MAYOR DE BLASIO AND NYC & COMPANY ANNOUNCE NEW YORK CITY WELCOMED RECORD 62.8 MILLION VISITORS IN 2017

 2017 saw an increase of 2.3 million visitors over 2016, marking the eighth consecutive year of tourism growth

  Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC & Company—New York City’s official destination marketing organization— announced that 2017 was the eighth consecutive year for record-breaking tourism, with the City welcoming an estimated 62.8 million visitors last year, an increase of 2.3 million visitors over 2016.  Visitation for 2017 was comprised of 49.7 million domestic and 13.1 million international visitors, both all-time highs.

“We’re keeping our door to the world open,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Even with all the headwinds from the White House, we attracted a record number of visitors to our city. That’s a testament to the strength of our tourism sector and the values of our city.”

“Despite geopolitical challenges and a travel ban that made our task of promoting tourism more challenging than ever, we are pleased to see that we overcame these hurdles to realize a consecutive eighth year of tourism growth in New York City, welcoming an all-time high of 62.8 million visitors last year. The strength from our Asia and South American markets helped offset drops in our traditional European core markets. At the same time, the City continued its constant trend of reinvention, always offering countless reasons to visit and discover all that our five boroughs only can offer, both iconic and new. And campaigns to counter the negative rhetoric such as New York City – Welcoming the World, reaffirmed our commitment to being an open and welcoming global capital,” saidNYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon.

In 2017, NYC & Company launched two campaigns, “New York City – Welcoming the World” and “True York City”, which helped position NYC as a must-visit destination despite challenges in the geopolitical climate and changes in travel policies. Overall, tourism last year grew 3.8 percent compared to 2016, when NYC welcomed 60.5 million visitors. Domestic visitation grew 3.9 percent, from 47.8 million visitors in 2016 to 49.7 million in 2017. International travel increased by 3.4 percent, from 12.7 million visitors in 2016 to 13.1 million in 2017.

"The world clearly loves New York, and we love our tourists - for the economic boost that comes with their visits as well as the excitement and energy that they bring to our streets. Our world-renowned attractions include the Theater District, Times Square and the High Line - and that's just in my Council district alone. I thank everyone for coming here and everyone who works to make those visitors feel at home in the Big Apple," said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

“Tourism continues to be a centerpiece of New York City’s economy, and we’re fortunate to continue to welcome record visitors year after year,” said NYC & Company Chairman Emily K Rafferty. “Despite headwinds we faced last year, the City’s unparalleled vibrancy and energy endured, drawing record visitors once again. I want to thank NYC & Company’s board and the organization’s 2,000 private member businesses for continuing to power City’s travel and tourism industry and for catapulting us to an eight straight year of growth.”

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

Winter Storm Warning in effect from midnight through early Thursday morning

Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended Wednesday, March 21 and Thursday, March 22; parking meters remain in effect

  The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Wednesday, March 21. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City in effect from midnight through 8 a.m. Thursday, March 22. According to the National Weather Service, a nor’easter is expected to bring a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow to the city. Precipitation begins as a mix of rain, sleet, and snow Tuesday evening and will transition to snow overnight into Wednesday. Snow will become steadier early Wednesday during the morning commute. The heaviest period of snow is forecast for Wednesdayafternoon through Wednesday night. Snow is expected to end early Thursday morning.  The National Weather Service currently predicts a total of more than 6 inches of snow, with the potential for up to between 12 and 16 inches possible.

High winds are also in the forecast, with sustained winds 20 mph to 30 mph, and gusts up to 45 mph. The strongest winds are expected throughout the day on Wednesday. High winds continue Thursday, before subsiding early Friday morning. Temperatures Wednesday are forecast to be around freezing, with wind chill values between 15 and 20 degrees during the day, and between 20 and 25 degrees late Wednesday. Temperatures increase into the low forties on Thursday.

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel hazardous. Commuters are advised to use mass transit where possible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, and exercise extreme caution when driving, walking or biking.

NYC Emergency Management also advises residents living in coastal areas to prepare for the potential for coastal flooding on Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for the shorelines of Staten Island, Brooklyn and southern Queens in effect from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Wednesday. Localized minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible with the hide tide cycles on Wednesday. New Yorkers living in coastal areas are advised to prepare as some roads and low-lying property may experience shallow flooding.

“The calendar may say spring, but winter is sticking around a little longer, as the fourth nor’easter in two weeks is forecast to bring snow that will make travel extremely hazardous,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “New Yorkers should take this storm seriously. If you have to go out, use mass transit where possible and allow for extra travel time.”

NYC Emergency Management

·         NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the storm’s track to determine the impacts to New York City.

·         NYC Emergency Management will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday to coordinate the City’s response to the storm.

·         NYC Emergency Management is hosting daily interagency conference calls with City and state agencies and public and private partners to coordinate the City’s preparations for the storm.

Department of Sanitation

·         The NYC Department of Sanitation is pre-deploying 693 salt spreaders. DSNY will activate PlowNYC and will dispatch nearly 1600 plows when more than two inches of snow accumulates, with additional plows available if necessary.

·         DSNY will assign 2,400 workers per shift to 12-hour shifts.

·         DSNY has 227,000 tons of rock salt on hand.

·         Normal garbage/recycling collections for Wednesday, March 21 may be delayed depending on snowfall amounts.

Department of Transportation

·         DOT will deploy more than 430 staffers Citywide with 389 pieces of equipment to address conditions. DOT will assist DSNY with snow removal starting Wednesday, March 21, at 7:00 a.m.

·         DOT’s Bridges Division will deploy anti-icing crews to East River bridges.

·         DOT’s Arterial, Parking and Citywide Concrete Units, will pre-treat and monitor pedestrian overpasses, muni lots and step streets.

·         Crews from JC Decaux are pre-treating bus shelters.

·         Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended for Wednesday, March 21, and Thursday March 22, to facilitate snow removal operations. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the city.

·         The Staten Island Ferry is operating on a regular schedule and crews are monitoring weather conditions. Passengers should allow extra travel time on Wednesday and Thursday, in the event of weather-related delays. Passengers are encouraged to monitor our Facebook page (fb.com/statenislandferry) and sign up for email alerts at nyc.gov/siferry for the most up to date information. Crews will pre-treat and clear walkways at the Staten Island Ferry terminals. 

Economic Development Corporation

·         NYC Ferry service is currently operating on a normal schedule; however, winter storm conditions may affect service. Riders should prepare for potential weather-related delays. Real-time service changes will be posted online at www.ferry.nyc and announced via social media, app notifications, and email.

Department of Buildings

·         DOB issued a weather advisory reminding property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures and secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment during high winds.

·         The department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the department will take immediate enforcement action — issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

·         Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.

·         Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.

·         Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.

·         Clear icicles and vulnerable snow masses from sidewalk sheds, and supported and suspended scaffolds.

·         Clear roofs, overhangs and gutters of melting snow and ice.

·         Brace and secure construction fences.         

·         Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

·         Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.

·         Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills, or propane tanks.

·         Secure and clear roofs, awnings, umbrellas, and overhangs of melting snow and ice.

·         Ensure gutters are clear of debris to allow drainage.

·         Secure retractable awnings.

NYC Parks

·         Parks will support the DSNY street plowing operation, lending 44 plows with operators.

·         Parks will activate 1,300 staff, 160 plow vehicles, 167 salt spreaders, 257 snow blowers and brushes, and other equipment for snow removal on park perimeters.

Department of Social Services

A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature is forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values.  No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. During Code Blue Weather emergencies, experienced outreach teams work to connect homeless New Yorkers with the following resources:

·         Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.

·         Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day, including when Code Blue procedures are in effect, and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff and the dedicated outreach teams they work closely with every day can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.

·         Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing programs.

·         Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept services, including transportation to a shelter placement. DSS coordinates borough-level Code Blue efforts directly with partner City agencies, including but not limited to NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department.

Department of Housing Preservation & Development

Residential building owners are legally required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when the temperatures fall below 55 degrees outside during the day and a minimum of 62 degrees indoors overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. If an apartment lacks appropriate heat, a tenant should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should register an official complaint via 311. Tenants can call 311, visit 311 online at www.nyc.gov/311, or use the app 311Mobile (on Android and iOS devices) to file a complaint. Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Deaf TDD at (212) 504-4115.

Department for the Aging

·         Seniors should contact their local center before leaving home, as senior centers may close on a case-by-case basis.

·         Case-management clients are receiving additional meals, and social workers are calling high-risk clients to assess and address clients’ needs before and during the storm.

NYCHA

·         NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management will activate its Situation Room to monitor the storm.

·         NYCHA Property Management will activate its snow preparation procedures to minimize impact of the storm.

Department of Environmental Protection

·         DEP will deploy resources to assist DSNY with snow removal and will pre-position staff to ensure critical wastewater treatment and drinking water functions continue without interruption.

Winter Storm Safety Tips

·         Use mass transit where possible. If you have to drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.

·         Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.

·         Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

·         Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.

·         If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.

·         Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.

·         Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck.

·         Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.

·         Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.

·         Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

·         If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves.

·         Be careful when shoveling snow. Follow your doctor’s advice if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.

• Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

·         Charge cell phone batteries.

·         Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.

·         If you lose power & have a disability/access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) & need immediate assistance, dial 911.

• If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home. 
• When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

Safe Home Heating Tips

Improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Take precautions to ensure you are heating your home safely.

Fire safety tips:

·         Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in every room. Test them at least once a month and change the batteries twice a year.

·         Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use. Space heaters are temporary heating devices and should only be used for a limited time each day.

·         Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. Never drape clothes over a space heater to dry them.

·         Never leave running space heaters unattended, especially around children. Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.

·         Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip. Do not plug anything else into the same outlet when the space heater is in use. Do not use space heaters with frayed or damaged cords.

·         If you are going to use an electric blanket, only use one that is less than 10 years old from the date of purchase. Also avoid tucking the electric blanket in at the sides of the bed. Only purchase blankets with an automatic safety shut-off.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

·         Carbon monoxide comes from the burning of fuel. Therefore, make sure all fuel-burning devices such as furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, and clothes dryers are properly vented to the outdoors and operating properly. If you are not sure, contact a professional to inspect and make necessary repairs.

·         Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Most homes and residential buildings in New York City are required by law to have carbon monoxide detectors installed near all sleeping areas. Owners are responsible for installing approved carbon monoxide detectors. Occupants are responsible for keeping and maintaining the carbon monoxide detectors in good repair.

·         Keep fireplace chimneys clean and clear of debris.

·         Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven, charcoal barbecue grill, kerosene, propane, or oil-burning heaters. Kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in New York City.

·         The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness. Severe poisonings may result in permanent injury or death.

If a carbon monoxide detector goes off in your home get outside immediately and call 911. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside immediately and call 911. For more fire safety information, visit FDNYsmart.org.

Middletown Cocaine And Crack Dealer Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that COLLYER GOODMAN, a/k/a “West,” was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in supplying at least 14 other drug dealers with cocaine and crack cocaine in Middletown, New York.  GOODMAN was convicted after a jury trial in October of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.  Numerous other members of the conspiracy, including Juan Beniquez, a/k/a “Johnny,” have already been sentenced.  Beniquez was sentenced to 9 years in prison.  U.S. District Court Judge Cathy Seibel imposed the sentences.  Several other members of the conspiracy, including Oscar Boria Jr., and Damon Wheeler, are expected to be sentenced this spring. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Collyer Goodman has persistently sold crack and cocaine in Middletown and elsewhere at great risk to the community.  Today’s sentence shows that drug dealers will neither profit from nor get away with their crimes.”

According to the Indictment, other filings in White Plains federal court, evidence at trial, and statements made in court proceedings:

Collyer Goodman supplied packages of redistribution quantities of cocaine to co-conspirators Oscar Boria Jr., Damon Wheeler, and Juan Beniquez, among others.  All of those individuals were drug dealers with their own customers who repackaged the cocaine, in some cases cooked it into crack cocaine, and resold it to mid-level and street-level dealers and to drug users.  Goodman sometimes also sold crack cocaine directly to his customers.

Over the period from 2015 through August 2016, Goodman distributed in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and 28 grams of crack cocaine.

In addition to the prison sentence, GOODMAN was sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $226,260. 

Mr. Berman praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force and the Middletown Police Department.

A.G. Schneiderman's Health Care Helpline Recovers Nearly $2 Million In Restitution And Savings For Consumers

New Report Shows Health Care Bureau’s Free Investigative Helpline – 800-428-9071 – Handled over 2,500 Cases for New Yorkers Improperly Billed and Denied Benefits In 2017

Report Shares Examples of HCB’s Assistance, Including Reversing Denial of Coverage for Woman Wrongfully Billed Over $24,000 for Care of Her Child After Birth

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today released a report detailing the work of his Health Care Bureau’s Helpline, a free service offered by the Office of the Attorney General that has investigated and resolved over 2,500 consumer complaints during the past year – saving or returning almost $2 million in health care expenses to consumers. The service has also helped countless New Yorkers access medically necessary care or prescription medication previously denied to them. 

“I’m proud of the free, vital service our Health Care Helpline provides to New York families. By intervening in claims to ensure timely, adequate, and cost-effective care, our Helpline advocates have saved New Yorkers millions of dollars – while helping ensure that they have access to the critical medical care they need,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “As uncertainty surrounding the future of health care grows, New Yorkers can rely on our Health Care Helpline to protect their rights and guard against predatory medical practices.”

The Health Care Bureau’s 2017 Annual Report, Real Solutions for Real New Yorkers, details the work of Helpline advocates to resolve consumer complaints, and discusses some of the major cases handled by the bureau.

The Attorney General’s toll-free HCB Helpline – 800-428-9071 – is available for New Yorkers to report and resolve health care complaints and concerns ranging from simple payment processing errors to complex deceptive business practices. Consumers can also use the Attorney General’s online complaint form to lodge a complaint.

During 2017, Helpline staff handled 2,515 consumer complaints and provided another 3,050 consumers with information or referred them to an appropriate agency for assistance. These consumer complaints include issues such as incorrect medical billing, wrongful health plan rejection, improper processing of health insurance claims, and wrongful termination of health insurance.

• In one case, a consumer contacted the Helpline because she was being billed more than $24,000 by a hospital for the care of one of her twins after birth.  After a Helpline advocate intervened, the denial of coverage was reversed.
• In another case, a consumer contacted the Helpline regarding her health plan’s denial of  coverage for prescription medication for her son who was taking a particular medication (Quillivant XR) that, after trying other medications, was the only medication that successfully treated the son’s ADHD.  The consumer’s request was particularly urgent because the health plan had denied continuation of the prescription as not medically necessary, leaving the child without medication for almost two weeks.  Once a Helpline advocate intervened, the medication was approved. 
• A consumer contacted the Helpline because while the health plan agreed to pay in full for the consumer’s gender reassignment surgery, the plan only paid half. After a Helpline advocate filed an inquiry, the plan paid in full as agreed. The Helpline advocate also discovered that the consumer had to pay out-of-pocket for other covered procedures that the health plan denied coverage for. The Helpline advocate filed a second inquiry, and the denial of coverage was reversed. Restitution to the consumer totaled $9,700.
• After receiving a complaint that Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center had illegally billed a sexual assault survivor seven separate times for a forensic rape exam (FRE) administered in the hospital’s emergency room, the HCB conducted an investigation that found that in 85 out of 86 cases between 2015 and 2017, the hospital either improperly billed the patient directly, or billed the patient’s insurance plan without advising the patient of the choice of payment options as required by law. After these revelations, the Attorney General’s office secured a settlement requiring Brooklyn Hospital to pay restitution to improperly billed survivors, maintain and properly disseminate a Sexual Assault Victim Policy that prevents improper billing, and pay $15,000 to New York State. The investigation also led to HCB’s statewide investigation of improper hospital billing for FREs, which is currently underway.

While not all complaints can be resolved favorably, the Helpline can often provide reliable, objective information. Additionally, Helpline advocates work to ensure that any negative effects from improper medical billing or insurance claims are removed from credit reports. 

The complaints handled by the Helpline highlight the challenges faced by New York health care consumers and are an important means of identifying systemic problems in New York’s health care system. These complaints often provide the basis for further investigation and enforcement actions. For example, after receiving a consumer complaint from an Oxford health plan member that she was receiving bills from a provider of infusion supplies, when the infusion supplies had previously been covered by her plan, the HCB conducted an expanded investigation of Oxford. As a result of the investigation, it was determined that a total of 2,587 claims were improperly denied, totaling nearly $500,000. Oxford agreed to reprocess the claims and pay providers where payment for claims were outstanding, and ensure restitution to consumers who had already paid providers. Oxford was also required to pay $35,000 to New York State.

For more information about services provided by the Attorney General’s Health Care Bureau Helpline, click here.

Consumers who believe that they may have been treated unfairly by a health care provider, HMO or insurance plan, or health-related business should contact the Attorney General’s Health Care Helpline by either calling the Helpline at 1-800-428-9071, or by submitting a complaint form online or by mail.  Instructions for submitting a complaint form by mail are also provided on the website.

Morris Park Community Association Annual Dinner Dance

  Over 300 people attended the 44th Annual Morris Park Community association Dinner Dance Saturday night at Marina Del Rey. The MPCA honored Mr. Thomas Messina of Congressman Joseph Crowley's office, and PS 83 Principle Stewart Sorrell. On hand were Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, and new Councilman Mark Gjonaj. Also on hand were both of the candidates looking to replace Councilman Gjonaj as the Assembly member for the 80th Assembly District, Ms Nathalia Fernandez, and Mr. Gene DeFrancis. Many local Bronx community leaders and party leaders were on hand including the Bronx Republican County Leader Mr. Michael Rendino. 

Above - MPCA President Al D'Angelo welcomes everyone as he introduces State Senator Jeff Klein who is standing with the MPCA Executive Board.

Below - Honoree Stewart Sorrell Principal of PS 83 thanks the MPCA for honoring him, as he tells a little about himself. Congressman Engel, Senator Klein, Assemblyman Benedetto, Councilman Gjonaj, and Honoree Thomas Messina (back left) are with the MPCA Executive Board.

Above - Honoree Thomas Messina wanted to have a good time.

Below - Congressman Eliot Engel, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, 80th A.D. Special Election Democratic candidate Nathalia Fernandez, an aide to Ms. Fernandez, and Chief of Staff to Congressman Engel Bill Weitz.

Throggs Neck Houses Tenant Leader Nichole Johnson, and Bronx GOP Leader Michael Rendino. 

Bronx Community Board No. 8 - Community Service Award

Community Board No. 8 Bronx is pleased to announce that it is once again seeking nominations for its Annual Community Service Award.

Bronx Community Board No. 8 established the Community Service Award to acknowledge the many volunteer efforts of groups and individuals within our community. It is our belief that by recognizing our committed community volunteers, we can in some small way reward those most deserving and inspire others to follow their example.

We are seeking to identify individuals or groups within our community that have volunteered personal time to improve lives in some way, big or small.

We encourage you to distribute the attached press release to your membership, supporters and friends, to ensure that all community volunteers receive consideration for this award and are recognized for their efforts.

Nominations are due by March 30, 2018.

Rosemary Ginty                             Lisa Daub

Chair                                              Chair

Community Board 8                      Community Service 

                                                      Awards Committee

Bronx Community Board No. 8

5676 Riverdale Avenue, Suite 100

Bronx, NY 10471-2194

Tel: 718-884-3959  Fax: 718-796-2763

Email: bx08@cb.nyc.gov