The Unity Democratic Club - Membership Meeting THIS Thursday, May 22

 Unity Democrats:

Join us THIS THURSDAY, May 22 at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 6:30PM for our May Membership Meeting.

We will be holding a discussion on issues relative to voters, with an emphasis on bringing the community into the club.

RSVP + Transportation Survey

Primary Election Activities

The Primary Election is just 39 Days away! Every moment counts from now until June 24th. Please join us for our Days of Action, Community Canvasses, and community events to get the word our about our endorsed candidates.

RSVP to See our Activities HERE!

Ongoing Club Activities

HOUSING TOWN HALL

Deborah and Rodrick Wallace are working to organize a housing town hall for the district to address housing issues throughout the district. If you are interested in helping to plan this future event, please sign up here.

Wave Hill Unveils Its 2025 Summer Outdoor Performing Arts Season

 

Wave Hill Unveils Its 2025 Summer Outdoor Performing Arts Season

 

This summer, in celebration of its 60th Anniversary, Wave Hill invites visitors to experience a season of music that reflects the city’s remarkable breadth of sound and spirit. The 2025 Summer Outdoor Performing Arts Season brings together a lively mix of artists—from jazz innovators and Latin American vocalists to theatrical indie-folk storytellers and street dance improvisers—each offering a unique voice and performance style that speaks to the diversity and creativity of our communities.

The season begins with a free Carnegie Hall Citywide concert by the exhilarating Endea Owens and The Cookout, followed by an expanded Sunset Wednesdays series. These beloved twilight concerts are set against the stunning backdrop of Wave Hill’s gardens and Hudson River views, providing an unforgettable atmosphere for music, connection, and celebration. The season features: Allison Miller; Lucía; Bandits on the Run; Fabiola Méndez; and LayeRhythm. An additional Sunday afternoon concert with composer and vocalist Majel Connery provides a musical journey inside the mind of a tree, presented as part of the Glyndor Gallery exhibition Trees, we breathe running throughout the summer.

“For our 60th Anniversary, we wanted to honor Wave Hill’s deep roots in the Bronx and its ongoing commitment to the arts by expanding the ways people can experience music here,” said Wave Hill’s President and Executive Director, Ray Oladapo-Johnson. “This season’s performers bring a wide range of stories, rhythms, and sounds that invite audiences to see—and hear—the garden in new ways.”

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.

ADMISSION TO THE GROUNDS: $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6-18. Free Thursdays. Free to members, children under 6. 

 

Wave Hill  •  675 W 252 Street, Bronx, NY 10471  •  718.549.3200

New York State Parks Raises Anchor for Safe Boating Week

 

Boaters reminded that Brianna’s Law now in full effect

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) begins its recreational boating season to coincide with National Safe Boating Week. Brianna’s Law is now in full effect. As of January 1, 2025, a safe boating certificate is required of all motorized boat operators, regardless of age. If you have yet to put your boat in the water, there is still time: both classroom and online course options are listed on the State Parks website: https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx

National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23) is a campaign sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council and provides an opportunity to spread the message of boating safety and encourage boater education. Throughout the season, boaters are reminded to practice safe and responsible boating, always wear a life jacket, and be alert and aware while on the water.

State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “As the 2025 boating season begins, safety on New York waters remains our top priority. Our Marine Services team has been working hard to ensure boaters are prepared before heading out. Brianna’s Law plays a vital role in promoting responsibility and saving lives on the water.”

Brianna’s Law is named after Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl who died in a boating accident on Long Island when a boat ran into her family's cabin cruiser in August 2005. The law was phased in over several years and gradually expanded to include all operators by the start of this year. Since being phased in, 213,637 have taken the course and, in the first four months of this year, more people have earned a certificate than all of 2024. New York State is committed to boating safety and has taken substantial steps to ensure boaters are knowledgeable and well-prepared to enjoy the season.

State Parks Director of Marine and Recreational Vehicles Alexi Howland said, “No matter how experienced you are, I guarantee the course will either teach you something new or serve as a great refresher on topics you might not have thought about since your first time on the water. After all, it’s not just about the rules, it’s about respect for the marine environment, and for all those who share our waterways. It’s critical that both boat operators and passengers keep safety in the forefront of their minds as they enjoy the water.”

As part of this special week, New York State reminds kayakers and other paddle craft operators that they are boaters too. In addition to a properly sized U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, paddlers must also carry a sound signaling device, such as a whistle, on board. Kayaks, canoes and row boats can be difficult for larger boats to see. Please stay close to shore, wear bright colors, and consider using reflective paddle stickers or a flag to increase your visibility to other boaters.

You can also request FREE reflective paddle stickers by sending a self-addressed, stamped legal size envelope to: NYS Parks Marine Services Bureau Safety Stickers Albany, NY 12238.

Let us navigate the waters responsibly, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all!

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA PRESENTS THE 2025 NEW YORK STATE SENATE WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARD TO MS. JEAN HILL

This week, Senator Rivera recognized Ms. Jean Hill as his 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction for our district. Ms. Hill is the President of the Tracey Towers Tenant Organization, a Bronx Community Board 7 member, and an outstanding community leader. Senator Rivera was proud to present her with this well-deserved recognition. Thank you, Ms. Hill, for your endless commitment to our community. You are an inspiration! Watch here the reel on Senator Rivera's Instagram.

30 BILLS PASSED THIS WEEK'S HEALTH COMMITTEE MEETING

This week, Senator Rivera held the seventh Health Committee meeting of the year, where 30 bills, including 7 of his own, were passed:

• S3364: Establishes an Office of the State Medical Fund Ombudsman and a Medical Indemnity Fund Advisory Panel: This bill would establish an ombudsman to serve as a much needed advocate for Medical Indemnity Fund (MIF) families. It would also create a MIF stakeholder advisory panel that would meet at least twice annually to discuss ongoing issues, make recommendations, and improve education to help individuals access the services, supplies, and modifications to which they are entitled.

• S7460: Establish at least 4 maternal-infant care centers: This bill directs the Commissioner of Health to establish at least 4 maternal-infant care centers in areas with high need for infants suffering from drug withdrawal due to in utero exposure. The care provided to infants and their families at these centers will be rooted in evidence-based practices that are both highly effective for treating Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS), and cost-efficient.

For more information about all the bills, click here.

This week, Senator Rivera attended the Donate Life New York State Breakfast for Champions event in Albany. The event featured an inspirational presentation on the life-changing power of organ donation, highlighting its life-saving impact, as well as important updates on the organization's mission.

Senator Rivera is a strong supporter of the cause. He was the sponsor of the "Living Donor Support Act" (S1594/A146A) which was signed into law in 2022. This measure will provide reimbursements to living organ donors for expenses related to the donation process. Its goal is to reduce financial barriers to organ donation, increase the number of transplants, and support New Yorkers waiting for organs. The law is currently in the very early stages of implementation by the State Department of Health.

Senator Rivera introduced the Budget Equity Act (S.7828) in an effort to push for a constitutional amendment that would ensure equitable and transparent negotiations throughout the State budget process. "This year definitively confirmed that the process by which the budget gets negotiated cannot continue. The Legislature must be respected as a coequal branch of government. This change would mean that our State would be better able respond to the needs and concerns of all New Yorkers, not just the whims of the Executive," said Senator Rivera. Click here for more information about Senator Rivera's bill. Thanks to Spectrum News 1 for the coverage. Read the full story here.

In case you missed it, last week Senator Rivera hosted a Homeownership 101 Virtual Training in partnership with the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG).

During the virtual training, participants learned about a variety of topics including the differences between co-ops, condos, and homes; the processes involved in buying and selling these types of properties; the government resources available to those homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure or currently in foreclosure proceedings, and so much more!

View a replay of this webinar here and click here to download the presentation.

Are you media savvy and interested in public service?

Apply for our Communications Summer Internship and help Senator Rivera’s team to shape the message behind the mission.

We will accept applications on a rolling basis but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Send us your resume and cover letter at grivera@nysenate.gov

JustFix, in partnership with the Housing Justice for All coalition, has launched Good Cause NYC a powerful new tool designed to help NYC tenants take advantage of their new protections. 

By analyzing public data from multiple sources, the tool helps cut through the confusion, making it easier for tenants to learn if they’re covered to fight back against unjust rent hikes and eviction.

With this new tool they're putting knowledge and power back in the hands of tenants.

How does Good Cause NYC help?

• Eligibility Screener: Enter your address and answer a few short questions to find out if you are covered.

• Your Rights: No matter what result you get, they offer next steps to learn about the protections you have and how to assert your rights.

• Rent Increase Calculator: If you know you’re covered by Good Cause, you can use their new rent increase calculator to learn if your rent hike is considered “unreasonable” by the law.

Visit Good Cause NYC here for more information.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON MAYOR'S INVITATION TO RIDE ALONG SUBWAY OUTREACH TEAMS TONIGHT

 

"Regardless of the mayor’s positioning, I plan to attend tonight’s tour and put public service over political posturing — I hope the mayor can follow that example. It’s my responsibility as Public Advocate to monitor implementation of these programs together with other elected officials — not to co-sign harmful and ineffective systems, but to bring transparency and accountability to them. 

 

"The mayor has been wrong to pursue ever-increasing policing of poverty and mental health, rather than better use existing tools and increasing continuum of care. While seeing a snapshot of the operations tonight is important, it doesn’t replace what people with lived experience and citywide data are telling us. Hopefully after tonight, the mayor will stop misleading the public about the tools already available to us, the outcomes of the city’s failures to use those tools, and the need for strategies that focus on helping people, not hiding them away."