Sunday, October 18, 2026

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - What if your gift told a story?

 

This fall, consider sharing your special story through the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Bench Program. You can adopt an existing bench and add a plaque, personalized with your own words. 

Honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, remember a beloved pet, or share a message that feels uniquely yours, like the plaque pictured above. 

In loving memory of Peter Moretti

True friend, a mystic, a master martial artist and a musician.

He loved life and small animals, and made many

people feel noticed and cared for.

Your gift gives something meaningful to the park and to everyone who spends time there. VCPA will care for your bench for 10 years while your support helps sustain the trails, natural areas, free programs, and community stewardship that make Van Cortlandt Park feel like home.

Give someone you love a place in the park to be remembered. Tell their story now. 

Learn more about the Bench Program

Warmly,

The VCPA Team


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

Biweekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

GOVERNMENT HEADER

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA'S STATEMENT ON SHOOTING BY ICE AGENTS

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS THE STREET NAMING CEREMONY OF THE SALLIE E. CALDWELL WAY

Last week, Senator Rivera joined colleagues and representatives of the NYC Department of Transportation to celebrate the street naming ceremony honoring Ms. Sallie Caldwell’s 38 years of public service.


This deserving tribute was made possible through the advocacy of her children, Brenda and Bret Caldwell, honoring her legacy in Norwood.


Thank you Ms. Brenda Caldwell-Paris for your invitation!

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS THE ASSOCIATION FOR A BETTER NEW YORK'S POWER BREAKFAST

Last week, Senator Rivera joined the Association for a Better New York (ABNY) for its Power Breakfast featuring NYCEDC President Tony Shorris. The event brought together attendees for a thoughtful conversation about New York City’s economic development and future.


Thank you to ABNY for hosting and creating space for this important discussion.

SENATOR RIVERA VISITS THE BRONX HIGH SCHOOL FOR VISUAL ARTS

Last week, Senator Rivera visited the Bronx High School for Visual Arts for a tour and conversation with the school’s administrative team. He heard about the school’s priorities and needs and discussed how his office can support the school community. Thank you for the warm welcome!

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS THE PERMANENT MISSION OF CUBA TO THE UNITED STATES

Earlier this month, Senator Rivera joined fellow New York State legislators at the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations to connect with Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán and members of the Cuban delegation. Hosted by Senator Jabari Brisport’s office and the Cuban Mission, the gathering brought legislators and delegation members together for a conversation about the status of United States - Cuba relations.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES

FRIDAY 10/23: ARE YOU A COLLEGE STUDENT IN SENATOR RIVERA'S DISTRICT? RSVP TO JOIN THIS DISCUSSION!

RSVP HERE!

Visit our Website

THURSDAY 10/29: WEBINAR DISCUSSION ON HEALTH COVERAGE AND MEDICAID

Join a free webinar on October 29th to learn about new Medicaid eligibility rules that could affect health coverage status. They'll discuss what's changing, how to keep coverage, and tips for finding low-cost care for New Yorkers who lose coverage.

REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

THURSDAY 11/05: JOIN THE BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE AG FAIR!

DEADLINE MONDAY 11/16: ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: APPLY TO CUNY FOR FREE!

The City University of New York (CUNY) will waive its $65 freshman application fee for New York City public high school seniors Sept. 15 through Nov. 16, a month longer than last year. Take advantage of this amazing opporutnity and apply to the nation’s largest urban public university!

THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WILL UPGRADE THEIR UNEMPLOYEMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

On November 2, 2026, the Department will begin transitioning to an upgraded

unemployment insurance system called Unemployment Services. This upgraded system will include many enhancements for users, including fewer delays, real-time updates, and greater accessibility.


While the Department of Labor implements this upgraded system, individuals will be unable to file for unemployment insurance, certify for benefits, or reach their call centers.


Specific dates regarding this upgrade are below:

• November 2: The upgrade begins. Online and phone services for unemployment insurance are unavailable beginning at 5 pm. The Department expects the upgrade to take 9 – 12 days

• Upgraded system available 9-12 days after the upgrade begins: Customers

with active claims must use the upgraded system to certify benefit payments.

New customers can begin to file claims in the upgraded unemployment system.


During the 9-to-12-day upgrade period, all online and phone-based unemployment insurance services will be temporarily unavailable. Individuals will not be able to file unemployment insurance claims, certify for weekly benefits, or access or update account information. As a result, payments will be delayed. Customers will need to file or certify in the upgraded system when it’s available to receive all benefits due to them.


The Department will notify all customers when the upgraded system is available. Also during the upgrade period, Career Centers will be available by virtual appointments only. During those appointments, Career Center staff will not be able to assist with unemployment insurance, but they can help customers with their job search. If this will affect you, we encourage you to stay up to date by following the Department’s website and official social media accounts. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ATTENTION EVERYBODY: BE MINDFUL OF THE UPCOMING CHANGES TO MEDICAID COVERAGE STARTING JANUARY 2027

The New York Health Act (S.3425) is a bill carried by Senator Rivera that would guarantee healthcare for every New Yorker by removing private health insurance from the equation. Unfortunately, people don't realize how broken our healthcare system is until they get sick or need unexpected medical care. We can change that with a single payer system that puts patients before profits.


Learn more about the NY Health Act below: 

Wave Hill Weekly Events (Oct 22 – Oct 29) | Engage with the World Around!

 

Although autumn has taken its time, the elegance of the season is alive. Flowers and fruit complement the foliage with jewel tones sprinkled in different corners, putting their best show across the garden. From dahlias in the Flower Garden to the Feathery Bluestar whose delicate texture softens the scenery by the Perkins Visitor Center. Find your space at Wave Hill as different colors and textures come together to create the landscape we know and love.

Wave Hill-O-Ween


Calling all ghosts and goblins, pirates and princesses—it’s Halloween at Wave Hill! Venture through our iron gates (if you dare!) for an enchanted evening for the whole family.  



Nature & Wellness



Garden Highlights Walk


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; each walk varies with the Guide leading it.



Art



Public Gallery Tour


Free with admission to the grounds


Registration not required. 
Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture, and site. 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 the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.



Meet the Artists: Dots and Loops


Free with admission to the grounds


Registration not required.


Join us for a conversation with exhibiting artists Jen Chen-su Huang, Rita Maas, and Audra Wolowiec, followed by interactive artist-led programming!



Family 


Family Art Project: Web Weavers


Free with admission to the grounds


Registration not required. 
Where have you spotted spiders recently? In the garden or the house, spiders are helpful creatures. We'll weave webs to create hanging mobiles while learning about our arachnid allies. At 11:30am families can enjoy a storytime.



Special Events



Afternoon Tea


7-day Advanced Registration required


Enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and delectable pastries with a specialty tea selection every Tuesday and Thursday with seatings at 11AM or 2PM. Served at historic Wave Hill House, Afternoon Teas are provided by our exclusive partner Great Performances whose menu uses local and seasonal ingredients, inspired from their own organic farm, Katchkie Farm. 



HOURS STARTING MARCH 15: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 
Shuttle Service free from Subway and Metro-North, Saturday–Sunday


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