Fallout From The 13th Congressional Election Victory of Charles Rangel

  Here are some items of interest that have happened since the 13th congressional election Tuesday June 24th where Charles Rangel defeated State Senator Adriano Espiallat to keep his seat in congress. 

1 - Candidate Adriano Espiallat decided to wait two days before conceding to the Congressman Rangel who won by a larger margin then two years ago.

2 - Elizabeth Ritter who was on the petition for state senate in the district of Senator Espiallat has withdrawn, and is supporting her boss current State Senator Adriano Espiallat to be her replacement.

3 - A scheduled 'unity rally' with both Congressman Charles Rangel and State Senator Adriano Espaillat planned by Al Sharpton was cancelled on Friday due to concerns that it would led to more disharmony.

4 - It is reported that Mayor Bill deBlasio has not called Congressman Rangel to congratulate him on his win.

5 - Then there is the case against now former Espiallat ally and Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. Rosa has resigned from the assembly, pled guilty to having a arraigned sham marriage to become a U.S. citizen, and also lying about her assets in bankruptcy court. 

What else can happen?

News From Council Member Andrew Cohen

The following comes from Councilman Andrew Cohen

Council Member Cohen Touts Funding to Combat Mental Illness in City Budget

“This budget is progressive, fiscally responsible and most importantly it helps all New Yorkers.  I thank Speaker Mark-Viverito for ensuring an inclusive process that was not only open and transparent but substantive as well.

“As the Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disability Services, I am especially proud that we were able to secure $33 million to combat violence and mental illness on Rikers Island.  I am also pleased that we have secured a $200,000 enhancement for the Children Under Five Initiative and $50,000 for the Young Adult Initiative.  Mental health is a serious issue and this funding shows that the City is serious about fighting this epidemic on behalf of these vulnerable populations,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

Council Member Cohen to Bring Participatory Budgeting to District 11 and the Bronx

Groundbreaking program allows community residents to determine how taxpayer money is spent

Council Member Andrew Cohen has announced that he is instituting Participatory Budgeting in the 11^th Council district for Fiscal Year 2016.  Participatory Budgeting is a groundbreaking program which allows community residents to vote on how a portion of their tax dollars are spent.  Council Member Cohen is the first Bronx Council Member to establish this program in the borough and he will allocate a minimum of $1million of his discretionary funds to the process.

The participatory budgeting process involves a series of meetings that feed into the City’s annual budget cycle.  Starting in the fall, community members will brainstorm spending ideas at budget assemblies. Volunteers will turn these ideas into full proposals, and the public will also be able to submit, review, and discuss project ideas online.  In April 2015 residents will vote on which proposals to fund.

“I am excited to bring Participatory Budgeting to my district and let our community have a voice in how their tax dollars are spent.  It is my hope that through this process we will have residents from all over the district engage one another and work together to develop and support various projects that will benefit everyone.  I am looking forward to working with my neighbors on establishing this program in the Bronx and ensuring its success,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

This summer, the Council Member and his staff will be hosting information sessions throughout the district to let residents know more about participatory budgeting and how they can get involved. The confirmed information sessions are listed below and they will all begin at 7:00pm.  Additional information sessions will be confirmed shortly.

Monday, July 7^th at Community Board 7 Office, 229A East 204^th Street

Thursday, July 10th at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval East

Tuesday, July 15^th at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, 4275 Katonah Avenue

Thursday, July 17^th at the Riverdale Y-MWHA, 5625 Arlington Avenue

WHERE WAS OLIVER KOPPELL?

  Today at 2 PM Oliver Koppell scheduled an anti-IDC/Jeff Klein rally in front of the Jeff Klein for Senate Headquarters on Williamsbridge Road. What was missing was Oliver Koppell and his supporters, because the only rally to go off in front of the Klein for Senate Headquarters was a pro Klein rally. Starting just before 2 PM Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and over 100 Klein supporters shouted "Koppell take a hike, Go back to retirement","Koppell is an outsider to this community," and "Jeff Klein is the hardest working senator in New York." This went on for about 20 minutes, and with so many people the police asked that the crowd allow a path for people to get through several times.

  By 3 PM the crowd was asking "Where's Ollie, Where's Ollie?" Oliver Koppell never showed, and this columnist was waiting for Koppell to announce that he was withdrawing from the race now that Senator Klein and the IDC were going to return to work with the Senate Democratic Conference which was one of Koppell's demands. Only time will tell if Koppell stays in the race, because it was Koppell and others who encouraged 33rd State Senate candidate Dan Padernacht in 2010 to withdraw for the good of the Democratic Party. I am sure that Oliver Koppell has already received such calls now that Senator Klein and Governor Coumo have announced that the IDC will no longer share the senate leadership position with the Republican Conference, but will share the senate leadership with the Senate Democratic Conference. 

A crowd of over 100 Jeff Klein supporters were on hand for any Oliver Koppell rally, but Koppell was a no show for a scheduled 2 PM rally.

80 A.D. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj led the Pro Jeff Klein rally. 

BP DIAZ & SENATOR KLEIN TO HOST ANNUAL FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

   Tomorrow, Friday June 27, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and State Senator Jeff Klein will host the borough’s official kickoff to the Independence Day Celebrations, the annual “New York Salutes America” boardwalk festival and fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach.

The event is free; open to the public and includes fun activities for the kids, such as magicians, balloon artists, music performances and much more. The event will begin at 6 p.m., with the fireworks show beginning at 9 P.M.

The event is produced by The Bronx Tourism Council.

WHEN:       Friday, June 27, 2014

WHERE:    Orchard Beach, Bronx

TIME:         6 P.M.

Wave Hill Events Jul 11–Jul 18:

A jazzy Sunset Wednesday, birds and bees!

  Summer is a happy time for life—horticultural and human—in a gem of a garden like Wave Hill, as visitors enjoy the opportunity to be outdoors—for yoga, family art time, a bird walk, story-telling, a bee workshop and more, This Wednesday take in a free performance by the latin-jazz quartet of saxophonist and Bronx native Mitch Frohman, one of the top saxophonists and flutists on the jazz scene today.

SAT, JULY 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT: LUMINOUS PAPER LANTERNS  

Cut nature shapes from brightly multicolored tissue paper. Then, with a simple papier-mâché method, use your cut shapes to make festive lanterns that will brighten and make magical your summer days and nights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, JULY 12    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 are held outdoors; indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration 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 Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JULY 12    MEET THE BEES: A HANDS-ON ADVENTURE IN THE APIARY 

Get up close and personal with the bees of Wave Hill! Observe bee behavior in the gardens, then suit up in a hat and veil to peek inside a hive filled with 50,000 honeybees. Search for worker bees, drones, brood (baby bees) and maybe even catch a glimpse of the elusive queen. Beekeeper Roger Repohl leads this fascinating foray into the world of the honeybee. This workshop is appropriate for curious adults and kids ages 14 and up accompanied by an adult. $35/$25 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, atwww.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x251 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, JULY 12    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour in the main gallery. Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JULY 13    SUMMER BIRDING

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these captivating walks through the gardens and woodlands. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it an appealing destination for a wide variety of birds. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Birders of all levels welcome! Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.) Registration recommended, online atwww.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549,3200 x251.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

SUN, JULY 13    FAMILY ART PROJECT: LUMINOUS PAPER LANTERNS  

Cut nature shapes from brightly multicolored tissue paper. Then, with a simple papier-mâché method, use your cut shapes to make festive lanterns that will brighten and make magical your summer days and nights.  Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JULY 13    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 director Neem 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 are held outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration 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 Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JULY 13    MEDITATION

This spring, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration 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 Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, JULY 13    MEET THE ARTISTS: LAUREN CARLY SHAW & READE BRYAN

Join us at this artist talk to gain insight into the creative practice of artists Lauren Carly Shaw andReade Bryan. In the Sunroom Project Space, Lauren Carly Shaw transforms the space into the setting of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1899), set in the late 19th century, when the original Glyndor House was constructed. Shaw chronicles the effect of confinement on a woman’s mental state. In the Sun Porch space, Reade Bryan’s sculptural installation investigates the way that iconic building materials, such as plywood and drywall supplies, are created and used. Here he evokes the effects of a flood or the mass of a cliff’s edge; the natural landscape appears to intrude on the interior, although the sculpture itself is made of domestic building material. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1:30PM

SUN, JULY 13    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, JULY 14

Closed to the public

TUE, JULY 15    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’sFireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety; Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures.  In the Sunroom Project Space, Lauren Carly Shaw transforms the space into the setting of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1899), set in the late 19th century, when the original Glyndor House was constructed. Shaw chronicles the effect of confinement on a woman’s mental state. In the Sun Porch space, Reade Bryan’s sculptural installation investigates the way that iconic building materials, such as plywood and drywall supplies, are created and used. Here he evokes the effects of a flood or the mass of a cliff’s edge; the natural landscape appears to intrude on the interior, although the sculpture itself is made of domestic building material.

Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, JULY 16    MOMMY AND BABY YOGA

Designed for mothers, fathers or caregivers and babies eight weeks old to crawling, this yoga class brings families together for a gentle exercise session in a beautiful garden setting. Stretch, breathe and bond with your child while meeting other parents Led by certified instructors from Yoga for Bliss. Mats provided. $25/$15 Wave Hill member. Advance registration online at www.wavehill.org receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Tuesdaybefore; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins accommodated as space allows. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11AM

WED, JULY 16    SUNSET WEDNESDAY

Experience summer at its best—an expansive landscape of rolling lawns and gorgeous formal gardens, fresh river breezes, plein-air performances by local musicians, yoga, guided walks and cutting-edge art in Glyndor Gallery. Order dinner from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances, and you have the makings of a superb summer evening. Gardens open until 8:30PM. Wave Hill House, Perkins Visitor Center, Glyndor Gallery, The Café and The Shop at Wave Hill open until 7:30PM. Checkwww.wavehill.org/visit for the schedule for Sunset Wednesdays free shuttle service to and from Metro-North and the #1 subway. Beginning at 4PM on Sunset Wednesdays, admission is $10 Adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6‒18. No guest passes or reciprocal admission accepted.

ON THE GROUNDS, TILL 8:30PM

WED, JULY 16   SUNSET HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life with a blissful yoga class! Reduce your stress levels and increase energy by working with your body and breath. This sunset session is led by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salomone. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Call718.549.3200 x245 by 4PM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration online at www.wavehill.org receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Tuesday before; after that, refunds will not be made. A limited number of mats are available onsite, please bring your own mat. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6–7:30PM

WED, JULY 16    SUNSET GARDEN WALK

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a mini tour of one of Wave Hill’s magnificent gardens. Tours vary by week―come back on another evening for a glimpse of a different garden area! Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

WED, JULY 16    SUNSET MUSIC:  MITCH FROMAN LATIN-JAZZ QUARTET

A high point of each Sunset Wednesday includes a live performance on the grassy expanse of the Great Lawn, overlooking the majestic Palisades. Tonight’s performer, saxophonist and Bronx native Mitch Frohman, is one of the top saxophonists and flutists on the jazz scene today. He has toured and/or recorded with a list of who’s who in the music world, including Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Machito, Paquito D’Rivera, Celia Cruz, Chico O’Farrill, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, David Byrne, the Talking Heads and Blood, Sweat and Tears. He is leader of the Bronx Horns and co-leader of the Mambo Legends and the Spanish Harlem Orchestras. Last but not least, he is the saxophone soloist for the theme song for the mega-hit television show “Sex & The City,” heard world-wide every day. For Sunset Wednesdays, his quartet, comprised of upright bass, drums and keyboard, with Mitch on sax and flute, offers selections from his latest CD, “From Daddy with Love.” Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 7–8PM

THU, JULY 17    STORIES IN THE GARDEN: HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories––classics and more––will come to life through interactive readings, sing-alongs and puppets. Programs are held outdoors in good weather; in inclement weather we will meet in Wave Hill House. As any gardener will tell you, what you sow is not always what you reap.  This week, listen to stories and sing songs about unexpected harvests, unintentional gardens and surprise garden visitors. Our books this week are How Groundhog’s Garden Grew by Lynne Cherry, Hare and the Big Green Lawn by Katharine Crawford Robey and Mossy by Jan Brett. Ideal for children ages 3 to 6 with their adult companions. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 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—4:30PM. Closes5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

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

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ--RE: Municipal ID Cards In New York City

   “I congratulate Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Members Carlos Menchaca and Daniel Dromm, as well as the entire City Council for passing legislation to create municipal identification cards in our city. I have called for municipal identification cards since I first served in the New York State Assembly, and today’s vote marks a major step forward for equity in treatment for undocumented residents of the five boroughs.

“For too long, the undocumented community has been denied important services for lack of proper paperwork. In addition, municipal identification cards will make it easier for this community to cooperate with law enforcement.

“My office handles many constituent cases each year from undocumented residents and their families, and many of them are afraid to cooperate with city government and the police for fear of reprisal. This proposal will bring this community out of the shadows, making our city safer for everyone. I congratulate Mayor de Blasio for making this proposal a priority in his ‘State of the City,’” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Is Oliver Koppell Withdrawing Today at 2 PM

  34th State Senate candidate Oliver Koppell has scheduled a press conference for today at 2 PM outside the campaign office of State Senator Jeff Klein to argue that the IDC has harmed Bronx voters. However after what has happened in Albany between the IDC and Governor Cuomo where Senator Klein and the governor have jointly announced that the IDC will be joining senate Democrats for a co-leadership role some are questioning what Koppell will say.

  Candidate Koppell also fired his Robert Byrd Akleh, campaign manager for comments that were anti-Israel and for other comments against Governor Cuomo.  I would suspect that candidate Oliver Koppell is going to withdraw, and support Senator Klein now that the IDC will be joining with senate Democrats.   I would expect the same from IDC member challenger Tony Avella's challenger John Liu.

Check back later for what happened at the Koppell press conference.

IDC to Join With Senate Democratic Conference

  When State Senate IDC & Co-Leader Jeff Klein received the endorsement of Riverdale Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Andrew Cohen, and other prominent Riverdale Democratic party officials on Friday May 17th I asked Senator Klein if the IDC is going to rejoin with the Senate Democratic Conference.  Senator Klein was very vague in his answer saying that we would have to wait until after the election for an answer. One of Senator Klein's aides wanted to know why I asked that question, and here is the reason. 

Today a joint statement from Senator Jeff Klein and Governor Andrew Coumo reads that the IDC is indeed going to rejoin with the Senate Democratic Conference after the November election.

JOINT STATEMENTS FROM GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO AND SENATOR JEFFREY D. KLEIN 

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein said, “The Independent Democratic Conference has served as a strong, stabilizing, sensible force for governing in New York State for four years. Under a first-of-its kind bipartisan, coalition government the IDC ushered in a functioning New York State Senate and delivered unprecedented results for working families, including four consecutive on-time budgets, passing the toughest gun control laws in the nation, marriage equality, an increase to the minimum wage, universal pre-k for thousands of toddlers and the safe, regulated use of medical marijuana.

“Yet as we reflect on these past achievements, it is also clear that core Democratic policy initiatives that the IDC championed remain unfinished. As Democrats, the IDC remains committed to the fight for an equal education for all New York students - which the Dream Act would provide, protecting a woman's right to choose, increasing workers' wages, and enacting meaningful campaign finance reform. I agree with Governor Cuomo that these are progressive priorities we must pass.

“Therefore all IDC members are united and agree to work together to form a new majority coalition between the Independent Democratic Conference and the Senate Democratic Conference after the November elections in order to deliver the results that working families across this state still need and deserve,” 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said, “I applaud the IDC’s decision. There is no doubt that we have accomplished much for the state over the past four years. We have transformed the state government from dysfunctional to highly functional, a deficit to a surplus, and losing jobs to gaining jobs. There is also no doubt there are progressive goals that we have yet to achieve and that we must accomplish next January.”

Editors Note:

I expect that the challenge to Senator Jeff Klein by Oliver Koppell, and the challenge to IDC member Senator Tony Avella by former City Comptroller John Liu (who I interviewed for Thursday's edition of the Bronx News & Parkchester News) to disappear now that this agreement has been reached.

One has to also wonder if those seats won by democrats in the state senate in 2012 are in danger of being lost to strong Republican challengers. 

MOTION TO RENEW LAWSUIT AGAINST FRESHDIRECT DENIED

MOTION TO RENEW LAWSUIT AGAINST FRESHDIRECT DENIED

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and FreshDirect CEO Jason Ackerman issued the following statement today upon learning that the motion to renew a previously dismissed lawsuit designed to stop FreshDirect’s relocation to The Bronx has been denied by the courts.

The complete ruling can be found here: http://bronxboropres.nyc.gov/pdf/2014-06-25.pdf.

“This ruling clears the way for a transformative development project, and the thousands of jobs that will come with it, to make its way to The Bronx. FreshDirect, as well as the various agencies that helped to shepherd this important deal, have been vindicated at every turn by the courts, and this ruling is no exception,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

FreshDirect CEO Jason Ackerman said: “We are of course pleased with this decision, and look forward to servicing our customers from our new state of the art facility in The Bronx. We are working hard to make that a reality. With that new facility, we will bring more than a 1,000 new jobs to the Bronx, many to be filled by local residents.”

Borough President Diaz added, “This key economic development project is crucial to the future of this borough, and my office has not wavered in our support of FreshDirect and their relocation to The Bronx for that reason. The economic health and vitality of this borough is of preeminent importance to my administration, and I am satisfied that the legal efforts to derail this project have been given a fair hearing and have been dismissed.”

FreshDirect’s relocation to The Bronx will create 1,000 new jobs while also relocating 2,000 jobs to The Bronx from Queens. Already, FreshDirect has displayed their commitment to the Bronx through hiring initiatives that have led to Bronx residents getting jobs at their existing Queens facility, the impending greening of their delivery fleet, the expansion of their services to the entire borough, food donations to Bronx families during the holiday season and their efforts to expand their services to EBT users.

Bronx 100 Scavenger Hunt

BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ JR.
& THE BRONX TOURISM COUNCIL

LAUNCH THE ‘BRONX 100 SCAVENGER HUNT’

June 25, 2014, Bronx, NY—Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and The Bronx Tourism Council announced today that entries are on sale for the “Bronx 100 Scavenger Hunt,” which will pit teams of four from all over the region in a competition focusing on Bronx history, culture and the redevelopment of the “New Bronx.”

The event will take place all-day on Saturday, July 12, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Bronx County Courthouse. Teams will earn points by taking pictures of various Bronx landmarks and destinations, with the highest scoring team winning $2,500. The day will close with a party for scavenger hunt participants, and will feature other giveaways and prizes.

Only 40 teams will have an opportunity to participate in the event. Entries can be purchased for $40 per team at ilovethebronx.com.

“Throughout our centennial celebrations we have been focused on highlighting the ‘New Bronx.’ This contest will give teams from all over a chance to learn about our borough, see firsthand the progress we have made, and maybe even win a prize,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“It’s a fun and adventurous way to discover The Bronx, learn about its rich history, and meet new people!” said Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of The Bronx Tourism Council.

“New York Community Bancorp is proud to be the principal sponsor of the ‘Bronx 100 Scavenger Hunt.’ Great things are happening in The Bronx, and this event will help highlight many of the new projects and new developments that are changing the way the world thinks about this wonderful borough,” said Christopher B. Beck, Vice President of New York Community Bancorp.

For more information about the Bronx Centennial celebrations and other borough events, visitilovethebronx.com.