ECPW Wrestling April 13th at St. Francis Xavier

STATEMENTS --RE: Paid Sick Leave Compromise

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Paid Sick Leave Compromise

“This compromise is good news, and a victory for Bronxites and everyone across this city and state who fought so hard to see ‘paid sick leave’ become law. No New Yorker should have to choose between their job and caring for a sick child or a family member.

 “The ‘Paid Sick Leave’ legislative compromise will provide economic security and peace of mind for  an estimated one million New Yorkers, who will now have the fundamental right to take a compensated day off when they or a family member is sick without worrying about losing their paycheck, or worse, their job.

“I would like to thank Council Member Gale Brewer for having the courage to introduce this legislation, and I equally commend Council Member Dan Garodnick for putting forward some very reasonable changes to the original legislation. I also want to thank City Council Speaker Christine Quinn for listening on this issue, and the entire City Council for their efforts on behalf of this legislation. I also commend the NYC Paid Sick Days Coalition for their passionate work to provide working families this critical measure of economic security.

“This legislation, while not what was originally proposed, is indeed an important step forward for the workers of this city, and I hope that it would be expanded in the future to include those workers who are not covered under the current compromise legislation,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

City Comptroller John C. Liu issued the following statement on the City Council’s paid sick leave legislation:

“Congratulations to Councilwoman Gale Brewer and all of her colleagues on the City Council who poured their hearts and souls into drafting this important economic and public health legislation. Thanks to their advocacy, many more New Yorkers will soon be able to take care of themselves or a loved one who gets sick without risking their jobs or paychecks. Let’s hope that we can build on this momentum and help New York City become a national leader in creating a progressive workplace — one that offers all workers a living wage, affordable health care, and a secure retirement.”

 

 

VCP Ice Rink Closes

  The seasonal Ice Skating Rink in Van Cortlandt Park has been closed as the weather gets warmer and outdoor ice skating is no longer possible. As you will see in the photos below during the removal of the temporary ice skating rink it is not known exactly just what will remain on the site other than the permanent electrical work done. The new season will start around the beginning of November later this year.

The floor may have been taken up and the signs on the doors may say closed in the photo on the left, but in the photo on the right the ice skates still sit in their slots waiting to be rented. 

 

Both photos show how the temporary ice skating rink has been taken up. Rolls of material in the foreground of the photo on the right, and wood planks that supported the rink in the photo on the right.

Cohen Picks up Endorsement of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. endorsed Andrew Cohen, a Riverdale attorney and Community Board member, in his race to succeed the term-limited Oliver Koppell for the council’s 11th district seat. The announcement was made in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx and was followed by a walking tour of the important project sites throughout the Kingsbridge business district. 

  

   "I need partners like Andrew Cohen in the City Council. We have seen major gains in the northwest Bronx--and in every corner of this great borough. Andrew Cohen knows what this district needs to continue to see positive growth, and I am proud to support him for City Council," said Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz Jr.

   “Being recognized by Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. is special not only because of his experience in state and city government, but because of his personal experience as a lifelong Bronxite,” Cohen said. “He knows what it takes to get things done and how to bring diverse constituencies together. With the Borough President’s help, I will work to bring all of the communities of the 11th Council District together to fight for sensible economic development and good jobs. His leadership on living wage, paid sick leave and his proposal for a gun crime registry demonstrate his commitment progressive policies that can improve the lives of people here in the Northwest Bronx. I hope to join Borough President Diaz as part of a new generation of leaders that, through broad coalitions, can make city government work for all of us.”

 

 Left - 11th city council candidate Andrew Cohen greets Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. at West 230th Street and Broadway, as the pair start walking up Broadway.

Right - Diaz & Cohen stop to speak to a prospective voter on Broadway.

Left - Diaz & Cohen stop to greet and speak to some more prospective voters on their walking tour up Broadway.

Right - In front of what will be the new Riverdale Crossings Shopping Center featuring a BJ'S Club store, BP Diaz points to Andrew Cohen as his choice in the 11th council district.

Wave Hill Events April 12–April 19

   If ever there were a moment in the seasonal calendar to feel drawn to Wave Hill, mid-April is surely it. Stop in Glyndor Gallery for a tour of the exhibition now open there—Drawn to Nature, of course—and wander back outside, into the glorious Woodlands, up into the Wild Garden, dotted with delicate spring blooms. And then take in that wonderful, big bowl of landscape and sky on the Great Lawn.

SAT, APRIL 13   FAMILY ART PROJECT—DAFFY FOR DAFFODILS

Daffy for Daffodils/Juqueteando con narcisos

Celebrate our flowering world by becoming a daffodil for a day. Make a hat or costume complete with a fringed trumpet and circle of petals, and join in a parade of spring blossoms. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, APRIL 13    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn to Nature, which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to convey a deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project Space, Matthew Jensen’s installation showcases found objects from the east and west coasts of the Bronx. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, APRIL 14    BIRDING AT WAVE HILL

Expert birder, naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow leads these regular Sunday walks. Registration recommended. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.  Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Space is limited.

MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, APRIL 14     FAMILY ART PROJECT—DAFFY FOR DAFFODILS

Daffy for Daffodils/Juqueteando con narcisos

Celebrate our flowering world by becoming a daffodil for a day. Make a hat or costume complete with a fringed trumpet and circle of petals, and join in a parade of spring blossoms. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, APRIL 14    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 15

Closed to the public.

TUE, APRIL 16    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

TUE, APRIL 16    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn to Nature, which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to convey a deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project Space, Matthew Jensen’s installation showcases found objects from the east and west coasts of the Bronx. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

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—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in April. 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.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ TO JOIN ‘HANDS ACROSS THE CONCOURSE’

 

Major Event Will Unite Thousands of Bronxites in Opposition to Violence

On Sunday, April 14, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will join together with thousands of community and clergy members to join “Hands Across the Concourse” in opposition to gun violence and domestic violence.

The event, which is co-produced by the Bronx Reentry Task Force and the Bronx Clergy Criminal Justice Roundtable, will see Bronx residents and other concerned community leaders join hands in opposition to violence along the Grand Concourse, between West Kingsbridge Road and Mosholu Parkway.

“This is a perfect event for our brothers and sisters in the Bronx to show those who continue to plague our streets with violence that we are not afraid to stand together as one family, one Bronx to put a stop to these senseless acts of violence. The Bronx has had enough, and we will continue to work towards a safer borough for those who live, work and raise their family here,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Those participating in the event will begin to line up along the route at 3 p.m., and Borough President Diaz will officially join hands at 4 p.m. at the West Kingsbridge Road location.

To register for the event, visit http://bit.ly/acrosstheconcourse.

WHAT:          “Hands Across the Concourse”

WHEN:          Sunday, April 14, 2013

§  Line-up @ 3 p.m.

§  Event kick-off @ 4 p.m.

WHERE:       Corner of West Kingsbridge Road & Grand Concourse

                        Bronx, NY

LIU: SETTLE 'CENTRAL PARK FIVE' CASE NOW

 Recent Court Order on Discovery Narrows Window for Settlement

Comptroller John C. Liu is urging the Mayor to instruct the New York City Law Department to negotiate promptly an appropriate settlement to the “Central Park Five” lawsuit, after lawyers for the five unjustly imprisoned men clearly expressed a willingness to engage in meaningful settlement discussions and a federal court set a deadline on discovery for the case, a significant development on the part of the court.

“The Law Department’s stance of refusing to explore a fair and just settlement of this lawsuit is imprudent,” Comptroller Liu wrote in a March 25 letter to Mayor Bloomberg. “I urge you to exercise your executive authority to assist in closing this terrible chapter in our City’s history, so that New Yorkers can finally put an end to the painful ‘Central Park Five’ saga.”

Pointing to flaws in the prosecution of the Five identified in 2002 by then-District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, Liu threw the risks of the City’s refusal to negotiate into sharp relief.

“The disturbing facts associated with this case raise the risk that at a civil trial of the Central Park Five’s claims, a jury may be persuaded that the NYPD or DA violated standards in investigating and prosecuting the Central Park Five,” he wrote. “Such a jury outcome could be very costly to the City.”

Under the City Charter, the Comptroller’s office approves all settlements for the City. Liu earlier this year warned that prolonging the case risks exposing the City to mounting legal costs, and he has continued to urge both sides to come to the table as soon as possible, even offering his boardroom as a venue for the discussions. His renewed call comes in light of a recent court order directing that fact discovery in the case be completed by early June (see attachment) and a letter from lawyers for the Central Park Five accepting his offer (see attachment).

Text of Comptroller Liu’s Letter to Mayor Bloomberg, March 25, 2013:

Dear Mayor Bloomberg,

I urge you to direct the New York City Law Department to negotiate promptly an appropriate settlement of the federal lawsuit brought by the ‘Central Park Five.’ 

More than ten years have passed since the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office (DA) advised New York State Supreme Court Justice Charles J. Tejada, in great detail and under penalty of perjury, that had newly available evidence “been received at trial, the verdict would have been more favorable to defendant[s].”  The DA also informed the Court that the many gaps and flaws in the defendants’ confessions “should have been apparent at time of trial” and that the career rapist and robber who later confessed to the attack had also admitted attacking many young women in and near Central Park in the months before the attack, including a rape and robbery in the Park just two days beforehand. 

The Court, perhaps in response to the growing outcry from countless New Yorkers outraged that this case remains unresolved after so many years, has now ordered the parties to complete all discovery in the case, which has dragged on for a decade, by the beginning of June. We believe this is a very significant development.

As the trial of this case inevitably draws closer, litigation experience clearly demonstrates that now is an appropriate time for both parties to negotiate in earnest. Prolonging the discovery process further only serves to increase the risk that City taxpayers will ultimately bear responsibility for significant attorneys’ fees incurred by plaintiffs. 

Moreover, the disturbing facts associated with this case raise the risk that at a civil trial of the Central Park Five’s claims, a jury may be persuaded that the NYPD or DA violated standards in investigating and prosecuting the Central Park Five. Such a jury outcome could be very costly to the City.

The Law Department’s stance of refusing to explore a fair and just settlement of this lawsuit is imprudent.  As indicated in the attached letter from plaintiffs’ counsel, plaintiffs have been and remain ready to engage in meaningful settlement discussions.  It is in the City’s best interest to engage in these discussions.

My office has the legal expertise and for decades has worked with the Law Department to negotiate fair settlements in many complex and high profile litigations, and I am confident that we can do so here.  A news report in the New York Times last month about the Law Department’s initiative to decide which police and federal civil rights cases should be “no pay” also points to the risk of that strategy ultimately costing the City more money.  In this case, that risk is significant. 

As I have said before, the young men who were wrongly imprisoned for this crime may not have been angels.  However, basic fairness in light of the facts of this case, and the need to protect the City against a possibly costly trial outcome, all support a serious effort to settle this matter. 

This troubling case has spanned the administrations of three of your predecessors. In the last year of your third term as Mayor, I urge you to exercise your executive authority to assist in closing this terrible chapter in our City’s history, so that New Yorkers can finally put an end to the painful ‘Central Park Five’ saga.

Sincerely,

John C. Liu

Background:

Liu: Time to Bring Closure to Tragic and Costly ‘Central Park Five’ Case, Jan. 4, 2013: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/2013_releases/pr13-01-002.shtm

Attachments:

Comptroller Liu’s letter to Mayor Bloomberg: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/pdfs/Letter-to-MRB.pdf

Court Order: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/pdfs/CP5-Court-Order.pdf

Letter from Plaintiffs’ Attorneys: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/press/pdfs/CP5-Plaintiffs-Letter.pdf

Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for the latest news, events and initiatives.
Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message
 text “follow johncliu” to 40404.
 View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on  YouTube.

CRESPO: Budget Good but Not Good Enough!

Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo’s votes no on budget bill that fails to provide an indexed minimum wage increase and establishes the NYS Dream Act

ALBANY, NEW YORK – (03/28/2013)  ---  Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, today, voted no on part of the $136 billion 2013-2014 State Budget because major issues impacting his community where omitted and in other cases are inadequate to addressing the growing rates of poverty in the Bronx and New York State.

According to Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, member of the Assembly Standing Committee on Cities, “I want to make it clear that the Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Sheldon Silver, has managed to turn back attempts to reduce State funding for our hospitals, schools, colleges and vital community services.  Yet Assembly efforts to shape a budget that meets the needs of all New Yorkers was derailed by the Senate Republicans and the Governor.”

“Specifically I am referring to the failure to immediately raise the minimum wage and index it to inflation and the failure to embrace the intellectual capital of undocumented immigrant children by enacting the Dream Act,” declared Crespo.

Crespo added, “I can not vote yes on a budget that places public relations gimmicks over the basic needs of my constituents and their families and children.  Passing an on-time budget with tax refunds for those making up to $300,000 per year while making a single mother wait three years for a $1.75 increase in her hourly wage is unacceptable.”

“There are defining moments in our lives that measure our values. If we can find millions to subsidize the business operations of multi-millionaires, then we can find the courage to secure State support for children and communities that have long been marginalized,” stated Crespo. “This is such a defining moment for me and my vote will reflect my convictions.”

Social Security Information Fair

  On Wednesday March 27th Congressman Charles Rangel held a Social Security Information Fair at Lehman College. Over 200 people participated in the event which had welcoming remarks from Congressman Rangel. The Regional Commissioner of the Social Security New York Region Ms. Beatrice Disman gave a presentation on the Social Security program. Topics included the cutback of 9,000 SSA workers nationwide due to attrition, and the recent budget cutting by congress. There will be longer waits and shorter hours at SSA offices. Ms. Disman emphasized that there are more online services, and that over 1/3 of new applicants now enroll online.

  There was a discussion of direct deposit, and that new applicants must either have their funds direct deposited or on a Visa debit card. Questions were taken from the audience, and there were SSA specialists on hand to handle the many individual problems that came up.

Left - Congressman Rangel and Ms. Disman of the SSA.

Right - There was also sign language provided.

Left - A view of the crowd.

Right - Community Board 8 Aging Committee Chairman & City Council candidate Andrew Cohen is introduced by Congressman Rangel.

Bronx Academy for Software Engineering

   The Department of Education is looking to open a Career and Technical Education high school in the Bronx in the fall, called the “Bronx Academy for Software Engineering. This school’s curriculum will focus on preparing students to enter the field of software engineering. In order to spread the word and garner attention for this school there will be two open houses held for interested parents family, and students.

Thursday April 4^th, from 5pm to 8pm, at Sunshine Bronx (in the Banknote Building in Hunts Point, 890 Garrison Avenue)

Wednesday April 10^th, from 5pm to 8pm, at Facebook’s midtown east office (335 Madison Ave, between 43^rd and 44^th Streets)

Each open house has three sessions which last one hour each. Student and families should RSVP by going through the website at http://bronxsoftware.org/. 

Bronx Academy for Software Engineering (BASE)

Opening fall 2013

Quick facts about BASE

•             Opening with 115 ninth graders in fall of 2013 in the Grace Dodge campus near Fordham University

•             Unscreened intake: any eight grader can apply and get in

•             Students take four years of computer science, including programming, application design and software development

•             Four-year CTE program – graduates will be ready for college or entry into the industry

•             Students build portfolios to show mastery of key skills and content

•             Advisory class lets students get to know each other, teachers and themselves

•             Clubs include 3D printing, art, sports, and manga.

 

 

Gun Violence Presentation at CAB Meeting - April 3rd

PLEASE JOIN US

The Joint Community Advisory Board of Jacobi Medical Center and North Central Bronx Hospital Present

"Gun Violence: An Ongoing crisis"

Wednesday, April 3rd, 5:30 p.m. Refreshments - 6 p.m. Presentation

Jacobi Corporate Conference Center (Building 4, 2nd Floor) Jacobi Medical Center

Featuring Two Presentations:

Gun Violence: A Trauma Surgeon’s Perspective

Sheldon Teperman, M.D.

Associate Professor of Surgery, Director of Trauma and Critical Care Services, Jacobi Medical Center

Board Member of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence.

“Guns Down, Life Up” Including a compelling video

Erik Cliette, Director of Injury Prevention, Harlem Hospital Center

RSVP 718-918-3906

Over 1,057,000 people have been

killed by guns in the U.S.A. since

John Lennon was shot and killed

on December 8, 1980.

John C. Doyle

Associate Director, Department of Marketing, Public and Community Relations

North Bronx Healthcare Network

1400 Pelham Parkway South, Building 4 - Room 7N21, Bronx, NY, 10461

p- 718.918.4055, f-718.918.7217, c-917.553.4642, e- John.Doyle@nbhn.net

Visit us on the web- http://www.nyc.gov/hhc/jacobi/

 

 

Free Mammography Screenings--this Friday, March 29th

 Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda of the 87th A.D. sent this to us.

In Celebration of Women's Health Month, my office has partnered with St. Barnabas Hospital to conduct FREE mammography screenings (first come, first served).

The event will be held in front of my office (1973 Westchester Ave.) This coming Friday March 29th from 9AM to 1:30PM. 

 

We're targeting women over 40 whom are either uninsured or under insured.

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda-87th District
1973 Westchester Ave
Phone: (718) 931-2620
Bronx, NY 10462

 

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Save the Putnam Trail Song

  The Save the Putnam Trail campaign, based in the Bronx, now has an anthem written for them by the amazingly talented musician/songwriter Patryk Larney and posted on YouTube.  The original lyrics go like this:

Hail, Hail The Putnam Trail!
Don't cover up what's left of the old railroad.
Let her people carry through.
Save the pavement for Madison Avenue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk9yXbBxne4&feature=youtu.be

The musician, Patryk Larney, originally hails from New Jersey and is widely appreciated for his lyrical content and congenial storytelling in the tradition of James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Tom Petty.

His discography includes soul-infused rock with his band Naked Underneath and with his younger brother in The Larney Brothers.  "Fifty Miles from Hope," 2004; "Larney Brothers," 2009; "Hello to Farewell," 2010. 

 

Save the Putnam Trail Campaign
www.savetheputnamtrail.com

www.facebook.com/saveputnamtrailnow

 

 

First Drone Legislation Bill in the NYS Assembly

This comes in from Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda 87th A.D. Bronx.

I just had my first piece of drone legislation published (#A06244); it focuses on limiting how law enforcement can utilize the technology to conduct surveillance.

I conducted a survey recently in my district to ascertain how the general public feels about drone activity. Most of the data suggests that the public is not fully aware of the technology and its implications, domestically. Only 18% of those surveyed knew what drones were. Though once they were informed, over 96% had concerns about their use, with a similar percentage feeling that drones could infringe on their privacy. Nearly 97% suggested that there be clear restrictions placed on drones.

This bill is the first of a series of comprehensive pieces of legislation initiated to address the lack of information on drones, and their attendant activities. Succeeding bills will focus on: Banning drones from being armed; clearly defining what constitutes a drone; restricting the use of drones by private citizens; and streamlining the mechanisms to secure permits for responsible drone usage concerning its commercial applications.

I have been at the forefront of pushing for more transparency and regulations concerning this phenomenon; assessing the trends, I feel it's incumbent upon the NYS Legislature to seize this issue before it takes on a life of its own. I don't want the technology to get ahead of the law, and hopefully, the legislation that I am putting forth, will be the catalyst for us as legislators to take hold of this issue.

 

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda-87th District
1973 Westchester Ave
Phone: (718) 931-2620
Bronx, NY 10462

 

Councilman Koppell Reacts to DOE Decision on Clinton High School

KOPPELL DEPLORES LACK OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN SELECTION OF SMALL HIGH SCHOOLS AT CLINTON

In speaking to Chancellor Walcott at a meeting of the Education Committee, of which he is a member, on March 21, 2013, Council Member Oliver Koppell deplored the lack of community involvement in the selection of the two new high schools to be co-located at DeWitt Clinton High School.

After DOE decided on the concept of co-location in spite of  community opposition, Koppell said, “It would have behooved the Department to consult with the Community Education Council  parents ,and local community  and educational leaders before deciding on what type of school was appropriate for the area.”

According to Koppell, he had not been apprized of the nature of the new schools nor was there a description of the type of schools to be selected in the Impact Statement or at the public hearing held about Clinton’s fate on February 21, 2013   Marvin Shelton, Chair of the District 10 Community Education Council, said, “We were not consulted or given a description of the new schools prior to their being selected. Everyone was kept in the dark.  I believe that not even the Panel for Educational Policy was aware of the nature of the new schools when they voted on the co-location.” Koppell said, “Our students in the Northwest Bronx would have benefitted from a school similar to the Ellis School on the Kennedy Campus devoted to the needs of newly arrived immigrants. One of the reasons Clinton received an “F” on its Progress Report is that it had a disproportionate number of English Language Learners without the resources necessary to meet their needs.”

Koppell said it was unclear why the description of the two new schools at Clinton was kept such a secret and why our community was excluded from having any input into this important decision.  “However,” he said,   “we probably should not have been surprised since this behavior is in keeping with the “top down” philosophy of the Bloomberg  administration.”

Bronx Health & Wellness Summit: Register today!

  The Bronx Health & Wellness Summit

Register for the Bronx Health & Wellness Summit! On Saturday, April 6, at Fordham University, we will host our first ever Bronx Health & Wellness Summit. We have worked hard to put together a comprehensive agenda, one that we feel offers something for everyone.  At our summit, you can learn how our health coverage will change with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, how to effectively continue medical care for our adolescents, how mental health issues are handled to ensure public safety or what classes college students should take to pursue a career in healthcare, the borough's number one employer. The main goal of this summit is to begin to set our work plan for the coming years, a work plan that will reverse our health indicators and ultimately lead to a better overall quality of life for those that live, work and raise their families in the Bronx.  The agenda for the summit has been finalized, so please take a few minutes to register for our Health & Wellness Summit if you haven't already, and sign up for your preferred breakout sessions. I look forward to seeing you there! Ruben Diaz Jr. Bronx Borough President

Bronx Borough President
851 Grand Concourse
Bronx, New York 10451
718-590-3500

Sen. Klein Hosts 18th Annual Easter Bunny Breakfast

   State Senator Jeff Klein joined over 300 children and their parents for his 18^th annual Easter Bunny Breakfast. The breakfast included activities for children, including a magic show, face painting, a “build-a-bunny” station and photos with the Easter Bunny. Families from Senator Klein’s district were invited to attend. 

Below left - Senator Klein's aides hold up Build a Bunny children received. 

Right -  Jalyssa, Joel, and Seiss take a photo with the Easter Bunny.

 

 

Left - Senator Klein, the Easter Bunny, and children with their parents.

Right - The crowd of children who watched magician Candini The Great.

Left - Candini pulls a rabbit out of his hat.

Right - The rabbit wants to go back into the hat.

Left & Right - Are a few children who came up to help Candini do his magic tricks.

Left - After the magic show children came up to see and pet Candini's rabbit Harvey.

Right - Candini, Harvey (in the hat), and the Easter Bunny wish everyone a Happy Easter.

Cliff Stanton Picks Up Endorsement Outside of PS 8 in 11th Council Race

  On Friday afternoon outside PS 8 in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx, candidate for the 11th Council District Cliff Stanton officially picked up the endorsement of a group called NW Bronx Democrats. The group leader of what he has called his "Hired Mercenaries" Mr. Anthony Rivieccio and members of his group officially endorsed Mr. Stanton for the 11th council seat. Mr. Ricieccio said that residents of Bedford Park and Norwood are angry that they have not been supported by the elected officials in the council and state assembly. He said it was the same group that supported current term limited councilman G. Oliver Koppell in 2005 & 2009, but they are going to support Cliff Stanton in 2013. The Bedford Park/Norwood area is represented mostly by Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, and to a small part by Councilman Joel Rivera. The area is served in most in part by Assemblyman Jose Rivera, and in a small part by newly elected Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj who beat the former Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera. Naomi Rivera and Joel Rivera are children of Assemblyman Jose Rivera who is also a former Bronx Democratic County Leader.

   In 2012 Mr. Rivieccio and members of his group worked for two assembly candidates Mr. Mark Gjonaj in the 80th A.D., and candidate Ricky Martinez in the 78th A.D. They endorsed Mr. Gjonaj in the 80th A.D., and in the 78th A.D. supported Mr. Martinez and his opponent Assemblyman Jose Rivera. You can see all of Mr. Riciecio's endorsements in the 2012 Democratic primary here . Below are photos of the endorsement.

  Candidate Stanton is on the right in the photo standing with members of NW Bronx Democrats.

After the announcement on a very cold day candidate Stanton is about to leave.

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SENATOR JEFF KLEIN AND DISNEY LIVE! MICKEY’S MUSIC FESTIVAL VISIT RIVERDALE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

   Co-New York State Senate Leader, Senator Jeff Klein joined children taking part in an after-school program at the Riverdale Neighborhood House for a performance of Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival.

 Pictured with Senator Klein are children taking part in an after-school program at Riverdale Neighborhood House stand with Mickie and Minnie Mouse, stars of the Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival performance. 

Our guess is that the characters on either side of Senator Klein are two of Senator Klein's Independent Democratic Conference members, but just which two we can not be sure of. Minnie seems to be holding Senator Klein's arm tight, while Mickey pats Senator Klein on the shoulder for doing another good job of bringing the cheese to the district.