received during the election by some like us - "One Pushy Broad'. Quinn took the high road, and tried to win the mayors race on her record which was not enough as we have learned. Then there are some who have said that overturning the term limit law was her demise. 

  We do hope to see former Speaker Quinn take an active role in the 2017 race for mayor, be it as a candidate or some other form such as a consultant. We miss the 'Pushy Broad'.  

Consumer Affairs Hosts Tax Prep Day in Partnership with NYS Senator Rivera and Food Bank For New York City

  Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Julie Menin, New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Food Bank For New York City Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Silvia Davi hosted a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Day to promote free tax preparation services available in the Bronx. During the event, tax filers had their tax returns prepared for free and learned about refundable tax credits that will put money back in their pockets such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and NYC Child Care Tax Credit (NYC CCTC). Tax filers who earn up to $53,000 are eligible to free tax preparation. A list of the more than 200 free tax preparation sites is available onnyc.gov/taxprep. 

  New York City is spending 3 million dollars to get the word out to taxpayers who are eligible for the Earned Income Credit, (and other tax credits) through agencies like the Food Bank at 120 full service sites. Silvia Davi (Chief Marketing and Communications Officer) of the Food Bank said 'Due to recent federal and other cuts to programs the equivalent of 56 million meals have been lost". 

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera said "1 in 5 NYC people who are eligible for the Earned Income Credit do not take advantage of the tax credit, which can average $2,500 dollars and up to $10,000 dollars, even if you do not have to file taxes". 

   Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Julie Menin said that the city goal is to increase the number of families taking advantage of the EITC to 150,000 families this year. Last year 96,000 families took advantage of the EITC and the free tax preparation which generated around $160 million dollars of spendable dollars by the families. This year the goal is to increase that figure by $90 million dollars in additional spendable money by the 50,000 new families taking the EITC. 

Above - DCA Commissioner Meng explains why the EITC Credit is so important to families who are eligible, but do not take the credit.

Below - State Senator Gustavo Rivera tells the audience the average EITC credit is $2,500, and up to $10.000.00. Silvia Davi of the Food Bank of New York is on the left in both photos. This event took place at the Bronxworks location at 80 East 181st Street. 

STATE SENATOR JEFF KLEIN FUNDS FREE SPRING BREAK CAMP FOR STUDENTS AT P.S. 83

Photo Left to Right: Brandon Muccino, Principal of P.S. 83; Senator Jeff Klein; Nick Affisco, Program Developer at STS Sports; STS Sports Staff; Community Members; Students of P.S. 83. (Photo courtesy of Senator Klein's office). 

Klein, United Federation of Teachers, P.S. 83 Partner to Provide Week-Long Camp to Students and Families Through NYC Community Learning Schools Initiative

State Senator Jeff Klein visited more than 130 students, parents and administrators at P.S. 83’s Ultimate Enrichment Spring Break Camp in the Bronx on Tuesday, April 7th. The week-long camp, provided to P.S. 83 students and families at no cost, was funded by a $1.5 million state grant Senator Klein secured through the New York City Community Learning Schools Initiative last year.

“Providing our youngsters with access to essential resources, vital supports and meaningful enrichment activities ensures today’s students have the tools they need to be successful tomorrow,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Not only does this camp help local students learn and grow, it supports hard-working Bronx families who often have difficulty finding a helping hand during school breaks. I want to thank the United Federation of Teachers, P.S. 83, STS Sports and all the local parents for their continued support of the Community Learning Schools Initiative and for making this camp a huge success for our students.”

"I want to thank Senator Klein for making this Spring Break camp possible. For single and working parents, the five days children are off for spring break can really pose a problem,” said Frank Cassano, Resource Coordinator at P.S. 83 Bronx, United Federation of Teachers. “With our camp, more than 130 students receive a full day of activities. Not only sports and recreation, but science and arts lessons -- plus breakfast and lunch. It is a real partnership between parents, the school and the community."

“At Ultimate Enrichment, it is our goal to create an environment and experience that is unforgettable for all children, filled with fun activities that stimulate their mind and body, as well as  building their confidence and self-esteem,” said Nick Affisco, Program Developer at STS Sports. “Through the assistance from the Community Learning grant and Senator Klein, we were able to provide 135 children with this incredible experience for their Spring Break. Through activities such as science projects, dance, sports training, academic enrichment, arts and crafts, these students experienced an educational atmosphere that was both fun and stimulating.”

The free, week-long camp has enrolled more than 130 students and runs from Monday, April 6th through Friday, April 10th from 7:30 A.M to 6:00 P.M. Breakfast and lunch is provided to students at no cost. Each day, students participate in a variety of enrichment activities including arts, science, dance, sports and games. To date, students have completed a model of the solar system, a demonstration on how blood works, a diagram of the phases of the moon using oreo cookies, a bollywood dance performance and more.

Tomorrow Hundreds of Residents Rally for Mayor to Invest in NYCHA

Hundreds of NYCHA Residents and Supporters Will Urge Mayor de Blasio to Allocate $100 Million Annually in NYC Capital Funds for Major Improvements Needed in Public Housing Buildings

The rally comes a month after the historic mobilization of NYCHA tenants to Albany

WHO: Council Member Torres, NYCHA residents, advocates from Real Affordability For All (RAFA), Comptroller Scott Stringer, Borough President Gale Brewer, Council Members

WHAT:  While the State set aside $100 million for NYCHA in its 2015 budget deal, the funds are only a fraction of what’s needed to improve the deplorable conditions in its public housing developments. That’s why tenants are now counting on Mayor Bill de Blasio to continue his support for public housing by committing to a much-needed long-term investment such as a baseline minimum of $100 million annually for NYCHA in the municipal budget.

WHERE: Steps of City Hall

WHEN: Thursday, April 9, 12 noon.

Diaz Team Announces the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna

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

You should know that the Diaz Team is comprised of New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake – and we are announcing that this Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 7pm there will be more than 500 people attending the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna in New York celebration at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue.

This Abrazo Garifuna is celebration of the many contributions of the Garifuna community to the City and State of New York. New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake will be honoring from distinguished members of the Garifuna community for their outstanding achievements.  They are: Marcia Gomez, for Community Leadership; Yeny Budari Placios, for Arts and Culture; Deacon Apolonio Mejia, for Religion; and Arnol Guity-Martinez for Youth Leadership.

It is important for you to know that this event for the Garifuna community is completely free - and that there are the 500 seats that will be available to the first 500 people who arrive.

Editors Note:  We call it Team Diaz rather than the Diaz Team.