Candice Giove Responds to Attack By Oliver Koppell at 34th State Senate Debate

  At the 34th State Senate debate last night on the Bronxtalk television show candidate Oliver Koppell commented about Senator Jeff Klein's campaign spokesperson Ms. Candice Giove's previous work experience. 

Here is Ms. Giove's reply --

  "It's sad that Oliver Koppell's Women's Agenda includes putting down career choices of successful media professionals like myself. While it's true that I was one of five reporters who worked on an article about Sen. Klein, I have come to know the senator as a hardworking Democrat, who truly cares about each and every one of his constituents. I cannot say the same about Oliver Koppell, who I also covered as a reporter, and who has consistently insulted the intelligence of the people of New York. During Mr. Koppell's nasty campaign, I have also been the recipient of vicious emails from his wife, Lorraine Coyle Koppell, in an attempt to intimidate me from doing a job that I believe in.Shame on the Koppells."

Bronxtalk 34th State Senate Debate

 It was the debate of the political season in the Bronx, that is the debate between incumbent State Senator Jeff Klein and challenger Oliver Koppell for the 34th State Senate seat. Above left to right are Bronxtalk host Gary Axelbank, challenger Oliver Koppell, and incumbent State Senator Jeff Klein. Candidate Koppell was asked a question about term limits, and why he voted to overturn the will of the voters of the city for a third term in office. Candidate Koppell answered that he does not believe in term limits, and then went into an  attack on Senator Klein claiming that Senator Klein stopped important Democratic legislation such as the Dream Act, a higher minimum wage, and campaign finance reform by caucusing with the Republican Senate Conference.

 Senator Klein responded that he had introduced that exact legislation that candidate Koppell was talking about, and that while the 5 members of the Independent Democratic Conference (that he heads) there were 2 Democratic senators that did not vote for it resulting in the failure of the legislation. Senator Klein then said that he supported the Democratic candidate Bill Thompson for mayor in 2009 while Councilman Oliver Koppell supported Republican candidate Mike Bloomberg for mayor.

  Senator Klein brought up the proposed 11 story medical center in Community Board 8, saying that Councilman Koppell if he had rezoned the area properly could have prevented such a building proposal, and that he and Assemblyman Dinowitz had to have a state law enacted to halt the progress. Candidate Koppell was also slammed for supporting an 11 story project on Broadway in North Riverdale that would have 25 percent of the apartment for seniors go to criminally mentally disturbed occupants. Candidate Koppell answered by saying they have to go somewhere. 

  The back and forth continued with candidate Koppell throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Senator Klein, that is until the closing statements. During his closing statement candidate Koppell brought out a New York Post article from March 2012 claiming that Senator Klein had gamed the system. and possibly broke the law on tax breaks and failure to disclose income. Candidate Koppell then said that Ms. Candice Giove who wrote the article is now Senator Klein's campaign spokesperson. 

  Senator Klein in his closing statement said that the campaign of Oliver Koppell is all personal attacks, and no record to run on. Klein added that he is proud of his record, and what he has done as an elected official. 

  Host Gary Axelbank then thanked both Senator Jeff Klein and challenger Oliver Koppell for appearing. You can read a more comprehensive review of the debate in my column the Riverdale Report in the Bronx News or Parkchester News. To see the debate you can go to www.bronxnet.org and scroll down to the Bronxtalk 34th State Senate debate, or you can catch it in reruns all week on channel 67 Cablevision or 33 FIOS. 

Allerton Avenue Festival Huge Success

  Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj not only was the sponsor of the Allerton Avenue Festival, but in the photo above he also made sure that everything was set up correctly. The crowd estimated over 500 enjoyed the over 50 vendors, and informational booths that were set up, the entertainment, and the elected officials that were on hand.

As part of Team Gjonaj are new District Leaders from the 80th A.D. Marcos Sierra, and Andrea Siegel.

The ripe pineapples are set up at this booth waiting to be made into delicious drinks.

 Birdman Taino Ray and his 2 macaws were a hit on the midway.

The local CERT team was on hand if needed.

Hundreds Attend Committee of 100 Democrats Free Community Barbecue

    There was dancing on East 204th Street as the 10th Annual Committee of 100 Democrats Free Community Barbecue took place yesterday. 

   Above a photo of the crowd around the free food that was being given out to the attendees.

   

  State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein chats with good friend, and Committee of 100 Democrats Chairman Ricky Martinez about the foot operation that has Martinez unable to stand on the foot for a while.

  Senator Klein holds award given to him for his excellence in Leadership by the Committee of 100 Democrats as band members look on. 

  Behind Chairman Martinez right to left are Candidate for Governor Randy Credico, 33rd State Senate Write in candidate Jose Padilla Jr. and Mr. Jay. 

  This could be anyone of a number of elected officials, but it is a real clown who also did face painting as you see.

September 3rd ! Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Senator Jeff Klein

Attention Bronx Businesses !!! The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and NYS Senator Jeff Klein would like to invite you to reserve a table at our upcoming September 3rd Job Fair (4PM-8PM) at The Hutchinson Metro Center. As an employer, you will receive a complimentary table, which will not only help fill your job vacancies but also provide valuable exposure for you company. The fair will attract hundreds of job seekers with broad qualifications.  Please contact Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro at 718-828-3900or Michelle@bronxchamber.org if you are interested in reserving a booth and to learn more about the Bronx H.I.R.E (Help Identify Real Employment), a new program aimed at connecting Bronx workers with real jobs through a comprehensive, direct approach.

Bronx Democratic County Barbecue Sept. 6

Chairman Carl E. Heastie,

The Bronx Democratic County Committee

& The Bronx Young Democrats present their...

Annual Community BBQ

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 

GAMES  -  GAMES

 FREE FOOD. =  FREE FOOD

INFORMATION T A B L E S

Come see your Elected Officials participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS Awareness

SATURDAY SEPT. 6, 2014

12pm-4pm

Corner of Blondell Ave.& Eastchester Rd.

Any questions please call the 

Bronx Democratic County Committee

1640 Eastchester Rd.Bronx, New York 10461

347-281-9759  www.bronxdems.org

Wave Hill Events Sep 5–Sep 12

SAT, SEPTEMBER 6   FAMILY ART PROJECT: BECOME A PALISADES PROTECTOR

Learn about Theodore Roosevelt’s role in preserving the cliffs and beautiful vista of the Palisades. Connect to your inner preservationist! Consider what piece of nature you’d like to preserve for future generations to enjoy, and add your painted and collaged image to a group panorama installation. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, SEPTEMBER 6    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, includes admission to the grounds. Advance registration online 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, SEPTEMBER 6    FALL EXHIBITIONS OPENING RECEPTION

Meet the artists who are featured in Wave Hill’s fall exhibitions. Recapturing the Scenic Wilds investigates natural history as a framing device in contemporary art. Alexa Hoyer, Liselot van der Heijden, Dana Levy, Mark Dion, Richard Barnes,Lori Nix, Ruth Marshall, Jessica Segall and Hugh Hayden raise pressing questions about the capture, collection and display of nature. This lush exhibition—which includes photography, video, installation and sculpture—is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill with a lifelong passion for conservation and natural history, whether in his personal life or political career. Tammy Nguyen’s three handmade books in the Sun Porch draw elaborate parallels between mythology and plant science to address social conditions such as youth, minority life, and family. In Alexandra Phillips’ Sunroom Project, the artist makes use of florist foam in an interactive installation to question the relation between synthetic support and natural growth. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2‒4:30PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 7    FAMILY ART PROJECT: BECOME A PALISADES PROTECTOR

Learn about Theodore Roosevelt’s role in preserving the cliffs and beautiful vista of the Palisades. Connect to your inner preservationist! Consider what piece of nature you’d like to preserve for future generations to enjoy, and add your painted and collaged image to a group panorama installation. Free with admission to the grounds. Illustrious Residents event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 7    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 online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Fridaybefore; 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, SEPTEMBER 7    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. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online 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, 11:45AM‒12:45PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 7    COOKING DEMONSTRATION: COOKING WITH MUSHROOOMS

Once found only in the wild, many unique mushrooms are now grown by enterprising farmers in New York State. Find out how to select and cook fresh mushrooms from the farmers market such as enoki, pompom and hen-of-the-woods. Celebrate fall’s wild harvest as a chef from Great Performance’s shares seasonal specialties featuring our favorite fungi. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 1PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 7    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, SEPTEMBER 8

Closed to the public

TUE, SEPTEMBER 9    WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOP SERIES BEGINS

Experience the timeless views and shifting color and light of Wave Hill’s unforgettable autumn landscape. Painting from direct observation, interpret the changing landscape while exploring the expressive, luminous, and challenging medium of watercolor. Artist Wennie Huang offers expert guidance and demonstrates watercolor techniques and color-mixing. Workshops conducted outside, weather permitting. All skill levels welcome. This six-session series continues September 16, 23, 30,October 7 and 14. $260/$200 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–1PM

TUE, SEPTEMBER 9    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, SEPTEMBER 9    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Recapturing the Scenic Wilds is inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, a former resident of Wave Hill who had a lifelong passion for discovering and collecting specimens for the public to appreciate. Exhibiting contemporary artists investigate the natural history display and what it says about our relationship to nature. In the Sunroom Project Space Van Lier Visual Artist Fellows Tammy Nguyen and Alexandra Phillipshave created installations that they started during their Winter Workspace residency. 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 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon.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 atwww.wavehill.org/visit/.

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

Constantinides, Torres, Diaz, Intro Gun Registry Legislation

  City Council Member Costa Constantinides and Council Members Ritchie Torres  announced today’s introduction of legislation guaranteeing community access and mandating a community notification requirement within the City’s gun offender registry.  Constantinides and Torres were joined by bill co-sponsor Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Constantinides said, “This online gun offender registry bill will promote public safety and guarantee our communities are notified when a registered gun offender lives within their neighborhood.  Gun violence is a public policy challenge which requires a multitude of solutions.  Protecting the public’s right to know their neighbor is an essential building block of fostering stronger community relations.  The Gun Offender Registry bill will better equip our city in the effort to combat and eradicate gun violence.”

Torres said, “We must take every measure to stem the tide of gun violence in New York City.  This bill will create a commonsense crime-fighting tool that provides both law-enforcement and community members with real-time information on violent gun-offenders in their neighborhoods.”

Diaz said, “A safer New York State, and a safer nation, demands that we shine a light on those individuals who would commit gun crimes in our neighborhoods. An easily-accessible gun crime registry will serve as an excellent tool not only to keep neighborhoods informed about crime, but to serve as a deterrent from such acts. I am proud to stand with my colleagues today to reintroduce this legislation, which I first proposed in my 2013 ‘State of the Borough’ address, and I look forward to seeing it become law.”

From January 2013 to July of this year, there have been 1,400 shooting incidents and there have been 1,190 shooting victims.  

The bill mandates that registered gun offenders will be listed in a publicly available online sub-directory, which will provide a searchable database.  Individuals can sign up for free automatic email notifications when an offender moves into a geographic area they specified.

The registry will be updated on a monthly basis and will include: the offender’s name, block on which they live, a physical description, the crime the offender was convicted of, and sentence imposed.  Gun offenders are required to be registered for only four years from the date of release or after conviction, after which their names are expunged.

The bill sponsors were joined in support by their colleagues, along with other elected officials and community groups.

“As we expand our City’s efforts to reduce gun violence and make New York a safer place to live, all New Yorkers should be assured that they will have access to up-to-date information that will assist them in protecting their families,” Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, chair of the Council’s Public Safety, said. “Ensuring access to accurate information about convicted gun offenders, this legislation is a creative approach to enhancing the array of options available to every New Yorker as we join together to combat gun violence.”

“By making the existing gun offender registry public we are telling these criminals that they are no longer just being watched by the police, but by everyone. I am confident that this step will help fight the increased gun violence I have seen in my district and act as a safety measure for families concerned about their safety in their own neighborhoods. We must be willing to work together, with our fellow elected officials, the police department and community organizations to ensure that our neighbors are able to access this resource. Together we will show that gun violence is not tolerated in our community and never will be,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

"New York residents deserve access to any information that will help them lead safer lives and give them the tools to better protect their families. By allowing for community access and mandating community notification to the City's gun offender registry we will give our citizens the knowledge they need to make smart choices. I stand with my colleagues in government in fighting for this vital piece of legislation," said State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein.