Partnerships for Parks Turns 25!

Celebrate our 25th anniversary by sharing your pictures and stories with us!

PfP turned 25 this year, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Since 1995, Partnerships for Parks has been working side-by-side with communities across New York City to sustain local parks and green spaces. To celebrate, share your memories of the work you’ve done in your park with us by submitting a photo and story using the hashtag #wearepfp or email pfp25@cityparksfoundation.org. We’ll feature one of our favorite submissions each month on all our social media platforms. See guidelines below.

#wearepfp

Community volunteers in action at Poe Park, 2004

#wearepfp is a campaign to collect and share photographs and stories from the communities across New York City who’ve been working with Partnerships for Parks to sustain neighborhood parks and green spaces since 1995. In the wake of the financial crisis and resulting disinvestment that had plagued New York City in the 70s and 80s, communities worked to reclaim their hard-hit parks, transforming them into thriving public spaces. In 1995, Partnerships for Parks was founded to support this work and grow this movement. For our 25th anniversary year, we invite you to share your photos and stories with us from past to present. We will feature one of our favorite submissions each month on all our social media platforms. Submit your photo and story on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using #wearepfp or email pfp25@cityparksfoundation.org Guidelines Share a memory of the work you’ve done in your park with PfP by submitting a photo and story Photos must be of volunteers at a New York City park at a PfP co-sponsored event or project Throwback photos encouraged, but not required Share a brief story describing what’s going on in the photo Please include your name, group name, park name, and date (or close estimate) Submit photos and stories on FB, IG, or Twitter using #wearepfp or email pfp25@cityparksfoundation.org

Partnerships for Parks A joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks Facebook | Instagram | Twitter www.partnershipsforparks.org

For questions or concerns, contact your borough outreach coordinator: Leenda Bonilla | Bronx Senior Outreach Coordinator Community Districts: 2, 7, 8 & 9 718.430.1861 | Leenda.Bonilla@parks.nyc.gov Carlos Acosta | Bronx Outreach Coordinator Community Districts: 1, 4, 5 & 6 Carlos.Acosta@parks.nyc.gov Ismael Guzman | Bronx Outreach Coordinator Community Districts: 3, 10, 11 & 12 Ismael.Guzman@parks.nyc.gov

OcasioCortez.com - We get why they’re mad

In case you missed the news: A corporate executive is running against AOC in the Democratic primary.

This is an all hands on deck situation. With ties to a big finance firm, who knows how much corporate cash this opponent can raise to attack us on the airwaves.

Special interests have been looking for their chance to strike back against AOC since she won her first primary. They knew this movement couldn’t be bought, and that AOC would fight for working people, not the wealthy.

Now, they have their champion. As a former member of the board of directors of a finance firm, it’s clear exactly whose interests they’ll be fighting for.

Team AOC.

Senator Rivera on Today's First Public Comment Forum of the Medicaid Redesign Team II

"Simply put, It is unacceptable for a government meeting of this magnitude to offer less than 24 hours notice to the general public and expect people to attend."

"New York's Medicaid program is seriously at risk, yet the Governor is treating the healthcare needs of some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers as an afterthought."

"This hastily called meeting is the clearest demonstration yet that this administration is not genuinely seeking recommendations or input from stakeholders. To expect working class, elderly, and disabled New Yorkers who rely on Medicaid to participate on such short notice is terrifyingly out of touch."

"As Chair of the Senate Health Committee, I will continue fighting against these threats to the health care coverage that 1 in 3 New Yorkers rely on and for the individuals and institutions who provide that care."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We could not agree any more with Senator Rivera. Legislation must be done in public with public participation. 

So Senator River, and the rest of the New York State Senate and Assembly, please explain the lack of public input into the 'No Cash Bail' law? 

The safety of New Yorkers should not be an afterthought of the legislature, to be fixed at a later date, if all parties agree to it.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - Dominican Heritage Month Celebration

Bronx Borough President Ruben  Diaz Jr. Presents Dominican Heritage Celebration Thursday, February 27, 2020 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM Grand Slam Banquet Hall 478 E. Tremont Ave, Bronx Mistress of Ceremonies Geraldine Estevez 2020 Honorees Gregoria Feliciano, Associate Director of Operations For 1199 SEIU Child Care Fund Amaurys Grullon, CEO/Co-Founder Bronx Native Cristina Contreras, MPA; LMSW, FABC,  Executive Administration NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx Posthumous Tribute Jose Peralta, State Senator To confirm your attendance call 718-590-3989  or email smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov

Two Members Of Bronx Gang Charged With Racketeering, Firearms, And Narcotics Offenses

The Defendants Are Charged In Connection with a June 2018 Shooting in Which a 13-Year-Old Was Struck By Gunfire

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging two members of the Woodycrime gang (“Woodycrime”) with various racketeering, firearms, and narcotics offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder in aid of racketeering for committing a June 7, 2018, shooting in Nelson Playground in the Bronx, during which two individuals, including a 13-year-old child, were struck by gunfire.

The defendants, MARVIN GAMONEDA, a/k/a “June,” and LUILLY FERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Luigi,” were taken into custody yesterday evening.  They will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.   

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants carried out a shooting in a playground that injured two individuals, including a child.  Thanks to the extraordinary work of the FBI and the NYPD, the defendants now face federal charges for their crimes.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “As alleged, these men fired off weapons at a playground, and a child was hit, all because they wanted to protect their turf.  It’s not their turf, it’s not their land, they don’t own it, and everything they’re allegedly doing is illegal and potentially deadly.  I want to commend the outstanding work of the New York FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation that led to the arrest of these two men, and doing all they can to get alleged criminals who show no respect for anyone’s life out of the communities they’re terrorizing.”

NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said:  “The NYPD, in close cooperation with our federal partners, is making New Yorkers safer by focusing significant resources on the relatively small percentage of criminals responsible for much of our city’s crime and disorder.  I commend the NYPD officers, federal investigators, and prosecutors whose hard work resulted in these arrests and charges.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

Woodycrime was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including attempted murders and assaults, as well as drug dealing in the Bronx.  Members and associates of Woodycrime engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to preserve and expand the gang’s territory, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business.  Members and associates of Woodycrime enriched themselves by selling drugs, such as crack cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone, and MDMA or “ecstasy.”  

The Indictment charges GAMONEDA and FERNANDEZ in Count One with participating in a racketeering conspiracy.  Counts Two through Four charge the defendants with conspiracy to commit murder, assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and a related firearms offense in connection with the Nelson Playground shooting.  Counts Five and Six charge the defendants with narcotics conspiracy and a related firearms offense.  Count Seven charges GAMONEDA with being a felon in possession of ammunition. 

Charts containing the names, ages, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and the FBI.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.   

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Racketeering conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	MARVIN GAMONEDA (33) LUILLY FERNANDEZ (26)	20 years in prison
2	Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	MARVIN GAMONEDA LUILLY FERNANDEZ	10 years in prison
3	Assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	MARVIN GAMONEDA LUILLY FERNANDEZ	20 years in prison
4	Using and carrying firearms during and in relation to, and possessing firearms in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which firearms were discharged 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	MARVIN GAMONEDA LUILLY FERNANDEZ	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
5	Narcotics trafficking conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 846	MARVIN GAMONEDA LUILLY FERNANDEZ	5 years in prison
6	Using and carrying firearms during and in relation to, and possessing firearms in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	MARVIN GAMONEDA LUILLY FERNANDEZ	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison
7	Possessing ammunition after being convicted of a felony 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)	MARVIN GAMONEDA	10 years in prison

Gang Leader Sentenced To 20 Years For Racketeering And Related Offenses, Including An Attempted Murder In A Subway Station

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MICHAEL WHITE, a leader of a violent street gang known as the “Young Gunnaz,” was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his participation in the Young Gunnaz, including an attempted murder of three individuals at a subway station on October 28, 2012.  WHITE was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and a firearms offense following a two-week trial in October 2018 before U.S. District Judge Robert W. Sweet.  U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Michael White, a gang leader, was responsible for a shooting spree in and around NYCHA’s Mill Brook Houses.  He shot rival gang members in front of a public school, in a community center, and in a subway station.  Today’s sentence recognizes the serious impact of gun violence in our communities.  We will continue to aggressively prosecute all who engage in these senseless acts of violence.”

According to the evidence presented in court during the trial:

From at least in or about 2010 through in or about October 2017, WHITE was a member of the Young Gunnaz set of the YGz based in the Mill Brook Houses.  WHITE was also a member of MBG, also known as “Money Bitches Guns,” a local gang based in the Mill Brook Houses.  As part of his membership in both gangs, WHITE shot seven people.  Specifically, on January 25, 2010, WHITE shot and injured a 16-year-old rival on a street corner in the Mill Brook Houses.  On January 31, 2010, WHITE shot and injured an 18-year-old rival at a baby shower.  Later on January 31, 2010, WHITE shot a rival gang member near a building in the Mill Brook Houses, causing the individual to suffer life threatening injuries.  On February 12, 2010, WHITE shot and injured an 18-year-old rival outside a public school.  On October 28, 2012, WHITE shot and injured three individuals in the Cypress Avenue Subway Station.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department.     

Wave Hill events February 27-March 5

Sat, February 29

Family Art Project: We Build Our Homes

Where is your safe place? Join guest artist Anh Ta in creating an accordion-style zine to use as a journal, field notebook or book of recipes for holding the memories and plans that help you understand what home is to you. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, February 29

Walks with the Gardeners: Growing and Propagation Areas

Inspired by the book Nature into Art: The Gardens of Wave Hill, this series of walks offers an insider’s view of horticulture at Wave Hill, and an opportunity to have a dialog with the gardeners about growing techniques, garden design and interesting plants at Wave Hill. Wave Hill Gardener Christopher Bivens leads this tour of the working areas usually seen only by our staff. Explore the propagation greenhouse, the potting shed and the various growing spaces under glass including the cold frames and the heated hoop-house. Beyond the greenhouse, see all the nooks and crannies used as overwintering quarters for bulbs, tubers and many of the tender plants which ornament the grounds in summer. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 1PM

Sun, March 1

Family Art Project: We Build Our Homes

Where is your safe place? Join guest artist Anh Ta in creating an accordion-style zine to use as a journal, field notebook or book of recipes for holding the memories and plans that help you understand what home is to you. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, March 1

Art Workshop: Soft Sculptures in Sacred Black

Tour her Winter Workspace studio with Elizabeth Velazquez and view the artist’s current work, which incorporates the symbolism of natural dark pigments. Then, using salvaged fabric and other materials, destroy―rip, break, smush!―and construct―mold, attach, arrange!―soft sculptures with wishes and intentions stuffed inside. Ages 12 and up welcome with an adult. Materials included. $55. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. 

Meet at Glyndor Gallery, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, March 1

Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. This Sunday, participating artists are Samanta Batra Mehta, Tiffany Jaeyeon Shin and Elizabeth Velazquez. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 1–3PM

Sun, March 1

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk

Garden highlights walks offer an intimate look at our living collections. Wave Hill Garden Guides help you explore the grounds and make sure that you do not miss any seasonal floral wonders. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2–3PM

Mon, March 2

Wave Hill is closed.

                         

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 – $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. 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.

MAYOR DE BLASIO, CHANCELLOR CARRANZA AND CSA ANNOUNCE TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT

Agreement includes paid parental leave; with this agreement, over 81 percent of City workforce will be under contract

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza announced today that the City of New York has reached a tentative contract agreement with the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), representing over 6,400 employees. The CSA represents school leaders for all 1,800 public schools in New York City. The de Blasio Administration has now reached agreements with 81.3 percent of the workforce in the 2017-2021 round of bargaining.

“Our children are the future, and they deserve the best school leaders to inspire them every day,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With this agreement, we are ensuring our schools retain top talent and our employees get the fair wages and benefits they deserve, including the paid parental leave necessary to support new members of their own families.”

"Our principals, assistant principals and supervisors lift our schools up and put our students on the path to bright futures, and we’re proud to come to an agreement with the CSA,” said Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “Our school leaders put their students first each and every day, and this historic deal will deliver on key reforms including paid parental leave and hard to staff differentials for principals. I look forward to our continued partnership on behalf of the city’s 1.1 million public school children.”

“CSA members have more than earned this contract with their incredible talent, professionalism, leadership and dedication to the families they serve,” said CSA President Mark Cannizzaro. “Those who protect and educate the city’s children deserve the time necessary to welcome their own children into the world, and we are proud to secure Paid Parental Leave that provides eligible members with flexibility and security during such a significant period in their lives. This agreement also provides fair compensation and maintains benefits for our members. In addition, we have taken a significant step toward achieving more equitable salaries for principals. These advances, along with many commonsense workplace protections, will help enable our school leaders to continue to focus on their guiding priority of ensuring that all students receive a first-rate education.” 

CSA represents public school principals, assistant principals, directors, supervisors and education administrators serving 1.1 million students and their families each day. As part of today’s tentative agreement, the City and the CSA have agreed to pattern conforming wage increases and additional benefits including paid parental leave, an enhanced salary schedule for elementary and middle school principals, the creation of a tenure framework for supervisors, a plan to create a new evaluation system for assistant principals and establishing a hard to staff differential for principals. 

The pattern conforming agreement with CSA would begin retroactively on April 23, 2019 and expire on January 28, 2023. The terms of the agreement must be approved by the union’s membership.

Key Reforms for School Administrators:

The tentative contract agreement includes key reforms, such as:

Paid Parental Leave 

Creation of a new Paid Parental Leave (PPL) benefit that allows up to 25 work days of paid leave for the employee to bond with a newborn, adopted or foster child. Employees would stay on the city payroll and have the ability to use PPL intermittently over a 6-month period of time from the date of the qualifying event. The option of intermittent usage with supervisor approval allows school level supervisors to make tailored arrangements to benefit schools.

Elementary and Junior High School Principal Salary

The creation of an enhanced salary schedule for elementary school and middle school principals in order to narrow the gap in salary with high school principals. These salary increases are in addition to the general wage increases.

Lead Education Administrator

A stipend for selected education administrators to conduct flexible additional work that will streamline and improve management in citywide offices. This helps leverage existing staff and streamline processes for schools.

Establish a Hard to Staff Differential for Principals

A differential of between $10,000-$15,000 to be offered to individual principals to either attract or retain school leaders to certain schools at the Chancellor’s discretion in close consultation with the CSA. 

Principal Observation

There will be changes to the process intended to be more collaborative between principals and superintendents, including requiring advanced notification of meetings.

Fair Wages:

The tentative contract agreement is pattern conforming and includes the following wage increases:

April 23, 2019: 2.00% 

July 23, 2020: 2.50%

September 23, 2021: 3.00% 

Affordable Costs:

The gross cost of this pattern conforming deal over the financial plan is approximately $378 million, and funding is fully reflected in the budget.