Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation for Juneteenth Observance

 

Black Liberation Flag to be Flown Over New York State Capitol

State Landmarks to be Illuminated Red, Black, and Green

 Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation in observance of Juneteenth. The Governor also announced that the red, black, and green Black Liberation Flag will be raised over the New York State Capitol today, Monday June 19, and that State landmarks will be illuminated red, black, and green.

"Today on Juneteenth, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Africans and their descendants in this country, and honor the history of the Black community," Governor Hochul said. "Let us recommit ourselves towards the fight for racial justice and equity and continue to build a future free from racism, discrimination, and hatred."

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas at the conclusion of the Civil War to free the remaining enslaved African Americans, nearly two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. June 19 is often considered the official end of slavery in the United States and the nation's second Independence Day.

The Governor announced that 14 state landmarks will be illuminated red, black, and green today, Monday, June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• Lake Placid Olympic Center
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE CELEBRATION OF JUNETEENTH"

 

"Juneteenth is a celebration – of freedom, of empowerment, of resilience, of the strength and successes of the Black community in this country. At the same time, it is also a reminder – of where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how far we still have to go. 

"Like many Americans of African ancestry, I find myself in a space of simultaneously celebrating the recognition of Juneteenth, while also understanding that it pales in the context of what was demanded, but never delivered. 

"Many corporate organizations and government institutions are eager, especially today, to lift up Black individuals in high positions, to mark a show of progress on racial equity. And it is certainly progress, and welcome. However, we cannot conflate the success of individuals with the overall success of the entire Diaspora. If one person succeeds, and not a community with them, that success is limited, and can be used to obscure and perpetuate injustice. We need a focus on power and progress not just individually, but systemically.

"In the 158 years since Juneteenth began with the proclamation of freedom for enslaved Blacks in Galveston, Texas, we have marched forward, persevering through hardship and progressing toward true liberty and justice. Let us march on till victory is won.

"Today, we celebrate the cause of freedom and the fight for liberation and justice; tomorrow, we work to build a better New York City and nation."

Assemblyman John Zaccaro's Family Fun Day on Williamsbridge Road

 

Assemblyman John Zaccaro's Family Fun Day on Williamsbridge Road

By Robert Press

The weather was beautiful Saturday for the Assemblyman John Zaccaro's Official Grand Opening of his 80th Assembly District office at 2018 Williamsbridge Road, and Family Fun Day on Williamsbridge Road. The Bx8 bus which runs on Williamsbridge Road had to be rerouted as the street was closed  between Neil and Lydig Avenues. 

Hundreds of people enjoyed various inflatable rides or games that were provided by FPJ Amusements, hamburgers and hot dogs were cooked, and there was even free popcorn and cotton candy for all to enjoy. Many community and informative tables were set up in the street, local elected officials, a local fire engine was on site for people and children to look at, even a police horse stopped by to see how everything was going, as there was dancing in the street in front of Assemblyman John Zaccaro's Assembly office. 

Williamsbridge Road was closed between Neil and Lydig Avenues Saturday Afternoon for Assemblyman John Zaccaro's Family Fun Day, as there was dancing in the street.

A face painter was on hand for the children.

(L-R) State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Assemblyman John Zaccaro, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, Community Board 11 member Christine Culpepper De Ruiz, and Cynthia Rodriguez. 

Community organizations included the Bronx Park East Community Association, Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association, and the Morris Park Community Association.

Assemblyman Zaccaro stopped by the VNNA table with Marion Manfredi, Brian Adams, Virginia Torelli, and Interim President Sharlene Jackson-Mendez.

A local fire engine stopped by to let the people and children to look it over assisted by the firemen.

A mounted police officer and his horse both pose with Assemblyman John Zaccaro. 

Wave Hill Weekly Events July 7–July 13

 

Summer is in full swing here at Wave Hill! This weekend, join a guided birding walk through our gardens and woodlands or celebrate Frida Kahlo’s birthday at the Family Art Project and create your own nature-inspired self-portraits.  

Wednesday, July 12 is Wave Hill Member appreciation day. It’s also a Sunset Wednesday, and we’ll be open late. One of the best young jazz singers, Tatiana Eva-Marie, performs. If you are keen on a Bronx Bats Talk and Walk later that evening, don’t wait to register!  Set out with local bat conservationists and search the night skies at Wave Hill. They’ll have an eco-locator, but don’t forget your flashlight too! 

Family Art Project: Frida's Natural Self Portraits 

Sat, July 8, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, July 9, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required

Celebrate Frida Kahlo’s birthday with us! Frida used self-portraits to explore her relationship with the plants and animals of her home in Mexico. Let's make our own self-portraits featuring nature here at Wave Hill. 

Public Gallery Tour  

Sat, July 8, 2023, 2–3PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration is not required

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.  

Summer Birding 

Sun, July 9, 2023, 9:30–11AM 

$15; including admission to the grounds 

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251

Naturalists and Audubon guides Paul Keim or Gabriel Willow lead birders through the gardens and woodlands to seek out summer birds. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it so appealing for such a wide variety of birds. A limited number of binoculars, monoculars and walking sticks are available to borrow at the Perkins Visitor Center. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.  

Yoga in the Garden  

Sun, July 9, 2023, 10–11AM 

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

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251

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.  

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, July 9, 2023, 2–2:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.

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. 

Sunset Wednesdays: Tatiana Eva-Marie

Wed, July 12, 2023, 7–8PM 

$15/adults; $10/students/seniors; $6/children 6-18; FREE/members and children under 6 

Advance tickets encouraged, but not required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251

“A millennial shaking up the jazz scene” (Vanity Fair) and “One of the best young singers around” (Wall Street Journal), Tatiana Eva-Marie is a Brooklyn-based singer and bandleader. Born and raised in Europe in a professional musical family, a Swiss-French composer and a Romanian classical violinist, she grew up equally fascinated by her father’s New Orleans jazz records and her mother’s folk music heritage. Tatiana’s latest project, Djangology is a reinvention of the music composed by Parisian guitarist Django Reinhardt through the addition of her own original lyrics and arrangements. The tribute is inspired by her French and Balkan heritage and her love for the Parisian art scene of the 1920s to the 1960s.   

Bronx Bats Talk and Walk 

Wed, July 12, 2023, 8–10PM 

$50, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill members save 10%

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251

Space is limited; Adults and children ages 10 and older welcome with an adult

Join our all-star lineup of experts for a peek at the secret life of bats that live in and migrate through the Bronx. Begin with an indoor presentation on the diversity of urban bats and their importance to our ecosystem, then venture out onto the grounds to search for these nocturnal creatures at Wave Hill using an echo-locator. Bat conservationist Danielle Gustafson, Bradley Klein of the New York City Bat Group and naturalist Gabriel Willow lead this special after-hours program. Come early and enjoy the music on the Great Lawn. Don’t forget your flashlight! Rain date: July 19. 

Public Garden Highlights Walk 

Thu, July 13, 2023, 12–12:30PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. 

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. 

Public Gallery Tour  

Thu, July 13, 2023, 2–3PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration is not required

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.  

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HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service runs Thursday-Sunday 

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

Nos Quedamos - Films al Fresco 2023 | June 30th - October 21st | Yolanda García Park

 

Nos Quedamos is proud to present a wonderful program of family-friendly films during the summer and fall of 2023 as part of its new free screening and park activation series, ‘Films al Fresco – Melrose Movie Nights.’ Starting on June 30th and continuing through October 21st, Films al Fresco is curated to delight movie lovers of all ages with some of the most endearing animated films ever produced. Films al Fresco will showcase popular and culturally-relevant films that uplift, inspire, and entertain in a safe outdoor setting in your favorite community space—Yolanda García Park!

Join us with your folding chair or Yoga mat and settle in for a summer of animated movies right in the heart of Melrose Commons. The popcorn is on us! (with registration at the event)  Download Program

June 30, 2023: "ENCANTO" A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger. July 15, 2023: "LIGHTYEAR" Legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside ambitious recruits Izzy, Mo,Darby, and his robot companion, Sox. As this motley crew tackles their toughest mission yet, they must learn to work together as a team to escape the evil Zurg and his dutiful robot army that are never far behind. August 12, 2023: "SOUL" Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn’t  quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz  — and he’s good. But when he travels to another realm  to help someone find their passion, he suddenly finds  himself trapped in a strange land between Earth and the  afterlife and discovers what it means to have soul. September 23, 2023:“RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON” Raya and the Last Dragon travels to the fantasy world of  Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together in  harmony long ago. But when an evil force threatened the  land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity.  Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s  up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary  last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided  people. October 21, 2023: "THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS" The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington,  Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become  bored with the same annual routine of frightening people  in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on  Christmastown, he plots to bring Christmas under his  control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the  role. But not everything goes as planned. Click link or scan QR Code for full program details. Click for Info & Film Trailers For more information, contact Edwin Pagán (event program curator) at: epagan@nosquedamos.org

NYCHCC - Puerto Rico Trade Mission - Reservations are Open

 

Early Voting Numbers by Borough

 

Early Voting Check-Ins

June Primary Election 2023

 

June 17, 2023 - Day 1

 

• Manhattan - 1,468
• Bronx - 983
• Brooklyn - 1,473
• Queens - 1,689

 

Total Number of Early Voting Check-Ins 5,613

*Unofficial as of Close of Polls

DOL - Laborers Recruit Apprentices

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for Construction and General Building Laborers, Local Union #79, will conduct a limited recruitment July 14, 2023 to July 27, 2023 for 200 Skilled Construction Craft Laborer apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

The recruitment for JATC for Construction and General Building Laborers, Local Union #79 will be offered online from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., during the recruitment period (7/14, 7/17, 7/18, 7/19, 7/20, 7/21, 7/24, 7/25, 7/26 and 7/27/2023), excluding legal holidays. This is a limited-application recruitment. Only 2,000 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The recruitment will be offered for 10 business days or until 2,000 applications have been issued, whichever comes first. Applicants who do not have Internet access may visit their local library or visit local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

All applications must be received no later than July 28, 2023.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old (at the start of the program).
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED).
• Must attest that they are physically able to perform the work required of a skilled construction craft laborer, which may include:
  • Working at heights.
  • Working in confined spaces.
  • Working in extreme temperatures, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Lifting and carrying 94 pounds of material for a distance of 30 feet and stacking it to a height of approximately 54 inches.
  • Using a shovel to load approximately half of a cubic yard of sand into a wheelbarrow, wheeling it 100 feet, and depositing it into a sand container.
• Must pass a drug screening, at the applicant’s expense, after acceptance into the apprenticeship program.

Application Instructions:

• Go to http://www.mttf.org
• Follow the links for Local Union #79.
• You will see directions on how to complete your request for an application.
• Fill out the required fields. Do not add any information outside of the fields.
• Applicants may only apply once during the recruitment period.
• Once your request has been completed and accepted, you will receive a confirmation email.
• Applicants who received a confirmation email will receive an application in a separate email.
• The first 2,000 applicants, who are placed into the pool of applicants, will receive an application in a separate email.
• Download, print, complete, sign and return the application.
• Applications must be returned, in person, within 10 business days from the date the application was requested to Construction & Building Laborers Local #79, 42-53 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (excluding lunch hour 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.), excluding legal holidays, on the following dates: July 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. All applications must be received no later than July 28, 2023.
• Applicants who do not come in with a competed application will be considered to have voluntarily removed themselves from the pool of applicants.
• Everyone who successfully applies will receive a date and time for an interview on the day they drop off their completed application.

Please understand that if a greater number of applicants apply than Local #79 can accept into their pool of candidates, some applicants may not get through this time. However, Local #79 hopes that work will be plentiful, and another recruitment can be held in the near future.

For further information, applicants should contact JATC for Construction and General Building Laborers, Local Union #79 at (718) 383-6863. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.