This weeks Riverdale Report "Its Official"

Here is this weeks "Riverdale Report" that did not male it into the Bronx News due to limitation of space for the full page ad of this Sundays Riverdale Avenue Street Festival.

Riverdale Report

By Robert Press

It's Official

    While we told you a few weeks ago that Community Board # 8 Aging Committee Chair Andrew Cohen was going to be running for the term limited city council seat currently occupied by Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, it is now official. The announcement came on  Tuesday at City Hall as Mr. Cohen was joined by Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council member James Vacca and Council member Koppell (whom he hopes to succeed). You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to read more about Mr. Cohen, what the elected officials had to say about Mr. Cohen running for the city council seat of Councilman Koppell, and a photo of Mr. Cohen, Congressman Engel, State Senator Klein, Assemblyman Dinowitz, and Councilman Koppell.

    Mr. Cohen now joins Cliff Stanton as official announced candidates for Councilman Koppell's seat to be vacant at the end of 2013. Mr. Ari Hoffnung who ran in 2005, was the front runner in 2009 for Koppells seat until the term limit law was overturned by the City Council and Mayor. Mr. Hoffnung has expressed interest in running again, but told me that he would be waiting until the new year to make a decision. An Assistant Comptroller currently Hoffnung could become Deputy Comptroller at the beginning of the year, as the current Deputy Comptroller Simka Felder was elected to a Brooklyn State Senate seat. Another deciding factor could be the relationship between Mr. Hoffnung and the new leading candidate for comptroller current Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

    NYC Parks Commissioner Veronica M. White thanked those on hand for attending the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink. On hand were Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman G. Oliver Koppel, members of the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy, Community Board #8 members, and skaters from the Ice Theater of New York who gave several special ice skating performances. You can go to my blog to see photos of the different skaters from The Ice Theater of NY, and the ribbon cutting at center ice. It was interesting to hear BP Diaz, Councilman Koppell, and Assemblyman Dinowitz all compliment the new ice skating rink, as all three put in a plug for the ice skating proposal at the Kingsbridge Armory during their speeches that they have endorsed.

Sunday December 2^nd is the Riverdale Avenue Street Festival. Riverdale Ave. from West 236^th to West 238^th Streets will be closed to traffic from 12 – 4 PM to allow for street activities such as pony rides, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and more. We will have photos on my blog, and a recap of the event in next weeks column.

    Finally, Saturday was the unveiling of “Frank Durkin Way” at the corner of West 240^th Street and Tibbet Avenue right in front of the Gaelic Park field. Mr. Martin Lyons opened the ceremony by telling those assembled the history of Mr. Frank Durkin. On hand to pull the covering of the sign was Monica and Mary Durkin, but they had a little trouble as the rope broke as they started to pull on it. There were some laughs from those assembled, and a few said that it was a sign that Frank is here with us. Mr. Lyons also said that this will be only the third person of Irish Descent with a street sign. He said former TWU head Mike Quill and former City Council Speaker (and relative to Frank Durkin) Paul O'Dwyer were the other two.

State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Ms. Annie O’Connor (chief of staff for Councilman Koppell, who was out of town), Community Board #8 Traffic and Transportation Chairman Dan Padernact, and about 200 other people were on hand for the ceremony. Senator Klein read from a proclamation that November 24^th is to be known as Frank Durkin Day. You can see photos of the event on my blog.

Don't forget that you can find the latest listing of weekly events going on at Wave Hill on my blog by checking the archive section on the left.

    If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press. 

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

 

LIU STATEMENT ON NYC FAST-FOOD WORKERS

   City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following on New York City fast-food workers’ efforts to organize:

    “Too many New York City fast-food workers don’t earn enough to put food on their own tables, and they have every right to organize and demand decent wages. It’s a shame that many fast-food workers have to rely on public assistance when the corporations they work for are among the wealthiest in the nation and their CEOs earn millions. Jobs that don’t pay a fair wage contribute to the City’s widening income gap, which hurts the economy as a whole. This is a fight that matters to us all.”

Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for the latest news, events and initiatives.
Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter, YouTube.

South Riverdale Avenue Merchants' Riverdale Holiday Festival

 This Sunday! * December 2, 2012 * 12-4 pm

 Riverdale Avenue * 236th-238th Street * Bronx, NY 10463

Petting Zoo * Pony Rides * Live Music * Bronx Culture Trolley * Face Painting * Magic Show * Clowns, Food Specials * Business Exhibits * Raffles & More!

This festival is organized by:

This festival is sponsored by:

Baby It’s You * Salvatore’s of Soho * Yo Burger * 236th Street Riverdale Realty * Chase Bank * Citibank * OX-3620 LLC * TD Bank * Corner Café * Country Bank * DJ Drugs * Ginger Grill * Greek Express * John’s Botany Bay * Halstead * Larry the Locksmith * Palombo’s Bakery * River City Grille * Riverdale Crossing * Tin Marin * Dr. Steven Odrich, Dr. Marc Odrich, Dr. Kenneth Greenberg * Ha-Makolet * Hudsons * Kidaroo * Pretty Please * Riverdale Hebrew Books & Gifts * Salon Zoe * State Senator Klein * Tiny’s Diner * Wells Fargo * Whole You Spa * Classical Café * Curves * Designer’s Corner * PMTC * Riverdale Veterinary Group * Rolen’s Bagels * Target Car Service * Weichert Realtors, House & Home

More Festival Details:

Petting Zoo—Look for the goats, sheep, llamas, donkeys and rabbits in the middle of the block!!

Pony Rides—Look for the ponies near 236th Street.  We will have two ponies available for rides all day!

Live Music—Main Stage Schedule

12:15 - 12:45 - RKA Middle School Chorus

1:00 - 1:45   - Steve Oates, Guitarist

2:00 - 2:45   - Tony Grova as Elvis!

3:00 - 3:45   - Moakland - The Irish Music Trio

The Bronx Culture Trolley will Loop through Riverdale, Kingsbridge and Marble Hill from 11am—4pm making the following stops:

Skyview Shopping Center, 259th Street and Riverdale Avenue

 Van Cortlandt Park Ice Rink, Broadway and 242nd Street

 St Stephen's Church, 228th Street a& Marble Hill Avenue

* Clowns, Face Painting, Magic Tricks, Children’s Projects, Food Specials, Business Exhibits, Raffles and more!! *

* Special thanks to Bronx Community Board 8, all our Elected Officials & the 50th Precinct for their help and support for this festival for our community.

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

Wave Hill Events December 14–December 21

FRI, DECEMBER 14    MEDITATION AT WAVE HILL: A HOLIDAY RESPITE

During this busy holiday season, take a moment to release stress, breathe and reconnect with your inner self. Whether sitting on the floor or a chair, learn simple meditation techniques, training your mind to be more focused and aware. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques like watching the breath, mantra repetition, and awareness-training followed by 20 minutes of meditation. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and instructor and long-time meditator Lea Tenneriello. $15 Member/$23 Non-member. All levels welcomed. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Continues December 15, 21 and 22.

GLYNDOR HOUSE, 10‒11:15AM

SAT, DECEMBER 15    FAMILY ART PROJECT—SPARKLE AND SHINE

Sparkle and Shine/Brillo y luz

Visiting artist Esperanza Cortes helps us ornament soft, fragrant pine boughs with shiny foil, glittery beads and natural objects, like cones, dried herbs and spices. Tie up a small sachet to create your own glowing, deliciously scented decoration. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, DECEMBER 15    MEDITATION AT WAVE HILL: A HOLIDAY RESPITE

During this busy holiday season, take a moment to release stress, breathe and reconnect with your inner self. Whether sitting on the floor or a chair, learn simple meditation techniques, training your mind to be more focused and aware. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques like watching the breath, mantra repetition, and awareness-training followed by 20 minutes of meditation. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and instructor and long-time meditator Lea Tenneriello. $15 Member/$23 Non-member. All levels welcomed. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Continues December 21 and 22.

GLYNDOR HOUSE, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, DECEMBER 16    FAMILY ART PROJECT—SPARKLE AND SHINE

Sparkle and Shine/Brillo y luz

Visiting artist Esperanza Cortes helps us ornament soft, fragrant pine boughs with shiny foil, glittery beads and natural objects, like cones, dried herbs and spices. Tie up a small sachet to create your own glowing, deliciously scented decoration. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, DECEMBER 16    GARDEN AND CONSERVATORY 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, DECEMBER 17

Closed to the public.

FRI, DECEMBER 21    MEDITATION AT WAVE HILL: A HOLIDAY RESPITE

During this busy holiday season, take a moment to release stress, breathe and reconnect with your inner self. Whether sitting on the floor or a chair, learn simple meditation techniques, training your mind to be more focused and aware. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques like watching the breath, mantra repetition, and awareness-training followed by 20 minutes of meditation. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and instructor and long-time meditator Lea Tenneriello. $15 Member/$23 Non-member. All levels welcomed. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Drop-ins will be accommodated as space permits. This series concludes December 22.

GLYNDOR HOUSE, 10‒11:15AM

 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 Tuesdays in December. 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.

 

 

Responding to Community Needs

This came in from 11th District City Council candidate Cliff Stanton-

  

Now that President Obama's re-election victory has been sealed, I have turned my attention back to matters of local importance. Here are some of my recent community initiatives: 

4 Wheels for Good launch drive the day after Hurricane Sandy.

In October, I launched 4 Wheels for Good, a free volunteer transportation corps for seniors in the Northwest Bronx. My aim is to address a gap for older adults who cannot readily access transportation services and/or cannot afford the fare to medical appointments, senior centers, grocery shopping, the hair salon, recreation, and the like.

The service is modeled both on a Westchester-based service

Delivering groceries to homebound seniors in San Antonio, Texas with Jefferson Outreach.

and on a long-established service in San Antonio, Texas with which I consulted and subsequently visited in early October.   

Still in the pilot phase of 4 Wheels for Good, I currently transport seniors on Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm and Thursdays from 2 pm to 4 pm. If you know a senior who needs a ride, or would like to join the transportation corps as a driver, please call: 877.718.2338. 

In response to a series of gunpoint robberies, a stabbing, and multiple car break-ins in Riverdale, I expanded the 4 Wheels for Good program to include

Cliff heading out for Neighborhood Watch patrol.

Neighborhood Watch, which will enable us to look out for our neighbors and feel empowered by an active response to a frightening situation. I consulted with Captain Burke at the 50th Precinct to discuss how the neighborhood watch could best complement the efforts of the police department and how to train prospective volunteers. The response has been encouraging. If you are interested in volunteering, please call me at: 917.699.5241. I will coordinate the time and location of your patrol, discuss best practices, and provide you with a car door magnet for the duration of your watch.

Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

It was inspiring to see the response of the PS 24 community to

Organizing Far Rockaway relief efforts.

the Parents Association's request for donations for victims of Hurricane Sandy. We loaded four minivans with food, water, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and clothing and delivered the items to a distribution center and nearby church in Far Rockaway.  

Within moments, people were selecting items to help them through this crisis. I was moved by the scenes of devastation and the resilience of our fellow New Yorkers who are suffering an immeasurable loss.

 

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

Housing Court Forum

   Community Board # 8's Housing Committee held a Housing Forum last night. The moderator of the forum was Civil Court Judge Elizabeth Taylor, and the members of the panel were Housing Court Judge Marian Doherty, Peter Lubell Esq. (who represents landlords), and Howard Baum Esq. of Legal Aid. CB 8 Housing Committee Chairman Steve Balicer thanked the almost 100 people who attended, and thanked his Vice-Chair Patrica Mullen and CB 8 member Paul Ellis Esq. for putting the forum together for the committee. Also in attendance were State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. Both spoke briefly on housing problems, and said to contact the local elected officials if any problems between tenants and their landlords can not be solved. 

   Judge Taylor introduced the panel members, and then went into the program. The first subject was that of trying to avoid going to housing court. Mr. Lubell spoke from a landlords point of view, while Mr. Baum spoke from a tenants point of view. While both differed somewhat there was agreement by both that the best policy is to resolve any problems without going to housing court. As you will see in one of the photos below Housing Court Judge Doherty has her hands folded as she watches Mr. Lubell speak on the subject. Both lawyers agreed that the judge has to be impartial while hearing the case, and that receipts and other good record keeping needs to be done by both parties. 

   Housing court can be costly to landlords who have to pay their lawyers, while the matter may take several visits and consume several hours a day on each appearance by the tenant. Judge Doherty said that "here in the forum I can give you advice, but when it comes to my court I must be impartial". She also added that it could be time consuming, and without good record keeping she has no other way to rule on some cases. 

   Judge Taylor then took several questions for the panel, and again it was said to have good record keeping to be able to have evidence to prove your side of the case. Judge Taylor thanked the panel members and Community Board 8 for having this forum. She also introduced newly elected Civil Court Judge Eddie McShan who was in the audience. 

 Left to right are Civil Court Judge Elizabeth Taylor, Housing Court Judge Marian Doherty, Legal Aid lawyer Howard Baum, and Landlord Lawyer Peter Lubell.

Above - Housing Court Judge Doherty listens as Landlord lawyer Peter Lubell talks about what happens inside Housing Court.
Below - Judge Doherty gets to say that she must be impartial at the hearings before her.

Assemblyman Dinowitz and Senator Gustavo Rivera talk about a few things before the Housing Forum.

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

"Weekend of Violence"

Elected Officials Respond   
Regarding Recent String of Violence in The Bronx

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Shooting of Five-Year Old Hailey Dominguez

“I am deeply saddened to hear that a five-year old girl was shot in front of her parents and siblings on Hughes Avenue in Tremont Sunday. It completely breaks my heart to know that little Hailey Dominguez fell victim to senseless gun violence.  I will keep Hailey and her family in my prayers as we hope for her quick recovery.

“It is extremely disappointing that gun violence continues to plague our Borough, especially during this holiday season where families should be looking forward to spending time together and enjoying the warm feelings brought on by the holidays rather than watching over their shoulders in fear.

“This violence must stop, and my office is committed to continue to work to take as many illegal guns off of our streets as we possibly can to keep our children and families safe.

“Ending gun violence has been a top priority of mine since I became an elected official, and it will continue to be a top priority of my administration during my quest for re-election.
“Gun violence is a national problem that urges us to revisit the Second Amendment and the true meaning of what it was intended to protect so we can better prevent firearms from ending up in the hands of the wrong people through both legal and illegal means.

“I urge all Bronxites with knowledge of illegal guns in their community to call 866-GUN-STOP to anonymously report those guns to the police, a program that my office continues to promote through our ‘Peace in our Streets’ campaign,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

More information on the 866-GUN-STOP program can be found at the following link:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/home/rewards.shtml

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Statement by Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo 

First and foremost, my condolences and prayers are with the families of Destiny Sanchez, Madonna Martin and all other victims of the recent string of violent acts across the borough. 

I share the outrage and disbelief that so many in our communities feel due to the various violent acts that occurred during and just after our Thanksgiving holiday weekend. When a natural disaster destroys homes and claims lives, we all come together to lend a helping hand and demonstrate our respect for one another.  It is my hope that we can also feel this same sense of urgency when confronted by death and destruction inflicted by a handful of criminals. Our communities must stand united against these heinous crimes and demand an end to this violence. 

I commend the NYPD for the swift investigation and arrest in some of these cases, but I urge those responsible or anyone with information regarding Destiny’s murder - or any other crimes - to come forward, assist the police in their investigation, and ensure the swift punishment of those who committed these acts. 

Furthermore, I hope the State and City of New York recognize the plight of our families and communities, and through our difficult economic times, make the necessary investments in resources, personnel and programs we need to help address these issues. These investments must be made simultaneously in various areas such as education, after school program, not-for-profit organizations and other community-oriented services in order to reach the root of some of these problems.

As a community, we must not let the few individuals and groups who through violent behavior, terrorize our neighborhoods, and behave illegally and irresponsibility while putting our families in danger, to feel comfortable and immune from justice. Let’s set a stronger standard for our communities, let’s call out the criminals, and let’s ensure a safer place to play, live and work for our children and families.

Frank Durkin Way

   Saturday afternoon was the unveiling of Frank Durkin Way at the corner of West 240th Street and Tibbett Avenue, in front of Gaelic Park. Mr. Martin Lyons was the master of ceremony and he gave a history of the life of Frank Durkin. During the story Mr. Lyons invited those who were with Frank Durkin in his many ventures to help people. He said that Frank Durkin is only the third person of Irish descent to have a street naming in the city, say that former TWU president and labor leader Mike Quill, and Former City Council President (and relative to Frank Durkin) Paul O'Dwyer were the others. 

   Mr. Lyons thanked those who helped make Frank Durkin Way happen to those who collected signatures, helped support the project, those on Community Board 8 and Councilman G. Oliver Koppell who was with his own family for Thanksgiving out of state. Annie O'Connor Koppells chief of staff filled in for him and of course a few of the other elected officials were on hand such as Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Jeff Klein who proclaimed November 24th as Frank Durkin Day in New York. below are a few photos of the event. Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Left - Mary and Monica Durkin get ready to pull the covering off Frank Durkin Way.

Right - the covering rips as an alternate way was found to take the covering off Frank Durkin Way.

                                          

Left - How The Frank Durkin Way sign looks on the street pole. 

Right - Mr. Lyons, Nivardo Lopez (of the mayors CAU division), Assemblyman Dinowitz, Ms. M. Durkin, Senator Jeff Klein, and Ms. Annie O'Connor (Councilman Koppells chief of staff) hold street sign "Frank Durkin Way".

Left - Mr. Lyons reads the history of Frank Durkin as the elected officials look on with Senator Klein holding the Frank Durkin Day proclamation.

Right - Assemblyman Dinowitz with Senator Klein on either side of photo of Frank Durkin.