BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ ANNOUNCES CLOSE TO $13 MILLION

IN FUNDING FOR BRONX ORGANIZATIONS

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced today that his office has allocated $12.85 million in funding for projects across the Bronx as part of his FY2012 budget requests.

This funding will help move projects forward in every corner of the Bronx, contributing to new technology in schools, new housing opportunities and a greener Bronx.

“The capital funding provided by my office is critical in moving important projects forward, and that is especially true in tough economic times. These funds will help bring technology to our schools, build new housing and make the borough a greener place,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

For the third consecutive year education represents the largest percentage of Borough President Diaz’s capital allocations, 30 percent, placing the total funding amount at just over $3.86 million. Thirty eight education projects were funded by the borough president this year, including a new green roof at the forthcoming Highbridge Middle School, auditorium upgrades at M.S. 145 in Melrose and a library renovation at the Soundview Academy for Culture & Scholarship.

Also funded was a unique initiative by Mercy College to create a “Parent Resource Center” at the college, focused on family and leadership development in our public schools.  This initiative will also create two parent centers at P.S. 46 and P.S. 85, both in the northwest Bronx, to provide outreach within the community.

“Our public schools are not only important to the lives of the students within them, but to the surrounding communities they serve as well. As this budget shows, my office has and will continue to make capital improvements to our schools one of our highest budget priorities,” said Borough President Diaz.

Borough President Diaz also provided just over $3.81 million in funding to various housing projects across the borough, including $839,000 towards the development of mixed-income housing at Webster Commons in Norwood, as well as $500,000 to rehabilitate two distressed buildings in West Farms through Exact Capital.

In addition to education and housing, Borough President Diaz provided funding to a variety of other Bronx institutions, including healthcare providers, cultural affairs organizations, parks and libraries. Projects funded include gym renovations at the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club in Crotona Park East, an expansion of Van Nest Park, upgrades to the Grand Concourse Branch Library and new ultrasound equipment at Lincoln Hospital.

Some City Council Members Rack up Big Debts

  It appears that some City Council members have racked up huge debts since the 2009 filings. 

  According to Celeste Katz of the Daily News, she reports that Brooklyn Councilman Michael Nelson owes $102,000 on four credit cards. Nelsons wife died of cancer in 2008, and he said he put all the bills on his credit cards that will take years to pay off.

  Brooklyn Councilman Jumaane Williams owes from $35,000 to $308,000 on seven credit cards Ms. Katz reports. That's up from the $20,000 in 2009, and is attributed to a restaurant ownership.

  Brooklyn Councilman Vincent Gentile owed $165,000 in 2009 which has risen to $309,000 last year. There was no reason as Councilman Gentile was unable to be contacted.

  Bronx Councilman G. Oliver Koppell is reported as saying that he owes $160,000 on three credit cards he uses to support his law practice. Koppell is also quoted as saying that he gets offers for zero percent, and it's to good to pass up.

  You can read the entire article here at this link  .

Bainbridge Ave. & E. 204^th Street Merchants Present Summer Streets Weekend Walks 2011

   On Sundays, July 24, 2011, July 31, and August 7, from 12-5PM, The Bainbridge Avenue & E. 204^th Street Merchants group in conjunction with Bronx Community Board 7 and Mosholu Preservation Corporation will participate in the Department of Transportation (DOT)-sponsored “Temporary Pedestrian Street/Summer Street” program along East 204^th Street between Bainbridge and Hull Avenues.

The intent of the program is to create a recurring, multi-block, pedestrian street to promote local businesses and organizations. The purpose of these events is to help stimulate the local neighborhood economy and bring community residents together.

The events will feature various activities such as merchants who’s storefronts will be extended to curbside for a unique outdoor shopping experience, face painting, FDNY Smoke House, a farmers market, cooking demos by Just Food, games, entertainment and giveaways. 

 For mor information contact:

    Fernando Tirado, CB 7, District Manager

                T. (718) 933-5650

    E. info@bronxcb7.info

Jeter Now 26th on All Time Hit List

   Last night Derek Jeter got a single in the top of the 9th inning for hit # 3008 passing Al Kaline for 26th position on the all time hit list. Next up for Jeter is Wade Boggs at 3010 hits. At his current pace Jeter should finish this season with about 3,058 hits which would place Jeter close to Craig Biggio who is in 19th place with 3,060 hits.

Sen. Jeff Klein, Chancellor Walcott, Release Multi-Pronged Plan to Fight Asthma in the Bronx

Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), and New York City School Chancellor Dennis Walcott were joined by parents, community leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals to unveil a multi-pronged plan to fight asthma in the Bronx.

Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in children and, in recent years, has become the leading cause of hospitalization among children in New York. The Bronx has one of the highest asthma rates in the country, with an asthma hospitalization rate that is 70 percent higher than the rest of the city and 700 percent higher than the rest of New York State. Educators have also found asthma to be a major cause for chronic absenteeism in New York City schools.

“This affliction has not only taken our children's health hostage, it is holding their education for ransom,” Senator Klein said. “What we have developed is a comprehensive strategy to detect local environmental triggers that cause asthma attacks, educate parents, and keep kids in the classroom.”

"When a student is sick, they either miss class or struggle to learn,” Chancellor Walcott said. “We need to do everything we can to make sure students attend school so that by their senior year they will be prepared for college and career. The NYC Asthma Friendly Schools Campaign was launched to help reduce asthma-related absences and improve asthma awareness, prevention and management.

At Senator Klein's urging, the state Department of Environmental Conservation this past weekend deployed air monitors for the first time ever in North Eastern Bronx. Four separate thoroughfares – Interstate 495/295, the Cross Bronx Expressway, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and the Bruckner Expressway – run through this area, while two near-by bridges – the Whitestone and the Throggs Neck – are used by more than 40 million motorists each year. Senator Klein and Community Board #10 worked with the DEC to have temporary air monitors placed at the Locust Point Civic Association and the Throggs Neck Houses.

Chancellor Walcott recently announced a new citywide campaign to reduce asthma-related absenteeism in schools. Roughly 17 percent of students have been diagnosed with asthma.

The program includes:

Expansion of the American Lung Association's (ALA) Open Airways Program For Schools:

Parent Summits at Schools with High Asthma Rates:

Provide New Training to Physical Education Teachers in Management and Prevention of Asthma among Students.

Family Shelters to Receive New Asthma Prevention and School Attendance Training: 

 

Senator Klein has introduced new comprehensive legislation to fight the spread of asthma and help reduce the skyrocketing healthcare costs associated with asthma related treatment. 

Which includes     

• Provide for a program of asthma disease management and control within the State Department of Health;
• Require teachers in public and non-public school systems across New York State to be trained in identifying and responding to asthma emergencies in accordance with standards to be prescribed by the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health;

• Reduce exhaust exposure to school-age children by expanding a preexisting ban on idling vehicles on school grounds to privately owned automobiles. It would also expand this idling prohibition to private schools.
• Limit the use of chemicals in public buildings and schools known to exacerbate asthma symptoms;
• Expand existing programs designed to combat childhood obesity to also include strategies to curtail incidence of asthma and related conditions.
• Create an asthma tracking program to identify trends in the times, places and demographics of those afflicted with asthma to collect information for the basis of continued addressing of asthma.

Senator Klein will also be sponsoring a training session at the Locust Point Civic Association July 27, from 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m that will help community groups apply for state environmental justice grants, which are offered by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, that can be used for asthma-fighting efforts in their neighborhoods.

Senator Klein, Chancellor Walcott, stand with  parents, community leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals to unveil a multi-pronged plan to fight asthma in the Bronx at the Locust Point Civic Association. If you look to the far right, you will see one of the DEC air monitors that has been placed in North Eastern Bronx. 

 

 

 

 

City investigators shut out of Rep. Eliot Engel's illegal apartment building 

That was the headline in today's Daily News as they reported that Congressman Eliot Engel and an his business partner Harry Bajraktan have ignored six requests to inspect the building they are reported to own located at 1142 Metcalf Avenue here in the Bronx. 

 

The News story goes on to say that Congressman Engel became a 24% partner in Dec. 2008 with $30,000, and quotes Engel saying that was part of what was left to him by his mother in 2007.

 

The story goes on to quoting Engel's partner saying it was the problem of a tenant that he was trying to evict.  

 You can read the entire Daily News story HERE  .

 

  

Senator Rivera Hosted Bronx CAN Health Initiative Check-In Focused on Nutrition

Bronxites participated in a Healthy Cooking Demonstration, Spoke to Nutritionists  

“ There are several factors as to why the Bronx is the unhealthiest county, including less healthy options than other boroughs, but we can take ownership of our personal health habits and behaviors,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera. “I live in the same community and walk by the same fried chicken spots and pizza parlors, but I have made a commitment to lead a healthier life and to help educate my neighbors about the importance of developing healthy habits that will last a lifetime.”

Senator Gustavo Rivera (D, Bronx) on, Saturday, July 16^th, 2011, hosted the first Bronx CAN Health Initiative Check-In focused on nutrition and healthy eating habits at the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center. At the kick-off of the Bronx CAN Health Initiative in June, Senator Rivera committed to losing 20 pounds by October 24^th, the last day of the Bronx CAN Health Initiative. Today, he weighed in at 293 lbs. down six pounds from 299 lbs in June. 

“I want to thank Senator Gustavo Rivera for asking me to participate in the Bronx CAN Health Challenge,” said Kenny Agosto, District Leader in District 80 and Bronx CAN Health Challenge participant. “I know I didn’t gain all this weight overnight and that I won’t lose it all overnight, but with Senator Rivera’s help I am getting on track to having a healthy lifestyle and have already lost ten pounds. 

The event included a healthy cooking demonstration from the Nutrition and Health Program Cornell University Cooperative as well as the opportunity for Bronx CAN Health participants to sit down with nutritionists to discuss how to make healthier choices in their daily lives. Participants also received free healthy recipes cookbooks and Green Bucks coupons for NYC Green Carts.

Opposition to Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz’s Bill Making Prostitution Near a School an A Misdemeanor

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) has released the following statement:

“I’m sharing this information for everyone to see that unfortunately, people are still protecting crimes against children in New York.  Senate Bill 1313B was passed in the Senate and the Assembly, but for some reason there is an effort underway to derail it.  This law would help shield school children from witnessing open and notorious acts of prostitution as they walk to and from their schools.

Here is a tweet against my bill that was retweeted by others:  “Take a moment to stop State Sen. Ruben Diaz's attempts to persecute sex worker! Gov. Cuomo has till Monday to... http://fb.me/DYw0D3g9”

The page linked to that tweet contains their position against my bill and their petition letter (shown below) against my bill.

I’d like to know who else is as disgusted by this effort as I am.”

First here is the link for Senate Bill S1313B that was introduced by Senators Adams, Diaz, Kruger, and Sampson, that passed 62 - 0.

Second here is the link for Assembly Bill A2264B that was Introduced by M. of A. CRESPO, MENG, RAMOS, CAMARA, ARROYO, BRONSON, REILLY, LINARES, GIBSON, M. MILLER, and Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. CERETTO, CONTE, CROUCH, FINCH, GABRYSZAK, KATZ, LOSQUADRO, McLAUGHLIN, MONTESAN, and passed 128 - 10.

OVERVIEW OF THE OPPOSITION

In the modern era, most sex workers who work on the street are engaged in sex work out of desperate need. They face widespread physical and sexual violence, especially from the police. For these women, men, and children, the criminal justice system is merely a “revolving door” that hinders rather than helps their chances of stopping sex work. More convictions only make it harder for sex workers to transition out of sex work into the mainstream economy, because they are rejected from jobs, denied work authorization, can even be evicted from their homes for these convictions.

But a bill now on New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's desk would increase the penalty for vulnerable street-based sex workers.

The bill increases prostitution to a Class A Misdemeanor when it occurs on or adjacent to school grounds. The legislation was inspired by worries about sex work occurring too close to a school in West Farms, yet many community members in that very neighborhood have expressed concerns that such punitive measures will not address the root causes of the problem – addiction, exploitation and poverty – but will in fact, result in a cycle of recidivism that could have been prevented by a less punitive approach.

West Farms is a community that has seen the worst of the economic crisis, including cuts to social programs, increasing rates of incarceration, entrenched poverty, failing schools, and homelessness. Raising prostitution one offense level will not protect children nor the victims of poverty.

Tell Gov. Cuomo to veto this bill and look for real solutions to the economic problems facing our communities.

Petition

VETO Bill S1313B/A2264B

Dear Governor Cuomo

On July 8, 2011, a bill introduced by Senator Ruben Diaz was delivered to your office. This bill, S1313B/A2264B, raises prostitution to an A Misdemeanor for sex workers arrested on or adjacent to a school. While we understand the need to protect children, we are writing your office to voice our concern regarding the bill’s civil and human rights implications for the most vulnerable in our society.

Sex workers who work on the street are often engaged in sex work out of desperate need to meet basic survival needs for food and shelter, not out of a desire to commit crime or harm the community. There is widespread physical and sexual violence street-based sex workers experience. For these women, men, and children, the criminal justice system is merely a “revolving door” that hinders rather than helps their chances of stopping sex work. More convictions only make it harder for sex workers to transition out of sex work into the mainstream economy, because they are rejected from jobs, denied work authorization, can even be evicted from their homes for these convictions. Studies also show that when sex workers are more frequently arrested, they are less able to negotiate safer sex with their clients, and more likely to be violently assaulted.

This bill was proposed as an answer to a situation near West Farms Elementary School in the Bronx where sex workers sometimes work on the street in view of students. However, even this current situation is itself the result of prior police crackdowns on prostitution. Sex workers were forced out of a nearby hotel and, with no other place to go and no other options to survive, they began to work on the street.

Those from communities such as West Farms have a right to be upset. These communities have seen the worst of the economic crisis, including cuts to social programs, increasing rates of incarceration, entrenched poverty, failing schools, and homelessness. However, raising prostitution one offense level will not solve these problems, or eliminate street based prostitution from the south Bronx and other poor neighborhoods. Even in West Farms, some community members have expressed concerns that such punitive measures will not address the root causes of the problem – addiction, exploitation and poverty – but will in fact, result in a cycle of recidivism that could have been prevented by a less punitive approach. A higher offense level will make it more likely that sex workers will be incarcerated for longer periods of time, making it harder for them to rebuild their lives and find work other than sex work when they are released.

We urge you to veto this bill. Before passing this kind of legislation, we encourage you to engage in conversation with parents, service providers, lawmakers and sex workers, about how to protect children while ensuring safety and survival for all.

Thank you for your consideration regarding this important matter.

Dave Valentin at Orchard Beach Sunday July 17, 2011

 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is proud to announce Jazz Legend and Grammy Award-Winning Flutist  Dave Valentin will perform  at Orchard Beach this  Sunday July 17th  Time 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM

Important information on upcoming Lien Sales from Comptroller Liu

         The Department of Finance lists 17,547 properties across the city as potential candidates for the August 1, 2011 lien sale.  By borough, these properties break down in the following fashion:

o   Manhattan – 1,338

o   Bronx – 2854

o   Brooklyn – 7749

o   Queens – 4290

o   Staten Island – 1316

·         The dollar amounts owed to the City by property owners range from millions to the low thousands of dollars.  

·         The city only sells liens to a single authorized buyer and not to the general public.  The lien sale is the transfer of the lien to the single authorized buyer which hires collection agencies.  It is not a sale of the property, but if the taxes and/or charges are not paid or resolved, the lien holder can begin a foreclosure proceeding in court.

·         If the property owner does not make arrangements with the new lien holder who purchased the packaged liens, a foreclosure can commence within 6 months after the lien sale date.

·         The City’s last lien sale was July 29, 2010 when there were 5,416 liens listed.  After some taxpayers made payments, the total number of liens was reduced to 4,736.  It is important to note that the number of auctions in connection with foreclosures as a result of the city’s lien program for 1996-2010 has been quite small – on 315 family dwellings.

·         In all probability, only a subset of 17,547 properties on the current list will be packaged together for the lien sale on August 1 to the single buyer.

·         It is hard to say with certainty how many of the 17,547 properties are owned by individual homeowners versus real estate companies and other businesses, although a sample of 100 properties in Brooklyn showed 37 of the 100 were owned by individual homeowners.  In Bronx, the number was 33 out of 100.  However, when going to CB 12 in Queens – an area hit hard by the foreclosure crisis – the number was 62 out of 100.

				The Comptrollers office just updated its website yesterday to include need to know information on the upcoming lien sales (it’s center page, under featured news), http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/. They are  working with Bronx Councilman Fernando Cabrera on this.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ CALLS ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO INTERVENE IN MULLER DISPUTE

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has issued a letter to the both the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Office of Economic Adjustment of the United States Navy outlining the specific falsehoods the Bloomberg administration has put forward to justify its contention that a vote on the future of the Sgt. Joseph E. Muller Army Reserve Center in Wakefield took place in November 2010.

This contention flies in the face of all evidence, including the fact that the administration held a public hearing to comment on the impending vote in June 2011, seven months after they claim the vote actually happened.

“The mayor’s office has also failed to explain why they would hold a public hearing to comment on the submission in June 2011 and then claim that a vote on that same submission took place seven months earlier.  I, my staff, and most importantly my constituents remain flabbergasted at this twisted logic, which at best represents a misunderstanding of the LRA process or, at worst, is an outright lie,” wrote Borough President Diaz.

Borough President Diaz closed his letter by noting that if this matter could not be resolved, his office would pursue legal action.

 

 

Bronx Community Board No. 8's

Grand Opening

Kingsbridge Heights Youthmarket

Friday, July 15, 2011 at 1:00PM

located at West Kingsbridge Road & Reservoir Avenue

Open Fridays, 12:00PM to 6:00PM

through October 28th.

The Youthmarket has healthy, fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables available including peaches, squash, corn, onions, collard greens, cilantro, and much more. All grown by New York area farmers!

Easy access to good fresh food can have a positive health benefit for so many residents in the Bronx Community Board 8 community.

Participate in a fun event. Bring your family, bring your neighbors and bring your friends!

To learn about our Network of Farmer Youthmarkets, visit www.nyc.gov/bronxcb8

BXCB8 NETWORK OF FARMERS' YOUTHMARKETS:

Kingsbridge Heights, Marble Hill & Riverdale Youthmarkets!

Bronx Community Board No. 8 (BXCB8) has created a network of farmers' youthmarkets in partnership with GrowNYC. Youthmarket is an innovative program of GrowNYC which brings fresh food into underserved areas.

The Kingsbridge Heights Youthmarket, located on West Kingsbridge Road and Reservoir Avenue at Barnhill Square, will operate on Fridays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, July 15 through October 28. This is the second youthmarket that Bronx Community Board 8 has opened.

The first market that opened 3 years ago, is the Marble Hill Youthmarket located on West 225th Street and Broadway in front of the Target Center and will operate on Fridays from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, July 8 through through October 28. This market begins its third successful year in partnership with RNH.

Riverdale Youthmarket operated by RNH located at 5521 Mosholu Avenue, between West 254th Street and Riverdale Avenue is alos a part of BXCB 8's network of farmers' youthmarkets. It will operate on Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, July 8 through October 27.

Easy access to good fresh food can have a positive health benefit for so many in the Bronx Community Board 8 community.

Youthmarket is an innovative program of nonprofit GrowNYC, and is part of a network of urban farm stands operated by teen entrepreneurs bringing fresh produce into low-income communities, which are disproportionately affected by diet-related health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The Youthmarkets bring healthy foods such as fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, all grown by New York area farms.

Funding for both Kingsbridge Heights and Marble Hill Youthmarkets was provided by Bon Secours New York Health System/Schervier. Bon Secours works closely with community partners Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) and Riverdale Neighborhood House (RNH). KHCC and RNH employ the students that operate the markets with guidance and training from GrowNYC. All students have been recruited from the neighborhoods surrounding the Youthmarkets. Bronx Community Board 8 initiated the two Youthmarkets, organized the community partners and provided logistical support.
The Kingsbridge and Marble Hill Youthmarkets will also have a registered dietitian, courtesy of Bon Secours New York Health System/Schervier, and feature youth cooking demonstrations and nutritional programs throughout the summer.

Bronx Community Board No.8 (BXCB8) plays an important role in improving the quality of life for the communities it serves. BXCB8 is a vital liaison and advocate for the community in dealing with New York City government, elected officials, municipal service delivery, land use and zoning issues, community and business development, the City budget and many other matters relating to the community’s health, safety and welfare.

Senator Rivera Hosts Bronx CAN Health Initiative’s First Check-In with Challenge Participants Focusing on Nutrition

Bronxites will participate in a Healthy Cooking Demonstration and Speak to Nutritionists

Senator Gustavo Rivera (D, Bronx) is hosting the first Bronx CAN Health Initiative Check-In focused on nutrition and healthy eating habits on Saturday, July 16^th at the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center. The event will include a healthy cooking demonstration from the Nutrition and Health Program Cornell University Cooperative as well as time for individuals participating in the Bronx CAN Health Challenge to sit down with nutritionists to discuss how to make healthier choices in their daily lives. Participants will also have an opportunity to visit with NYC Green Carts workers and will receive free healthy recipes cookbook.

WHO: State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Nutrition and Health Program Cornell University Cooperative Extension-NYCand VAMOS Unidos (Vendedoras Ambulantes Movilizando y Organizando en Solidaridad)

WHAT: Nutrition-focused Bronx CAN Health Initiative Check-In – Healthy cooking Demonstration

WHERE: Kingsbridge Heights Community Center – 3101 Kingsbridge Terr.

WHEN: Saturday, July 16 from 2:00pm-3:00pm

SENATORS FOR SALE

By Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz

 It  appears  that State Senators Stephen Saland, Mark Grisanti, James Alesi and  Roy  McDonald  sold  their votes to the Mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg for $10,300 each.

At  least this is the impression and feeling everyone is getting by reading the  city newspapers  that two weeks after their vote, Mayor Bloomberg, who previously  declared his intentions to support and help finance any senator who would vote in favor of gay marriage and complied with his edict, sent a check to each one of them for the maximum amount allowed by law.

If this is not a quid pro quo, please tell me what this is?

Last  year  when  the  Democrats  controlled  the  Senate, the message that editorial  boards  all  over were declaring was that the Albany legislature was  corrupt  and  dysfunctional  and  that it needed someone to help bring things back to straighten things out.

Then  along  came  Andrew Cuomo and Eric Schneiderman to the rescue!  (They were supposed to clean it up.)

But  wait  a  minute  …  I  forgot  to  say  that  back then the Senate was controlled  by  Black  and  Hispanic leaders  who  were  being  decried by editorial  boards  based on allegations that votes were bought and sold and that  the  Senate was dysfunctional and corrupt.  How is this any different than what Mayor Bloomberg is doing now? In the ten years that I have served in  the  New York State Senate, there have been a handful of Senators who I have come to admire and respect.  Stephen Saland used to be one of them.

Now, after hearing rumors and reading that consciences have been bought and sold, it is very sad to think that Mr. Saland has gone that route.

And  as  for  Eric  Scheiderman, I remember the way he viciously went after Hiram  Monserrate  and  I  see  the  way he now uses his office of Attorney General  to  investigate  inconsequential  things  and  go  after community organizations and not investigating apparent violations  like people buying and selling votes.

So  I  wonder  if  these  rumors  and accusations are reason enough for the Attorney  General to start an investigation and for the editorial boards to have the integrity to declare that the Senate in Albany is still corrupt.

Turner School of Construction Management 

Certificate Program at SoBRO

 

The South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Turner Construction are pleased to announce an innovative partnership that will bring the Turner School of Construction Management Certificate Program to the Bronx. It is the first time in 4 years and we are pleased to announce its return to SoBRO. 

The Turner School of Construction Management Certificate Program will begin with a kick-off reception for attendees on August 25th at 555 Bergen Avenue, Bronx NY 10455 on the 3^rd Floor. Classes will be held at the same location on subsequent Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00PM to 9:00PM.  The program will run for eight weeks, with a total of 16 classes. Please note that class schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather and other unanticipated events.

The registration deadline is August 16, 2011.  The flyer and registration form for our upcoming Turner School 8 week certificate class on Construction Management  is attached.  The registration form should be filled out and returned to CEDevents@sobro.org as soon as possible.  Due to limited space, registration is on a “first come first served” basis.  The program is FREE to all individuals in the building industry with at least three years of experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to grow your skills or those of your key personnel and we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity.  Also, please feel free to forward this information to anyone you think may benefit from attending this program.

Sincerely,

Rogina Coar-Smith, Director

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO)

T:  718-732-7540 / F: 718-292-6645

Email:  rcoarsmith@sobro.org

Web:  www.sobro.org

An Open Letter to Archbishop Timothy Dolan

From Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr.

 July 13, 2011
Archbishop Timothy Dolan

Archdiocese of New York

1011 First Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio

310 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, New York 11215

Dear Archbishop Dolan and Bishop DiMarzio:

In the great spirit of interfaith unity, I invite you to join me and my fellow ministers on Sunday, July 24th at 3PM at a March for Marriage that has been organized by the National Organization for Marriage to be held outside Governor Andrew Cuomo’s midtown office at 633 Third Avenue. 

Our peaceful and prayerful rally will protest the redefinition of marriage and demand that all New Yorkers have the right to vote on this very serious social issue.

You know that I have tremendous respect for you and I am most hopeful that you and your fellow bishops and clergy will join us on the 24th.

Respectfully,

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz
900 Rogers Place
Bronx, New York 10459

Caribbean-American Heritage Night

 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

In conjunction with 

Virgin Islanders United Inc.   

Invites you to join them for an evening of live entertainment and 

refreshments at   

The Bronx Museum of the Arts

1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street

Tuesday, July 19,  2011

5:30 PM

Admission is free, but seating is limited. 

Please RSVP 718-590-3522 

or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov

SALSAFEST CONTINUES AT ORCHARD BEACH!

  That's BP Diaz far right welcoming beach goers to the first Bronx Salsafest concert at Orchard Beach on July 10th.

The first ever “Bronx SalsaFest” continues at Orchard Beach with a two more weekends packed with live music and dancing.

On Sunday, July 17, jazz legend and Grammy award-winning flutist Dave Valentin performs live at Orchard Beach. On Sunday, July 24, sizzling salsa returns to the beach with popular band Tipica 73.

Both concerts are part of the Summer Music at Orchard Beach concert series hosted by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Tourism Council. The events are sponsored by the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, Bronx Lebanon Hospital and Latino Sports. 

Sets start at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  

For more information visit ilovethebronx.com and bronxsalsafest.com

 

 

SEN. KLEIN BRINGS FREE ASTHMA SCREENINGS TO LOCUST POINT

  State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), Jacobi Medical Center/North Central Bronx Hospital, St. Barnabus, and the Locust Point Civic Association have collaborated to bring free asthma screening to children in the Bronx on Monday, July 18.

The screenings, which will be open to all children in the Bronx, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Locust Point Civic Association, 3300 Tierney Place, Bronx, New York 10465.

Registration is mandatory for a screening.

The screenings will be performed by trained nurses and respiratory therapists from Jacobi Medical Center/North Central Bronx Hospital and St. Barnabus Hospital.

The respiratory specialists and nurses will conduct free asthma screenings and show parents how to care of their children at home, so they don’t end up in the hospital. The asthma screenings can test if a child is not breathing properly and should be referred for a complete examination.

For make an appointment, contact Senator Klein’s office at 718-822-2049. 

HIT# 3000 BY JETER A HOME RUN

   At exactly 2 PM in the third inning of the game against Tampa Bay Derek Jeter hit a home run off Tampa Bay pitcher Daviv Price for hit # 3,000. In the first inning Jeter got hit # 2,999 a single, and with hit # 3,000 a home run Jeter tied the game at one all.

   Derek Jeter becomes the 28th player to reach the 3,000 hit mark, and is only the 11th player to do it with just one team. Craig Biggio was the last player to hit his 3,00th hit while only playing for the Houston Astros. Jeter becomes the first Yankee to hit 3,000 hits, and is assured aplace not only in Yankee history, but also the Baseball Hall of Fame.

   What will be the final number of hits that Jeter will attain before he retires? We can only guess that Jeter will now go for 3,500 hits.

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JETER METER ALERT

   Derek Jeter Has gotten hit # 2,999 in the first inning of the Saturday afternoon game against the Tampa Bay Rays. This means that Derek Jeter needs only one more hit to reach hit # 3,000. 

   Get the cake ready on 161st Street as Jeter will have three or four more chances to get hit # 3,000 in today's game at Yankee Stadium.

JETER METER UPDATE

  It looks like Friday night's game against the Tampa Bay Rays has been called off due to severe thundershowers and lightning expected to end late tonight. The game will have to be rescheduled, but when it will is questionable. Jeter fans will have to wait for Saturday's game to see if he can get to hit # 3,000 as Jeter is currently at 2,998 hits.