BP DIAZ KICKS OFF 4th ANNUAL 'SAVOR THE BRONX' RESTAURANT WEEK

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and a variety of local epicureans sample the flavors of The Bronx Beer Hall as part of the kickoff of the 4^th annual “Savor the Bronx” restaurant week. The Bronx Beer Hall, which is located in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, is one of restaurants participating this year. For more information, visit www.savorthebronx.com. 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. officially kicked off the 4^th Annual “Savor the Bronx” Restaurant Week today at The Bronx Beer Hall in the Arthur Avenue Retail Market.

“Savor the Bronx” Restaurant Week, produced by the Bronx Tourism Council and co-hosted by the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC), showcases the borough’s best eateries by offering special values and discounts. 

“We have so many great flavors in our borough, and I hope everyone—visitors and locals alike—will take advantage of this promotion and try something new. Our borough has an amazing food culture, and ‘Savor the Bronx’ is a great way to explore our epicurean delights,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

"Savor The Bronx Restaurant Week is our way of featuring some the borough's best eateries. We invite visitors to sample a few and enjoy the diverse flavors we have here,” said Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of The Bronx Tourism Council. 

This 12-day event, which runs from November 3^rd to November 14^th, is the perfect opportunity to explore your taste buds and the Bronx.  From Italian cuisine in Little Italy to seafood on City Island, from sushi in Mott Haven to burgers in Kingsbridge and everywhere in between, “Savor the Bronx” offers everyone a chance to enjoy the diverse flavors our borough has to offer. 

The Bronx Beer Hall highlighted its new menu while also providing samples from two borough breweries: Gun Hill Brewery’s Void of Light Stout, which recently won a gold medal at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival; and Jonas Bronck’s Beer Company’s New York Chocolate Egg Cream Stout, which includes the iconic Fox’s U-Bet chocolate syrup among its ingredients.

In addition, Chef King Phojanakong of Small Axe Peppers was on hand to provide samples of The Bronx Hot Sauce, a new product that is made using peppers grown in community gardens across the borough.

For more information, visit www.savorthebronx.com.

L=Lunch Pre Fixe Menu $16.41       D=Dinner Pre Fixe Menu $20.14
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ITALIAN	MEXICAN
LATIN AMERICAN	ASIAN
AMERICAN	HEALTHY ALTERNATIVE
FRENCH	COUPONS

ITALIAN

Antonio’s Trattoria2370 Belmont Avenue antoniostrattoria.com  
718-733-6630                         %

Arties Steaks and Seafood 394 City Island Avenue artiesofcityisland.com
718-885-9885                         L/D

Giovanni Restaurant579 Grand Concoursegiovanninyc.com
718-402-6996                         %

Giovanni’s Restaurant2343 Arthur Avenue giovannisrestaurant.net
718-933-4141                         L/D

Ice House Café
and Restaurant140 Reynolds Avenue icehousecafebronx.com
718-863-5580                       L/D

John’s Pizzeria
2326 Arthur Avenue
718-220-0000                        %

Lucca Restaurant3019 Westchester Avenue lucca-restaurant.com
718-892-8282                       %

Spoto's4005 East Tremont Avenuespotosnyc.com        
718-828-5613 D

Tosca Café       
4034 East Tremont Avenue toscanyc.com
718-239-3300                      D

LATIN AMERICAN

 Babalu3233 East Tremont Avenue babalubx.com718-824-8400                          L/D

Don Coqui565 City Island Avenue doncoqui.tv718-885-2222                          D/O

 Havana Café3151 East Tremont Avenue bronxhavanacafe.com718-518-1800                                L

Siete Ocho Siete3363 East Tremont Avenue sieteochosiete.com718-430-6600                             %

AMERICAN

Charlies Bar & Kitchen 112 Lincoln Avenuecharliesbarkitchen.com718-684-2338                               %

Hard Rock Café - Yankee Stadium1 East 161st St, Gate 6hardrock.com/yankeestadium646-977-8888                                 %

 Jake's Steakhouse6031 Broadwayjakessteakhouse.com718-581-0182                                %

 P & K’s Grille170 West 231st Streetpkgrille.com347-602-7880                                  O

The Bronx Beer Hall 2344 Arthur Avenuethebronxbeerhall.com347-396-0555                                     %

FRENCH

Bistro SK273 City Island Avenuebistrosk.com718-885-1670                                            D

MEXICAN

 Cabo3764 East Tremont Avenuecabobx.com718-863-0091                                               L

 RJC Family Café2338 Jerome Avenue718-220-4888                                            L/D

 Santa Fe Grill & Bar6025 Broadwaysantafegrillrestaurant.com718-796-5095                                           %

 Xochimilco Family Restaurant653 Melrose Avenuexochi-restaurant.com718-402-5400                                          %

ASIAN

 Ceetay129 Alexander Avenue ceetay.com718-618-7020                                  D

HEALTHY
ALTERNATIVE

 Muscle Maker Grill4041 East Tremont Avenue musclemakergrill.com718-822-6992                                          %

Police Chief Gerald Nelson, an African-American, and Inspector Manuel De la Rosa, a Puerto Rican: They have both endured the same injustice

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

You should know that both New York City Police Chief Gerald Nelson and New York City Police Inspector Manual De la Rosa have been confronted with difficult times and apparent discrimination toward them, within the NYPD.

You should know that I met Chief Gerald Nelson – who calls me “Dad” – back in mid-2000 when he visited me in my office.  At that time, he was just a Police Inspector. Inspector Nelson provided me with a copy of his Curriculum Vitae and made me aware of the fact that he had been an Inspector for 6 years.  I was afraid that his future in the NYPD had come to a halt because it is very rare that anyone remains an Inspector for 6 years without getting promoted to Deputy Chief. It appeared to me that he was being punished by remaining a Police Inspector for 6 years.

You should know that I immediately called the Office of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and I spoke with the First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. I followed that telephone conversation with a letter in which I explained Police Inspector Gerald Nelson’s situation, and I included a copy of his resume.  In both my telephone call and in my written correspondence, I notified the Office of the Mayor of the apparent discrimination that Inspector Gerald Nelson was confronting.  I asked them to please take a look at his resume and pay attention to Inspector Nelson’s trajectory, capacity, experience and education.

I was not asking for any special favor. I was just asking them to review the facts. I was asking for justice because there was no reason why – with all of Inspector Gerald Nelson’s preparation and all of Gerald Nelson’s qualifications – that after 6 years, he was still an Inspector, blocked from his opportunity to become a Deputy Chief while others under his command had already been promoted.

It is important for you to know that a few weeks after my telephone conversation and letter – and to be even more exact – in September, 2000, Police Inspector Gerald Nelson was promoted to Deputy Chief. Since that time, no one has ever again ignored Gerald Nelson’s ability and competence, to the point that now Gerald Nelson holds one of the highest positions in the New York City Police Department. His name has been included among those to be considered for NYPD First Deputy Commissioner.

You should know, my dear reader, that the same thing that happened to Gerald Nelson, an African-American, is happening to Inspector Manuel De la Rosa, a Puerto Rican.

Manuel De la Rosa was promoted to Police Inspector in January, 2004. For the past 10 years – almost 11 – Inspector De la Rosa has been ignored, and I am afraid to say that to me, this looks like discrimination. Many others who have served under the supervision of Police Inspector De la Rosa have been promoted.  Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains who  have served under Inspector De la Rosa have already been promoted to Chief, while Manuel De la Rosa remains an Inspector, the same rank he had almost 11 years ago.

What a shame!

You should know that Police Inspector De la Rosa is a humble, professional and well-educated person. His vast experience and preparation was brought to the attention of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Administration.  They never showed interest, and instead, ignored and refused to take a look at De la Rosa’s situation.

Today, as in 2000, when I wrote about Gerald Nelson, I write with respect for Manuel De la Rosa. Today, like in 2000, I am not asking for any personal or political favor. I am not asking for special treatment. I am simply asking for justice.

You should know, my dear reader, that even though I did not support Bill de Blasio when he ran for Mayor of the City of New York, and I did not vote for him, I still believe as the Mayor of all the people in New York, he should take a look at Manuel De la Rosa's situation. I do not expect any special favors.  I am simply asking for justice.

Ladies and gentlemen, today, I write with the purpose of having someone in authority review Police Inspector De la Rosa’s situation, his trajectory, behavior, education, experience. I write to ask for justice for this man who, for more than 10 years, has seen his friends being promoted while he remains ignored with no one offering any reason or explanation about why this injustice has been allowed.

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

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz kicks off annual holiday canned food drive

  Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz has kicked off his annual canned food and turkey drive with students from local schools and participating residential buildings.

The Assemblyman’s office will be accepting donations until December 15^th with a pick-up for Thanksgiving scheduled for November 17^th. Food will be donated to the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and the food pantry at Saint Francis of Rome Church in Wakefield for families in need during the Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Christmas holiday seasons.  The following canned and non-perishable food items are accepted: canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, dried beans, pasta, rice, tuna, coffee, teas, canned juices, powdered milk, jell-o, and soups.  No glass jars are acceptable except for baby food.

Some of the schools are also collecting one-dollar donations for the purchase of turkeys for needy families on Thanksgiving.

“Our annual food drive is always such a wonderful event, and I know this year’s will be our best yet,”said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “I am always impressed by the selfless actions of our community, who year after year donate food for those in need. I look forward to another great year of giving, and thank in advance everyone who participates through their donations.”  

Residents may donate their canned goods to Assemblyman Dinowitz’s office located at 3107 Kingsbridge Avenue; one block west of Broadway, just off of West 231st Street.  For more information, call (718) 796-5345.

20 Bronx Church's to Merge into 10

  The Archdiocese of New York has announced that as of August 1, 2015 115 church's Citywide and in lower and upper Westchester will be merged. This means two church's will become one. This is being done as the Archdiocese can no longer keep many of its local church's open due to population shifts. 20 Bronx church's are affected by this move by the Archdiocese, and are listed below. The church on the left will remain open, while the church on the right will be closed and merged into the one on its left.

The following parishes will merge. The designated parish church is identified with an asterisk (*) in the column on the left. As of August 1, 2015, although remaining a church which may be used on special occasions, Masses and the sacraments will no longer be celebrated on a regular weekly basis at the church on the right.

Bronx County
1. *Saint John                                     Visitation
 3021 Kingsbridge Avenue            160 Van Cortlandt Park South
 Bronx, New York 10463                Bronx, New York 10467
_____________________
2. *Saint Brendan                             Saint Ann
 333 East 206 Street                       3519 Bainbridge Avenue
 Bronx, New York 10467              Bronx, New York 10467
___________________  
3. *Saint Anselm                               Saint Roch
 685 Tinton Avenue                         525 Wales Avenue
 Bronx, New York 10455              Bronx, New York 10455
____________________
4. *Saint Rita of Cascia                     Saint Pius V
 448 College Avenue                        420 East 145 Street
 Bronx, New York 10451                Bronx, New York 10454
____________________
5. *Holy Family                                 Saint John Vianney
 2158 Watson Avenue                      715 Castle Hill Avenue
 Bronx, New York 10472                Bronx, New York 10473
____________________
6. *Holy Rosary                                Nativity of the Blessed Lady
 1510 Adee Avenue                          1531 East 233 Street
 Bronx, New York 10469                Bronx, New York 10466


Bronx merging church's * denotes home church only.

Parish Church
1. *Saint Margaret of Cortona            Saint Gabriel
 6000 Riverdale Avenue                     3250 Arlington Avenue
 Bronx, New York 10471                    Bronx, New York 10463
______________________________________________________________
2. *Saint Jerome                                     Saint Luke
 230 Alexander Avenue                       623 138th Street
 Bronx, New York 10454                     Bronx, New York 10454
______________________________________________________________
3. *Holy Family                                       Blessed Sacrament
 2158 Watson Avenue                           1170 Beach Avenue
Bronx, New York 10472                      Bronx, New York 10472
______________________________________________________________
4. *Our Lady of the Assumption           Saint Mary Star of the Sea
 1634 Mahan Avenue                                595 Minneford Avenue
 Bronx, New York 10461                         Bronx, New York 10464

Veterans Day Blood Drive

Assembly Member Mark Gjonaj from 80th District & New York Blood Center Welcomes You to the 1st Annual Veterans Day  Blood Drive

At 2018 Williamsbridge Road Bronx, NY, 10461           On Wednesday, November 12, 2014                     From 12:00 PM - 6:00PM Appointments appreciated Bus Mobile - Walk-ins are welcomed! To schedule an appointment or for more information contact the office at   (718) 409-0109 *Please bring identification with photo or signature* For questions about eligibility to donate due to travel outside the U.S. medications or medical conditions contact   1 (800) 688-0900

Bronx Chamber of Commerce 'Bronx Builders Awards'

  The first Bronx Chamber of Commerce 'Bronx Builders Award Night' brought over 200 people to Marina Del Rey Wednesday to celebrate the wonderful job that the Bronx Chamber of Commerce (BCC) has done. Several elected officials were also on hand including Congressmen Eliot Engel and Charles Rangel, Former mayor David Dinkins, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson, And Assembly members Luis Sepulveda, Mark Gjonaj, Victor Pichardo and the newest member of the assembly Michael Blake (that is on Wednesday November 3rd).. 

   The eight awardees included Barica College Village, Via Verde, Carl Ledds New York Junior Tennis League, The Mall at Bay Plaza, The Banknote Building, Montefiore Hutchinson Campus Ambulatory Care Center, Heritage Fields, and the South Bronx Charter School for International Cultures and the Arts. There was also 34 items of memorabilia from a 24 karat gold Elvis Presley gold record, an autographed 'Good Bye photo' of Derek Jeter, to an autographed Joe Namath photo to name a few. 

   "The Bronx is Burning" has been replaced with "The Bronx is Booming" said Lenny Caro the president of the BCC. He added that this was only the first Awards Dinner, and that many more will come every year. The Special Guest of Honor was Ambassador Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York who during his speech told of a wonderful woman who was the first female Prime Minister of Israel.. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was the Keynote Speaker who said no matter where you go in the Bronx there is development, and that means Bronx jobs. Diaz Jr. also mentioned that the Bronx unemployment level is at the lowest rate in many years, below 10% from its high of over 14%. That is still to high Diaz Jr. cautioned, and he is looking to the Bronx Chamber of Commerce to help him lower the rate even more.

Bronx Community Board 7 November Meeting Calendar

Bronx Community Board 7

Adaline Walker-Santiago, Chairperson
Dustin Engelken, District Manager

GENERAL COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 @ 6:30 PM

 Location: Bedford Park Senior Center

243 East 204th  Street, Bronx, New York 10458

The Following November 2014, Committee Meetings Are Held At  The Community Board Office – Unless Otherwise Noted  
Monday, 3rd    ...........Executive @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, 5th   :    ...Public Hearing | ULURP Application for Library Lane @ 6:30 pm
Thursday, 6th   ..........Public Safety & Quality of Life @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, 12th     ...Economic Development @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, 12th      ...Community Relations / LTP @ 7:30 pm
Thursday, 13th     ......Traffic & Transportation @ 6:30 pm
Monday, 17th    .........Environment & Sanitation @ 6:30 pm
Monday, 17th   .........Health & Hospitals @ 7:30 pm  
Wednesday, 19th .......Housing / Land Use & Zoning @ 6:30 pm
Thursday, 20th   ........Education / Libraries & Youth Services @ 6:30 pm
Monday, 24th       ..........Parks & Recreation @ 6:30 pm
Monday, 24th       ..........Senior Services @ 7:30 pm
TBD.....................Budget / Personnel & Ethics  
This calendar is subject to change. For the most up-to-date calendar, please contact us at: Phone: (718) 933-5650 ◊ E-mail: Info@BronxCB7.info ◊ Web: www.BronxCB7.info

Police Chief: Edward Delatorre, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

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

Police Chief: Edward Delatorre, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

You should know that there is an old saying: "No good deed goes unpunished."  It is something that many of us say to ourselves when no matter how good we try to be helping another person, it backfires in our faces.  An article titled "Top cop blew a promotion by helping Garner’s mom" by Dana Sauchelli and Jamie Schram in today's New York Post tells how a good deed by a New York City Police officer for the grieving mother of Eric Garner has cost him dearly.

The Post reported: "Staten Island top cop Edward Delatorre is in the doghouse ­ after telling officers to fix a headlight for Eric Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, so that she could beat a ticket."

I cannot imagine the pain and suffering Eric Garner's mother must endure every time she thinks about the brutal killing of her son. I commend Staten Island Chief Edward Delatorre for his act of kindness for this grieving woman.

The Post article tells about the ongoing public ridicule that Staten Island Chief Edward Delatorre is facing: "Since the fiasco, cops have circulated a phony certificate of merit for the embattled chief, praising him for his “outstanding roadside auto service and assistance for the people of da hood.”

My dear reader, I have to ask myself: What kind of a cruel and jaded world do we live in when kindness and compassion is punished?  What lessons are we teaching our children and grandchildren when we tell them to be kind and caring, and then we condemn the actions of people who help others?

Ladies and gentlemen, I pray that the Lord will bless Staten Island Chief Edward Delatorre and his family and every member of the NYPD who has gone out of his or her way to help others - and I also pray for those who mock, ridicule and scorn him and any officer of the law who helps another person so they realize the example they are setting.

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