Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez Swearing in With Future Speaker in Attendance

  Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez was officially sworn into office for his second term as the New York City Council Member for Council District 10 (Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill). Council Member Rodriguez was joined by expected City Council Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, Assembly Member Gabriela Rosa, as well as community leaders in the area. City Clerk Michael McSweeny administered the oath of office and Councilman Rodriguez paid the $9.00 Fee for the swearing in. 

  

  I asked Councilwoman Mark-Viverito about her future plans since she will only have one term of four years left, while the Mayor, City Comptroller, and Public Advocate will be incumbents running for their second terms when she is term limited out of office. Future Speaker Mark-Vivirito said "That not why I am in this game". We also spoke about the Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie supporting her opponent Councilman Dan Garodnick. The answer to that was Councilman Ritchie Torres is her favorite Bronx Council Delegation member, and Councilwoman Mark-Viverito just smiled when I repeated the Bronx Democratic County Leaders name.

Left - Council members Rodriguez and Mark-Viverito go over a few things before Councilman Rodriguez is sworn in for a second term. 

Right - Councilman Rodriguez has only high praise for his choice to be the next Speaker of the City Council Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito.

 

Left- State Senator Adriano Espaillat gets to say a few words before the swearing in.

Right - Councilman Rodriguez is being sworn in to his second term in office.

 

Left - City Clerk Michael McSweeny signs that he has administered the oath of office to Councilman Ydinas Rodriguez.

Right - Councilman Rodriguez also signs as the city clerk counts the $9.00 fee paid.

 

Left - Future Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito tells the crowd that she is proud to have Councilman Rodriguez on her side.

Right - Councilwoman Mark-Viverito and the city clerk go over their schedules to see what day both have open so he can swear her in.

De Blasio Promising Committee Chairs to Queens Council Members?

  The Queens Tribune reports that in exchange for guaranteed support to Councilwoman Mellissa Mark-Viverito for speaker that several Queens council members have been promised key City Council committee positions.

  

  The Tribune writes that Councilwoman Julissa Ferraras (East Elmhurst) would be named Majority Leader, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (Woodside) would be named Finance Committee Chair, and that Councilman Daniel Dromm (Jackson Heights) would be the new Education Chair. Two other Queens Councilmen Daneek Miller and Donovan Richards have been promised undisclosed committee chairs. The Tribune even has Republican Eric Ulrich (Ozone Park) promised a chair of a committee if he supports Mark Viverito for Speaker. 

  The Tribune also says that Brooklyn Councilman David Greenfield has been offered the Land Use Committee to help sway the rest of Brooklyn to support Mark-Viverito. While the Tribyne says that the speaker's selection is not in the bag yet, and that there could be a surprise when the vote comes on January 8th. The full Queens Tribune article can be found here.

Among the promises made to the Queens delegation, Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) would be named Majority Leader. Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Woodside) would head up the Finance Committee and Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) would get the Education Committee. - See more at: http://queenstribune.com/committee-chairs-found-under-the-tree/#sthash.OZppexCa.dpuf

 

Among the promises made to the Queens delegation, Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) would be named Majority Leader. Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Woodside) would head up the Finance Committee and Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) would get the Education Committee. - See more at: http://queenstribune.com/committee-chairs-found-under-the-tree/#sthash.OZppexCa.dpuf

Mayor Bill de Blasio Looking for New Comunications Director

  Just days after it reported that Mayor elect Bill de Blasio's communications director Liz Smith was seeing former Governor Eliot Spitzer The New York Post has reported that Ms. Smith is out as communications director. In its first story the Post reported that De Blasio described it as having been blindsided by the news of the relationship, and said at a press conference Monday that he hadn’t decided whether he would keep her on staff.

   The Post reports that Smith was absent Thursday from her usual position with de Blasio, and that aids have interviewed several possible replacements. De Blasio backed Spitzer's opponent in the Democratic Primary Scott Stringer for Comptroller, and had been critical of Spitzer, who resigned in 2008 over a prostitution scandal.

   The exposure of Spitzer and Smith's affair led to Spitzer and his wife Silda announcing that their marriage was finally over. The Post reports that the next day after the announcement Smith brought Spitzer to a Christmas party at her parents home in Bronxville. The entire Post article can be found here.

Wave Hill Events January 10–January 17

 

  This week, we celebrate the return of concerts to Wave Hill House’s magnificent Armor Hall, after a two-year renovation of the house. Glyndor Gallery comes alive as well, as the 2014 Winter Workspace artists settle into their residency in the galleries. This week, by the way, begins the first of a number of free workshops that Winter Workspace artists will offer, wonderful opportunities for visitors to learn about the artists’ studio practices. Reservations are required for both the concerts and for Winter Workspace workshops—and space is limited.  Outdoors, there is plenty to inspire, from birding walks to a stroll with our dapper Charles Day, horticultural interpreter extraordinaire, who introduces us to some of the stately trees in our landscape that date back to Toscanini’s tenure here at Wave Hill in the 1940’s. The Family Art Project this week also resonates with Toscanini as we continue to pay homage to Wave Hill’s illustrious, historical residents. Hats off to all this creativity!

SAT, JANUARY 11    FAMILY ART PROJECT—KANDINSKY COLORS AND TOSCANINI SOUNDS

According to Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky, “music is the ultimate teacher.” Together we’ll listen to the music of former Wave Hill resident and conductor Arturo Toscanini and explore the emotions, colors and even animals behind the music. Find your inner resonance with color, music and tempera paint. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JANUARY 11    TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JANUARY 11    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: PAPERMAKING FROM YOUR BACKYARD

Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Aron Louis Cohen’s creative process and explore the winter landscape as a source of inspiration. The artist gives an introduction to making paper in your home from the plants around you. Then learn which plants are suitable for growing or gathering, how to process them and the basics of sheet forming. Each participant will take home their own handmade paper. Art materials are provided unless otherwise noted. Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1–4PM

SUN, JANUARY 12    BIRDING WALK

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River flyway provides the perfect habitat for native and migrating birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, JANUARY 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT—KANDINSKY COLORS AND TOSCANINI SOUNDS

According to Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky, “music is the ultimate teacher.” Together we’ll listen to the music of former Wave Hill resident and conductor Arturo Toscanini and explore the emotions, colors and even animals behind the music. Find your inner resonance with color, music and tempera paint. Free with admission to the grounds. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JANUARY 12    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JANUARY 12    MEDITATION

This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of this session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, JANUARY 12    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SUN, JANUARY 12    CONCERT: SINFONIETTA OF RIVERDALE

Wave Hill’s concert series returns with signature, site-inspired programs that take advantage of Armor Hall, Wave Hill’s unique performance space, as well as the garden landscape. Wave Hill’s concert series returns with signature, site-inspired programs that take advantage of Armor Hall, Wave Hill’s unique performance space. In the opening performance of the season, the Sinfonietta of Riverdale, a string orchestra of 16 players performs in Armor Hall under the baton of maestro Mark Mandarano. The program is a tribute to Arturo Toscanini, an illustrious former Wave Hill resident. Hear works by Beethoven, Rossini and Toscanini’s arrangement of Verdi’s String Quartet in e minor for larger string ensemble.  The Verdi Quartet is also heard later this season, when the Enso String Quartet performs it as originally scored for two violins, viola and cello. Two hours with intermission.  Illustrious Residents event.

Special pricing for this concert: General tickets $45, $40 senior, $35 Wave Hill Member. Tickets on sale starting November 26, online, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.439.3200 x251. 

Two hours with intermission. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

MON, JANUARY 13

Closed to the public.

THU, JANUARY 16    GARDEN WALK: TOSCANINI’S TREES

When Arturo Toscanini resided at Wave Hill House in the 1940’s, he would have enjoyed a landscape that included many of the trees that define the garden today. Bundle up for a brisk winter walk with Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day to see some favorite trees from Toscanini’s tenure here. This walk repeats January 18. Free with admission to the grounds. Illustrious Residents event.

MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

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 landscape, 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 through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day on Tuesdays in January. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

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

Assemblyman Dinowitz Calls on Sanitation to Change Holiday Recycling Collection

 

  For some New Yorkers recycling during the holiday season can be a hassle.  One New York State Assemblyman wants to change that.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) is calling on the New York City Sanitation Department to change their recycling collection schedule for the end of December and beginning of January.  He points to the fact that Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, both federally recognized holidays, annually fall on the same day of the week which causes recycling collection to be suspended on those days.  This means that collection does not exist for some New York City residents between December 18^th and January 8^th.

“This is simply too long for recycling collection to be suspended, a significant inconvenience for too many,” stated Mr. Dinowitz.  “Three weeks in-between recycling collection is too lengthy, particularly during the holiday season when families gather for numerous celebrations,” he added.

This time frame of suspended collection overlaps with Sanitation’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program which takes place from December 30^th through January 15^th.

Assemblyman Dinowitz also has a suggestion which would ease the burden on both City residents and the Sanitation Department.  He recommends that recycling collection can be picked up on the next active collection date after one of the two suspended dates.  For example, Sanitation could pick up collection that would have occurred on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day on December 26^th or January 2^nd.

“This seems like a common sense solution that will benefit both the City and its residents,” explained Mr. Dinowitz.  “Residents would not have to hold onto collectibles for almost a month while Sanitation would not have to pick up a heavy collection once service resumes after three weeks.”

A Very YEP Christmas

Left and Right - Are the toys that were brought to the Eastwood Manor earlier today for the 2013 Sharing and Caring party held by Councilman Andy King and the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program that he started several years ago. Yes that is Santa Claus on the right watching over all the toys to make sure that deserving youngsters received them.
  The Eastwood Manor and Councilman Andy King hosted a Christmas Party for deserving children in his district, and got a lot of help from some of the youngsters in his Bronx Youth Empowerment Program which was started several years ago by Mr. Andy King.
  Mr. Jemine Antonelli a youth pastor dressed up as Santa Claus, and he had more fun than the little children that sat on his lap. Mr. Antonelli also gave the invocation (in full Santa suit), and was only one of the many YEP volunteers who helped Councilman King make this Christmas Party a huge success. By the way Santa Antonelli said that he wants a new Booster Sleigh as his present for Christmas as the reindeer are getting old.
  Councilman King and his wife are sharing all year round, and he wants to remove barriers to move forward. It is one of the reasons he has done so well in his short stint as a replacement for former Councilman Seabrook (who was removed from office), and the reason that Councilman Andy King was re-elected with an overwhelmingly majority of the vote this past primary and general election.
  I was able to draw Councilman King away from the crowd long enough to ask him about the speakers race where on January 8th he and all of the 51 council members will vote in a new speaker of the council. Councilman King said that he has committed his vote to the Bronx Council delegation to vote with the delegation as a block. I told him of the night before where Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito was with Councilman Elect Ritchie Torres who is the only Bronx delegation member committed to her for speaker. I then asked Councilman King if he received any phone calls from the incoming mayor who he supported over the Bronx Democratic County organization's candidate, and he said yes he did but that he was still committed to vote with the Bronx Council delegation. 

Left - Councilman King introduces the members of YEP who were helping him.

Right - A photo of all of the volunteers with Councilman King.

  

Left - Sofia sits on Santa lap, and tells him what she wants for Christmas.

Right - Other youngsters were dancing.

Left - The Jamccar Ekklispe steel drum band were one of the performers at the party.

Right - Councilman King's parents Bernice and Andy King Sr. enjoy the party.

 The Bronx Youth Empowerment Program. What it is all about.

Chiara de Blasio Opens Up About Her Depression And Substance Abuse

 This comes from the Daily News Blog by Celeste Katz.

  The entire article can be found here, which includes a 5 minute video by Mayor de Blasio's 19 year old daughter has revealed that she has battled substance abuse, depression, drugs, and alcohol including how she won out over all of them. She begins the video by disclosing she’s battled depression nearly “her entire adolescence” and that her substance abuse flowed from that struggle.

  Chiara de Blasio attends college in California 3,000 miles away, and sought help here in New York City. In a surprise e-mail the incoming mayor and his wife "As parents, our instinct has been to protect our daughter and privately help her through a deeply personal struggle," they wrote. The video also was posted on YouTube, under the heading, "Chiara de Blasio tells her story."

  For her part, Chiara de Blasio simply encouraged people to watch the short video. “I hope that everybody watches the video," she said. "I think that it speaks for itself."

Yudelka Tapia Fined By COIB

  The Conflicts of Interest Board has fined Yudelka Tapia almost $5,000.00 for using her computer in her  office as a city employee for the City Comptrollers office to advance her failed city council campaign and successful campaign for Female District Leader in 2009,. The COIB fined Ms. Tapia $4,480 for using the city computer for sending out political e-mails and for other political campaign uses while on city time. 

  Ms. Yudelka Tapia also ran this past year in the 86th Assembly special election when the seat became vacant after 86th A.D. Assemblyman Nelson Castro resigned.  Castro wore a wire for federal prosecutors for five years in a sting operation to root out corrupt Bronx elected officials that netted only a freshman assemblyman after Castro was indicted for election fraud in 2008. It was not said if this fine was connected to this years campaign for the assembly by Ms. Tapia, only the 2009 City Council and District Leader positions.