Toast Gail Nathan's Leadership at BRAC

 

Join us on Oct 16 to toast Gail's legacy of service!

For 25 years, Gail Nathan has been the heart and soul of the Bronx River Art Center, serving as its Executive Director. Her tenure has had a profound impact on both BRAC and the Bronx community, guiding the Art Center through trials and triumphs with unwavering dedication. She has worked tirelessly with the Bronx arts community, politicians, and many local organizations; launched new arts programs for teens and young adults; curated art exhibitions ranging from local to international; and championed public art in the Bronx — all while overseeing a robust program of classes in painting, printmaking, pottery, and more. 

Join us to toast Gail on Wed, Oct 16

Under her leadership, BRAC underwent a $15-million capital renovation, rejuvenating the building and transforming the space into a one-of-a-kind artistic gem in the heart of the Bronx.

Drawing from her extensive background as an artist, educator, and arts administrator, Gail faced the challenges of leading BRAC with perseverance and resilience. During the eight-year period when BRAC’s building was under renovation and the organization had to temporarily relocate, Gail’s creativity ensured that BRAC’s programs continued throughout the neighborhood. She partnered with diverse organizations to bring programs to community rooms, parks, performance spaces, political offices, and even an old Italian banquet hall on Arthur Avenue! When COVID-19 emerged, she adapted with remarkable agility, developing virtual and hybrid programs that kept our community connected and engaged.

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Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA IN THE COMMUNITY

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS INAUGURAL  ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FAIR

 

Senator Rivera had a wonderful time last Saturday with neighbors at his inaugural Environmental Justice Fair at Williamsbridge Oval. Over 300 kids and families joined the Senator to explore local climate solutions, enjoy challenge cards, and win surprise raffle prizes. Attendees engaged in hands-on activities and sustainable arts and crafts, all while learning how to make a positive impact. Thanks to our sponsors Ponce Bank, Metro Plus Health, Bronx River Alliance, Patagonia, Crazy Fruits, and all the organizations that helped make this event such a success!

Senator Rivera joined neighbors for a "Run for Their Lives" march commemorating the one-year anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel. Senator Rivera mourns the innocent people who lost their lives on October 7th and all those lost in the ongoing war in the past year in the Middle East. We hope every day that every hostage is released unharmed. We must unite in our efforts to create a world without war, one where no one suffers from the horrors of conflict and terror.

Senator Rivera attended the annual Mosholu Fall Festival at Knox Gate Playground. Senator Rivera celebrated the return of his favorite season with music and games, while bonding with neighbors. Thank you to the Friends of Mosholu Parkland for inviting the Senator.

This week, Senator Rivera partnered with The Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corp (KRVC) to offer free Mammogram screenings, courtesy of the St. Barnabas Hospital (SBH) Mammogram Van. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and regular mammogram screenings are essential for early breast cancer detection. Thank you to Laura Levine-Pinedo and SBH for partnering with the Senator.

Individuals in New York are eligible for a free mammogram even without insurance through the New York State Cancer Services program from the NYS Department of Health. To learn more about the program, click here.

This week, Senator Rivera attended Bronx Community Board 8's October General Board Meeting. Senator Rivera provided community updates and talked about his legislative priorities for session. Senator Rivera also was excited to present Chair Emeritus Laura Spalter and Board Secretary Margaret Della for their immeasurable impact on the local community. The Senator congratulates both honorees on their well deserved honor.

Senator Rivera was excited to attend St. Barnabas Hospital (SBH) celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. To the 3.9 million people of Hispanic origin who live in New York, over 180,000 of whom live in the Senator's district, Senator Rivera wishes you a great Hispanic Heritage Month. From the cultural to the socio-political contributions, Hispanic Heritage should be celebrated, recognized, and rewarded. Thank you to SBH for putting together this event.

This week, Senator Rivera attended Brighter Bites programming at PS 306x, where they distributed fresh produce to children and families. Senator Rivera spoke with Principal Harrington about the work the school is doing to combat food insecurity for their families. Thank you to Brighter Bites East Coast Regional Director Shey Hall for inviting the Senator to this distribution.

"We can address issues with the program without dismantling the current funding structure that effectively supports it,” he said in a statement. “I am urging the Hochul administration to come to the table to find a path forward that doesn’t jeopardize access to health care at schools for New York’s most vulnerable children.” - Senator Gustavo Rivera

Senator Rivera spoke with Amanda D'Ambrosio from Crain's and Maya Kaufman and Katelyn Cordero from Politico about Governor Hochul's decision to transition the School-Based Health Center (SBHC) program to Medicaid Managed Care despite the Legislature's unanimous approval of Senator Rivera's Bill (S7840) that would keep the program in Medicaid Fee-For-Service permanently.

While the Executive argues this shift will improve care coordination, the existing SBHC program already requires coordination with other providers. Senator Rivera and stakeholders agree that transitioning to managed care will inflate the overall cost of the program due to additional administrative fees, eroding the quality of care provided to students across the state.

Senator Rivera told Crain's and Politico that he urges the Executive to come to the table and find a path forward that doesn't jeopardize access to healthcare at schools for New York's most vulnerable children.

This week, Senator Rivera sat down with Sophie Krichevsky from City and State on why he believes Mayor Adams is unfit to govern New York City amidst multiple investigations, charges, and resignations of high-level officials. Senator Rivera continues to call on Mayor Adams to do what is best for the city and resign. To read the full interview, click here.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - JOIN US: DREAM JOB FAIR

 

East Bronx History Forum’s October 16th Meeting.

 

The East Bronx History Forum (EBHF) is pleased to announce its 188th meeting on Wednesday, October 16th at 7:30 pm in the lower lever of St. Clare of Assisi Church located at 1027 Rhinelander Avenue. Parking is available.

Please join Sharon Pandolfo of The Parkchester Project, winner of the Historic District Council’s “Six to Celebrate” 2022 award and as seen in the NY Times as she will present her research and art collection.

Parkchester is an extraordinary complex of more than 50 buildings, located on 129 acres of land, three-quarters of which is left to open space. This pioneering housing development influenced mid-twentieth-century thinking on the planning and design of large apartment complexes and is considered a model of good high-density housing.

Parkchester features an extraordinary collection of terra cotta sculptures designed by nine leading artists of the WPA era. In 1978, the Landmarks Preservation Commission conducted a Bronx survey that recommended the designation of Parkchester as a historic district. Now, parts of Parkchester’s original complex are set to be redeveloped for housing as part of the Metro North expansion.

The Parkchester Project aims to save the historic character of Parkchester, celebrate the artists of the area and advocate for the needs of the community. Come learn about the artists, discuss the history and challenges of saving the integrity of the original plan in the ever-changing landscape of New York. The entrance to this free event is on Paulding Avenue in Msgr. Joseph Raimondo Hall.

For those unable to join us in-person, you may join us on Zoom. Please login between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m., once the meeting starts the presenter will not be accepting late arrivals. If you missed the meeting either in person or on Zoom, it will be posted on our Facebook page within 72 hours after recording.

East Bronx History is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: East Bronx History Forum-October 2024

Time: Oct 16, 2024 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86502748388?pwd=YXfEacp7EFVQepZAbAebJolj4Vex2k.1

Meeting ID: 865 0274 8388

Passcode: 862797

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The EBHF is a 501(c)3 non-profit chartered by the New York State Education Department. Donations are always accepted and can be made through our website at BronxNYC.com. Additionally, follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages for the most current updates or information.

We look forward to seeing you.  

Dorothy A. Krynicki, Secretary 

California Home Health Agency and Owner Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Improper Paycheck Protection Program Loan

Allstar Health Providers Inc., a California home health agency, and its owner, Maria Chua, have agreed to pay $399,990 to the United States to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act when they knowingly received and retained more than one Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan prior to Dec. 31, 2020, in violation of PPP rules.

The PPP, an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A borrower applying for a PPP loan was required to make multiple certifications relating to its eligibility and compliance with program rules. Among other things, PPP loan applicants in 2020 were required to certify that they would not receive more than one PPP loan prior to Dec. 31, 2020.

The United States alleged that Chua submitted two PPP loan applications on behalf of Allstar Health Providers in May 2020, and in both applications, she certified that the company would not receive more than one loan prior to Dec. 31, 2020. Despite these certifications, the United States alleged that Allstar Health Providers received two PPP loans in 2020, and thereafter knowingly and improperly retained the second, duplicate loan. According to the United States, Allstar Health Providers failed to repay the duplicate loan, which resulted in a loss to the SBA when it purchased the loan guaranty on the duplicate loan.

“PPP loans were intended to provide critical relief to small businesses,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to pursuing those who knowingly violated the requirements of the PPP or other COVID-19 assistance programs and obtained relief funds to which they were not entitled.”

“When an individual violates the False Claims Act by fraudulently receiving and retaining PPP loans, taxpayers lose,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California. “Those who violate the law by fraudulently receiving and retaining PPP loans will be held accountable.”

“This is another excellent example of the success of the combined investigative efforts of the Small Business Administration and the Department of Justice in aggressively pursuing instances of misconduct and recovering funds from those who choose to commit fraudulent acts against SBA’s COVID-relief programs,” said General Counsel Therese Meers of SBA.

The settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by J. Bryan Quesenberry. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Quesenberry v. 2 Evil Geniuses et al., No. 20-cv-8495 (C.D. Cal.). Mr. Quesenberry will receive a total of approximately $60,000 in connection with this settlement.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel and Office of the Inspector General.

Trial Attorney Jared S. Wiesner of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Kortum for the Central District of California handled the matter.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international actors committing civil and criminal fraud and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.