SENATOR KLEIN ANNOUNCES $100,000 IN STATE FUNDING FOR BRONX SENIORS HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM

Women’s wellness program aims to provide older adults with access to affordable, holistic healthcare

State Senator Jeff Klein announced $100,000 in state funding for the Riverdale Senior Services Women’s Wellness Plan on Wednesday. The announcement came at the group’s monthly Women’s Circle meeting.

“Growing up with my grandparents in Morris Park, I learned the importance of caring for our elders and giving back to those who have given us so much. The Riverdale Senior Services Women’s Wellness program provides participants with free access to wellness services and helps seniors cultivate and maintain both a sound mind and body. I’m proud to have secured $100,000 in funding for the Women’s Wellness Program and I look forward to continuing to work with Riverdale Senior Services to ensure our seniors lead long, healthy and happy lives,” said Senator Klein.

“Healthy and purposeful aging is really the key focus of the Riverdale Senior Services Women’s Wellness Program. Being able to age well in-place and to be independent for as long as possible requires one to be health literate, to have access to resources and to practice preventive strategies. Riverdale Senior Services provides not only a forum for women to gather, but also participate in wellness programs that contribute to health literacy and living a well and balanced full life,” said Andria Léger Cassidy, RN, Deputy and Community  Health Services Director at Riverdale Senior Services.

"All of my life I didn't have strength in my arms. Now, thanks to the Riverdale Senior Services Women’s Wellness program, I exercise regularly and best of all – I can open my own jars! I am very grateful to Senator Klein for funding this program and Riverdale Senior Services for offering support to women in the community,” said Elvina Lenz, participant in the Women’s Wellness Program and Riverdale resident.

The wellness program, targeted at women over 60, is comprised of five distinct parts: a physical fitness and nutrition class, health management services, a wellness tracking card and monthly women’s group that meets to discuss important issues facing seniors today.

• Women’s Support Group: Helps women to cope with physical, mental and emotional changes in their daily routine due to aging; provides assistance with caregiving issues; and offers support to those dealing with the loss of a loved one or widowhood. The women’s support group meets every Monday at 11:00 a.m.

• Strong, Healthy and Energized (S.H.E.): A ten-week fitness class designed to integrate exercise, nutrition and stress reduction into women’s daily lives. The health and wellness class is held at the Schervier Apartment Complex on Thursdays from 11:00 – 12:30 p.m.

• Health Management Services: Women participating in any one of the wellness programs can take advantage of health-management services provided by a registered nurse. This includes blood pressure monitoring, health referrals and health counseling services with a focus on nutrition, medications, weight management, chronic illness and more.

• Wellness Wheel Tracking Card: A tool to help women take responsibility for achieving balance in their lives by focusing on six dimensions of wellness. Women can use the card to track and develop activities in the following areas: social, physical, vocational, emotional, spiritual and intellectual health.

• Women’s Circle: Launched this year, the Women’s Circle helps women over 60 to lead a better, more balanced life. The circle provides a forum where women can gather together to gain information, network and enjoy each other’s company. The circle focuses on maintaining wellness and building a community of women with common interests and goals. The Women’s Circle gathers once per month to hold discussion groups.

For more information on the Women’s Wellness Program at Riverdale Senior Services, please contact Senator Klein’s office at 718-822-2049.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein explains the importance of the Women's Wellness program, and why he supports it.

Below - Many of the Seniors in the Women's Wellness Program at Riverdale Senior Services were happy to pose with their favorite State Senator, Jeff Klein.

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: President Obama’s Proposal on Puerto Rico’s Debt

  “I commend President Obama for taking action and putting forward a proposal that supports the future economic growth of Puerto Rico and prevents a financial catastrophe for our fellow Americans who call Puerto Rico their home. For several months, I have been pushing for common sense solutions to Puerto Rico’s fiscal crisis, which undoubtedly would negatively impact New York and other states. This includes leading a coalition of elected officials from across the nation in a push for federal legislation that would allow the commonwealth to declare bankruptcy, restructure its debt and fundamentally change how Puerto Rico engages in commerce.

“ This latest proposal is a strong step forward for the financial health and well-being of Puerto Rico, and it is now up to Congress to act quickly to prevent what some have described as a looming humanitarian crisis in the commonwealth. I look forward to strategizing with my colleagues in government, including Assembly Member Marcos Crespo, Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force; Congress Members Nydia Velazquez and Jose Serrano, and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito on moving forward federal legislation when we meet at the Somos El Futuro conference in Puerto Rico next month,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

In August, Borough President Diaz issued a letter, in conjunction with over 100 elected officials from across the nation, demanding immediate action from Congress to enact legislation that will allow the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to enter bankruptcy. Read the letter here http://on.nyc.gov/1h2qZs1.

Uniformed Firefighters Association Endorses Keith Wright for Congress

Uniformed Firefighters Association Endorses Keith Wright for Congress

October 22, 2015

The Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) representing more than 8,000 New York City Firefighters today endorsed Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright for election to New York’s 13th Congressional district. The UFA is the largest firefighters union local in the world.

In making the endorsement UFA leaders cited Assemblyman Wright’s pledge to support the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act and his longstanding fight for improved staffing levels at fire companies throughout the City of New York.

“As a leader in Albany and in the city, Keith Wright has stood with the community and with New York City Firefighters in opposition firehouse closures and staffing cuts that threatened the lives of New Yorkers and our firefighters. He has long expressed a steadfast support for the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, which is necessary to continue protecting the health of thousands who are sick from responding in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks on our nation” said Steve Cassidy, UFA President.

“Keith Wright has demonstrated a tremendous respect for the sacrifices of first responders and clearly understands what is needed to keep New Yorkers safe. That is why New York City firefighters and the UFA is proud to endorse Keith Wright to be the next congressman to represent the citizens of the 13th district.”

“I am so grateful to have the support of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. The members of the UFA are the everyday heroes who have long played a critical role in the safety of our communities,” said Assemblyman Wright. “Whether it’s improved working conditions, ensuring access to top of the line equipment and technology, or supporting the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, I look forward to advancing the needs of firefighters and the New Yorkers they protect, as a strong voice in Congress.”

The 13th Congressional District, currently represented by U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel, encompasses the neighborhoods of Harlem, Inwood, Marble Hill, East Harlem, Washington Heights, Morningside Heights and parts of the Upper West Side. For more information on Democrat Keith Wright’s campaign for Congress, please visit www.Wright2016.com.

Citizen Preparedness Training Tuesday, October 27th Bronx House 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

October 26th NYC Fundraiser for Assemblyman Michael Blake

     
RSVP: https://act.myngp.com/Forms/5446830361490556672

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Upcoming Events

Please join the 

Bronx Chamber of Commerce 

for our 

upcoming events 

SPACES ARE FILLING UP

Registration Required !

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

Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Workshop

5:30PM

Monday, Oct.26th

Veterans Brunch

10:00AM

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

For More Information Please Email:

EVENTS@BRONXCHAMBER.ORG

BP Diaz and PACE to Host Gifted & Talented Open House

  FOR the second year in a row, the Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and PACE (Parents' Alliance for Citywide Education) will co-host a Gifted & Talented Education Open House providing information about New York City's Citywide Gifted & Talented (G&T) elementary schools, Bronx district G&T programs and other accelerated education options. The groups will hold two events on Thursday, October 29^that the Bronx Library Center – one at 10-11:30 a.m. and another at 6-7p.m.

Each event features drop-in sessions related to G&T education as well as a presentation on the public school G&T testing process by expert consultants. PACE and Bronx Borough President representatives will be on hand, and current parents at Citywide G&T schools and district G&T programs will be available for informal Q&A.  Representatives from other local educational groups will provide information and a representative from the NYC Department of Education will also be available to answer questions specific to the public school G&T process.

In addition to gathering information on educational options, attendees can sign up on site for the free G&T test offered by the DOE.

Among the five boroughs of New York City, Bronx children are tested at the lowest rate per capita, according to DOE statistics. This can change with better outreach to all Bronx communities. In fact, after last year’s Open House at which scores of parents signed up for the G&T test on site, the number of Bronx children taking the G&T test for entry to Kindergarten increased by over 13 percent whereas in other boroughs the testing rate stayed flat or even decreased.  The PACE group believes if more parents have their children tested, the demand for accelerated programs will grow in The Bronx.

“As a borough we continue to push for educational excellence and options for all of our students,” says Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “When looking at the gifted and talented students in The Bronx, we know we have to do the work of educating and supporting parents to make informed decisions about the educational trajectory of their children.

We are working with Bronx parents who have gone through the G&T process and can offer their experiences and knowledge to assist parents, especially when signing up for the free G&T test with the Department of Education; to answer questions parents and caregivers may have about the G&T process and schools; and with organizations that provide further educational options for parents of gifted and talented children.”

Borough President Diaz added, “Supporting students is a priority of my office and I look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts to open as many doors of excellence to our parents and gifted and talented Bronx students.” 

PACE is an organization founded by parent volunteers who represent each of New York City's Citywide G&T schools and programs: The Anderson School on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Brooklyn School of Inquiry, NEST+m on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, STEM Academy at PS 85Q (grades 2-5 in 2015/16) and The 30th Avenue School (Q300) (grades K-2, 6 & 7 in 2015/16) in Queens, & TAG Young Scholars in East Harlem, Manhattan. More information can be found at their website, Citywideschools.org.

PACE seeks to advance G&T education through advocacy, outreach, and coalition building. PACE’s activities include:

    •    Monitoring relevant education policy and issues,

    •    Educating elected officials and other community leaders about Citywide gifted and talented programs,

    •    Advocating for existing and new Citywide G&T schools and programs, and

    •    Sharing experience, learning, and practices among parents at Citywide gifted and talented schools and programs.

Citywide schools are gifted and talented schools which accept applicants from any of NYC's five boroughs based on results of the NYC Department of Education’s Gifted and Talented testing.

Details

When:             Thursday, October 29, 10-11:30 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.    

Free and Open to the Public, Refreshments Served and Children Welcome

Location:        Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY

Questions:      Contact Willow Lawson, Parents’ Alliance for Citywide Education,

info@citywideschools.org

SENATOR KLEIN LAUNCHES 34th SENATE DISTRICT THANKSGIVING POSTER CONTEST

Students K-6 invited to participate in “What are you thankful for?” Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration

State Senator Jeff Klein today announced the launch of the New York State Senate’s Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration for elementary school students in the 34th Senate District. To honor and celebrate Thanksgiving, students in kindergarten through sixth grade are encouraged to participate in this statewide competition.

Senator Jeff Klein said: “Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all our blessings and thank our parents, family and friends for the kindness and support they have shown us over the past year. It’s also a time to give back, help out our communities and endeavor to make the world a better place. I hope all students in the 34th Senate District enter this fun creative contest and let me know ‘what they are thankful for.’ I look forward to hearing from you!”

The theme of the contest is “What are you thankful for?” Students should submit their one-page essay, poetry or art work electronically to klein.nysenate.gov. Acceptable file formats include jpeg or pdf.

All entries must be submitted by November 19, 2015. Participating students will have their work published online in the Senate's Thanksgiving Day Showcase and receive a certificate from Senator Klein.