Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Enjoy the rest of Autumn in VCP!

 

Trail Work Wednesdays

Wednesdays - Meet at 9am

Miles of trails traverse the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park, and they are in need of regular maintenance. Volunteers will assist staff on maintenance of the cross country course and other trails throughout the park. Work includes waterbar and checkstep maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; bring water and a snack.

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Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

 

Birding with NYC Audubon

Saturdays, November 18 - Meet at 9am

Explore Van Cortlandt Park’s ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. Each walk will be led by a New York City Audubon guide.

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Meet at the Nature Center.

 

Free Youth Running Event with NYRR

Sunday, November 19 

Introduce young runners in the family to the magic of cross country with Rising New York Road Runners’ FREE youth running event. Registration is open to participants of all abilities ages 2 to 18. Every finisher will earn a medal/

Register Here 

Canine Court Volunteer Clean Up!

Sunday, November 19 - from 10am to 12pm

Canine Court needs some TLC! Help keep the doggies happy by volunteering to clean up Canine Court!  Join us for a morning of weeding and cleaning to spruce up Canine Court.

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Canine Court- Broadway and W. 252nd Street.

Can't make it but want to become a Dog Run Volunteer - sign up here.

 

Please note that Forest Fridays will be taking a hiatus in November!

 

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park

Make a Donation

The park is really big. Our staff is really small. Only with your help can we grow our capacity, hire more staff, and take on projects to improve Van Cortlandt Park… for YOU!  Please consider a gift to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance today.

Donate!

VCPA Merch Shop!

Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance!

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Become a Member

Members get VCPA merch and invitations to member only hikes while supporting their favorite park!

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Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

Please join the East Bronx History Forum on Saturday, November 18th at 11 AM for a Walk and Talk of Astor Village. We will meet at 925 Astor Avenue, in front of Columbus High School.

 

Dear East Bronx History Forum Member,

Please join the East Bronx History Forum on Saturday, November 18th at 11 AM for a Walk and Talk of Astor Village. We will meet at 925 Astor Avenue, in front of Columbus High School. Some important destinations will include the multiple educational institutions such as the New York Institute for Special Education, St. Catherine’s High School and some of Columbus High School’s more famous alumni: including actress Ann Bancroft, computer scientist Evelyn Berezin and former New York state attorney general and Bronx borough president Robert Abrahams.

We will be following the legacy of John Jacob Astor IV and his untimely demise on the Titanic and the passing of his real estate fortune to his son Vincent. The Astor family legacy extends back to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and to some of the family’s other businesses such as a theater, beverage company, apartment blocks, and a nut shoppe. The neighborhood of northwestern Queens, more commonly known as Astoria bears their surname. However, the family never seemed to have made a visit to this neighborhood on the East River.

We will also track the development and construction of the New York Westchester and Boston’s (NYW&B) Pelham Parkway station. Some other items will include construction photos of the NYW&B before going into full service in 1912 and photos prior to the recommissioning by the New York City Transit Authority to the Dyre Avenue line in 1941. We will end our tour at Esplanade and Pearsall Avenues by the old Community Center of Israel Synagogue and also touch on the lives of some deceased veterans from the neighborhood who left a lasting impact.

The walk is free, so please contact our Facebook or Instagram pages for additional information or email us at EastBronxHistory@gmail.com. 

Looking forward to seeing you.

Dorothy A. Krynicki 

Secretary 

The EBHF is a 501(c)3 non-profit chartered by the New York State Education Department

Wave Hill Weekly Events: Nov 30 – Dec 7 | Winter Haven Opens

 

December kicks off the Winter Haven at Wave Hill! This year we are offering even more ways to escape from the hectic pace of the season into the natural beauty of the garden decorated for the holidays. We’re hosting a myriad of events to come together and make memories with family and friends.  

This opening weekend brings back two seasonal favorites – multiple sessions of our wreath-making workshops and the Artisan Market, a fabulous shopping opportunity with a unique collection of gifts and spirits. Stroll our fun and funky display of outdoor wreaths created by talented Wave Hill staff and volunteers. Stick around for Happy Hour Friday and Saturday after sunset on our beautiful Kate French Terrace and enjoy the peace of our gardens illuminated at night.  

 
 

Thursdays are free at Wave Hill and we’ll be hosting free family events every Thursday evening until 7PM. The gardens, The Shop and our Conservatory will also be open late on Friday evenings to enjoy our gardens illuminated at night, along with premium Friday evening events for adults.   

 

Holiday Wreath Workshop 

Fri, Dec 1, 1:30PM –3:00PM 

Sat, Dec 2, 11:00AM – 12:30PM 

Sat, Dec 2, 1:30PM – 3:00PM 

Sun, Dec 3, 11:00AM – 12:30PM 

Sun, Dec 3, 1:30PM – 3:00PM 

$70 including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Our annual wreath workshop is back! Create your natural wreath using a grapevine base and fresh greens harvested by our Wave Hill gardeners. Floral designer Hanako Shimamoto shares simple techniques to design gorgeous own one-of-a-kind holiday decorations.  

No experience necessary. All materials provided. Timed tickets are available in 90-minute blocks.  

Advance registration encouraged, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

 

  

Family Art Project: Light Your Holiday Candle 

Sat, Dec 2, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

Sun, Dec 3, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration not required. 

Set the mood for a cozy night by making your very own candle, experimenting with the shapes and colors we can create with wax. Let your candle’s glow remind you of the many celebrations of light taking place around the world at this time of year.  

At 11:30AM, families can enjoy a storytime program in the Gund Theater; all ages welcome. 

Home for the Holidays: Stop by during Family Art Project hours to make edible ornaments for birds that will be used to decorate our holiday tree display! 

Artisan Market 

Fri, Dec 1, 12:00PM – 6:00PM

Sat, Dec 2, 11:00AM – 6:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds 

 

Experience some of the finest goods from local artisans and makers. With more than 25 vendors for a larger-than ever-market, we're expanding this year to include vendors in iconic Glyndor Gallery. Returning this year is Sol Cacao single-origin chocolate, New York-based jewelry innovator Megan Patrice Riley, textile artist Jessie Zhao and our hands-down favorite, Hetta Glogg. Enjoy Hudson Valley wine-tasting while finishing up your holiday list—and know that your purchases not only support these fine makers but Wave Hill and our educational and horticultural programming as well. 

 

The Shop, Café, and Conservatory are open until 6:30PM this evening. Enjoy an evening stroll along lighted pathways with self-guided activities. The grounds close at 7:00PM. 

 

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk

Sun, Dec 3, 2:00PM – 2:45PM

Free with admission to the grounds

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. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.  

 

Pajama Party

Thu, Dec 7, 4:30PM – 7:00PM

Free, and admission to the grounds is free

On a cold winter night, nothing's better than getting cozy with some bedtime stories. Snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and a book or listen to exciting tales from storytellers. Be sure to wear your favorite pajamas for extra fun! 

On Thursday evenings, enjoy hot cocoa and self-guided activities along our lighted pathways. The Café, Conservatory and Shop are open until 7:00PM. The grounds close at 7:30PM. 

Advance registration encouraged, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Day-of registration based on availability and not guaranteed. 

 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service runs Thursday–Sunday 

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

Justice Department Secures $25 Million Landmark Agreement with Apple to Resolve Employment Discrimination Allegations Based on Citizenship Status

 

The Justice Department announced today that it has secured a landmark agreement with Apple Inc. (Apple) to resolve allegations that Apple illegally discriminated in hiring and recruitment against U.S. citizens and certain non-U.S. citizens whose permission to live in and work in the United States does not expire.

Under the agreement, Apple is required to pay up to $25 million in backpay and civil penalties, the largest award that the department has recovered under the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality act (INA).

“Creating unlawful barriers that make it harder for someone to seek a job because of their citizenship status will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This resolution reflects the Civil Rights Division’s commitment to ending illegal discriminatory employment practices.”

The settlement agreement resolves the department’s determination that Apple violated the INA’s anti-discrimination requirements during Apple’s recruitment for positions falling under the permanent labor certification program (PERM). The PERM program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It allows employers to sponsor workers for lawful permanent resident status in the United States after completing recruitment and meeting other program requirements. Any U.S. employer that utilizes the PERM program cannot illegally discriminate in hiring or recruitment based on citizenship or immigration status.

The department’s investigation, which started in February 2019, found that Apple engaged in a pattern or practice of citizenship status discrimination in recruitment for positions it hired through PERM, and that the company’s unlawful discrimination prejudiced U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, and those granted asylum or refugee status. These less effective recruitment practices deterred protected workers from applying to positions that Apple preferred to fill instead with PERM beneficiaries.

Specifically, the department’s investigation found that Apple did not advertise positions Apple sought to fill through the PERM program on its external job website, even though its standard practice was to post other job positions on this website. It also required all PERM position applicants to mail paper applications, even though the company permitted electronic applications for other positions. In some instances, Apple did not consider certain applications for PERM positions from Apple employees if those applications were submitted electronically, as opposed to paper applications submitted through the mail. These less effective recruitment procedures nearly always resulted in few or no applications to PERM positions from applicants whose permission to work does not expire.  

Pursuant to the $25 million agreement, Apple is required to pay $6.75 million in civil penalties and establish an $18.25 million back pay fund for eligible discrimination victims. The agreement also requires Apple to ensure that its recruitment for PERM positions more closely matches its standard recruitment practices.

Specifically, Apple will be required to conduct more expansive recruitment for all PERM positions, including posting PERM positions on its external job website, accepting electronic applications, and enabling applicants to PERM positions to be searchable in its applicant tracking system. Apple has implemented some of these measures after the department opened its investigation. Additionally, Apple will train its employees on the INA’s anti-discrimination requirements and be subject to departmental monitoring for the three-year period of the agreement.

The Civil Rights Division’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for enforcing the INA’s anti-discrimination provision. This law prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status and national origin in hiring, firing or recruitment or referral for a fee; unfair documentary practices; and retaliation and intimidation. Learn more about IER’s work and how to get assistance through this brief video or watch an on-demand presentation. Find more information on how employers can avoid discrimination when hiring and recruiting on IER’s website.  

Workers who have questions about this settlement can contact IER at 1-888-473-3897 or ierapplecase@usdoj.gov. The public can get more information about how to get help from IER by visiting IER’s English and Spanish websites

View the settlement agreement here.

View Attachment A here.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislative Package to Provide Resources and Support to Veterans and Their Families

S.7461/A.3381A Clarifies the Definition of Veteran for Tax Purposes

S.3309A/A.6084A Allows Veterans and Gold Star Families Entrance to New York Places of Recreation Free of Charge

S.1671A/A.6140A Requires the Small Business Revolving Fund to Target and Market to Veteran-Owned Enterprises

S.2372/A.1084 Requires the Publication of the Number of Veterans on Certain Housing Waiting Lists

S.454A/A.3116A Directs Certain Municipalities to Contact a Veterans’ Organization to Provide for the Disposition of the Unclaimed Remains of a Deceased Veteran

S.7378/A.7379 Eliminates the “Wartime Service” Requirement for Certain Civil Service Positions

S.291/A.1347 Establishes a Veteran Internship Program within Existing Senate and Assembly Programs

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed seven pieces of legislation that aim to provide resources and support to veterans and their families. These bills build upon this administration’s dedication to acknowledging the sacrifices made by veterans and ensuring they can return to their civilian lives more easily.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the veterans who risked their lives to serve our country,” Governor Hochul said. “This legislation will provide resources and support to New York’s veterans, honoring their service and recognizing their heroism.”

S.7461/A.3381A clarifies the definition of veteran to include career members of the armed forces for tax exemption purposes. This bill updates the law to reflect current military practices and to create an incentive to keep career members of the military here in New York.

S.3309A/A.6084A will allow, beginning on April 1, 2024, residents who are veterans and members of a Gold Star family free access to State parks, historic sites, and recreational facilities in New York State.

S.1671A/A.6140A requires the small business revolving loan fund within New York’s Empire State Development Corporation, to market to veteran-owned enterprises and service-disabled veteran-owned enterprises.

S.2372/A.1084 requires that the number of applicants applying as veterans, or a surviving spouse of a veteran, be made available on the Mitchell-Lama application waitlist so that those applying have a clear indication of whether there are other veterans applying for the same housing.

S.454A/A.3116A directs counties and the city of New York to contact a veterans’ organization to collect any unclaimed remains of a deceased veteran if they do not have any next of kin or other designee to provide for their disposition. This legislation ensures all who serve our county are given a proper interment.

S.7378/A.7379 eliminates the “wartime service” requirement that prohibits a large number of interested veterans from seeking employment in certain civil service roles, expanding the application pool.

S.291/A.1347 establishes VIP NY, a veteran internship program that will award ten percent of available internships in the Assembly Youth Participation program and the Senate Student Program to eligible honorably discharged veterans.

This legislation package builds upon Governor Hochul’s efforts to expand veteran services and support resources and to further acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who have served. Earlier this week, the Governor honored veterans with the year’s sixth and final Free Fishing Day of 2023. Last week, Governor Hochul announced the completion of Northside Village in Schenectady, a public housing revitalization that includes 61 units with supportive services for veterans and individuals with physical disabilities.

In September, Governor Hochul announced the award of nearly $4 million in federal funding to expand and improve the New York State Veterans Cemetery – Finger Lakes, the first veterans cemetery owned and operated by New York State.

Veterans in New York State may find more support through the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, which has served as the state’s advocacy agency for veterans, service members, and military families since 1945. The Department maintains an agency-wide commitment of serving all veterans, service members, and military families in a wide range of practice areas, including claims and appeals for benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, discharge upgrade appeals to the United States Department of Defense, and claims for New York State benefits. Veterans, service members, and military families are encouraged to contact the Department at 888-838-7697 or its website veterans.ny.gov to meet — in person or virtually — with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor to address their needs and gain the full measure of benefits that they have earned. Follow DVS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.