Wave Hill Events Jul 18–Jul 25

 Of all the gifts of summer, surely one that we prize after this past winter is the vitality of the season. The sights, the sounds, the scents, even the taste of summer, are full of verve in every corner of Wave Hill’s garden oasis!

Happy 4^th!

SAT, JULY 19    FAMILY ART PROJECT: APPLETON ANIMAL BOOKS  

Listen to the “Just So” stories by Rudyard Kipling, published by William Appleton, one of Wave Hill’s illustrious residents. Then, make your own inventive, animal book with bookmaker and visiting artist Donna Maria DeCreeft. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JULY 19    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, JULY 19    WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK

Discover the fascinating history of Wave Hill’s architecture and landscape on a walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Hear about the people who once called Wave Hill home, among them Mark Twain, Bashford Dean and Arturo Toscanini. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Illustrious Residents event. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, JULY 19    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Firefliesseries is being shown for the first time in its entirety; Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures.  In the Sunroom Project Space, Lauren Carly Shaw transforms the space into the setting of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1899), set in the late 19th century, when the original Glyndor House was constructed. Shaw chronicles the effect of confinement on a woman’s mental state. In the Sun Porch space, Reade Bryan’s sculptural installation investigates the way that iconic building materials, such as plywood and drywall supplies, are created and used. Here he evokes the effects of a flood or the mass of a cliff’s edge; the natural landscape appears to intrude on the interior, although the sculpture itself is made of domestic building material.

Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JULY 20    FAMILY ART PROJECT: APPLETON ANIMAL BOOKS  

Listen to the “Just So” stories by Rudyard Kipling, published by William Appleton, one of Wave Hill’s illustrious residents. Then, make your own inventive, animal book with bookmaker and visiting artist Donna Maria DeCreeft. Free with admission to the grounds. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JULY 20    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, JULY 20    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 at8AM 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

SAT, JULY 20    COOKING DEMO: FLAVORSOME FLORA—LICORICE

Join us for a summer-long celebration of aromatic herbs. Sample dishes prepared by chefs from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances, then stroll in the garden with a horticultural interpreter to see the featured ingredients in their summer glory. Licorice shares familiar flavor compounds with herbs such as anise, tarragon, wormwood (think absinthe) and even basil. Touch and taste licorice-scented herbs and discover delicious ways to use these powerful aromatics in refreshing summer recipes. On the chef’s menu: She crab soup with tarragon and Pernod, and Saffron-braised fennel. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 1PM

SUN, JULY 20    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, JULY 21

Closed to the public

TUE, JULY 22    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Firefliesseries is being shown for the first time in its entirety; Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures.  In the Sunroom Project Space, Lauren Carly Shaw transforms the space into the setting of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1899), set in the late 19th century, when the original Glyndor House was constructed. Shaw chronicles the effect of confinement on a woman’s mental state. In the Sun Porch space, Reade Bryan’s sculptural installation investigates the way that iconic building materials, such as plywood and drywall supplies, are created and used. Here he evokes the effects of a flood or the mass of a cliff’s edge; the natural landscape appears to intrude on the interior, although the sculpture itself is made of domestic building material. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, JULY 23    MOMMY AND BABY YOGA

Designed for mothers, fathers or caregivers and babies eight weeks old to crawling, this yoga class brings families together for a gentle exercise session in a beautiful garden setting. Stretch, breathe and bond with your child while meeting other parents Led by certified instructors from Yoga for Bliss. Mats provided, but please bring a soft blanket for your baby. Sessions take place outdoors, but move indoors in case of rain or extreme heat. $25/$15 Wave Hill member. Advance registration online at www.wavehill.org receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Tuesday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins accommodated as space allows. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11AM

WED, JULY 23    SUNSET WEDNESDAY

Experience summer at its best—an expansive landscape of rolling lawns and gorgeous formal gardens, fresh river breezes, plein-air performances by local musicians, yoga, guided walks and cutting-edge art in Glyndor Gallery. Order dinner from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances, and you have the makings of a superb summer evening. Gardens open until 8:30PM. Wave Hill House, Perkins Visitor Center, Glyndor Gallery, The Café and The Shop at Wave Hill open until 7:30PM. Check www.wavehill.org/visit for the schedule for Sunset Wednesdays free shuttle service to and from Metro-North and the #1 subway. Beginning at 4PM on Sunset Wednesdays, admission is $10 Adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6‒18. No guest passes or reciprocal admission accepted.

ON THE GROUNDS, TILL 8:30PM

WED, JULY 23   SUNSET HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life with a blissful yoga class! Reduce your stress levels and increase energy by working with your body and breath. This sunset session is led by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salomone. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 4PM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online atwww.wavehill.org receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Tuesday before; after that, refunds will not be made. A limited number of mats are available onsite, please bring your own mat. Drop-ins will be accommodated as 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, 6–7:30PM

WED, JULY 23    SUNSET SKETCH

Use pencil, pen and ink wash to make quick sketches inspired by the dynamic sights and sounds of Sunset Wednesdays at Wave Hill. Artist Wennie Huang provides hands-on demonstrations and individual guidance as you capture the landscape, activity of visitors, and the strong silhouettes cast by the sun as it sets over the Palisades. This three-session series continues July 30 and August 6. $125/ $95 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, 718.549.3200 x251 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6–8PM

WED, JULY 23    SUNSET GARDEN WALK

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a mini tour of one of Wave Hill’s magnificent gardens. Tours vary by week―come back on another evening for a glimpse of a different garden area! Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

WED, JULY 23    SUNSET MUSIC: ILU AYE—THE DRUM OF THE WORLD

A high point of each Sunset Wednesday includes a live performance on the grassy expanse of the Great Lawn, overlooking the majestic Palisades. Ilu Aye—"The Drum of the World" in Yoruba—was founded in 2004 to celebrate the connections between the peoples and cultures of the African Diaspora. Bringing together the next generation of Afro-Puerto Rican, Afro-Dominican and Afro-Cuban percussionists and singers, Ilu Aye preserves and promulgates the rich cultural legacy of Africa in the Americas and the Caribbean, through performance, educational workshops and community-centered gatherings where the rhythms of the African Caribbean reign. Trained by master musicians from all three islands and versed in sacred and popular rhythms, such as Bata, Güiro and Rumba (Cuba); Bomba and Plena (Puerto Rico); and Palos, Salves and Kongos (Dominican Republic), Ilu Aye interprets traditional songs and reinvigorates the genres with original compositions as well. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 7–8PM

THU, JULY 24    LANDSCAPE PAINTING: THE MANY SHADES OF GREEN

Wave Hill is cloaked in infinite shades of green. Working from direct observation of the landscape, learn to distinguish the subtleties between these hues and capture them in oil paint. Artist Rachael Wren offers demonstrations, individual guidance, and gentle critiques to help you gain the skills you need to translate the complex forms of nature into the language of painting. All levels welcome. Limited supplies provided. This six-session workshop continues July 31, August 7, 14, 21 and 28. $270/$210 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, 718.549.3200 x251 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

THU, JULY 24    STORIES IN THE GARDEN: SIX LEGS TOO MANY

Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories––classics and more––will come to life through interactive readings, sing-alongs and puppets. Programs are held outdoors in good weather; in inclement weather we will meet in Wave Hill House. Hairy, scary, crawly and wiggly–– bugs are on the agenda this week.  Enjoy tales that explore the world of insects, and then dance with all six of your legs. Our books this week are Bugs for Lunch by Margery Facklam, Spider Spin Webs by Yvonne Winer and The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle. Ideal for children ages 3 to 6 with their adult companions. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 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 July. 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 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.

Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association Endorses State Senator Klein

  Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association President Norman Seabrook, who represents the labor union of the City’s Boldest, endorsed state Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) for reelection to the 34th State Senate District on Tuesday.

“Jeff Klein’s independence has proven to be an asset to the democratic process in the City and State of New York. There should be more elected officials like Jeff, as opposed to those who go along to get along,” Seabrook said.

“I’m honored to receive the of the endorsement of the Corrections Officers Benevolent Association and I will continue to be an independent voice in government who understands the concerns of their membership,” state Senator Klein said.

The Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association joins a growing list of labor endorsements, including: the Transportation Workers Union Local 100, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers Union, Plumbers Union Local 1, the Uniformed  Firefighters Association of Greater New York, Teamsters Joint Council 16, DC 9 IUPAT, Steamfitters Local 638, the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, the Detectives’ Endowment Association, the National NYCPD 10-13 Organization, Port Authority PBA, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers Union Local 338.

UPDATE - To include Sergeants Benevolent Association

The Sergeants Benevolent Association, a labor union representing over 13,000 active and retired NYPD sergeants, endorsed state Senator Jeff Klein for reelection to the 34th State Senate District on Wednesday.

“Jeff Klein is a leader we trust and count on. Through his stewardship of the State Senate our members have seen the Safe Act -- the toughest gun laws in the nation enacted and programs like Operation SNUG, which dispatches reformed gang members into the streets to make a positive impact on at-risk youth and reduce crime. The Sergeants Benevolent Association endorses State Senator Klein for reelection to the 34th State Senate District,” said President Ed Mullins.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement from the Sergeants Benevolent Association, and I work hard in the Senate to ensure that we give the New York City Police Department the tools it needs to keep our streets safe. I look forward to working with their membership well into the future,” said state Senator Klein.

The Sergeants Benevolent Association adds to a growing list of support for Senator Klein. Union endorsements include: the Transportation Workers Union Local 100, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers Union, Plumbers Union Local 1, the Uniformed  Firefighters Association of Greater New York, Teamsters Joint Council 16, DC 9 IUPAT, Steamfitters Local 638, the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, the Detectives’ Endowment Association, the National NYCPD 10-13 Organization, Port Authority PBA, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers Union Local 338 and the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association.

BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ JR. & THE BRONX TOURISM COUNCIL LAUNCH THE ‘BRONX 100 SCAVENGER HUNT’

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and The Bronx Tourism Council announced today that entries are on sale for the “Bronx 100 Scavenger Hunt,” which will pit teams of four from all over the region in a competition focusing on Bronx history, culture and the redevelopment of the “New Bronx.”

The event will take place all-day on Saturday, July 12, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Bronx County Courthouse. Teams will earn points by taking pictures of various Bronx landmarks and destinations, with the highest scoring team winning $2,500. The day will close with a party for scavenger hunt participants, and will feature other giveaways and prizes.

Only 40 teams will have an opportunity to participate in the event. Entries can be purchased for $40 per team at ilovethebronx.com.

“Throughout our centennial celebrations we have been focused on highlighting the ‘New Bronx.’ This contest will give teams from all over a chance to learn about our borough, see firsthand the progress we have made, and maybe even win a prize,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“It’s a fun and adventurous way to discover The Bronx, learn about its rich history, and meet new people!” said Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of The Bronx Tourism Council.

“New York Community Bancorp is proud to be the principal sponsor of the ‘Bronx 100 Scavenger Hunt.’ Great things are happening in The Bronx, and this event will help highlight many of the new projects and new developments that are changing the way the world thinks about this wonderful borough,” said Christopher B. Beck, Vice President of New York Community Bancorp.

For more information about the Bronx Centennial celebrations and other borough events, visitilovethebronx.com.

On-Time, Balanced Budget Approved By Council

  Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and members of the City Council announced an agreement for an on-time and balanced City budget for Fiscal Year 2015—marking one of the earliest budget handshakes in recent history. The Council approved the budget with a vote of 50-0-1.

The $75 billion budget represents a fiscally responsible, progressive, and honest approach to the City’s finances, moving forward key initiatives that will improve the vitality of the city and address income inequality, while strengthening our fiscal health.

The vote follows a more honest budget process that ended the cynical “budget dance” and reflects a more productive and respectful relationship between the administration and the Council.

The adopted budget will continue to move forward the Mayor’s signature initiatives, including high-quality, universal pre-K, after-school and summer programming for middle schoolers, critical investments to lower the homelessness rate, a comprehensive affordable housing plan, a reduction in arbitrary and punitive small business fines, and Vision Zero. It also includes major new initiatives, developed with the Council, including a comprehensive anti-violence initiative at NYCHA developments, key investments to provide mental health services in city jails, and much more.

Key budget monitors and investors have validated the prudent way in which this administration has handled its first budget, which keeps out-year gaps and debt service at management levels that are well below the prior two administrations’ averages. The administration has also kept the city’s reserves strong – in fact, the annual general reserves (or “rainy day funds”) are more robust than in any previous administration.

All three major rating agencies recently affirmed the City’s strong, stable ratings, highlighting the City’s “highly effective budget management.” The City also just finished its first major bond sale since the labor agreement and executive budget; the sale increased in size from the planned $850 million to over $1 billion, reflecting extremely strong demand, while the City secured low interest rates that resulted in significant savings.

Fitch Ratings specifically stated, “the city’s sound approach to budget development features reasonable revenue and expenditure forecasting, proactive budget monitoring, and effective actions to eliminate projected deficits.”

As the Independent Budget Office testified before the Council earlier this month, “Contrary to the assertions of some fiscal observers, the city’s budget gaps are not ballooning. By historical standards, the budget shortfalls we anticipate are relatively modest.”

News From Councilman Ritchie Torres

  These two items came in from Councilman Ritchie Torres.

COUNCIL MEMBER RITCHIE TORRES REDEDICATES PARK TO HONOR WORLD WAR ONE HERO

WHO              Council Member Ritchie Torres and Vincent Daly, nephew of Thomas A O’Brien

WHAT           The O’Brien Oval is being rededicated to Captain Thomas A. O’Brien. Captain Thomas A. O’Brien grew up at 280 Burnside Avenue, just a few blocks away from the Oval, and served as a Lieutenant in World War I. He was killed in the second battle of the Marne, a month before Armistice. In recognition of  Independence Day, Council Member Torres has arranged for the Parks Department to create a new sign for the park to commemorate Captain O’Brien’s service to our great nation.

WHEN           Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 11:30 AM

WHERE         O’Brien Oval, on East Tremont Avenue between Valentine Avenue and Webster Avenue

*************************************************************

 Adopted Budget includes unprecedented $150 Million Dollar Investment in Public Housing

NYCHA Community and Senior Centers - Housing – $17.1 million dollars

The budget allocates $17 million dollars to keep the doors open at 57 NYCHA run Community and Senior Centers across all 5 boroughs. These centers, which serve approximately 5,000 NYCHA residents daily and employs 160 workers, provides a range of vital services that many New Yorkers have come to see as essential components of their daily life, including public meeting spaces that promote a sense of community and encourage civic engagement, childcare services for working families, meals and outings for Seniors, and safe havens against gang activity for teenagers and other vulnerable youths.

              

Painters Apprenticeship Program - Housing – $8 million dollars

The Painters Apprenticeship Program (PAP) provides funding to train NYCHA residents as Painters’ Apprentices through classroom instruction and hands-on experience. The PAP program effectively tackles two of the City’s biggest concerns: job creation and public housing viability. It provides NYCHA residents with valuable in-demand skill sets that have already created 280 jobs for NYCHA residents in the last two years, while producing tradesman who are able to help maintain, upkeep and repair portions of the City’s public housing stock.

Member Items for Security Cameras and other Capital Improvements at NYCHA  – $34.98 Million dollars

The City Council has allocated approximately 25 million dollars to various Capital projects around the city, including Council Member initiatives aimed at enhancing security measures at NYCHA developments. Among these, Council Member Ritchie Torres’ $3.4 million dollar investment in security cameras and layered access controls.

City Council  NYCHA Security Investments – $ 10 Million dollars: The City Council allocated $10 million dollars, on top of individuals member items, to further ensure that residents of Public Housing have a safe and secure environment to come home to and to raise their families in. Primarily focused on the installation of security cameras throughout NYCHA developments, these funds address a need NYCHA residents themselves have long demanded.

Citywide NYCHA Crime Prevention-  $19 Million dollars

The Mayor allocated $19 million for a comprehensive, citywide plan to reduce violent crime in NYCHA developments focused on improving community engagement efforts and expanding neighborhood watch and domestic violence outreach teams.  The plan also includes increased access for residents to employment opportunities, benefits assistance, and structured recreation, and mentorship opportunities. 

NYCHA Payment Relief towards NYPD –70 Million dollars

Under the FY 2015 budget, NYCHA is exempted from paying $70 million dollars towards the NYPD for patrolling and law-enforcement activities, which many residents had argued constituted a double payment (after taxes) towards the NYPD. The removal of this fee allows NYCHA to allocate more funds towards addressing the vital repairs and security enhancements that NYCHA residents have long demanded.  

Museum of Natural History Family Science Program-  $100,000 dollars

This program is a partnership with the American Museum of Natural History, and will provide science education to 1,000 families. Families will develop skills for observing and understanding the natural world, encouraging and providing them with resources to engage in scientific exploration.

Green City Force- Workforce Development for NYCHA Youth-  $50,000

This initiative will engage young adult NYCHA residents on six-month environmental projects to educate on sustainability issues and provides critical work experience. The program has been so successful that 80% of program graduates are either placed in jobs or are enrolled in college. 

Klein and Top Chef Host Padma Lakshmi Announce $250,000 in Funding to Expand Education Campaign on Endometriosis

  State Senate Coalition Co-Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Top Chef Host and Co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) Padma Lakshmi announced $250,000 in funding secured by Senator Klein to support an education campaign aimed at raising awareness around endometriosis, a painful, and often undiagnosed disorder that affects women. The funding will help the EFA expand the scope of their program, which started last year, statewide.

 The announcement was held in front of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club on Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx, which held an educational training at its club late last year.

 Senate Majority Coalition Leader Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) said, “When I launched the Teen Health Awareness Campaign last year, I made a commitment to do everything possible to give our kids the tools they need to make smart choices about their health. Unfortunately, our teen health survey demonstrated that 70% of New York adolescents do not recognize the symptoms or signs of endometriosis. That’s why I am proud to have secured a grant that will go towards interactive programming aimed at raising awareness of endometriosis for our youth statewide. With more information, we can better understand how to recognize and treat endometriosis.”

Padma Lakshmi, Co-Founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America, author and Emmy-winning host of Top Chef, said, "There is no doubt that we must educate our children in a broader, more comprehensive manner. If we are to prepare our youth for a successful future, we must ensure that their physical well being and emotional health are addressed  in concert with their academic endeavors.  The ENPOWR Project is a critical step in raising awareness about endometriosis among adolescents. Thanks to Senator Klein, we, now, are able to educate young New Yorkers statewide about this healthcare priority. The value of such education not only helps these adolescents but everyone their lives touch.”

  “We are thrilled by the progress that The ENPOWR Project has made thus far, and even more excited about its future,” said Mady Schuman, the EFA’s Executive Director.  “We are honored that Senator Klein has supported the EFA in fulfilling its mission, and that he facilitated the launch of such a critical program. The impact we are making on New York State’s young people is clear. Finally, endometriosis is being recognized as a public health priority, and strides are being made toward improving health outcomes.”  

The grants have enabled Endometriosis Nation Promoting Outreach and Wide Recognition (ENPOWR) Project – an educational program started at the beginning of  2013  school year that will now be expanded statewide in 2014 with the new funding secured by Senator Klein. This program seeks to increase endometriosis awareness and reduce the diagnosis delay by educating adolescents about the symptoms and treatment of the disease. The EFA engages a network of stakeholders from the state’s public school systems, private schools and community-based organizations in an effort to reach as many youth as possible. Presentations include differentiated, multimedia content designed to empower youth to disseminate their newly acquired knowledge to others, as well as to seek treatment if necessary. 

 Senator Klein, and Padma Lakshmi discuss the importance of this program being funded by Senator Klein.