Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Defend the Bronx Zoo and NY Aquarium and Other Cultural Groups - The Bronx Chamber of Commerce


   Dear Friend, 

New York City wouldn't be the greatest place on earth without its incredible cultural organizations. But that legacy doesn't just happen. It takes a commitment from all New Yorkers and especially our leaders - to keep it great.
 
Simply put, without funding from the city, the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium, cultural treasures would face an uncertain future.
 
We need your help to make sure that never happens. Right now, City Hall is deciding whether or not to use part of its surplus to keep cultural organizations accessible for all New Yorkers, and we need to make sure they do the right thing! Mayor de Blasio is finalizing his next budget, and we are seeking a funding increase of $40 million to support the 1,500+ cultural organizations in New York City. That's less than 1 percent of the overall budget - a small price to pay to keep the groups that inspire us strong and to keep New York the cultural capital of the world.
 
Let City Hall know that you're inspired by the work of the Wildlife Conservation Society and that you want New York's culture to keep thriving for generations to come. Ask the mayor to increase funding today. http://www.nycinspires.org/#Petition
 
Thanks for doing your part to defend the Bronx Zoo and NY Aquarium and other cultural groups that are essential to this city. Future New Yorkers will thank you for helping to keep their city great.


Nunzio Del Greco
President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce
"The Network For Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center - Upcoming Events in May 2016



  Commemorate Holocaust Remembrance on Thurs. May 5th with a candle lighting ceremony and screening of The Rescuers, a Holocaust documentary. Kosher lunch of stuffed cabbage or tuna salad will be served at12:15 PM followed by the ceremony and film screening at 1:00 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.25 and event contribution: $1.00. Non-senior meal fee: $5.00 and $2.00 event fee. Refreshments will be served.

*Celebrate Mother’s Day with dynamic pianist/singer Vicki Rubin on Tues. May 10th at 1:00 PM. A delectable meal of sweet & sour meatballs or Tuna Nicoise will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.25 and event contribution: $1.00. Non-senior meal fee: $5.00 and $2.00 event fee. Refreshments will be served. *Flyer attached.

*Marty Schneit, Lecturer/NYC Tour Guide, will deliver a multimedia presentation on “NYC during WWII” on Wed. May 11th at 1:00 PM. Lunch of breaded chicken breast or tilapia fillet will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.25 and event contribution: $1.00. Non-senior meal fee: $5.00 and $2.00 event fee. Refreshments will be served. *Flyer attached. 

*Ling Tang, exuberant Asian dancer & educator, will continue instructing Asian dance on Thurs. May 12th & 26th at 1:00 PM at JASA Van Cortlandt Sr. Center. Kosher lunch of breaded sole fillet or chicken salad will be served on 5/12 at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.25 and workshop contribution: $1.00. *Flyer w/bio attached.

Journalist Graciela Berger Wegsman will conduct the Latinos al Frente discussion group on Tues. May 24th. Hand-out material will be translated into English. A nutritious lunch of chicken francaise or egg salad will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.25. Non-senior meal fee: $5.00.

The Meetles Rock Tribute Band will entertain on Wed. May 25th at 1:00 PM. Kosher lunch of beef & vegetable stew or turkey salad will be served at 12:15 PM. Recommended senior meal contribution is $2.25 and $1.00 for event. Non-senior meal fee: $5.00 and $2.00 event fee.

Job and Shlomit Jindo will present on the Makuya, a Japanese Zionist group, on Fri. May 27th at 1:00 PM. A brief Oneg Shabbat will be held at 12:00 noon followed by a lunch of roast chicken or gefilte fish at 12:15 PMRecommended senior meal contribution is $2.25 and $1.00 for event. Non-senior meal fee: $5.00 and $2.00 event fee.

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave., First Floor 
Bronx, NY 10463
Phone: 718-549-4700

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - In Loving Memory of Gjyste Zagreda



In Loving Memory
It is with great sadness to inform of the passing of my grandmother
 
Gjyste Zagreda
September, 25, 1922 ~ April 26, 2016
Gjyste was a loving mother, sister, grandmother. great-grandmother and friend. She lived a full life of love and happiness. Gjyste is survived by her husband of 73 years, Eljo Zagreda, her five children, fifteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.   
She will be laid to rest in Rec, Ulqin.
Viewing Services:
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
2:00pm - 9:00pm
Farenga Brothers Funeral Home
920 Allerton Avenue
Bronx NY, 10469


Prayer Vigil for Intercession Set for Thursday 11AM on the Steps of City Hall


    Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz and the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization will join Reverend Luis Paniagua President of “Clamor por New York”  who has coordinated a Prayer Vigil to take place on the Steps of City Hall on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 11AM.
    The Ministers will be praying for the City of New York, and asking God to bless its leaders and its residents. They will offer prayers of intercession for an end to violence and crime, homelessness, poverty, racism, domestic abuse, elder abuse, child abuse and neglect.
    Ministers throughout the City of New York have decided it is important to gather together on the Steps of City Hall to raise their voices in prayer for our families and children, teachers and workers. They will pray for the victims of the Earthquake in Ecuador and for peace in our world.

Monday, April 25, 2016

Festival this Sunday, May 1 & New Office Open House next Thursday, May 5



Don't Miss our Next TWO Great Events!






It is shaping up to be a great event with an awesome music and entertainment line up and numerous attractions.  
Sunday, May 1, 2016 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm
South Riverdale Avenue
236th - 238th Street, Bronx, NY, 10463
Enjoy live music, children's activities, bounce house, food, business exhibits, specials and much more.
ALL AT NO CHARGE

Grand Opening Event for Our New Office!

Thursday, May 5, 2016 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm
505 West 236th Street 
Off Riverdale Avenue.



BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ & ASSEMBLY MEMBER CRESPO HOST ‘DAY OF SOLIDARITY’ FOR ECUADOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS



  Members of the Ecuadorian community will join BP Diaz & AM Crespo to help guide concerned constituents who want to help the victims of Saturday’s earthquake in Ecuador

   In the wake of the powerful earthquake that recently devastated Ecuador, and the death toll rising to about 600 victims; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; New York State Assembly Member Marcos Crespo, New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca and members of the Ecuadorian community hosted a “Day of Solidarity” press conference and rally to highlight ways the community can help provide aid to Ecuador.

Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr. was also joined by US Congressman Jose E. Serrano; City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson; State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.; Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto; Assemblyman Jose Rivera; Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj; Assemblyman Victor Pichardo; Assemblyman Francisco Moya; Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer; District Leader Yudelka Tapia; District Leader Cynthia Cox; and District Leader Israel Martinez.

The earthquake that shook Ecuador, the worst in nearly seven decades, with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale, left more than 600 dead, injured 12,492 people, left 130 still remain missing and 25,000 people without shelter, according to the Ecuador’s Risk Management Office.

Ecuador has deployed 10,000 soldiers and 4,600 police officers to the affected areas, with hundreds of rescuers from eight countries having traveled to help with relief efforts. Troops have set up mobile hospitals and temporary shelters but more is needed to help the country rebound from the natural disaster.

The Ecuadoran consulate, which has been directing relief efforts in New York City, and has made a lists of things that are much needed, such as canned foods, baby food, diapers, water, sports drinks like Powerade or Gatorade, large tents, folding beds, batteries, LED lights, flashlights, sleeping bags (sleeping bag), as well as first aid material such as over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol and ibuprofen (please no liquid medications), Band-Aids, and gauzes.

This powerful earthquake has destroyed many lives, and we must all come together to help those who need most in these most dire of circumstances,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Ecuadorians are the fourth largest Hispanic group in this city, and many members of this community make their residence in The Bronx. We must come together to help our brothers and sisters in their greatest time of need.”

“The borough of The Bronx would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that impacted the Republic of Ecuador last Saturday,” said Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo. “The deaths and lives impacted are tragedies with tremendous significance for each and every elected official in The Bronx, most importantly to the Ecuadorian communities we are blessed to represent. I proudly stand in solidarity with Ecuador.”

"On behalf of the Ecuadorian people affected by the earthquake that left hundreds of deaths and thousands of injured and homeless, I want to thank all the expressions of solidarity we have received from our Latin American brothers and sisters, and everybody else who is lending a hand during these painful time,” said General Consul of Ecuador Linda Machuca. “I also want to invite you to continue your financial supporting and donating articles needed at this time. For more information, please visit our emergency website at: www.contigoecuador.ec.”

“I want to thank Chairman Marcos Crespo and Borough President Ruben Diaz for their collective partnership in organizing a Bronx relief effort for the people of Ecuador,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. “This devastating earthquake has taken the lives of hundreds of people and disrupted thousands of families and communities. It's important for Bronxites to join in the efforts to help families during this time with basic needs and I'm proud to join my Colleagues in bringing supplies to our brothers and sisters in Ecuador.  During times of great challenge, we must recognize the importance to help others in need and our Bronx relief effort aims to reach as many families as possible.  My continued thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Ecuador during this time.”

"There are no words to describe the pain and devastation in Ecuador. My heart goes out to the families impacted by this tragedy, and I encourage everyone to do their part and contribute whatever way they can to support relief efforts. I'll be joining the Bronx Borough President and Assembly Member Crespo to raise awareness and help relief efforts for Ecuador. New York City stands with the country," said Council Member Ritchie Torres of the Bronx.

“I join my colleagues in New York calling for the international community to stand up and support Ecuador in these critical days following the recent earthquake that resulted in deaths, injuries, and destruction of property,” said Council Member Fernando Cabrera. “I applaud Secretary Kerry for pledging support, and I urge the federal government to immediately provide sufficient funds to ensure that all those impacted by this tragedy receive the services they need. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ecuadorian people as they begin to recover and rebuild.”

You can drop off supplies at the following places:

o          ATAX at 1442 Williamsbridge Road (347-903-3900)
o          Centro Bronx at 1765 Westchester Avenue (718-684-5095)
o          Concilio Iglesia Cristiana at 1996 Clinton Avenue (347-942-3691)
o          Radio Tambo Stereo at 815 Gerard Avenue (929-276-4390)

You can also drop off supplies at the Ecuadorian consulate offices throughout New York City.
o          In Manhattan: 800 Second Ave, Suite 600
o          Long Island City:  24-15 Queens Plaza North
o          Agencia en Queens: 67-21 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside

You can also donate money, via the following organizations:

-          The Red Cross: https://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/172557/donate


Assemblyman Dinowitz Denounces Online Retailer Amazon.com, Calls for Investigation in to their “Prime Free Same-Day” Delivery Service



   Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz denounced today the online retail giant Amazon.com following a report by Bloomberg for failure to provide equal services to areas of New York City with high minority populations.

Over the last few years Amazon has unveiled and rapidly expanded its “Prime Free Same-Day” service, which is currently available in over 27 major cities across the U.S. The service allows Amazon’s “Prime” customers to order retail items from the company’s website and have them delivered to their doorstep within hours. However, according to the Bloomberg report, “Amazon Doesn’t Consider the Race of Its Customers. Should It?,” authored by David Ingold & Spencer Soper, several major cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Washington D.C., all have non-white areas that do not have access to the “Prime Free Same-Day” service. In New York, for example, the underserved areas include the entirety of the Bronx and parts of eastern Queens. 

“This is simply outrageous,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection. “I find it completely implausible that Amazon is able to offer same-day delivery service from Manhattan all the way down to Philadelphia, but can’t manage to offer the same service to a single neighborhood in the Bronx, a borough which has seen one of the fastest economic growth spurts in New York City history over the last seven years. It’s a real slap in the face to the 1.4 million proud Bronxites who might want to do business with Amazon.”

According to the report, a spokesman for Amazon claimed that the Bronx is “difficult to reach because the warehouses that serve the area are in New Jersey,” seemingly unaware of the fact that the George Washington Bridge connects I-95 directly to the Cross Bronx Expressway.

“This practice is nothing short of de facto segregation, and I think it merits serious investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s office, the State Division of Consumer Protection, and the U.S. Attorney,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “Frankly, I’m disappointed. Amazon offers a wonderful service and has always been a champion of equal pricing policies regardless of race, age, gender, or region, but to say that it’s a coincidence that predominantly non-white neighborhoods have been excluded from accessing this service is a little ridiculous. Whether we’re talking about the Bronx in New York, or the south-side of Chicago, or Roxbury in Boston, Amazon’s failure to overcome decades of institutionalized segregation is a harsh reminder that we still have a long way to go before all American’s have the same opportunities.”

49th Precinct Community Council Meeting This Tuesday, April 26th 7:30 PM at Eastchester Garden Community Center