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Office of Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda
1973 Westchester Ave
Bronx NY 10462 United States
1973 Westchester Ave
Bronx NY 10462 United States
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda Announces Extended Office Hours
Thursday, September 25, 2014
RELEASE--BRONX UNEMPLOYMENT DROPS TO SINGLE DIGITS
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. praised the news, announced today by the New York State Department of Labor that the Bronx County unemployment rate has dropped to single digits, down to 9.8 percent.
“When I first became borough president, I made it clear that job creation would be a top priority of my administration. Over the past five years my office, in partnership with the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, city and state officials, our business community, no-profits and everyday Bronxites, we have worked hard to create thousands of new jobs in The Bronx. What we are doing is working,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
The borough has had a double-digit unemployment rate since January 2009, when it stood at 10.2 percent, peaking at 13.9 in January 2010. One year ago, in August 2013, the borough’s unemployment rate stood at 12.1 percent.
Since Borough President Diaz took office in 2009, The Bronx has seen $5.768 billion in total development, the creation of more than 13,000 in new units of housing and more than 14,000 new jobs created. Much of this progress is outlined in the office’s annual development report, which can be read at http://on.nyc.gov/1pkMnYS.
With the opening of several new retail centers in recent weeks, as well as major projects such as the Kingsbridge National Ice Center and Freshdirect on the horizon, thousands of new jobs have been created in Bronx County. In addition, a new partnership announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in August between the New York State Department of Labor and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, as part of the “NY Works,” programis placing Bronx residents in these jobs, helping to ensure that new development here benefits everyone, especially Bronxites.
“This massive improvement in our unemployment numbers proves we have had the right approach. Supporting our Bronx businesses, attracting new ones and partnering with the New York State Department of Labor to work with the new employers and our residents who are looking for work insures that everyone wins,” said Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.
“This partnership between the BOEDC and the Department of Labor is already bearing fruit, and I want to thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Peter Rivera for both launching this important program right here in The Bronx and for showing a strong commitment to the future of our borough. This program can be a statewide, if not national, model for job creation and placement. ‘NY Works’ is working for The Bronx,” said Borough President Diaz.
Borough President Diaz added, “As I have said before, what we are doing is working. Positive news like today’s unemployment statistics show us that we are on the right path. We still have a great deal of work to do, but it is clear that our ‘New Bronx’ agenda is showing real progress.”
Council Member Torres Announces Unprecedented Investment in Public Housing
WHO Council Member Torres, NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye, Parkside Resident Council, 49th Precinct, Community Board 11
WHAT City Council Member Torres (D-Bronx) and NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye will announce record investment in the New York City Housing Authority citywide, including $1.5 million dollars for security cameras and layered access controls at Parkside Houses.
WHERE Parkside Houses, Bronx Park East and Arnow Avenue.
WHEN Monday, September 29, 2014, 10:00 AM
Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and Families for Excellent Schools Unveil Community Mural in the Bronx As Part of Larger Effort to End Low Academic Achievement in NYC Schools
Artists from Acclaimed Tats Cru Group Paint Mural in Sign of Growing Support for Bold, Urgent Solution to Crisis
Thursday, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and parent advocacy group Families for Excellent Schools unveiled a community mural in the Bronx as part of a broad grassroots movement to push for a solution to the persistent failure of New York City’s schools. The mural, painted by graffiti artists from acclaimed, Bronx-based Tats Cru group, is part of a larger effort by the Coalition for Education Equality to ensure that no child is forced to attend a failing school. The unveiling of Thursday’s mural adds growing momentum ahead of a rally on the courthouse steps of Foley Square on October 2nd, expected to be attended by thousands of parents from district and charter school families.
The mural—painted on a wall in Assemblyman Crespo’s district on Simpson St. and Westchester Ave. in the Bronx—serves as a reflection of the growing urgency in the community for a bold solution to a failing schools crisis that strips more than one hundred thousand children of a high-quality education. The mural will be followed by more neighborhood art and activities across all five of the city’s boroughs and parent organizing efforts through social and digital media efforts in the run-up to the rally.
In the Bronx alone, there 82 elementary and middle schools where roughly 9 out of 10 children can't read and do math on grade level.
“The response that this mural has already received in my district makes it clear that our parents want bold action to strengthen our schools,” said Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. “It’s a beautiful work of art that should spur us all to action to end educational injustice.”
"The folks in this community are frustrated with a failing school system that steals the promise of possibility from too many children in the Bronx. Our #DontStealPossible mural builds on the growing movement for change in this community," said the Bronx-based muralist collective Tats Cru.
"Parents from all over the Bronx are demanding a quality education from their schools. These kids are our future and we refuse to settle for less," Yvonne Guillen, Bronx parent and Families for Excellent Schools leader.
“We are going to see more and more community-centered calls for change like this mural as folks realize how deep the persistent failure of our schools actually is,” said Jeremiah Kittredge, CEO of Families for Excellent Schools. “Parents want quality schools for their children, and they are tired of waiting.”
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Pichardo Statement re: 86th Assembly Seat Recount
ASSEMBLY MEMBER VICTOR PICHARDO RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER BOARD OF ELECTIONS RECOUNT
Yesterday, the Board of Election completed the manual recount for the primary election in the 86th Assembly District, with preliminary results pointing to Assembly Member Victor Pichardo holding the lead. Assembly Member Victor Pichardo issues the following statement in response to the preliminary recount results:
"The voters of the 86th Assembly District deserve to have their representatives elected in a fair and honest process and I am confident that, after the manual recount concluded yesterday, my neighbors once again chose me to be their representative in the Assembly.
I am incredibly thankful for the support and encouragement my campaign and I received - from my neighbors and beyond - in our efforts to ensure that the outcome of this election was both fair and honest. I look forward to the Board of Elections certifying theses results next week."
We have been told that Assemblyman Pichardo holds a 2 vote over challenger Hector Ramirez after the recount.
There has been no comment from Hector Ramirez.
STATEMENTS FROM BP DIAZ and Senator Klein re: MTA Capital Plan
STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ
RE: MTA Vote to Approve Proposed Capital Plan
“The MTA’s inclusion of the East Side Metro-North expansion in its capital plan is another major step forward for our borough, and I am thrilled that the MTA board has voted to support this expansion and send it to the State Legislature for final approval. I like to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his strong support of this project, as well as State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein for his tremendous advocacy on this issue. I would also like to thank our two MTA board members from The Bronx—Fernando Ferrer and Charles Moerdler—for their unwavering support of this proposal.
“As we make our final case to the State Legislature to approve the funding for this expansion, Albany will see an entire borough united in support of this revolutionary project. These four new Metro North stations—Co-op City, Parkchester/Van Nest, Morris Park and Hunts Point—will not only be amazing new amenities to the communities they serve, but will help transform the entire region.
“This is my highest priority, and I look forward to discussing this proposal’s merits with my friends in the State Legislature. No project is more important to the future of The Bronx than the East Side Metro-North expansion,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Statement from State Senator Jeff Klein on MTA Board approval of capital investments for new Bronx Metro North stations
"I've long championed increased Metro-North access in the east Bronx and today's MTA Board approval of a $743 million capital investment to construct four new stations along the New Haven line into Penn Station is an important first step as we move towards a victory for our borough. This will put residents in transportation deserts like Co-Op City, Morris Park, Hunts Point and Parkchester, where the stations are proposed, on track for quicker commutes and better job opportunities. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and I, who worked to push this plan forward, found that this major transportation development will also act as an economic engine for the Bronx."
Wave Hill Events Oct 10–Oct 17
SAT, OCTOBER 11 FAMILY ART PROJECT: TEDDY BEAR CATERPILLARS
Legend has it that the sections of a woolly bear caterpillar can be used to forecast the coming winter weather. Adorn a sock puppet with fur, yarn, hair and button eyes to make your own cuddly, teddy bear caterpillar pal—and make your own weather predictions. Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM
SAT, OCTOBER 11 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 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, OCTOBER 11 NATURE PRESENTATION: WONDERFUL WOOLLY BEARS
In the early fall, woolly bear caterpillars are on the move, searching for cozy places to hibernate for the winter. Meet live woolly bear caterpillars with an environmental educator from the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum and find out more about the life cycle of these fuzzy, friendly creatures. Can the brown bands on their bodies really predict the severity of the winter? Join us to find out! Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM
SAT, OCTOBER 11 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 Phillips have 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, OCTOBER 12 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 required, online atwww.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Please call 718.549.3200 x251 for more information..
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM
SUN, OCTOBER 12 FAMILY ART PROJECT: TEDDY BEAR CATERPILLARS
Legend has it that the sections of a woolly bear caterpillar can be used to forecast the coming winter weather. Adorn a sock puppet with fur, yarn, hair and button eyes to make your own cuddly, teddy bear caterpillar pal—and make your own weather predictions. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM
SUN, OCTOBER 12 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 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, OCTOBER 12 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, OCTOBER 12 FAMILY INSECT HUNT
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 through the gardens and woodlands. Hunt for creepy crawlers and critters on a family-friendly adventure. Naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow takes you through the gardens and woodlands on a quest for nature’s smallest animals. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM
SUN, OCTOBER 12 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, OCTOBER 13 COLUMBUS DAY
Wave Hill is open.
MON, OCTOBER 13 GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights this special holiday Monday. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM
TUE, OCTOBER 14 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, OCTOBER 14 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 Phillips have 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. Closes5:30PM, March 15–October 31.
ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings 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/
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.