Monday, May 26, 2014

Cuomo to Go After Senate Republicans Unless They Agree to Campaign Finance


  In what has to be a blow to die hard Democrats who are against the Independent Democratic Conference In a Daily News story If Republicans don't get a campaign finance deal done this session, Cuomo will move to toss them out of power, say sources.

  The first line of the story reads - Gov. Cuomo will work to toss the Senate Republicans from power by reuniting the chamber’s fractured Democrats if the GOP does not agree to create a statewide public financing system for campaigns, according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation. 

  After reading just the first line one has to wonder if Governor Cuomo wants Senate Republicans to stay in a leadership role in the State Senate. That would explain why two years ago Governor Cuomo did little if anything to help Democratic State Senate candidates win over their Republican opponents.

  The Daily News story goes on to say that State Senate Republican Leader Dean Skellows in March promised to finalize a campaign finance deal, one that State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein had agree to with Governor Cuomo by the end of May. There are only a few days left for this to happen.

  Another source in the Daily News article confirmed that Klein isn’t ruling out aligning the mainstream Democrats, and quotes Klein as saying “If Dean is reneging, then all options have to be on the table come November,” 

  I asked Senator Klein last week at the Riverdale endorsement if he is thinking of having the same co-leadership of the state senate with the Senate Democratic Conference instead of the current co-leadership with senate  Republicans. Senator Jeff Klein's answer was "we will have to wait until after the election in November." One of Klein's aides then asked me why I asked that question.

  It would seem that by the Governors action (or lack of), new State Democratic Party Leader David Paterson's statement that it is not important that Democrats win back the State senate this year, and Senator Klein's coyness, that an eminent agreement will be reached with State Senate Democrats for a co-leadership with the IDC whether the Senate Democrats like it or not.

  It is only a matter of time in which we will see what happens to the two IDC challenges Oliver Koppell and John Liu now that this deal between the Senate Democratic Conference and the IDC seems to be a done deal.

Senator Klein Kicks Off First Ever Bronx Jewish Film Festival


  Bronx Jewish Film Festival to feature six films over three days in five locations across the Bronx 

 
  In honor of Jewish-American Heritage Month, Senator Jeff Klein will host the first ever Bronx Jewish Film Festival, featuring six films over three days in five locations across the Bronx. Popcorn and water will be provided and the films are free and open to the public. On Tuesday evening, Senator Klein will kick-off the film festival with a red carpet event at 7:30pm before the showing of Goodbye, Columbus in Seton Park in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx. For a full list of Senator Klein’s first ever Bronx Jewish Film Festival, see below.

World-famous actress, comedian and writer, Joan Rivers said: "I am thrilled for the First Annual Jewish Film Festival in the Bronx. As a New Yorker through and through, there is no better place to celebrate Jewish films - both classic features and more contemporary hits - than the Bronx. Thank you to Senator Klein for presenting this festival and for giving New Yorkers an excuse to re-watch these films or see them for the first time."

"As a life-long New Yorker,  I have always had a strong appreciation for Jewish film and culture.  I am thrilled that the first Bronx Jewish Film Festival will take place later this month in Riverdale.  Thank you to Senator Jeff Klein for giving New Yorkers of all ages and background the opportunity to see these wonderful films,” said acting and comic legend Jerry Stiller.

Movie dates - Times - Locations - Stars

May 27th

The Chosen @ 1 p.m.
Starring Maximilian Schell & Robby Benson
Location: Bronx House, 990 Pelham Parkway S, Bronx, NY 10461

Goodbye, Columbus @ 8 p.m. 
Starring Ali McGraw & Jack Klugman
Special 7:30pm “Red Carpet”
Location:  Seton Park, Independence Ave (between W. 232nd St. and W. 235th St.), Bronx, NY 10463

 
May 28th 
Lost in Yonkers @ 1 p.m
Starring Richard Dreyfuss & Mercedes Ruehl
Location: Riverdale Y, 5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471

Yentl @ 6:30 p.m.
Starring Barbara Streisand & Mandy Patinkin
Location: P.S. 24, 660 W 236th St, Bronx, NY 10463


May 29th 
Gentleman’s Agreement  @ 1 p.m
Starring Gregory Peck & Dorothy McGuire
Location: Bronx House,  990 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY 10461

Annie Hall  @ 6:30 p.m
Starring Woody Allen & Diane Keaton
Location: Riverdale Neighborhood House, 5521 Mosholu Ave, Bronx, NY 10471



Saturday, May 24, 2014

CFMC Meeting May 27


   Father Richard Gorman the new Chair of the Croton Filtration Monitoring Committee has scheduled a monthly meeting of the CFMC for Tuesday night May 27th at 7:00pm in the basement of the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 160 Van Cortlandt Park South, across from Van Cortlandt Park by the Major Deegan Highway.  

  Fr Gorman has asked DEP to present "Water for the Future" as well as the upcoming scope, costs, and schedule for construction projects at Jerome Park Reservoir(JPR) beyond the JPR Croton Filter Project. 

  As of now the DEP has been invited and has not confirmed attendance. At last months CFMC meeting scheduled by Father Gormen in attendance were representatives from the Parks Department, but DEP did not show up.

  A note of interest is that at the Community Board 8 Environmental and Sanitation Committee meeting there was a power point presentation about the rehabilitation of Gate Houses 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 at the Jerome Park Reservoir by the DEP with Shane Ojar the Community Outreach Director for DEP answering some of the questions with "That is a matter for the CFMC meetings not this presentation". Mr. Ojar is the representative from DEP to the CFMC meetings.

  

Congratulations Chairman William Rivera.


  Congratulations go out to the new chairman of Community Board # 9 Mr. William Rivera. Mr. Rivera has been a hard working member of CB 9 for many years and chaired the Public Safety/Housing Committee before being elected to the position of chairman of CB 9.



Friday, May 23, 2014

Wave Hill Events Jun 06–Jun 13: Free community yoga!


  What more peaceful, healing way to kick off the summer season Wave Hill-style than with a free session of Hatha Yoga? Plein-air Tai Chi and Yoga are hallmarks of wellness at this public garden and cultural center, and express so appropriately our mission—helping people connect to nature. Come experience it yourself—and coffee on the terrace overlooking the gardens and the majestic Hudson River, and a garden stroll, a walk through photographer Gregory Crewdson’s arresting firefly images in Glyndor Gallery and a browse through The Shop…You get the idea. Just breathe…We’ll help.


SAT, JUNE 7    FAMILY ART PROJECT: RAINBOW PASSAGE
Explore the colors of the rainbow! Collect transparent materials and create a spectrum to glue and frame into bright window hangings. Or, add your piece to a stained glass-like group temporary installation to adorn the new glass doors of the Sally and Gilbert Kerlin Learning Center. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JUNE 7    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. Sessions are held outdoors; indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JUNE 7    COMMUNITY YOGA AT WAVE HILL
This summer, come out and enjoy a restorative session of yoga! Once a season, Wave Hill offers a free, drop-in yoga session for the Bronx and neighboring communities, led by Yoga for Bliss founder and director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. All levels welcome. Please bring your own mat. Session will be held indoors; indoors in inclement weather. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon—but advance registration required, online only at www.wavehill.org. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session.
ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM–12:15PM

SAT, JUNE 7    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Experience the natural landscape from the comfort of a domestic interior in Marek and Kristyna Milde’s Sunroom Project, an installation of planters shaped as couches and chairs. In the Sun Porch space, listen to With Hidden Noise, a traveling exhibition featuring evocative sounds, some recognizable from traditional instruments and field recordings, and others masked through electronic processes. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JUNE 8    SUMMER BIRDING
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it an appealing destination for a wide variety of birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. 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, JUNE 8    FAMILY ART PROJECT: RAINBOW PASSAGE
Explore the colors of the rainbow! Collect transparent materials and create a spectrum to glue and frame into bright window hangings. Or, add your piece to a stained glass-like group temporary installation to adorn the new glass doors of the Sally and Gilbert Kerlin Learning Center. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JUNE 8    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. Sessions are held outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JUNE 8    MEDITATION
This spring, 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. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, JUNE 8    GALLERY RECEPTION & ARTIST TALKS: WITH HIDDEN NOISE
Join us at this reception for With Hidden Noise. Artist talks begin at 2:30PM and include Andrea Parkins and Michael J. Schumacher, who discuss the work that they have in the exhibition. With Hidden Noise presents sound art that invites visitors to become absorbed in the act of listening. The installation encompasses evocative sounds, some recognizable from traditional instruments and field recordings, and others masked through electronic processes. Curated by artist Stephen Vitiello and organized by Independent Curators International (ICI), this is the only New York City presentation of this traveling exhibition. Artists featured in the exhibition are Taylor Deupree, Jennie C. Jones, Pauline Oliveros, Andrea Parkins, Steve Peters, Steve Roden, Michael J. Schumacher and Stephen Vitiello. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2–4PM

SUN, JUNE 8    GARDEN 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

MON, JUNE 9
Closed to the public

TUE, JUNE 10    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

TUE, JUNE 10    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Experience the natural landscape from the comfort of a domestic interior in Marek and Kristyna Milde’s Sunroom Project, an installation of planters shaped as couches and chairs. In the Sun Porch space, listen to With Hidden Noise, a traveling exhibition featuring evocative sounds, some recognizable from traditional instruments and field recordings, and others masked through electronic processes. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 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 15October 31.  
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon on Tuesdays in June. 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 30 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 242nd 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.

 

Klein Wins Ben Franklin Endorsement BIG


  The Ben Franklin Club endorsement of Jeff Klein in the 34th state senate district over Oliver Koppel in Koppell's own club should have sent a message to Koppell. It got nasty at times as Koppell's strategy seemed to be to have his club not endorse for the 34th state senate rather than fight a battle he may not have been able to win. Long time members of the club spoke about honor and loyalty, but in the end it would be Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz that would be the last speaker and remind everyone of the night at the Paridise Theater in 2008. That night is better known as the battle for control of the Bronx Democratic County organization. Dinowitz said that as a candidate for County Committee Chair while he was being thrashed in the back of the theater Oliver Koppell was on stage supporting those who were trying to stay in power such as Jose Rivera, Larry Seabrook, and Maria Baez. Dinowitz said "Where was your loyalty then Oliver?" He continued talking about the next year in the mayors race not only did Oliver Koppell not support the Democratic candidate Bill Thompson, but Oliver Koppell supported the Republican candidate that he allowed to run for a third term by overturning the will of the people who voted two times for term limits. You could hear in his voice that Assemblyman Dinowitz's voice that he did not want to say these things, but on order to get the point across he had to. The photos below should tell the rest of the story. 
Left - Senator Jeff Klein was greeting members of the Ben Franklin Club before the meeting started.
Right - You can see the packed house.

 













Left - Lorraine Coyle Koppell seated next to her husband Oliver Koppell goes over some last minute strategy. Senator Klein is seated two rows back of the Koppell's.
Right - Candidate Oliver Koppell giving reasons why he should receive the Ben Franklin endorsement in the 34th senate district.














Left - Senator Klein speaks as to why the club should endorse him.
Right - Lorraine Coyle Koppell speaks in favor of her husband.

 













Left - Koppell is challenged by one Ben Franklin Club member as to his overturning the will of the people twice in changing the term limit law so that he and Republican Mayor Bloomberg could serve another 4 year term in office.
Right - Koppell's wife challenges Senator Klein as to him empowering Republicans to be in charge of the state senate.

 













Left - State Senator Gustavo Rivera from the 33rd state senate district in the Bronx asks the club to vote for Oliver Koppell over Senator Jeff Klein.
Right - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz had the final words before the club voted. Dinowitz criticized Oliver Koppell for that night in 2008 at the Paradise Theater when Koppell chose to support Jose Rivera over Dinopwitz for Bronx Democratic County Committee Chair. Jose Rivera is supporting Jeff Klein this election.



Finally the votes are counted to see if the Ben Franklin Club will endorse Senator Jeff Klein, Oliver Koppell, or not endorse in the 34th state senate district.







The results of the vote by Ben Franklin Club members were -

96 - votes to endorse Senator Jeff Klein for re-election

38 - votes to endorse Oliver Koppell 

11 - votes not to endorse 

It was a clear decisive victory for Senator Jeff Klein.

On her way out Lorraine Coyle Koppell told me " It's a sad day for the Ben Franklin Club, It has lost it's reason for it's existence".

Senator Klein was very happy to win the endorsement of the Ben Franklin Club as he told me that he now has every Democratic club in the 34th senate district behind him for re-election.