Governor Hochul Updates Western and Central New Yorkers on Air Quality for Monday, June 19

 

Governor Hochul and the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health continue to closely monitor air quality for impacts from Canadian wildfires, as well as ozone and other pollutants, which today is mildly impacting Western and Central New York. Air quality in the remainder of New York State is forecast to be in the good to moderate range.

"While we continue to monitor air quality and our brave Forest Rangers assist with wildfire suppression efforts in Quebec, smoke from the Canadian wildfires is expected to remain visible, although its impacts will be limited at ground level," Governor Hochul said. "As smoke moves across Western and Central New York today, I encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant. If you are in a vulnerable group, please monitor the latest information and if an Air Quality Advisory is issued this summer, take steps to protect yourself."

Smoke from the wildfires will be visible in the air in Western and Central New York today, Monday, June 19, with High-Moderate Air Quality Index (AQI) levels for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution forecast for these regions. Forecasts currently show there may be temporary spikes where AQI levels exceed the Moderate range, but the overall AQI for a 24-hour period is anticipated to remain in the Moderate AQI level. Although smoke may be visible at high altitudes, these levels remain far below the levels experienced by New Yorkers earlier this month, and are below the threshold to issue an Air Quality Health Advisory.

Moderate levels are when the Air Quality Index is between 51-100, which means air quality is acceptable, with potential moderate health concerns for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Air Quality Health Advisories are issued when meteorologists forecast levels of pollution, most commonly ozone and particulate matter, to exceed an AQI value of 100.

If the AQI exceeds 100, we recommend reviewing the precautions here as necessary. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up to receive the state's Air Quality Health Advisories by subscribing here.

More information about New York State Air Quality forecast is available here.

Scented Plants Sunday at Wave Hill July 16

 

Celebrate the scents of summer this weekend, when the air is perfumed with fragrant flowers and foliage. Explore the gardens with our experts, sample tasty recipes and take a bit of summer home with you in the form of an herbal craft. Activities for gardeners and budding herbalists of all ages. 

Some events this weekend will take place in fully accessible areas of the garden, some not. Please read the full description of each event—see the links below—to learn more. Events are free with admission unless otherwise indicated. Outdoor events will be cancelled in severe weather. The full schedule for the weekend is at Scented Plants Sunday – Wave Hill.

Family Art Project: Exploring Herbal Arts, 10AM–1PM Using your sense of smell and touch, discover the world of herbal and botanical arts. Decorate your own perfume bottle and then create a scented blend using lavender and other plants inspired by Wave Hill’s Herb Garden.

Scratch and Sniff Plant Pavilion, 10AM-4PM Zoom-in on the scents of some familiar and unusual herbs at this drop-in station. Scratch and sniff plants that are suitable for petting, and check out the shapes, textures, colors and scents of their leaves and flowers. What’s your favorite? Ages five and older welcome with an adult.

“Scentsational” Summer Plant Walk, 11AM–NOON & 1-2PM Experience first-hand how your olfactory senses can support mindfulness and engender a sense of place and well-being on this rejuvenating garden walk. Stroll through Wave Hill’s most extravagantly scented garden areas with John Beirne, Curatorial Director of Horticulture at Reeves Reed Arboretum, and discover the varied sensory attributes of herbs and other aromatic plants. Along the way, learn the names and general growing requirements of our favorite fragrant plants for further study or to help plan a sensory garden of your own. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult.

Cooking Demo: Summery Herbal Beverages and Baked Goods, 11AM–NOON Peppermint, basil, lemon verbena and more—many herbs taste as good as they smell! Enjoy a taste of summer with some delicious, sweet drinks and baked goods made with fragrant herbs harvested at their peak. Chef Nick Acosta of Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances demonstrates some favorite summer recipes while Wave Hill's Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer shares tips for selecting and growing the herbs featured in the recipes. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.

Incense & Smudges Workshop, 1–3PM Join Melissa Rivera of Holistic Energy Healing in a gentle circle-meditation, then learn the history and uses of incense and smudges. Work in groups to concoct your own natural incense cones and smudge bundles inspired by the delightful aromas of the Herb Garden. Go home with handmade products, recipes and resources, and a new wellness ritual to add to your routine. Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult. $55, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% Registration required. 

About Wave Hill - 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 landscapes, 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–Sunday, 10AM–5:30PM. Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory 10AM–Noon; 1–4PM. ADMISSION TO THE GROUNDS: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6-18. Free Thursdays. Free to Wave Hill Members, children under 6. DIRECTIONS at wavehill.org.

City Council, Homeless Services Providers and Advocates Call on Mayor to Sign All CityFHEPS Bills, Passed by Veto-Proof Majority, into Law

 

Bills provide solutions to record homelessness and worsening eviction crisis

In response to Mayor Adams’ executive order suspending the rule that requires individuals to stay in a homeless shelter for 90 consecutive days before qualifying for a CityFHEPS housing voucher, the New York City Council, homeless services providers and advocates called on the Mayor to sign all of the recently-passed Council bills into law. The four bills were passed by the Council on May 25 with votes of 41 to 7, far more than a veto-proof majority.

First heard in January, the bills were overwhelmingly approved by the Council after nearly one year of inaction by the Administration to eliminate the 90-day rule, despite first pledging to end it in June 2022. As the city continued to welcome tens of thousands of people seeking asylum in the U.S. throughout the past year, the Council continued to call for the Administration to eliminate the rule in statements, hearings, and reports, as a solution to better assist New Yorkers in transitioning out of the shelter system to permanent housing. 

According to data for the first four months of Fiscal Year 2023 in the most recent Preliminary Mayor’s Management Report, the average length of stay in shelter was 802 days for adult families, 485 days for families with children, and 441 days for single adults. The Mayor’s Housing Blueprint estimates that it cost the city nearly $8,773 per month to house a family of two in the shelter system in 2022. A CityFHEPS voucher for the same family would cost a maximum of $2,387, and likely less, resulting in a lower total annual expense.

At a time of record homelessness, the Administration has also left thousands of apartments vacant. It has failed to place homeless New Yorkers into over 2,000 vacant supportive housing apartments, while cutting funds from and understaffing the agencies responsible for making the placements. It has also cut funding from NYCHA to help fill vacant apartments, when over 6,500 remain empty and unavailable for tenants. Meanwhile, the Mayor’s administration has failed to intervene as the number of evictions has skyrocketed, surpassing 100,000 cases in the courts.

“Passing legislation to reform city policies that have blocked New Yorkers’ access to CityFHEPS housing vouchers was a critical and long overdue step to help people move out of shelters, find and maintain stable housing, and reduce homelessness,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The 90-day rule is just one of several counterproductive barriers that the Administration failed to take action to eliminate, leaving too many New Yorkers stuck in shelters far longer than necessary. The efforts to transition people from homeless shelters to permanent housing have been inadequate, straining the City’s shelter capacity under additional pressures. While we welcome the Administration finally seeming to drop its opposition to end the 90-day rule, the Council’s legislation importantly codifies the change and provides a more comprehensive approach to remove other obstacles to housing vouchers that can help protect New Yorkers. The only reliable path forward to truly confront the city’s eviction and homelessness crises is for the Mayor to sign the entire package of legislation.”

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