4th Annual Fair @ The Square_Saturday, May 12

 THE 4^TH ANNUAL “FAIR @ THE SQUARE”

 May 12, 2012, 11 AM – 6 PM

 

   The Association of  the Merchants & Business Professionals of Westchester Square, Inc., the New Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and the Bronx Council on the Arts announce the 4^th Annual “Fair @ The Square” taking place on Saturday, May 12^th from 11 AM to 6 PM along the streets of Westchester Square between St. Raymond Avenue and Westchester Avenue.             

                                         

“The Westchester Square merchants have made great strides over the past few years, with commercial revitalization efforts, to improve our area’s commerce and quality of life.  Now, with newly formed Westchester Square Business Improvement District (BID) in place, we can bring even more to the re-emergence of Westchester Square and we invite all the residents of New York City to come see what the buzz is all about. This annual fair allows us to showcase the diversity of our commerce, our culture, and our community, and the progress we have made in our neighborhood.” says Mr. Joe Regina, of AMBPWS, “We welcome this opportunity to have thousands of people, who we expect throughout the day, to come and join us as we celebrate the rebuilding of a great area for a great future.”

This multi-cultural event will feature an all day concert series showcasing New York City’s most popular groups performing every genre of music from oldies through today’s great music.  The show will be hosted by TV personality Molly Rokasy (Anchor, News12 the Bronx), radio personality Dennis “Dion” Nardone (WVOX 1460 AM Radio), internet radio personality Valerie Smaldone (WOR’s Internet station www.wor710.com), and other surprise guests.  From Doo-Wop to Hip-Hop, and everything in between, you will catch it all on the main stage at St. Raymond Avenue.  The artist line-up, at this time, includes such groups as tri-state area favorites SugaRush, Just Nuts, Italian Hip-Hop artist Rob Salese, and many more performers and dancers.

Kids will enjoy the day in the Kid’s Activity Area featuring all sorts of games, exhibits, and other fun activities while will enjoy the scores of merchants and vendors displaying their wares, and services, and great restaurants offering up great food. Another highlight is the annual Art Walk showcasing local Bronx artists and artisans displaying their works in a variety of spaces and windows at locations throughout the Square.

Don't miss out on the many free raffles for great prizes being offered by many of the merchants and sponsors throughout the day.

To date, this event is sponsored by The Hutchinson Metro Center, The NY Daily News, Apple Bank, Metro Optics Eyewear, Sanitation Salvage, DJ Service, and Wendy’s. 

Date:                Saturday, May 12, 2012

Time:               11am-6pm

Location:        Westchester Square from St. Raymond Ave. to Westchester Ave. 

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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York  

Who is the Real Thief, Mr. Clement Gardner, FBI Agent Bullets Campbell, The U.S. Dept. Of Justice or the office of the NYS Attorney General’s office?

You should know that five years ago, in 2007 to be specific, Clement Gardner, a bookkeeper employed by Christian Community Benevolent Association, confessed to FBI Agent Bullets Campbell that he was embezzling money from the organization and that from 2003 to 2007 he had stolen approximately $75,000.00 of monies geared toward helping the poor and needy of the South Bronx.
       
You should also know that Christian Community Benevolent Association was founded by Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz (35) years ago, when the Bronx was burning and businesses, banks, and the wealthy were fleeing and abandoning the South Bronx leaving behind hunger, misery, and burnt out buildings.   Christian Community remained, developed jobs and provided services to those in needs.

After so many years of decent and successful administration by Christian Community, here comes Clement Gardner and confesses to the FBI his conniving and treasonous manner in which he took advantage of the trust and confidence placed on him by the decent people of Christian Community.  
       
Anybody would think that the right thing for the FBI to have done would be to inform the organization, let them know and give them the opportunity to take the necessary actions to protect their interests, to get rid of Mr. Gardner, and sent him to jail back in 2007.
       
You should also know my dear reader, that contrary to what reasonable people would do, the FBI authorized Mr. Gardner, through Agent Campbell, to go back to the agency where he stole more money.
       
Was Mr. Gardner told: “We don’t care what you do we just want Senator Diaz.  Go back keep doing what you’re doing and give us Senator Diaz?”  
       
Who allowed Clement Gardner to steal for five more years?   Mr. Clement Gardner was free to live “La Buena Vida” the good life.   He was stealing and developing a scheme sophisticated enough that it was overlooked by the private auditing firms, hired by the Christian Community and by auditors for the City of New York Human Resources Administration Home Care Contracts.   These experienced auditors were contracted every year to conduct audits of Christian Community’s books.  

Apparently, Clement Gardner was allowed to embezzle thousands of dollars, under the knowledge, approval, advice and direction of law enforcement agencies that are supposed to protect the people of the State of New York.

Now, five years later, after the law enforcement agencies realized that they were taken for a ride by Mr. Clement Gardner and that he made a fool out of them, they conducted a press conference to announce what they have known for the last five years.   What a travesty.......what a shame... and they call themselves honest.    They should all get indicted and sent to jail along with Clement Gardner.

In their quest to get Senator Ruben Diaz, these government agencies are now faced with a bigger problem.  That from 2007 to 2012 they gave Mr. Gardner the opportunity to steal many thousands more, from the people of the State of New York in return for Senator Ruben Diaz, which he did not do.

Soon they will conduct another press conference to announce how many more thousands or maybe millions of dollars Mr. Clement Gardner has stolen.   The New York Press Editorial Board, reporters, news media, and the whole world will cover the big news.    Soon they will also, announce who is to blame for the thievery and what a great job they did in capturing the perpetrator.    Ja Ja Ja, this is laughable.  

Will the media ask the right questions of the NYS Attorney General, The FBI agent Bullets Campbell, the U.S. Department of Justice and/or the companies responsible for the annual audits: Who authorized this? Who protected Clement Gardner and why?  Why wasn’t Gardner arrested five years ago when he confessed to the dirty deed?   Why wait five years? Why allow him to continue to steal money?   Why wasn’t this brought to the attention of the agency’s administration or to HRA?   No, the media will not ask those questions of those responsible, because to do so will make Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz and the people of Christian Community look like victims.

If they ask the right questions, they might get to the truth.   The truth will reveal that Senator Ruben Diaz and the people of Christian Community are decent, God-fearing individuals whose only interest is helping those less fortunate.   That news my friend is a pill that is too big and too hard for most of the media to swallow.   For many of the news media, making Senator Ruben Diaz continue to appear as the hated homophobe, the one against same-sex marriage, the anti-woman for his position against abortion, is their agenda.  For reporters and the news media, the bad news on bad guys sells more papers and is better for business.  

You should know that we  neither have the money or the resources to sue their pants off.  They are too powerful, too untouchable, and have too many resources at their disposal, to do as they please.  We are the little guys and they are above the law.

I am Senator Ruben Diaz, and this  is what you should know.

 

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Johnson Avenue - "For Rent"
Update  2 More Stores 

 

  This is a new restaurant that is called "Oregano"" which is opening up at 3522 Johnson Avenue in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. This store had been vacant for several years when the restaurant Josepina closed down.Closing stores or stores closed for some time with "For Rent" signs on them has gotten to become a problem for the local community around Johnson Avenue. 

  The problem when many are asked seems to be with the landlord (Friedland Properties) of the entire block of Johnson Avenue between West 235th and West 236th Streets, and part of West 235th Street off Johnson Avenue. High rents and the gall to raise renewals sky high, but leave a store empty for years without a tenant and not lower the rent has been the mantra. The latest casualty is the once popular Chinese Restaurant "Golden Gate" whose new owners expanded several years ago, now is the latest store to close and a "For Rent" sign go up on the security gate. 

  Many say that the rents are to high on Johnson Avenue, and the popular eating spot "Blue Bay" almost closed last year due to a steep raise in the lease renewal. However the owner of Blue Bay was able to get a reprieve from the landlord Friedland Properties after much protesting from the community, elected officials, and a reminder from the community board that when there was large fire that gutted many stores on the block it was the community board that helped the landlord rebuild quickly. 

  Continental Hair Stylist was the first to leave Johnson Ave.many years ago for a lower rent a few blocks away on Riverdale Ave. Business has been good and steady since the move over 10 years ago we were told, and Riverdale Avenue has seen some other businesses move there from Johnson Ave. The once almost half empty stretch of Riverdale Ave. between West 235th and 238th Streets now has only one or two empty stores.

The "For Rent" sign is up on recently closed Golden Gate Restaurant.

Corner Cafe moved to a lower rent on Riverdale Ave.

The corner on the opposite side of Johnson Ave. and West 235th Street is once again vacant since the closure ot WAMU Bank about a year ago.

Another vacant store on Johnson Ave.

The old fruit store on West 235th Street also owned by Friedland Properties.

No the fruit store has not been sub divided, but another vacant store.

The one vacant store on West 235th Street not owned by Friedland Properties.

UPDATE

Here are two more vacant stores on the Johnson Avenue/West 235th Street shopping area.

This store next to Starbucks on West 235th is another Freidland Property

Another store on West 235th Street across from Starbucks and right next to the other vacant store on that side of the street.

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New York Hispanic Clergy Organization

  The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization held their 24th annual Ministers Banquet last week. The NYHC honored Bishop Abelardo Batista, Apostle Rene Cruz, Rev. Pedro Olivieri, Rev. Mirna Padro, Mr. Pedro Sanchez, and Colonel Jaun Bautista Jimenez Reinoso who were recognized for their outstanding commitment to the people of New York City. Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr.is the president of the NYHC which meant that many elected officials up to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer were in attendance, as well as over 700 other supporters of the NYHC.

NYHC member Ms. Lourdes Colon warms up the crowd before the event started.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer addresses the audience. Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is behind left, as to the right are New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Bronx Democratic County Leader Carl Heastie, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr..

Good friends Senator (and candidate for Congress) Adriano Espaillat and Bronx BP Diaz pose for this picture as Bronx Democratic County Leader Heastie looks on.

Congressman Charlie Rangel stands between Senator Diaz Sr. and Bronx BP Diaz Jr., with Rangel political consultant Mike Nieves to the right.

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Baseball in the Bronx Exhibit

  Last year the theme of the exhibit at the Bronx Museum was the "History of the Negro Leagues". This year the theme of the baseball exhibit at the Bronx Museum is "Baseball in the Bronx". What does "Baseball in the Bronx" mean you might ask, and "Baseball in the Bronx" refers to anything Baseball that happened in the Bronx.
  This could mean anything New York Yankees (Bronx Bombers), or it could mean little league baseball played in the Bronx, or it could mean high school or college baseball played in the Bronx, or anything to do with playing the game of baseball in the borough of the Bronx, as you will see from the photos below.

Yankee hall of fame catcher Elston Howard #32 jersey, signed baseball, and Daily News back page tribute to Elston Howard. Also a team photo with Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Elston Howard, Tom Tresh, and Roger Maris.

A pair of authentic baseball shoes worn by Elston Howard.

Rare old baseball cards.

1951 Bangor Baseball Club photo with Elston Howard front row.

A rare old photo of a 1919 New York baseball team.

Casey Stengel's all time Yankee team circa 1970.

A 1967 Manhattan College Jaspers baseball jersey.

A concrete slab from the old Yankee Stadium, with Dr. Cary Goodman the Director of the 161st Street BID and sponsor of "Baseball in the Bronx"..

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4 Alarm Fire on Van Nest Avenue
                    By Robert Press

  The fire started at around 1 PM, and as the first fire trucks pulled up to 724 Van Nest Avenue a few minutes later 724 Van Nest Avenue and adjoining buildings were engulfed in flames. Smoke could be seen as far away as the George Washington Bridge, and the fire quickly went to a second alarm. As more and more fire and emergency units arrived the fire went to four alarms. The Bx22 and Bx39 had to be detoured around the fire equipment that was lined up and down White Plains Road.

  The Bronx assistant Fire Chief on the scene said that the fire started in 724 Van Nest Avenue a three story wood frame structure, and quickly spread to three adjoining buildings. 200 firefighters were on hand to battle the blaze which injured 9 firefighters (none seriously), even though several were taken to Jacobi Hospital. The FDNY declared the blaze under control at 3:30PM about 2 1/2 hours after it started. On hand at the fire were several city agencies including the Buildings Department which said that 724 Van Nest Avenue (where it was said the fire started) would have to be demolished. The three other buildings appeared to be able to be repaired, but they will have to pass inspection by the Buildings Department first. 

  While Con Edison was called to the scene, representatives said that there were no reports of any gas leaks in the area, and no construction on gas lines in the area. Arson has not been ruled out as Fire Marshals were also on the scene due to the quick movement of the fire to adjoining buildings. The Fire Marshals will have a determination on just how the fire started in a few days.

Thick black smoke was visible from far away at 1:30PM

 

The fire was still not under control as we arrived on the scene

Firefighters here are battling the blaze from several ladder trucks

On the top right you can see another fire hose battling the fire

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The Bronx PUSH 4 PEACE

 

HOT 97 Street Soldiers

(Featuring Lisa Evers-Hot 97 Street Soldiers’ Host & Fox 5 News Reporter)

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

&

President of COBA - Norman Seabrook

PRESENT

THE BRONX PUSH 4 PEACE

Festival & Hot 97 FM Live Show

Saturday, April 28, 2012   (1-5 p.m.)

Hostos Community College (CUNY)

500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY

Featuring:

Live Hot 97 DJ-

Artist Open Mic Competition,

Info Fair,

**Hot 97 FM Street Soldiers Town Hall Live Show Discussion,

Free Prizes & Free Refreshments
Celebrity Guests: Hip Hop Artists and Sports Stars……..

 Click Here To Download Flyer: http://bit.ly/HxIAny

 

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Bronx Bankers Breakfast

 

Bronx Week 2012