Wave Hill Weekly Events: October 26 – November 2 | Día de los Muertos

 

Come Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Wave Hill on Sunday, Oct 29! Experience the rich traditions and vibrant spirit of this cherished Mexican cultural holiday for a day filled with art, live music and immersive activities for all ages.  All events are free with admission. Create your own mementos to celebrate the day at home! 

And please don’t forget, Wave Hill has two new evening events just around the corner.

• Wednesday, Oct 25 is Fungi Fête, an evening of dance, dinner and delightful conversation, featuring Dance Heginbotham’s You Look Like a Fun Guy and a four-course communal dinner highlighting the rich flavors of mushrooms. Come for a truly fun night out! 

• For all the true night owls, Oct 26 is Owl Prowl. Join us for an exclusive adventure with falconer Brian Bradley and his spectacular live owls, followed by an evening bird walk in our gardens with local NYC bird guides.   

Our birding events are a fan favorite! This week’s Indigenous Peoples’ Bird Walk (Oct 8) is sold out. We do have a few slots still available for Easy Mindful Birding on Oct 15.   

Public Garden Highlights Walk

Thu, Oct 26, 2023, 12–12:45PM

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays

Registration not required

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide—come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels.  

Public Gallery Tour

Thu, Oct 26, 2023, 2–2:45PM

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays

Registration not required

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.   

Nighthunters: Meet the Owls and Owl Prowl

Thu, Oct 26, 2023, 7:00–9:00PM  

$65, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill members save 10%.

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.

First time offered! Join us at Wave Hill for an exclusive adventure to engage with amazing owls of all shapes and sizes. Birders, nature lovers and thrill seekers are treated to a special after-hours experience as the sun sets over the Hudson and nocturnal creatures come to life. Falconer Brian Bradley and his spectacular live owls headline the evening with an exciting indoor program introducing these nocturnal birds of prey. Feel the wind brush your face as they fly silently inches above your head and get an intimate look at their adaptations and hunting techniques. Afterwards, venture outside with local NYC bird guides Gabriel Willow and Cindy Olsen to listen and look for resident owls on an “owl prowl” in the shadowy nighttime gardens. Bring your cameras for incredible close-ups! Ages 12 and older welcome with an adult (all participants must purchase a ticket).  Space is limited for this program.    

Family Art Project: Day of the Dead 

Sat, Oct 28, 2023, 10:00AM–1:00PM 

Sun, Oct 29, 2023, 10:00AM–1:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds   

Registration not required 

Celebrate this special Mexican cultural holiday as we explore nicho boxes, small shadow boxes filled with meaning and purpose that honor a lost loved one. Decorate your box with objects and natural materials. At 11:30am families can learn more about the holiday with a storytime program in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. On Sunday, an additional storytime will be held at 12:30pm.  

Public Gallery Tour

Sat, Oct 28, 2023, 2–2:45PM

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays

Registration not required

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.   

Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead  

Sunday,  October 29

Join us to celebrate our first annual Day of the Dead at Wave Hill. Enjoy live music with Son Pecadores and share in the cultural traditions of Veracruz, Mexico. Create nicho boxes honoring loved ones in a favorite Family Art Project, sample refreshing hibiscus iced tea, and craft giant paper flowers to take home as a keepsake of the day.  

Son Pecadores: Music Performance

Sun, Oct 29, 2023, 11:00–11:30AM & 1:00–1:30PM

Free with admission to the grounds

In celebration of Día de los Muertos, Wave Hill welcomes the vibrant Son Pecadores. The NYC based collective of jaraneros is dedicated to learning and promoting son jarocho music throughout the East Coast. Comprised of members with different cultural backgrounds, Son Pecadores will share their passion for the centuries-old traditions from Veracruz with two performances in Armor Hall.   

Giant Paper Flowers Station/Flores Gigantes 

Sun, Oct 29, 2023, 11:00AM–2:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds.

Registration not required  

Get crafty and creative at the Giant Paper Flower Station! Using simple materials and a few steps, make giant paper flowers inspired by marigolds and other colorful flowers that enliven traditional Day of the Dead celebrations. Day of the Dead event.  

Family Art Project: Day of the Dead Storytime with Literacy, Inc 

Sun, Oct 29, 2023, 11:30AM–12:00PM & 2:30PM-1:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds   

Registration not required 

Literacy Inc. works day in and day out throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island, to provide reading and learning opportunities for children so that they grow into competent readers, ready to succeed in school and in life. 

Agua de Jamaica/Hibiscus Iced Tea tasting

Sun, Oct 29, 2023, 12:00–2:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds

Sample tart and tangy hibiscus iced tea, a traditional Mexican beverage made from the flowers of roselle hibiscus. Day of the Dead event.   

Public Garden Highlights Walk

Sun, Oct 29, 2023, 2–2:45PM

Free with admission to the grounds

Registration is not required

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide—come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

Public Garden Highlights Walk

Thu, Nov 2, 2023, 12–12:45PM

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays

Registration is not required

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide—come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels.   

Public Gallery Tour

Thu, Nov 2, 2023, 2–2:45PM

Free, and admission to the grounds is free on Thursdays

Registration is not required

Solo and group exhibitions at Glyndor Gallery explore the dynamic relationships between nature, culture and site. When exhibitions are on view in the spring, summer and fall, Gallery Greeters lead public exhibition tours on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.   

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday – Starting Nov 1, the gardens will close at 4:30 

Shuttle Service runs Thursday–Sunday 

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

Metro North Parkchester/Van Nest Station Info Meeting

 

Tuesday October 3rd was the Parkchester/Van Nest new Metro North information session. It seemed to be deja vu to me as I could recall meetings like this in the past, as the four Eastside Metro North stations have been slated to be built for over twenty years. 

It seemed every ten years there were similar information sessions where people have been asked what would you like to see at the new station, what upgrades do you think the community might need, and where do you think the new stations should go? When I asked one of the Metro North people didn't we do this several times before. The answer I received was originally it was a Metro North project where Metro North gathered the information. Then the project was turned over to the MTA who started the process from the beginning, and the project was given back to the Metro North so we have to do the same thing again. 

Councilwoman Amanda Farias and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson both were at this information session, and both spoke about the advantages of the four new Metro North stations. I was able to ask Borough President Gibson about the proposal to put six thousand affordable housing units total at the Parkchester/Van Nest and Morris Park stations only, and the no parking at all. That Community Board 11 would be getting over five thousand new units of affordable housing with the over five hundred units already being built. I mentioned Mayor Adams City of Yes plan to build 100,0000 new units of affordable housing split across the fifty-nine community boards which would be less than two thousand per board. I also told the BP of the Harrison station up the line where Governor Hochul announced one hundred-forty-three new affordable units of housing, a shopping center with over seven hundred total parking spaces for the affordable housing, Metro North station, and shopping center. Borough President Gibson agreed that it would be too much housing for Community Board 11, and that parking would be needed. 

The next Metro North Info Session is Wednesday October 18th for the Coop-City station. The meeting will take place at Section 5 135 Einstein Loop from 6 - 8 PM.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson is speaking with Councilwoman Amanda Farias stands next to her.

A map of the Parkchester/Van Nest area with where the new Metro North station will be going.

Where on the tracks, and a conceptual site plan of the Parkchester/Van Nest station.

It looks like it is back to step one, where people are given yellow sticky papers to stick on the matching category they are writing what they want at the Metro North station.

One of the many places to stick the paper with your suggestion.

Sukkat in the Park

 

The Jewish holiday of Sukkot is seven days that asks us to think about the idea of "home" and what it means to have a roof over our heads. This year from Friday September 29th through Friday October 6th Jewish people ate meals in the Sukkah located under the open sun. The sukkah is made up of at least three walls and a roof made up of unprocessed natural vegetation often bamboo or palm branches.  

On Wednesday October 5th Rabbi Saabia Pewzner of the Bronx Jewish Center built a Sukkah in Bronx Park East at the Lydig Avenue entrance where about one hundred people of the Jewish faith and others came to honor the holiday of Sukkat. They ate inside the Sukkah as Jewish music played and people danced outside. 

The Sukkah (in green and white) can be seen in the background right, along with a Mitzvah truck (left) that travels through the neighborhood to educate people about the Jewish holiday of Sukkat. 

A view inside the Sukkah, as you can see the bamboo roof as people are eating under the open sky.

A tradition of Sukkat is the Lulov (made up of palm, myrtle, and willow branches), and the Etrog (citron fruit) that are waved while saying a prayer. Holding the Lulov and Etrog is Steven Glosser President of the PPNA, as Rabbi Pewzner holds the television microphone as the local cable channel was also filming the event.  

Standing outside the Sukkah are (L - R) Steven Glosser, Rabbi Pewzner, Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr., and Joe McManus representing congressman Ritchie Torres. 

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

This month, State Comptroller DiNapoli highlights the rise in cybercrime and the serious threat it poses to New York State and its local governments in two recently released reports. Cyberattacks in New York State increased 53% between 2016 and 2022. Estimated losses in New York from cyberattacks in 2022 totaled over $775 million, while losses nationwide totaled $10.3 billion. DiNapoli’s Cyberattacks on New York’s Critical Infrastructure report details the recent proliferation of cyberattacks, the most common types, and discusses efforts to respond to and prevent such attacks.

In New York, cyberattacks have impacted local governments and schools both large and small, including reported attacks at counties including Albany, Chenango, Erie, Nassau, Schenectady, Suffolk, and Schuyler; cities including New York, Albany, Buffalo, Yonkers, Long Beach, and Olean; and towns including Brookhaven, Ulster, Canandaigua, and Moreau. In a second report, DiNapoli's office recommends local government and school officials treat cybersecurity risks as they do any other hazard they encounter: identify the risks, reduce their vulnerabilities, and plan for contingencies.

“Cyberattacks are a serious threat to New York’s critical infrastructure, economy, and our everyday lives,” said DiNapoli. “Data breaches at companies and institutions that collect large amounts of personal information expose New Yorkers to potential invasions of privacy, identity theft, and fraud. Also troubling is the rise in ransomware attacks that can shut down systems we rely on for water, power, health care and other necessities. Safeguarding New York from cyberattacks requires sustained investment, coordination, and vigilance.”

Read More

MTA Avoided A Fiscal Crisis, Now It Has To Convince Riders To Come Back

In a turnaround from the fiscal crisis it faced a year ago, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today stands on firmer financial ground, largely because the state budget provided dedicated sources of revenue to close projected budget gaps, according to State Comptroller DiNapoli’s annual report on the MTA’s fiscal outlook. With this improved financial picture, the burden is now on the MTA to improve the region’s transit system and win riders back, while keeping its budget balanced, DiNapoli’s analysis concludes.

Read More

Audits

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority – New York City Transit: Risk Assessment and Implementation of Measures to Address Extreme Weather Conditions
• Department of State – Implementation of the Security Guard Act
• Department of Transportation – Compliance With Freedom of Information Law Requirements
• New York Power Authority – Selected Management and Operations Practices: BuildSmart NY/Executive Order 88
• State Education Department – Adult Career and Continuing Education Services: Vocational Rehabilitation Supported Employment Program
• State Education Department – Oversight of Mental Health Education in Schools
• New York City Office of Technology and Innovation – LinkNYC Program Revenues and Monitoring
• Medicaid Program – Recovering Managed Care Payments for Inpatient Services on Behalf of Recipients With Third-Party Health Insurance
• Department of Health: Medicaid Program – Improper Medicaid Payments for Claims Not in Compliance With Ordering, Prescribing, Referring, and Attending Requirements
• New York State Health Insurance Program – UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York: Overpayments for Physician-Administered Drugs
• New York State Health Insurance Program – Empire BlueCross: Overpayments for Physician- Administered Drugs
• Department of Civil Service – New York State Health Insurance Program: Incorrect Payments by CVS Caremark for Medicare Rx Drug Claims That Were Improperly Paid Under the Commercial Plan

Municipal & School Audits Cattaraugus County Town of Orangeville Wallkill Central School District

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• MTA must grow ridership for sound fiscal future, says NY state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli

• The N.Y.C. Subway Is No Longer Broke. Can It Buy Rider Happiness?
  
  
• Deputy comptroller assesses MTA’s financial needs, future plans
  
  
• State Comptroller Report Faults MTA for Lack of Climate Change Plans
  
  
• New York ranks third most vulnerable state for cybercrime, as ransomware grows: State Comptroller
  
  
• Report: Cyberattacks in New York increased 53% between 2016 and 2022 
  
  
• New York Comptroller DiNapoli on Sustainability
  
  
• Transparency Needed as NYC Moves Forward with Difficult Budget Choices: DiNapoli 

Post of the Week 
Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller