Board of Elections Hearings-Is it a Big Waste of Money?

   We were at the hearings of the Board of Elections for the Bronx candidates that were either challenging their opponent or being challenged by their opponent. The hearings started on time at 10 AM however only 6 of the 10 commissioners were on hand when the hearings began. A quorum of 6 of the 10 commissioners is needed only to hold hearings and be able to vote on matters before the board. We were given the names of the missing commissioners by Ms. Valerie Vasquez (of the board) as Commissioners Dent (Bklyn Dem), Schacher (Bklyn Rep), Saunias (Man Dem), and Polonco (Bx Rep). We saw Commissioners Dent and Schacher arrive at 10:20AM, and Commissioner Polonco and Saunias arrived a short time later.

   We had a story (in our column in the Bronx News) two years ago at this time about "King Stanley" referring to one of (if not) the best election lawyers in the Bronx Mr. Stanley K. Schlein ESQ..King Stanley was magnificent in his arguments in trying to keep his (or should we say Bronx Democratic County) candidates on, while doing his best to knock off any opponents. While there remained a few "Renegade" (as king Stanley said) candidates that were kept on the ballot by the commissioners of the Board of Elections, those words "Similar Handwriting, Forgery, and Fraud" were said by King Stanley which means that those renegades would be taken to court to knock them off since the Board of Elections does not rule on those items.

   We saw one possible candidate for a city council seat in 2013 in the audience taking notes, and he probably wanted to see what he would be up against as a renegade candidate or would have on his side should the Bronx Democratic County organization endorse him. Mayor Bloomberg has said that the Board of Elections is "A waste of taxpayer money", and we might have to agree with the mayor. Nothing has changed at the Board of Elections, and there is no reason why the incumbent state legislatures would want to change a system that is tilted way in their favor. We also wondered how a commissioner appointed by the borough county organization (Democrat or Republican) could rule on a matter of their party in their borough. Below are a few photos of the hearings

Left - The hearings have started and there are some empty chairs.

Right - Commissioner Polonco is seated.

Left - King Stanley with his crew as they await the next challenge.

Right - King Stanley in action defending the petition of 78th A.D. Assemblyman Jose Rivera. It was Rivera that fired King Stanley during Rivera's tenure as Bronx Democratic County Chairman.

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

  

THE BRONX TOURISM COUNCIL ANNOUNCES THE 2ND ANNUAL SALSAFEST!

-         Festival will include free community events

-  Summer Music Series will feature all-star performances

   Once again, the summer sizzles in the Bronx as the 2^nd Annual SalsaFest brings together some of the borough’s best salseros, dancing in the streets and on the sand. Produced by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Tourism Council and funded by NYC & Company, SalsaFest, which made its debut last year, begins on August 3 and will continue through to August 26, the last of the Summer Music Series Concerts at Orchard Beach.

“This is the borough that gave birth to what has become an international phenomenon, and it is only fitting that we celebrate ’El Condado de la Salsa‘ together with music, dancing, old-fashioned block parties and fun in the sun,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.   “I invite Bronxites and visitors alike to come and join me at Orchard Beach for another great summer of Salsa!”

“Music is a universal language spoken quite fluently around the world,” says Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of the Bronx Tourism Council. “Visitors will enjoy experiencing authentic Salsa music and dance in the borough where it all began.”

The entertainment begins on Friday, August 3, from 7 – 9 p.m. with a screening of "From Mambo to Hip Hop: A South Bronx Tale," a documentary produced by City Lore and edited by Benh Zeitlin, the award-winning director of the current feature film, “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” Immediately following the screening will be a panel discussion with some of the musicians featured in the film, including Benny Bonilla, a percussionist who was part of Pete Rod­­­riguez's group on their hit, "I Like It Like That;” The Last Mambo King Orlando Marin, bandleader and timbalero, and Jorge "Popmaster Fabel" Pabon, choreographer, hip hop historian and Senior VP of the Rock Steady Crew. The panel will be moderated by the film's co-producer, Elena Martinez, and hosted by Pregones Theater, 571 Walton Avenue. This event is free but reservations are recommended by calling 718.590.3518.  

We continue with Dancing in the Streets 6^th Annual Hip Hip Hop Generation Next Block Party, on Saturday, August 4, from 2-9 p.m. in the heart of Hunts Point. Salsa performances include Angel Rodriguez & the Abrazos Orchestra. Also, acclaimed mambo dancer Franck Muhel will perform and teach the mambo during a salsa set played by Orlando Marin, the Last Mambo King, and his Orchestra. Hosted by Dancing in the Streets in collaboration with Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education. This free block party takes place on Simpson Street, between Barretto and East 163^rd street.

Also on Saturday, August 4, from 3 – 6:30 p.m., become part of an amazing musical experience when folklorist Elena Martinez leads a tour of musical greats interred at Woodlawn Cemetery. The tour, which includes visiting the gravesites of Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Irene Castle, culminates in a Tribute to the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz, offering a rare opportunity to view the mausoleum of the Grammy-award winning Salsa star. Percussionists, led by multi-Grammy nominated bandleader Bobby Sanabria, will play at various graves including Celia's in tribute to the legendary performer.  Tours are free and begin at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., rain or shine. This event is hosted by Friends of Woodlawn Cemetery. Take the #4 train to the end of line, Woodlawn Station. At base of station, walk about ½ block. Jerome Avenue entrance is on the right. This event is free, but reservations are recommended by calling 718-920-1469.

The Free Summer Music Series at Orchard Beach officially begins on Sunday, August 12 at noon with Nelson Gonzalez and his All-Star Band. Lauded as one of the greatest “tres” guitar players, Gonzalez has toured with La India and Marc Anthony and was a member of the legendary Fania All-Stars. This event is co-sponsored by Latino Sports and Bronx Lebanon Hospital.

On Saturday, August 18^th from noon to 6pm join the annual Morrison Avenue Festival where the community comes together to enjoy music, food, unity and the beautiful weather that the summer brings. Performers include: Nino Segarra, The CopaCabana Band, and Angelo y su Conjunto Modelo. The event takes place on Morrison Avenue and Westchester.

Also on August 18^th, Lehman Center for the Performing Arts presents WILLIE COLÓN: La Historia. This concert which begins at 8pm marks the return of Bronx-born Willie Colón, renowned singer, trombonist, composer, producer and director after over a decade of absence from Lehman’s stage. Willie Colón has recorded 40 productions that have sold more than 30 million records worldwide.  His collaboration with Rubén Blades in the album Siembra, is the biggest selling album of all-time for the Salsa/Tropical genre.  Tickets: $50, $40, $30, www.lehmancenter.org

The excitement of live music continues on Sunday, August 19, at noon at Orchard Beach with the sounds of the Charanga All Stars. The band is led by Johnny Rodriguez, a Latin music veteran who throughout his 40-year music career has played with greats such as Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Eddie Palmieri. This event is sponsored by Bronx Lebanon Hospital.

Salseros won’t miss out on their last chance to dance salsa in the sand at Orchard Beach on Sunday, August 26, beginning at noon! Come and experience the rhythm of Jazz Master Papo Vázquez with his Pirates and Troubadors. This event is co-sponsored by the National Jazz Museum in Harlem and Bronx Lebanon Hospital. 

For information on more events taking place during Bronx SalsaFest, visit the Bronx Tourism Council’s website, www.ilovethebronx.com.

About the Bronx Tourism Council: Established in 1991, The Bronx Tourism Council is a subsidiary of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC), creating a cohesive and symbiotic relationship between arts and culture and economic development. The role of the Bronx Tourism Council is to promote the borough’s rich history, its institutions, and cultural diversity on a local, national, and international level.  

 

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

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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


Celebrating John Orozco – And His Mother


You should know that many years ago when I was first elected to the New York City Council, John Orozco´s mother, Damaris, came to my office to ask my son, Ruben Diaz Jr., and myself for any assistance that we could offer.  She was determined to find a way for her Bronx family to afford to send John to a school where he could properly train in gymnastics.

We told her that we would do our best to help her and her family. As a City Councilmember and later as a New York State Senator, together with my son, who was a New York State Assemblyman we helped her family raise some money to send her son to train as a gymnast.

You should also know that as part of my outreach for help, I wrote to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to ask for any assistance he could offer.  Someone from Mayor Bloomberg's office did call me to ask what the letter was all about.  I explained that there was a poor family in my district who was reaching out for help for one of the children so that the child could have an opportunity that would never be possible without the generosity of others.  The Mayor's aide explained that the Mayor doesn't make personal donations and only gives to organizations or not-for-profit groups, but that he would see what he could do.

That was the last I heard about that.

Raising money was not easy, but John's mother never gave up.  Damaris Orozco is an incredibly determined and dedicated mother.  She made sure that her son would be able to achieve his goals.  When the residents of Harding Park held their Family Day, Damaris Orozco sold rice and beans to help raise money for John to attend gymnastics classes.  She drove him near and far so that he could train and so that his dream to compete in the Olympics could come true.

Now the world celebrates the achievements of Team USA Men’s Gymnastic Star John Orozco as he competes in the 2012 Olympics in London.  John’s mother must be very proud.  He certainly makes the Bronx proud, the United States proud – and he most definitely has made me proud!

Ladies and gentlemen, while I’m sorry that Mayor Bloomberg never came through with help for John Orozco, maybe it’s not too late. Maybe, just maybe, there is something Mayor Bloomberg can do to show his concern for John Orozco and his mother, and find ways to honor more families and individuals who also strive to achieve their dreams.

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

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

 

BP Diaz Helps Muslim Community Celebrate Ramadan

    On Thursday evening July 26th Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. helped the Muslim Community Break Fast that night during the religious observance of Ramadan. Ramadan which started on July 19th this year ends on August 19th, and is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During the period of Ramadan it is custom to fast from early morning to sunset. 

    Even though there was a forecast of heavy rain and winds (that did occur) it did not stop the over 350 people who came from many parts of the 5 boroughs to Break Fast with BP Diaz. It was as if the rain and wind held up until the event started, and then ended before the event did. BP Diaz opened by thanking those who came, and said that this was the 4th time that he has done this in his tenure of 4 years. Diaz spoke of the diversity of the Bronx and of his office by saying that as an assemblyman he had Mr. Omar Basil on his staff, and now on his BP staff who made it clear to him of the customs of the Islamic people. 

    Ms. Maryam Hanifah Fofana (VP, The Islamic Support Foundation), Mr. Mohammad A. Jan (President, Madni Masjid of the Bronx), Maf Misbah Uddin (Treasurer of DC 37), and the Islamic Cultural Center (represented by Imam Abdulla Bajaha and Mr. Bakary Camara) were given awards  by BP Diaz for the outstanding work they do. You can see photos of the honorees and of New York City Comptroller John Liu below. Click on a photo to enlarge it.

Left - Ms. Maryam Hanifah Fofana and BP Diaz.       Right - Mr. Mohammad A. Jon and BP Diaz.

Left - Mr. Maf Misbah Uddin and BP Diaz.                    Right - Imam Abdullia Bajaha and Mr. Bakary Camara with BP DIAZ 

New York City Comptroller John Liu with good friend Mr. Ricardo Martinez 78th A.D. State Committeeman.

Bronx CAN (Changing Attitudes Now)Health Initiative

The Bronx CAN (Changing Attitudes Now)Health Initiative, an initiative of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr’s Office, brings together individuals, elected officials, government agencies, doctors and health providers, places of worship, community gardens and community centers, schools, civic-minded groups and physical fitness centers of all kinds to promote the types of behaviors that lead to healthy lifestyles.

The goal of the Bronx CAN Health Initiative is to have all members of our community – young and old alike – build healthier lives, free of ailments like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

As part of the initiative community members are encouraged to set their own health goals, be it losing weight, exercising a few times a week or vowing to eat healthier through the

Bronx CAN Health Challenge

The Challenge check-in at Blink Fitness, located at 744 St.Ann’s Ave and East 156TH Street, on Saturday, August 11, from 10 a.m. - 12 noon, staff from Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, a CAN partner, will be on site to register new and access current community residents, record their weight, body mass index and other measurements and screen for diabetes and high blood pressure. Blink Fitness will be extending free trials to all 18+ participants, and will have trainers on site to provide fitness tips. A final weigh-in will be hosted by Blink on SATURDAY, September 8, and they will be providing a complementary 6-month membership to the top male and female participants with the highest percentage of weight loss.

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

The East 204th Street & Bainbridge Avenue Merchants Association Present Summer Streets 2012

The East 204th Street & Bainbridge Avenue Merchants Association (E204St & BAMA), in collaboration with the Mosholu Preservation Corporation and Bronx Community Board 7, is hosting its 2nd Summer Streets event series, a Department of Transportation (DOT)-sponsored "Temporary Pedestrian Street/Weekend Walks" program on two consecutive Sundays, July 29 and August 5, 2012 from 12PM - 5PM, along East 204th Street between Bainbridge and Decatur Avenues.

The intent of the program is to create a recurring, multi-block, pedestrian street to promote local businesses and organizations. The purpose of the Summer Streets 2012 events is to help stimulate the local neighborhood economy and bring community residents together.

We invite you to join us on these dates and enjoy fun-filled, family-friendly days in this vibrant community. 

On Sunday, July 29th, Summer Streets 2012 will feature:

·          Helmet Fittings by DOT   12PM - 4PM   In front of Leroy Pharmacy at 358 E. 204th St. (see flyer below for details)

·          Salsa Lessons with Steve Seda   2PM   In front of  Beso Lounge at 320 E. 204th St.  

·          Fitness Challenge Demos by Belin Sport & Fitness 

·          Basketball Tournament by Alpha Phi Alpha - Bronx Chapter

·          Outdoor Shopping 

·          Face Painting & More!

On Sunday, Aug. 5th, don't miss out on the Summer Streets 2012 Concert from 12-5PM, at E. 204th Street & Decatur Avenue, hosted by Anthony & Eileen of BronxNet's No Offense But... TV show!  

Highlights include Latin sensation Anayka, Italian Hip Hop Movement artist SALESE, new voice of music W.R.A.T.H, Hugga ROCKZ, Bachata singer El Happy High, Puerto Rican poet/singer/performer La Bruja and Latin Empire Entertainment artists, LoZoneros, a group born and raised in the Bronx bringing a whole new sound to the Latin urban movement, international recording artist Veronica Kole, and Salsa singer Arlene G! Also featuring special performances by ABADA-Capoeira Bronx, BHARATI Dance Academy, KR3TS Dance Company, Art of Stepping, and X Factor Drumline.  

The day will also feature:

- Fitness Challenge Demos by Belin Sport & Fitness 

- Outdoor Shopping  

- Face Painting & More! 

EVENT INFORMATION

WHAT: Summer Streets Weekend Walks 2012

WHO: East 204^th Street & Bainbridge Ave. Merchants Association

DATE: Sundays, July 29 and August 5, 2012

TIME: 12PM – 5PM

LOCATION: E. 204^th Street between Bainbridge & Decatur Avenues, Bronx, NY 10467

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

Councilman Larry Seabrook Found Guilty on 9 of 12 Charges

   Bronx City Councilman Larry Seabrook has been found guilty on 9 of the 12 charges presented by the Federal Government in its retrial case against Councilman Seabrook. The first trial ended in a hung jury which left Seabrook a free man until today's trail ending, but Seabrook remains out on bail until he is sentenced on January 8, 2013 

    Seabrook in a Daily News Story here   has been canned from the City Council, and that a special election date has been set to fill his now vacant seat for the date of the general election November 6th. The Daily News story has it as the end of an era of "Cash and Carry Larry".

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.   had this to say after the verdict came back

“Today’s conviction of Council Member Seabrook will allow our borough to move forward, beyond his unfortunate actions.

“The Bronx, as well as the entire City of New York, deserves honest, corruption free government, and the actions of one individual should by no means cast a bad light on the hundreds of hardworking elected officials, in my borough and beyond, who work everyday to represent their constituents and solve problems for their communities. That is the level of service and commitment the public deserves, and I intend to work with my colleagues to rebuild and restore the public’s faith in government,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

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

John Sampson Car Accident Now Costing 70 Thousand, and Climbing

Just How much will this Accident cost New York State, or should we say you the taxpayer. The 2012 Ford Taurus valued at $35,491.00 was totaled in the crash, while other cars were damaged in the accident. More on this can be found at this link to Capital Tonight which goes into detail about the damages to each car that was involved in the accident. Capital Tonight also includes that the New York Post reports that the car has piled up 23 parking tickets over the past 30 months.