Monday, February 27, 2017

Celebrate Greek Heritage with Borough President Diaz


Celebrate Greek Heritage with BP Diaz!
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
NYS Senator Michael Gianaris
NYS Assemblymember Aravella Simotas
NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides &
The Hellenic Orthodox Community of The Bronx 
Cordially invite you to the

2017 Greek Heritage Celebration

      Honoring Greek-American Community Leaders  

Thursday, March 9, 2017
6:30 to 8:30 PM
St. Peter The Apostle Greek Orthodox Church
3245 Kingsbridge Avenue, The Bronx
The event is free, but seating is limited.
Light food and entertainment.
RSVP  718-590-3989 or dmccall@bronxbp.nyc.gov

Sunday, February 26, 2017

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Arrest Of Brooklyn Medical Supply Company Owner For Allegedly Defrauding Medicaid


Kester Atumonyogo, The Owner Of Monack Medical Supply, Inc., Allegedly Used A Fraudulent Social Security Number To Enroll Company In Medicaid
Defendant Also Allegedly Used Fraudulent Identifying Information to Commit Welfare Fraud
  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the arrest of Kester Atumonyogo, 43, of Valley Stream, N.Y., and his company Monack Medical Supply, Inc. (“Monack”) for allegedly stealing over $1.5 million from Medicaid and Healthfirst, a Medicaid managed care organization. The defendants are accused of using a false Social Security number to enroll Monack as a participating medical supply provider in Medicaid.  Thereafter, the company allegedly filed false claims that misrepresented to Medicaid and Healthfirst that Monack dispensed a highly specialized, expensive enteral, nutritional formula to needy pediatric patients.
"It's shameful to steal from Medicaid by exploiting children who rely on the program for their basic health needs,” said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.  “My office will protect the integrity of the Medicaid program -- and continue to crack down on those who try to line their own pockets on the backs of taxpayers and those in need.”
Enteral nutritional formulas are prescribed by physicians for patients who must obtain nutrients via a feeding tube and cannot metabolize dietary nutrients from substantive food.  The Medicaid reimbursement rate for specialized enteral, nutritional formula is substantially higher than off-the-shelf or over-the-counter nutritional supplements.  The Attorney General’s investigation conducted by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) revealed that Medicaid and Healthfirst, relying on Monack’s false claims, paid Monack for specialized enteral, nutritional formula, but that Monack only dispensed “Pediasure” or similar over-the-counter nutritional supplements to Medicaid patients, when it dispensed anything at all.
The investigation also uncovered that Atumonyogo allegedly used two different dates of birth and claimed to have been born in two different countries. Using that false identifying information, Atumonyogo is alleged to have obtained multiple driver’s licenses and two different Social Security numbers that he has used interchangeably since the 1990’s.  Defendant is charged with using the second Social Security number he obtained in the United States to enroll Monack in the Medicaid program. 
It is also alleged that Atumonyogo used a different Social Security number in 2006 to obtain welfare and that in October 2012 and September 2013, Atumonyogo filed false income verifications with the New York City Human Resources Administration, claiming that he only made $200 a week or less.  From January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013, Defendant personally received at least $366,906.00 from Monack
In papers filed in New York City Criminal Court, Kings County, Defendant Atumonyogo and Monack were charged with Health Care Fraud in the First Degree, a class B felony, and three counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony.  Defendant Atumonyogo was also charged with Welfare Fraud in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony.  If convicted on all charges, Atumonyogo faces up to twenty-five years in state prison.
Defendant was arraigned yesterday in New York City Criminal Court, Kings County before the Honorable Jane Tully and bail was set at $50,000 bond over $25,000 cash. Defendant also surrendered his passport. The case was adjourned to March 10, 2017.
The Attorney General would like to thank the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General, the United States Social Security Administration, the United States Department of Health and Human Services -Office of the Inspector General, and the New York City Human Resources Administration for their valuable assistance in the investigation.  The Attorney General, in particular, would like to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance provided by Healthfirst throughout the investigation.
The charges filed in this case are merely accusations.  The defendant whose case is still pending is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Conviction Of Former Village Justice Who Traded Lenient Treatment In Exchange For Sexual Favors


Delmar House Admitted To Reducing Fine For Defendant In Exchange For Sexual Favors While Serving As Justice For Village Of West Carthage
Schneiderman: We Will Continue Prosecuting Public Corruption; No One Is Above The Law
   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the guilty pleas of Delmar House, the former Village Justice for the Village of West Carthage Court in Jefferson County, for abusing his position as a Judge by reducing a fine for a defendant who appeared before him in exchange for sexual favors, and by paying a portion of that defendant’s fines in exchange for additional sexual favors. House today entered guilty pleas before The Honorable Kim H. Martusewicz in Jefferson County Court, to the charges of Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree in violation of Penal Law § 200.10, a class “D” felony and Receiving a Reward for Official Misconduct in the Second Degree in violation of Penal Law § 200.25, a class “E” felony.
“This was an abhorrent abuse of office,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “We will keep working to root out and prosecute public corruption in all of its forms. Any conduct that compromises the integrity of public office will not be tolerated.”
House was the Village Justice for the Village of West Carthage Court from January 1, 2008 through March 2016, when he resigned. According to filed documents and statements made in court today, in or about April 2015, House, 49, of Carthage, agreed to and did reduce the fine for a defendant appearing before him in the Village of West Carthage Court for Vehicle and Traffic Law offenses, in exchange for sexual favors from that defendant.  In addition, according to documents filed in court and statements made in court today, House paid a portion of that defendant’s fines in exchange for more sexual favors. 
House is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, 2017. According to statements made in court today, in exchange for his guilty pleas to the entire indictment, Judge Martusewicz is expected to sentence House to up to six months’ incarceration and five years of probation. Judge Martusewicz is also expected to order the defendant to pay a $5,000 fine at the time of sentencing.
The Attorney General thanks the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, New York State Police Investigator Joseph Maurer, and the New York State Police for their work on this matter.

Engel Condemns Shooting Death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla


   Congressman Eliot L. Engel issued the following statement on the shooting earlier this week in Kansas that resulted in the death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, an Indian immigrant:

“I am deeply saddened and troubled by the shooting of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, Alok Madasani, and Ian Grillot in Olathe, Kansas earlier this week. The assailant targeted two of the victims because they were immigrants, and this act of hate resulted in the tragic death of Mr. Kuchibhotla.  I want to convey my condolences to the Kuchibhotla family. 

“These acts of violence are deeply disturbing, and they are an obvious assault on America’s diversity and foundational values.  I fear this shooting was a direct result of the climate of fear and xenophobia that has grown over the past few months.

“Sadly, our new administration has not spoken out against the rising tide of bigotry against Muslims, or against immigrants, and the manner in which the Administration rolled out it’s unconstitutional Muslim Ban has only furthered this trend.

“Such violence cannot be excused or swept under the rug.  Whether it’s anti-Semitic, anti-Immigrant, or anti-Muslim violence—or threats made against JCC’s or any other organization—we must, all of us, condemn such forms of hate.  I will continue to condemn these hateful acts in the strongest possible terms and use my platform to reassure all that immigrants are welcome here.”

Wave Hill Events Mar 10–Mar 17


  The energy of springtime is infectious, percolating through all that is planned for this weekend, from birding and a family walk through the burgeoning gardens to an intimate terrarium workshop with Wave Hill Gardener Alberto Cabrera and the chance to work with Winter Workspace artist Cecile Chong on creating a personal narrative to embed in beeswax and resin. Oh, and stop in The Shop for a deal on seed-packs—time to plant!

And this is the week when our closing time moves from 4:30PM to 5:30PM, as springtime—and longer days—approaches. On the blog, Horticultural Interpreter Charlie Day profiles Adonis amurensis, one of the very first perennials to bloom at the start of the growing season.

P.S. Don’t miss the last of our three annual horticultural lectures, this one with garden-book writer Jack Staub, on Wednesday evening at the New York School of Interior Design, itself a treasure!


SAT, MARCH 11    FAMILY ART PROJECT: AMOUR FOR ARMOR
Inspired by Wave Hill’s illustrious former resident Bashford Dean and his passion for armor, we’ll make our own protective gear that shimmers. Using up-cycled materials and colored aluminum foil, emboss and bedazzle a pair of shiny cuffs, a modern helmet or a fancy shield. Free, and admission to the grounds is free untilnoon. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SAT, MARCH 11    IN THE SHOP: SEED-PACK SALE
This weekend, buy one seed pack in The Shop and save 50% on a second.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM4PM

SAT, MARCH 11    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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

SAT, MARCH 11    GARDENING WORKSHOP: TERRARIUMS
Don’t have a garden or greenhouse? Tiny ferns and other tropical plants thrive in the humid conditions of an enclosed glass jar as if in their own miniature greenhouse. Design and plant your own fanciful landscape with a selection of diminutive plants, perfect for home or office. Wave Hill Gardener Albert Cabreraprovides plants, materials and technical assistance. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. $50/$35 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 12    SPRING BIRDING
Welcome migratory birds back to Wave Hill this spring! Explore the gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow on a quest to spot some of our favorite feathered friends as they return to the Hudson Highlands. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission. Free with admission to the grounds. 
ON THE GROUNDS, 9:30AM


SUN, MARCH 12    FAMILY ART PROJECT: AMOUR FOR ARMOR
Inspired by Wave Hill’s illustrious former resident Bashford Dean and his passion for armor, we’ll make our own protective gear that shimmers. Using up-cycled materials and colored aluminum foil, emboss and bedazzle a pair of shiny cuffs, a modern helmet or a fancy shield. Free with admission to the grounds. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SUN, MARCH 12    IN THE SHOP: SEED-PACK SALE
This weekend, buy one seed pack in The Shop and save 50% on a second.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM4PM

SUN, MARCH 12    FAMILY NATURE WALK
Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. No registration required. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. 
MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 12:30PM


SUN, MARCH 12    WINTER WORKSPACE DROP-IN SUNDAY
Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-in Sunday. In the Winter Workspace today are Cecile Chong andMichael Kelly Williams. Stop by Glyndor Gallery to speak to the artists and get a closer look at the creative process. Free with admission to the grounds. 
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 13PM


SUN, MARCH 12    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY 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, MARCH 13    
Closed to the public.


WED, MARCH 15   HORTULUS FARM: AN AMERICAN STORYA HORTICULTURAL LECTURE BY JACK STAUB
This is the story of two city boys who chanced upon a 100-acre, run-down, 18th-century farmstead in rural Bucks County, PA, and began to garden there. Thirty-seven years later, Hortulus Farm, part of an original William Penn land grant of 1693 and now a not-for-profit, will remain a public garden in perpetuity. It welcomes upwards of 3,000 visitors annually, and in 2015 became the second garden to be named an affiliate of The Garden Conservancy. It is also the subject of this lecture by Jack Staub, and has inspired him to write seven garden-book titles. Wave Hill’s annual horticultural lecture series is held at the New York School of Interior Design. Three-lecture series: $60/$50 Wave Hill Member or student. Individual tickets: $25/$20 Wave Hill Member or student. Seating is limited, and advanced reservations are recommended, online at wavehill.org beginning November 16. 
NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN, 6‒7:30PM


THU, MARCH 16    WINTER WORKSPACE WORKSHOP: IDIOMS ON RICE PAPER
Work with Winter Workspace artist Elisabeth Condon to immerse yourself in the art of brushwork and experience the magic of practicing idioms in ink on rice paper. With each stroke, strengthen your painting, drawing and observation skills. $55/$45 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 10AM–1PM


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–5:30PM, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. 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 W. 242nd 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.

Saturday, February 25, 2017

SENATOR KLEIN HOSTS 22ND ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION


Senator Jeff Klein, in partnership with Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto hosted his 22nd annual Black History Month breakfast at Villa Barone Manor. Representing Congressman Joe Crowley was Bronx Associate Tom Messina.Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark was the keynote speaker. Hundreds of people from all over Senator Klein's district attended the breakfast.

The honorees were -
Sergeant William Jean Baptiste, 43rd Precinct
Dolores Biggs, Community Activist, Clason Point Gardens
Lieutenant Quathisha Epps, 47th Precinct
Lorna Kirwan, President of Mount Vernon PTA Council
Patricia Manning, Former District Manager Bronx Community Board 8
Martin Prince, Chairman of Bronx Community Board 11


Above - The Reverend Nathanial Tyler Lloyd Legacy Choir of Trinity Baptist Church gave the musical performance.
Below - Ms. Cheryl Willis of New York One TV who also spoke, is below with Senator Klein, Assemblymen Benedetto and Gjonaj. 




Above - Senator Klein, Assemblymen Benedetto and Gjonaj, and Tom Messina with Bronx DA Clark.
Below - Senator Klein with Honoree and friend Ms. Patricia Manning.





The honorees and elected officials.

TEAM DIAZ - African-American Abrazo 2017



   State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz together with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Michael Blake, Victor Pichardo and Councilmember Rafael Salamanca announce the celebration of the Annual “African American Abrazo “Embrace” in New York State.” 

Seven distinguished Afro-Americans, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clarke, New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Concourse Village Board Member Ms. Chantel Jackson,Min. Kwame Thompson, and Hon. Bernice Williams were the honorees of the seven elected officials. 

79th A.D. Male District Leader Hon. John Tucker stood in for 79th Assemblyman Michael Blake who was out of town at the DNC national convention. Photos are below.


Above and Below - It was photo ops with the elected officials before the program began.




More photo ops with the elected officials.




Above - Another photo op eith the elected officials.
Below - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is interviewed for Bronxnet Cable Television.




Above - Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark speaks about being the first Black Woman District Attorney in New York State.
Fresh off his State of the Borough address the day before Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. really woke up the packed room at Maestro's where the event was being held. 


Senator Klein & Assemblyman Crespo change law to help moms on WIC better access prescription formula


Legislators presented ceremonial bill & pen to National Supermarket Association celebrating changes to onerous DOH policy

State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, joined Rudy Fuertes, President of the National Supermarket Association, and members of the NSA for their general assembly meeting to announce the adoption of new law to ensure access to prescription baby formula across the state.

Last year the lawmakers released an alarming report analyzing the ways in which the State Department of Health’s restrictive 2014 policy change, which only allowed WIC recipients to use checks to buy prescription formula in stores that have pharmacies, impacted recipients.  The investigation concluded the 2014 policy created formula deserts across the city, severely cutting off access to mothers on WIC in multiple zip codes across the city.

Klein and Crespo introduced legislation to reverse the DOH changes, which was signed by the governor in December of 2016.

“Following last year’s report it was clear that swift action was needed to fix the broken policy that was in place. WIC participants should be able to easily find prescription formula in their neighborhoods. I’m proud that we were able to find a common sense solution to this problem that will ensure that those who need prescription formula won’t have to travel all over the city to find it,” said Senator Klein.

“Last year, under the leadership of Senator Klein, the legislature was able to respond and solve the bureaucratic nightmare created for thousands of families and children by faulty regulations that restricted access to nutrition services under the WIC program.  I am proud to have been part of the solution and look forward to our continued work to improve the health of our families while supporting our small business community’s efforts to serve all our residents,” stated Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chair of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

“This law re-establishes access to WIC participants and levels the playing field for independent supermarkets and bodegas by once again allowing most WIC-approved vendors to sell specialty formula,” said Rudy Fuertes, President, National Supermarket Association.  “The NSA has long advocated for this change and we want to thank Senator Klein, Assembly Member Crespo and Congress Member Espaillat for their leadership on this issue and for coming out to NSA headquarters to present our group with the pen certificate. Independent supermarkets and bodegas are largely immigrant run businesses and at a time when the national climate for immigrants is uncertain, we commend Senator Klein, Assembly Member Crespo and Congress Member Espaillat for championing and protecting our businesses and our community.”

Senator Klein and Assemblyman Crespo passed legislation to expand access to the WIC program across the State. The rules enacted by the Department of Health severely limited the ability for stores, like supermarkets and smaller grocery shops, to participate in the program. These stores, which also carry other healthy food items included in WIC packages like fresh fruits, vegetables, dried and canned beans, baby food, whole wheat bread, infant cereal, milk and cheese are vital for women and children health.

It was signed into law this month.

Before the DOH changed their policy 556 stores in the Bronx had accepted WIC participants’ checks, but now only 39 can because of the pharmacy requirement. That’s a 93.1% drop in stores. Of the 39 stores only seven carry a full produce section where WIC recipients can find other nutritional products for their families.

Across the city, the change created a major drop in selection for WIC recipients looking for prescription formula like Enfamil, Ensure or Similac.

Prior to the change Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island collectively had 1,349 stores where WIC recipients could use checks to purchase prescription formula. These boroughs now collectively have 149 locations.

Certain zip codes have been hit harder than others. In The Bronx after the 2014 change, 16 zip codes had no stores where WIC recipients could fill their entire food package, including prescription formula.

This year, Senator Marisol Alcantara and Assemblyman Crespo introduced legislation to help stores deal with burdensome fees that they are sometimes hit with when there is a difference between the value of a WIC check and the cost of the product sold.

This legislation would not hold the vendor accountable for that difference, or the bank’s bounced or returned check fee, while providing greater transparency within the WIC program.