Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Diaz Team Announces the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna


What You Should Know
By State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District 


You should know that the Diaz Team is comprised of New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake – and we are announcing that this Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 7pm there will be more than 500 people attending the Fifth Abrazo Garifuna in New York celebration at Maestro's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue.

This Abrazo Garifuna is celebration of the many contributions of the Garifuna community to the City and State of New York. New York State Senator Ruben Diaz, along with Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda and Michael Blake will be honoring from distinguished members of the Garifuna community for their outstanding achievements.  They are: Marcia Gomez, for Community Leadership; Yeny Budari Placios, for Arts and Culture; Deacon Apolonio Mejia, for Religion; and Arnol Guity-Martinez for Youth Leadership.

It is important for you to know that this event for the Garifuna community is completely free - and that there are the 500 seats that will be available to the first 500 people who arrive.

Editors Note:  We call it Team Diaz rather than the Diaz Team.


STACEY DASH NAMED TO BRONX WALK OF FAME



Actress, Writer, and TV Commentator Stacey Dash To Be Inducted Into The Bronx Walk of Fame

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced today that actress, author and television commentator Stacey Dash will be inducted into the 2015 Bronx Walk of Fame.

“We are excited about inducting the charismatic Stacey Dash into the Bronx Walk of Fame,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Our newest member of The Bronx Walk of Fame is a multi-talented and distinguished Bronxite who represents the fearless spirit of our borough to the fullest, whether it is in movies such as the 1995 classic ‘Clueless,’ or speaking her mind as a television commentator and writer.”

“I am very grateful to have been chosen to be a part of such an important and significant event in the borough of my birth, a place that left an impact in my life and made me who I am – Bronx Strong,” said Dash. “This borough is very special to me and I truly appreciate being inducted into The Bronx Walk of Fame. I want to thank, in particular, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who has made it his mission to transform The Bronx into a better place for all residents, and for his vision in motivating all Bronxites to follow their dreams.”

Stacey knew that she wanted to act, and from an early age appeared in commercials before landing first small-screen role in the 1982 made-for-TV film Farrell for the People. She then went on to playing a recurring role on The Cosby Show, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

She made her feature film debut at 21 years old in Enemy Territory. Since then Dash has led a notable acting career that has spanned more than 20 years. She has appeared in numerous films and television series including roles in Renaissance ManMo' Money, and View from the Top.

Her work in Clueless earned her a nomination for a 1995 “Youth in Film Award” for “Best Young Supporting Actress in a Feature Film,” which earned her a role in the television adaptation.

In May 2014, Dash was hired as a contributor for "cultural analysis and commentary" by Fox News, where she voices her opinions and encourages discussion on topics ranging from pop culture to national news and politics across all media platforms.

Her book “There Goes My Social Life”, is scheduled for publication this summer, where Dash discusses how she became a conservative, her upbringing in the South Bronx and her Hollywood career.

Stacey Dash will be officially inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame as part of the 44th annual Bronx Week, a program of The Bronx Tourism Council.

Bronx Week 2015 is a highly-anticipated 11-day event where the entire borough, including government, business, and the community-at-large, come together to celebrate “The Best of The Bronx” through festivals, concerts, health fairs, parades, performances and a host of other activities. It will take place from May 8-17. At the end of the 11-day celebration, our hometown heroes like Dash are honored with induction into the Bronx Walk of Fame, where their names are emblazoned on a street sign to reside on the historic Grand Concourse forever.

For more information about Bronx Week 2015, visitwww.ilovethebronx.com.


Monday, April 6, 2015

Croton FMC Meeting on April 20



The Croton FMC will meet on Monday, April 20 at 7:00pm at the DEP office, 3660 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10467.


The agenda will be posted once it is available.


MAYORS DE BLASIO AND GARCETTI ANNOUNCE LEGAL ACTION IN SUPPORT OF IMMIGRATION REFORMS




More Than 70 Cities & Counties Sign Texas vs. United States Appeal Urging Immediate Implementation of President Obama’s Immigration Executive Action

  New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced today that 73 cities and counties had filed a new friend-of-the-court brief in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in the Texas vs. United States lawsuit, urging immediate implementation of President Obama’s executive actions on immigration.

“Continuing to delay implementation of the President’s executive action on immigration hurts our economy and puts families at risk,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Cities are where immigrants live, and cities are where the President’s executive action will be successfully implemented. Our cities are united, and we will fight for the immigration reform this nation needs and deserves – whether in the courtroom, in Congress, or in our communities. Make no mistake about it: our voices will be heard.”

“Our cities cannot afford delays to immigration reforms that will strengthen our economy and help families,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This isn’t a blue or red issue, but a human and economic one.”

The brief demonstrates robust support from the country’s largest cities – as well as suburbs and rural areas – for the President’s reforms, which will temporarily relieve from deportation thousands of immigrants who have longstanding ties to the U.S.

The cities and counties – representing 43 million people across the country – argue that the district court judge who temporarily blocked implementation of the programs failed to consider the significant harm to America’s local governments caused by this delay.

According to an analysis by the City, each month that the implementation of these programs is delayed, New York City and New York State will lose at least $1.5 million in additional state and local tax revenue that would be generated if 100,000 immigrants in New York City were able to access temporary work permits through executive action.

“New York’s immigrants are vital to our economy and we must do all we can to help them grow and thrive. Mayor de Blasio is correct – instead of putting up barriers, we should be looking at ways to help immigrants climb the ladder of economic opportunity and welcome them into our communities. The New York State Assembly Majority strongly supports President Obama’s executive action on immigration, and further delay by those who would derail this important initiative is unacceptable,” said New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

“Each day we wait to implement President Obama’s bold immigration reforms, millions of hard-working families remain in legal limbo. Immigrant communities built New York City, and they are the heart and soul of urban centers across our country,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “As Congress and federal courts stall meaningful progress on immigration, New York City will continue to lead the nation.”   

As part of Cities United for Immigration Action, Mayors de Blasio and Garcetti led the effort to organize more than 70 cities and counties, the National League of Cities, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors in arguing that the national public interest is served clearly and overwhelmingly by implementing immigration relief by executive action without delay. Today’s brief more than doubles the number of local governments that had previously voiced opposition to the lawsuit brought by states seeking to block President Obama’s immigration reform efforts.

The brief also argues that the District Court judge’s decision to block executive action with a preliminary injunction is bad for the economy, hurts families, threatens law enforcement priorities, and will stall desperately needed changes to the federal government’s immigration policies.

The de Blasio Administration has a proven track record of spearheading initiatives that integrate immigrants into the civic and economic life of New York City. From the IDNYC municipal identification program to increasing access to federal immigration benefits, New York City is committed to championing pro-immigrant policies that promote equity and create opportunity for all residents.

This collective action to offer the Court the crucial perspective of American cities and counties is an outcome of the organizing efforts of the Cities United for Immigration Action coalition. By filing this brief, America’s mayors and county leaders are making a strong statement in support of the President’s plan to grant administrative relief to over four million undocumented children and adults.
   
Numerous cities and counties signed on to today’s brief are located in states that brought the lawsuit against the Obama administration or have otherwise indicated support for the lawsuit, including five cities in Texas, six localities in New Jersey, two counties in Arizona, and three municipalities in Wisconsin. Cities and counties signed on to the brief (in formation) include the following local governments:

Alexandria, VA
Allentown, PA
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Baltimore, MD
Bell, CA
Boston, MA
Bridgeport, CT
Buffalo, NY
Cambridge, MA               
Central Falls, RI
Chapel Hill, NC
Charleston, SC
Chicago, IL
Coconino County, AZ
Columbia, SC
Columbus, OH
Dallas County, TX
Dayton, OH
Denver, CO
Dolton, IL
El Paso County, TX
Everett, MA
Gary, IN
Haledon, NJ
Hartford, CT
Highland Park, IL
Hoboken, NJ
Holyoke, MA
Houston, TX
Jersey City, NJ
Kansas City, MO
Little Rock, AR
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County, CA
Lucas County, OH
Madison, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Minneapolis, MN
Montgomery County, MD
Newark, NJ
New York, NY
Niagara Falls, NY
North Miami, FL
Oakland, CA
Paterson, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Plainfield, NJ
Portland, OR
Providence, RI
Racine, WI
Ramsey County, MN
Rochester, NY
Salt Lake City, UT
San Francisco, CA
San Jose, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Santa Cruz County, AZ
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Monica, CA
Schenectady, NY
Seattle, WA
Skokie, IL
St. Louis, MO
State College, PA
Syracuse, NY
Tacoma, WA
Tampa, FL
Travis County, TX
Washington, D.C.
West Covina, CA
Yonkers, NY
National League of Cities
U.S. Conference of Mayors


“We stand with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s decision to file a ‘friend-of-the-court’ brief in support of President Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The President’s executive action currently being blocked in the courts hurts The Bronx and New York City, with the borough losing out on potential local tax revenues that would be generated by these hard-working immigrants who just want to come out the shadows and positively contribute to our country. We are the land of opportunity, built on the ideal that we are melting pot that promotes equality for all and we must continue to strive for those ideals that make our country great.”

C.I.M.S High School Art Show























On behalf of the Collegiate Institute For Math & Science - Columbus Campus,  please see above for an invitation to their Art Showcase on April 15th, from 5-7pm.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Time to Fix Up the West 235th Street Pedestrian Overpass



  While grouting may be gone from several stones, the real danger is to the upper left of the photo where the support of the steel beams has been compromised on this Henry Hudson Parkway pedestrian overpass at West 235th Street.  


  This photo is of the corner of the overpass that leads across the HHP. A different section from the first photo.















Left - and Right are the path and lower steps of the west side entrance to the overpass.














Left and Right crumbling and broken steps can be seen, even after having been repaired before.





Left - More steps.
Right - One can trip on this piece of metal curb striping that sticks out on the West exit.



Above and below are photos of the underneath of sections of the East side of the overpass.


The Changing face of Johnson Avenue



 While the Radio Shack located at 3544 Johnson Avenue has closed it adds another empty store to the avenue.



However - Above replacing the closed (for several years) Golden Gate Restaurant is a new European Wax Center will soon open at 3550 Johnson Avenue next to the old Radio Shack..
Below - And on the other side of the old Radio Shack a new restaurant called Moss Cafe will soon open at 3534 Johnson Avenue.


Chancellor Carmen Farina Comes to District 10 - Or Did She?




  The notices that went out said that the District 10 Community Education Council presents a Town Hall meeting with Chancellor Carmen Farina. The town hall meeting with Chancellor Farina was scheduled for Wednesday April 1st from 6:30 - 7:30 PM at PS 86 located at Reservoir Avenue and West 195th Street. In bold letters were 'ALL DISTRICT 10 PARENTS ARE URGED TO ATTEND'.  The photo above was taken at 6:30 PM when the meeting was to begin. About 100 staff from district 10 schools, the chancellors office, children, their parents, and security officers were in attendance. I was told that every parent in the district was given a notice, and some even received calls to attend.  


  At 7PM you can see only 4 of the 9 CEC members and no chancellor on the dias. It was then announced that the chancellor would be a little late. At 7:15 PM attendees were told the chancellor was stuck in traffic on the West Side Highway and that people could leave if they wanted. As several did just so, I followed suit by leaving and not wanting to wait any longer because I had another event to go to which I did not want to miss. 

  I was however able to read a handout on the table giving the results of the past years test scores. As a former Parent leader in District 10 years ago I was shocked to see that the scores were lower than 10 years ago when District 10 was a District in Need of Improvement. English scores were at 16.8 percent down almost 8 points, while math scores were 21.9 percent down over 10 points. When I asked the current District 10 Superintendent (who was on hand) Melodie Mashel why the scores have gone down so, her answer was 'the test is harder now'. The current standards were suppose to be instituted 10 years ago, because I was a member of the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Council when the presentation was given. The city received a waiver for the past 10 years, but now it seems that those 10 year old standards can not even be met today.





Composting is Coming to Another Bronx Area





  Last Tuesday Councilman Andrew Cohen held a forum with the Department of Sanitation about the introduction of an organics recycle pilot program in Community Board 8. The Riverdale and Fieldston areas down to West 238th Street on the east side of the Henry Hudson Parkway, and all the way down to the bridge on the west side of the parkway. This however is for 2700 homeowners and small 1 - 9 unit buildings only. Above is the container that will be given out by the DSNY to hold food scraps and other organic waste so they do not have to go to landfills and can be recycled. 


  Here you can see the actual size of the container which is next to the DSNY organic waste program presenter. Questions raised were how to line the container as not to attract vermin, and the lid snaps closed was the answer. People were also told they could use empty pizza boxes or other food soaked paper for the bottom, but the container will have to be cleaned often. The aim of the DSNY is to cut down on the amount of garbage that is being sent to landfills. If this program is successful citywide up to 15 percent of the current garbage sent to landfills will be recycled.


Saturday, April 4, 2015

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's Health & Wellness Fair on April 10th!




Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj 's Health & Wellness Fair

Friday, April 10, 2015
3:00 pm6:00 pm
Bronx House
990 Pelham Parkway South
Nutrition and Fitness Information
Health Care Facilities and Providers
Fitness Demos and Giveaways!

For more information or to participate please call
Office of Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj at (718) 409-0109


Passover & Easter Greetings From Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj




Passover and Easter Greetings
from Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj

I would like to wish all of my friends, families, and 
neighbors  
a  
happy  and blessed holiday weekend. 

With Easter and  Passover falling  together  on the 
same  
weekend, it brings  great opportunity for us 
to   gather   
together   and   reflect   on   the   many 
blessings  
God  has  
given  us,  while  enjoying the 
time  well  spent  with  
family  and  loved  ones.

             May you all have a  joyous and blessed 
Passover and Easter.





Happy Holidays From The Bronx chamber of Commerce



 

We want to wish you and your family a 
Happy Easter and Passover 

Thank you for your support of 
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce !

Image result for easter and passover picture

 Call 718-828-3900 or go onto our website www.bronxchamber.org 

for more information on our events.




Friday, April 3, 2015

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: Metro North Funding in New State Budget



  “I am thrilled that Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature have continued to show their commitment to The Bronx by providing $250 million in funding in the new budget for the East Bronx Metro North expansion plan.

“Governor Cuomo has long understood that new Metro North options in Co-op City, Parkchester, Morris Park and Hunts Point will not only make our region’s transportation system stronger, it will also open up new economic opportunities for almost 95,000 residents living near the proposed stations. This new budget shows that the State Legislature agrees.

“The East Bronx Metro North Expansion is a transformative plan, and I commend Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature for moving this plan forward as part of the newly passed budget,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Editors Note: Our congratulations go out to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. in making sure that this vital new Bronx rail corridor link made it through the state budget negotiations, most likely with the help of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. 

Wave Hill Events Apr 17–Apr 24



With Nights Lights—the culmination of Wave Hill’s 50th anniversary celebrations—about to begin, and spring so surely in the air, my pulse is jumping! Fortunately, there is plenty to distract and enthrall this week, from serene sessions of wellness and a walk through Wave Hill’s history, to the finale of our concert season with a dynamic performance by the quintet WindSync. And then, of course, Fridayevening is our first evening of Night Lights. Hooray!


SAT, APRIL 18    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. Sessions in April are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, APRIL 18    FAMILY ART PROJECT: CONNECT THE AQUATIC DOTS
Make your own image of Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden—the site of this spring’s 50th-anniversary art installation. Then let visiting artist Melissa Brown take you through some simple steps to help connect the dots from your image to create a group animation project, on view through the month of May. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. A Wave Hill at 50 anniversary project.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SAT, APRIL 18    WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK
Discover the fascinating history of Wave Hill’s architecture and landscape on a walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Hear about those who once called Wave Hill home, among them Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, Bashford Dean and Arturo Toscanini. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SUN, APRIL 19    FAMILY ART PROJECT: CONNECT THE AQUATIC DOTS
Make your own image of Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden—the site of this spring’s 50th-anniversary art installation. Then let visiting artist Melissa Brown take you through some simple steps to help connect the dots from your image to create a group animation project, on view through the month of May. Free with admission to the grounds. A Wave Hill at 50 anniversary project.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SUN, APRIL 19    HATHA YOGA
Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss directorNeem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions in April are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, APRIL 19    MEDITATION
Let nature inspire you to find your center and reconnect with your true self using guided mindfulness and other meditation practices. Each session, led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other qualified instructors, includes instruction in simple techniques, followed by guided meditations. Sessions are held indoors. All levels welcome. Session fee, which includes admission to the grounds: $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Membership card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:45AM‒12:45PM

SUN, APRIL 19    WINDSYNC
Windsync is recognized internationally for dramatic and adventurous programming in venues ranging from concert halls to museums, universities and schools. The young, energetic group plays exclusively from memory, including elements of staging and choreography, and focuses on building connections with audiences through dynamic concert programming and charismatic stage presence. Absolutely irrepressible, WindSync offers a program that captures the quintet’s musicality and theatrical stage presence. A mesmerizing rendition of Ravel’s Bolero for winds and snare drum is followed by Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and The HoedownAges eight and older welcome with an adult. $28 general admission, $15 child (ages 8 to 18). $22 Wave Hill Member, $12 Wave Hill Member child. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, APRIL 19    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, APRIL 20
Closed to the public

TUE, APRIL 21    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

FRI, APRIL 24    NIGHT LIGHTS AT WAVE HILL
Wave Hill’s 50th anniversary festivities reach a crescendo this spring with Night Lights at Wave Hill, a month-long celebration, when, for the first time in Wave Hill’s history, visitors will be invited to attend in the evening to enjoy the garden landscape at a time of day and during a season when it is normally closed to the public. Take in The Lightening: a Project for Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden, an immersive installation by acclaimed artist by Chris Doyle, with music by composer Jeremy Turner, recorded by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Stop by Glyndor Gallery to see Chris Doyle: Landscape Fictions. Visit The Shop, The CafĂ© and the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory, and enjoy informal piano performances in Wave Hill House. This evening’s pianist is Randy Ingram. Same-day tickets for Night Lights at Wave Hill: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member/$12 children. (Purchase tickets in advance and save $2.) All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges. Rain or shine. Tickets available now at wavehill.org and onsite. A Wave Hill at 50 anniversary event.
ON THE GROUNDS, 6:30–9:30PM


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:9AM5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.  
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. FreeSaturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. 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 30 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.