AS HEAT CONTINUES INTO THE WEEKEND, NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE URGE NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS

 

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23

Cooling centers are open across the city, including, on Sunday, up to 45 NYC public schools as part of whole community approach. Each school will have the capacity to host and cool several hundred New Yorkers

To find the nearest location, including hours of operation, call 311 or visit the City’s Cooling Center Finder

New Yorkers should also take advantage of additional cool options such as museums, movie theaters, coffee shops, or a neighbor, friend, or family member's home

New York City Emergency Management Department and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene advise New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect until 8 P.M. Sunday, June 23. Hot and humid conditions are in the forecast throughout weekend, with heat index values in the upper-90s to 100 across the city. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will also be possible each afternoon and evening through early next week. These may bring localized heavy downpours and gusty winds; however, flooding is not anticipated in NYC at this time. In addition, there is an Air Quality Health Advisory in effect until 11 P.M. today for ground-level ozone pollution. Finally, beach-goers are urged to exercise caution at Atlantic-facing beaches this weekend due to a high risk of life-threatening rip currents.

“New Yorkers, as we brace for high temperatures this weekend let’s prioritize safety by staying hydrated, staying indoors during peak heat, and looking out for one another,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This year, we have expanded the number of cooling centers available to the public and I encourage anyone looking for a place to beat the heat to take advantage of them or visit one of our city’s beaches. To find your local cooling center, visit our “Cool Options” map at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters or by calling 311. Let's stay prepared and safe.”

“As the summer is officially underway and bringing in high heat, I urge all New Yorkers to take precautions,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Limit strenuous outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing. Beat the heat by turning on your air conditioner or visiting a Cooling Center. New Yorkers can also stay cool by visiting a museum, house of worship, movie theater, publicly-accessible atriums and lobbies, or other cool spaces. High heat can be dangerous, look out for another, especially older adults, children, and anyone with chronic health conditions. Learn the signs of heat stroke.” 

“Heat is dangerous but taking certain precautions can prevent illness and protect your health,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “So, remember to stay hydrated, stay cool, listen to your body and watch out for signs of heat stroke. Last but not least check in on vulnerable individuals, especially older, relatives, neighbors and friends, as well as those with chronic and mental health conditions.”

“As always, our schools stand ready to assist the city in any emergency,” said Chancellor David C. Banks. “I am deeply appreciative of our incredible facilities staff and School Safety Agents who will be on hand to open the schools and ensure they are prepared to welcome back students on Monday.”

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department urge New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. For more information, including heat-related health tips and warning signs of heat illness, visit NYC.gov/health or NYC.gov/beattheheat. In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner.

To help New Yorkers find relief from the heat, New York City cooling centers will continue to remain open throughout the five boroughs. Senior Centers/Older Adult Centers will be open to all ages this weekend. Cooling center locations may have changed from last year. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the City's Cool Options Map. New Yorkers can now also find cooling centers that welcome pets throughout the five boroughs. As a reminder, service animals are always allowed at cooling centers. This year's newly-revamped map is now available around the clock and allows New Yorkers to easily locate cooling centers, which the City opens during heat emergencies, and cool options, which include free spaces that offer air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat.

New Yorkers can access a range of outdoor cooling options, including spray showers, drinking fountains, and more. These resources can be found online at Cool It! NYC. Many of these resources are located in neighborhoods across New York City. State Parks, including Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and its pool are open, and all sprinkler systems are operating at all state parks in New York City.

During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert. During Code Reds, shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, where those experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access a designated cooling area. DSS staff and the agency’s not-for-profit contracted outreach teams engage with individuals experiencing homelessness 24/7/365 and redouble their efforts during extreme heat, with a focus on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness to services and shelter.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS DURING EXTREME HEAT

• Those most vulnerable to heat stress include adults aged 60 and older, and people with health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, or people with cognitive impairment. Check on people who are at-risk and help them find a cool place to stay during heat events.
• Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes. 
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM. 
• Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if not thirsty (avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine), rest in the shade, and watch out for others on outdoor teams. Employers are required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat. 
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Participate in activities to keep cool, such as going to the movies, visiting museums, walking in an air-conditioned mall, or swimming at a pool or beach. 
• Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, window guards. Air conditioners in buildings more than six stories must be installed with brackets so they are secured and cannot fall on someone below.
• Never leave a child or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes. 

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

• Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:
  • Hot dry skin
  • Trouble breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
• If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE

• Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Walk your dog in the morning and evening: When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
• Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, unresponsiveness, or even collapse.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly.

Use “spray caps” to reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utility providers are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:

• Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”
• Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
• Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.
• If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.
• Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are also encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City's free emergency communications program, to receive free emergency alerts and updates in your preferred language and format by visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, calling 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), following @NotifyNYC on Twitter, or getting the free Notify NYC mobile application for your Apple or Android device.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

ANNUAL NALEO CONFERENCE IN NEVADA

This week, Senator Rivera attended the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. NALEO is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization that facilitates full Latino participation in the American political process, from citizenship to public service.



This conference marked the end of Senator Rivera's five-year run as a member of NALEO's Board, including spending the past year as the First Vice President of the Board. Senator Rivera was inspired and proud of the tremendous work NALEO members acrss the country are doing to elevate our Latino communities.

SENATOR RIVERA STATEMENT ON ON NEW YORK CITY'S RENT GUIDELINES BOARD (RGB) VOTE

Senator Rivera was disappointed but not surprised by the decision from Mayor Adams' hand-picked Rent Guideline Board to increase the rent on 2 million rent-stabilized tenants in New York City for the third consecutive year.

These increases will take effect on leases renewed between October 1st, 2024 and September 30th, 2025. If you have a rent-stabilized lease that expires after October 2024, you may be subject to the new rent increase.

Senator Rivera's office is here to help if you need assistance navigating your next lease renewal. To learn more, call our office at 718-933-2034.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS TENANT RALLY AT TRACEY TOWERS

Senator Rivera joined the tenants of Tracey Towers in support of their rally to bring attention to concerns about the maintenance of the buildings. In recent weeks, tenants have reported the elevator being out of service and plumbing issues in units.

Senator Rivera's team has been working diligently with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and Tracey Towers Management to ensure that these issues are resolved and will continue to discuss long-term solutions to prevent further disruptions to essential day-to-day services at Tracey Towers.

COMING SOON: SENATOR RIVERA'S ANNUAL SENIOR HEALTH FAIR AND LUNCHEON AT LEHMAN COLLEGE!

Senator Rivera is excited to announce that his Annual Senior Health Fair and Luncheon is returning this July and moving to Lehman College! Attendees will receive health screenings and raffle prizes while listening to the soulful music of the Morrisania Band Project, who are returning by popular demand for the second consecutive year.

If you are interested in attending the Senior Health Fair, you can begin reserving your ticket to the event on Monday, July 8th at 10:00am by calling our office at 718-933-2034. Only those who reserve a ticket will be able to attend the luncheon.

SENATOR RIVERA'S OFFICE PROVIDING FREE LIFE-SAVING NALOXONE SPRAY AND TESTING KITS

FRIDAY 7/12: SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS FREE HOUSING AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE WITH NMIC!

FRIDAYS THIS SUMMER: FORDHAM FARMERS MARKET

TUESDAY 6/25: LEARN ABOUT NEW YORK STATE MEDICAID, 1115 WAIVER AND SOCIAL CARE NETWORKS

DO YOU NEED HELP STAYING COOL?

Permits Filed For 715 East 216th Street In Williamsbridge, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story residential building at 715 East 216th Street in Williamsbridge, The Bronx. Located between Barnes Avenue and White Plains Road, the lot is near the 219th Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Erenik Nezaj is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 66-foot-tall development will yield 12,632 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 22 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 574 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a 30-foot-long rear yard.

John Backos of Sierra Construction NY is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed the for the two-story structure on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Chairman of Publicly Traded Health Care Company Convicted of Insider Trading

 

First Insider Trading Prosecution Based Exclusively on Use of Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans

A federal jury in Los Angeles convicted the former CEO, executive chairman, and chairman of the board of directors of Ontrak Inc., a publicly traded health care company, for engaging in an insider trading scheme using Rule 10b5‑1 trading plans. 

“When Terren Peizer learned significant negative news about Ontrak, he set up Rule 10b5-1 trading plans to sell shares before the news became public and to conceal that he was trading on inside information,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “With this verdict, the jury convicted Peizer of insider trading. This is the Justice Department’s first insider trading prosecution based exclusively on the use of a trading plan, but it will not be our last. We will not let corporate executives who trade on inside information hide behind trading plans they established in bad faith.”

“Corporate executives and other insiders hold major power in our economy, but with that power comes responsibility,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “It is important that executives, such as this defendant, be held accountable when they line their own pockets at the expense of shareholders. That is why I created our office’s Corporate Crime and Securities Fraud Strike Force. Today’s verdict sends a clear message that everyone, including corporate executives, must abide by the law.”  

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Terren S. Peizer, 64, a resident of Santa Monica, California, and Puerto Rico, avoided more than $12.5 million in losses by entering into two Rule 10b5-1 trading plans while in possession of material non-public information concerning the serious risk that Ontrak’s then-largest customer would terminate its contract. In May 2021, Peizer entered into his first Rule 10b5-1 trading plan shortly after learning that the relationship between Ontrak and the customer was deteriorating and that the customer had expressed serious reservations about continuing its contract with Ontrak. Peizer later learned that the customer informed Ontrak of its intent to terminate the contract. Then, in August 2021, Peizer entered into his second Rule 10b5-1 trading plan approximately five minutes after Ontrak’s chief negotiator for the contract informed Peizer that the contract likely would be terminated.

“As a CEO, Mr. Peizer abdicated his responsibilities by using his position to conceal trading on material non-public information in order to avoid the losses shareholders suffered,” said Acting Assistant Director in Charge Krysti Hawkins of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI is committed to investigating illegal trading practices and holding offenders accountable in order to ensure fairness and trust in the marketplace.”

In establishing his Rule 10b5-1 plans, Peizer refused to engage in any “cooling-off” period—the time between when he entered into the trading plan and when he sold Ontrak stock—despite warnings from multiple brokers, Ontrak’s Insider Trading Compliance Officer, and several attorneys. Instead, Peizer began selling shares of Ontrak on the next trading day after establishing each plan. On Aug. 19, 2021, just six days after Peizer adopted his second Rule 10b5-1 plan, Ontrak announced to the public that the customer had terminated its contract and Ontrak’s stock price declined by more than 44%. 

The jury convicted Peizer of one count of securities fraud and two counts of insider trading. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 21 and faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison on the securities fraud count and 20 years in prison on each of the insider trading counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is part of a data-driven initiative led by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section to identify executive abuses of 10b5-1 trading plans. A Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which allows a corporate insider of a publicly traded company to set up a plan for selling company stock, can offer an executive a defense to insider trading charges. However, the defense is unavailable if the executive is in possession of material, non-public information at the time he or she enters into the 10b5-1 trading plan. Additionally, a plan does not protect an executive if the trading plan was not entered into in good faith or was entered into as part of an effort or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b5-1.

The FBI investigated the case. The Justice Department appreciates the substantial assistance of FINRA’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group.

Governor Hochul Announces $32 Million Now Available for Shared Electric Transportation Solutions

 

New Clean Mobility Program Supports Community-Led Planning and Demonstration Projects That Solve Local Transportation Needs and Help Reduce Emissions

Supports Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 85 Percent by 2050

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $32 million is now available for shared electric transportation solutions such as micro mobility, shuttles, and ridesharing services. The new Clean Mobility Program will provide funding to support community-led planning and demonstration projects that help reduce emissions, solve local transportation needs and connect residents to services, jobs, and other transit with priority given to those in disadvantaged communities. Today’s announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050.

“New York has prioritized electrifying its transportation sector and making a wide range of clean public transportation options more accessible and affordable to residents across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “Investments in innovative electric mobility solutions are driving real change that will help meet the everyday needs of New Yorkers while reducing emissions from our roadways and improving the air quality in our communities as a result.”

The new $32 million Clean Mobility Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will competitively award funding to local governments, transit operators, and community-based organizations for selected community led planning and demonstration projects that advance innovative clean mobility options to address transportation challenges. Eligible projects include personal or shared bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters, on-demand electric vehicle ride-hailing, and small-scale, on-demand public transit services with flexible routes, or shared electric vehicle options.

The program will offer two funding tracks:

• Planning Track - up to $100,000 for planning of mobility services including community engagement, site identification, and technical feasibility analysis. Once a project is awarded, the awardee can select a planning firm from a pre-qualified pool of firms to help plan for a future mobility service or do so independently.
• Demonstration Track - up to $3 million for implementing mobility services in communities, with the intention of them becoming sustainable and serving as an example for similar services elsewhere in New York State.

Interested applicants can find more information or apply to this program here. The deadline for both the Planning and Demonstration Track proposals is August 15, 2024, by 3:00 p.m. ET. A second round of the program may launch in summer 2025 for any remaining funds not committed in Round 1.

Additionally, $8 million of the $32 million is designated to fund demonstration projects located in specific areas of the state, including those served by the upstate investor-owned utilities. This includes $5 million for micro mobility projects in the Central Hudson, National Grid, New York State Electric & Gas, and Rochester Electric & Gas region and $3 million for any demonstration projects located in the Bronx.

NYSERDA will host an informational webinar on June 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET. for those interested in learning more about the Clean Mobility Program.

This program is part of New York’s nearly $3 billion investment in zero emissions vehicles and growing access and availability to clean transit to benefit all New Yorkers, including those in low-income or disadvantaged areas, by reducing emissions to create cleaner air and healthier communities. It complements New York State’s other zero-emission transportation initiatives including the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program, administered by NYSERDA, the New York State Department of Public Service and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), as part of an $85 million allocation through New York's Make-Ready program to accelerate the transition to a clean transportation future.

The program is funded through a combination of Clean Energy Fund (CEF), Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and Micro mobility Make-Ready funds designated through the Make-Ready program.

Wave Hill Weekly Events July 10 – July 18 | Sunset Wednesdays Concerts & Wellness Workshop

 

Our fabulous Sunset Wednesdays summer concert tradition is back with four exciting performances Wednesday evenings in July. Pack a picnic and bring your favorite blanket or chair for an unforgettable summer evening on our Great Lawn as the sun sets over the Hudson. 

And we’ve got more great evening events happening this week with the Friday Evening Bat Walk and Talk with Gotham Bat Conservancy. And our summer wellness programming continues with a Sunday afternoon with an afternoon Meditation and Sun Print workshop melding mindfulness and creative practices.  

Plantwise Walk: Ferns and Other Fantastic Foliage 

Wed, Jul 10, 3:00PM – 4:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

The color green has many faces, like a 100-sided die. We will talk about green, the textures of lovely shade plants and some combinations favored by the gardeners of Wave Hill. Many of our foliage plants are shade-loving so we will be sticking to shaded garden areas whenever possible. The Plantwise Walk series is led by Jess Brey, Wave Hill’s Senior Horticultural Interpreter. Rain date: Wed, July 17. Severe weather cancels.  

Sunset Wednesdays: Nicole Zuraitis

Wed, Jul 10, 7:00PM – 8:00PM  

$15/adults; $10/students/seniors; $6/children 6-18; Free/members & children under 6

Advanced tickets encouraged  

With a "heart as big as her remarkable voice" (Jazz Police), Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Nicole Zuraitis opens Wave Hill’s 2024 Sunset Wednesdays outdoor concert season. Zuraitis has captivated audiences worldwide with her “soaring vocals... intimate familiarity... intonation and dreamy clarity.” (Chris Struck, Cabaret Scenes Magazine). The New York-based jazz singer, songwriter and pianist recently sold out Dizzy's Club in her Jazz at Lincoln Center bandleader debut. And her sixth and most recent album, How Love Begins, won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Winner of the prestigious 2021 American Traditions Vocal Competition Gold Medal, Zuraitis has established herself as a staple on the New York jazz scene, headlining such venues as Birdland, Blue Note, the Carlyle, 54 Below and more. An ardent environmentalist, her album release coincided with a self-produced day-long fundraiser for Save the Sound at Park City Music Hall in Bridgeport, CT.  

Summer Landscapes in Pastel (3-session series) 

Thu, Jul 11, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

$165; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill members save 10% 

Registration required 

Capture the vibrant colors and unforgettable vistas of Wave Hill’s summer landscapes in soft pastels, guided by demos and instruction with Wennie Huang, Signature Member and School of Pastel faculty at the Pastel Society of America. Lessons will be conducted outdoors, weather permitting, with a focus on composition, establishing values, choosing and applying color, mark-making, and working on a variety of surfaces in soft pastels. This workshop is open to all levels of experience. A basic supply list will be provided to participants before the workshop.  

Public Gallery Tour 

Thu, Jul 11, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays 

Registration not required 

Drop in for 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 the unique context of a public garden.    

Evening Bat Walk and Talk with Gotham Bat Conservancy 

Fri, Jul 12, 8:00PM – 10:00PM 

$40 including admission to the grounds, Wave Hill Members save 10%

Registration required  

With a mix of forest and open space and a location along the Hudson River, Wave Hill supports a habitat that is ideal for native bats. During this special after-hours program, bat conservationists from Gotham Bat Conservancy share their passion for and knowledge of bats and reveal the surprising roles that they serve in our local ecosystem. You’ll go home with a greater appreciation for bats and the opportunity to contribute to urban bat conservation! Rain date: July 19.  

Family Art Project: Such Are Snakes

Sat, Jul 13, 10:00AM – 1:00PM  

Sun, Jul 14, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required  

Unravel the secrets of these limbless creatures as you learn about their colorful patterns, remarkable abilities and which ones can be spotted at Wave Hill. Channel your new knowledge to make your own snake sculpture from recycled materials.  

Public Gallery Tour 

Sat, Jul 13, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Drop in for 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 the unique context of a public garden.    

Summer Birding

Sun, Jul 14, 9:30AM – 11:00AM

$17; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%.  

Registration required 

Naturalist and Audubon guide Gabriel Willow leads 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.  

Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, Jul 14, 1:00PM – 1:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

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.   

Summer Meditation and Sun Prints

Sun, Jul 14 2:00PM – 5:00PM

$55; including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill members save 10%

Registration required  

Join artist and wellness instructor Sara Hart for a summer afternoon in the garden combining art, nature and wellness. Connect to the garden through guided and seated walking meditations along our shady pathways and quiet nooks as you slow down and discover the beauty of nature around you. Then practice the technique of sun printing as you create beautiful and unique prints of natural materials on paper using the energy of the summer sun. This workshop is a perfect opportunity to explore your creativity and mindfulness practices. All are welcome! No art or meditation experience required. Moves indoors in case of rain. 

Sunset Wednesdays: Twisted Pine

Wed, Jul 17, 7:00PM – 8:00PM  

$15/adults; $10/students/seniors; $6/children 6-18; Free/members & children under 6

Advanced tickets encouraged  

Praised by NPR for their "upbeat, poppy vibe; energetic, driving rhythms; and virtuosic solos,” Twisted Pine takes traditional music in exhilarating directions, exploring a sound they call Americana funk. As the band’s bassist Chris Sartori describes their 2020 sophomore album Right Now, "We’re rooted in bluegrass, continually inspired by explorers like Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas, and Sierra Hull. Right Now takes this heritage into a new dimension. Our bluegrass is jazzy, our indie folk is poppy, our grooves are funky." Boston-based Twisted Pine’s sound pulses with fearless improvisation and intricate arrangements. 

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service is Back! Free from Subway and Metro-North, Thursday–Sunday 

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

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR NEW YORK CITY METRO, LONG ISLAND, AND LOWER HUDSON VALLEY REGIONS

 

In Effect for Sunday, June 23, 2024

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Sunday, June 23, 2024, for ozone to include the New York City Metro, Long Island, and Lower Hudson Valley regions.

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone

The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

 

The Sunday, June 23, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consists of: New York City Metro, which includes New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties; Long Island, which includes Suffolk and Nassau counties; and Lower Hudson Valley, which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.

 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

 

OZONE

 

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

 

Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas, but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.

 

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.

 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. 
  

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/aqiweb.pdf. 

 

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.