Wave Hill events May 16‒May 23:

Thu, May 16

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Fri, May 17

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Sat, May 18

Alpine Trough Day

Small but rugged, alpine troughs enable all gardeners to experiment creatively with rock gardening, even those with pint-sized gardens or limited time. Spend the day with alpine trough expert Lori Chips and Wave Hill’s own experts as they share the art of trough gardening.

Sat, May 18

Family Art Project: BioBlitz Myths & Imaginary Species for Biodiversity Day

Scientists estimate that there are over five million plant and animal species unknown to humans. Celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity by going on an imaginary bioblitz—your own biological survey—to find make-believe animals and plants that may just exist. Create your own species using upcycled electronic parts and other recycled materials, and place them in their very own habitats. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, May 18

Garden Talk: Alpine Enchantments—The Pleasures of Trough Gardening

Learn how traditional alpine trough gardening in rectilinear stone or “hypertufa” containers can take on a contemporary twist by using organically shaped troughs and creative planting designs. Alpine trough expert Lori Chips shares time-tested techniques for constructing her unique designs and offers inspiration for your own adventures in trough gardening. $10; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome if space allows. Book sale and signing to follow the lecture. Alpine Trough Day event.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 11AM

Sat, May 18

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, May 18

Master Class with Lori Chips: Plant an Alpine Trough

With guidance from alpine plant expert and author Lori Chips of Oliver Nurseries, plant a one-of-a-kind alpine trough with diminutive plants specially selected for their artistic merit, as well as ease of care. Learn how to combine rocks with anchor plants, “droolers” and “buns” to create magical miniature landscapes in this intimate, hands-on workshop. $80; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Space is limited. Alpine Trough Day event.

Wave Hill House, 1:30PM

Sat, May 18

Meet the Artist: Rachel Sydlowski

Join us at this artist talk with Rachel Sydlowski and Curator of Visual Arts Eileen Jeng Lynch about her installation in the Sunroom Project Space. Sydlowski’s installation addresses both history and the natural world. Layers of historical wallpaper serve as a background for complex screen print collages consisting of flora and fauna, architectural details and decorative motifs from Wave Hill, Inwood Hill Park and other surrounding green spaces in New York. The Sunroom will be transformed into an anachronistic collage of the past and present—a reconstruction of histories and narratives based in research and fiction. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Sat, May 18

Alpine Trough Walk

Meet Wave Hill gardener Susannah Strazzera at the T. H. Everett Alpine House to get an insider’s view of our eclectic collection of alpine troughs and rock garden plants. Alpine Trough Day event.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 3PM

Sun, May 19

Yoga in the Garden

With a garden setting for your yoga practice, find your breath and become connected to the landscape. Classes are led by certified Yoga Haveninstructors. All levels welcome. Please bring a mat and be on time. Rain or shine; Glyndor Gallery is the rain location. $25 includes admission to the grounds; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration suggested, online.

On the grounds, 9:30AM

Sun, May 19

Family Art Project: BioBlitz Myths & Imaginary Species for Biodiversity Day

Scientists estimate that there are over five million plant and animal species unknown to humans. Celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity by going on an imaginary bioblitz—your own biological survey—to find make-believe animals and plants that may just exist. Create your own species using upcycled electronic parts and other recycled materials, and place them in their very own habitats. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, May 19

Biodiversity BioBlitz

Ever wondered what it’s like to encounter new species on a jungle trek? Uncover the wild world of biodiversity right here in Wave Hill’s woodland. Become a community scientist by capturing data and categorizing the unique flora and fauna that comprise our local ecological community. Learn about each creature’s special adaptations and find where they fit to help our forest thrive. Registration suggested, online or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

Meet at Wave Hill House, 11AM

Sun, May 19

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Mon, May 20

Closed to the public.

Sun, May 20

Members Trip: Spring Gardens along the Delaware

Experience springtime in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, while visiting gardens along the scenic Delaware River with knowledgeable staff from Wave Hill. At Mill Fleurs, expect the unexpected in an eclectic private garden designed around a historic mill on the banks of the Tohickon Creek. Explore this picturesque hillside garden and its extensive collection of rare plants on a personalized tour with owner and designer Barbara Tiffany. Enjoy light snacks in the garden and shop for rare plants at Tiffany Perennials. At Paxson Hill Farm and Nursery, wander the extensive property on your own, visiting formal perennial borders, ponds, a naturalistic shade garden, and even a hobbit house, all peppered with outdoor art and friendly farm animals. Before heading back to Wave Hill, shop for unusual perennials, shrubs and tropical plants at the nursery and greenhouses. $100; includes admission, guided tours; transportation and snacks; lunch additional. Registration required, online or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

Meet at Front Gate, 7:30AM–6PM

Tue, May 21

Gallery Tour

Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. Here We Land features three, former Winter Workspace artists Camille Hoffman, Maria Hupfield and Sara Jimenez who return explore narratives about contested space that draw on personal and cultural touch points in their immersive installations. Rachel Sydlowski fills the Sunroom Project Space walls with complex, screen-print collages of flora and fauna, architectural details and decorative motifs from Wave Hill, Inwood Hill Park and other surrounding green spaces. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Wed, May 22

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Thu, May 23

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

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, March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 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.

Castle Hill Little League Parade and Carnival Saturday May 4th

Community Protest Planned Parkchester Men's Shelter at 2008 Westchester Avenue

 On Monday Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. called for a community protest to the proposed adult men's shelter at 2008 Westchester Avenue by Samaritan Village. Speaker after speaker denounced the planned adult men's shelter for 165 men in the Parkchester section of the Bronx. 

A teacher from the Pre-K right across the street from the proposed adult men's shelter wanted to know how this was being done right across the street from a Pre-K.  A mother of three children also wanted to know how her children would be safe walking to and from the school they attend. Her children would be walking right in front of the proposed adult men's shelter. 8 year old Shanique Oemrawsing said that she would be afraid to go to the library if the planned men's shelter was built. She added that she would be afraid to walk on the street. 

Parkchester District Leader John Perez told of the story he had when after serving twenty years in the Army he found himself homeless. He said he went to Samaritan Village for a place to stay, but was told unless he was a drug addict or had a criminal background Samaritan Village could not help him.

According to Community Board 9 District Manager William Rivera in the next two years twenty-nine such family cluster sites in CB 9 are slated to be closed. He could not understand if family shelters are being closed why would a men's shelter be opened. 

The community, estimated to be around 500, chanted "No Shelter, No Shelter". Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. said that he has listened to the community, and the community does not want a men's shelter at 2008 Westchester Avenue. He added there are no other elected officials here with the community, and that they and the mayor should listen to the community.

Above - A mother of three small children worries that her children will have to pass a men's shelter on their way to school.

Below -  8 year old Shanique Oemrawsing talks about being afraid to go to the library across from a new men's shelter.

Above - District Leader John Perez talking about who Samaritan Village places in its shelters.

Below - Community Board 9 District Manager William Rivera states that as the cluster sites in the community board close shelters must open to replace them.

The crowd at this demonstration was estimated to be close to 500 people by the 43rd precinct which had several police officers on hand for crowd control and safety of the demonstrators. 

49th Precinct Council Meeting at Bronx House

49th Precinct Council President Joe Thompson calls the meeting at Bronx House Tuesday night to order. 

There was some excitement expected at the 49th Precinct meeting since the night before at the Community Board 11 full board meeting there was no one in attendance from the 49th precinct. Captain Andrew Natiw was asked by a CB 11 board member why, and he responded that he was sorry no one from the precinct was in attendance. 

Nominations for officers were taken for new officers of the council with Joe Thompson being re-nominated for President, Silvio Mazzara was re-nominated for Vice-President, Grace Lovag was nominated for Recording Secretary, Gene De Francis was nominated for Corresponding Secretary, Andrea Siegel was re-nominated for Assistant Secretary, and Brian Adams was re-nominated as the Sergeant of Arms. 

The Police Officer of the month in the 49th Precinct was awarded to P.O. Rossiely Guzman. 

Neighborhood reports were then given, most with repeat complaints of noise, loitering, homeless, or specific instances which were talked about after the meeting. The lack of a police presence on the street was the most common complaint by most neighborhood leaders. Captain Natiw explained that he can deploy his officers in a certain area, but that another area may then experience those or different problems. He sid he will continue to try to do the best job possible with the resources he has. He also said that certain laws by the city council do not allow police officers to do what was done in the past.

Above - Police officer Rossiely Guzman with her certificate naming her Cop of the Month at the 49th Precinct.

Below - Captain Natiw answers questions from representatives of the neighborhood community organizations.

ENGEL on Climate Action Now Act

  Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today delivered the following remarks on the House floor in support of H.R.9, the Climate Action Now Act:

“I shouldn’t need to persuade anyone in this chamber that we desperately need to take serious action on climate change. Just look at the news. We are already seeing the consequences of our inaction—natural disasters, famine, instability, human suffering. The time for action to avoid the worst effects of climate change is rapidly closing. We must demonstrate to the rest of the world and to future generations that we’re still committed to taking on this fight.

“Climate change is a national security threat that transcends borders and requires international coordination. That’s why it’s so critical that we work shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends and partners around the world.  The negotiation of the Paris Agreement was a defining moment for the future of our planet.  For the first time, the countries of the world came together to face this global crisis. 

“At challenging times like these, the international community usually looks to the United States for leadership. So when President Trump announced his intention to withdraw from this landmark agreement, it sent an unmistakable message that America is on the retreat. It is really just shameful. 

“Every nation in the world has now signed on to the Paris Agreement. If we withdraw, we will be the only country unwilling to step up to this challenge.

“We can—we must—do better.

“The Climate Action Now Act keeps the United States in the Paris Climate Accord, renewing our country’s pledge to address climate change head-on.

“The Paris Agreement allows every country to determine its own pollution-reduction targets, and to develop a public plan for how to meet those targets. This bill follows that same model – it gives the executive branch total flexibility to decide what approach we need to follow and what kind of technology we need to use to reach our national targets.

“H.R. 9 gives us all an opportunity to show Americans that we hear them, that we take their concerns seriously, and that we are addressing this danger that is hurting their health and safety.

“It’s time for Congress to put our country back on the right path to address the climate change crisis facing the world.”

PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS STATEMENT ON THE NYC COUNCIL'S SCHOOL SEGREGATION HEARING

" 

As we approach the 65th anniversary of 

 Brown v. Board of Education  

being decided, it is all the more clear and disturbing that students in New York City don't need to read about segregation in their history books, they are living it in their classrooms. Our schools have always been segregated and we've never fully realized the goals set out in Brown v. Board of Education. Even though legal segregation has long been unconstitutional, far too many of our schools remain separate and unequal; underfunded and devalued. We still fail to properly resource our schools, starting from the federal government on down to the city. I'm a public school baby, and I'm proud of that fact and the education I got. I'm also a specialized high school alumni. But despite that pride and because of that history, I know that our system, and our students, are in desperate need of reform.

The conversation about diversity in education has long been focused on the Specialized High School Admissions Test. This presents the false impression, the false narrative, that segregation begins and ends in our specialized high schools- nothing could be further from the truth. This segregation is pervasive throughout our entire system, including at the elite multiple-criteria schools which already exist. We need to discuss these schools, yes, but not without the context of the rest of the system- where segregated middle and elementary schools cement a system that impedes advancement and substandard schools citywide drive the cutthroat process of high school admissions which only deepens division. Educational segregation goes beyond eight schools, or one test, and we need to recognize that the failures of our system on race also speak to economic, geographic, and cultural division and disenfranchisement. It also highlights a lack of funding in some areas, for some students. We need to ensure, it is the mandate of our government, that every student in New York City can get a quality education regardless of zip code or family income.

The legislation that I move forward today would codify the mayoral school diversity advisory group. This group would consist of the Mayor, Speaker, DOE educators, students, experts in culturally responsible education, parents of students from all five boroughs, and representatives of community based organizations. That group would be charged with conducting public hearings, considering public testimony, and reporting annually on integration efforts in our city and how to move forward. Among the metrics considered would be setting racial & socio-economic diversity goals and how best to track progress, how DOE can support diversification, professional development of DOE employees, how the DOE can better change funding formulas to better address inequality, accessibility/integration of students with disabilities, pedagogy and curriculum, school climate,  restorative justice and practices, and parent/teacher empowerment. The Department of Education would then report on their implementation or failure to implement those recommendations.

This legislation is just one of many steps we can take- some of which are the purview of and will be discussed in today's hearing, and others which will not. I implore my colleagues in government, city and state, to hear from and truly listen to all voices- from administrators and teachers to parents and students. I further ask that parents and other individuals who consider themselves progressive to be mindful of their reactions to the realities of segregation, and to have a willingness not just to recognize the problems, but to acknowledge some of the necessary steps toward correcting them. This issue is not about special interests, but students' interests- and confronting the inherent segregation in our system is vital to our students' future."

Senator Jamaal T. Bailey hosts 2nd Annual Autism Awareness Walk

 

  There may have been rain coming down Sunday, but a few rain drops couldn't damper State Senator Jamaal Bailey's Autism Awareness walk. Senator Bailey was joined by Councilman Andy King and about one-hundred others as they marched from Haffen Park across Hammersley Avenue, around to Eastchester Road, and back to Haffen Park. 

  Upon returning to Haffen Park everyone settled in to hear Senator Bailey thank everyone who participated, recognized several individuals with certificates, and then there was plenty of good food for all. There were many tables set up with various information and activities for people to partake in.

Above - The Senator Bailey and Councilman King parade as it passes stores on Eastchester Road.

Below - Tents were set up to cover the information tables lined up in front of the stage.

Senator Bailey with the recipients of his citations for their work in the field of Autism.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES ALCOHOL ADVERTISING BAN ON CITY PROPERTY

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced an Executive Order banning all alcohol advertising on City property. Under the order, alcohol advertisements will be banned from City property, including bus shelters, newsstands, phone booths, Wi-Fi LinkNYC kiosks and recycling kiosks. The order will take effect immediately, meaning any future contracts or contract renewals must exclude alcohol from the advertisements. Existing ads in these spaces will be allowed to remain until their contract terms end. In addition, venues currently permitted to sell alcohol, such as restaurants, stadiums, and concerts halls, are exempt from the ban.

“There’s no doubt that far too many New Yorkers struggle with serious substance misuse issues, among them excessive drinking,” saidMayor de Blasio. “This order banning alcohol ads from City property reaffirms our commitment to health equity and our stand to protect the well-being of all New Yorkers.”

“Too many people in our city struggle with excessive drinking, and irresponsible advertisements for alcohol make the problem worse – especially when they target communities of color,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. ”Today, New York City is taking a stand to protect the health and well-being of all of our communities.”

“Alcohol advertisements can influence how much alcohol people drink and how young they are when they start,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio. “This Executive Order closes a loophole and reaffirms this administration’s commitment to advancing policies that promote health equity and build healthier communities.” 

“In New York City, we see far too many deaths related to alcohol,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “We know exposure to alcohol advertising can lead to drinking more alcohol, more often – behavior that can be harmful and even fatal. Today’s ban of alcohol ads on City property will help protect communities from the burden of harmful alcohol advertising.”

High exposure to alcohol advertisements can lead to increased likelihood and quantity of alcohol consumption, particularly among youth. The earlier young people begin drinking, the greater their likelihood of developing alcohol use disorders in adulthood. Studies also find that young people who drink are also more vulnerable to the impact of advertisements than adults, with 15- to 20-year-olds most susceptible.

Earlier this month, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene launched a media campaign about safer drinking strategies. The video includes several tips for safer drinking: space alcoholic beverages out over time; drink water in between alcoholic beverages; eat food when drinking alcoholic beverages; and take it slow and drink with moderation.  It is available on YouTube and will run as advertisements on various social media platforms.

In 2016, there were over 110,000 alcohol-related emergency department visits in New York City. In the same year, nearly 2,000 New Yorkers died from alcohol-attributable causes, including liver disease, driving fatalities, and alcohol-related cancers, such as liver and esophageal cancers. In 2017, nearly 1 in 5 New Yorkers reported binge drinking on at least one occasion in the past month. East Harlem has the highest rate of alcohol-related hospitalizations, more than five times higher than the rate of the Upper East Side.

To help reduce harmful alcohol use, the Health Department educates health care professionals about the importance of screening and counseling patients about their alcohol use. The Health Department has published lower-risk drinking guidelines and data on alcohol-related injuries to keep New Yorkers informed and safe.

New Yorkers should ask their healthcare provider if any of the medications they take interact with alcohol. The Health Department recommends avoiding alcohol for people who take opioid analgesics (such as Oxycodone or Codeine) or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin), as mixing alcohol with these medications increases the risk of overdose.

New Yorkers can find more information about alcohol and their health here. Individuals seeking support or treatment for alcohol use issues for themselves or their loved ones can contact NYC Well by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL, texting “WELL” to 65173, or going to nyc.gov/nycwell. Free, confidential support is available at any hour of the day in over 200 languages.