Wave Hill Events: June 23—June 29

 

Very hungry caterpillars are taking a star turn this weekend! On Sunday, get a closer look at live, munching moth caterpillars in our garden at a close encounter event for all ages. Learn all about them at this weekend’s Family Art Project as well, so you can finally explain to your kids what makes moths different from butterflies. Yoga in the Garden continues, as do our regularly scheduled Garden Walks and Gallery Tours. 

To make getting here even easier, Wave Hill’s free Shuttle Service runs Thursday through Sunday from both the #1 Subway stop at West 242nd Street and Metro-North Riverdale station. 

Wave Hill Events: June 23—June 29

 

Family Art Project: Fleeting Fluttering Moths 

Sat, June 24, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, June 25, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Wave Hill House  

What do you know about fluttering moths? How are they different from butterflies? Let’s answer some mothy questions and then make moth sculptures to celebrate these ephemeral friends. On Sunday, see live moth caterpillars and learn more about them!  

Registration not required.  

The program takes place outdoors on Wave Hill House Lawn. Rain location is the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety if we move inside: 

• Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. 

• If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session. 

• Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. 

• Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.  

Public Gallery Tour  

Sat, June 24, 2023, 2–3PM 

Thu, June 29, 2023, 2–3PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Glyndor Gallery Front Desk 

Exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationship between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are open, Gallery Greeters lead public gallery tours on Thursdays and Saturdays. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in a unique environment. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. 

Registration is not required. 

Today’s tour features current exhibitions.  

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251. 

Glyndor Gallery is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with an elevator that provides access to the gallery level. The Glyndor Gallery and Sunroom Project Space can be accessed with an ADA-compliant ramp. The restroom on the gallery level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. 

Yoga in the Garden  

Sun, June 25, 2023, 10–11AM 

$25; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

On the grounds 

Root your feet in the grass and look out upon the vistas as you enjoy a gentle yoga class led by Susie Caramanica. All levels welcome. Rain cancels. Continues through July; no class July 2.   

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.  

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above.  

This is a beginner-level class that can be modified. Class is usually held on the Great Lawn and is accessible via flat paved paths. Occasionally the location may change due to other activity on the grounds, and those areas may be somewhat less accessible. The instructor uses a portable speaker. 

Susie Caramanica is a certified RYT 200-hour Hatha yoga teacher who received training in 2016.  She is no stranger to health and fitness, maintaining a regular exercise routine of hiking, biking and running. She was a Division 1 college track athlete and has been practicing yoga for over two decades. Interests shifted towards mindfulness after a serious health challenge that made spending more time on her mat her destiny. She enjoys making yoga accessible to all levels and people, emphasizing strength, stretch, breath and balance. She focuses on alignment, while incorporating awareness along with a body-mind connection, essentially bringing a sense of calm, release and joy into each class.  Susie lives in Westchester County with her husband, three boys and her dog.  When she is not on the mat, Susie works in Human Resources for IBM.  

Close Encounters: Munching Moth Caterpillars 

Sun, June 25, 2023, 11:30AM–1:30PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Wave Hill House Lawn 

Get close and personal with caterpillars of native and nonnative moth species. Find out what caterpillars like to eat and why they are so hungry! 

This program is for all ages and is inspired by Family Art Project’s Fleeting Fluttering Moths.  

Registration not required. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Wave Hill House Lawn is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The lawn is a steep, grassy incline with a dirt pathway. In the event of rain, this program will move to the Gund Theater. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator.  

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, June 25, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.    

Plant “Pick-of-the-Day" 

Thu, June 29, 2023, 12–12:30PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

A Wave Hill Garden Guide shares the most notable plants or garden features of the day on this bite-size walk. Severe weather cancels. 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Guided garden walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign up for Private Garden Tours. 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

Plant “Pick-of-the-Day" walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to the Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service runs Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - This Week in District 13

 

Dear Neighbor,

I’m happy to share that the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment has announced this summer’s NYC Restaurant Week, which will take place from July 24 to August 20. This is a great way to highlight some of our local eateries and support our local economy. If your business is interested in participating, scroll to ‘Commerce Corner’ for more information or to register. 

This weekend at Loreto Playground, our families will enjoy a special performance by Tim Kubart and Space Cadets, featuring their best children’s music hits.  The City Parks Foundation also has a variety of activities for our youth and older adults, including tennis, yoga, and track and field. For more information on these family-centered programs, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

In this week’s email, you will find information about EmblemHealth’s Neighborhood Care program, education opportunities for our youth interested in STEM, the MTA Mobile Sales Van, and more. If you are interested in learning more about these programs, please scroll to ‘Health Hub’ and ‘Education and Youth.’ For those interested in learning about upcoming events, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

To contact our office for additional information or concerns, please call us at  (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Wishing you all a safe and joyous weekend.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Mark Your Calendars! Movies Under The Stars Returns

On Friday, June 23 at the Orchard Beach North Picnic Area, we will have a special presentation of Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Enjoy a night out with the family for a movie under the stars (don’t forget to bring a blanket or a chair!). We recommend arriving at 7:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to prepare for the film to begin at dusk. As a reminder, all movie nights are free and open to the public and include free popcorn. If you have questions, please call our office at 718-931-1721 or email District13@council.nyc.gov.

MTA UPDATES Due to station improvements, the MTA has announced a 24/7 bypass of the Westchester Square/E Tremont Avenue station on Pelham Bay Park-bound 6 trains, beginning Monday, June 12 at 5 AM through mid-July. Customers are advised to use the nearby Zerega Avenue or Middletown Road stations. Travel Alternatives For service to Westchester Square/E Tremont Avenue station, take the 6 to Middletown Road and transfer to a Manhattan-bound 6. For service from Westchester Square/E Tremont Avenue station, take the 6 to Zerega Avenue and transfer to a Pelham Bay Park-bound 6. Hutchinson River Parkway Closure The NYC Ferry has announced that a temporary Ferry Point Park parking-lot shuttle will be in service to transport riders from the parking lot to the landing. This temporary shuttle will continue to operate during scheduled weekday morning and evening hours while the NYC Ferry Shuttle is repaired. Regularly scheduled Ferry Point Park parking-lot shuttle hours are: Monday to Friday from 5 AM to 10 AM Monday to Friday from 3 PM to the final NYC Ferry arrival/departure Westchester Avenue Bridge The NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges has announced it will remove temporary support structures (put in place to support the NYCT structure during the bridge girders replacement) on Westchester Avenue Bridge between Waters Place and Ericson Place weeknights through Friday, June 16, from 9 PM to 6 AM.  Closure of Entrance Ramp The New York State Department of Transportation has announced an entrance ramp closure from eastbound Pelham Parkway to northbound Bruckner Expressway (I-95) until Thursday, June 29 at 5 PM. Motorists wanting access to the northbound Bruckner Expressway are advised to follow the posted detour signs on Pelham Parkway. This closure is necessary to facilitate work to enhance safety and mobility on the northbound Bruckner Expressway and northbound Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx. Shore Road Bridge The NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will continue routine maintenance of the Shore Road Bridge over the Hutchinson River. As a result, single-lane closures will continue from Monday, June 12 to Friday, June 30 according to the below schedule:  Single Lane Closures Northbound - 7 AM to 9 AM Northbound and Southbound - 9 AM to 1 PM Northbound and Southbound - 10 PM to 7 AM No Parking The NYC Department of Design and Construction has announced a ‘No Parking’ advisory on Pelham Parkway North Service Road between Eastchester Road and Bronx Park East and Pelham Bay Parkway Westbound Main Road between White Plains Road and Stillwell Avenue, from now through June 30 from 7 AM to 4 PM. This restriction is necessary to facilitate ‘end of construction’ work.  Night-Time Lane Closures The NYC Department of Design and Construction has announced a ‘Night-Time Lane Closure’ advisory on Pelham Parkway Eastbound Main Road between White Plains Road and Stillwell Avenue from now through Friday, June 30, from 9 PM to 5 AM. This restriction is necessary to facilitate roadway reconstruction. Queer Voices NYC: We will Not Be Silenced On Wednesday, June 14, Queer Voices NYC will launch its film festival at the historic Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center in Manhattan. This is a three-day film festival for all five boroughs, focused on centering and celebrating LGBTQIA+ filmmakers of color. This event is free and open to the public.  Register

NYC Restaurant Week New York City Tourism and Conventions has announced its plan for NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2023. This is an exciting time for our local eateries, attracting visitors and locals to hundreds of eateries during the summer while offering incredible value on multi-course dining. If you are interested in participating, please click below to register. If you have any questions in the meantime, email nycrestweek@nyctourism.com. Register Department of Corrections - Exam The New York City Department of Corrections - Corrections Officer Exam is now open! If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, this is a great opportunity. Corrections Officers help foster a supportive environment while providing people in their care with pathways to successfully return to their communities. For more information, click ‘Register'.’ Register

BREAKING: NYS legislation passes LGBTQ+ and HIV Long-Term Care Bill of Rights late last night!

 

Pride Month heralds the arrival of the NYS LGBTQ+ and HIV Long-Term Care Bill of Rights  

Bill S1783A/A372A would protect LGBTQ+ elders and New Yorkers aging with HIV from discrimination in long-term care facilities. 

SAGE, the world's largest organization for LGBTQ+ elders, celebrates the New York State legislature's passage of the LGBTQ+ and HIV Long-Term Care Bill of Rights, sponsored by Assemblymember Harry Bronson [D] and New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal [D]. Once signed into law, this bill will amend New York's public health law to protect the rights and address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders and New Yorkers living with HIV in long-term care facilities.   

LGBTQ+ elders and older New Yorkers living with HIV face disparities such as social isolation and higher poverty rates than their non-LGBTQ+ and HIV-negative peers. Additionally, they encounter barriers when accessing aging services and support. The number of older New Yorkers with HIV is increasing, with a projected 73% over 50 by 2030. LGBTQ+ elders have concerns about accessing senior housing and care facilities, fearing discrimination and the need to hide their identity. More than 60% of LGBTQ+ adults over 45 worry about neglect, abuse, harassment, and limited LGBTQ+-specific services in long-term care facilities. 

To address these issues, this legislation would mandate training for staff interacting with residents, ensuring tailored care for LGBTQ+ elders and those with HIV. It would establish clear guidelines that prohibit discriminatory actions in long-term care facilities, such as denial of admission or infringement on residents' right to associate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.  

“Thank you, Assemblymember Bronson and Senator Hoylman-Sigal, for championing this bill that empowers LGBTQ+ elders to be open about their identities without fear of discrimination and addresses the stigma that unjustly impacts New Yorkers living with HIV in these settings,” said Darcy Connors, SAGEServes Executive Director. “LGBTQ+ elders and those living with HIV have waited far too long for these safeguards that enable them to age with the dignity and respect they deserve.” Continued Connors, “We urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign this bill into law so that long-term care facilities across the state are welcome and accessible to our pioneers.”  

ABOUT SAGE:   

SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) older people. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBTQ+ older people and their caregivers. SAGE also advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ elders, provides education and technical assistance for aging providers and LGBTQ+ community organizations through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging, and cultural competency training through SAGECare. Learn more at sageusa.org. 

Senator Gustavo Rivera’s Coverage For All Bill Passes the State Senate

  

State Senator Gustavo Rivera released the following statement after his Coverage 4 All bill (S2237A/A3020A) passed the State Senate. 

We have taken a major step in our efforts to make quality and affordable healthcare accessible to all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status. Passing Coverage 4 All has been a long-standing goal of mine and I could not be prouder to get this over the finish line in the Senate. I am deeply grateful to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for her bold leadership on this issue and to Assemblymember Gonzalez-Rojas for her steadfast partnership and continued focus to ensure this historic bill moves through the Assembly.” 

“After receiving clear guidance from the federal government earlier this week that New York can indeed utilize federal funding under the 1332 waiver program to expand health coverage to eligible undocumented New Yorkers, passing this fiscally responsible and common sense public health proposal through the Legislature will ensure that thousands of uninsured New Yorkers can proactively take care of their health while potentially saving New York millions in the long-term.”

“I am so proud to be part of the Senate Democratic Conference and am thankful to my colleagues for recognizing the urgency of passing this bill and the benefits for New Yorkers and our healthcare system. I want to thank our incredible coalition of advocates and New Yorkers who fought tirelessly for this bill since day one. I urge my Assembly colleagues to join us in passing this monumental legislation.” 

Permits Filed For 3052 Hull Avenue In Norwood, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 3052 Hull Avenue in Norwood, The Bronx. Located between East Mosholu Parkway North and East 204th Street, the lot is two blocks from the Norwood-205 Street subway station, serviced by the D train. Alfred Popaj is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield 5,119 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have eight residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 639 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and a 51-foot-long rear yard.

Node Architecture Engineering Consulting is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced. 

Join Team AOC at the Hunts Point Fish Parade & Arts Festival!

 

Do you have plans for next weekend? Join Team AOC at the 20th Annual Hunts Point Fish Parade & Arts Festival!

 Hunts Point Fish Parade & Arts Festival! 
Saturday, June 17 at 11:30AM
The Point CDC
Hunts Point, The Bronx

The Fish Parade & Arts Festival is an annual procession through Hunts Point, and celebrates Bronx culture, activism, and environmental justice while connecting the community to the Bronx River.

Like shoaling fish, the community marches together in a family-friendly, vibrant celebration. Participants use banners, costumes, and puppets to capture the parade's vibe of activism, joy, and community building. The celebration culminates in an arts festival featuring live music, dancing, and art-making.

This year, the theme is Rooted Visions. Team AOC will be marching in the Fish Parade, and then sharing info about the Green New Deal at a table at the Arts Festival (with environmental art activity table for kids!)

Join us next weekend →

We hope to see you there!

AOC Organizing Team

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE INTRODUCES BILLS TO REFORM CITY JAILS, RESOLUTION CALLING FOR RIKERS RECEIVERSHIP

 

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams today introduced a slate of legislation aimed at changing systems in city jails, including a resolution formally calling for the President to place the Department of Correction under federal receivership. He first called for receivership following the federal monitor’s report last month.

“It is clear that after over a year of purported reforms, the city has shown itself to be unable to meet the needs of those under its custody, care, and control at this time. The issues on Rikers are longstanding, and predate this administration, but despite any efforts by the city, patterns of abuse, neglect, secrecy and misinformation have continued,” said Public Advocate Williams in introducing the resolution. 

“If the administration could show me a more swift, effective, fully functioning plan than is currently in place, that would be welcome – but we can’t wait to see if conditions worsen and harm compounds,” Public Advocate Williams continued. “I do not take this step lightly, and know that receivership comes with its own challenges -- at the same time, we need rapid reform. Right now, I urge my colleagues on the Council to support this resolution and call for intervention to protect people on both sides of the bars.”

The receivership resolution details the recent history of the crisis on Rikers and the push for receivership in the courts, and argues that “Federal receivership is a designation that would give sweeping powers to an independent authority tasked with finally ending violence on Rikers Island as it has helped remedy entrenched problems at other lockups nationwide.” 

In light of the court’s current position that the Department of Correction’s action plan is sufficient and the reality that “only a non-partisan receiver appointed by the Federal Court can suspend laws, regulations, and contracts, including a collective bargaining agreement, that interfere with the implementation of the consent decree, and in correcting the things that the court determined are in need of correction,” the resolution calls on “the President of the United States to immediately place New York City jails in federal receivership.”

After his inspection of Rikers alongside Comptroller Brad Lander yesterday, the Public Advocate repeated his assessment that, at this time, receivership is the best available path to most quickly address the myriad of changes needed and challenges faced at Rikers Island. In addition to the dangerous conditions for people on both sides of the bars, he cited the Department of Correction’s resistance to transparency about deaths and harm in city jails, efforts by the department to reduce or impede oversight, and budget cuts to restorative programming. 

He further noted transition to receivership “must be guided by people currently and locally involved in reform and oversight work, rather than those committed to a failing status quo. And must not be up to solely one person."

Public Advocate Williams also introduced legislation today to protect the rights of detainees on Rikers Island.

First, with Council Member Keith Powers, he introduced Intro 1093, a bill to require the city to report on voter registration in city jails, alongside a companion resolution calling for state action to help ensure this right and facilitate registration and voting among incarcerated people.

Second, the Public Advocate introduced a bill with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Intro 1092, to provide opportunity and access for eligible incarcerated people to apply for and obtain IDNYC cards while detained, an important access point for other services and resources. 

As the Public Advocate has maintained, systemic change at Rikers must include passage of legislation that will improve services, culture, and safety for all on the island. It must also include a commitment to decarcerate and follow through on the legally and morally mandated timeline to close Rikers for good.

Watch the Public Advocate and Comptroller speak following their inspection of Rikers here, and read the Public Advocate’s initial call for federal receivership in the wake of the monitor’s report here.

Attorney General James Announces Final National Settlement Agreements for $17.3 Billion with Teva, CVS, and Walgreens

 

Companies Agree to Provide $17.3 Billion to Participating States to Help Combat Opioid Epidemic

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the final approval of $17.3 billion in opioid agreements with drug makers Teva Pharmaceuticals and Allergan and pharmacies CVS and Walgreens, including over $1 billion for New York state. These agreements settle ongoing lawsuits by other states, and finalizes settlement provisions that were negotiated between Attorney General James and Teva Pharmaceuticals, CVS, and Walgreens. These respective agreements will become effective in the coming weeks. These funds are part of the over $2.6 billion secured by Attorney General James from opioid manufacturers, distributors, and prescribers. Funds from this settlement agreement are expected to start becoming available to state and local governments by the end of this year. New York has already started receiving payments from Teva for the trial premium in recognition of New York’s landmark liability verdict following a six-month trial. Attorney General James had previously settled with Allergan, and is not part of the national agreement with that company. 

“No amount of money will bring back the lives lost to opioids, but these funds will help heal New York,” said Attorney General James. “For years, Teva, CVS, and Walgreens peddled deadly opioids and today’s historic agreements hold these companies accountable for their role in this public health crisis. These funds will help with opioid abatement, education, and treatment efforts in our communities.” 

The settlement agreements announced today finalize previously achieved agreements secured between Attorney General James and the companies involved. Those agreements include securing $523 million from Teva Pharmaceuticals and over $548 million from CVS and Walgreens. As a result of Attorney General James’ efforts to hold opioid manufacturers, distributors, and prescribers accountable for their actions, New York will receive over $2.6 billion to support abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts over the coming years.  

The settlement agreements announced today will also require Teva to operate under a monitor, prevent all opioid marketing, and ensure systems are in place to prevent drug misuse. CVS and Walgreens have agreed to requirements that the pharmacies must monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions. A final agreement with Walmart is not being announced today; there are different process for finalizing that settlement, which is anticipated in the coming weeks. 

These settlement agreements continue to build on Attorney General James’ commitment to combat the opioid crisis and keep New Yorkers safe. In March 2019, Attorney General James filed a historic lawsuit to hold various opioid manufacturers and distributors responsible for their roles in the crisis. Attorney General James has recovered more than $2.6 billion to support New York opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts from several companies, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mallinckrodt, Allergan, Endo, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen. Attorney General James has also led multistate coalitions in reaching settlements for billions of dollars with CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart for their role in failing to properly regulate opioid prescriptions. Additionally, Attorney General James has also cracked down on dozens of drug trafficking rings, taken action against drug peddlers, and removed dangerous drugs out of New York communities. 

Teva negotiations were led by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin. CVS and Walgreens negotiations were led by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Texas.