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October 18, 2023

Come to our free paper shredding event on October 22nd. Be prepared to load your own documents into the bin to be shredded, and be courteous to those in line. If you have more than three bags/boxes to be shredded, we kindly ask that you get back in line with the remaining materials. Please remove any materials that should not be shredded, including but not limited to batteries, electronics, metals (paper clips and staples are okay), or plastic.

The paper shredding event on Sunday, October 22nd, is sponsored by Congressman Ritchie Torres, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, and me. It will be from 10 am - 1 pm on the corner of West 235th Street & Johnson Avenue.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this event, you can contact our office at dinowitzj@nyassembly.gov or (718) 796-5345

Come to our free paper shredding event on October 29th. Be prepared to load your own documents into the bin to be shredded, and be courteous to those in line. If you have more than three bags/boxes to be shredded, we kindly ask that you get back in line with the remaining materials. Please remove any materials that should not be shredded, including but not limited to batteries, electronics, metals (paper clips and staples are okay), or plastic.

The paper shredding event on Sunday, October 29th, is sponsored by Congressman Adriano Espaillat, State Senator Robert Jackson, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, and me. It will be from 10 am - 1 pm in front of our district office at 3107 Kingsbridge Avenue.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this event, you can contact our office at dinowitzj@nyassembly.gov or (718) 796-5345

I enjoyed walking around Kingsbridge to check in on our local small businesses with NYC Small Businesses Service Commissioner Kevin Kim (@nycsmallbiz) and my colleagues Council Member Eric Dinowitz (@ericdinowitznyc), Congressman Adriano Espaillat (@repadrianoespaillat), Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero (@jpegnyc), Chair of Bronx Community Board 8 Julie Reyes, and Andy Williams, President of the Kingsbridge Business Improvement District. Small businesses make our community thrive and are the backbone of the American economy. Some of the small business owners I got to meet with along my way were Columbia Florist owner Connie Dennis, Ultimate Indian Threading Salon owner Sini Sinha, My Kitchen Flavor owner Celia Cruz, First Class Professional Alter owner Rafael Estrella, and Joan’s Cleaners owner Joan Park. Thank you for all you do to help make the Kingsbridge Business District continue to succeed and provide excellent services to the people of my district and the Bronx, the best borough in the world.

The Riverdale Press, October 13th, 2023 — Israel-Hamas war reverberates in Riverdale

SILive, October 14th, 2023 — New York employers can no longer access the private social media of workers, and applicants under the new law

WENY News, October 16th, 2023 — New York State leaders increase security measures for Jewish and Palestinian communities

Governing, October 16th, 2023 — New York Can No Longer Access Workers’ Private Social Media

In September, U.S. retail sales continued to grow for the sixth consecutive month, indicating that American consumers are still active in the market. Bill Adams, the chief economist at Comerica Bank, attributes this growth to high employment, wage increases outpacing inflation, and reduced recession concerns. Recent data suggests that rising gas prices have had a limited impact on retail spending. However, the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorists of Hamas in the oil-rich Middle East poses a potential risk to the respite from higher energy costs. If this conflict escalates, it could lead to tighter oil supplies, potentially resulting in increased gas prices, higher inflation, and reduced spending power for Americans during the holiday season.

Last week, I asked, "Should the United States get directly involved in this conflict to support Israel?"

Yes — 42%

No — 47%

Other / No opinion — 11%

» Council Member Eric Dinowitz — Clothing Drive

• Collecting new and gently used clothing donations to help migrant families. Hours of Drop-off are Monday-Friday from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM at the Drop-off Point located at 277 West 231st Street, Bronx, NY 10463

• Donations needed: Warm Coats and jackets, Underwear, T-shirts and blouses, Pants, Hats, Closed-Toed Shoes, Gloves, Scarves, Diapers and Formula, Sweaters, Sweatshirts, Socks, Leggings, Long-sleeve shirts, ALL SIZES

• To learn more, call 718-549-7300, or email Dinowitz@council.nyc.gov.

» NYCDEP — Update for consumers, October 13th - November 15th

• Now through November 15, 2023, DEP customers can receive $100 off their next water bill by enrolling in Autopay.

• Autopay allows customers to pay their bills automatically on the due date or a specific date each month and avoid the hassle of remembering to pay on time. Setting it doesn’t mean forgetting it – they’ll get monthly notices that their payment is scheduled and paid.

• Customers can sign up for Autopay through their My DEP account. To learn more, visit our Autopay webpage, call 718-595-7000, or visit one of our customer service offices.

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Events throughout October 2023

Trail Work Wednesdays

Wednesdays - Meet at 9 am

Miles of trails traverse Van Cortlandt Park's natural areas, requiring regular maintenance. Volunteers will assist staff with maintaining the cross-country course and other trails throughout the park. Work includes water bar and checkstep maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; bring water and a snack.

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Floodplain Fridays

Fridays - Meet at 9 am

With 640 acres of urban woodland, Van Cortlandt Park could help! 

This month, we focus on the floodplain forest and Tibbetts Wetland in the park.

RSVP Now.

Meet in front of the Van Cortlandt Golf House.

Garden Tune-up Tuesdays

Tuesdays, October 24, 10 am to 1 pm

Let’s tend to our growing veggies together. 

Volunteers are needed for maintaining the compost bins, weeding, planting, and building garden beds.

RSVP Now.

Meet at VCPA Garden and Compost Site.

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park

Hike-toberfest 2023

Saturday, October 21

Hike in the park, followed by a classic Oktoberfest celebration with local beer, German food, live music, lawn games, and more.

Get Your Tickets Now!

Howl-o-ween Pup Parade

Saturday, October 28 - 12-2 pm

Bring your pup to VCPA’s very first Dog Parade & Costume Contest! Proceeds go toward volunteer efforts in the park’s 3 dog runs. Register your best friend to compete in the costume contest ($20 in advance; $25 day of). Win prizes! 

Brought to you by VCPA’s Board of Directors.

Get Your Tickets Now!

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Hike-toberfest 2023, Van Cortlandt Park, October 21st

• Support the park! Hike-then-sip at VCPA’s Annual Hike-toberfest!

• Hike in the park followed by a classic Oktoberfest celebration, complete with local beer, German food, live music, lawn games, and more.

 • Tickets on Sale! Early Bird Ticket Specials end 9/15!

Click here to purchase tickets.

Sponsorships Available!

Click here for more information on sponsorships.

HIKES!

Start times vary, click here for details.

Lots of options! Something for everyone!

All registered hike participants will receive a VCPA beanie!

All Hikes:

Are led by skilled guides;

Finish at approximately 4:00pm… please take note of start times;

Begin and end at the Van Cortlandt House Museum;

Require onsite check-in. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time for your hike.

OKTOBERFEST!

• From 4 to 6 pm
• German food by Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten;
• Local beer, Alternative Medicine Brewing Company, Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, and more, served in a souvenir VCPA mug by our good friends from the Bronx Beer Hall;
• Lloyd's Carrot Cake Cupcakes;
• Yard games on the Van Cortlandt House Museum lawn;
• Live music;
• Raffle tickets will be sold at the event for the chance to win terrific prizes!

Tickets!

» Botanical Gardens — Spooky Gardens Nights October 21st & October 28th

October 21 & 28; 6:30–8:30 p.m.

•As Halloween draws near, get the most out of your costume with an extra reason to wear it out at Spooky Garden Nights! Explore the twisting trails of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, where your little ones will be thrilled to find frightfully fun activities, including shadow puppets, giant skeletons, and more! And don't miss nighttime giant pumpkin carving with master carver Adam Bierton.

•Make sure you have something festive planned for you and the whole family this October. Get your tickets now!

Giant Pumpkin Carving

•Professional sculptor and pumpkin carver Adam Bierton uses his endless creativity and imagination for another season of transforming super-sized gourds into works of art. Marvel as he continues carving into the night!

Spooky Activities on the Treat Trail

•Decorate your treat bag, then explore the trail! You'll learn about nocturnal creatures, grind a chocolate seed, peek inside a pumpkin, then pot up your own bug-eating carnivorous plant to bring home!

Giant Skeletons on Parade

•Larger-than-life skeletons specially commissioned by Bronx-based puppeteer Lucrecia Novoa will greet you during these bone-chilling evenings at the Garden.

Shadow Puppet Performance

•Using the magic of shadow puppetry, vintage overhead projectors, and live music, the award-winning cast of Hit the Lights! Theater Co. weaves an enchanting story of scarecrows that awaken on Halloween night.

» T H E   O R C H E S T R A   O F   T H E   B R O N X — October 22nd

• Michael Spierman, conductor

• Monte Morgenstern, clarinet

• On SUNDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 22 at 3 pm

At THE LOVINGER THEATRE of LEHMAN COLLEGE

• ADMISSION IS FREE and NO TICKETS ARE REQUIRED

• Program: Mozart, Clarinet Concerto & Beethoven, “Eroica” Symphony

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Youth Run Farmstand, July 12th- October 25th

• FRESH FRUITS & VEGGIES! 

• Wednesdays, 2-7 PM 

• Visit the farmstand at Orloff Ave & Gale Place.

• Meet the interns and shop for tasty, healthy treats. 

• Get the new list of goodies each week → Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

» NYC Votes — Upcoming Election Information

• Offices on the Ballot: City Council, District Attorney, Judges * Votes can also vote "Yes" or "No" on two ballot proposals this November. Learn more about them @nycvotes

• Key Dates:

-October 23rd: Absentee ballot request deadline

-October 28th: Voter registration deadline

-October 28th through November 5th: Early Voting

-November 7th: Election Day

» KRVC — GALLERY 505 Presents "Visual Fields," A Solo Exhibit By Janice Demarino, October 12th - December 29th

• Art Exhibit located at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• Gallery Hours are from Friday 2:00 PM-4:00 PM, viewings by appointment

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» KRVC — Halloween Celebration October 31st

• Candy, Crafts, and music located at 505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY, on Tuesday, October 31st, from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» Riverdale Temple — 5K Riverdale New Year Run, January 1st, 2024

• If you're up for a challenge, get Riverdale ready and Join us for the 5K Riverdale New Year Run on Monday, January 1, 2024, located at 4545 Independence Avenue

Bronx, NY US 10471. Check-in at 10:00 AM.

• Race Fees: September 5th - November 15th: $36, November 16th - December 14th: $54, No day-of registration.

 • To register, go to RiverdaleNewYearRun.

» E-ZPass NY — 24/7 E-ZPass NY Account Access!

• Preparing for a trip or already on the road? Forget to add that new license plate before your vacation? Want to check your balance? Is your account balance low? No worries! Use our Tolls NY Mobile App.

• Real-time payments and account updates are made without speaking to a representative.

• Scan the QR code or click the link below to easily download the app from the App Store or Google Play today!

Please visit our YouTube channel to learn more by clicking here.

» NYC Department of Environmental Protection - Change in Water Supply

• DEP is preparing for a multi-month shutdown of the Delaware Aqueduct later this year

• DEP has slowly started introducing water from the Croton system into the city's supply of tap water

• Residents may detect a slightly different taste in water sourced from different reservoirs due to different mineral contents

• All water used in New York's tap water system are highly tested (2,000 times per day)

• Any concerns about tap water quality should be reported to 311 so DEP can investigate

• For more information about the city's tap water and sources, visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/water/current-water-distribution.page

• For more information about the Delaware Aqueduct repairs, visit here: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/news/21-006/600-feet-below-hudson-river-final-concrete-lining-completed-1-billion-water-tunnel#/0

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

3107 Kingsbridge Avenue

Bronx, New York 10463

Phone: 718-796-5345 | E-Mail: dinowitzj@nyassembly.gov