Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on October 16!

Join TEAM GJONAJ on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Orchard Beach at the 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk! 

  

Registration Begins at 8:00 am 

Walk Begins at 10:00 am

Meeting at the main entrance of Orchard Beach 

1 Orchard Beach Rd, Bronx, NY 10464

Directions:

Bus - Take the BX5, BX12, BX23, BX24, BX26, BX29, BX50, or the 6 train to Pelham Bay Park. Take the BX12 at Pelham Bay Park to Orchard Beach. Driving - Take the Hutchinson Parkway N. ramp to Bruckner Blvd S/New Rochelle. Keep right, follow signs for Hutchinson Pkwy N and merge onto the Hutchinson River Pkwy N. Take exit 5 toward Orchard Beach/City Island. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Orchard Beach Rd.

• Free T-Shirts
• Water Provided

Team Gonaj Making strides for Breast Cancer

To donate or join our team please click here for more information.

IDNYC coming to Jacobi Hospital NEXT WEEK

IDNYC “Pop-Up” Enrollment Site at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi

Where: 1400 Pelham Parkway South, Building 1 – Room 3E21, Bronx NY 10461

When: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. LUNES A VIERNES 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. (ON THE LAST DAY, THE SITE WILL CLOSE AT NOON..)

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR OUTREACH EFFORTS FOR LGBT ELDERS LIVING IN THE BRONX

 

   State Senator Jeff Klein, Councilman Ritchie Torres, and SAGE’s CEO Michael Adams (center).

State Senator Jeff Klein announced $150,000 in funding for Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders today at SAGE Center Bronx.

In recognition of National Coming Out Day, on Tuesday, October 11, Senator Klein and Councilman Ritchie Torres joined SAGE’s CEO Michael Adams at SAGE’s Bronx headquarters and announced the funding for outreach efforts for LGBT older adults living in the borough.

Senator Klein’s funding allocation will be used for extensive outreach to older LGBT Bronx residents informing them of the services available for them at SAGE’s Bronx center. SAGE Center Bronx offers LGBT older adults in the Bronx a comprehensive set of direct and supportive services. Older adults also have access to health care right on site at the Union Community Health Center. SAGE’s also offers support groups for caregiving, bereavement, HIV, cancer, depression and anxiety, breaking social isolation, and much more. Social workers and case managers are available to offer assistance with many day to day issues and benefits and entitlements assistance.

“I am so proud that my $150,000 in funding will provide our LGBT seniors with access to SAGE’s valuable services. It’s so important that our LGBT seniors spend their golden years with friends and receive the support they need. Seniors can engage in social and cultural activities, utilize the computer center for educational purposes, and enjoy hot nutritious lunches.  SAGE truly meets the needs of our LBGT senior population,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

 

“LGBT elders face a number of issues that they must confront, oftentimes alone and without resources. SAGE’s work and advocacy efforts ensure that this population confront their older years with dignity and respect, and Senator Klein’s leadership in securing $150,000 for SAGE is crucial to make sure this work moves forward. I thank Senator Klein for his support of this important organization and look forward to working with SAGE to protect LGBT elders in the Bronx and across New York City,” said Councilman Ritchie Torres.

“LGBT elders in the Bronx are fortunate to have an amazing champion in Senator Jeff Klein,” said Michael Adams, Chief Executive Officer of SAGE. “Funds provided by Senator Klein will support outreach to ensure that a growing number of LGBT older Bronxites have access to LGBT-welcoming services at SAGE Center Bronx.”

“This SAGE Center is so important. It gives us a place to socialize, cares for our services, exercise, health issues. SAGE helps us do all these things and more. For example this recent housing initiative that is so important to this community, LGBT housing where we can be comfortable and safe, SAGE provides that for us. SAGE Bronx is like a little family. A lot of us don't have family, but this is our family. SAGE provides one for us, which is so important,”

Senator Jeff Klein Marches in the 40th Annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade

  Senator Jeff Klein joined with thousands in celebration of the 40th Annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade on Sunday in Morris Park.

The festivities began with a pre-parade breakfast sponsored by Senator Klein and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj at St. Dominic’s Church.  The parade, organized by The Morris Park Community Association, kicked off at White Plains Road and Morris Park Avenue, where Senator Klein’s famous cannoli carts were stationed.  Throughout the entire parade route, volunteers distributed 4,000 cannolis to parade-goers.  

“As a lifelong Morris Park resident, the annual Columbus Day Parade is a cherished tradition.  I am happy to celebrate the great Italian heritage and culture of our community. I wish everyone a safe and fun-filled Columbus Day and I hope that everyone enjoyed the cannolis!” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“For it’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, the spirits were high and the Italian pride was strong. Despite the inclement weather, The Bronx still showed up for our annual parade and it was a great time,” said Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj.

A.G. Schneiderman Offers Important Tips For Charitable Donations In Light Of Hurricane Matthew

    Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today encouraged New Yorkers to assist    relief efforts and released important information for New Yorkers planning to    donate to organizations that are helping victims of Hurricane Matthew.

“During the past few days, New Yorkers have seen images of people leaving their homes and belongings behind as they wade through flood waters left in Matthew’s path. Many New Yorkers are eager to help the people who are victims of the hurricane’s devastation as they seek safety and face the challenges of rebuilding their lives,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “This office encourages such generosity, and will work with New Yorkers to ensure that their donations are protected.  People who plan to contribute to charities that provide disaster relief should be sure to review these tips to protect themselves and ensure help goes where it is intended.”

The Attorney General offers the following tips for those contributing to the relief effort:

Give to Established Charities.  Donate to organizations you are familiar with, or have an experience assisting in disaster relief. Get information about charities that pop up solely in response to the hurricane or those with unfamiliar names.

Look Charities Up. Review information about the charity before you give. If the charity is soliciting in New York, the charity must be registered with the Office of the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau. Check the Attorney General’s website – www.charitiesnys.com – to review tax returns and audit reports. Confirm that the charity is a recognized tax-exempt organization. 

The following websites contain helpful information to evaluate charities:

• American Institute of Philanthropy - charitywatch.org
• Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance -  bbb.org
• Charity Navigator - charitynavigator.org
• GuideStar - guidestar.org
  
  

Be Cautious With Telephone Solicitations. Ask if the person soliciting is “a paid fundraiser.” If yes, ask if they are registered in New York. If not, do not contribute.

Before You Text A Contribution. Check the charity’s website or call the charity to confirm it has authorized contributions to be made via text message. One thing to keep in mind is that donations via text messaging may not reach the charity until after your phone bill is paid. It may be faster to contribute directly to the charity.

Ask How Your Donation Will Be Used. Ask specifically how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and organizations your donation will support. Ask if the charity already has worked in the local area or has relationships with any local relief organizations. Also, ask what the charity plans to do with any excess donations. Avoid charities that make emotional appeals but are vague in answering your questions. Be wary if an organization will not provide written information about charitable programs and finances upon request. Any legitimate organization will be glad to send you this information.

Avoid Unsolicited Spam Emails. These formats are usually not associated with legitimate charities. Check the Department of Homeland Security’s tips, such as Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks that are posted at http://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-014.

Never Give Cash. Give your contribution by credit card or a check made payable to the charity.

Be Careful About Personal Information. Avoid giving credit card or personal information over the phone or by text message. In all cases, make sure you are familiar with the organization and check to see that the fundraising campaign is legitimate.

Report Suspicious Organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work, or that a scam is taking place, please contact the Attorney General’s Charities Bureau atcharities.complaints@ag.NY.gov or 212-416-8401. 

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman - Preventing Smog, Protecting New Yorkers

   Attorney General Schneiderman, along with five other states, sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to force long-overdue action on controlling smog pollution that blows into New York and other downwind states. The EPA has not made a decision in three years on whether it will use its legal authority to require upwind states to stem their contribution to smog pollution, which threatens the the health of millions of New Yorkers.

    Attorney General Schneiderman, along with five other states, sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to force long-overdue action on controlling smog pollution that blows into New York and other downwind states. The EPA has not made a decision in three years on whether it will use its legal authority to require upwind states to stem their contribution to smog pollution, which threatens the the health of millions of New Yorkers.

   

Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website atag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

Broadway Bash to Feature Vanessa Trouble & The Red Hot Swing

Tickets on Sale Now!  Click the Link Below to Purchase Tickets and Get More Info
Gala16

Event to Feature Vanessa Trouble
& The Red Hot Swing 

Click here for details.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Save the Date-Albanian Independence Day Celebration

Location TBA