BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ AND WELLCARE OF NEW YORK KICKED OFF BRONX SENIOR MONTH

  This morning Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., WellCare of New York and Bronx senior citizens kicked off Bronx Senior Month, celebrating the contributions of seniors from across the Bronx.

The itinerary of activities for senior citizens during the month of September will include a Grandparents Resource Fair and will finalize with an award ceremony honoring seniors who are making a difference in their community.

“Our senior citizens are the heart of our community and I am proud to partner with WellCare Health Plans, Inc. to honor them during the month of September.  Bronx Senior Month is a wonderful opportunity to provide entertainment to our seniors as well as information on their benefits and health needs. Here in the Bronx we have a rich history  thanks to our elders who continue to make invaluable contributions to our community.   Although September is especially dedicated to  our seniors we  should  always remember to help and support  them for a job well done throughout the year,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Immediately after the press conference, seniors were treated to a free screening at the Concourse Plaza Theater  of “The Butler,” a historical film starring Academy Award winning actor Forest Whitaker.

Bronx Senior Month Activities

• September 19, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Grandparents Resource Fair, light refreshments provided by Golden Crust

Sotomayor Community Center, 1000 Rosedale Ave, Bronx, N.Y.

• September 26 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Awards Ceremony and continental Breakfast

WellCare Bronx Retail Sales Office, 1043 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, N.Y.

 

Latest Quinnipiac Poll has DeBlasio at 43%

   It may sound like Bill DeBlasio has won the Democratic Primary without a run off election by getting 43 percent of the Democratic vote in the latest Quinnipiac poll, but lets look at the numbers.
   From August 28 - September 1, Quinnipiac University surveyed 750 likely Democratic primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points and 101 likely Republican primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 9.8 percentage points.

With seven days until the primary, 24 percent of likely Democratic primary voters say there is a good chance they will change their mind, but 61 percent of Thompson voters, 59 percent of De Blasio backers and 56 percent of Quinn supporters say they definitely will vote for their candidate.

That means by having about 300 people say they would vote for Bill DeBlasio in the Democratic Primary It looks like this race is over. However when the above statement is factored in along with the margin of error of the poll that number drops down to about 175 enthusiastic, but not definite votes for Bill DeBlasio.

When you look into the numbers of the Quinnipiac College poll this is still a horse race, or should I say a race for Mayor or the Run Off election. This is like calling the Presidential race when that tiny town in New Hampshire comes in first with about a dozen votes. _____________________________________________________________

Here is a statement from the Joe Lhota Campaign about the poll   STATEMENT FROM THE LHOTA CAMPAIGN ON TODAY’S QUINNIPIAC POLL   September 3, 2013     “Today’s Quinnipiac poll showing Joe winning by a 2-1  margin is further proof that voters are looking for a serious  candidate with ideas about how to move the city forward,  while outright rejecting the negative personal and untruthful attacks being waged by Mr. Catsimatidis.   We are heading into the final week of the campaign showing strong momentum, having garnered the endorsements of every newspaper that has weighed in on the Republican primary. We  look forward to a decisive victory on   September 10th and beginning a vigorous debate in the general election.”  --Jessica Proud, Lhota campaign spokeswoman

Editors Note:  Only 101 Likely Republicans were polled with Mr. Lhota receiving 48 %. That means only 26 probable Republican votes have determined this poll.

Join Letitica James & Fernando Cabrera at The Kingsbridge Armory/NWBx Dems

  Having already endorsed candidates in the 11th and 15th City Council districts that they have been on the payroll of the NWBx/Dems today endorsed two other candidates. Public Advocate Letitia James was scheduled to appear, but was in Brooklyn so one of her campaign workers came. Incumbent 14th City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, in a tight primary race this year accepted the endorsement of the NWBx/Dems this time around. While he appeared in photos with two other City Council District candidates endorsed by the NWBx/Dems 14th City Councilman Fernando Cabrera said in no way was he endorsing the other candidates in the photos with him. Councilman Cabrera said that he is working to help elect Candidate Joel R. Rivera in the 15th City Council District. An aide to Councilman Cabrera said that Councilman Fernando Cabrera was endorsing Andrew Cohen in the 11th City Council District. Both 15th council district candidate Joel R. Rivera and 11th council district candidate Andrew Cohen have not been endorsed by the NWBx/Dems. The endorsement took place in front of the Kingsbridge Armory on Kingsbridge Road in the 14th Council District.

Left - The two candidates endorsed by the NWBx/Dems are in the middle of the photo. Cliff Stanton 11th council district, and Cynthia Thompkins 15th council district.

Right - When he arrived  14th City Councilman Fernando Cabrera stood at the left end of the photo as not to be next to candidates he has not endorsed.

NWBx/Dems Anthony Rivieccio is talking to Councilman Fernando Cabrera, and his two candidates in the 11th & 15th council districts he has been in the employ of.  Mr. John Zaccaro Jr. President of the Bronx Young Democrats of the Bronx Democratic County Committee  keeps a close eye on what is going on.

John Liu Endorsed by Committee of 100 Democrats

  A week after his successful Free Community Barbecue Committee of 100 Democrats Chairman Ricky Martinez announced the endorsement of current City Comptroller John Liu for Mayor. Chairman Martinez had only kind words for Mayoral candidate John Liu. In the photo above you can see Chairman Martinez hiolding up Mayoral candidate John Liu's arm in a show of the victory to come. 

 

Left - Mayoral candidate John Liu arrives and receives a warm welcome from the crowd assembled.

Right - Mayoral candidate John Liu with Committee of 100 Democrats Chairman Ricky Martinez and other members of the committee after the endorsement of John Liu for Mayor.

49th PRECINCT 5K RUN/WALK SAT. SEPT 7th

       

  

Friends of Van Cortlandt Park

Upcoming Events

Run for the Trail Series
B’Ramble 10K/5K
Sunday September 1^st, 2013 at Starts at 10am
Van Cortlandt Track Club is partnering with the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park to put on the inaugural race in this series to celebrate the 100th anniversary year of Van Cortlandt Park’s historic cross-country course, and to raise maintenance funds.  All proceeds from the Sept. 1st race go to the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park’s Summer Teen Trails Crew.
Registration for B’Ramble : $25 online, $30 mail in.
Save the Dates of the Remaining Run for Trail Series Events:  Sunday October 27^th at 11:30am and Friday November 29^th at 10am

Get Active Hiking Series in VCP
Join us on the First Saturday of Each Month at 10am for a hike in Van Cortlandt Park.  Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water and a snack for the hike.

September 7th, meet at the last stop of the 4 train:  An introductory hike of 2-3 hours on the East side of VCP.

October 5th, meet at Woodlawn Playground (VCP East & Kepler Ave.):  Family friendly leisurely hike in the Northeast Wood.  Hike will last 60-90 minutes.  Appropriate for young and old.

November 2nd, meet at the Friends Compost & Garden Site (enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave):  An introductory hike of 2-3 hours in the Northwest Woods.

December 7th at 10am, meet at the last stop of the 1 train: Our longest hike- a 3-4 hour hike to see all Seven Wonders of Van Cortlandt Park.

Volunteer Trails Restoration Crew
Second Saturdays of the Month

from September to December 2013 from 10am to 3pm
Want to develop useful skills, while making a significant contribution to the future of Van Cortlandt Park and the Bronx Community?  Crew Members will work alongside trails professionals, developing skills in various areas of trail construction while improving the various trails in Van Cortlandt Park.  Projects include building boardwalks, clearing waterbars and drainage swells and installing drainage dips.  No prior trails experience is necessary but encouraged; all training will be offered in an on-the-job format.  All volunteers must register online by September 6th.

Seven Wonders of VCP: Vault Hill
Tuesday September 24th from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Visit and learn more about the next wonder- Vault Hill- in our continuing series of the Seven Wonders of VCP.  Arrive by 6:40pm for a presentation on the History of Vault Hill from the Director of the Van Cortlandt House Museum.  Then the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park will lead a hike up to Vault Hill to see the location in person and enjoy a beautiful view of the Park and city. After the hike, refreshments and snacks will be served. This is also a great opportunity to learn about the Friends and our generous host, the Van Cortlandt House Museum.  Please RSVP by Friday Sept. 20th.   Meet on the grounds of the VC House Museum- enter the Park at Broadway & W. 246th St.

Fall Kickoff Forest Volunteer Event
Saturday September 28^th meeting at 10am
Join us for this nationwide day of volunteering, as we start our fall volunteer season with projects throughout the Northwest Woods of Van Cortlandt Park.  Projects, including tree plantings and invasive plant removal, will take place on the John Muir and Cass Gallagher Trails.  Meet at the Compost Site- enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.

Fall Garden Crew
Tuesdays from October 1st- 29th from 3:30 to 5:30pm
Garden Crew is a chance to get outside, learn something new, have fun with your friends, and spend time working towards making your community and park a better place. With a new expansion to our garden we need more help than ever. Any high school and middle school students interested in community service can come out and prepare our garden for the winter by sifting compost, harvesting vegetables, weeding and watering the plants.  Applications are due by September 27th.  Meet at the Friends Compost Site- enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.

BDCC Annual BBQ Sat. Sept. 7th

  The Bronx Democratic County Committee

                             Annual BBQ

   Will Take place on Saturday September 7th 2013

      Time:  12  -  4  PM
 
      Location: BDCC HQ on Blondell Avenue. 
         (Between Eastchester Road & Chesbrough Streets.)

      For more information call 718-679-10000.

          Bronx Democratic County Committee
               1640 Eastchester Road.  10461. 

Bronx Young Democrats Host Meet and Greet

  The Bronx Young Democrats led by President John Zaccaro Jr. hosted a meet and greet for candidates at the Bronx Ale House last night. All Democratic candidates were invited to come and speak to the Bronx Young Democrats, and the BYD's were taken up by several Democratic candidates. 

   While the event started at 7 PM things quickly got going when Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner arrived. Weiner could only stay a short time due to other events citywide going on, and Weiner was headed to an event in Rockaway Queens. 

   Bronx Borough President and candidate for re-election this year spoke to the large crowd that had gathered. Diaz told the story of a young District Leader from the Soundview section of the Bronx who then became an assemblyman, and now was the Bronx Borough President. Diaz said it took a lot of hard work to climb the ladder, and that he still has some steps to go. Bronx Democratic Councty leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie echoed BP Diaz's words about working hard, and praised the BYD's for the forum. 

   Many others that came to the BYD's  forum included Mayoral candidate John Liu who came at the end and was having a ball with some patrons in the establishment. Public Advocate candidate Letitia James, City Council candidates Andrew Cohen 11th district, Albert Alvarez 15th, Joel R. Rivera 15th district, 86th A.D. special election candidate Victor Pichardo, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Councilman Oliver Koppell, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, many district leaders and state committee members, as well as the many  others who showed up. It was very dark so click on the photo to enlarge it.

 

Left - Term limited Councilman Oliver Koppell talking to BDCC Chairman Assemblyman Carl Heastie. Could it be about a rumored possible run for the 34th State Senate seat?

Right - Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. addresses the BYD.

 

Left - A photo of the crowd.

Right - Some proud BYD leaders.

 

Left - 15th City Council candidates Albert Alvarez and Joel R. Rivera.

Right - Public Advocate candidate Letitia James with 80th A.D. District Leader Kenny Agosto.

 

Left - John Desio of BP Diaz's office (left), Nivardo Lopez Bronx Director of Community Affairs for the Mayors Office (center), Andrew Sandler Aide to Councilman Oliver Koppell (right).

Right- State Senator Gustavo Rivera with 86th A.D. special election candidate Victor Pichardo (Chief of Staff to Senator Rivera).

 

Left - Senator Gustavo Rivera (a supporter of Speaker Christine Quinn) points to Mayoral candidate John Liu. 

Right - Two patrons of the Bronx Ale House pose with Mayoral candidate John Liu.