Sexually Explicit Book of Poems in Brooklyn Elementary School Reported on by WCBS T.V.

    We saw this story on WCBS T.V. on Christmas Eve reported by Marsha Krammer, and had to pass it on to you. The link is at the end of the story to see the video replay.

    The Urban Poetry book called "Atrccia" written by poetry teacher Tylibah Washington has come under fire from parents at Brooklyn's PS 279 in Canarsie. While some of the poems were about people such as Rosa Parks, there was also a poem of how former President Bush loves war so much that he got an erection. Another poem called "Supa Dupa" is about a prostitute performing sex acts (which WCBS had to block out some of the words). Still another talks about addiction to pain killers in a very positive way.

    Councilman Charles Barrons (who happens to be Ms. Washington's godfather) said that the writer is reworking the book to be age appropriate for 10-11 year olds that the writer teaches. 60 of the original books were distributed to fifth grade children at PS 279, and 16 were returned to the school by parents.

    When asked by Ms.Krammer if he had any comment about the book, Mayor Bloomberg asked who wrote it. When Ms. Krammer said that it was the goddaughter of Councilman Charles Barrons, Mayor Bloomberg then asked if Ms. Krammer had any other questions as he left her.

    Here is the link  http://newyork.cbslocal.com/category/news/  then go to the video news section on the right. You may have to click on the past videos to the right until this story cones up.

SoBRO HOLIDAY HELPERS HOLD ANNUAL TOY DRIVE

    On Wednesday, December 22, 2010, the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO) will hold its annual Toy Drive at the SoBRO Center in the South Bronx. The Toy Drive will feature Santa Claus, hot chocolate and other surprises. SoBRO Holiday Helpers will distribute toys and winter clothing they collected from the community to needy families in the South Bronx, the poorest urban Congressional District in the country.

    This year the Jewish Child Care Association (JCCA) and Teenage Services Act (TASA) are partnering with SoBRO by providing access to 45 children and young adults in their care. SoBRO was joined in this year’s holiday initiative by the HUB 3^rd Ave BID, YoungLand, Leroy Pharmacy, Delicioso Restaurant, Ambassadors of Change, Mas Advertising, Modells, Willy Wonka Barber shop and The Butchers Choice Meat Market. 

     2010 Toy Drive     
     South Bronx Overall Economic Development 
     Corporation (SoBRO)
     December 22, 2010 - 3pm
     Contact Linda Yantz, Development Associate 
     (718)732-7522,    lyantz@sobro.org
     for more information
  
  

New York Yankees and Bronx BP Play Santa to Kids

    On Friday, December 17 the New York Yankees, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr hosted the 2010 Winter Wonderland. Over 5,000 kids received toys and enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies and hot dogs while taking pictures with Santa Claus and his elves at Yankee Stadium.

    “We want to make sure all our kids have a great holiday season,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “With this event we want to spread joy and to give a hand to the neediest families in the borough. I thank the Yankees for helping us to put a smile on our children’s faces and for their continued charitable work.” 

 BP Diaz plays one of Santa's Elf's giving out toys to the children.