Thursday, November 28, 2013

The Thanksgiving Story



The Thanksgiving Story
Most stories of Thanksgiving history start with the harvest celebration of the pilgrims and the Indians that took place in the autumn of 1621. Although they did have a three-day feast in celebration of a good harvest, and the local Indians did participate, this "first Thanksgiving" was not a holiday, simply a gathering. There is little evidence that this feast of thanks led directly to our modern Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving can, however, be traced back to 1863 when Pres. Lincoln became the first president to proclaim Thanksgiving Day. The holiday has been a fixture of late November ever since.
However, since most school children are taught that the first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 with the pilgrims and Indians, let us take a closer look at just what took place leading up to that event, and then what happened in the centuries afterward that finally gave us our modern Thanksgiving.
The Pilgrims who sailed to this country aboard the Mayflower were originally members of the English Separatist Church (a Puritan sect). They had earlier fled their home in England and sailed to Holland (The Netherlands) to escape religious persecution. There, they enjoyed more religious tolerance, but they eventually became disenchanted with the Dutch way of life, thinking it ungodly. Seeking a better life, the Separatists negotiated with a London stock company to finance a pilgrimage to America. Most of those making the trip aboard the Mayflower were non-Separatists, but were hired to protect the company's interests. Only about one-third of the original colonists were Separatists.
The Pilgrims set ground at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. Their first winter was devastating. At the beginning of the following fall, they had lost 46 of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower. But the harvest of 1621 was a bountiful one. And the remaining colonists decided to celebrate with a feast -- including 91 Indians who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year. It is believed that the Pilgrims would not have made it through the year without the help of the natives. The feast was more of a traditional English harvest festival than a true "thanksgiving" observance. It lasted three days.
Governor William Bradford sent "four men fowling" after wild ducks and geese. It is not certain that wild turkey was part of their feast. However, it is certain that they had venison. The term "turkey" was used by the Pilgrims to mean any sort of wild fowl.
Another modern staple at almost every Thanksgiving table is pumpkin pie. But it is unlikely that the first feast included that treat. The supply of flour had been long diminished, so there was no bread or pastries of any kind. However, they did eat boiled pumpkin, and they produced a type of fried bread from their corn crop. There was also no milk, cider, potatoes, or butter. There was no domestic cattle for dairy products, and the newly-discovered potato was still considered by many Europeans to be poisonous. But the feast did include fish, berries, watercress, lobster, dried fruit, clams, venison, and plums.
This "thanksgiving" feast was not repeated the following year. Many years passed before the event was repeated. It wasn't until June of 1676 that another Day of thanksgiving was proclaimed. On June 20 of that year the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving. It is notable that this thanksgiving celebration probably did not include the Indians, as the celebration was meant partly to be in recognition of the colonists' recent victory over the "heathen natives," (see the proclamation).



A hundred years later, in October of 1777 all 13 colonies joined in a thanksgiving celebration. It also commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga. But it was a one-time affair.
George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, although some were opposed to it. There was discord among the colonies, many feeling the hardships of a few pilgrims did not warrant a national holiday. And later, President Thomas Jefferson opposed the idea of having a day of thanksgiving.
It was Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, whose efforts eventually led to what we recognize as Thanksgiving. Hale wrote many editorials championing her cause in her Boston Ladies' Magazine, and later, in Godey's Lady's Book. Finally, after a 40-year campaign of writing editorials and letters to governors and presidents, Hale's obsession became a reality when, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving was proclaimed by every president after Lincoln. The date was changed a couple of times, most recently by Franklin Roosevelt, who set it up one week to the next-to-last Thursday in order to create a longer Christmas shopping season. Public uproar against this decision caused the president to move Thanksgiving back to its original date two years later. And in 1941, Thanksgiving was finally sanctioned by Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November.

This comes from our friend Joe McManus 80th A.D. State Committeeman

 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Chanukah Menorah Lighting


  The largest Chanukah menorah in the Bronx was lit in the Riverdale section by Rabbi Levi Shemtov tonight. The menorah which stands in front of the Riverdale Bell Tower (West 239th Street & Riverdale Avenue) is lit with help from Con Ediison who provides a bucket truck to lift the Rabbi to the top of the menorah. This coming Sunday is the official public lighting with one of the local elected officials going up in the bucket truck with the Rabbi to light the menorah. Last year Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. had the honor of lighting the Riverdale menorah. This year while Mayor Elect Bill deBlasio has been invited to light the menorah Rabbi Shemtov said the back up menorah lighter would be Senator Jeff Klein or Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. Dinowitz has lit the menorah in the past while Senator Klein has not. Below are photos of the menorah being put up, in the afternoon before sundown, and after being lit by Rabbi Shemtov. 















Left - Workers secure the base of the largest menorah in the Bronx.
Right - The menorah base is complete.

 













Left - The Con Edison bucket truck waits to lift Rabbi Shemtov to light the first light on the Riverdale Chanukah Menorah.
Right - People dance in glee as the start of Chanukah is minutes away.















Left - A side photo of the menorah.
Right - A front view of the menorah. The middle light is lit first then also one light from the right. On each of the next seven nights remaining of Chanukah another light is lit next to the one that was lit the night before.


Kingsbridge Road 1st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting ~ Sat. 11/23


 
Holiday Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 23rd  


Happy Thanksgiving From the Bronx Chamber of Commerce!



Tuesday, November 26, 2013

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary October 2013 Area Unemployment Rates


  The State Labor Department today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for October 2013, which are calculated following procedures prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate relies in part on the results of a telephone survey of 3,100 households (out of more than 7 million) in New York State.

  It is a county by county look at unemployment numbers by the Department of Labor, Tompkins County once again has the lowest unemployment in the state, with a rate of just 4.8 percent, while The Bronx has the highest, 12.2 percent. Brooklyn was the second highest borough in the city at 9.6 percent. New York City as a whole it is said has fallen from 9 percent to 8.9 percent, surrounding areas outside of New York City fared much better going from 8.3 percent to 7.8 percent unemployment. The New York State unemployment rate was listed at 7.5 percent. 
  • The counties in New York State with the lowest unemployment rates include:
    • Tompkins County (4.8%)
    • Yates County (5.2%)
    • Hamilton County (5.3%)
    • Putnam County (5.5%)
    • Saratoga County (5.5%)
  • The counties in New York State with the highest unemployment rates include:
    • Bronx County (12.2%)
    • Kings County (9.6%)
    • Jefferson County (8.7%)
    • Orleans County (8.5%)
    • St. Lawrence County (8.3%)

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties, and municipalities of at least 25,000.

 
 

Wave Hill Events December 13–December 20

 
SAT, DECEMBER 14    FAMILY ART PROJECT—BOUGHS AND BRANCHES FOR WINTER
Ornament fragrant pine boughs with shiny foil, glittery beads and natural objects like cones, dried herbs and spices. Tie up a small sachet to create your own glowing, deliciously scented decoration. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, DECEMBER 14    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. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration online only at www.wavehill.org.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, DECEMBER 14    COOKING DEMO: CULINARY CONIFERS
The versatile conifers (pines, spruces, junipers and their kin) enhance our winter landscape and provide flavorful accents for seasonal dishes. With the Conifer Slope as a backdrop, Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day and a chef from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances reveal the origin and history of some of our edible conifers. Sample delicious coniferous recipes featuring juniper berries and pine nuts. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, DECEMBER 15    FAMILY ART PROJECT—BOUGHS AND BRANCHES FOR WINTER
Ornament fragrant pine boughs with shiny foil, glittery beads and natural objects like cones, dried herbs and spices. Tie up a small sachet to create your own glowing, deliciously scented decoration. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, DECEMBER 15    HATHA YOGA
Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, your breath and your mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration online only at www.wavehill.org.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, DECEMBER 15    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. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. All levels welcome. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration online only at www.wavehill.org.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM
12:45PM

SUN, DECEMBER 15    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, DECEMBER 16
Closed to the public.

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 mornings until noon. Free all day on Tuesdays in December. 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 3o 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.
 

Monday, November 25, 2013

Community Board 8 Land Use Meeting Dec. 9.


 The Community Board 8 Land Use Committee will be meeting on Monday December 9th starting at 7:30 PM at the Conservative Synagogue located 475 West 250th Street off the Henry Hudson Parkway service road north. On the agenda are two items.

  1 - An enclosed sidewalk cafe for the Dale Restaurant located at 189 West 231st Street.

  2 - A presentation by Simone Management of demolition, construction, and development plans of property located 3741 & 3735 Riverdale Avenue, and 3644 Oxford Avenue for a proposed 11 story medical facility with parking.



UPDATE Con Edison "Dig They Must"


  Here is an update with new photos of Con Edison's Gas Conversion work in Community Board 8. If you live on Cruger and Lydig Avenues, Creston Avenue by East 196th Street, and almost anywhere else there are apartment buildings that are converting from oil to gas for heating fuel Con Edison will be ripping up the streets in or around those new gas customers. 
  Note on the first two long photos there are still no notices anywhere.
 This was Con Ed during last week at the corner of West 238th Street and Fieldston Road.
 Here you can see that the Con Edison contractor has set up a tent because the construction area is so large on the corner of West 238th Street and Greystone Avenue. The stores on the street are down from 10% - 40%, as one owner says "The people can't get to my store".
  This photo shows the rock that is below this street that has to be removed.
The same section with the new high pressure gas pipe.

This is the scene at a different location started after the Community Board 8 Traffic & Transportation meeting with Con Edison. Note that there are plenty of signs warning of the upcoming construction. 
Here once construction has started metal plates are put over the opening in the roadway as soon as the work moves on.


Saturday, November 23, 2013

LIU - CITY TIME VERDICTS SEND RIGHT MESSAGE


   In response to the City Time verdicts, New York City Comptroller John C. Liu issued the following statement:
“These verdicts send the right message to all who would think of defrauding our taxpayers that there will be a heavy price to pay. Let the CityTime scandal also serve as a sobering reminder that City Hall must tightly manage outside consultants, because when projects run years late and over budget by 1,000 percent, criminality on top of massive waste becomes that much less surprising.”

Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for the latest news, events, and initiatives.
Follow Comptroller Liu on 
Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message,
text “follow johncliu” to 40404.
 View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on 
YouTube.



Friday, November 22, 2013

101st Anniversary Celebration of Albanian Independence ~ Sun. 11/24


  Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj invites you to the 101st Anniversary Celebration of Albanian Independence, taking place on Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 12-5pm on Pelham Parkway South between Wallace & Holland Avenues.

The day will feature live entertainment, food samplings, traditional performances, and many more festivities!

The official Flag Raising Ceremony will be at 2pm.

For more information, please contact Assemblyman Gjonaj’s office at 718-409-0109.


CON ED MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO PREVENT POWER OUTAGES AND FAILING LINES AT KOPPELL’S REQUEST


  Con Edison is currently installing 51 high grade utility poles that can withstand 110 mph and will have switching equipment to prevent future power outages and falling lines, as requested by Council Member Oliver Koppell.  

Because of the severe power outages experienced by people in the community during Hurricane Sandy, Koppell held a series of meetings with Con Ed representatives to explore ways to improve the reliability of the greater Riverdale power grid during inclement weather. 

Subsequent to the meetings, Con Ed revealed its plan to cut the Riverdale Loop, comprised of 7.3 miles of service, into two smaller loops, which will shield each section from events that occur in the other area, making each section more reliable and resulting in quicker restorations.

By the end of December, Con Ed will have completed installing the new poles throughout the Riverdale area and in parts of Kingsbridge. Once the poles are installed, Con Ed expects to make the switch off during the first quarter of 2014. The Riverdale Loop, where everything in Riverdale is connected, will now be split into two separate loops with a Riverdale Loop and a Palisade Loop.       

“I am still hopeful that Con Ed will find a way to bury the exposed power lines, which are the cause of many storm-related outages. However, since we are being told that future storms are inevitable, I am pleased that the changes Con Edison is currently making will reduce the number of power malfunctions in the community,” Koppell said.

Editor Note - How about the mess that Con Edison or should I say their contractor has done to West 238th Street only three blocks away from Councilman Koppell's district office on the high pressure gas line installation. People have been told by the contractor " What do you want, this is the Bronx". Also go into any nearby business and see what this has done to their business.

Sen. Klein Donates Thanksgiving Turkeys to Residents at Throggs Neck Houses


  With Thanksgiving less than a week away, Senator Jeff Klein donated and distributed turkeys to residents at Throggs Neck Houses on Friday afternoon. Joined by Throggs Neck Tenants Association President, Monique Johnson, Senator Klein gave 50 turkeys away.

Senator Klein said: “At this time of year, I think it’s important to not just give thanks, but also to give back to the community. I am proud to give turkeys to local residents who may not otherwise be able to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year. In this spirit, I wish each and every member of our community a happy and healthy holiday season.”


 Senator Klein with residents from Throggs Neck Houses before giving out turkeys donated by Klein.


Wave Hill Events December 6–December 13


  Wave Hill offers the perfect antidote to very commercialized year-end cycle of holidays, from a month’s worth of Family Art Projects that manage to combine utility with inspiration, to a weekend devoted to DIY projects that let you focus on crafting charming, naturally inspired tokens for those you love. Remember when the holidays were pure fun?


SAT, SUN, DECEMBER 7, 8     HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND  
Drop by this weekend to create your own gifts and holiday decorations inspired by the gardens and galleries at Wave Hill. Children eight and older welcome with an adult. Registration suggested but not required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 11AM–3PM

SAT, DECEMBER 7    FAMILY ART PROJECT—SEASON’S GREETINGS
See the inspiring signs of fall shifting to winter at Wave Hill. Draw your own cold-weather tales in surprise, pop-up holiday cards that come alive with scenes of the season. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, DECEMBER 7    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. Winter sessions are held indoors. Registration opens online—and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center—starting November 15. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes off the Friday before each session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate. Session fee: $25/Wave Hill Member $15.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, DECEMBER 7   HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND: MINIATURE ARRANGEMENTS  
Fashion a quartet of sweet miniature arrangements in tiny containers using fresh greens, pinecones and other natural materials. Give your arrangements as gifts, or enjoy them on your own holiday table. Creative guidance offered by Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer. Children eight and older welcome with an adult.   $30/$20 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration suggested but not required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 11AM–3PM

SAT, DECEMBER 7   HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND: NATURAL WREATHS & SWAGS  
Craft one-of-a-kind holiday decorations using fresh greens harvested from Wave Hill’s gardens. Each participant designs a verdant wreath or swag accented with natural materials and elegant accessories. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day demonstrates simple floral techniques and provides plenty of materials to fuel your creative spirit. Children eight and older welcome with an adult.   $30/$20 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration suggested but not required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 11AM–3PM

SAT, DECEMBER 7   HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND: FELT TREASURE BOX
Hand-stitch a cozy felt box with a lid to hold your holiday trinkets and treasures. Artist Maria Hupfield assists participants in crafting a small box using a combination of industrial grey and color felt pieces. Personalize your box using colorful thread, ribbons and other embellishments. An excellent gift for all ages!  Children eight and older welcome with an adult.   $20/$10 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration suggested but not required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 11AM–3PM

SUN, DECEMBER 8    BIRDING WALK
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. 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. For weather-related updates call 718.549.3200 x 245 by 8AM the day of the walk. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718549,3200 x251.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, DECEMBER 8    FAMILY ART PROJECT—SEASON’S GREETINGS
See the inspiring signs of fall shifting to winter at Wave Hill. Draw your own cold-weather tales in surprise, pop-up holiday cards that come alive with scenes of the season. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, DECEMBER 8    HATHA YOGA
Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, your breath and your mind/body/spirit. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration online only at www.wavehill.org.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, DECEMBER 8   HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND: MINIATURE ARRANGEMENTS  
Fashion a quartet of sweet miniature arrangements in tiny containers using fresh greens, pinecones and other natural materials. Give your arrangements as gifts, or enjoy them on your own holiday table. Creative guidance offered by Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer. Children eight and older welcome with an adult.   $30/$20 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration suggested but not required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 11AM–3PM

SUN, DECEMBER 8   HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND: NATURAL WREATHS & SWAGS  
Craft one-of-a-kind holiday decorations using fresh greens harvested from Wave Hill’s gardens. Each participant designs a verdant wreath or swag accented with natural materials and elegant accessories. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day demonstrates simple floral techniques and provides plenty of materials to fuel your creative spirit. Children eight and older welcome with an adult.   $30/$20 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration suggested but not required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 11AM–3PM

SUN, DECEMBER 8   HOLIDAY WORKSHOP WEEKEND: FELT TREASURE BOX
Hand-stitch a cozy felt box with a lid to hold your holiday trinkets and treasures. Artist Maria Hupfield assists participants in crafting a small box using a combination of industrial grey and color felt pieces. Personalize your box using colorful thread, ribbons and other embellishments. An excellent gift for all ages!  Children eight and older welcome with an adult.   $20/$10 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration suggested but not required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 11AM–3PM

SUN, DECEMBER 8    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. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors. All levels welcome. Session fee: $23/Wave Hill Member $15. Registration online only at www.wavehill.org.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM
12:45PM

SUN, DECEMBER 8    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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, DECEMBER 9
Closed to the public.

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 mornings until noon. Free all day on Tuesdays in December. 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 3o 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.
 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Bronx Borough Board Meeting - Re Kingsbridge Armory Vote


  Today was the November Bronx Borough Board Meeting. There were three things on the agenda for today's meeting.
  Item #1 - A presentation by the Taxi & Limousine Commission in the new "Green Outer Boro Taxi"
This presentation was given as it has and will be at the local community board level. there were minimal questions as to which fare would be cheaper. The current flat fee or the new metered fare. Mr. Gordon of TLC Policy Affairs said that most likely it is the metered fare as most trips are short. Another question was the timing of how the new taxi's is going to be. 6,000 each year over the next three years, and 20 percent to be wheelchair accessible. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. commended the TLC on this new Green taxi program saying that he was one of many people who had input into the process.
  Item #2 - Was a presentation by Mr. Ricky Wong if the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs on Information and Tips for Holiday Season Shopping. Mr. Wong handed out a pamphlet with 10 points to know going over a few such as the Store Refund Policy, when a receipt has to be given, credit card limits, and to go to the DCA website at www.nyc.gov/consumers for more information. BP Diaz asked if the DCA handles the current Shop And Frisk issue in some stores, and was told that is handled by the Department of Human Rights. Councilman Oliver Koppell complimented DCA on the hand out, but said that while the outside of the hand out is in normal size print the inside is in much to small print for someone like him to read. Koppell joked that it was as big as the printing on the recent ballot on election day that was to small for most people to read.
  Item #3 - A vote by the Bronx Borough Board on the agreement between  the NYC Department of Economic Development and the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) for a 99 year lease of the Kingsbridge Armory as a hockey and Ice Skating Arena. 
  An overview presentation by Ernesto Padron of NYCDEC of the proposal led to a discussion of the benefits to not only the area of the Kingsbridge Armory, but the entire borough of the Bronx. Councilmen Andy King, Oliver Koppell and Fernando Cabrera were in attendance and each spoke on the proposal. BP Diaz spoke of his visits to Philadelphia where a similar program was started by a former professional hockey Player that has given minority children chances of learning how to ice skate and play ice hockey that they never had the opportunity to have. Diaz continued on how the children and their parents adhere to the rules, such as good grades, good attendance, and good behavior so the children can play on the ice. 
  Councilman Andy King thanked BP Diaz for his leadership in this project, and said that he use to go to the old ice skating Rink on Broadway in the Riverdale area in his youth. King added that he is a Knick fan no matter how you spell it. King said he was voting for the KNIC proposal for the Kingsbridge Armory.
  Councilman Oliver Koppell said that this is the most exciting proposal for the Bronx in his 40 years of elected office, and that while he is the neighboring district that he had wanted a sports complex to be places in the armory for many man y years. Koppell said that he would be voting yes on the proposal. 
  Councilman Fernando Cabrera was much more subdued in his comments by saying only that he would vote yes on this proposal today and encourage his fellow council members to vote yes when the proposal comes before the City Council as a final step to approval.Up to this point Councilman Cabrera was the lone holdout on the KNIC proposal.

Left - Councilman Cabrera and Community Board 8 Chair Robert Fanuzzi chat as Councilman Oliver watches in the background.
Right - Councilman Cabrera speaks and then quickly leaves after the vote is over.


 













Left & Right BP Diaz speaking about why this proposal for the Kingsbridge Armory should be approved. 

  Diaz would say after the vote by the Borough Board 
“Today’s vote will facilitate the construction of a world class skating, community and educational facility that will be the catalyst for positive redevelopment not just in the surrounding community, but across the borough,” said Borough President Diaz.

The 10-0 vote of the Bronx Borough Board included three City Council Members—Fernando Cabrera, G. Oliver Koppell and Andy King—who attended the meeting to offer their support for the project in person.

“The Kingsbridge National Ice Center promises to not only bring living wage jobs to the community, but also provide world class facilities that will benefit our youth here in the Bronx, the City of New York and the surrounding region. As I have said numerous times, this project is going to have a tremendous positive impact on not just the Northwest Bronx but the entire borough, and I am proud to support the development of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center,” said Borough President Diaz.

The Community Benefits Agreement has been signed by dozens of neighborhood organizations and community partners representing thousands of residents in the Northwest Bronx that support the project.

News From Comptroller John Liu


MAYOR’S BUDGET MATH DOESN’T ADD UP

 
“The Mayor’s math doesn’t add up. The facts are clear, not only will the next Administration not inherit a balanced budget but it will also be greeted on Day 1 with a fiscal mess of historic proportions – 300,000 employees working with expired contracts.
 
“Mayor Bloomberg’s final budget modification continues to conceal huge fiscal risks and rely on one-shots like selling City property and depleting the Retiree Health Benefit Trust. His budget may seem balanced on paper, but the fiscal reality points to multi-billion-dollar budget gaps on the fiscal horizon.”
 

Background:
 
There is a multi-billion dollar budgetary risk associated with the fact that all City unions are currently working under expired contracts. The Bloomberg Administration’s negotiating position with the unions does not include retroactive pay for any contract settlement. The current financial plan includes funding for a settlement of a five-year contract in which the first three years would have no increases followed by two years of 1.25% increases. The unions have all rejected this proposal. Any wage increases above and beyond the funding already in the financial plan would need to be funded through increased revenues or decreased services. 

An analysis by the Comptroller’s office has found that if all unions agreed to a minimal 1% increase a year over the five-year term of the contract, the City would need to fund $1.3 billion in retro pay.  If the wage increase were instead linked to inflation, this number could balloon to $3.1 billion. These numbers are on top of the potential $3.5 billion in retroactive wages that the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators (CSA) members are seeking.
 
 

NYC PENSION FUNDS CALL ON ADVERTISING GIANTS TO PROVE COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

 

As Two Ad Firms Prepare for Mega-Merger, NYC Funds Ask Them to Disclose Their Employee Composition and Demonstrate Diversity

  City Comptroller John C. Liu today announced that he has called on the boards of two advertising firms, Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) and Publicis Groupe (PUB: FP), to disclose the makeup of their employees across a range of titles by gender and ethnicity before shareowners vote on their proposed merger. 

“These companies operate in an industry with an abysmal record of hiring and promoting women and minorities, particularly African Americans.  They claim they care about diversity and are making progress, but unless they disclose the actual makeup of their employees it’s impossible to know whether it’s just empty talk,” Comptroller Liu said.  “Studies have demonstrated that workplace diversity leads to innovation and innovation increases value.  We want these firms to prosper by hiring the best and brightest and we expect them to demonstrate that they pay more than lip service to equal opportunity employment.”

The advertising industry, like the financial services industry, has a history of wide and pervasive employment disparities, particularly among senior positions.  One 2009 study found that racial disparity is 38 percent worse in the advertising industry than in the overall U.S. labor market, and that the “discrimination divide” between advertising and other U.S. industries is more than twice as wide as it was 30 years ago. 

Omnicom and Publicis have both declined Comptroller Liu’s past requests that they disclose the composition of their workforce by race and gender.  The pending Omnicom-Publicis merger heightens the need for disclosure.  The merger will not only create an advertising behemoth; it will create the least transparent major ad firm in the world, by combining the two firms that have consistently refused to demonstrate their commitment to equal employment opportunities.

Despite the companies’ assurances that they have existing diversity programs, their refusal to provide employment data makes it impossible for shareowners to determine managements’ effectiveness in this important area.  Meanwhile, the other global ad giants, Interpublic (NYSE: IPG) and WPP Group (WPP: LN), have taken steps to disclose annual data on the diversity of their employees.

BACKGROUND
In Nov. 2011, on behalf of the NYC Funds, Comptroller Liu wrote several advertising firms — Omnicom, Publicis, Interpublic, and WPP — to ask they disclose employment data. 

When Comptroller Liu filed this request in the form of a shareholder proposal at Omnicom, the company tried and failed to exclude it from their 2012 annual meeting.  At that meeting, 33.8% of voting shares backed the NYC Funds’ proposal, which was the highest ever vote on such a proposal.  Despite broad shareowner support, Omnicom declined to provide employment disclosures even as its peers have done so.

Comptroller Liu and the NYC Funds have also engaged numerous financial services firms — Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), MetLife (NYSE: MET), AIG (NYSE: AIG), BNY Mellon (NYSE: BK), and US Bancorp (NYSE: USB) — all of which subsequently agreed to provide comprehensive employment disclosures. 

The NYC Pension Funds hold a combined 829,714 shares in Omnicom and Publicis with a market value of $61 million.

BRONX RALLIES IN SUPPORT OF KINGSBRIDGE NATIONAL ICE CENTER AND HISTORIC COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENT


  TONIGHT -  6 PM

 
St. Nicholas of Tolentine
 2345 University Avenue
      Bronx, New York

  Hundreds of members of the Bronx community to rally in support of the proposed Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) and the project’s historic Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).

  Community leaders, local officials and clergy to urge swift, final approval of the KNIC project by the NY City Council. Former NY Rangers captain and KNIC CEO, Mark Messier, will attend along with Sarah Hughes, Olympic figure skating gold medalist.

 
  The Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC), proposed for the iconic Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, would be the largest indoor ice sports facility in the world. With nine year-round rinks, including a 5,000-seat center show-rink, KNIC would be an international sporting destination, drawing more than 2 million visits a year.

KNIC will welcome first-time skaters and champion athletes alike, with recreational skating, private and group instruction, training, rehearsals and competitions all under one giant, historic roof. Educational and athletic programs led by New York Rangers legend Mark Messier and Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Sarah Hughes will make ice sports accessible and exciting for young people in the surrounding community with free instruction, equipment and ice time. And with special events including local, regional, national and international tournaments, camps, competitions and shows, this world-class facility will become a global center of hockey, figure skating, speed skating, synchronized skating, ice dancing and even curling.

On April 17, 2013 the KNIC development team entered into an unprecedented Community Benefits Agreement with twenty-seven signatories offering living wage jobs, 50,000 square feet of community space, a business incubator, programs for children, and a number of other commitments.


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

FREE Flu Shot!


 Bronx Borough President  Ruben Diaz Jr.

Invites you to protect yourself and receive your

FREE Flu Shot!


FLU SEASON IS HERE !


Join us on


Friday, November 22, 2013


9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.



Bronx Library Center

310 East Kingsbridge Road

Light refreshment will be available.


The flu shots are limited, please RSVP in advance! RSVP 718-537-5268

or email mcebollero@bronxbp.nyc,gov and make your appointment.


Special thanks to the Visiting Nurse Service of NY for

providing and administering the flu shots.


Cardinal Spellman High School Takes Positive Action In Postponing Talk On "Same-Sex Attraction"


  The new Bronx LGBTQ Center (the “Center”) appreciates Cardinal Spellman High School's decision, as reported by The New York Times, to postpone the talk scheduled to be delivered by Rev. Donald Timone at its school on Tuesday evening. We believe that the interests of Spellman's community are better served by a balanced presentation that includes all views on this sensitive subject, including views that affirm and accept youth and their sexuality as they are.
"We would like to reiterate our desire to open a constructive dialogue with the school to talk about LGBTQ issues in ways that won't cause harm. We have been working with a number of organizations and individuals who would support such efforts that would hopefully result in a positive outcome," Tym Moss, the Center's president stated.
"We thank all of the Cardinal Spellman HS alumni, as well as those who contacted us to express their views -- one way or the other -- on this sensitive issue. Our focus and goal was and remains that no person come to any harm as a result of discussions surrounding LGBTQ issues. The school's action in postponing this talk is a positive move that provides hope in achieving this goal," Peter C. Frank, the Center's secretary, said.
The Center's initial statement on this issue can be found online:
http://bit.ly/18yUmGR.

You're Invited to the Borough's Official Hanukkah Celebration


Bronx Borough President 
Ruben Diaz Jr.  


Invites you to join him
 at the

Annual Bronx 
Hanukkah Celebration 

Mistress of Ceremonies

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer
Psychosexual Therapist and 
Author
Dramatized in "Becoming 
Dr. Ruth"  at the
 Westside Theater

Musical Performance
Kinneret Day School 
  
Tuesday, December 3,
 2013 - At  1:00 PM 
  

The Bronx County Building
Veterans' Memorial Hall
851 Grand Concourse

Light refreshments will be served.

Seating is Complimentary 
and Limited.