Put your boots on, baby! It’s going to be a wet one! Additionally, the Shamanic forecast says April is going to be a month of high highs and low lows. Whether you’re laughing or crying, it will be intense. The trick will be to stay neutral. We are all in the season of rebirth, growth and renewal. Laugh a lot, cry a little, wait five minutes before you kick the cat and by month’s end all will settle into place, so enjoy the ride.
If you can’t make it to the Greater New York Links annual Easter Saturday Luncheon, then spend it with Vy Higginsen’s Gospel Choir from Harlem, featuring Cissy Houston. The event will take place at the Dempsey Theater, 127 W. 127th St., between Lenox and Seventh avenues, at 2 p.m. General admission is $35 to $50. In the spirit of the holidays, the show promises to lift you up.
The Museum of the City of New York’s families at City Museum series is offering a host of exciting interactive workshops that are as informative as they are hands-on fun. At the Build a Bridge for the City, Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m., participants will learn about the many types of bridges in the city, and then design and build a model bridge.
Speaking of Easter Sunday, should you choose to forego the traditional Easter parade route, the Build a Boat: Getting Around NYC may be just the thing. Learn about the many waterways that surround our city, then build a boat and test it to see if it floats, April 16, 11 a.m.
Water Color Painting, Sunday, April 23, 11 a.m., explores New York at its core and works with watercolor paints to create a view from your perspective.
Stony Brook University will recognize the 47th vice president of the United States of America, the Hon. Joseph R. Biden Jr., at its annual 2017 Stars of Stony Brook Gala. Biden was recognized and saluted for unwavering dedication to the fight against cancer. Graciously accepting his award, Biden stated, “Cancer touches us all in some way and at some point. Everywhere I go, people share their stories of heartbreak and hope. And every day, I’m reminded that our work to end cancer as we know it is bigger than just a single person. It carries the hopes and dreams of millions of people who are praying that we succeed, praying for hope, praying for time—not someday, but now.” Having devoted his life to public service and the greater good, as vice president, Biden led the White House Cancer Moonshot, with the mission to double the rate of progress in preventing and fighting the disease. Under his leadership, the White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force catalyzed novel, innovative and impactful collaborations among 20 government agencies, departments and White House offices and more than 70 private sector collaborations designed to achieve a decade’s worth of progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in just five years. In addition, Biden helped lead the effort to pass the 21st Century Cures Act that provides $1.8 billion over seven years for the Cancer Moonshot’s scientific priorities.
Welcoming the vice president was Stony Brook University President Samuel L. Stanley, who stated, “We are privileged to have the opportunity to honor former vice president Biden. The Cancer Moonshot has the potential to transform cancer research and prevention around the world. This critical initiative is a reflection of the work our researchers and doctors are doing in Stony Brook Cancer Center labs—using insight, innovation and strategic collaborations to push the boundaries of what we know about how best to diagnose treat and ultimately prevent the disease that is responsible for more than 8 million deaths a year worldwide.”
Every spring the Stony Brook Foundation hosts the Stars of Stony Brook Gala to benefit student scholarships and a select academic program. Since its inception in 2000, the event has raised more than $42 million. A portion of the net proceeds from this year’s gala will support the Stony Brook Cancer Center. Stony Brook doctors are on the forefront of the next generation in cancer care. The Cancer Center will relocate next year to the new 254,000 square-foot Medical and Research Translation facility, which was designed to enable scientists and physicians to work side by side to advance cancer research and imaging diagnostics. It will be home to the new Bahl Center for Metabolomics and Imaging. Stony Brook researchers are receiving worldwide attention for their pioneering research into the genesis and behavior of cancer cells at the molecular level, which will one day help detect, treat and eliminate the disease altogether.
Medal of Honor recipient Navy SEAL Senior Chief Edward C. Byers Jr. and his wife Madison were guests at the Palm Beach Navy Seal Evening of Tribute benefit that raised $1.5 million to aid the Naval Special Warfare community, their families, the fallen, the wounded and the veterans. Byers has 11 overseas deployments and nine combat tours and has been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Commendation Medals, Combat Action Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He is the 11th service member to receive the Medal of Honor for bravery in the Afghanistan conflict.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Navy Seal Foundation and the National Navy Museum/Trident House. The foundation provides immediate and ongoing assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families. Its work is focused on five goals: warrior support and family services, educational opportunities, tragedy assistance and survivor support. These programs strengthen the force and family, offer comfort in times of adversity or loss, provide care for the wounded and their caregivers, and help veterans transition to civilian life. Performing “God Bless America” was Derrick Davis.
Until next week … kisses.
