Yes Virgina, There are Park Rangers at Van Cortlandt Park

   It was a strange site Friday Afternoon as I spotted these two park Rangers on horseback by the Classic Playground section of Van Cortlandt Park. The rangers are strolling on Van Cortlandt Avenue across from the Amalgamated Houses. Below the rangers ride off down the sidewalk, I guess to avoid the speed bump.

Community Board 8 Election June 10th

  Tuesday June 10th is the date of the full Community Board 8 meeting at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church located at 4765 Henry Hudson Parkway, and the meeting begins at 7:30 PM. On the agenda is the election of officers and committee chairs to Community Board 8.

  As Vice-Chair of the Traffic and Transportation Committee I have been asked why I did not go for the position of Chair of the committee. My answer was that the Vice-Chair does not always make the best candidate for the Chair's position. 

  An article on the election can be found in the Riverdale Press about the two candidates who are running for Chair of Community Board 8. One is the current Vice-Chair and the other is the current Traffic and Transportation Chair. One thing odd in the Riverdale Press article however is that the Chairman of Community Board 8 Bob Fanuzzi is stated to have thrown his support behind the Vice-Chair. By stating that he is behind the Vice-Chair, the board chair can no longer be impartial if he is to conduct any part of the election for Chair of CB 8. I also wonder at the end of this Riverdale Press article why they spoke to one of the members of the nominating committee. 

  While Bob Fanuzzi will no longer be Chair of CB 8 he will still be a member of its Executive Committee as the past Chair of the board, but it is stated that he is running to become chair of the Environment and Sanitation Committee. One has to wonder why he is keeping someone else off the Executive Board and just what Mr. Fanuzzi's motive is. 

  In the last three years under Bob Fanuzzi's leadership of CB 8 it is obvious that he and his Vice-Chair have not involved people from Kingsbridge and Marble Hill. Why else would the Riverdale Press write that the Vice-Chair of CB 8 wants to "involve more residents of those neighborhoods in CB 8's activities." The Vice-Chair is also listed in the Riverdale Press article as saying that she reduced the number of days for alternate side parking throughout CB 8, and creating network events for small businesses. I guess the articles that said former CB 8 Chair Anthony Cassino and Brad Trebach were the ones who got the alternate side parking changed were wrong. I am not going to go into the networking with small business and leave that to the conflict of interest board.   

  Since CB 8 Chair Bob Fanuzzi has publicly come out in support of the current Vice-Chair by name in the Riverdale Press article I will now state that I have been amazed of the job Mr. Dan Paderncht has done as Chair of Traffic and Transportation. He is hard working, thoughtful, and has reached out to all parts of the community board and other committee. That is why I know that Dan Padernacht is the best candidate for chair of Community Board 8. As a member of CB 8 I will be voting for Dan Padernacht for chair of Community Board 8.

   I will also be running from the floor for Chair of the Environment and Sanitation Committee against former Croton Filtration Monitoring Committee Chair Bob Fanuzzi, because he has done a lousy job as chair of the CFMC allowing over 150 trees to be cut down at the Jerome Park Reservoir by the DEP.

   If anyone has said to you that I am voting for the vice-Chair of CB 8 Maria Khury to get their vote, they are lying, because I am voting Dan Padernacht for Chair of CB 8. 

ROBERT PRESS.

Seven Wonders of VCP & Special Offer from BJ's on 6/12/14

Seven Wonders of Van Cortlandt Park: Van Cortlandt Lake Thursday June 12th from 6:30-8:30pm
Visit and learn more about our next wonder- Van Cortlandt Lake- in our continuing series of the Seven Wonders of Van Cortlandt Park. This family friendly event will include plenty of hands-on activities and an opportunity to relax on the deck of the Van Cortlandt Golf House and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake. Activities include the collection and identification of aquatic invertebrates, fly casting demos/lessons by L.L. Bean and a tour around the lake. Finger Foods and Refreshments will be served. At this event, BJ’s Wholesale (which will be opening on  Broadway & W. 238th in August) will be selling discounted memberships and FVCP will receive $5 for each membership sold.    4. Great Reasons to JOIN or RENEW!!!                      1.   Get $10 Off BJ's $50 Annual Fee                             2.  3 Additional Months of Membership =15 months. 3. FREE Second Household Card 4. Easy way to support Friends of VCP! ***Already a member? We will ADD 15 months to your  expiration date WITHOUT losing months that you currently have!  We will extend ANY Membership at the discounted rate! Meet at the Van Cortland Golf House-  enter the Park at Bailey Avenue and  Van Cortlandt Park South.  Please RSVP to info@vancortlandt.org or (718)601-1460 by June 9th 2014.

Dinowitz, Klein Introduce Legislation to Designate Jerome Park as Parkland of NYC

  Today Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) and State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) were joined by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and a host of community activists near the Jerome Park Reservoir to introduce new legislation intent on designating Jerome Park as parkland of the city of New York. The bills, A.9681 and S.7467, would set in motion a public process by which most or all of what is known as Jerome Park can either become designated as park lands or lands that can be readily accessible to the general public for recreational use. The space could also be used as an urban wildlife or nature sanctuary.

The perimeter of the Jerome Park Reservoir, which is the area that would be turned into New York City Parkland as a result of this legislation, is currently owned by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  Access to the land around the reservoir, which is enclosed inside fence, is currently off-limits to the general public.

"The New York City DEP has for years denied our community access to one of our most precious resources-the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir,” Assemblyman Dinowitz said. “Even after the community defeated DEP's plan to build a giant water filtration plant in the Jerome Park Reservoir, The DEP refused to allow residents to get closer to the reservoir. It was only after the strong community opposition to DEP's subsequent plan to construct its monstrosity in Van Cortlandt Park that they decided, suddenly, there was a security risk in allowing people closer to the reservoir. (They didn't believe there was a security risk after 9/11, only after the community stood up to them.)

“This legislation would set in motion a plan that would hopefully designate the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir as parkland. Having grown up across the street from the reservoir, I know firsthand the amazing resource we have and its great potential."  

Senator Klein said: "In a city as large and rich with culture as New York City, open space is an invaluable asset for any community. That's why, partnering with Assemblyman Dinowitz, I am proud to introduce legislation that will help to do just that in Jerome Park in the Bedford Park area of the Bronx. By designating all of all of the green space surrounding the Reservoir park land, in conjunction with launching a community group dedicated to boosting recreational opportunities, we can ensure more local residents and New Yorkers from all neighborhoods experience all that Jerome Park has to offer." 

“The Jerome Park Reservoir is an incredible resource that should be enjoyed by our residents. This community treasure has been left unused for far too long. Northwest Bronx families have a right to enjoy the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir and I am glad that this new legislation will help make this area available for public recreational use. This has been a priority of mine since I became borough president, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues in calling for greater access to the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir as well as greater community involvement in determining the future of one of our Borough’s crown jewels,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

Editor's Note - 

There were no photos taken by me, because I was one of the community activists, and now a Community Board 8 member that were recognized for their hard work in stopping the DEP from building the water filtration plant in the reservoir in the late 1990's. I have stayed vigilant advocating for the JPR area and continued as a member of the Environment and Sanitation Committee of Community Board 8, which I hope to Chair after the Community Board 8 elections Tuesday night June 10th.

 

 

That Blue Sky, That is not Blue and is not a Sky

What You Should Know
Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz  -  32^nd Senatorial District

That Blue Sky, That is not Blue and is not a Sky
You should know that with the endorsement of the Working Families Party to the re-election efforts of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, the hopes and aspirations of our Democratic State Senate Conference of becoming the majority and ultimately take control of the Senate have gone all the way up to the sky.

You should also know that back in my college days at Lehman College in the Bronx, I used to have a philosophy teacher that used to tell us “Oh my dear children, that blue sky that is not blue and it is not a sky.”

Now, with the endorsement of the Working Families Party, people are saying that now the Governor will put pressure on Senator Jeff Klein and the other four run away Democratic members of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) to break their alliance with the Republicans and to come back to join the Democratic Conference and in order to be able to take control of the Senate.

It is well published in every newspaper that there were some negotiations between Governor Cuomo and the Working Families Party in order for the Governor to receive their endorsement. They came to an agreement that the Governor will support their liberal agenda, issues and will help the Democrats to take back the Senate. ( I remember back in 2009 when the Four Amigos were in negotiations with people to decide who would take control of the Senate. They called the Four Amigos outlaws, thieves, crooks, blackmailers, opportunists, and many other things.) I remember Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, then a State Senator, demanding an investigation into the requests made by the Four Amigos. ¿Que pasa ahora, Mr. Attorney General?

No one has asked me, but I will put my two cents into the possibilities of Senator Jeff Klein coming back to join the Democrats.

Right now, Senator Klein is facing a tough Democratic Primary by ex-State Attorney General Oliver Koppell and the same goes for Senator Tony Avella, who is equally facing a challenge by ex-City Comptroller John Liu. There are no benefits for Jeff Klein and his Conference if their Democratic Primary challengers, Oliver Koppell and John Liu continue in the run. They must drop out of the race!  But it will be illegal to negotiate such a thing. Hmmm!

If Jeff Klein and Tony Avella have to go through a bruising Democratic Primary and win, I assure you that there is no way in heaven for them to come back. They have proven to be unbeatable and will have nothing to gain by coming back.

You should know that my Senate Democratic Conference, for the past four years, has been played out, taken for granted and lied to by people in authority. The effort, cooperation and outstanding spirit of unity shown and offered to the Governor by Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the Leaders of the Regular Senate Democratic Conference have been out of this world but they not been appreciated or rewarded for it in the past, and I am afraid that now one more time people may be playing them out and taking advantage of their spirit or cooperation and understanding.

You should know that this is a business full of hypocrisy and imaginary friends. People do all kinds of things to save face. In this occasion, with this agreement, the Working Families Party has saved face and Governor Andrew Cuomo has saved face, but in the process there are and there will be collateral damages because that blue sky is not blue and is not a sky.

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

 

Wave Hill Events Jun 20–Jun 27

  SAT, JUNE 21    TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Sessions are held outdoors; indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, JUNE 21    WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK
Discover the fascinating history of Wave Hill’s architecture and landscape on a walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Hear about the people who once called Wave Hill home, among them Mark Twain, Bashford Dean and Arturo Toscanini. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Illustrious Residents event.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, JUNE 21    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Experience the natural landscape from the comfort of a domestic interior in Marek and Kristyna Milde’s Sunroom Project, an installation of planters shaped as couches and chairs. In the Sun Porch space, listen to With Hidden Noise, a traveling exhibition featuring evocative sounds, some recognizable from traditional instruments and field recordings, and others masked through electronic processes. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, JUNE 22   FAMILY ART PROJECT: SUCH ARE SNAKES
Learn about these limbless creatures, how they move and which ones can be spotted at Wave Hill. Use recycled materials to make your own snake, and bring it outdoors while you enjoy musician and songwriter Jeffrey Friedberg from the musical group The Bossy Frog, as he sings about snakes and other creatures. Interactive performance at noon. Free with admission to the grounds.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, JUNE 22    HATHA YOGA

Reduce stress, increase your energy and bring strength and flexibility to mind, body and spirit with a yoga practice. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. Ms. Dewji is certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga from The Yoga for Health Foundation, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute, NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors, indoors in inclement weather. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, JUNE 22    MEDITATION

This spring, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration receives a $2 discount. Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drop-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present their Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, JUNE 22    NATURE PRESENTATION: SNAKES OF NEW YORK

Do you think snakes are cool or creepy? Gain a new appreciation for these misunderstood reptiles with an Environmental Educator from the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum. Find out how snakes play an important role in our local ecosystem and see live snakes up close. Audience members have the opportunity to handle skins, skulls and other artifacts. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited; reservations strongly recommended, at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x251 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM and 2PM

SUN, JUNE 22    MEET THE ARTISTS: KRISTYNA & MAREK MILDE

Join us at this artist talk to gain insight into the creative practice of artists Kristyna and Marek Milde. Their work examines the effects of architecture, design and interior space on our perception of, and relationship to, the outside world. At Wave Hill, they will develop the idea of transplanting the natural site indoors in the gallery space. Their Sunroom Project includes planters filled with vegetation and shaped as couches and chairs, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into a lounge to experience the natural landscape from the comfort of the domestic interior. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 1:30PM

SUN, JUNE 22    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, JUNE 23

Closed to the public

TUE, JUNE 24    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

TUE, JUNE 24    GALLERY TOUR
Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of three current exhibitions. In the main gallery, Gregory Crewdson’s Fireflies series is being shown for the first time in its entirety. Crewdson’s photographs capture the fleeting light of these nocturnal creatures. Experience the natural landscape from the comfort of a domestic interior in Marek and Kristyna Milde’s Sunroom Project, an installation of planters shaped as couches and chairs. In the Sun Porch space, listen to With Hidden Noise, a traveling exhibition featuring evocative sounds, some recognizable from traditional instruments and field recordings, and others masked through electronic processes. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

TUE, JUNE 24    NATURE WALK & TALK: FIREFLIES AND OTHER INSECTS OF THE NIGHT

Every year in late June, a spectacular light show takes place at twilight. Stroll the grounds with naturalist Paul Keim to see and hear fireflies, katydids, moths and other nocturnal creatures. Use a sweep net to collect and view insects, then release them back into the night. The evening begins in Glyndor Gallery with a short tour of our current exhibition Gregory Crewdson: Fireflies. Don’t forget your flashlight! Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Space is limited. $18/$10 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, 718.549.3200 x251 or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT FRONT GATE, 7:30–8:45PM

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 until noon on Tuesdays in June. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs 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 30 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.

 

Cohen - Levine to Sponsor Resolution in City Council against LG Tower.

 

   Standing on the campus of the College of Mount Saint Vincent overlooking the beautiful view of the Palisades across the Hudson River City Council members Andrew Cohen and Mark Levine announced that along with Upper Manhattan Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez the three will be introducing a resolution in the council against the proposed LG tower across the Hudson River in New Jersey.

   The resolution calls upon the Borough Engelwood Cliffs New Jersey to withdraw the variance it issued to the LG Corporation that would allow LG to build its new headquarters to exceed the 35 foot height limit established in the Borough's zoning law and reverse the zoning law change that would allow structures to be built over 35 feet without a variance, and calling on the LG Corporation to respect the integrity of the Palisades by voluntarily redesigning its proposal to comply with the current zoning law.

  

Last Weeks 100 PERCENT Column

Here is what you would have seen in last weeks 100 PERCENT column in the Bronx News and Parkchester News papers. The column was bumped for that lovely two page ad from Major World Auto.

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

Klein Wins Big at Ben Franklin Dem Club

     Before I get into what happened at the Ben Franklin Democratic Club endorsement for the 34^th State Senate district, Congratulations go out to Mr. William Rivera the new Chairman of Community Board 9. William has worked hard on CB 9 as the chair of the Public Safety/Housing Committee, and was rewarded by being voted in as the youngest Community Board Chair in New York City.

    Just a few days after Riverdale Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Councilman Andrew Cohen, both Democratic district leaders, and several other prominent Riverdalians endorsed incumbent state senator Jeff Klein for re-election the Ben Franklin Democratic Club met for the purpose of a club endorsement vote for the Democratic Primary. Former Councilman Oliver Koppell had finally announced his candidacy for the 34^th state senate seat so this club vote had three options. Option one, a club endorsement for incumbent State Senator Jeff Klein. Option two, an endorsement of challenger Oliver Koppell. Option three, a vote of no endorsement of either candidate in the race.

     It seemed that the Koppell strategy at the Ben Franklin Club was to have the club not endorse any candidate in the 34^th district. This would seem to be a victory for Koppell as the club as a whole would not carry petitions for Klein. It became evident that during the floor fight of how to vote on the matter of the club endorsing or not that Oliver Koppell was not going to have the club behind him. The vote to endorse a candidate turned out to be 84 Ayes, 23 Nays, and 0 abstentions.

      BFDC President Ellen Feld then went over the rules of how the candidates would speak, answer questions, and then have surrogates speak on their behalf, something she had done many times before. She mentioned that the club usually goes by alphabetical order but that both candidates have agreed to let Oliver Koppell go first.

      Oliver Koppell went over his vast experience in public office. He continued that he had endorsed Jeff Klein in the past against Steve Kaufman, When Kaufman said if he was elected that he would work with the Republicans in the state senate. Koppell then attacked Klein for betraying the Senate Democratic Conference majority by empowering Republican Leader Dean Skellows to stay in power, and ended by saying “Have you no decency Mr. Klein.” Questions were next, and Koppell was drilled on having overturned the will of the people of the city by extending term limits for himself and allowing Republican Mayor Bloomberg to serve four more years. Other questions included just what did you do besides overturning term limits? Koppell answered by saying that in the state assembly he created the “Bottle Bill”, was chair of the City Council Mental Health Committee, opposed term limits when June Eisland was the Councilwoman before Mayor Bloomberg, and ended by saying that Klein has been in office for 20 years now.

     Jeff Klein spoke of growing up in the Bronx. At age 12 his grandfather told him that Democrats are people like us, and that he is the first Democrat to represent the 34^th State Senate district in 100 years. Klein told of traveling the state to help get a Democratic majority a few years ago with many promises made by the Democrats who took over that were never fulfilled. He added that the Democratic majority only created dysfunction and bred corruption throwing out a few names of the De State Senators who have gone to jail after the Democratic takeover. He said that was the reason for the creation of the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC). He said that items such as the money for Pre-K and many other Democratic ideals never came to the senate floor under Republican or even Democratic leadership that have under the IDC co-leadership. Klein was then asked several questions that included how much money he had received from charter school advocates, his pro death penalty stance, failure of the Dream Act, and where he stands on hydrofracking. Klein said he did not know how much or just who donated to his campaign from the charter school advocates, that he is in favor of the death penalty being brought back,.Klein added that it was him who brought the Dream Act to the senate floor, that all IDC members voted for it, but not all Senate Democrats did. Klein closed by saying that he is opposed to hydrofracking adding that the Sierra Club and NCLV have endorsed him. Oliver Koppel;ls wife Lorraine tried to take a shot at Senator Klein by asking him why there were no minority members of the IDC.

     The surrogate speakers were next, and Koppell's wife called Klein a racist for not having a minority member of the IDC. Several Koppell supporters said that Klein is not a real Democrat and has let the Republicans stay in power in the state senate. 33^rd State Senator Gustavo Rivera who has been at odds with Klein in the state senate gave a lukewarm speech at times praising Klein, but ended asking the club to endorse Oliver Koppell in the 34^th district.

      On the Klein side Councilman Cohen spoke of how Senator Klein has helped him in dealing with some problems in his council district. Others who spoke for Senator Klein spoke of his experience and compared Klein to getting rid of the gridlock that had been holding things up in Albany, including having an on time state budget for the past four years. The clincher was the last speaker Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz who answered the calls of his disloyalty to Koppell by saying “Where was Oliver Koppell at the Paradise Theater when all but two of the Ben Franklin Club members were supporting him to become the new Bronx Democratic County Committee Chair?' Dinowitz then said as he was being assaulted in the back Oliver Koppell and his wife were on stage with Jose Rivera, Maria Baez, and Larry Seabrook trying to keep them in power over me and the eventual winners that night. As Dinowitz continued and one could hear by his voice that he did not want to say what he was, but it was Oliver Koppell who wanted Loyalty and Democratic values over a very effective legislator. Dinowitz continued that in the 2009 mayors race Oliver Koppell did not endorse the Democratic candidate Bill Thompson. That Koppell choose to sponsor legislation to extend his term and the term of Republican Mayor Mike Bloomberg, and then endorsed the Republican candidate Bloomberg over the Democratic candidate. Dinowits ended by saying if it was an open seat things would be different, but Senator Jeff Klein is doing an excellent job and deserves to be re-elected.

      The final vote was Klein – 96, Koppell – 38, with 11 votes for no endorsement. Senator Klein said that he now has the endorsement of all the Democratic clubs in his district. Lorraine Coyle Koppell said “It is a sad day for the Ben Franklin Club, it has lost its reason for its existence.” Check my blog for photos of the endorsement meeting.

      Former Governor David Patterson has taken over as New York State Democratic Party chair, and has said that taking over control of the state senate is not his number one priority, party unity is.

     Lastly Saturday June 7^th is Family Day 2014 at Vidalia Park from 12 – 5 PM. The park is located on East 187^th Street between Daly & Vyse Avenues. There will be food, fun, games, and musical entertainment by toby Rivera.

      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.