Our City is Committed to Affordable Housing and Survet

This comes to us from the Mayor Bill deBlasio.

No matter what language you speak, affordable housing is critical to the future of our city. Watch this video and then share it with your friends and family.

More than half of all New York City renters spend 30% or more of their income on rent. 

That's why the City is committed to building and preserving more affordable housing -- so hardworking New Yorkers can build lives and raise their families in this city. 

It's important we get that message out, so a few other New Yorkers and I got together to record this video.

If you live in the five boroughs, you're a New Yorker -- no matter where you're from or what language you speak. And all New Yorkers should have the comfort of knowing they can afford to live in the city they've made their home. 

That's what we're working toward together. 

Watch and share our video now: 

on.nyc.gov/affordable-housing 

What's your big idea for the future of New York City, friend? 

Every four years, New York City updates PlaNYC to make sure that we're building toward a future that's resilient, sustainable, and makes sense for the lives of all New Yorkers. 

This year, we're making equity a lynchpin of PlaNYC -- and we've made the process more inclusive than ever before. Every New Yorker has a voice in this plan and can participate in building our city's future. 

What's your vision for New York City in the years and decades to come? Take this survey now to let us know. 

Your idea could be about anything: from the environment to jobs to education to affordable housing to transportation. 

You have the power to shape the future of our city if you speak up -- for yourself and for future generations of New Yorkers. 

Leave your mark on the future of New York City. Take the survey now: 

on.nyc.gov/survey 

Thank you, 

Bill de Blasio
Mayor 

Irish Heritage Month Celebration

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Invites you to His Annual Irish Heritage Month Celebration   Master of Ceremonies        Pat O'Keefe News 12-Sports Director The Rambling House 4292 Katonah Ave Bronx, New York      Thursday, March 12, 2015                 12 noon until 3pm             2015 Honorees Patricia Lynch Government/Media Strategist  Joe McDermott Executive Director for the CWEProclamation Aedin Moloney  Producing Artistic Director   The Fallen Angel Theatre Company, Inc.

Seating is limited please RSVP to 718.590.3989 or smalave@bronxbp.nyc.gov

Wave Hill Events Mar 20–Mar 27

SAT, MARCH 21    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 in March are held indoors. 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 Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, MARCH 21    FAMILY ART PROJECT: OH, MY! ORCHID PRINTS     

Observe the unusual shapes of the enchanting orchid flower. Working with large pieces of construction paper, simple templates and contrasting backgrounds, we’ll make simple, bold and brushy orchid-inspired prints that are easy for all! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Orchid Day event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 21    GARDENING DEMO: ORCHID CULTURE, A CLOSE-UP LOOK

If you have successfully grown one or more orchids and want to expand your understanding of these wonderful plants, then this program is for you! Find out how to anticipate the needs of a plant by observing its morphology, or plant structure. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM

SAT, MARCH 21    IN THE SHOP: ORCHID EXPERT ISABEL LOPATIN

As part of Orchid Day at Wave Hill, drop by The Shop at Wave Hill to chat with orchid grower Isabel Lopatin, who shares successful techniques for selecting and growing a variety of orchids. Then purchase your own that will thrive in your home. Come early for an orchid-inspired Family Art Project from 10AM to 1PM and an orchid demo with Ms. Lopatin from 11AM to noon. 

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1–3PM

SUN, MARCH 22    FAMILY ART PROJECT: OH, MY! ORCHID PRINTS     

Observe the unusual shapes of the enchanting orchid flower. Working with large pieces of construction paper, simple templates and contrasting backgrounds, we’ll make simple, bold and brushy orchid-inspired prints that are easy for all! Free with admission to the grounds. Orchid Day event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 22    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 in March are held indoors. 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 Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, MARCH 22    MEDITATION

Let nature inspire you to find your center and reconnect with your true self using guided mindfulness and other meditation practices. Each session, led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors, includes instruction in simple techniques, followed by guided meditations. Sessions are held indoors. All levels welcome. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM‒12:45PM

SUN, MARCH 22    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: [RE]VISION PROJECT

With Winter Workspace artist Musa Hixson, engage in drawing and discussion as you design a plan for making your community more environmentally sustainable. All workshops with Winter Workspace artists begin in their Glyndor Gallery studios with an introduction to their creative process. Unless otherwise noted, art materials are provided. Newcomers and practicing artists alike are welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $15/$5 Wave Hill Member per session, which includes admission to the grounds. Advance registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.

GLYNDOR GALLERY & ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM–1PM

SUN, MARCH 22    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, MARCH 22

Closed to the public

TUE, MARCH 24    BLACK AND WHITE NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP SERIES BEGINS

Photography’s origins began in black and white, with shades of gray. With photographer Benjamin Swett, explore composition, light and subject matter through this lens, and experiment with transforming digital color images back to black and white. This six-session workshop continues March 24, 31 and April 7, 14, 21 and 28. $260/$200 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center, starting February 11.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM–1PM

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/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.

Cardinal Edward Egan Passes Away at Age 82 -- Local Tributes Come in

  Former Archbishop of New York Cardinal Edward Egan dies at at 82 of Cardiac Arrest. 

  Egan was appointed in 2000 to succeed Cardinal John O'Connor by then Pope John Paul II. Archbishop Egan watched the Catholic Church grow in number of parishes, and its schools grow in enrollment as well/ Below are some local comments about Cardinal Egan's passing.

STATEMENT OF MAYOR DE BLASIO

“Chirlane and I are saddened to learn of the death of Edward Cardinal Egan. He was a generous man who committed his life to serving others. His compassion was reflected in his deeds, and his ability to inspire those around him. As Archbishop-Emeritus, 12th bishop and 9th archbishop and 7th Cardinal of the See of New York, Cardinal Egan spread love and knowledge, and brought comfort to countless New Yorkers and others across the country and the world who sought his guidance and counsel – especially in the aftermath of 9/11. On behalf of all New Yorkers, Chirlane and I extend our deepest sympathies to Cardinal Egan’s family and his extended family at the Archdiocese of New York.”

STATEMENT  FROM  BOROUGH  PRESIDENT  DIAZ

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Cardinal Edward M. Egan, a man whom hundreds of thousands looked up to as a spiritual role model and who represented his faith and the faith of all Catholics as an exemplary servant of God.

“Cardinal Egan presided over the New York Archdiocese for nine years and was an inspiration to his more than 2.5 million parishioners and to numerous Catholics all over the world. The cardinal was one of America’s most visible and respected Catholic leaders, and was especially strong for the people of this city in the aftermath of the terror attacks of 9/11. We will miss him.

“I, along with all 1.4 million residents of The Bronx offer my thoughts and prayers to his entire family and to the Archdiocese of New York in their time of mourning,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Statement from State Senator Jeff Klein

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, the former Archbishop of New York City. I extend my deepest prayers and sympathies to his family and the members of the Roman Catholic Church who mourn his passing. Beloved Cardinal Egan’s spirituality touched so many New Yorkers, particularly on September 11 when he administered last rites to those in their final moments of life. His legacy of increasing parishioner rolls, school enrollment and fighting for funding for religious and independent schools in my district will always be remembered. My condolences go out to the entire Catholic community.”

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING

“My heart is with the extended family of the late Edward Cardinal Egan, New York’s 2.5 million Catholics who are mourning the loss of an esteemed leader of faith,” said Council Member Andy King, Co-Chair of the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus.  “I recall his pastoral leadership especially after our city’s tragedy on 9/11, as well as his commitment to stewarding the institution of the Archdiocese of New York and the schools and social services that it provides for New Yorkers of diverse faiths.  It is a blessing that his passing this afternoon was a peaceful one and today, we remember him in life, a life lived fully in Christ.”

Former New York City Council Member Daniel Halloran Sentenced In White Plains Federal Court To 10 Years In Prison For Role In Bribery And Fraud Schemes

  Former New York City Council Member DANIEL HALLORAN was sentenced today in White Plains federal court to 10 years in prison in connection with his role in arranging the bribery of New York City Republican leaders to allow New York State Senator Malcolm Smith, a Democrat, to run as a Republican candidate for New York City Mayor in 2013, and accepting a $15,000 cash bribe in exchange for designating up to $80,000 in New York City funds to a non-profit entity that would allow the money to be embezzled through a no-show job. HALLORAN was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas, who presided over the two-month trial that resulted in HALLORAN’S conviction in August 2014.

   U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “When elected officials, like Daniel Halloran, not only corrupt themselves but, unseen, corrupt the body politic from within they undermine the public’s confidence in a representative form of government. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners at the FBI and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office for working with us to ensure that the defendant was pursued, prosecuted, and faced justice.”

  In addition to the prison term, HALLORAN, 42, of Queens, New York, was also sentenced to two years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $45,300. HALLORAN’s co-conspirators, Smith and Tabone, were convicted for their roles in the bribery conspiracy in January 2015 and are currently scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Karas on July 1, 2015.

  In the sentencing of HALLORAN, Judge Karas remarked, “This was a very serious crime. When a public official gets into cars and takes wads of cash or promises public money in return for cash to the politician, it is so troubling. It causes us all to be cynical about our leaders. It causes us to doubt that our leaders are looking after us. And it's a very serious matter.”

NYC Council Member Andy King to share “State of the 12th District”

On Thursday, March 12^th, Council Member Andy King will host the State of the 12^th District Address at 7 p.m. at Beulah Church of God, 986 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx.

The address will highlight the district’s finances, accomplishments over the past year, challenges facing the district, and future planning.

All community members are invited to attend the State of the District Address, as well as stay for a birthday celebration for Council Member King.

WHO: NYC Council Member Andy King

WHAT: State of the 12^th District Address

WHEN: Thursday, March 12^th at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Beulah Church of God, 986 East Gun Hill Rd., Bronx

WHY:  To share district information regarding FY2015-16  and plans for the future

WILLIAMS' STATEMENT ON RISE OF SHOOTINGS ACROSS THE CITY

  Today, Council Member Jumaane D. Williams Deputy Leader and co-chair of the Council's Task Force to Combat Gun Violence, released the following statement after recent reports show that an increase in shootings and murders have occurred across the five boroughs. 

  "It is troubling to learn that increases in shootings have occurred across the city. We must remember that these are not just statistics, but are New Yorkers being killed by senseless acts of violence. My prayers for peace and comfort are with the friends and family of the victims, including Alexander Manning, a former marine who was shot and killed last week by a group of teenagers when he refused to let them rob him in front of his East Flatbush apartment.

"We must continue to push back against such violence and not accept it as the norm. I was pleased to attend a Committee on Public Safety hearing today, Chaired by Council Member Vanessa Gibson, where we had productive conversations with the Administration, representatives of NYPD and advocates on community policing. During the hearing, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Susan Herman and the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice Director Elizabeth Glazier reported that the department has developed creative strategies to engage community members to deal with crime and violence holistically.

"Included in that discussion was the Council's Task Force to Combat Gun Violence, which launched in 2012 and later created the Crisis Management System to address shootings as a public health issue by using an multi-faceted approach through funding grassroots groups, providing wrap around services and coordinating inter-agency initiatives. The program employs 'violence interrupters,' typically former gang members who have turned their lives around, to quell street disputes -- intervening before escalation to gun violence -- and links potential shooters to case management and supportive services. 

"We all know that we cannot combat shootings with police tactics alone, and owe it to the men and women in blue and the communities they serve to initiate creative strategies like these and others discussed during today's hearing to improve public safety and police-community relations.  I look forward to working further with Chair Gibson, the Administration and NYPD to address these issues and limit shootings across the five boroughs."