STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: Sen. Ted Cruz's Bronx Bashing

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has issued the following statement in response to Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s attack on The Bronx, made during a speech before the conservative group Americans for Prosperity on Saturday:

“Ted Cruz's willingness to traffic in the outdated stereotypes of past decades is disgusting, and is totally devoid of truth. The Bronx has seen unprecedented positive growth in recent years, and Senator Cruz's infantile attempt to score cheap political points by slandering our borough is revolting, and unworthy of the title of United States Senator." 

"Grow up, Senator Cruz," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr."

Coverage of Sen. Cruz’s remarks can be found here: http://read.bi/1Cg0PaV.

DiNapoli: State Agency Overtime Tops $316 Million Halfway Into 2014

State agencies spent more than $316 million on overtime in the first six months of 2014, a jump of $22 million over the same period in 2013, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today.  State employees worked more than 7.8 million overtime hours, up 7.6 percent over the same period in 2013.

“This troubling trend could again result in a record-breaking year of overtime hours and overtime pay,” DiNapoli said. “Our state agencies need to examine their practices, get to the root of what is driving high overtime and better manage these costs.”

DiNapoli’s office routinely issues reports on ways to improve the efficiency of state operations, including periodic reports on how overtime is managed by state agencies.

The total cost of overtime as a percentage of gross payroll rose slightly from 3.9 percent to 4.3 percent in the first six months of 2014. If overtime continues to rise at this pace, total costs for 2014 could exceed $640 million.  Last year, overtime at state agencies rose to a record $611 million, up nearly 16 percent over 2012.

Some of the increase is due to recent salary and other increases paid to state employees, which resulted in a higher cost-per-hour of overtime worked. However, total overtime hours also rose for many agencies.

The four agencies identified below accounted for 97.6 percent of the statewide increase in overtime costs in the first six months of 2014.

Agency	OT Spending  (Jan-Jun 2014)	$ Increase	% Increase
Dept. of Corrections	$79,787,588	$6,864,970	9%
Office of Mental Health	$51,199,194	$6,167,989	14%
OPWDD	$67,092,038	$5,992,504	10%
Taxation & Finance	$4,595,174	$2,556,199	125%

Three of those agencies, which operate institutional facilities, accounted for 62.7 percent of total overtime spending: Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and Office of Mental Health. These three agencies also accounted for 63.2 percent of all overtime hours worked.

The highest increase in overtime hours was at the Department of Taxation and Finance, which saw a 128 percent jump, followed by the Office of Information Technology Services with 110 percent. Last year, Taxation and Finance ran up more than $8 million in overtime costs due in large part to problematic monitoring and processing of paper income tax returns.

Other state agencies decreased overtime spending in the first six months of 2014. The highest percentage decreases among agencies which spent at least $500,000 on overtime were: Department of Labor, down nearly 72 percent; Division of Homeland Security, down 67 percent; and the Department of Financial Services, down 65 percent.

Generally, state employees who are eligible for overtime compensation are paid at a rate of 1 ½ times their regular pay. Overtime may also impact pension payout calculations.

For overtime spending data, click here:http://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/releases/aug14/comp_ot_earn_cy2013_14.pdf

For overtime hours data, click here: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/releases/aug14/comp_ot_hr_cy2013_14.pdf

First Bronx H.I.R.E. Jobs Fair

ATTENTION JOB SEEKERS New York State Senator Jeff Klein  &  The Bronx Chamber of Commerce  cordially invites you to the First Bronx H.I.R.E. Jobs Fair Wednesday, September 3, 2014  4 PM-7 PM  Hutchinson Metro Center 1200 Waters Place, Bronx, NY 10461  For more information please call: 718-828-3900

79th AD debate - no shows! AGAIN! ON BRONXTALK

 This statement came in from Bronxtalk host Gary Axelbank in relation to 3 of the 6 candidates not showing up to be a part of the 79th A.D. Assembly District debate.

  This afternoon we recorded the debate between the candidates for the Democratic Primary in the 79th AD in the Bronx.  Of the six candidates, only three showed up.  It's the fourth time of the five debates we've held this summer that has had empty chairs.  This is an outrageous insult to the voters in the Bronx and an indictment of the nature of democracy here.  Thanks to Michael Blake, Frederick Ricks, and Raul Rodriguez for participating in this important forum.  The debate will air during our regular broadcast time at 9:00pm Monday night on Cablevison's BronxNet channel 67 and Fios channel 33.  It is streamed live and archived at www.bronxnet.org

 Bronxtalk host Gary Axelbank added.  For the record, Lanita Jones sent an email in the morning saying she would not attend, George Alvarez was in the hallway outside the studio and five minutes before the show sent an assistant into the studio to say he had an emergency and couldn't stay, and Marsha Michael just did not attend.

TONY ORLANDO CONCERT IN SETON PARK DRAWS CLOSE TO 1,000

   To the backdrop of the Whitehall building last night's FREE Tony Orlando concert in Seton Park was enjoyed by an estimated 1,000 people. This was one of Senator Jeff Klein's Summer Concert Series in the parks, which last year saw Aretha Franklin in this same park. The photos below will tell you the story as Tony Orlando warmed up the crowd with his boyhood days of growing up in the Bronx by Fordham Road. Then he went into his 90 minute concert and all who attended wished it could continue. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz introduced Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Councilman Andrew Cohen, and the sponsor of the concert State Senator Jeff Klein. Dinowitz, Diaz Jr., and Cohen all thanked Senator Klein for sponsoring the concert. Senator Klein said that he only wants the people of his district to enjoy their wonderful amenities such as Seton Park, and a concert such as this is the perfect way to enjoy Seton Park. You can click on a photo to make it larger.

Left - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. Stands next to Senator Klein as he waits for his turn to congratulate Senator Jeff Klein for the great concert.

Right - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz introduces the sponsor of the Tony Orlando Concert, and his good friend Senator Jeff Klein.

Left - Mr. Michael Blaustein of Senator Klein's office with Tony Orlando as Orlando points to what he use look like.

Right - Orlando poses with a local woman. 

A few more photos of the concert. 

An early photo of part of the crowd.

Cash For Guns Sat. Sept. 20th

Wave Hill Events Sep 12–Sep 19

  SAT. SEPTEMBER 13    FAMILY ART PROJECT: FRANKENTHALER OUTDOOR PAINTING

Put your abstract spin on the nature you see around you. Follow the easy techniques of New York native abstract painter Helen Frankenthaler: “Landscapes were in my arms as I did it.” Using your whole wrist and broad brush strokes, apply paint to create your favorite Wave Hill landscape scene. This event celebrates Target’s sponsorship of the Family Art Project and its commitment to families. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, SEPTEMBER 13    FREE COMMUNITY TAI CHI CHUAN

This fall, come out and enjoy the benefits of Tai Chi, a gentle exercise that focuses on deep breath and movements based on images found in nature. Once a season, Wave Hill offers a free drop-in session for the community. This free session is led by 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. This session will be held outdoors; indoors in inclement weather. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon—but registration recommended, online only.  Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM‒12:15PM

SAT, SEPTEMBER 13    CREATIVE ACTIONS ART WORKSHOP: KNITTING FROM WILDLIFE

Learn how to knit with multiple yarns and colors with artist Ruth Marshall, whose work is included in the fall exhibition in Glyndor Gallery. Inspired by exotic animals endangered by the illegal skin trade, Marshall creates hand-knit pelts representing individual animals. Using animal photographs from Marshall’s own research as inspiration, learn how to design and knit a four-inch swatch. Participants should know how to knit and purl. Bring a friend! Drop-ins accommodated as space permits. $30/$20 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.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4PM

SAT, SEPTEMBER 13    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

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14    FALL BIRDING

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. 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. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549,3200 x251 for more information.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14   FAMILY ART PROJECT: FRANKENTHALER OUTDOOR PAINTING

Put your abstract spin on the nature you see around you. Follow the easy techniques of New York native abstract painter Helen Frankenthaler: “Landscapes were in my arms as I did it.” Using your whole wrist and broad brush strokes, apply paint to create your favorite Wave Hill landscape scene. This event celebrates Target’s sponsorship of the Family Art Project and its commitment to families. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14    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 14    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 14    COLORS OF THE FALL FAMILY WALK

After joining the Family Art Project, continue exploring the theme—or take your artwork in new directions—with a naturalist on a family-friendly walk. Explore the intensity and value of colors in nature around Wave Hill. Naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow investigates a spectrum of colors found in plants and creatures on a stroll through the gardens and woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

SUN, SEPTEMBER 14    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 15

Closed to the public

TUE, SEPTEMBER 16    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 16    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

THU, SEPTEMBER 18    ANNUAL WAVE HILL GARDENERS’ PARTY

Wave Hill closes at 3PM to dress for this annual benefit, an evening that raises crucial funds that support our renowned gardens and horticulture program. This year’s Gardeners’ Party draws inspiration from the T.H. Everett Alpine House and Terrace and celebrates its namesake, the preeminent horticulturist Thomas H. Everett.

FRI, SEPTEMBER 19    ANNUAL PLANT SALE

Visit The Shop for our popular annual sale of rare plants, superior cultivars and top-notch performers specially selected by Wave Hill’s gardeners. The sale opens at the annual Gardeners’ Party benefit on Thursday, September 18, an evening that raises crucial funds that support our renowned gardens and horticulture program. The sale continues through the weekend.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM‒4PM

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.