Monday, October 29, 2018

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Veterans Luncheon - Thursday November 15th


    
Bronx Chamber of Commerce Veterans Luncheon
  
Thursday | November 15, 2018 | 12:00-3:00pm
Maestro's Caterers
1703 Bronxdale Avenue | Bronx, NY 10462
 
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us as we salute our veteran heroes in recognition of their past and current service to our country. Details will be posted shortly on our website.
 
Admission is FREE to all veterans
and active military men and women

Information or to RSVP:
718-828-3900 or phil@bronxchamber.org

Events, Communications & Grants Director
Bronx Chamber of Commerce
"The Network for Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Attorney General Sessions Delivered the Following Statement About Today’s Tragedy in Pittsburgh


  “Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Every American has the right to attend their house of worship in safety. Today 11 innocent people were suddenly and viciously murdered during religious services and several law enforcement officers were shot. These alleged crimes are reprehensible and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Accordingly, the Department of Justice will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant, including charges that could lead to the death penalty. 

“It has been an important week for us to show gratitude for the hard work of our law officers around the country. And today was no exception. I want to thank the FBI, ATF, Pittsburgh police, and especially the heroic officers who were so quick to respond to the shooting, including the multiple officers who were shot. These officers ran to danger to save others, which reflects the highest traditions of policing in this country. There can be no doubt that they saved lives today.

“The Department of Justice will continue to support our state and local partners and we will continue to bring the full force of the law against anyone who would violate the civil rights of the American people.”

Attorney General Sessions Delivers Remarks Announcing the Ongoing Investigation Into Suspicious Packages


  Over the past week, more than a dozen suspicious packages have been sent through the United States Postal Service to a media outlet, a Hollywood actor, and at least seven high-ranking current and former political leaders in the Democratic Party.
This is utterly unacceptable.  Political violence—or the threat of violence—is antithetical to our vigorous system of self-government. 
It is a threat to that respect for law and process that allows our people to accept legislation, elections, and court rulings with which we do not agree.
This is the central feature of our system of government: you advocate for your beliefs enthusiastically but we peaceably and lawfully comply with the results.
Please know that from the beginning this investigative team has made this matter a top priority, focusing their great talents and expertise on neutralizing this threat.
They have moved swiftly and professionally, using extraordinary technical expertise, to apprehend the one alleged responsible.
This is a demonstration of the skill, the capability, and determination of our American law enforcement.
So I am pleased to participate in this announcement that a suspect is in the custody of the FBI.
I want to remind everyone that the defendant in this case—as in every case—is innocent until proven guilty.
He has been charged today with five federal crimes, including interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives, threats against former presidents and certain other persons, threatening interstate communications, and assaulting current and former federal officers. 
For these charges, the defendant faces up to 48* years in prison.
These charges may change or expand as the investigation continues.
This is a law-and-order administration.  We will not tolerate such lawlessness, and especially not political violence.
And so I want to thank FBI Director Wray and his team, all of our law enforcement partners who are here: ATF, the Secret Service, our Postal Inspectors, the Capitol Police, and the New York City Police Department. And United States Attorney Berman of the Southern District of New York, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Ariana Orshan.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from across America responded immediately to the cause and contributed to this effort.  We are proud of each one of them.
I want to reiterate that the defendant in this case is innocent until proven guilty.
But let this be a lesson to anyone—regardless of their political beliefs—that we will bring the full force of law against anyone who attempts to use threats, intimidation, and outright violence to further any agenda. 
We will find you.  We will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. 

Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study - Parkchester/Van Nest Public Workshop/Open House















  It was billed as a public workshop/open house and help plan around future Metro-North service in your neighborhood!

However, it appeared to be a what would you like to see by the new Metro North station, and very little about the Metro North service. There were plenty of people from the various city agencies involved with lots of charts and drawings, but no concrete answers. Over a dozen people from the City planning Commission, people from the Parks Department, Housing Preservation Development Department, and Department of Transportation, but no real answers. 

As you will see residents gave their suggestions as to what they wanted to see by the new train station, which ranged from a fitness center to curb cuts for buses to let people off at the station and other suggestions. The Bronx DOT Commissioner was on hand to say that the city no longer makes curb cuts for buses, but now extends the curb out as a bus bulb. Other ideas were taken as the study area is about one half a mile around from where the new Metro North station is to go, That however was not conveyed to members of the public who were giving their suggestions for the the strip of East Tremont Avenue adjacent to the rail lines. Not noted also was that Amtrak and CSX railroads share and have priority as to the use of the New Haven Line of the Metro North Railroad, or that this particular Metro North line covers the states of New York and Connecticut.  

When I asked what the fare would be from Parkchester to Grand Central Station no one was able to give me a clue. As to other Metro North related questions, I received the same 'We don't know yet' answers to the frequency of service, accessibility from the full area around the station, and the answers were "We are here today to hear what the community wants'. 


Above - The station area is in a bold line, with the impacted area around. Parkchester to the south, and Van Nest to the north.
Below - A chart with the various educational levels and incomes of people living around the new Metro North station. 





Above - A City Planning Commission worker puts community suggestions on a map of the area around the proposed Parkchester Metro North station.
Below - With all the suggestions on it, the area sheet is gone over to make sure the suggestions are written and have been done correctly.


BP DIAZ & BRONX TOURISM COUNCIL HOST 24th ANNUAL TOUR DE BRONX!



  On Sunday, October 28, 2018 (TOMORROW), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in conjunction with The Bronx Tourism Council and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, will host New York State’s largest free bicycling event, the 24th annual Tour de Bronx.

More than 6,000 cyclists will take part in the event, which features a 25 and 40 mile route. Following the ride, cyclists are invited to the Tour de Bronx Festival at the New York Botanical Garden featuring live entertainment and refreshments.

REGISTRATION
East 163rd Street & Grand Concourse
The Bronx  9:00 a.m

STAGE/PROGRAM/LAUNCH
East 161st Street and Grand Concourse
The Bronx  10:30 a.m.
 
AFTER-RIDE FESTIVAL
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard
The Bronx  2:00 p.m.

Friday, October 26, 2018

NY Man Arrested At Peace Bridge, Charged With Unlawfully Importing Marijuana He Legally Obtained From A Canadian Dispensary Into The U.S.


  U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Dratch, 23, of Montgomery, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a controlled substance, importation of a controlled substance, and smuggling goods into the United States. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fne.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 25, 2018, the defendant was encountered entering the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry, and was referred for a secondary inspection. During his initial inspection, Dratch stated he did not have any drugs, weapons, or prohibited items. 

During the secondary inspection of the defendant’s vehicle, a canine search resulted in an alert to a trained odor on the glove compartment area. A search resulted in the discovery of six envelopes containing marijuana, two jars of marijuana resin, four additional packages containing THC-infused gummy worms, and a piece of paper with “118 George St.” and “289-396-8078” written on it. The address and number linked to the internet address “https://weedmaps.com/dispensaries/47483/about.” The website displayed MMJ Canada – Hamilton as well as various marijuana products for sale. The defendant was arrested at that time.
During a search of recent text messages in Dratch's phone, a message to an individual identified as "Max" on the same day stated: “lol bro I just had 100mg edible and I got stopped by customs and now they're asking me so much (expletive).”
The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

BP DIAZ CALLS FOR CHANGES TO SCHOOL TECH REGULATIONS


Directive 10 is out-of-date, and must be amended to allow schools to purchase Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks, Samsung Galaxy Tablets, Amazon Kindles and other portable devices

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is calling for urgent amendments to Directive 10, an out-of-date set of rules that prevents city public schools from purchasing portable technology such as such as Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks, Samsung Galaxy Tablets and Amazon Kindles.

In a letter to New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, whose office administers these rules, Borough President Diaz notes that Directive 10 currently prevents New York City public schools from purchasing such items using capital funding as they could with traditional desktop computers. The letter goes on to urge the comptroller to update these regulations to allow students access to the most current technology possible.

“Tablet computers have become almost ubiquitous, and have potentially limitless potential to expand learning opportunities in our classrooms. However, New York City’s public school students remain limited in their ability to take advantage of them because of the regulations laid out by your office’s Directive 10, which prevents the use of capital funding to purchase them,” states Borough President Diaz in the letter.

The full letter to Comptroller Stringer can be read at https://on.nyc.gov/2NWqGyH.

“In order to best prepare our students for higher education and the workforce it is our duty to ensure they have access to the most current technology, and that includes tablets and portable laptops,” said Borough President Diaz. “Directive 10 is holding our students back, and I urge Comptroller Stringer to change these regulations and allow our public schools access to the full range of technology options.”

Earlier this month, Borough President Diaz issued a report, “Programming New York City Students for Success,” which outlines an expanded view of computer science education in New York City public schools. Included within that report are recommendations that buttress the borough president’s call to update Directive 10, including the need to continuously evaluate and revise computer science curriculum to keep it fresh,  as well as the need to ensure access to computer science in areas where funding has historically been lacking.

That report can be read at https://on.nyc.gov/2Ow0Q9X.

Wave Hill events November 8-15, Feed the Birds Weekend!


Lately, the gardens have abounded with birds—from dark-eyed juncos to blue jays and hawks and eagles wheeling overhead. Perfect timing for a return of Feed the Birds, back for a full weekend this year on November 10 & 11. Stop by to learn about how local birds have adapted to survive the winter, and help them prepare for dropping temperatures. Also coming up is the November 11 performance by the Dalí Quartet—the second of our 2018‒2019 season in Armor Hall. The Quartet will bring a lively mix of Latin American, Classical and Romantic genres to the historic space overlooking our stunning fall gardens.

Sat, November 10

Family Art Project: Local Birdies for Wave Hill House

Goldfinches, woodpeckers, dark-eyed juncos, blue jays and robins are just a few of the local bird species that inhabit the grounds of Wave Hill. We’ll make bird drawings with colored pencils, oil pastels and templates. Some projects may be added to the Wave Hill House holiday decor. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Feed the Birds Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM1PM

Sat, November 10

In The Shop: 20% Off All Bird Feeders and Birdhouses

For Feed the Birds Weekend, enjoy 20% off all bird feeders and birdhouses in The Shop. Feed the Birds Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4PM

Sat, November 10
Bird and Feeder Information
Wave Hill’s seasonal bird-feeding station is back in action! Observe common winter birds and learn about the seed types and bird feeders that attract the widest variety of birds. Touch feathers, feet, skull replicas and other avian objects and get your bird questions answered by our visiting naturalists from the Hudson Highlands Nature Center. Free with admission, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEETS AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM2PM

Sat, November 10

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, November 10

Nature Walks: Birds and the Winter Garden

Local birds face many challenges as winter approaches, and benefit from thoughtfully planned, bird-friendly plantings. Naturalist Gabriel Willow and Wave Hill Senior Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day lead a fall walk to see birds and bird habitats that provide food and shelter in the garden. Along the way, hear about fascinating adaptations that help birds survive the chilly months ahead. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Feed the Birds Weekend event.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM AND 2PM

Sat, November 10

Drop-in Workshop: Edible Ornaments for the Birds

Discover what birds prefer to eat and make several edible ornaments for your feathered friends, helping them survive when food is scarce. $15 materials fee plus admission to the grounds. Ages five and older welcome with an adult.  Feed the Birds Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON2PM

Sat, November 10

Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. In a new collaboration, Wave Hill is partnering with the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) to produce and host ASBA’s 21st Annual International. ASBA’s mission is to provide a thriving, interactive community dedicated to perpetuating the tradition and contemporary practice of botanical art. This juried exhibition consists of two-dimensional original botanical art, including some specimens found at Wave Hill. In the Sunroom Project Space, Keren Anavy, creating a conservatory from man-made materials, responds to Wave Hill’s late-fall landscape. Suspended from the ceiling, abstract paintings on translucent Mylar dip into shallow pools of ink and correspond to the changing colors of Wave Hill’s seasonal plants. Anavy is also collaborating withValerie Green/Dance Entropy on Utopia, a dance performance, which will be presented in the gallery. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, November 11

Fall Birding

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River provides the perfect habitat for resident and migrating birds. Birders of all levels welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds. Feed the Birds Weekend event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

Sun, November 11

Family Art Project: Local Birdies for Wave Hill House

Goldfinches, woodpeckers, dark-eyed juncos, blue jays and robins are just a few of the local bird species that inhabit the grounds of Wave Hill. We’ll make bird drawings with colored pencils, oil pastels and templates. Some projects may be added to the Wave Hill House holiday decor. Free with admission to the grounds. Feed the Birds Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM1PM

Sun, November 11

Pre-Concert Tea

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Mark Twain Room prior to today’s concert in Armor Hall. The Café at Wave Hill pairs a classic menu with an assortment of green, black and herbal teas. This traditional tea service includes the four classic elements of savory, scones, sweets and tea. The menu, presented by Great Performances, includes an array of tea sandwiches, scones and bite-sized desserts. Afternoon Tea also includes a glass of sparkling wine. Afternoon Tea Service is $36. Wave Hill Members receive a 10% discount. Advance registration is required online. We will take reservations until 5PM on the Thursday prior to the concert.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON–2PM

Sun, November 11

Dalí Quartet
The Dalí Quartet brings its signature mix of Latin American, Classical and Romantic repertoire to stages and audiences of all kinds. The quartet’s passionate energy is poured into everything they do, generating critical and audience acclaim for their Classical Roots and Latin Soul. Its tours include appearances for distinguished chamber music and cultural center series in the U.S., Canada and South America. Recent engagements include concerts in New York and Philadelphia, Portland, Puerto Rico and San Jose, and from Tulsa to Toronto and beyond. The Dalí Quartet’s engaging style reaches across the footlights for an experience which “leaves the audience almost dancing in the aisles." (Peninsula Reviews) Concerts begin at 2PM and last approximately one hour with no intermission. Ticket Prices, including admission to the grounds: Adults: $28/$12 children ages 8–18. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Order tickets online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. For additional information, please call 718.549.3200 x251. Check wavehill.org for the full lineup of the 20172018 season.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

Sun, November 11

Family Nature Walk

Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. Registration not required. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM

Sun, November 11

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, November 12

Closed to the public.

Tue, November 13

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, November 13

Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. In a new collaboration, Wave Hill is partnering with the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) to produce and host ASBA’s 21st Annual International. ASBA’s mission is to provide a thriving, interactive community dedicated to perpetuating the tradition and contemporary practice of botanical art. This juried exhibition consists of two-dimensional original botanical art, including some specimens found at Wave Hill. In the Sunroom Project Space, Keren Anavy, creating a conservatory from man-made materials, responds to Wave Hill’s late-fall landscape. Suspended from the ceiling, abstract paintings on translucent Mylar dip into shallow pools of ink and correspond to the changing colors of Wave Hill’s seasonal plants. Anavy is also collaborating withValerie Green/Dance Entropy on Utopia, a dance performance, which will be presented in the gallery. 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–4:30PM,  November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

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.