Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Ring Opening

    The Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink is scheduled to open to the public on Monday afternoon November 19th. Work as of today Saturday November 17th is almost complete for the Ice Skating rink to open on Monday. The ice for the rink has been put inside the arena and just has to be smoothed down one or two more times until it is ready to be opened up to the public. As you can see in the photos below rink general manager Ron Kraut laced up his skates to test out the ice. That is Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte looking on to the left.

   













 Left - Mr. Kraut testing out the ice.  Right - He starts to do full laps around the rink.

 Left and Right - some fancy foot work by Mr. Kraut on the ice.

As he finishes his test run of the ice, Mr. Kraut smiles with pleasure as the Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink is less than 48 hours away from opening.

To Set the Record Straight

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

To Set the Record Straight

You should know that I have been reading, here and there, different statements attributed to me, and some of them indicating my willingness to give my support for the State Senate to Dean Skelos and the Republican Conference.

You should also know that four years ago, in 2008, when the Four Amigos came into being, my mission at that time was to stop the gay marriage from becoming a law in New York State.  There were many different offers and wheelings and dealings from different people about who would become the leaders of the Senate.  Two of the Four Amigos, Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada, even got to the point where they jumped ship and crossed over to the Republicans making Skelos the Senate Leader.

With all of those pressures and with my mission to stop gay marriage, you should know that I never switched parties, never abandoned my Democratic Conference, and never gave my vote to the Republican Conference.

I have to make it very clear, taking a passage from my son's lectures to me, that it’s one thing to vote with the Republicans on legislation in order to benefit the community, and it is completely different thing to abandon the Democratic Conference and give the Republicans control the Senate. One thing is legislation, and the other is party politics.

Everyone knows that I have always been a Democrat, I am a Democrat, and I will be a Democrat.  The only difference is that I am a conservative Democrat.  I am a pro-life Democrat, meaning that I am against abortions.  I am a traditional marriage Democrat, meaning that I am against gay marriage, and that I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman as God created.

That said, you have to understand and I want to make it very clear that if four years ago, when my mission was to stop gay marriage and I did not jump ship and abandon my Democratic Conference, why should I abandon my Conference now that gay marriage has become law in the State – thanks to Dean Skelos and the Republican Party?

I don't think there is anything that the Republican Conference could offer me now that I could not get from my Democratic Conference. I am a Democrat elected by a Democratic community, I have always been a Democrat, and I will always be a Democrat fighting teeth and nail, to protect senior citizen benefits, better education for our communities, affordable housing, health services, immigration issues and those services that the Democratic party have always fought for.
 
My advice to my colleagues within my Democratic Conference is that nobody should take my vote for granted about who should become the Leader of my Democratic Conference, no matter if they are Black, White, Hispanic, Jewish, or Christian.

So let it be known, and let it be written, and let’s stop all of the rumors now and forever, because I am a Democrat and I will be voting with my Conference, and I will be voting for a Democrat as the Leader.

This is State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA & ASSEMBLYMAN NELSON CASTRO HOSTED JOB FAIR Today

    NY- State Senator Gustavo Rivera  and Assemblyman Nelson Castro  hosted their  second annual job fair for Bronx residents on Friday, November 16, 2012 from 12 PM to 4 PM. Employers interviewed job seekers for a number of employment opportunities, ranging from opportunities in the healthcare industry to customer service and retail opportunities. 

"Assembly Member Castro and I meet local residents every day who are looking for employment opportunities," said Senator Rivera. "It is our responsibility as elected officials to connect our constituents with employment opportunities, many of which are right here in the Bronx like Fresh Direct and Montefiore Medical Center." 

"During challenging economic times, it is critical to provide job opportunities to the most needed members of our community," said Assemblyman Nelson L. Castro. "This Second Annual Job Fair will help mitigate the overwhelming unemployment situation that has been affecting our community. It is one of my main priorities to ensure that my constituents become productive members of society."

FreshDirect co-founder and CEO Jason Ackerman said, "We want to hire as many Bronxites as possible, so Senator Rivera's and Assembly Member Castro's efforts to put small businesses like FreshDirect in touch with Bronx residents who are looking for work is a terrific opportunity for everyone involved.  I applaud their leadership." 

Employers in attendance included  Fresh Direct, Children's Village, St. Barnabas Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Over 500 job seekers were interviewed for approximately 200 positions. This is Assembly Member Castro and Senator Rivera's second annual job fair.

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KOPPELL DEMANDS CABLEVISION CHANGE UNFAIR CREDIT POLICY

  

    In a letter to Jim Dolan, President/ CEO of Cablevision, Council Member Oliver Koppell,  a member of the Technology Committee, demanded that Cablevision change its policy with respect to providing customers whose Optimum services were disrupted because of Hurricane Sandy credit for the time they were unable to access these services.

Cablevision, which serves 3 million homes, mostly in the New York area, has refused to join Time Warner Cable in automatically providing credits to customers without power, television, phone or Internet services in areas knocked off the grid by the storm.  Cablevision is sticking with its longstanding policy that requires customers to call and specifically detail when they lost service in order to qualify for the refund.

“Cablevision has not notified customers that they have to call to get their credit and I have no doubt that many are unaware of the policy,” Koppell said.  “Even for those Cablevision customers who are informed about the refund procedures having to make a call creates an additional burden as they are recovering from the storm.  I believe Cablevision’s refund policy is not only insensitive, but will also result in many customers being deprived of the credit to which they are entitled,” he concluded.

Editor's Note- 

    We tried to call Cablevision a few times to complain about the service (or lack of it), and the voice mail said Cablevision is aware of several service outages. Then there was the message "due to the high volume of calls to Cablevision please try again at another time". 

   We can only add that last year during Cablevisions renewal of its contract with the city, where were all the complaints about Cablevision and the right to choose any Cable TV provider like phone service is now done.

This Weeks 100 PERCENT From The Bronx News

Below is my column 100 PERCENT that did not appear in this weeks Bronx News and Parkchester News. due to a computer glitch.

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

Senate Majority Leader Espaillat

    We called the Obama victory, and last weekend it was announced that President Obama did win the state of Florida. In this wonderful new age of technology it now takes weeks or more to certify an election that previously was done in days the old way. That brings us to our next subject the New York State Senate. It could be 2013 before we know which party or who has has control. Will it be the Democrats, Republicans, The IDC, Dos Amigos ll, or any one of a number of other possibilities. How long will it be until Republican State Senators realize that it is a matter of time before it will take more than one or two rouge Democrats to make a difference in the state senate. 

    

   As for who will be Senate Majority Leader should the Democrats have that edge, don't look for John Sampson to get that position again. Forget former Leader Malcolm Smith (who was dumped during the Espada fiasco) as he is rumored to be talking to Republicans about running for mayor in 2013. We also do not see Senator Jeff Klein as Majority Leader, but a person such as State Senator Adriano Espaillat who can be supported by all Democrats. The State Senate Democrats are their own worst enemy, as we have seen in the past. Check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for daily updates on this and the outcome of the 46^th State Senate district as the recount begins with Democrat Ceclia Tkaczyk holding a 139 vote lead over Republican George Amedore. This race will be a deciding factor on who controls the State Senate.

   The cost of Hurricane Sandy is now projected at 30 Billion dollars according to Governor Cuomo, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has only 12 Billion dollars in aid to give. It is unlikely that a Republican Congress will increase that by much is any.

   Back in New York City, (not including any additional Hurricane Sandy costs) Mayor Bloomberg wants to cut libraries, after school programs, increase the fee for school lunches, and parking meter rates to make up for a 600 million dollar gap caused by the probable rejection of a new taxi plan for the outer boroughs.

   Here in the Bronx, candidates are said to be jockeying for position should current Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. decide to run for a citywide office such as Public Advocate. Names being tosses around besides term limited Councilman Joel Rivera are, Councilman James Vacca, Councilman Fernando Cabrera, and even Assemblyman Nelson Castro. Both Vacca and Cabrera have another term to serve in the City Council, but Cabrera should he choose to run for BP always has the State Assembly or State Senate seats to run for when he looses. This noise could also be coming out of the Jose Rivera camp as Assemblyman Rivera has said that he wants to return to the City Council so he can fatten his pension. The one with the least to loose would be Assemblyman Castro, as he would still be a member of the State Assembly. However with Vacca as BP and Castro as Deputy BP it could make for an interesting ticket. We however believe that Ruben Diaz Jr. (the 13^th BP) who has two terms still to run for as BP will stay as BP and run in 2021 after he has made a legacy for himself like his mentor #11.

   In the 11^th City Council district as recently elected Bronx Democratic County Committee Vice-Chair Mr. Andrew Cohen joins nut vendor Mr. Clifford Stanton in the race to replace term limited Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, we await to see when the real candidate Mr. Ari Hoffnung announces. Hoffnung who ran in 2005 against Koppell was the leading candidate to replace him in 2009 until the city council overturned the term limit law. Hoffnung has maintained his war chest of just under eighty thousand dollars for a possible race in 2013. Hoffnung currently Assistant Comptroller for Budget and chief Policy Officer has expressed interest to me in the council race. Now that the position of Deputy Comptroller of Accountancy and Budget currently held by newly elected State Senator Simca Felder will open up it should further complicate Hoffnungs decision, as will the possibility of a new City Comptroller should current City Comptroller John Liu run for mayor as he has said.

   If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com. Or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

FEMA OPENS NEW DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER AT THE BRONX COUNTY BUILDING

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announce that a new Disaster Recovery Center has opened at the Bronx County Building Veterans’ Memorial Hall to assist survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

FEMA community relations personnel will provide information on registration and disaster assistance and will refer survivors to the proper resources vital to recovery for any unmet disaster need.

“We know just how important it is to receive help after such a devastating loss. Some of our residents and business owners are still picking up from what Hurricane Sandy left behind. A disaster recovery center right here at the Bronx County Building is a resource for Bronxites to come in and get hands on information that will help them rebuild and recover,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Red Cross are also assisting individuals and small business owners with step by step instructions on what to do to get help from the federal government. Homeowners, renters and business owners who visit the center can talk with SBA representatives about low-interest disaster loans, get help filling out loan applications and submit completed applications.

“The Bronx Disaster Relief Center is open for business. We encourage small businesses to come in even if they have minor damages. We urge small businesses to register with FEMA so that the U.S. Small Business Administration can assist them,” said Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opens from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Bronx County Building’s Rotunda.

To find the DRC nearest you, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, check out the disaster recovery center locator at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

UPDATE ----
From Newly Elected 87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda

Please join me and the Castle Hill Little League on November 17, 2012 for a Hurricane Sandy Relief Drive.
We ask that you donate:
 
-Water
-Diapers
-Baby Wipes
-Zip Lock Bags
-Soap
-Deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

The Address is 1160 Zerega Avenue from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera & Assemblyman Nelson Castro to Host Job Fair

  SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA & ASSEMBLY MEMBER 

NELSON CASTRO  HOST JOB FAIR 

Bronx, NY- State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-WF), and Assemblyman Nelson Castro (D, WF) will host a Job Fair for local residents Friday November 16, 2012 from 12 PM to 4 PM. Employers will screen job seekers for opportunities in the healthcare, customer service and retail industries. Job seekers should dress in business attire and bring enough resumes for the day. This is the second annual job fair that Senator Rivera and Assembly Member Castro have co-hosted.


WHO:       Senator Rivera & Assembly Member Castro, employers and job seekers

WHAT:     Job Fair

WHERE:   St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church-Hall

                  1948 Washington Ave (178 street)

                  (B, D trains to Tremont and Bx 2, 15, 40, 41 55)
 

WHEN:    Friday, November 16, 2012 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Employers confirmed to attend include Fresh Direct, Children's Village, St. Barnabas Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).

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Wave Hill Events November 30–December 7

SAT, DECEMBER 1 THROUGH SUN, DECEMBER 9    MEMBERS SALE IN THE SHOP AT WAVE HILL

Ring in the holiday season at The Shop at Wave Hill! Enjoy a 20% discount at this annual Wave Hill Members-only sale. Look for stellar jewelry, delicious artisanal condiments, plush winter accessories and lush bath products. As a special thank-you, enjoy free onsite parking (space permitting) when you make Shop purchases totaling $40 or more per visit.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM‒4PM

SAT, DECEMBER 1    FAMILY ART PROJECT—FESTIVE CANDLES

Festive Candles/Velas festivas

Mix and mold colored wax until it softens like clay, and then use it to embellish a plain, white candlestick.  Add an array of colors and textures to make a spectacular candle to light up the holiday season. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, DECEMBER 1    SCULPTURE PORTFOLIO REVIEW

In conjunction with Wave Hill’s exhibition Foregrounding the Palisades, Wave Hill is offering a portfolio review for artists working in sculpture. Meet individually with a curator, gallerist or critic for a 20-minute session. Get feedback on your artwork images, artist statement, project concepts and Web site, or discuss opportunities and resources for artists. Reviewers include Bartholomew Bland, Hudson River Museum; Susan Chevlowe, Hebrew Home; Charlotte Cohen, General Services Administration; Jan Garden Castro, contributing editor, Sculpture Magazine; Ellen Keiter, Katonah Museum; William Penrose, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council; Suzanne Randolph, Suzanne Randolph Fine Arts; Mark Shortliffe, gallerist; Fred Wasserman, independent curator; and Wave Hill curators Gabriel de Guzman and Jennifer McGregor. This review was postponed from November 3 due to Hurricane Sandy. If you registered to participate, Wave Hill's Visual Arts staff will be in touch with you directly. If you haven't registered, interested artists may be put on a waiting list by calling 718-549-3200 x305. Review fee: $25 per artist to meet with one reviewer.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 10:30AM‒4:30PM

SUN, DECEMBER 2    FAMILY ART PROJECT—FESTIVE CANDLES

Festive Candles/Velas festivas

Mix and mold colored wax until it softens like clay, and then use it to embellish a plain, white candlestick.  Add an array of colors and textures to make a spectacular candle to light up the holiday season. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, DECEMBER 2    GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY 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, DECEMBER 3   

Closed to the public

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: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free until noon October Tuesdays, and all day Tuesdays in November and December. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s 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 3o 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 242^nd 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.

LIU STATEMENT ON STORM RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

    City Comptroller John C. Liu released the following statement about the new loans and tax relief for businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy that were approved today by the NYC Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Build NYC Resource Corporation. Comptroller Liu is a voting member of both the IDA and Build NYC:

“Small businesses have suffered the brunt of the structural and economic damage wrought by Superstorm Sandy,” Comptroller Liu said. “Indeed, many are at risk of going under.  The small business relief approved today is a worthy public-private partnership that will hopefully help stricken entrepreneurs to begin to get back on their feet.”

BACKGROUND:
Two programs that offer financial assistance to businesses were approved today by the City’s IDA and Build NYC:

•       The Hurricane Emergency Loan Program (HELP) will provide $10 million in loans capped at $25,000 each for businesses in an area affected by Hurricane Sandy. No payments are due for the first six months of the loans, during which time they are interest free; the loans carry a 1% interest rate thereafter.

The loans are funded with $1 million from Build NYC, $4 million from the IDA, and $5 million from Goldman Sachs.

•       The Hurricane Emergency Sales Tax Exemption Program (HESTEP) will help business affected by Sandy make repairs, renovate, and replace damaged equipment by providing up to $25 million in sales tax
exemptions on purchases of building materials and machinery. The tax exemptions will be limited to 250 businesses, each receiving exemptions of up to $100,000.

For more details on the programs and how to apply, please check the City’s website:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/nycbiz/html/home/home.shtml

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BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ URGES BRONX RESIDENTS TO APPLY TO THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY BOARD

   

    Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. today invited Bronx residents to make a difference in their community by joining their local Community Board. The Office of the Bronx Borough President will be accepting applications for all 12 Community Boards from city residents who reside, work or have professional or other significant interests in the Bronx.

   “Participation on local Community Boards can provide Bronx residents with a forum to share with their community their expertise and talents,” said Borough President Diaz. “It is important that community residents participate in the decision making process in their communities on important budget, land use and service delivery issues.” 

   Applications are available at the Borough President’s Community Board office at (718) 590-3914 or at your local community board office. Interested applicants may also get forms on-line at bronxboropres.nyc.gov. The deadline for submission of applications for the next round of appointments is February 8, 2013.

 

 

Carrion to Run For Mayor as a Republican

    Is former Democratic Bronx Borough President Adolpho Carrion going over the edge? Carrion has announced that he will be running for Mayor next year, but as a Republican and not as a Democrat. Comments are already coming in to Carrion's announcement. Some who requested that they remain anonymous have said that Carrion is committing political suicide running on the Republican line, is doing it because as a Democrat he is politically finished, and "Carrion is just plain crazy by doing this".

    There has been a comment by Tom Allon (announced Republican candidate) questioning Carrion's interest in the Republican line for mayor. Allon questioned Carrion's decision when as Bronx Borough President Carrion for having gratis work done on his City Island home by a developer who needed a project approval by him. Carrion was fined $10,000 by the New York City Campaign Finance Board and forced to pay for the work done on his home.

    Carrion needs the support of three of the five Republican county leaders. It has been said that Brooklyn chair Craig Eaton, and Bronx Chair Jay Savino have already committed to a Carrion Republican candidacy. Carrion would then need only one of the three remaining Republican county leaders to join with Eaton and Savino to be able to obtain the Wilson Pakula certificate. 

    There has been talk among political pundits that as a Democrat Carrion could not win the primary outright, and would have had to run in a run off election that he could not win. Carrion brings his one million dollar plus war chest from an aborted race in 2009 for comptroller with him. Carrion could also be hoping to be one of the Republican rising stars of the future. 

    Current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. released the following on Carrion's decision-

 “I think that Adolfo Carrion would have been a formidable candidate for mayor in a Democratic primary, and it breaks my heart that my friend has chosen to stand as part of the Republican Party.

“It will be interesting to hear his positions on the issues that New Yorkers care about, like stop-and-frisk, living wage, paid sick leave, the budget process, public education and tenants’ rights, among others.

“As my predecessor, I wish him the best of luck. But it is disappointing that he is rushing to become part of the Republican Party, especially at a time when more than 80 percent of our City’s electorate just voted to reject their policies.

“I am a Democrat, and I will do everything in my power to elect a Democrat as our next mayor,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 
    
   

Assemblyman Dinowitz Calls On Board of Elections to Rethink Voting Process in Light of Election Day Poll Site Chaos

  

    Assemblyman Dinowitz called on the NYC Board of Elections to reconsider the voting process in light of the chaos that took place at hundreds of poll sites throughout the five boroughs on Election Day last Tuesday.  In a letter to the ten commissioners he outlined his frustrations with the long lines of voters and constant breaking down of the ballot scanners. While some difficulty existed due to the region still recovering in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Mr. Dinowitz pointed most of the blame towards the optical scanning machines.  The Assemblyman explained that the current process is too disorderly and confusing and that he is an advocate of the old lever machines that were replaced back in 2010.

“I have always believed that we should have continued using the old lever machines. The Federal Government’s ridiculous overreaction to the debacle of the 2000 Presidential election led to us being told that our only two choices for voting machines were optical-scanner voting machines and the even less desirable atm-like DRG machines,” Assemblyman Dinowitz stated in his letter.

Mr. Dinowitz continued by declaring his frustrations with the ballots themselves specifically mentioning that the names of the candidates are not large enough and need to be bold.

Because of the constant breakdown of the machines which requires voters to wait in lines for hours to cast their ballot, and for the fact that it takes hours and in some cases even weeks to certify the results of an election, Assemblyman Dinowitz has called for the Board of Elections to do whatever it can to resolve this problem. 

“If it wasn’t obvious before November 6^th, it should be clear now that New York City’s voting machines are unmitigated disaster.  Our voters should be able to go to the polls and not spend hours waiting to vote.  The greatest city in the greatest country should be able to conduct a fair and smooth election in the 21^st century. Scrap these machines!,” remarked Assemblyman. Dinowitz.

EDITOR COMMENT

The number of ballot scanning machines per poll site also needs to be looked into. More scanners are needed at many sites compared to the number of election districts at said poll sites that each had a voting machine in the past.

 

New Democratic State Senate Leader?

 

    Could  State Senator Adriano Espiallat become the new State Senate Democratic Majoriy Leader if the Democrats regain control of the State Senate? It appears that there have been many names thrown out should the Democrats regain control, but only one seems to have support from almost all corners of the state. Espiallat is the Chair of the Senate Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus, serves on several committees such as Commerce, Economic Development & Small Business, Housing, Insurance and Judiciary to name a few. If Espiallat was to be promoted to Majority Leader it would also then clear the way for current Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Wright to replace Charlie Rangel as Congressman.