Go Bronx Magazine Spring 2021

Magazine

Bronx River looking toward Concrete Park

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Spring Issue 2021

Dear Reader: We are optimistic about the prospect of hugging again…soon…like incredibly soon. No more spending time making home-made banana bread unless you absolutely love home-made banana bread. During these worst of times, we may have taken the opportunity to learn a new language, lose twenty pounds, or write the first draft of that great American novel. I did none of those things, but if you have, good for you! We have added new phrases to our lexicon, like “remote learning,” or “telehealth” or “social distancing.”

One phrase we, at The Bronx Tourism Council, are not particularly fond of is “capacity restrictions,” because, in case you have not noticed, we love to throw big parties. But, alas, we know we will have to adhere to these guidelines until this disease is totally eradicated. Then, and only then, can we celebrate en masse again.

But there is some good news. Spring is all around us and so is outdoor fun. Parks are open and restaurants are back to offering outdoor dining. You can enjoy exhibits and performances as long as you wear a mask and maintain the right amount of distance from others. And the best news is that we are bringing back Bronx Week.

This is when we celebrate the best of the borough, and we do have reason to celebrate. This year, Bronx Week will last…a week, instead of eleven days. But we are going to make the best of it. We will publish a Calendar of Events for Bronx Week activities throughout the borough soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the spring issue of Go Bronx Magazine.

Hope to see you soon.

a publication of:

Spring, 2021 Olga Luz Tirado Executive Director Sofia Thierfelder Grifoll Deputy Director 851 Grand Concourse, Ste. 123 Bronx, NY 10451 718.590.3518 www.ilovethebronx.com Cover photo by William Murray

TABLE OF CONTENTS Spring Calendar……………………….3 21 in ‘21……………………………..…..5

Bronxfully yours, Olga Luz Tirado Editor-in-Chief, Go Bronx Host, Go Bronx Podcast Executive Director, The Bronx Tourism Council

/TheBronxTourism

@THEBRONXTOURISM

THEBRONXTOURISM

Go Bronx Magazine is a digital publication of The Bronx Tourism Council (BTC). Contents and design © 2021, all rights reserved. Reproduction or alterations without written permission is strictly prohibited. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication as of press time. However, BTC assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. BTC makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding the suitability, quality or availability of any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication. Listings and advertisements may have been provided by the subject companies and BTC shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s rights therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever.

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SAT| APR 24| 1:00pm - 2:00pm|Free

SAT| APR 24| 10:00am-12:00pm|

EARTH DAY HIKE AND CLEAN-UP

FOREST BATHING: CONNECTING TO OUR EARTH, OUR TREES AND OURSELVES The Bronx Arts Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing boosts your immune system and cardiovascular strength, reduces stress and improves cognitive functioning while deepening your relationship to nature. Contemplate the earth and the trees, and your connections to these elements, as certified forest therapists Gerti Schoen, Nancy Kopans and Cindy Olsen guide you on a reflective walk through Wave Hill’s gardens and trails. Earth Day event. Space is limited; adults only, please. Rain date: Sunday, April 25.

Registration required

Wave Hill

SAT| APR 24 | 11:00am - 3:00pm|

WOODLAWN’S EARTH DAY CELEBRATION Bring your family and friends to watch a chainsaw artist carve a tree trunk, join a scavenger hunt, partake in a craft project, participate in a tree planting, learn from the experts about tree pruning, tree maintenance and much more! Enjoy a ride on the Woodlawn Conservancy trolley. Stroll through the Arboretum to enjoy more than 392 species of trees. There is something for everyone of all ages.

There is an admittance fee and to boot, you’ll be able to partake in a complimentary hotdog lunch!

Registration is required and complimentary lunch tickets will be distributed.

Woodlawn

In honor of Earth Day, join the Rangers to soak in and maintain the beauty of Pelham Bay Park as you hike the shoreline and remove trash along the way. To enhance your experience, please wear comfortable shoes or boots, pack a light snack and water.

Pelham Bay Park, section 2 Orchard Beach SAT| APR 24, MAY 22, & JUNE 26| 2:00pm - 3:00pm| Free

VIRTUAL FAMILY AFFAIR: BRING THE MUSEUM HOME

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming virtual Family Affairs.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

SUN| APR 25| 11:00am - 12:00pm| FREE

SPRING BOTANY HIKE

Urban Park Rangers will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City and places often off-limits to the general public. On these hikes, you can gain orienteering skills, explore our city's rich history, or just take an hour to unplug from the world. The park is home to a diversity of plant life which is more visible in the spring. Hone your botany skills as you explore plant life in the park. To enhance your experience we recommend wearing comfortable shoes or boots, packing a light snack, and bringing water.

Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park FRI| APR 30| 10:00am - 12:00pm| Free

VAN CORTLANDT PARK EPHEMERAL WALK/TOUR To kick off the City Nature Challenge, join NYC Parks staff on a hike around Van Cortlandt Park to view and make iNaturalist observations of the wonderfully diverse spring ephemerals on the western side of the park. Bring water and a snack, as well as your smartphone or camera! If you do not know how to use iNaturalist, arrive 15 minutes early and we will show you how! Plan to wear a face mask.

Space is limited and registration is required Riding Stables Parking Lot in Van Cortlandt Park

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FRI| APR 30, MAY 1st, May 2nd 10:00am - 12:00pm| Free

SAT| MAY 8 | 10:00 pm - 6:00pm|

Join the New York Public Library, Woodlawn Heights Branch, for a walk through the cemetery while reading a book along the way. Interactive activities will be posted on signage and each family will be able to take a special gift. Meet at the Jerome Ave. entrance. Sponsored by The Woodlawn Heights Library Support Group.

Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular artists in the world, drawing millions to experience her immersive installations. Exclusively at NYBG, Kusama reveals her lifelong fascination with the natural world, beginning with her childhood spent in the greenhouses and fields of her family’s seed nursery. Her artistic concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity are inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers.

STORY ON-THE-GO WITH THE NYPL

KUSAMA: COSMIC NATURE

Reservations are required.

Woodlawn Cemetery

Registration is required.

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd.

SAT| MAY 8 | 3:00pm– 4:30pm |

VIRTUAL WALKING TOUR: BELMONT NEIGHBORHOOD AND LITTLE ITALY OF THE BRONX

SAT| JAN 20 | 2pm | FREE

GARDEN WALK: GREAT TREES OF WAVE HILL In honor of Arbor Day, join us online for a virtual garden walk spotlighting some of Wave Hill’s great trees. The gardens of Wave Hill include some of the largest and most unusual trees in all of New York City. A few even pre-date the establishment of Wave Hill as an estate in the 1840s. Enjoy a virtual stroll through the gardens as Assistant Director of Horticulture Steven Conaway visits some of our most notable trees, sharing stories along the way. The program concludes with a Q&A with Wave Hill garden experts.

Join branch staff from Belmont Library for a virtual tour of the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx, fondly known as Bronx Little Italy, which has been a critical part of the development of the borough and city. The authentic Italian culture found in the vibrant community of Bronx Little Italy sustains a thriving business district that includes world-class restaurants, high-quality artisanal food shops, and specialty stores carrying handmade local and imported items that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

Reservations are required Virtual - Wave Hill

Belmont Library - The New York Public Library

SAT| MAY 15| 10:00am - 12:00pm |

BRONX SOLE: BRONX HISTORY RUN & WALK We are a running and walking group who teach Bronx history while being active (#not62). There is a level for everyone as we offer a walking group, two run/walk groups and two running groups. The event is free and for all ages. We depart and run or walk to two or three locations in the Bronx. We stop and give the history and then head back to the park we started from. The groups will be no larger than 10 people and we will have hand sanitizer and masks available.

E 153rd St. & Grand Concourse (entrance of Franz Sigel Park) Bronx Sole Photo credit: Wave Hill

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By Christina Taylor

Are you up for the Challenge? Spend 2021 exploring the trails in the third largest park in New York City, Van Cortlandt Park, while supporting the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA). The Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is a nonprofit organization that preserves, supports, and promotes the recreational, ecological, and historical value of Van Cortlandt Park.

Hike 21 miles in Van Cortlandt Park anytime during 2021, post on social media from the park to spread the word, and wear your 21 in ‘21 Finisher’s Patch with pride once you attain your goal (because you earned it!).

VCPA will provide you with route options within Van Cortlandt Park, but you pick your

method (hike, run, stroll, skip) and you pick when (as long as you complete all by December 31, 2021).

Van Cortlandt Park, located in the Northwest Bronx, has over 20 miles of trails of various levels of difficulty. If any of the suggested trails are too strenuous, you can sub-stitute as you like. The specific trails do not matter as much as hitting the goal of 21 miles.

Registration is $35/participant and closes September 1, 2021 but the sooner you register, the more perks you will receive, and the more time you will have to meet the challenge.

While earning your 21 in ‘21 patch don’t forget to share your adventures on social media by tagging @vcpalliance and using #vancortlandtpark #21in21invannie #vcpwherenychikes.

Visit the Eventbrite page for more information and to register to receive your 21 in ‘21 packet to get started.

VCPA also offers educational, stewardship, and community programs. For more information, visit VCPA’s Calendar of Events to learn about other upcoming events.

Photo Credit: Asa Aarons

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Christina Taylor is the Director of Programs and Operations for the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and is an avid hiker whose favorite trail in the park is Cass Gallagher Trail

SAT| APR 24| 8am & 10:30am

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WED| APR 21| 8pm– 9:30pm|

WCS RUN FOR THE WILD

BMHC Percussion Discussion - April Episode

Each year, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Run for the Wild raises awareness of the threats facing wildlife while fundraising to help WCS's conservation work at the Bronx Zoo and around the world. Time slots for the 5K race for individual runners begin at 8:00 a.m.; casual runners and walkers can take part in the 3K Family Fun Run/ Walk that begins at 10:30 a.m. All registered participants are encouraged to stay after the race to enjoy exclusive post-run activities and the entire day at the Bronx Zoo, including all rides and attractions. Special for this year – the Bronx Zoo will only be open for Run participants for the day.

Registration is required. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd,

WED| APR 28| 8pm-9:30pm|

SUN| MAY 9 | 10:30AM, 12:30PM, 2:30PM. 4:30PM

MOTHER’S DAY VIRTUAL WILD ENCOUNTER Treat mom to a wild Mother’s Day this year with a 15-minute Virtual Wild Encounter featuring a Bronx Zoo alligator and a surprise animal guest! She’ll also receive an exclusive Mother’s Day tumbler, from one supermom to another.

During the Virtual Wild Encounter, mom will have the chance to ask keepers questions in real time and find out all about caring for these amazing creatures.

Virtual @ Bronx Zoo

Bronx Music Heritage Center's April episode of its monthly series, Percussion Discussion, will feature the water drum used by women in the West African Basamung tradition. Co-artistic director, Bobby Sanabria, will moderate the discussion with Gambian artists Salieu Suso and Sunkary Kamaso.

Live stream at FaceBook.com/BxMusic. Free

BMHC MUSIC BY THE BOOK SERIES: PROF. RAFAEL APONTE LEDÉE The Bronx Music Heritage Center's monthly series, Music by the Book, will talk with musician and Puerto Rican composer, Prof. Rafael Aponte Ledée, considered one of the most important contemporary classical composer, to discuss his book "El Ombligo de la Plena" with BMHC's co-artistic director Bobby Sanabria. This interview will be conducted in Spanish.

Registration required. Live stream at FaceBook.com/BxMusic. Free

SAT & SUN| APR 10– JUN 30|11am—4pm

POP-UP PERFORMANCES

Performing artists roam the landscape, complementing your journey throughout the Garden. The mission of Bindlestiff Family Variety Arts, Inc., is to bring joy and wonder into the world.

Bindlestiff celebrates tradition while maintaining an irreverent spirit, keeping circus arts current, accessible, and relevant through performances, support for emerging artists, and youth and community outreach.

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard APR 10 - JUN 6| 12:00pm - 4:30pm

BMHC'S BRONX RISING! PRESENTS MASKING THE SEASONS Bronx Rising! performance series returns to inperson programming with an outdoor event in Bronx Music Hall Plaza, the location of our future home. This month’s series, entitled "Masking the Seasons in the Bronx," will feature "Wanaragua," a music and dance performance by The Wabafu Garifuna Dance Theater in honor of Garifuna Heritage Month.

Reservations Necessary - reserve at (917)557-2354 (masks required) or watch livestream at www.facebook.com/BxMusic. Free 438 East 163rd Street PAGE 6

APR 28 to July 28

FLOWERS AND FLYERS The spring 2021 exhibit focuses on four female botanical artists, that celebrate the beauty and inspiration of Mother Nature in their unique ways.

Elisa Contemporary Art, 5622 Mosholu Avenue Wednesdays 12-5pm and by appointment days/ evenings and weekends.

MAY 8 to MAY 16 Click for more information

MON| MAY 31| 2pm - 3pm|

MEMORIAL DAY GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide on a tour of favorite garden areas and seasonal highlights on the holiday Monday. Severe weather cancels. Walks do not include the Conservatory at this time. This walk ends at 2:45PM. Registration is required Wave Hill 4900 Independence Ave

Rebecca Swanson Graphic Blossom, Limited Edition SUN| MAY 9| 9:30am - 11:00am|

SPRING BIRDING

Monthly bird walks, along with naturalist and seasoned NYC Audubon guide Gabriel Willow, return to Wave Hill this spring! Welcome migratory birds back to the garden and look for the ones passing through on the way to their summer breeding grounds. Explore the gardens and woodlands to look for birds that are attracted by Wave Hill’s diversity of habitats. Birders of all levels welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels.

Registration is required Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave THU| MAY 13 | 11:00Am - 12:00pm|

WALKS WITH THE GARDENERS: THE ALPINE HOUSE, TERRACE, AND WALL Spring is a time of floral abundance in and around the Alpine House, when every nook and cranny seems to be in bloom. Cultivating these plants from cool rocky mountaintops is both demanding and rewarding, requiring special skills and techniques. Guided by Wave Hill gardener Susannah Strazzera.

Registration is required Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave PAGE 7

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