Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Health and Wellness Fair

 

  It was billed as a Health & Wellness fair as over 25 different tables were set up by city agencies (like the one in the photo above), Community organizations Non Profit organizations, Health Insurers, and other Health or Wellness related groups. The fair was held in MS 80 located at the corner of Van Cortlandt Avenue and Mosholu Parkway, and I found out something very interesting about the school that you will see at the end of this story.

Above - There were many different options for those who came to the Health and Wellness fair including testing by Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics. However you had to have medical insurance to be tested, and the co-payment was waived for the event.

Below - Metro Optics with several Bronx locations was on hand to help you see better. 

Above - United Health Care Community Plan and Union Community Health Center were also on hand, but you can see a large screen television at the top of the photo.

Below - It appears that in the lunchroom of MS 80 this large screen television was showing the Iowa - Temple College Basketball game. 

Above and Below - Also interesting was the fact that commercials were being shown in a public school. 

Above - another commercial being shown in a public school.

Below - there were other large screen televisions set up around the lunchroom - six in all making the lunchroom look like a sports bar. I was told that the children watch the televisions during breakfast and lunch to occupy their time. 

Editor's Note: 

I wonder if the Chancellor and Mayor know that in this and probably other schools around the city televisions are put into rooms such as this lunchroom to occupy a child's time when they should be learning rather than watching commercial television. Are the schools at least receiving any money from the commercial television being shown in their lunchrooms and where ever else in the school Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Farina?

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Women of Distinction Luncheon

    As usual the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon was an event not to be missed, the Mistress of Ceremony was Ms. Juliet Papa of 1010 Wins News Radio, The Keynote Speaker was Lt. Governor Hon. Kathy Hochul, Nunzio Del Greco President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce greeted everyone, and Joe Kelleher the Chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce gave the opening remarks. however if you did not attend here is what you missed.

Above (Left - Right) Tajanique Parker (Renaissance High School who sang the National Anthem), Blessing Abraham-Anoroh (Con Edison Stem Scholarship award winner), Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, Kunjben Patel (Con Edison Stem Scholarship award winner), Alissa Marquez (Hutchinson Metro Center Scholarship award winner), and Vandanna Hairpersaud (Metro Optics Scholarship award winner).

Below - State Senator Jeff Klein says a few words about Michelle Dolgow-Christofaro who received a Special Recognition Award from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Above - Michelle Dolgow-Christofaro who received a Special Recognition Award from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for her many years as the BCC's Executive Director. 

Below - Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark speaks about her humble Bronx Roots, and what it is to be the first Black Woman District Attorney.

Above - Bronx DA Darcel Clark was also one of the honorees of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Below - Bronx DOT Commissioner Constance Moran was the second Bronx Chamber of Commerce Honoree.

Above - Ms. Tracy McDermott was the third Honoree of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Below - Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul was seated at the table of Bronx DA Darcel Clark, and Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene (who sat in for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.).

KLEIN NEGOTIATES RE-STABILIZATION OF 82 BRONX APARTMENTS

Previously de-stabilized units restored to rent rolls

State Senator Jeff Klein announced today that, with the help of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), he negotiated the re-regulation of 82 apartments in The Bronx.

The units, which are part of several buildings owned by Goldfarb Properties, had previously been removed from the rent rolls, in some cases by the previous owner and, in others, after Goldfarb claimed vacancies. When Senator Klein learned of the de-regulated apartments at 2160 Matthews Avenue,  1135 Pelham Parkway North, and 1130 and 1540 Pelham Parkway South, his office began working closely with tenants’ associations in the buildings, eventually partnering with the Attorney General and HCR’s Tenant Protection Unit (TPU). After discussions with Senator Klein’s office, the Attorney General’s Office and HCR, Goldfarb agreed to re-regulate a total of 82 units.

“As our city works hard to try to expand affordable housing for our working- and middle-class, it is incredibly important to ensure that we are protecting the affordable housing that already exists. I am proud to announce that with this wave of re-regulation, we have been able to push this landlord to restore these 82 units, thereby protecting these tenants and their families who rely on affordable rents. I want to thank Attorney General Schneiderman and New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Tenant Protection Unit for their help,” said Senator Klein.

“I am pleased my office could work with Senator Klein and HCR to return dozens of Bronx apartments back to rent regulation. Today's settlement is an important example of the work we can and must do to uphold tenant rights and preserve affordable housing across the city,” said Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman.

“The Governor’s Tenant Protection Unit works in every neighborhood on behalf of tenants’ rights. This case represents a win for the tenants and the Bronx. The TPU, as a member of the City/State Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force, moved proactively to help the tenants in these buildings and returned over 80 units that were improperly de-regulated. In doing so, the Governor’s TPU has helped to stem the loss of rent regulated housing in working and middle-class neighborhoods, ensuring that long-term tenants can stay in their homes,” said HCR Commissioner James S. Rubin.

BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD #6 TO OBSERVE THE 26TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HAPPY LAND SOCIAL CLUB FIRE

On Friday, March 25, 2016, Bronx Community Board #6 and the relatives and friends of the victims of the 1990 Happy Land Social Club Fire will commemorate the 26th anniversary of that tragic event which took the lives of 87 people. Still fresh in our minds, we keep the memory alive by remembering those who died as well as the impact it had on this community. 

The Happy Land Social Club Fire was the largest mass murder to occur in New York City, second only to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Eighty-seven individuals lost their lives when Julio Gonzalez, who had been evicted from the club earlier after fighting with his girlfriend, poured and ignited gasoline at the entrance of the club. With the club’s windows and other means of egress barricaded, and no sprinkler system available, the individuals had no hope for escape. To its credit, the city shortly thereafter formed the Club Task Force (now known as the Multi-Agency Response to Community Hotspots, or MARCH Operation). 

The Happy Land Fire is the legacy of this community and the month of March is Fire Prevention month; as such, community board 6 is requesting that the Fire and Buildings departments inspect all local drinking establishments (i.e. bars and nightclubs) to insure they are up to code and are a safe place to gather, with working sprinklers, clear exits, and a proper Certificate of Occupancy.

A monument was erected in 1995 directly across the street from the site of the fire which bears the victims’ names. There, family members and friends visit and place flowers on special occasions such as birthdays, holidays and anniversaries. The street in front of the monument has been renamed Ochenta y Siete Boulevard. 

Community Board #6 will observe the fire’s 26th anniversary, which falls on Good Friday this year, one of the most holiest days, by dedicating a 7:00 p.m. mass to the victims. The mass will be held at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church (1900 Crotona Parkway) followed by a procession towards the monument at East Tremont Avenue, between Southern Boulevard and Crotona Parkway, for a rosary and candlelight vigil. Flowers, wreaths, and mementos will be placed at the base of the monument, and the names of victims will be read. (The victims’ names appear on the attached page.) 

Additional information about the March 25th memorial may be obtained by contacting the community board’s district office at 718-579-6990 or by email at brxcb6@optonline.net 

Honorable Ritchie Torres,                                   

City Council Member, 15th Council District      

Honorable Rafael Salamanca,

City Council Member, 17th Council District

Happy Land Social Club Fire

26th Anniversary

March 25, 2016

1.Lourdes Rosario Aguilar 28. Marvin Antonio Doubleday

2. Calixtro Alfara 29. Luis Gustavo Drummond

3. Jose Amilear Alfaro 30. Omar Escobar

4. Malvin Alicea 31. Alba Escoto

5. Denny Elroy Alvarez 32. Casimiro Evo

6. Hector Alvarez 33. Daisy Marie Falco

7. Jose Alvarez 34. Debra Farrington

8. Frankie Tomas Arana 35. Loretta Farrington

9. Dagoberto Barahona 36. Jose Romans Flores

10. Sandra Beltran 37. Lenny Ernesto Gamoneda

11. Victor Hugo Benavides 38. Marco Tulio Gamoneda

12. Israel Antonio Bulnes, Jr. 39. Orvin Garbutt

13. Wilfredo Castillo 40. Erlinda Gomez

14. Janet Castro 41. Jose Gonzalez

15. Carla Chavez 42. Carmen Hernandez

16. Francisco Chavez 43. Enrique Hinds

17. Norman Clark 44. Ann Marie Hunt

18. Elias Colon 45. Juan Javier

19. Juan Carlos Colon 46. Charles Joseph

20. Ramon Colon 47. Israel Laureano, Sr.

21. Carlos E. Contreras 48. Isabel Lopez

22. Victor Hugo Cordova 49. Mauricio Lopez

23. Justa Gladys Crisanto 50. Nohemy Arcely Luque

24. Lester Rolando Cruz 51. Luis Abraham Manaiza

25.Natalie Dantzler 52. Wendy Manaiza

26. Jose Alexis Diaz 53. Kim Marlow

27. Marco Tulio Dolmo 54. Jose Manuel Marquez

55. Mario Martinez 72. Samuel Ortiz

56. Aida Margarita Martinez 73. Nilda Ortiz

57. Marco Vinicio Martinez 74. Mario Pacheco

58. Marisol Martinez 75. Eli J. Pena

59. Ines Maximo 76. Juan Andres Pena

60. Daphne McKenzie 77. Carlos Roberto Peri

61. Hilda E. McKenzie 78. Wilson Efrain Pesantez

62. Samuel R. McKenzie 79. Miriam Elena Pineda

63. Elevio Mejia 80. Minerva Ramos

64. Nelson Mejia 81. Clemente (Henry) Reyes

65. Rene J. Mena, Jr. 82. Cruz Robledo

66. Mircia Moncada 83. Query Francisco Romero

67. Dionicio Moreira 84. Susan Gayle Samms

68. Ana Luisa Moss 85. Betsabe Torres

69. Yvette Murray 86. Paula Velasquez

70. Yvonne Murray 87. Nicolas Zapata

71. Juan Jose Nunez

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams - Attend Brooklyn's Open House

As Brooklyn borough president, I am honored to work every day in the People's House - Brooklyn Borough Hall. Now, in the spirit of One Brooklyn, I have the opportunity to open it up to the people like never before! Along with Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Diana Reyna, I am pleased to invite you to attend Brooklyn's Open House, a first-of-its-kind experience to be held on Saturday, April 16th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. During this special evening, you will have the opportunity to meet me and my fantastic team, tour this historic building, as well as learn about the work we have been doing over the last two-plus years and what we have in store for our borough's bright future!   RSVP here for this family-friendly event. Space may be limited. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, April 16th! -Eric

Assemblymember Michael A. Blake - Women's History Month Event on March 26th

Dear Members of New York's 79th Assembly District,

 

You are cordially invited to attend Assemblymember Michael Blake's Women's History Month event highlighting the contributions of women who actively work to help realize our vision of the 3 Es: Economic development, Education, and Equality for all.  Assemblymember Marcos Crespo, Councilmember Vanessa Gibson, and Senator Gustavo Rivera are also sponsoring the festivities.

Assemblymember Michael Blake will be honoring several distinguished members of our community with citations that recognize their important contributions to empowering women.

 

Women in our district continue to strive to break through the glass ceiling and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders. Through determination and hard work, women are making history and giving other women a seat at the table. Today, we look up to and applaud the first female District Attorney in the Bronx, first female African American NYC Public Advocate, first Latina Speaker of New York City Council, and the first Latina to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court, all of whom are setting a grand precedence for our girls and young women just beginning their careers.  It is important that we celebrate women and promote this strength through a unified voice. This event helps empower women's successes to motivate others to reach their full potential.

The event is scheduled to take place at Harriet Tubman Charter School at 1176 Franklin Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10456 on Saturday, March 26, 2016 and will start promptly at 10:00am. We hope that you are able to join us!

Please send your RSVP HERE by Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

We look forward to celebrating Women's History Month with you on March 26th!

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Conviction Of Local Doctor For Unlawfully Dispensing More Than 1.2 Million Oxycodone Pills

 New York Doctor Collected More Than $2.4 Million In Fees For “Doctor Visits”

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced today the conviction of MOSHE MIRILASVHILI, a board-certified, state-licensed doctor, for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.  During the period of the charged conspiracy, MIRILASHVILI wrote more than 13,000 medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone, typically in return for cash payments.  MIRILASHVILI was convicted after a three-week jury trial before Judge Colleen McMahon.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “In just a matter of two years, Dr. Moshe Mirilashvili flooded the streets of New York City with more than a million pills of highly addictive oxycodone, a drug involved in the overdose deaths of thousands of Americans each year.  As the jury unanimously found today, Dr. Mirilashvili, blinded by greed, cast away his Hippocratic Oath and instead aligned himself with street-level drug dealers.  Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the federal and local law enforcement partners, Dr. Mirilashvili is no longer in the business of fueling for profit the opioid addiction that plagues too many people in our communities.”

Oxycodone is a highly addictive, prescription-strength narcotic used to treat severe and chronic pain conditions.  Every year more than 13 million Americans abuse oxycodone, with the misuse of prescriptions painkillers such as oxycodone, leading to as many as 500,000 annual emergency room visits.  Oxycodone prescriptions have enormous cash value to street level drug dealers, who can fill the prescriptions at most pharmacies and resell the pills at vastly inflated rates.  Indeed, a single prescription for 90 30-milligram oxycodone pills has an average resale value in New York City of $2,700 or more.

From October 2012 until December 2014, MIRILASHVILI, a board-certified, state-licensed doctor, wrote thousands of medically unnecessary prescriptions for large quantities of oxycodone in exchange for cash payments.  MIRILASHVILI did so out of a sham medical office located on West 162nd Street in Manhattan where MIRILASHVILI typically charged $200 in cash for “patient visits” that typically involved little, if any, actual examination and almost always resulted in the issuance of a prescription for a large quantity of oxycodone, typically 90 30-milligram tablets.

Virtually none of these “patients” had any medical need for oxycodone, nor any legitimate medical records documenting an ailment for which oxycodone would be prescribed. Instead, most of these individuals were members of “crews” – that is, they were recruited and paid by drug traffickers (the “Crew Chiefs”), to pose as “patients” in order to receive medically unnecessary prescriptions.  The Crew Chiefs then obtained these prescriptions and arranged for them to be filled at various pharmacies so that the oxycodone pills thereby obtained could be resold on the streets of New York.  

As established at trial, MIRILASHVILI worked directly with some of these Crew Chiefs who paid MIRILASHVILI’s cash fees in return for the oxycodone prescriptions MIRILASHVILI guaranteed for their “patients.”  As part of the scheme, MIRILASHVILI frequently accepted and even created fraudulent and fake documents – such as MRI and urinalysis reports – ostensibly documenting the medical need for the oxycodone prescriptions MIRILASHVILI was writing.  For example, among documents recovered from MIRILASHVILI’s home at the time of his arrest, were lab reports in which the name of the “patient” had been cut and pasted onto the document, as well as similar reports in which the name of the patient or other relevant information had been whited out.  More than $1.75 million in cash earned from writing these medically unnecessary prescriptions was also recovered from the defendant’s home at the time of his arrest.

In total, between October 2012 and December 2014, MIRILASHVILI wrote more than 13,000 medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone, comprising nearly 1.2 million oxycodone tablets with a street value of $36,000,000 or more.  MIRILISHIVILI collected more than $2.4 million in fees for “doctor visits” during this time period.  

Ten other participants in the conspiracy – including the drug traffickers who oversaw crews of “patients” sent into the clinics to obtain medically unnecessary oxycodone prescriptions and clinic staff, who profited by selling access to MIRILASHVILI and the fraudulent prescriptions he wrote – have previously pled guilty.

MIRILASHVILI, 67, of Great Neck, New York, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and two counts of unlawful distribution of oxycodone, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison each.  MIRILASHVILI will be sentenced July 20, 2016,. before the Judge Colleen McMahon.

#NOT 62; A HEALTHIER BRONX - Wednesday March 23rd