DE BLASIO: PAID SICK LEAVE VOTE A STEP FORWARD, BUT MORE WORK AHEAD

  Here is a comment from Public Advocate and candidate for mayor Bill DeBlasio on the Paid Sick Leave Bill in the City Council.

   “I commend the Paid Sick Days Coalition for its hard-fought victory. Today is a step forward, but it’s one that has come years late because of Speaker Quinn’s obstruction. Every New Yorker deserves the protection of guaranteed paid sick leave—including the 300,000 workers still left behind. I’ll continue fighting until all families have this fundamental right.”

************************************************************************

Diaz endorses Thompson For Mayor

   On the steps of City Hall Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. holds up the hand of his choice for mayor this year former City Comptroller Bill Thompson. He touted Thompson’s vision for New York City that includes economic development that benefits working-class people, an education system that focuses on quality education for all of New York’s students, a commitment to the development of small businesses throughout the five boroughs, and one that uses government as a partner, not a barrier in economic expansion. 

    “I have known Bill Thompson for two decades. He was the right man to lead our city as mayor four years ago, and he remains the right man today. In his time as both our comptroller and the leader of our city’s school system, Bill developed the knowledge and experience to lead our city. Bill has laid out a vision for New York City that includes economic development that benefits working-class people and small businesses of all types; an education system that focuses on quality and student improvement, not just test scores and school closures; and a commitment to look beyond Downtown Manhattan and focus on all five boroughs, Bill has been a longtime friend of our city’s Latino community. But I know that my friend, Bill Thompson, will be a mayor for all New Yorkers, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or financial status. I encourage everyone to support my friend, Bill Thompson, and join me in voting for him as our next mayor,” Diaz added.

   

   “Creating economic opportunity is what creates a strong city. I will put New Yorkers back to work by focusing on economic development in all boroughs, expanding successful industries, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring that all New Yorkers have the professional skills needed to find a well-paying job,” said former-Comptroller Bill Thompson. “I’m running because New Yorkers want a leader with the experience, vision, and ability to transform our economy so that we can guarantee the City works for every community in every neighborhood.”

    Thompson closed by saying "Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is a champion for working families in the Bronx. Diaz is a tireless advocate for justice, equality, and civil and human rights, and a champion for small businesses".

********************************************************

Spend $50, Get Free Shipping on Select Electronics at Target.com

West Bronx Green Mayoral Forum

    Monday night the West Bronx green Mayoral forum took place at the Riverdale YM-YWHA. While there were high hopes for this forum only four of the many mayoral candidate confirmed attendance for this event those in attendance were current City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Current City Comptroller John Liu, former City Councilman Sal Albanese, and former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr. Ms. Marcia Bystryn moderated the forum, and the three panelist were Mr. Barry Wildner (Riverdale Nature Preservancy), Ms. Yale Levy (Riverdale Riverfest), and Mr. Eric Goldstein (attorney for the NRDC).

     In this forum the candidates appeared separately, but were given the same questions. 1- About the Bronx Greenway link, 2- The Special Nature Area of Riverdale and its zoning, 3- The closing of the Indian Point nueclear power plant. Candidate Sal Albanese was first up who spoke about the Brooklyn waterfront where he is from. He supports the Riverdale zoning, and phase out Indian Point cutting down on trucks for cleaner fuels. Albanese closed by saying that he wants top make NYC even safer and educate all the children.

    City Council Speaker Christine Quinn was next up and said that she wants to make the city a better place to live in. She then recognized Councilman G. Oliver Koppell seated in the audience. Quinn was given the same questions and answered as follows. 1- Quinn spoke of the city turning its back on waterfront areas outside of Manhattan, but would not totally commit on the Bronx greenway link. 2- Again she was non committal saying that as part of the Land Use process she would have to hear both sides first. 3- Said that she is in favor of closing Indian Point, but also that power rates could go up if it is closed. Quinn closed by saying that the 100 year old mass transit system needs to be upgraded, and was proud of up zoning the rail yards in Manhattan for development. Spoke about Hurricane Sandy and how she would like to see the power lines underground, and then quickly left.

    After a short break City Comptroller John Liu was on stage. Liu spoke of the many millions of dollars of waste and inefficiency that he as comptroller that he has saved NYC. He added that he wants to cut back on the sunbathing that is currently on some of the plazas using Broadway as an example. Lius answers to the questions were. 1- He is in favor of connecting the Bronx to the entire Hudson Greenway. 2- Liu said that he attended the Bronx High School of Science and spent some of his high school time in Riverdale and Van Cortlandt Park.He praised the rezoning of Riverdale and would continue to support it as mayor. 3- Liu said that he would like to close Indian Point mentioning that his wife was a safety inspector there while she was pregnant with his son, but NYC gets 25% of its energy from Indian Point. He said a pipeline under the city was not the answer and said that he is not a politician but has a degree in mathematical physics. He closed by saying that he would like to see more express buses to serve areas like Riverdale. Liu spoke of his fundraising problem, and after a 4 year investigation that he has done nothing wrong as proven. He added that he is not leaving the race for mayor.

    Last was former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion. As Carrion began his opening speech people began to leave. on the questions 1- Carrion said as BP he was committed to the plan and still is. 2-He did not know what the Hebrew Home proposal was in the Special Nature Area, and thought the proposal was for affordable housing. 3- he had no position on Indian Point. Carrion closed by thanking those who stayed for the bottom of the 9th.

*********************************************************

TCM Gift Guide

Bronx Week 2013 Kickoff

    Monday May 6th in the rotunda of the Bronx County building Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. kicked off the activities for Bronx Week 2013. Bronx Week 2013 will take place from Thursday, May 9^th through Sunday, May 19^th, and will conclude with the induction of Latin music composer and businessman Miguel Angel Amadeo, political and civic leader Robert Abrams and award-winning actress Ellen Barkin to the Bronx Walk of Fame.

“Bronx Week is a great time for Bronxites and Bronxites at heart, to come rediscover all that this wonderful borough has to offer. Bronx Week is ten full days of celebration, and I invite everyone to come celebrate with us,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

This year’s kickoff event was held at the Bronx County Building’s Rotunda, and featured an appearance by 2013 Bronx Walk of Fame honoree Miguel Angel Amadeo, an award-winning Latin music composer and longtime Bronx resident and business owner.

The launch event also featured a “Best of the Bronx” festival, which included live music, food and fun. Numerous borough businesses, including Babalu, B Blossom Garden, Bronx Ale House, Bronx Brewery, Delicioso Coco Helado, DuFour Pastry Kitchen, Flantastic, Landin Macaroni & Cheese, Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, Tirado Distillery and United Pickle provided samples of their product to the nearly 200 individuals in attendance. The event included a live performance from Latin jazz combo Yuka Seka and a showcase of merchandise by Mainland Media.

Bronx Week will close with the annual Bronx Parade and Food & Arts Festival on Mosholu Parkway on Sunday, May 19, 2013. In addition to dozens of food and arts vendors, as well as the borough’s biggest parade showcasing “Bronx Pride,” the annual concert will feature performances by hip-hop legend Biz Markie, renowned salsero Lalo Rodriguez as well as reggae and reggaeton pioneer Notch.

This week of amazing Bronx events is organized jointly by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and The Bronx Tourism Council. For more information on Bronx Week 2013 and a full calendar of events, visit ilovethebronx.com

Left - Bronx Borough President enjoys some of the Bronx food offered at the Bronx Week 2013 Kick off.

Right - Diaz holds one of the local Bronx products, Bronx Beer.

Left - Lloyds carrot cake sample cup cakes were sampled.

Right - Delicioso Coco Helado is sampled.

 

Left - The Bronx Beer Company table, is next to the Bronx Ale House table.

Right - Bronx made whiskey by Tirado Distillery is tasted.

Left - There was musical entertainment from the Bronx.
Right - BOEDC Head Ms. Marlene Cintron welcomes everybody, as Ms. Olga Luz Tirado of the Bronx Tourism Council waits to introduce Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. and Congressman Charles Rangel.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro with Miguel Angel Amadeo one of the three 2013 Bronx Walk of Fame honorees who was in attendance. The two other 2013 honorees are Ellen Barkin and Robert Abrams.

*****************************************************

Bronx Week 2013 Calendar

Below is a draft of the events that are happening during Bronx Week 2013 which runs from Thursday May 9th through Saturday May 19th ending with the 42nd annual Bronx Week Parade, Food, and Music, Festival that takes place on Mosholu Parkway. Many are free events, but there are some that are not with the costs listed. There are also a few events that are by invite only. Look for the details at the end of each event in red.

Thursday, May 9

Centenarian Celebration

11AM - 3PM

Learn the secrets of long life from those who have lived to see an entire century. Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. as he commemorates the lives of those senior Bronxites who have turned, or will turn 100 years old this year.

BY INVITATION ONLY

Friday, May 10th

Bank on the Bronx: 15th Annual

Bronx Bankers’ Breakfast

8AM - 11AM

Over 400 leaders in the fields of banking, business, real estate and tech come together to attend the Business Initiative Corporation (BIC), the largest event of its kind. The theme this year is “The New Bronx,” which underscores the unprecedented number of economic development projects that are currently under construction in the Bronx. Simultaneously, BIC and local banks are providing the capital needed to expand or start additional business in the Bronx.

Villa Barone Manor - 737 Throggs Neck

Expressway. RSVP required.

Tel: 718-590-4588

or email DCarmona@boedc.org

$50 IN ADVANCE $60 AT THE DOOR

Saturday, May 11

3rd Agricultural Tour of the Bronx

9AM – 3PM

Trolley Tour: Eco Travelers & Foodies celebrate healthy fresh food, its history and cultural significance. The tour will include a discussion program covering overall mission, food justice, school food and other

related topics.

Pick up at NY Visitors & Convention Bureau,

810 Seventh Avenue @52nd Street

FREE

6th Annual GetGreen

South Bronx Earth Day Fest

12PM – 4PM

The GetGreen Festival focuses on educating the South Bronx community, especially its youth, on how to be good environmental citizens. Engage in the numerous environmental activities and earn tokens, which can be turned in for prizes!

St. Mary’s Park: enter park at

147th Street & St. Ann’s Avenue

Tel: 212-788-7964

www.facebook.comgetgreensouthbronxearthfest

FREE

3rd Annual Bronx Film Festival

12PM - 6PM

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Bronx Week Film Festival featuring films made in the Bronx or by Bronx film makers. Produced by Olympia Film Productions in association with the Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and BOEDC. Free screenings will begin on Saturday with a ribbon-cutting and will culminate with a Wrap Party on May 13th. See full schedule

at www.bronxweekfilmfestival.com

Billy’s Bar and Grill. 58 East 161st Street.

Tel: 718-580-8310

www.bronxweekfilmfestival.com

FREE

Youth & Family Day

1:00PM - 6:00PM

Celebrate the Boogie Down Bronx at this family-friendly event, featuring interactive activities to inspire creativity in youth through the power of music. This special event honorship hop culture, including art, dance, rap, DJ mixing and fashion in the place where it all began. There will be face painting, dancing and kid-oriented entertainment.

Gauchos Gym, 478 Gerard Ave.

FREE

Monday, May 13

Green Roofs Tour

9:00AM - 2PM

The Bronx is both home to the first green roof on a city-owned building and a leader in bringing this green technology to commercial and nonprofit buildings across the borough. The 10,000 sq.ft. roof atop the Bronx County Building is the first stop on this narrated tour of five roofs across the Bronx, many funded in part by the Bronx Initiative for Energy & the Environment, a program of the Bronx Overall Economic Development

Corporation. Lunch is included. Space islimited. First come, first served. RSVP to

kshackford@BOEDC.org

Bronx County Building

851 Grand Concourse, Room 123

Tel: 718-590-3498

kshackford@boedc.org

FREE

Bronx Veterans’ Appreciation

Day Breakfast

10AM - 12PM

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and his Bronx Veterans Advisory Council pay tribute to our borough’s veterans at this wonderful breakfast. All past and current service men and women are invited to attend this special salute, honoring their service to the United States of America. A special commemoration will also be made to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and those Bronxites who served.

BY INVITATION ONLY

Tuesday, May 14

Business Day Breakfast

8AM - 11AM

Financial editor at NBC’s Today Show, Jean Chatzky, will present “Your Money, Your Business and Your Life” to an audience of Bronx business professionals.

Event info contact:

Angie Teran 718-590-5623

BY INVITATION ONLY

Wednesday, May 15

Arts & Culture Day Trolley Tours

9:30AM - 12:30PM or 1:30PM - 4:30PM

All aboard the Bronx trolley for a tour of New York City’s only mainland borough led by Bronx Historian Professor Lloyd Ultan and co-hosted by The Bronx Tourism Council. Space is limited. RSVP required by calling

718.590.3047.

In front of the Bronx County Building,

851 Grand Concourse @ E. 161st Street

Tel: 718-590-3047

FREE

Thursday, May 16

Senior Day

10:30AM - 3PM

This event promotes socialization, stimulates conversation, strengthens friendship, and encourages humor among our senior population.

William Hodson Senior Center

1320 Webster Ave.

Tel: 718-538-1515

FREE

Friday, May 17

Bronx Health Link Annual

Bronx Week Health Fair

11AM - 3PM

The Bronx Health Link hosts the Annual Bronx Week Health Fair, with over 75 health care exhibitors providing information on resources across the borough and conducting a variety of medical screenings. Bronx Health Link connects Bronxites to health that matters!

Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community

College, 450 Grand Concourse near

149th Street

FREE

Saturday, May 18

Annual Bronx Ball

6PM - 10:00PM

Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for this memorable gala as the borough pays tribute to many of its most notable Bronxites. This popular black-tie awards ceremony is not to be missed, as business, arts, and civic leaders from The Bronx come together to celebrate the induction of our hometown greats into The Bronx Walk of Fame. This event is a fundraiser for the Bronx Tourism Council, a program of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. For ticket and advertising information contact 718-590-2502.

Sunday, May 19

Annual Bronx Volunteer

Recognition Day

9:30AM – 11AM

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. salutes the executive members of our borough’s 12 community police precinct councils. These volunteers work tirelessly to help keep our streets safer by working with the members of the New York City Police Department to report crime and promote crime prevention strategies in their respective neighborhoods.

BY INVITATION ONLY

Bronx Walk of Fame -

2013 Induction Ceremony

11AM

Be there as the 2013 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees take their rightful place on the Grand Concourse when Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. unveils street signs bearing their names. On the steps of the Bronx

County Building,

Grand Concourse @ East 161 St.

FREE

Bronx Grand Finale Concert

12PM - 6PM

Bronx cultural diversity takes Center stage at the annual Bronx Week Concert. Come out and enjoy some of our very own acts from within our neighborhoods along with the Bronx’s most popular groups and dance to the sounds of hip hop, R&B, salsa, bachata, bomba y plena and much more. Mosholu Parkway @ Bainbridge Ave.

FREE

Bronx Food & Arts Festival

12PM - 6PM

After the parade, residents can enjoy the Bronx Week Food, Arts & Music Festival, which features popular resturants, arts & crafts, games and activities for kids, and giveaways for all. Also, the Bronx Health Pavilion will offer free health screenings and information on services, health insurance; and the stage will offer live music all day, showcasing the great cultural diversity of the Bronx.

Mosholu Parkway @ Bainbridge Ave.

FREE

Annual Bronx Week Parade

12PM - 6PM

Bronx Pride is on display as marching bands, community groups, schools, sports teams and civic groups march along Mosholu Parkway highlighting the best of the borough as this great community tradition celebrates its 42nd anniversary.

Reviewing stand, Mosholu Parkway

East at Van Cortlandt Ave.

FREE

 **************************************************************************
 
TCM Sale Section, up to 40% off!