Bronx Week 2013 Kickoff

    Monday May 6th in the rotunda of the Bronx County building Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. kicked off the activities for Bronx Week 2013. Bronx Week 2013 will take place from Thursday, May 9^th through Sunday, May 19^th, and will conclude with the induction of Latin music composer and businessman Miguel Angel Amadeo, political and civic leader Robert Abrams and award-winning actress Ellen Barkin to the Bronx Walk of Fame.

“Bronx Week is a great time for Bronxites and Bronxites at heart, to come rediscover all that this wonderful borough has to offer. Bronx Week is ten full days of celebration, and I invite everyone to come celebrate with us,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

This year’s kickoff event was held at the Bronx County Building’s Rotunda, and featured an appearance by 2013 Bronx Walk of Fame honoree Miguel Angel Amadeo, an award-winning Latin music composer and longtime Bronx resident and business owner.

The launch event also featured a “Best of the Bronx” festival, which included live music, food and fun. Numerous borough businesses, including Babalu, B Blossom Garden, Bronx Ale House, Bronx Brewery, Delicioso Coco Helado, DuFour Pastry Kitchen, Flantastic, Landin Macaroni & Cheese, Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, Tirado Distillery and United Pickle provided samples of their product to the nearly 200 individuals in attendance. The event included a live performance from Latin jazz combo Yuka Seka and a showcase of merchandise by Mainland Media.

Bronx Week will close with the annual Bronx Parade and Food & Arts Festival on Mosholu Parkway on Sunday, May 19, 2013. In addition to dozens of food and arts vendors, as well as the borough’s biggest parade showcasing “Bronx Pride,” the annual concert will feature performances by hip-hop legend Biz Markie, renowned salsero Lalo Rodriguez as well as reggae and reggaeton pioneer Notch.

This week of amazing Bronx events is organized jointly by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and The Bronx Tourism Council. For more information on Bronx Week 2013 and a full calendar of events, visit ilovethebronx.com

Left - Bronx Borough President enjoys some of the Bronx food offered at the Bronx Week 2013 Kick off.

Right - Diaz holds one of the local Bronx products, Bronx Beer.

Left - Lloyds carrot cake sample cup cakes were sampled.

Right - Delicioso Coco Helado is sampled.

 

Left - The Bronx Beer Company table, is next to the Bronx Ale House table.

Right - Bronx made whiskey by Tirado Distillery is tasted.

Left - There was musical entertainment from the Bronx.
Right - BOEDC Head Ms. Marlene Cintron welcomes everybody, as Ms. Olga Luz Tirado of the Bronx Tourism Council waits to introduce Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. and Congressman Charles Rangel.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro with Miguel Angel Amadeo one of the three 2013 Bronx Walk of Fame honorees who was in attendance. The two other 2013 honorees are Ellen Barkin and Robert Abrams.

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Bronx Week 2013 Calendar

Below is a draft of the events that are happening during Bronx Week 2013 which runs from Thursday May 9th through Saturday May 19th ending with the 42nd annual Bronx Week Parade, Food, and Music, Festival that takes place on Mosholu Parkway. Many are free events, but there are some that are not with the costs listed. There are also a few events that are by invite only. Look for the details at the end of each event in red.

Thursday, May 9

Centenarian Celebration

11AM - 3PM

Learn the secrets of long life from those who have lived to see an entire century. Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. as he commemorates the lives of those senior Bronxites who have turned, or will turn 100 years old this year.

BY INVITATION ONLY

Friday, May 10th

Bank on the Bronx: 15th Annual

Bronx Bankers’ Breakfast

8AM - 11AM

Over 400 leaders in the fields of banking, business, real estate and tech come together to attend the Business Initiative Corporation (BIC), the largest event of its kind. The theme this year is “The New Bronx,” which underscores the unprecedented number of economic development projects that are currently under construction in the Bronx. Simultaneously, BIC and local banks are providing the capital needed to expand or start additional business in the Bronx.

Villa Barone Manor - 737 Throggs Neck

Expressway. RSVP required.

Tel: 718-590-4588

or email DCarmona@boedc.org

$50 IN ADVANCE $60 AT THE DOOR

Saturday, May 11

3rd Agricultural Tour of the Bronx

9AM – 3PM

Trolley Tour: Eco Travelers & Foodies celebrate healthy fresh food, its history and cultural significance. The tour will include a discussion program covering overall mission, food justice, school food and other

related topics.

Pick up at NY Visitors & Convention Bureau,

810 Seventh Avenue @52nd Street

FREE

6th Annual GetGreen

South Bronx Earth Day Fest

12PM – 4PM

The GetGreen Festival focuses on educating the South Bronx community, especially its youth, on how to be good environmental citizens. Engage in the numerous environmental activities and earn tokens, which can be turned in for prizes!

St. Mary’s Park: enter park at

147th Street & St. Ann’s Avenue

Tel: 212-788-7964

www.facebook.comgetgreensouthbronxearthfest

FREE

3rd Annual Bronx Film Festival

12PM - 6PM

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Bronx Week Film Festival featuring films made in the Bronx or by Bronx film makers. Produced by Olympia Film Productions in association with the Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and BOEDC. Free screenings will begin on Saturday with a ribbon-cutting and will culminate with a Wrap Party on May 13th. See full schedule

at www.bronxweekfilmfestival.com

Billy’s Bar and Grill. 58 East 161st Street.

Tel: 718-580-8310

www.bronxweekfilmfestival.com

FREE

Youth & Family Day

1:00PM - 6:00PM

Celebrate the Boogie Down Bronx at this family-friendly event, featuring interactive activities to inspire creativity in youth through the power of music. This special event honorship hop culture, including art, dance, rap, DJ mixing and fashion in the place where it all began. There will be face painting, dancing and kid-oriented entertainment.

Gauchos Gym, 478 Gerard Ave.

FREE

Monday, May 13

Green Roofs Tour

9:00AM - 2PM

The Bronx is both home to the first green roof on a city-owned building and a leader in bringing this green technology to commercial and nonprofit buildings across the borough. The 10,000 sq.ft. roof atop the Bronx County Building is the first stop on this narrated tour of five roofs across the Bronx, many funded in part by the Bronx Initiative for Energy & the Environment, a program of the Bronx Overall Economic Development

Corporation. Lunch is included. Space islimited. First come, first served. RSVP to

kshackford@BOEDC.org

Bronx County Building

851 Grand Concourse, Room 123

Tel: 718-590-3498

kshackford@boedc.org

FREE

Bronx Veterans’ Appreciation

Day Breakfast

10AM - 12PM

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and his Bronx Veterans Advisory Council pay tribute to our borough’s veterans at this wonderful breakfast. All past and current service men and women are invited to attend this special salute, honoring their service to the United States of America. A special commemoration will also be made to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and those Bronxites who served.

BY INVITATION ONLY

Tuesday, May 14

Business Day Breakfast

8AM - 11AM

Financial editor at NBC’s Today Show, Jean Chatzky, will present “Your Money, Your Business and Your Life” to an audience of Bronx business professionals.

Event info contact:

Angie Teran 718-590-5623

BY INVITATION ONLY

Wednesday, May 15

Arts & Culture Day Trolley Tours

9:30AM - 12:30PM or 1:30PM - 4:30PM

All aboard the Bronx trolley for a tour of New York City’s only mainland borough led by Bronx Historian Professor Lloyd Ultan and co-hosted by The Bronx Tourism Council. Space is limited. RSVP required by calling

718.590.3047.

In front of the Bronx County Building,

851 Grand Concourse @ E. 161st Street

Tel: 718-590-3047

FREE

Thursday, May 16

Senior Day

10:30AM - 3PM

This event promotes socialization, stimulates conversation, strengthens friendship, and encourages humor among our senior population.

William Hodson Senior Center

1320 Webster Ave.

Tel: 718-538-1515

FREE

Friday, May 17

Bronx Health Link Annual

Bronx Week Health Fair

11AM - 3PM

The Bronx Health Link hosts the Annual Bronx Week Health Fair, with over 75 health care exhibitors providing information on resources across the borough and conducting a variety of medical screenings. Bronx Health Link connects Bronxites to health that matters!

Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community

College, 450 Grand Concourse near

149th Street

FREE

Saturday, May 18

Annual Bronx Ball

6PM - 10:00PM

Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for this memorable gala as the borough pays tribute to many of its most notable Bronxites. This popular black-tie awards ceremony is not to be missed, as business, arts, and civic leaders from The Bronx come together to celebrate the induction of our hometown greats into The Bronx Walk of Fame. This event is a fundraiser for the Bronx Tourism Council, a program of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. For ticket and advertising information contact 718-590-2502.

Sunday, May 19

Annual Bronx Volunteer

Recognition Day

9:30AM – 11AM

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. salutes the executive members of our borough’s 12 community police precinct councils. These volunteers work tirelessly to help keep our streets safer by working with the members of the New York City Police Department to report crime and promote crime prevention strategies in their respective neighborhoods.

BY INVITATION ONLY

Bronx Walk of Fame -

2013 Induction Ceremony

11AM

Be there as the 2013 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees take their rightful place on the Grand Concourse when Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. unveils street signs bearing their names. On the steps of the Bronx

County Building,

Grand Concourse @ East 161 St.

FREE

Bronx Grand Finale Concert

12PM - 6PM

Bronx cultural diversity takes Center stage at the annual Bronx Week Concert. Come out and enjoy some of our very own acts from within our neighborhoods along with the Bronx’s most popular groups and dance to the sounds of hip hop, R&B, salsa, bachata, bomba y plena and much more. Mosholu Parkway @ Bainbridge Ave.

FREE

Bronx Food & Arts Festival

12PM - 6PM

After the parade, residents can enjoy the Bronx Week Food, Arts & Music Festival, which features popular resturants, arts & crafts, games and activities for kids, and giveaways for all. Also, the Bronx Health Pavilion will offer free health screenings and information on services, health insurance; and the stage will offer live music all day, showcasing the great cultural diversity of the Bronx.

Mosholu Parkway @ Bainbridge Ave.

FREE

Annual Bronx Week Parade

12PM - 6PM

Bronx Pride is on display as marching bands, community groups, schools, sports teams and civic groups march along Mosholu Parkway highlighting the best of the borough as this great community tradition celebrates its 42nd anniversary.

Reviewing stand, Mosholu Parkway

East at Van Cortlandt Ave.

FREE

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What You Should Know

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

Governor Andrew Cuomo: The Macho Man


You should know that there are two very well known and important Biblical passages that deal with the way in which we should recognize the merit, good or bad, of our fellow human beings. One is located in the Gospel of Mark and says: “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God, what belongs to God.” You will find the other Biblical passage in the Epistle written by the Apostle Paul to the Romans, Chapter 13, verse 7: “Render therefore to all their dues:  tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” (King James Version)

Following these biblical ordinances, I have to write this “What You Should Know” to give New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo credit for three very important and courageous acts in the last few weeks.

You should know that since the Honorable Andrew Cuomo came to be the New York State Governor, I have been his number one critic, due to a few things he has done that he imposed on us which I believe are wrong and negative. He started with his budgets being balanced on the backs of the poor and the needy of the State, and then he imposed homosexual marriage on us, now he is promoting abortion on demand with the possibility of giving carte blanche to late term abortions, and he is selling New York to the committee
called the Committee to Save New York.

The same way that I have been prone to criticize the Governor, I cannot be blind to the following three courageous acts that he has done in the last few weeks.

First, Governor Cuomo openly and publicly refused to allow the Bronx Democratic County Organization to conduct a special election to fill the vacant seat created by the resignation of Assemblyman Nelson Castro. This was practically a slap in the face to the Bronx Democratic Organization and its leaders.

As you know, it is very common for Governors to call for a special election giving local political organizations the advantage in electing the new person. By not calling for a special election, this means that the vacancy has to be filled during the Democratic Primary, making the Bronx Democratic Organization work harder, spend more money and raising the possibility of losing the seat.

Second, Governor Cuomo took on Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Denny Farrell by personally and publicly coming out in opposition to a piece of legislation that they were promoting. According to the New York Daily News Editorial of Tuesday April 30, 2013, Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Denny Farrell were sponsoring legislation favoring the lending companies that according to the Daily News “would let low income New Yorkers…be victimized by interest rates of up to 200%.” The News used words like “loan-sharking,” “usury,” and “horrendous” in its description of this legislation. It also states that Senator Klein has received $50,000 and Assemblyman Farrell $30,000 from the loan companies that will benefit if such legislation ever becomes law.

You should know that to Governor Cuomo’s credit he came out against this legislation claiming that “it will roll back longstanding and effective consumer protections.”

Lastly, our Governor wrote a letter to Mr. Kevin Burke the Chairman and CEO of Con Edison opposing a recent decision by Con Edison to award bonuses to its executives.

In the letter dated April 23 to Mr. Burke, the Governor wrote: “I write to express concern regarding Con Edison’s (Con Ed) recent decision to award bonuses to its senior executives. These bonuses come at a particularly sensitive time. Six months ago today, Superstorm Sandy hit New York and in its aftermath, we witnessed a complete failure by many of our State’s utilities to provide adequate service to the ratepayers they serve. In impacted areas across our State, many New Yorkers were left without heat or light for weeks.”

The Governor ended his letter to Con Edison saying “In order to ensure that the terms of the approved rate plan and that ratepayers are not wrongly put on the hook for bonuses to Con Ed’s senior executives, I am directing the PSC to conduct a review of the bonuses. This will include reviewing Con Ed documents associated with the approval of the bonuses, the accounting treatments of these costs, and what steps Con Ed has taken to ensure that no costs have passed on to rate payers.” Bravo Mr. Governor! Te la comistes.

You should know that like Don Quixote De La Mancha, our Governor has taken out his sword and on this occasion, with courage and precision, has come out fighting the windmills on behalf of the residents of the New York City, knowing that they could have been the most affected by these draconian, blood sucking windmills. In these three situations, the Governor has proved to be a macho man.

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

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