A.G. Schneiderman Announces Arrest Of Former Grand Juror For Unlawful Disclosure Of Testimony

Jannis Danes Allegedly Leaked Details To Suspects In Grand Jury Narcotics Investigation “Operation Smackdown,” Prompting One Suspect To Flee New York State 

If Convicted, Danes Faces Up To 1 1/3 to 4 Years In State Prison 

Schneiderman: My Office Will Not Tolerate Those Who Weaken Our Justice System And Put New Yorkers’ Safety At Risk

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the arrest of former Onondaga County Grand Juror Jannis Danes, 54, of Minoa, New York, for allegedly leaking details to suspects involved in “Operation Smackdown,” a joint Attorney General - State Police investigation that resulted in the indictments of 72 people charged with operating two separate drug distribution rings in New York City, Syracuse, and Oswego County. Danes was arraigned this morning in Minoa Village Court on an indictment charging her with Unlawful Grand Jury Disclosure, a Class E Felony. If convicted, Danes faces up to 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

“Jurors have a legal and moral obligation to maintain impartiality and discretion—and if they don’t uphold their responsibilities to our justice system, they must face the consequences,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office will not tolerate those who weaken our justice system and put New Yorkers’ safety at risk.”

State Police Superintendent George P. Beach said, “This arrest sends a clear message that anyone who seeks to interfere with the integrity of our criminal justice process and disrupt the prosecution of dangerous criminals will be held accountable and appropriately punished. I commend the astuteness of our New York State Police Special Investigations Unit and our law enforcement partners in identifying this individual and their intent to obstruct the criminal justice system.”

Prior to being selected as a juror for the Attorney General’s Operation Smackdown investigation, Danes had been instructed that Grand Jury proceedings are secretive and that disclosing the  nature  or  substance  of  any  grand  jury testimony,  evidence, or  decision would be a violation of New York State law. However, Danes knew several of the suspects of the investigation and allegedly disclosed to them specific details and contents of grand jury testimony.

On or between April 11, 2016 and May 12, 2016, Danes is alleged to have disclosed to Julie A. Long and Jeff Meyers specific details of grand jury testimony and evidence presented in connection with Operation Smackdown. Danes allegedly told Julie Long, in the presence of Jeff Meyers, that Julie Long, Mark Spratt, and other mutual acquaintances were suspects in the grand jury investigation. Danes also allegedly shared details of recorded phone calls and captured text messages presented during the trial. Additionally, Danes is alleged to have informed the suspects that the grand jury presentation was near conclusion, prompting Long to move out of state to avoid apprehension by law enforcement.

Following Danes’ disclosure, Meyers repeated information provided to him by Danes about the grand jury testimony and evidence presented in connection with Operation Smackdown to Tina A. Day, who in turn told Lori M. Raum that she was also a suspect in the grand jury investigation.

Around May 12, 2016, the Onondaga County Grand Jury named Julie Long, Mark Spratt, Lori Raum, and others as defendants in connection with Operation Smackdown. Long was ultimately apprehended in South Carolina.

The investigation was conducted by the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit.

Assisting in the investigation was OCTF Investigator Paul Pendergast, under the supervision of Supervising Investigator Thomas M. Wolf and Deputy Chief Eugene Black. The Attorney General’s Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Investigator Dominick Zarrella. 

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

NYPD OFFICER INDICTED FOR MAKING VIDEOS OF TEENAGE GIRL PERFORMING SEX ACTS

Bronx Officer Charged with Sexually Motivated Felony and Other Charges; Patronized Teen for Prostitution, Promoted Obscene Sexual Performances

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a New York City police officer has been indicted on sex offenses and other charges stemming from patronizing an underage girl for prostitution and inducing her to perform sex acts in videos. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant is charged with 67 counts including numerous sex offenses, for alleged sexual acts with a young girl. The defendant preyed on the vulnerable young woman and videotaped his demeaning and dehumanizing acts. It is especially disturbing that these crimes are alleged against a member of the NYPD.”

  New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said, "The nature and scope of the charges in this indictment are egregious. The fact that the defendant is an NYPD officer evidences an unconscionable violation of his oath to uphold the law and protect the public. I commend the professional actions of the NYPD investigators who initiated this case as well as the thorough follow-up by the Internal Affairs Bureau in assisting Bronx prosecutors in the securing of a criminal indictment.” 

   District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Raul Olmeda, 40, of the Bronx, who was assigned to the 42nd Precinct but has been on modified duty, was indicted on 15 counts of Sexually Motivated Felony, five counts of Use of Child in a Sexual Performance, five counts of third-degree Rape, four counts of third-degree Criminal Sexual Act, nine counts of third-degree Aggravated Patronizing a Minor for Prostitution, third-degree Patronizing a Person for Prostitution, five counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, five counts of Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, five counts of Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child, five counts of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, five counts of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, fourth-degree Tampering with a Witness, Official Misconduct and Unauthorized Use of a Computer.

  Olmeda was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett and bail was set at $250,000. He is due back on October 16, 2017. If convicted of the top charge, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

  According to the investigation, between late January of 2017 and early April of 2017, the defendant allegedly repeatedly paid a teenage girl for sex and videotaped her in multiple sexual acts. While executing a search warrant on the defendant’s home, authorities seized numerous hard drives as well as a computer, cell phone and other electronic media. The investigation is ongoing.

  District Attorney Clark thanked the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau’s Group 21 for its assistance in the investigation. 

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

REPS. TORRES, SCHNEIDER, ENGEL INTRODUCE BILL TO UPDATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLES

  Reps. Norma J. Torres, Bradley S. Schneider, and Eliot L. Engel introduced the Multiple Firearm Sales Reporting Modernization Act. If approved by Congress and passed into law, the bill would require a federal firearms licensee to report the sale of two or more long guns, including semi-automatic rifles such as the AR-15 and the AK-47, within a five-day period.

 

This bill’s introduction comes less than two weeks after the mass shooting in Las Vegas. The shooter, Stephen Paddock, possessed an arsenal of deadly firearms, including a number of semi-automatic rifles. However, because of a loophole in existing reporting requirements, his purchases never came to the attention of law enforcement agencies. 

 

“This bill is a long-overdue update.” said Rep. Torres. “Our law enforcement agencies need to know if anyone is stocking up on AR-15s and AK-47s. The multiple sales reporting provision that is already on the books has helped our law enforcement go after handgun trafficking rings across the country. There is simply no reason why we should exempt semi-automatic rifles from that provision.”

 

 “Too often after tragedies like Las Vegas, we ask why someone didn’t see this coming,” said Rep. Engel. “ATF is able to track the sale of handguns, but extending that to all firearms is an important first step to address the gun violence crisis in this country.”

 

 “Each day more innocent lives are claimed, and more families are devastated by senseless gun violence,” said Rep. Schneider. “It’s outrageous that long guns such as AR-15s are exempt from the reporting requirements that apply when someone purchases multiple handguns. This bill is a commonsense update to apply the same rules to all firearm purchases.”

 

A long-standing provision in the federal code requires gun dealers to file a report to law enforcement when two or more handguns or pistols are purchased in a five-day period. This provision dates back to the time when lawmakers and citizens were principally concerned about crime and violence involving handguns. Since then, however, semi-automatic rifles such as the AR-15 and the AK-47 have become significantly more prevalent on America’s streets and have emerged as the weapons of choice for drug cartels in Mexico.

MAYOR DE BLASIO HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF NONPROFIT RESILIENCY COMMITTEE’S FIRST YEAR

As the Nonprofit Resiliency Committee embarks on its second year, Mayor Bill de Blasio today highlighted its accomplishments in strengthening the partnership between the City and the nonprofit human service sector. Since the creation of the Committee, the City has implemented practices and policies to facilitate closer collaboration between the City and non-profit organizations in the development, design and management of more than $6.5 billion in social service programs every year. 

The committee’s accomplishments include many immediate investments and policy changes made to stabilize the sector, and the implementation of strategies that will allow social service organizations to continue delivering high-quality services to vulnerable New Yorkers over the long-term.

Investments

The City’s FY 2018 adopted budget includes $374 million in investments made by this Administration in the human services sector for the current fiscal year, increasing to more than $600 million annually by FY 2021.

This includes additional funding to support nonprofits’ administrative overhead costs, and rate increases for several essential programs and services including homeless shelters, Beacon youth centers, and case management for seniors. With these investments, the City acknowledges the increasing costs of delivering services. In some cases, payment rates had not been increased in a quarter century.

The investments also cover collective bargaining increases for day care workers, along with a wage increase of about 9% and a minimum wage of $15 per hour by 2019 for employees in the nonprofit human services sector.

Cash Flow Policy

The City implemented a new policy designed by our nonprofit partners to put payments in the hands of service providers earlier. The 25% advance on all registered City contracts increases cash flow to service providers, allowing them to seamlessly continue to help New Yorkers in need.

In the first quarter of this fiscal year, the City disbursed $604 million in advances to fund program startup costs and support financial stability for nonprofit providers.

Enhancing Contracting Services

Health and Human Services (HHS) Accelerator is the City’s web-based system used to electronically manage procurement with our nonprofit providers. Through the work of the Committee, the City leveraged the platform to digitize fiscal audits for the first time, impacting more than 1,000 human service contracts per year.

Digitizing audits reduces duplicative requests and hours of staff time and labor required to submit documents to City offices.

Collaborative Program Design Guide

The Committee produced a written guide on how City agencies and nonprofits can work together to design programs and services that achieve maximum impact for New Yorkers. 

Feedback from nonprofit partners suggests that the design and structure of programs can present challenges in executing contract responsibilities as it relates to staffing, budgeting and other requirements. By improving communication during the development of human service programs, the guide will be a tool for creating more effective and sustainable programs moving forward.

The City is currently using this guide to design a three-year, $29.7 million program at the Department of Corrections that aims to reduce the recidivism rate. Recommendations from the guide also informed the creation of the Civic Service Design Tools + Tactics, an initiative of the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity that launched this month to provide an introduction to service design for City Agencies and public servants.

Procurement Training

In response to feedback from nonprofit partners, the Mayor’s Office for Contract Services (MOCS) held educational sessions to provide more information about the City’s procurement process, making the City contracting more accessible and transparent. 

Taken together, the Nonprofit Resiliency Committee’s policies and practices implemented in the first year will alleviate administrative burdens for nonprofits; foster greater communication between the City and community based organizations and expand the capacity for each organization to execute its mission; and increase consistency, efficiency, accessibility and transparency in working with the City.

“We set out on a mission and our first year’s efforts have proved to bring significant improvements to the way we best serve New Yorkers with our partners in human services,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New Yorkers count on us to work together and deliver on some of our biggest initiatives. The Committee’s second year promises to build upon these achievements.”

“Our government and nonprofit providers are critical partners in our work to support New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio. “I am very proud that in the past year we have together been able to weave a strong, vibrant fabric to support individuals, families, and communities.”

“In order to fulfill our mission of creating a more just and sustainable city, the social service sector and City government must work together. Much of the important work we do happens in partnership with our nonprofit partners. This past year, through joint problem-solving, increased collaboration, and by addressing some of the most immediate needs of New York City's non-profit sector, we’ve made important strides to making an already strong sector even stronger. In doing so, we will be able to positively impact the lives of more people in this City and achieve our shared goals,” said Richard Buery, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives and Co-chair of the Nonprofit Resiliency Committee.

 

"Our nonprofit partners are essential to delivering critical and effective services throughout our New York City communities," said Michael Owh, Director of the Mayor's Office of Contract Services. “The City is committed to supporting their organizations and programs MOCS appreciates the countless hours nonprofit leaders devoted to collaborating with us in an effort to streamline administrative processes and enhance accessibility to City contracting. Our partnership achieved rapid results that we look forward to expanding in our second year.”

"The city's community-based organizations do critical work to increase equity by ensuring all New Yorkers have access to vital services," said Matt Klein, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity. "The Committee has opened new critical pathways for government and nonprofit providers to work more closely together and we are proud to help strengthen this cross-sector collaboration."

A.G. Schneiderman On Clean Power Plan: I Will Sue To Stop Repeal

A.G. Schneiderman Leads Coalition Of States And Localities That Intervened To Defend The CPP

  New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman released the following statement today following EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s announcement that the Trump Administration will repeal the Clean Power Plan:

“By seeking to repeal the Clean Power Plan – especially without any credible commitment to replacing it – the Trump Administration’s campaign of climate change denial continues, once again putting industry special interests ahead of New Yorkers’ and all Americans’ safety, health, and the environment. 

“I am proud to lead the coalition of states and localities defending the Clean Power Plan in federal court. If and when the Trump Administration finalizes this repeal, I will sue to protect New  Yorkers’ and put a stop to the  Trump Administration’s irresponsible and illegal efforts to turn back the clock on public health.

“Fuel-burning power plants are one of our nation’s largest sources of climate change pollution, and common-sense science –  and the law – dictate that EPA take action to cut these emissions. In fact, states like New York have demonstrated that greenhouse gases from power plants can be reduced dramatically, while holding the line on utility bills, maintaining grid reliability, and adding billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to our economies. 

“The Trump Administration’s persistent and indefensible denial of climate change – and their continued assault on actions essential to stemming its increasing devastation – is reprehensible, and I will use every available legal tool to fight their dangerous agenda.”

Background 

The Clean Power Plan is the culmination of a decade-long effort by New York and partnering states and cities to require mandatory cuts in the emissions of climate change pollution from fossil fuel burning power plants under the Clean Air Act.  Eleven years ago, New York and other states sued EPA in the D.C. Circuit after the agency failed to establish emission standards for carbon dioxide from fossil-fueled power plants.  That lawsuit resulted in a settlement, finalized in 2011, in which EPA committed to undertake rulemaking to address carbon dioxide from power plants.

In November 2015, a coalition of 25 states, cities and counties, led by New York Attorney General Schneiderman, intervened in defense of the Clean Power Plan against legal challenge in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Clean Power Plan, along with the companion rule applicable to new, modified, and reconstructed power plants, will control emissions by setting limits on the amount of climate change pollution that power plants can emit. The rule for existing plants is expected to eliminate as much climate change pollution as is emitted by more than 160 million cars a year – or 70% of the nation’s passenger cars.

The Clean Power Plan, which was adopted through a multi-year stakeholder process, is founded on three solid pillars: 

• a mandatory duty under law to regulate carbon pollution from existing power plants;
• overwhelming scientific proof of the need to take prompt action to reduce power plant emissions of climate change pollution; and
• compelling evidence that power plants can cost-effectively cut these emissions while maintaining electricity reliability.

Mandatory duty to limit carbon pollution from power plants. The Supreme Court has repeatedly confirmed EPA’s authority to address carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act, beginning with its decision ten years ago in Massachusetts v. EPA. Subsequently, EPA found based on an extensive scientific record that greenhouse gases, principally carbon dioxide, endanger public health and welfare. EPA’s decision was upheld in by the D.C. Circuit in 2012, and EPA Administrator Pruitt acknowledged in his confirmation hearing that the endangerment finding “needs to be enforced and respected.”

The Clean Power Plan, which establishes guidelines for states to limit carbon pollution from existing power plants, and the companion rule setting standards for new power plants, address one of the largest sources of carbon pollution in the U.S. Those two rules are firmly grounded in another Supreme Court case, American Electric Power v. Connecticut. There, the Court held that New York and other states could not use federal common law public nuisance to address power plant carbon pollution because section 111 of the Clean Air Act—the section of the law EPA relied in the Clean Power Plan and new plant rule—“speaks  directly” to those emissions.

Compelling scientific evidence on the need to act now. The scientific evidence is compelling that climate change is harming our communities now and that prompt and substantial emission reductions are necessary to avert catastrophic impacts. In its 2009 finding that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, EPA cited more intense, frequent, and long-lasting heat waves; worse smog in cities; longer and more severe droughts; more intense storms such as hurricanes and floods; the spread of disease; and a dramatic rise in sea levels.

When it finalized the Clean Power Plan in 2015, EPA emphasized that additional scientific studies bolstered the endangerment finding, citing increased risk of premature death (especially in children and the elderly) during extreme heat events and from infectious and waterborne diseases, as well as threats to coastal communities and infrastructure from storms and rising sea levels. We have witnessed this firsthand in our communities. For example, New York has experienced dramatic increases in the frequency and intensity of storms, including a record deluge in Long Island in August 2014. Recent destruction fromHurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria is likewise consistent with scientists’ projections of an increased frequency and damage from extreme storm events. And in South Florida, even before Hurricane Irma struck, flooding exacerbated by rising seas had become commonplace, harming homes, roads, bridges, drinking water, and sewage systems. Like 2014 and 2015, 2016 was the warmest year on record. In a report issued last year, the National Academies of Science stated that “if emissions of greenhouse gases continue unabated, future changes will substantially exceed those that have occurred thus far.”

Well-established track record of emission reductions. The rulemaking record for the Clean Power Plan conclusively shows that power plants can substantially cut carbon pollution and do so cost effectively. As power companies supporting the Plan in the litigation explained, the best system of emission reduction chosen by EPA—increasing efficiency and shifting from dirtier to cleaner power generation—is already routinely used in the industry.

EPA also drew heavily on the experience of states that have enacted laws similar to the Clean Power Plan—experience that has demonstrated cutting carbon emissions does not hinder economic growth. For example, through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), New York and eight other states successfully reduced regional carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity sector by 45 percent from 2005 levels.  The RGGI program has provided substantial public health benefits in participating as well as neighboring states, including avoiding hundreds of premature deaths, heart attacks, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits, averting 39,000 lost work days, and hundreds of thousands of cases of restricted activity days due to air pollution – and generating up to $8.3 billion in health savings and other health benefits – between 2009 and 2014.  Moreover, over the program’s first three years alone, total energy bills across the nine states were reduced by $1.3 billion and $1.6 billion was added to the local economy. 

New York Road Runners Introduces Iconic New Course and Expanded Field for 2018 United Airlines NYC Half, Set for Sunday, March 18

Race to feature 22,500 finishers from the five boroughs and beyond in a run from Brooklyn to Manhattan

   An expected 22,500 runners will take to the streets of New York City on Sunday, March 18 in the 2018 United Airlines NYC Half, which will feature a completely redesigned course taking runners on a 13.1-mile tour of iconic city landmarks from Brooklyn to Manhattan, it was announced today by New York Road Runners and the City of New York.

“We’re proud to have worked with New York Road Runners to coordinate a new route that now includes both Brooklyn and Manhattan, and this year even more runners will get to run this race as well as take in the New York City landmarks and views along the redesigned course,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.   

The 2018 United Airlines NYC Half will start along Prospect Park in Brooklyn, head over the Manhattan Bridge, and finish in Central Park. Along the way, runners will pass by many of New York City’s most popular sights, including Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, the United Nations, Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, and Central Park.

“Working together with our partners at the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management, we were able to make one of New York City’s most popular races accessible to more runners while also showcasing many of the city’s most popular attractions,” said Jim Heim, NYRR’s senior vice president, event development and production and technical director of the TCS New York City Marathon. “This world-class race has become a bucket-list event for runners from the five boroughs, across the country, and around the world since its inception in 2006. The new course offers an exciting challenge for runners with new stretches that have never before been part of a New York Road Runners event.”

The new United Airlines NYC Half course begins in Brooklyn, just south of Grand Army Plaza near the entrance to Prospect Park on Flatbush Avenue. Race participants will head north on Flatbush Avenue and cross the Manhattan Bridge into lower Manhattan, and pass through the Lower East Side before heading north on the FDR Drive, with sunrise views of the Brooklyn and Queens skylines. Runners will approach the halfway point near East 42nd Street, where they will pass the United Nations as they turn left and run by legendary Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park. As the field makes the turn up Seventh Avenue, they will pass by 1,000 youngsters running through Times Square in the Rising New York Road Runners at the United Airlines NYC Half kids’ run. Runners will enter Central Park and head north to the 102nd Street Cross Drive before the final turn south on West Drive to the finish line near 75th Street.

“Runners fly to New York from all over the world to take part in the United Airlines NYC Half, and with the revised course, the 2018 race will welcome more participants than ever before,” said Mark Krolick, vice president of marketing at United. “With more destinations served from the New York City area than any other carrier, United looks forward to welcoming these runners, and cheering them on through every step of their journey to the finish line.”

The application for guaranteed and non-guaranteed entry into 2018 United Airlines NYC Half will open at 12:00 p.m. ET on October 16, 2017, and will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 30, 2017. The drawing will take place on December 6, 2017.

The 2017 United Airlines NYC Half had 19,409 finishers. The 2018 field expansion and course change are the first major updates since 2013, when a revised course configuration accommodated the addition of a professional wheelchair race.

Race details, including the new course map, and the application for the 2018 United Airlines NYC Half can be found here: www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/2018/united-airlines-nyc-half.

The 2018 United Airlines NYC Half will be broadcast live in the New York area on WABC-TV, Channel 7, nationally on ESPN3 via WatchESPN, and internationally through a network of global broadcast partners. 

Senator Jeff Klein Collects over 1,000 Signatures to Save Columbus Statue at Morris Park Columbus Day Parade; Petition Drive will Continue for Two Weeks

Senators Klein & Savino, Assembly Members Gjonaj & Benedetto, Italian-American leaders & parade-goers rally to save cultural symbol at Morris Park Columbus Day Parade

Senator Jeff Klein, joined by Senator Diane Savino, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Italian-American community leaders and Columbus Day parade-goers, sent a strong message to the city: leave the statue of Christopher Columbus at Columbus Circle alone.

Senator Klein led a petition drive at stations along the route named after Columbus’ ships — the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria — collecting over 1,000 signatures in support of keeping the 75-foot high statue standing. The petition drive will continue for two weeks and then the signatures will be sent to the city’s commission reviewing public art.

“It is offensive to tear down an important part of Italian-American history in New York City and we will not stand for it. The statue of Christopher Columbus represents the Italian immigrants’ voyage to New York City at a time when the group faced rampant discrimination. New York City presented immense opportunities and this statue was a gift, and remains symbolic to the entire Italian-American community. We will fight to make sure this symbol of Italian-American success and pride is not taken down,” said Senator Klein.

“Italian-Americans have a history of giving back to this city, and that’s what that statue represents: a contribution to the city of New York from Italian immigrants. They scraped together pennies from their pockets so they could contribute to the effort to give a gift to a city that had opened up the doors of opportunity for them,” said Senator Savino.

“As a celebration of Italian American heritage and their invaluable contribution to who we are as a nation, the statue represents the Italian community’s spirit of hope, aspiration and discovery that is uniquely American. It is with that spirit that I will proudly stand with my colleagues as we honor the values of community, family and hard work,” said Assemblyman Gjonaj.

“This is a clear example of a ‘the sky is falling mentality.’ Everyone is rushing around trying to topple all statutes in sight. We need to accept the good and bad part of our heritage without trying to sugarcoat anything. Sanity and reason must return,” said Assemblyman Benedetto.

“Christopher Columbus is a hero to the Italian-American community. He was the fit immigrant to these shores. His voyage made way to millions of immigrants to land on these shores. He should remain to be celebrated rather than vilified,” said John Fratta, New York State Commission for Social Justice Chairman.

In its 41st year, the Morris Park Columbus Day Parade is the second largest in the state. This year’s kick-off drew the ire of elected officials, Italian-American leaders, community members who want the statue of Christopher Columbus to stand.

At a time when Italian immigrants faced discrimination, Il Progresso, an Italian language newspaper, raised funds to erect the marble artwork as a gift to New York City where Italians found opportunity.

It is seen as a cultural symbol of the Italian-American experience in New York.

Wave Hill Events Oct 20–Oct 27

Wave Hill’s answer to Halloween, and a much-anticipated event each fall, this year Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend celebrates the aos sí, found in Celtic mythology and Gaelic tradition. With guest storyteller and harpist Marianne McShane, guest guitarist/singer Terry McCann and Stephen Gara on the uilleann pipes, the flute and the tin whistle, it’s a time to make art deeply connected to nature. Dressed in all their fall finery, the gardens will provide the perfect complement to the celebration.

For a very different kind of experience of the gardens, I recommend exhibiting artist Joiri Minaya’s performance at the Aquatic Garden on Saturday afternoon. Check out her story on our new portal for Glyndor Gallery’s Sunroom Project Space.

Thu, October 19    Art Workshop: Plein Air-Journals    SOLD OUT

Using the intimate space of the journal page, depict human-made elements in the landscape in this outdoor workshop. Artist Wennie Huang shares traditional and alternative journal formats and provides individual guidance on drawing and plein-air techniques. Basic materials provided; participants receive a short list of additional recommended materials. This four-session workshop continues October 26,November 2 and 9. $185/$150 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

Fri, October 20    Portfolio Review: Project-Based Art

Six curators, critics or gallerists will meet individually with artists to give feedback on their work with a focus on emerging artists who do project-based and site-based work. Fees, guest reviewers’ bios and registration information at wavehill.org.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2–5PM

Sat, October 21    Family Art Project: Leaf Crowns and Fairy Houses

Sit with your wee ones and listen to stories of the “people of the mounds,” the supernatural race of fairies or elves found in Celtic mythology, as told by guest storyteller Marianne McShane and her blue harp. Then travel into Wave Hill’s woodland, and, using only natural materials and a bit of jute twine, create your own tiny, fairy-sized dwelling using found sticks, leaves, moss and bark, or string together a series of autumn leaves to form a fall wand or crown—and behold the magic! At 11AM and at noon, guest musicians Terry McCann, a guitarist and singer, and Stephen Gara on the uilleann pipes (a delicate version of the standard bagpipe), the flute and the tin whistle, offer a short concert of Irish jigs, reels and songs. The pair will also visit Wave Hill’s woodland with their instruments, to serenade the aos sí and lead a short autumn fairy parade. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, October 21    In The Shop: Spend $50, Earn a Book of Fairy Stickers

This weekend pairs the glorious fall gardens with a family event that is much loved by visitors. Plan on a browse in The Shop―spend $50 and take home your own bit of magic with a book of fairy stickers.Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

Sat, October 21    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide 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, October 21    Wave Hill History Walk

Discover the fascinating history of Wave Hill’s architecture and landscape on a walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Hear about the people who once called Wave Hill home, among them Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, Bashford Dean and Arturo Toscanini. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

Sat, October 21    Containers, A Call & Response Outdoor Performance by Joiri Minaya

On select Saturdays, Call & Response artists present talks, readings, live music, performance art and workshops in and around Glyndor Gallery. Head to the Monocot Garden to experience artist Joiri Minaya’s outdoor performance. Performers in tropical print body-suits will move through a variety of poses, in response to the site-specific audio narratives emanating from the garments. Complementing the tropical plants and the history of the Monocot Garden, these narratives will focus on human and plant camouflage and hyper-visibility. Free with admission to the grounds.

MONOCOT GARDEN, 2PM

Sun, October 22    Family Art Project: Leaf Crowns and Fairy Houses

Sit with your wee ones and listen to stories of the “people of the mounds,” the supernatural race of fairies or elves found in Celtic mythology, as told by guest storyteller Marianne McShane and her blue harp. Then travel into Wave Hill’s woodland, and, using only natural materials and a bit of jute twine, create your own tiny, fairy-sized dwelling using found sticks, leaves, moss and bark, or string together a series of autumn leaves to form a fall wand or crown—and behold the magic!  At 11AM and at noon, guest musicians Terry McCann, a guitarist and singer, and Stephen Gara on the uilleann pipes (a delicate version of the standard bagpipe), the flute and the tin whistle, offer a short concert of Irish jigs, reels and songs. The pair will also visit Wave Hill’s woodland with their instruments, to serenade the aos sí and lead a short autumn fairy parade. Free with admission to the grounds. Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, October 22    In The Shop: Spend $50, Earn a Book of Fairy Stickers

This weekend pairs the glorious fall gardens with a family event that is much loved by visitors. Plan on a browse in The Shop―spend $50 and take home your own bit of magic with a book of fairy stickers.Enchanted Wave Hill Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

Sun, October 22    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights.. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, October 23    

Closed to the public.

Tue, October 24    Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide 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, October 24    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow leads a tour of the current exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. This fall, the entire gallery is given over to new site-responsive projects honoring the tenth anniversary of Wave Hill’s Sunroom Project Space. Call & Response showcases the work of 50 artists who have exhibited in this unique venue, in projects ranging from art objects created from natural materials gathered onsite, to sound pieces, outdoor installations and performance works. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

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 Tuesdaymornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/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.