Bronx Democratic County Committee Dinner

    On Thursday July 19th The Bronx Democratic County Committee held their annual dinner. The room at Marina Del Ray was filled with Loyal Bronx Democrats as those Bronx Democrats who are challenging current Bronx Democratic County organization supported candidates were told "Do Not Attend". Even though their names were read at the dinner at least two State Committee members were not at the dinner as they are either running against or running with candidates that are challenging incumbents assembly members that are being backed by the Bronx Democratic County organization. It was said over and over who the Bronx Democratic County organization is endorsing, but not why, only because they are incumbents. Several people at the dinner told me that they were not happy that people were told not to come to a dinner that is suppose to be inclusive to all democrats. 

    While the room may have been filed we did not see several elected officials such as all three or four (depending on how you count them) members of congress that represent one part of the Bronx or another. We will say however that Congress was in session so all were in Washington, and had staff members standing in for them. We saw only State Senator Gustavo Rivera who stayed for a while, but no other state senators such as Senators Ruth Hassel-Thompson, Jeff Klein, Adriano Espaillat, Jose Marcos Serrano, and Ruben Diaz Sr. We also did not see some Bronx City Council and State Assembly members who may have come and gone quickly. We will say that we saw former Governor David Paterson and former Bronx Borough President Adolpho Carrion, and Bronx DA Robert Johnson.

   The honorees were Mr. Simon Bergson (President and C.E.O., Manhattan Beer), Mr. Fernando Brinn (President, Nandicarm Ltd.). Ms Marlene Cintron (President, BOEDC), Mr. Gregory Floyd (President Teamsters Local 237), Mr. Ernest Logan (President of the CSA), and Ms. Kathryn Wylde (President and C.E.O., Partnership for NYC). It was Mr. Ernest Logan who may of had the best line of the night when he said "Do not let people who know nothing about your children educate and make decisions for them" referring to Mayor Bloomberg and the Department of Education.

   Other highlights were the announcement by Chairman Heastie that he and the BDCC were supporting assembly candidate Luis Supelveda in the open 87th A.D. race. Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. said that the Bronx is getting one of the only five new Macy's Department stores to be built in the country, Fresh Direct coming to the Bronx, Donald Trumps new golf course in the Bronx, the debate for a "Living Wage" began and ended in the Bronx, and that outer borough taxi's happened because of Chairman Heastie and the Bronx delegation. Diaz then predicted that the Yankees would win again, in 2013 the Bronx will have a say in the elections that year, Gillabrand and Obama will be re-elected, and that all Bronx incumbents will be re-elected, 

  With the Yankees having a huge lead, the race for president at almost 50/50, some Bronx incumbents having what looks like very tough races, and with City Council Speaker Quinn and Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio (two of the top candidates for mayor in 2013) not in attendance we wonder if BP Diaz should leave the predicting to us. However we do agree with BP Diaz on three of his predictions. Below are a few photos of the event, and if the photos appear a little dark that is due to the low lighting in most of the room.

Left - State Comptroller Tom Di Napoli with 85th A.D. Marcos Crespo.   Left City Comptroler (and candidate for mayor in 2013) John Liu addresses the crowd while Chairman Heastie looks on.

   

Left - Ms. Marlene Cintron of BOEDC.   Right - Former Bronx BP Adolpho Carrion. 

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Colorado Movie Theater Shooting

Below are statements that are coming in about the Colorodo Movie Theater Shooting
(More will be added as they come in.)

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

“I, along with all 1.4 million residents of the Bronx, would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the victims of last night’s deadly movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado.  It is absolutely shocking that someone would look to hurt hard working individuals who wanted to do nothing more than relax and watch a movie with friends and family. 

“I and the residents of the Bronx will keep the victims of this devastating event, as well as the entire state of Colorado, in our prayers,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

Mayor Bloomberg has stepped up security by stationing NYC police officers at theaters where the Dark Night movie is being shown in New York City. Bloomberg has also called for stricter gun laws, and for both presidential candidates to make gun control a major issue in the presidential election.

From 87th A.D. Assembly candidate Luis Sepulveda  
“Whether it occurs on the streets of the Bronx, or in a crowded movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, the scourge of violence perpetrated by guns is an egregious affront to a civilized society. In solidarity with the victims and their families of last night’s mass shooting, I extend my heartfelt condolences. Hopefully, we can take something away from this, so that the untimely deaths of these people will not be in vain.”

As more statements come in we will add them to these. feel free to add your comment.

Klein, Dinowitz, Koppell, and BP Diaz Applaud MTA Decision to Return Bx34 Bus Service to Woodlawn

Group Ride Vehicle Will Continue Serving Residents Until Bx34 is Back Online

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Jeff Klein, and New York City Council Member Oliver Koppell are pleased to announce restoration of weekend services to the Bx34 bus line, which services parts of Norwood, Woodlawn and Van Cortlandt Village.

The MTA is restoring weekend service for the Bx34 from East 242^nd Street to Fordham Road via Bainbridge Avenue as part of a $29 million service investment throughout New York City.  These services were originally reduced as part of the MTA’s 2009-2010 budget-balancing cuts.  The implementation of the service investments will begin in October and continue into the spring of 2013.

"I am extremely pleased that the MTA has listened to the community and its elected officials by restoring Bx34 bus service,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “The Bx34 bus is extremely important for the Woodlawn community, and the previous service cutbacks caused extreme inconvenience for many people in that neighborhood. Woodlawn, like other communities in the North Bronx, deserves top notch public transportation services, and this restoration will go a long way towards that goal. I thank the MTA and Board Member Charles Moerdler for this important restoration, and I praise the many Woodlawn residents who spoke loudly and clearly in favor of restoring Bx34 bus services."

“This is a great day for Woodlawn.  When the MTA cut Bx34 service two years ago it was a real blow to the community,” Senator Klein said. “This restoration of service is a true testament to the power of both community organizing and legislative teamwork.”

Senator Klein also noted the positive impact of the Woodlawn Group Ride Vehicle, a transportation alternative launched earlier this year by Senator Klein and Assemblyman Dinowitz, in conjunction with the Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Yassky and the van’s operator, Carl Gomes.

“The group ride vehicle was a great success, not only in transporting residents, but in showing the MTA that there was a real need for Bx34 service,” Senator Klein said. “We applaud the MTA’s decision to restore service and look forward to a swift implementation. In the meantime, Assemblyman Dinowitz and I will ensure that the group ride vehicle continues to serve the residents of Woodlawn.”

“I am pleased that the MTA has heard our concerns and the pleas of the community, who were left stranded by the loss of overnight and weekend Bx34 bus service,” said Council Member Koppell.

Borough President Diaz also thanked MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph Lhota as well as the borough’s two representatives on the MTA Board of Directors—Fernando Ferrer and Charles Moerdler—for their work to make these service expansions possible. He also thanked those elected officials and community organizations that worked together with his office and each other to advocate for these new and restored services, including City Council Transportation Committee Chairman James Vacca, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and City Council Member G. Oliver Koppell.

The MTA announced the creation of new bus service for western Hunts Point and Barretto Point Park, a project that has been a high priority for Borough President Diaz for several years. The MTA also announced that they would extend the Bx13 bus line to the Gateway Center Mall, the restoration of weekend service on the Bx34 that serves Woodlawn, Norwood, Bedford Park and Fordham, and expanded service on the three Metro North lines that serve the Bronx.

 

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Wave Hill Events August 3–August 10

FRI, AUGUST 3    YOGA TOGETHER

This one-hour class is taught by Lisa Ferraro, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat if possible. Recommended for ages 2–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Session fee includes one adult and one child, Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10‒11AM

SAT, AUGUST 4   TAI CHI CHUAN

Short and long form classes are led by Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM Beginners, 11AM Intermediates

SAT, AUGUST 4    FAMILY ART PROJECT—SPRAY A GARDEN

Spray a Garden/Jardines de acuarelas

Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, AUGUST 4    GALLERY TOUR/WILD GARDEN WALK

The one-hour tour begins in Glyndor Gallery. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SAT, AUGUST 4    COOKING DEMO—BEGUILING BITTER MELON

Provided by Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer and a chef from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances. Free with admission to the grounds.

ON THE GROUNDS, 2PM

SUN, AUGUST 5   HATHA YOGA

Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. Participants should bring a mat, dress in loosely fitting clothing and come to class with breakfast well digested. All levels welcomed. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11:15AM

SUN, AUGUST 5    FAMILY ART PROJECT—SPRAY A GARDEN

Spray a Garden/Jardines de acuarelas

Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, AUGUST 5   CREATIVE ACTIONS WORKSHOP—POETRY IN THE GARDENS

Led b poet Todd Shalom, Director of Elastic City. No previous poetry-writing experience necessary. $20 Member/$30 Non-member each session. Registration recommended; drop-ins welcome as space allows. Register online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET IN THE ECOLOGY BUILDING, 2−5PM

SUN, AUGUST 5   GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, AUGUST 6

Closed to the public

TUE, AUGUST 7   STORIES IN THE GARDEN

Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Ideal for ages 3 and up and their adult companions. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

TUE, AUGUST 7    GALLERY TOUR

Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM, through August 18. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, AUGUST 8    SUNSET WEDNESDAY

Gardens open until 8:30PM. Glyndor Gallery, Perkins Visitor Center, The Shop at Wave Hill and Food Service open until 8PM. Check www.wavehill.org/visit for the schedule for Sunset Wednesdays free shuttle service to and from Metro-North and the #1 subway. All events are free with admission to the grounds with the exception of yoga.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6‒8:30PM

WED, AUGUST 8    SUNSET YOGA

Sunset Wednesday sessions are taught by Yoga for Bliss instructor Joanne Salome. Participants should bring a mat if possible, dress in loosely fitting clothing and come to class with their latest meal well digested.  All levels welcomed. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Registration onsite day-of.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6‒7:15PM

WED, AUGUST 8    SUNSET GARDEN WALK

Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM

WED, AUGUST 8    BxINDIE MUSIC AT SUNSET—JAZZ TRIOTonight, the Joe Farnsworth Trio, with Mike DiRubbo on sax, Joe Farnsworth on drums and John Webber on bass, offer an evening of jazz.  Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 7PM

THU, AUGUST 9    ARTISTS’ CIRCLE

Wave Hill provides easels and boards, and you bring art-making materials and paper or canvas. All levels welcome; new artists encouraged! Facilitated group critique at the end of each session. Weather dependent. Session fee: $10 Member/$18 Non-member. Registration day-of at Perkins Visitor Center starting at 9:30AM. Meet on the grounds for critiques. This weekly series continues through August.

REGISTER AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−1PM

THU, AUGUST 9    WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

FRI, AUGUST 10    YOGA TOGETHER

This one-hour class is taught by Lisa Ferraro, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a mat if possible. Recommended for ages 2–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for weather updates. Session fee: $15 Member/$23 Non-member. Session fee includes one adult and one child, Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10‒11AM

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A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM—4:30PM. Closes 5:30PM, March 15—October 31.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day on August Tuesdays.  Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 3o minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

 

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Kingsbridge Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association Community Health Fair July 28th

  KINGSBRIDGE  HEIGHTS NEIGBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

Community Health Fair

Saturday, July 28, 2012

(Rain or Shine)

197th St between Claflin and University Avenues.

12 Noon to 5 PM

FREE OF CHARGE

  Learn to take better care of yourself and your family.

Speak with medical professionals

Get a free blood pressure screening

                                 Transform Yourself

             VISIT WAHEEBAHS MASSAGE OASIS

   Learn about the benefits of massage and body work

Get free information on health care in New York City & State For yourself and your entire family
Free gifts while they last

  

Volunteers are needed to help make the health fair a success. There are a limited number of spaces available  for health related vendors.

 For more information or to reserve a space please contact us at   718-618-7550 

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BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ, BOEDC, & FRESH DIRECT HOST JOB FAIR

   Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., together with FreshDirect and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, hosted a job fair in the rotunda of the Bronx County Building, interviewing applicants for positions at FreshDirect’s current headquarters in Long Island City, Queens.

Prior to the job fair, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation prescreened more than 200 applicants for positions with FreshDirect. More than 70 individuals moved on to the second round of interviews with the company.

“FreshDirect has made real commitments to our borough, and today’s job fair shows that they are ready to hire Bronxites years before they are located here,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “This job fair is a great example of how we can work with businesses to make development work for everyone.”

Video of today’s job fair is available at: http://youtu.be/wg3uh30fsQ4.

 

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Petition Problem in 78th A.D. Race

   The Bronx News online edition of the paper just broke the story of a fatal problem to the petition of current Assemblyman Jose Rivera that was submitted to the Board of Elections. While the current 78th A.D. State Committeeman Mr. Ricardo Martinez made it clear to Assemblyman Rivera that he was running against him for the assembly seat and district leader position he also made it clear that he did not want his name to appear on the Rivera petition. As you see in the photo the name of Ricardo Martinez with the correct address of 212 Lisbon Place appears on the Jose Rivera petition. Check Thursday's edition of the Bronx or Parkchester News for the story.

   You will notice that the son of Assemblyman Rivera Joel Rivera is the new candidate for 78th Male State Committeeman. Experts in the subject of petitioning have said that this is a fatal problem for Rivera petition, and that the petition will be thrown out. You can click on the photo to make it larger.

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What You Should Know

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York 

Without Per Diem Albany will be a Ghost Town

I heard that Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Leaders of the NYS Legislative are in deep negotiations regarding pay increases for us the members of the NYS Legislature.

You should know that we as  Legislators have not  had a salary increase for more than ten years and that the hypocrisy of many of my colleagues is to say “NO”  when asked if they will like to see their salary increased, even though most of them,  just like me are in favor and wishing for it to happen soon.

The reason for their hypocrisy is that for  many of them, per diem has become a “God Send” because they have found a “legal”  and a “transparent” way in which to abuse the system and not be punished for it.

You should see, my dear readers, how many of those so call puritan Legislators have moved their families to Albany,  while others have purchased  houses, apartments and condominiums by using and abusing the  per diem allowance.

It is amazing to see how when there is a two day session, e.g. Monday and Tuesday, how many Legislators stay for the whole five days  just to be able to collect $165 per day.

You should know that some Legislators collect on top of their salary anywhere from $25,000 to $30,000 yearly in per diem income.  To be able to do this they have moved and centralized their staff in Albany, while abandoning their constituents and their district, coming back to their local district only during some weekends for one or two activities or during election time.

Gov. Cuomo and the Leaders should not only propose to  increase the salary to $100,000+ and eliminate the per diem, but they should also request for the Legislators to be full time; making it illegal to hold any other outside job.  

If this happens, I am afraid that Albany will become a Ghost Town.  “The Racket” I mean, the excuses of staying in Albany to collect the per diem will be over, Legislators will run back home every week  the same day that session ends and the budget will be on time every year without too much fight.  After June they would have no reason before January to go back to Albany because there would be no per diem to collect.

You should know that by doing this the State will save a lot of money.  The people of the state will win because they will have Legislators full time working in their districts and after June, when session ends,  they would have no reason to go back to Albany before January, because there would be no per diem to collect and Albany will become a “Ghost Town.”

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

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