Wave Hill events November 29 - December 6

Sat, December 1

Family Art Project: The Wonder of the Wardian Case

Join visiting artist Jan Mun to create a Wardian case, a simple terrarium historically used to transport living plants from the far corners of the globe to enhance the collections of botanical societies, and bring medicinal and agricultural plants to communities around the world. Learn the history of these beautiful structures while you use repurposed materials to make your own, transporting a little bit of nature to your home. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, December 1

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sat, December 1

Curatorial Talk: I Refer You to Nature

Wave Hill is proud to be a member of the seven museums in the Fairfield Westchester Museum Alliance, which allows Wave Hill Members to enjoy free admission at all seven. This winter, Wave Hill collaborates with the Hudson River Museum on two talks. Laura Vookles, the Hudson River Museum’s curatorial chair, introduces works from its collection that engage flowers and plants, touching on each artist’s motives for an either realistic or imaginative approach and comparing these works with some of the botanical art in the 21st Annual International exhibition at Wave Hill, closing December 2.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Sun, December 2

Family Art Project: The Wonder of the Wardian Case

Join visiting artist Jan Mun to create a Wardian case, a simple terrarium historically used to transport living plants from the far corners of the globe to enhance the collections of botanical societies, and bring medicinal and agricultural plants to communities around the world. Learn the history of these beautiful structures while you use repurposed materials to make your own, transporting a little bit of nature to your home. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, December 2

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sun, December 2

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 at wavehillreserrations@greatperformances.com or by calling 718.549.3200 x395. We will take reservations until 5PM on the Thursday prior to the concert.

Wave Hill House, NOON

Sun, December 2

Concert: Dandy Wellington and his Band

Inspired by the Big Band Era of Jazz, Dandy Wellington and his Band have taken the sounds of the 1930’s and 40’s and created a world of well-dressed music. With a passion for obscure songs steeped in the Jazz tradition, Dandy Wellington has assembled a catalog of music that invokes an atmosphere of class. From the golden age of cinema, to the bounce of New Orleans, each song is hand selected and played to perfection by a band cut from the cloth of elegance. Ticket Prices: Adults: $28 (includes admission to the grounds) / Wave Hill Members 10% discount / $12 children ages 8-18, unless otherwise noted. Order tickets online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. For additional information, please call 718.549.3200 x251.

Wave Hill House, 2PM

Sun, December 2

Garden and Conservatory 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, December 3

Closed to the public.

Tue, December 4

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Wed, December 5

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Thu, December 6

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

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.

Man Sentenced In Manhattan Federal Court To More Than 13 Years In Prison For Illegally Trafficking Assault Rifles And Other Firearms, As Well As Narcotics

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ARIEL ACOSTA, a/k/a “A-Loc,” a/k/a “Blue,” a/k/a “True Blue,” was sentenced today to 160 months in prison for firearms and narcotics trafficking.  ACOSTA and his co-conspirators sold seven guns, including an AK-47 assault rifle and a SKS assault rifle, a silencer, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest to undercover officers.  ACOSTA pled guilty in Manhattan federal court in April 2018 to one count of conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and one count of unlicensed firearms dealing.  United States District Judge Kimba M. Wood imposed today’s sentence.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Ariel Acosta sought to put illegal guns and drugs on the streets of New York City.  For his crimes he will serve over 13 years in prison.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who would put the people of our city in danger.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:

From at least 2016 to August 2017, ACOSTA and other members of a drug trafficking organization sold narcotics near Hughes Avenue and East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, New York (the “Hughes Avenue DTO”).  ACOSTA personally sold crack cocaine to undercover officers on several occasions.  Members of the Hughes Avenue DTO are also members and associates of the “Rolling 30s” neighborhood set of the nationwide Crips street gang.    

From about October 2016 to May 2017, ACOSTA and two other men, who were both members of the Hughes Avenue DTO, sold firearms to undercover officers.  Over the course of six sales, undercover officers purchased seven firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, a SKS assault rifle, a shotgun, and several handguns.  One of the firearms ACOSTA sold had a defaced serial number.  ACOSTA and his co-conspirators also sold a silencer for a gun, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest to the undercover officers. 

In addition to the prison term, ACOSTA, 24, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.  Of the nine members of the Hughes Avenue Crew charged in this case, eight have pled guilty.  Charges against one defendant are currently pending before United States District Judge Victor Marerro.               

Mr. Berman praised the work of the New York City Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in this investigation. 

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON FOR STRANGLING AND PUMMELING EX-GIRLFRIEND IN 2016

Victim Survived; Strangulation Scars Still Visible Today

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for beating his ex-girlfriend and strangling her, leaving searing wounds on her neck. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant had no mercy when he strangled, beat and threatened to kill the 27-year-old victim. The attack left the victim scarred physically and emotionally yet she bravely testified in court. There were prior, unreported assaults by the defendant on the victim. I urge victims and anyone who is aware of domestic violence to please report any incidents so we can prevent the escalation of violence and save lives.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Dayquan Robertson, 27, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced today to seven years in prison and five years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus. A full order of protection was also issued. A jury found the defendant guilty of second-degree Strangulation and second-degree Assault on October 10, 2018. 

 According to the investigation, on September 1, 2016, in her apartment in the Bronx, the victim, Tanisha Lambright, was sleeping when she was awakened by the defendant. He grabbed the strap of her nightgown, dug it in around her neck and strangled her with it, causing the victim to go in and out of consciousness. Robertson then punched her multiple times in her left eye and face, and used the victim’s hands to punch her own face while threatening to kill her. The defendant’s attack left the victim with large lacerations on her neck, popped blood vessels in her eye, and a swollen, bleeding lip.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Detectives Giovanna Maldonado and Jonathan Troncoso and Police Officer Kamil Tarnawski of the 40th Precinct for their assistance in the case.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCE AMAZON SELECTS LONG ISLAND CITY FOR NEW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

New campus represents the largest economic development project in New York State history

Amazon will create 25,000 to 40,000 new jobs and invest more than $3.6 billion over 15 years

   Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Amazon, the world leader in e-commerce and cloud computing, will establish a new corporate headquarters in Long Island City, Queens. The decision followed a comprehensive, year-long selection process during which 238 cities across North America competed for the multibillion-dollar project.

In 2019, Amazon will occupy up to 500,000 square feet at One Court Square while working to construct four million square feet of commercial space on Long Island City’s waterfront over the next 10 years, with expansion opportunities for up to 8 million square feet over the next 15 years. Through a $3.6 billion total investment, Amazon will draw from the diverse and talented workforce in New York State to fill at least 25,000 new jobs by 2029 and up to 40,000 jobs by 2034 with an average salary of $150,000. The construction is expected to create an average of 1300 direct construction jobs annually through 2033. Overall, the project is estimated to create more than 107,000 total direct and indirect jobs and over $14 billion in new tax revenue for the State and a net of $13.5 billion in City tax revenue.  The project provides a 9:1 return on investment.

“This is a giant step on our path to building an economy in New York City that leaves no one behind. We are thrilled that Amazon has selected New York City for its new headquarters,” said Mayor de Blasio. “New Yorkers will get tens of thousands of new, good-paying jobs, and Amazon will get the best talent in the world. We’re going to use this opportunity to open up good careers in tech to thousands of people looking for their foothold in the new economy, including those in City colleges and public housing. The City and State are working closely together to make sure Amazon’s expansion is planned smartly, and to ensure this fast growing neighborhood has the transportation, schools and infrastructure it needs.”

“When I took office, I said we would build a new New York State – one that is fiscally responsible and fosters a business climate that is attractive to growing companies and the industries of tomorrow. We’ve delivered on those promises and more, and today, with Amazon committing to expand its headquarters in Long Island City, New York can proudly say that we have attracted one of the largest, most competitive economic development investments in U.S. history,” Governor Cuomo said. “With an average salary of $150,000 per year for 25,000 new jobs Amazon is creating in Queens, economic opportunity and investment will flourish for the entire region. Amazon understands that New York has everything the company needs to continue its growth. The State’s more than $100 billion infrastructure program – the most ambitious in our history – combined with our education initiatives like K-12 tech education and the first-in-the-nation Excelsior Scholarship program, will help ensure long-term success and an unrivaled talent pool for Amazon.”

Read the Memorandum of Understanding between the State, City and Amazon here.

Last year, Amazon released a Request for Proposals to select one or more locations for additional headquarters operations in North America, leading to an unprecedented competition among more than 230 metropolitan areas. The joint New York City-New York State proposal focused on New York’s unparalleled talent and the capacity of its academic institutions, public schools and workforce training programs to fill the jobs Amazon will create at the pace the company’s rapid growth demands. New York State and New York City economic development officials collaborated to submit a robust response and have worked closely with Amazon over the past year on the winning proposal.

According to an economic impact study by REMI, Inc., a world leader in dynamic forecasting and policy analysis, the Amazon project will generate over $186 billion in Gross State Product for the New York State economy over the initial 25 years. REMI also projects over $14 billion in total new tax revenue for the State, with annual revenues growing from $10.8 million in 2019 to nearly $1 billion in 2043. The City forecasts a net of $13.5 billion in total new tax revenue. 

"This is a huge win for New York" said Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen.  "Amazon locating here demonstrates that New York City is now a global center for innovation and technology, drawn here by the amazing diversity of our workforce, our neighborhoods and our economy. Amazon's $3.6 billion investment, as well as the investments it will make in job training, open space, education and infrastructure, will establish Long Island City as one of the region's most vibrant commercial districts." 

"New York City is proud to be the new home of Amazon's second headquarters. We feel the same today as we did on day one of the company's national search: there is no city in North America better equipped for HQ2 than New York," said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. "We have the best, brightest, and most diverse workforce, and are home to virtually every industry. From our leading academic intuitions to our celebrated diversity, which defines our rich history as a cultural melting pot, New York is unmatched in all we have to offer. We look forward to continuing working with our State partners, local elected officials and members of the community on ensuring Amazon's arrival in New York City will benefit everyone."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “This is an enormous win for New York. Having supported all the cities in the state that submitted proposals, we are extremely proud to have brought the largest deal in ESD history to New York State. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is a tribute to our world-class colleges and universities across the state, and most importantly it’s a testament to our extraordinarily talented and diverse workforce. New York is a leader in so many disciplines and industries that align with Amazon’s business – including digital media, film production, merchandising, fashion, advertising, ag and food processing, fintech and many more. With a shared history of innovation, New York and Amazon will grow faster and smarter, together.”

The City-State agreement with Amazon includes commitments to build a jointly-funded 10,000 square-foot onsite employment center to connect local residents with jobs and training. A $15 million investment will expand the JobsPlus program to Queensbridge Houses and expand tuition-free tech training to its residents—serving nearly 1,800 residents over the next 10 years.

The agreement also secures a new approximately 600-seat intermediate public school, a 3.5-acre waterfront esplanade and park, and the establishment of a Long Island City Infrastructure Fund to invest 50 percent of the project’s PILOT proceeds to deliver on transportation and other neighborhood priorities that will be identified in collaboration with the local community.

  

To bring this transformational, multibillion-dollar project to New York, the State offered a package of performance-based incentives totaling $1.705 billion. The package includes a $1.2 billion in tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program, which is directly tied to Amazon's commitment to create 25,000 new jobs and no less than $2.3 billion investment over ten years as well as a $505 million capital grant that is directly tied to Amazon's commitment to invest $3.6 billion and create up to 40,000 new jobs over 15 years.

Additionally, the company, State and City are committing $15 million – $5 million each – to create new workforce development programs focused on technology training and recruitment specific to New York City and targeted toward underrepresented segments of the workforce. Programs supported by this initiative may include community-based accelerated technology training programs, internships, and work-based learning opportunities for high school students.

Under pre-existing as-of-right programs authorized by law, Amazon is eligible for a partial property tax abatement through ICAP and an annual credit of $3,000 for twelve years per eligible employee under REAP, a program available to all companies to encourage job growth outside of Manhattan. REAP benefits for Amazon’s 10-year expansion are projected at $897 million through 2038, and ICAP will abate approximately $386 million.

“The number one thing we can do for New Yorkers at every rung of the economic ladder is create jobs, and the number one way to do that is to bring companies like Amazon to New York,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “So, this a great opportunity to help New Yorkers at every income level, but we must make sure there are commensurate infrastructure and housing improvements to the neighborhoods to which Amazon is moving, and make sure community residents are hired when Amazon lands. I commend New York City and State for working together to get this positive result, and I look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio, Governor Cuomo and Amazon to tackle these challenges.”

Council Member Jumaane D. Williams RESPONDS TO THE AMAZON EXPANSION ANNOUNCEMENT

  STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS

Last year, I signed onto a letter encouraging Amazon to consider New York City as a site for its new headquarters. This was intended to be the beginning of a conversation- I thought that it would have been irresponsible not to at least explore the possibility of adding thousands of new jobs. What I could not have thought was that the next response in that conversation would be a secret back room deal, reached to undermine and cut out all of the stakeholders in this issue.  

Communities throughout New York City are in need of economic development, and I had hoped that if Amazon expressed interest in expanding in the city, a productive conversation could be held between the city, state, community, unions, local business owners, advocates, and more. 

It is clear that Amazon intends to move forward in its plan without adequate dialogue and compromise.The Governor, and the Mayor alongside him, have been willing to circumvent that conversation for expediency and at the expense of community involvement, lured by promises Amazon made when offered extravagant incentives and disregarding the basic responsibilities of the process. This is characteristic of Governor Cuomo, despite his history of failing to provide jobs through these same kind of tax incentives. I am deeply disappointed, though, that Mayor de Blasio  would cede the power and authority of New York City in allowing this deal to proceed, without even attempting to include stakeholders in the process. It is telling to me that these two executives could not get together to help struggling NYCHA tenants or to fix public transportation, but were able and eager to arrange this deal.

Our government should be taking steps to act as a check on rampant corporate expansion, to ensure that any new development is designed with the greatest possible benefit to New Yorkers in need and to prevent any unintended consequences. Small businesses must be given the tools to survive and thrive, and economically disadvantaged New Yorkers need to be given enhanced opportunity in this new development. We must put community interests over corporate interests. 

I am opposing this deal as it stands, and will do all in my power to fight its implementation. 

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING ENDORSES JUMAANE WILLIAMS FOR NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE

   Ahead of tomorrow's official announcement that he will be running for the soon to be vacant office of Public Advocate City Councilman Jumaane Williams came to the 12th council district to receive the endorsement of Councilman Andy King. Public Advocate candidate Williams said that if elected Public Advocate that he would be running for re-election in 2021 and not for mayor. 

  The election for Public is expected to be at the end of February or early March. Then the winner will have to run for re-election in the 2019 September primary and November general election. Then the next election would be in 2021. Since this would be a partial term the Public Advocate would be able to run for two terms similar to the mayoral cycle thus be able to run for mayor in 2029. 

Above - Councilman Williams thanks Councilman King for his endorsement for the office of Public Advocate..

Below - Councilman Jumaane Williams speaks to the crowd as to why he is the better candidate for the office of Public Advocate.

Being in the Bronx Public Advocate candidate Councilman Jumaane Williams shows off his 'Bronx X'.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND FIRST LADY MCCRAY ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT OF NEW MEMBERS TO COMMISSION ON GENDER EQUITY

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray today announced the appointment of six new members to the City’s Commission on Gender Equity, an agency tasked with supporting City agencies in dismantling institutional barriers for women, girls, and New Yorkers of all gender identities and expressions.

The new members bring a wide array of experience across various industries to the Commission, including advocacy, fundraising and communications skills across the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors, among others. The new members are:

·     Chitra Aiyar, Executive Director at Sadie Nash Leadership Project

·     Council Member Diana Ayala

·    Andrea Hagelgans, Executive Vice President, Group Head for Public Affairs and Issue Advocacy at Edelman New York

·    Robina Niaz, Founder and Executive Director of Turning Point for Women and Families

·    Arva Rice, President and CEO of the New York Urban League

·    Council Member Carlina Rivera

“We can't be the fairest big city if we don't make sure all New Yorkers – regardless of gender –  can live up to their full potential," said Mayor de Blasio. “These new members will bring invaluable expertise to the Commission and help us strengthen opportunities for all who self-identify as women in New York.”

“As we welcome six new members to the Commission on Gender Equity we also welcome their wealth of experience, energy and commitment,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, co-chair for the Commission on Gender Equity. “With their leadership, the Commission will continue its important work of protecting the economic and reproductive rights of women, girls and gender-non conforming New Yorkers.”

“The Commission on Gender Equity helps support women, girls and all who identify as female, which is so important in the times we live in. Council Members Diana Ayala and Carlina Rivera are model public servants and inspirations to women all over this city, which is why I am proud to appoint them to the CGE,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “I look forward to seeing them work alongside First Lady Chirlane McCray, Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo, Council Member Helen Rosenthal, the Council’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislation and Policy Laura Popa and the entire Commission in promoting gender equity across the city and helping female New Yorkers reach their full potential.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome our new Commissioners, whose guidance and leadership will be indispensable as we work to ensure the sustainability of gender equitable practices and policies throughout New York City,” said Jacqueline Ebanks, Executive Director of the City’s Commission on Gender Equity.

“I am excited to welcome the new Commissioners. Their rich experience and diverse backgrounds will enhance the work the Commission has been doing in advancing women,” said Silda Palerm, Co-Chair of the Commission on Gender Equity.

The Commission on Gender Equity develops and supports policies that promote opportunities for cisgender and transgender women and girls in all areas, including employment, housing, childcare, education, health and reproductive justice, criminal justice, and public safety. It advises the Mayor and City Council on initiatives and methods to reduce gender-based inequality.

“At this particular moment in our political history, there's no place I'd rather be than in a room filled with smart committed leaders in New York City committed to dismantling gender-based barriers,” said Chitra Aiyar, Executive Director, Sadie Nash Leadership Project. “I'm thrilled to be joining the Commission on Gender Equity and look forward to diving into the work to make New York City a role model for the nation.”

Harlem School of the Arts - A HARLEMETTES HOLIDAY - Tickets Available Now!

   
 

The Harlem School of the Arts,  645 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10030