BELTZER RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM SMALL BUSINESS CONGRESS

On the steps of City Hall Wednesday, Michael received the endorsement from the Small Business Congress for Bronx City Council District 18. Founded by Sung Soo Kim, called the Godfather of Small Business is the city’s leading authority on small business for three decades and is one of the City’s leading small business advocates. The Congress is comprised of Merchant and Business organizations throughout the City. 

“I am honored by the support of the Small Business Congress,” said Michael Beltzer, Democratic Candidate for Bronx Council District 18 “The work of the Congress has been vital to protecting the hard work of our small business owners, many of whom immigrated to The Bronx to open shops that give our neighborhoods character. I fully support the Small Business Congress’s platform to fight back against greedy landlords and big box stores looking to push small businesses out. I join their call for an Emergency Commercial Eviction Freeze as too many of our owners are on month to month leases. I will work with the Small Business Congress on the City Council to pass the Small Business Jobs Survival Act to ensure our local mom and pops are not being thrown out to the street.”

“I am honored to endorse with enthusiasm the candidacy of Michael Beltzer for Bronx District 18,” said Small Business Congress founder Sung Soo Kim. “Only independent minded candidates like Beltzer have the courage to stand up to big real estate interests and the powerful political machine. Due to commitment to serve his community, Beltzer is the only hope to save our struggling small businesses and jobs. I call upon all Southeast Bronx residents who love their mom and pop businesses and their neighborhoods to stand with Beltzer in this fight to restore democracy in government and take back our communities from real estate speculators and predatory landlords.” 

Michael has experience with the businesses and merchants throughout Bronx Council District 18 as a former Merchant Organizer for The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and through Bronx Community Board 9. Michael looks forward to forging even stronger connections with the owners and shopkeepers along Westchester, Castle Hill, Metropolitan and Soundview Avenues and commits to continuing to organizing our commercial corridors and supporting the existing Merchant Associations in their future successes.

Randy Abreu Receives Endorsement of 1199 SEIU

RANDY ABREU, CANDIDATE FOR CITY COUNCIL, RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT OF 1199 SEIU

 

  1199SEIU healthcare workers, this week, endorsed Randy Abreu, candidate for the 14th City Council district. The progressive candidate in this race believes strongly in the power of labor as an essential part of New York City's economic growth and sustainability.

 

"1199SEIU is proud to offer its endorsement to New York City Council Candidate Randy Abreu. I have no doubt that he will be a champion for all workers, including our members, and represent their concerns including healthcare, affordable housing, and economic justice," said Helen Schaub, New York State Policy and Legislative Director for 1199SEIU.

 

"Twenty years ago, my mother got a job as an 1199SEIU member, giving her the stability she needed to raise her three children," said Abreu, "I am humbled to receive the endorsement from the union that gave my mother job security, and opportunity; 1199 takes care of its members and their families, and I am proud to receive their endorsement."

 

1199SEIU represents over 220,000 nurses and healthcare workers in New York City, and over 400,000 total members along the East Coast, in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, pharmacies and home care programs.

 

Randy Abreu is the progressive Democrat running in the 14th City Council district. Raised in the Bronx, Abreu, an attorney, wants to give back to the community that raised him. Having previously worked for the United States Congress and in the administration of former President Obama, he has the knowledge and experience necessary to represent the Bronx at City Hall.

 

For more information on Randy Abreu for City Council, visit AbreuForNYC.com

STATEMENT FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA ON SENATE REPUBLICAN'S AFFORDABLE CARE ACT REPEAL BILL

  "This morning, Senate Republicans released the working draft of their "effort" to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. It comes as no surprise that the "Better Care Reconciliation Act" is as devastating and cruel as the recently passed American Healthcare Act.

This so-called healthcare bill shows Senate Republicans' true colors and the lengths they will go to strip away health coverage from the sickest and the poorest in our country, while giving the wealthiest Americans a massive tax break.

In their effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, they are putting together a plan that will kick millions of Americans off Medicaid, strip coverage for millions suffering from pre-existing conditions, especially maternity care and mental health, restrict women's access to critical care, and force our seniors to pay more for coverage, while taking away critical services.

As the Ranking Member of the New York Senate's Health Committee, not only do I call on New York's Congressional Delegation to resist any measures that aims to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, but I also reaffirm my commitment to working to pass the single-payer bill I proudly sponsor in the New York State Senate."

Assemblymember Michael Blake - American Entrepreneurship Award Ceremony

  On Thursday, June 29th, I am pleased to announce we will be hosting the second American Entrepreneurship Awards Ceremony at the Bronx Museum of the Arts at 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, 10456.

The Bronx was one of two locations to be selected as recipients of the American Entrepreneurship Award (AEA). This award is a 10 year, $500,000 commitment to small businesses in the Bronx. To choose the recipients of the award, each year AEA holds a business plan competition offering new entrepreneurs and small businesses the opportunity to win funding, free business mentorship, and free business support services.

This year’s application process has been completed and the winners will be announced during the event on June 29th. There will also be an opportunity for different businesses to have a table to showcase their products, services, and ideas.

The Small Business Expo will begin at 4:00 pm, followed by a cocktail hour at 6:00 pm This event never fails to inspire me, and I hope you can join us in celebrating this important investment in our amazing Bronx community.

Space for the June 29, 2017, event at 6:00 pm will be limited. Please RSVP by no later than Tuesday, June 27. RSVP at: http://www.AEABronx17.eventbrite.com

Yours In Service,

Michael A. Blake

Allerton Avenue Food Festival! - Saturday, June 24th - 12pm-5pm

NCLV - Legislative Successes and Setbacks

  As the dust begins to settle on the legislative session that ended this week, we want to update you on how we did. It was a relatively anti-climactic conclusion since it looks likely that the legislature will have to return later this year since they could not reach agreement on a number of time-sensitive priorities.

Recognizing this could be the case early on in session, we pushed to get many of our biggest priorities done as part of the budget. This strategy paid off in spades: we scored many significant victories, lead by an unprecedented $2.5 billion in funding for clean water, accompanied by new regulations and programs to keep our water safe and free from contaminants.

Despite a difficult environment for passing ambitious environmental legislation, we were able to get eight important bills passed through both houses of the legislature and a number of other priorities gained momentum that should help push them over the top later this year or next year. This would not have been possible without your help.

Here are a few highlights of bills that made it to the finish line, others that came close, and of course, a few disappointments that we will double down on next year:

Legislative Successes:

Protecting the Hudson River: NYLCV and a coalition of partners successfully advocated for the passage of A6825-A/S5197-B, sponsored by Assembly Member Barret and Senator Serino, to expand the state's power to deny oil barges from anchoring on the Hudson River due to environmental considerations. 

Protecting our Waterways from Pharmaceutical Waste: Medication waste in water systems and landfills negatively affect marine life and harm delicate ecosystems, so we were happy to support A.387-B/S.6750, which will require chain pharmacies to implement collection programs for prescription medications.

Increasing Access to Renewable Energy: Both houses passed S.688/A.7117, which will make it easier and cheaper for New Yorkers to install and use geothermal energy systems, and will level the playing field between geothermal and other renewable energy systems. We also successfully beat back A.7685/S.5126, which would have prevented the New York Power Authority form purchasing renewable energy from Canada--a critical replacement energy source for New York City as Indian Point is decommissioned.

Establishing Energy Storage: This bill, A.6571/S.5190, which will help New York State expand renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, directs the Public Service Commission to establish an energy storage deployment program to absorb excess energy when it is overproduced and release it back to the grid during times of peak demand.

Expanding Electric Vehicle Usage: We are thrilled to support the passage of A.288/S.3745, which will require power companies to provide reduced rates for off-peak hours for customers to charge electric vehicles. Incentives like these, along with a number of other state initiatives, will help spur the growth of New York's electric car market.

Decreasing Emissions from Home Heating Oil: Both houses passed A.6954/S.5422, which will increase biofuel usage requirements on Long Island and in Westchester. Heating oil mixed with biofuel can burn more efficiently and significantly reduce the emission of pollutants, which is good for New Yorkers' lungs and the environment.

Reducing School Food Waste and Feeding Hungry New Yorkers: While we didn't succeed in our effort to require all large food waste generators to donate excess edible food and compost the rest, we did work to pass S.5664-B/A.2409-B. This bill will allow school districts and colleges to donate excess food to local charities, which will help food insecure New Yorkers and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. 

Legislative Setbacks:

Promoting Renewable Energy and Pollinator Protection: A.8083/S.6339, a new bill to create a solar array pollinator benefit program, would have helped New Yorkers address pollinator habitat fragmentation, make solar array sites more aesthetically pleasing, and help our state develop its renewable energy resources. We're disappointed that this common-sense bill did not come up for a vote in either house, but we're confident that we will get it through the legislature next session. 

Protecting Children from Toxic Chemicals: We have supported legislation to get toxic chemicals out of children's products for many years - this year, we advocated for a billrequiring all manufacturers of children's products to disclose if they use chemicals that could be harmful to children's health. While we are disappointed that defenders of the status quo blocked the bill from an open debate, we are pleased that it has bipartisan support in both houses and confident that it will advance out of committee next year.

Mixed Results on Protecting Carryout Bag Bills: We started in January with a huge fightto protect New York City's carryout bag bill, which we were not ultimately able to win, but we went full circle by the end of session, protecting Suffolk County's Carryout Bag Bill from repeal.

A number of bills passed one house, but stalled in the other. Legislation to lower the definition of elevated blood level would have ensured that more children exposed to lead get the treatment they deserve, and a bill to extend and expand New York City's School Zone Speed Camera program, which protects pedestrians and cyclists and has dramatically reduced speeding incidents in the City, passed the Assembly but died in the Senate. Five of our priorities passed in the Senate but not the Assembly: A Constitutional Amendment to create land banks in the Adirondacks and the Catskills and allow public utility lines and bike paths in certain lands in state forest preserves, legislation to divert unused architectural paint from landfills by requiring and retailers take back unused paint, legislation to preserve farmland and protect family farmers in Suffolk County, legislation to divert used solar panels from landfills, and a bill to require a state transportation plan.

Though it is frustrating to come so close on these bills, we're proud of how far we moved the ball forward and are increasingly confident they will get done by the end of next session. We are also confident that when the Legislature reconvenes for a special session, they will revisit our priority legislation to expand New York City's School Zone Speed Camera program and pass a constitutional amendment to support communities in the Adirondacks and the Catskills. 

Thank you for your thousands of emails to legislators, participating in the conversation on social media, and also your generous financial support. We simply could not do what we do without you. Stay tuned for our inaugural state legislative scorecard in July, which will evaluate how your representatives voted on our priorities.

  

Sincerely,

Marcia Bystryn, President

New York League of Conservation Voters

News from Senator David Carlucci 38th Senate District

Senate & Assembly Pass Legislation Protecting the Hudson River

The Hudson River is one of the most cherished natural resources in the Hudson Valley.  Adding barges to an already active waterway would have undoubtedly increased the probability of a disaster and I am glad we were able to prevent the Hudson River from turning into a parking lot for barges. 

Piermont Railroad Station Museum Restorations Are Complete

On Saturday I was honored to join the Piedmont Historical Society at their annual Family Fun Day to cut a ribbon officially completing the train station museum renovations.  I was able to secure $100,000 of State funding that will help promote Piedmont's rich history for the next 100 years. 

Standing Up for Volunteer Firefighters

As all of Rockland County's fire fighters are volunteers, it is essential to make sure they have access to the highest level healthcare benefits to protect them from the risks they take every day.  I am very pleased that both the Senate & Assembly passed the "Volunteer Firefighter Enhanced Cancer Disability Benefits Act".  Under this legislation, all fire districts, departments or companies are required to provide and maintain an enhanced cancer disability benefit insurance program for each eligible volunteer firefighter.  

Every firefighter risks his or her life in service to the community.  We owe it to those brave men and women to support them in their times of need. 

Applications for Excelsior Scholarship Program are Available

Students and residents can begin applying for free tuition to New York's public colleges and universities.  The Excelsior Scholarship program will provide free tuition this coming school year to students from families earning less than $100,000.  Students must attend a SUNY or CUNY school full-time, and be enrolled in an undergraduate program. 

Applications are available by clicking here and the deadline to get them in is July 21. 

You will need to have the following information when filling out an application:

--Income information from you or your guardian's 2015 state tax return

--Your college credit history

--Any and all financial aid you are expected to receive in the upcoming year, including aid from federal, state, institutional or private sources. 

Upcoming Events

To RSVP for any of these events, please call my office at 845-623-3627 

Senator Carlucci's Veteran's Advisory Council Meeting

Join Senator Carlucci's Veteran's Advisory Council to discuss Westchester's VET2VET program.  This program is a Veterans assistance training for law enforcement and how it could applied in Rockland.

June 28th, 2017 at 6 PM

American Legion, 20 Station Road, Pomona

Informational Forum on NYS Free College Tuition Program (Excelsior Scholarship)

July 12, 2017 at 6PM

Rockland Community College, Eclipse Lecture Hall

145 College Road, Suffern

Senator Carlucci's Senior Advisory Committee Meeting

Representatives from O&R will be on hand to help seniors understand their energy bills

July 13th, 2017, 10:30 AM

Nanuet Public Library, 149 Church Street, Nanuet

Annual Senior Fair

August 24, 2017 10AM

Rockland Community College Field House, 149 College Road, Suffern

Sincerely,

David Carlucci

New York State Senator

38^th Senate District

Wave Hill Events Jul 7–Jul 14 Midsummer Mints Day!

  Once July 4 is behind us, I always feel we are approaching high summer, and I need refreshing! As if a Sunset Wednesday and late hours on Thursday were not enough, Sunday, July 8 we celebrate the mint family (Lamiaceae), with a special walk, a workshop and a sale on mint plants in The Shop.

SAT, July 9    Family Art Project: Wet Felting Florals

Wave Hill 2017 Winter Workspace artist Crystal Gregory returns to take us through the simple steps of wet felting. Pull from bright colors of wool roving, as well as your own outdoor sketches of the flowering garden, to make an eye-popping, floral-fabric landscape. Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, July 8    Wellness Workshop: Herbal Soap-Making

From peppermint to lavender and sage to thyme, the mint family (Lamiaceae) includes many herbs with the power to heal, soothe, awaken and relax. Explore cold-processed soap-making while learning about the health benefits of mints and their fragrant kin. Melissa Rivera from Essence and Aroma leads this hands-on workshop; participants go home with several bars of all-natural vegan soap. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. $55/$45 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Midsummer Mints Day event. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

SAT, July 8    In The Shop: Buy one Mint Plant, Get One 50% Off

Stop in The Shop to select a plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae), and go home with a second half off! Midsummer Mints Day event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

Sat, July 8    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

Sat, July 8    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow will lead a tour of current exhibitions in Glyndor Gallery. The group show, Outcasts: Women in the Wilderness, explores how women have been treated and portrayed as outcasts in history, myth and biblical legend. In the Sunroom Project Space, Sonya Blesofsky’s sculptural installation is inspired by the history of Glyndor House, while Sindy Butz’s includes enlarged photographs and videos of her performing with Wave Hill fireplaces. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sat, July 8    Mint Family Reunion Walk

Spearmint, basil, coleus and lemon balm are just a few members of the mammoth mint family (Lamiaceae). Meet and greet some of these handsome and hard-working herbs and ornamental “mints” on a midsummer stroll through the gardens with Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day. You’ll be surprised to find who’s related! Free with admission to the grounds. Midsummer Mints Day event.

MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Sun, July 9    Summer Birding

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it an appealing destination for such a wide variety of birds. Birders of all levels welcome!Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 9:30AM

Sun, July 9    Family Art Project: Wet Felting Florals

Wave Hill 2017 Winter Workspace artist Crystal Gregory returns to take us through the simple steps of wet felting. Pull from bright colors of wool roving, as well as your own outdoor sketches of the flowering garden, to make an eye-popping, floral-fabric landscape. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, July 9    Yoga in the Garden

Enjoy a morning yoga class on the lawn. Participants should bring a mat, dress appropriately and expect to be outside, unless precipitation or excessive humidity occurs. Classes are offered in partnership with Yoga Haven. All levels welcome. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Pre-registration recommended at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–11AM

Sun, July 9    Family Nature Walk

Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. No registration required. Children ages six and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. 

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 12:30PM

Sun, July 9    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, July 9    Meet the Artists: Evie McKenna & Cheryl Molnar

Join us for this talk with two 2014 Winter Workspace artists who currently have exhibitions up in Wave Hill House. Evie McKenna pairs photos of her Jackson Heights neighborhood with those of Wave Hill and Nevada. Cheryl Molnar’s painted collage works portray landscapes inspired by locations she has visited but reimagined to address human manipulation of nature. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE,  3PM

Mon, July 10    

Closed to the public.

Tue, July 11    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, July 11    No Gallery Tour

Tours in Glyndor Gallery resume Tuesday, July 18.

Wed, July 12    Sunset Wednesdays Outdoor Music: Lyndon Achee Quintet

A Brooklyn-based steel pan artist/composer/performer/educator, Lyndon Acheecollaborates often with Oliver Lake, Bobby Sanabria, Eli Fountain and Anthony Braxton, among others. He has been a band member for five albums with Oliver Lake’s ensemble. Achee is the musical director of Village Drums of Freedom and Calendula, an NYC-based world music/jazz band. Recent appearances include those at NJPAC and the Paramount Theater. He earned a BFA at the New School Jazz Program. At Wave Hill, he offers original tunes, “African Flower” by Duke Ellington, “Little Sunflower,” “Black Narcissus” and “Hibiscus,” with band membersAdam Kliple, keyboards; Pheeroan Aklaff, drums; David Achee, percussion;Hilliard Greene, bass; and special guest Nick Semenykhin, guitar. Free with admission to the grounds. On Sunset Wednesdays, admission is $10, $6 for students and seniors 65+, and $4 for children ages six to 18. Free to Members and children under six.

ON THE GROUNDS, 7PM

Thu, July 13    Evening Garden Walk

Enjoy an evening stroll in the gardens with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

Thu, July 13    Evening Yoga

Enjoy yoga on the lawn select Thursday evenings. Participants should bring a mat, dress appropriately and expect to be outside unless precipitation or excessive humidity occurs. Classes are offered in partnership with Yoga Haven. All levels welcome. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Pre-registration recommended, online atwavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6:30PM–7:30PM

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, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.

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