Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Bronx Veterans Day Parade on November 3rd



The Bronx Veterans Parade Task Team, Inc (TBVPTT, Inc) 
is calling you/your group to participate in the annual Bronx 
Veterans Day Parade as follow:

March/Walk with the veterans in the parade 
(Inviting all Veterans, Service Members, and their 
families; Community Leaders, 
Service Organizations, Marching Bands, 
Schools, and associates of Veterans (Registration required).

Service providers set up table to share information 
of their available service/support to help veterans
and their family (Registration required);

Forward event announcement to your network;
We welcome all constituents to come out along the 
parade route to cheer our veterans on.  
Please fill out and return the attached application that 
match your area of interest.

Parade Date/Time: Saturday,
November 3rd @ 12Noon
Parade Formation: 11:00AM at E. 175th Street 
Crotona Parkway (parallel to Southern Blvd/ E. 175th)
Parade Route: From E175th Street & Crotona Parkway 
going north; turn right on E. 180th Street, and continue
to the West Farm Soldiers Cemeterlocated on E 180th 
Street & Bryant Avenue for a memorial service. 
Exit cemetery, Reassemble, and proceed to River Park 
(Bronx) at E. 180th Street & Boston Road to receive 
announcements, resource information & screenings, music, 
and refreshments.

 Respectfully,
 The Bronx Veterans Parade Task Team (TBVPTT)
Attachments area

"Get in the Networking Spirit" at The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Halloween Networking Mixer


Join us for a BOO-tifle night of Networking and Fun.
FREE FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS!

Engel, Bipartisan House Members Introduce Permanent Extension of 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund


  Congressman Eliot L. Engel joined bipartisan Members of Congress to introduce H.R. 7062, Never Forget the Heroes; Permanent Authorization of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, tens of thousands of Americans have fallen ill and lost their lives due to toxic pollutants that filled the air surrounding the wreckage. Responders and survivors have been promised permanent health care through legislation signed into law in 2015. However, the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, which offers financial assistance to these Americans and their families, will expire in 2020 without action from Congress.

H.R. 7062, of which Engel is an original cosponsor, will permanently fund this program.

“The heroes of 9/11 came from far and wide to help their fellow Americans in their time of need. The least we can do is take care of them, and do it permanently,” Engel said. “I was proud to support the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and its 2015 reauthorization—two bills I fought hard to get through the Energy and Commerce Committee—and I am tremendously proud to support this legislation. It is my honor to represent the people of New York, including the heroes this program serves, and I will fight to keep this program running for them.”

Saturday, October 13, 2018

5th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness By the Carrion Movement "THERE IS LIFE AFTER ABUSE"



(L - R) - Ms. Jayda Palau, Ms. Zelideth Diaz-Hatch, Ms. Tanya Carrion, Master of Ceremonies Jose Rivera, Ms. Alison Santiago, and Ms. Meryland Cuevas-Canela. 

"THERE IS LIFE AFTER ABUSE"

That was the theme of the 5th Annual Domestic Violence Awareness event held at the UFT Bronx headquarters. It was to teach people that while a person (men as well as women) that there is life after abuse. 

It was a quick four and a half hours as there were many different segments of this event. There were 'Life Stories' by some who have experienced Domestic Violence. You could see real tears as the speakers told their stories, and real concerns they had while in the abuse part of a relationship, but also fears of what may happen now that those relationships have ended. The stories were very different, telling some of the many horrors of Domestic Violence, and what it does to the victims other than the injuries. The lack of belief of the story by some of those in authority,

Two elected officials were present who spoke, Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo, and recently elected 87th A.D. District Leader John Perez. While Assemblyman Crespo spoke of his travels to Puerto Rico with Governor Cuomo, District Leader Perez spoke of the Domestic Violence he had endured during a marriage. 

There was different entertainment as you will see in the photos, Zumba, children performing, and singers where people went up front to dance. 


Above - Event organizer Tanya Carrion stands with Assemblyman Marcos Crespo (r), and District Leader John Perez (l).
Below - Ms. Jayda Palau told a very revealing story of her Domestic Violence that she endured. 




Above - Assemblyman Marcos Crespo congratulates Ms. Palau for telling her story of abuse.
Below - District Leader John Perez tells of a very bad case of abuse his former wife hurled on him while they were married.




Above - A song by Juanky.
Below - The Skk Dancers.




Above - Miguel and John Q in a song performance.
Below - Ms. Tanya Carrion joins with Ms. Jayda Palau and others to dance to the music.




A group photo with Miguel and Jon Q, Emcee Jose Rivera, and the Domestic Violence survivors who came up to dance.

DOI INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF NEW YORK CITY CORRECTION OFFICER ON CHARGES OF SMUGGLING CONTRABAND INTO THE MANHATTAN DETENTION COMPLEX


  Mark G. Peters, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today the arrest of a Correction Officer with the New York City Department of Correction (“DOC”) on charges of bringing in contraband, specifically what is believed to be marijuana, into the Manhattan Detention Complex. DOI’s drug-sniffing dog, Buster, was positioned at the front gate during a routine screening on Friday morning, October 12, 2018, at about 9:40 a.m. and alerted on Correction Officer THOMAS STEWART as he entered the facility where he is assigned. The case is being prosecuted by office of New York County District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr.

 DOI Commissioner Mark G. Peters said, “This is the second arrest this week involving insider corruption at the City’s jails. In this case, and the one earlier this week in the Bronx, a correction officer violated his oath to protect safety within the jails, the safety of his fellow officers, by smuggling in contraband, according to the charges. We know that contraband fuels an underground trade and violence behind bars. We thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for its partnership on these important arrests.” 

  STEWART, 37, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was charged with Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree, a class D felony; Promoting Prison Contraband in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of Marijuana in the Fourth Degree and Official Misconduct, all class A misdemeanors. Upon conviction, a class D felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison, and a class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year’s incarceration. 

 STEWART has been employed by DOC as a Correction Officer since June 2017, he receives an annual base salary of approximately $44,333, and was suspended immediately after his arrest.

 According to the criminal complaint and DOI’s investigation, on October 12, 2018, DOI’s drugsniffing dog, Buster, alerted on STEWART as he entered the front gate at the Manhattan Detention Complex. After Buster alerted, the defendant surrendered two brick-sized packages wrapped in black plastic tape that he had concealed on himself. The investigation determined that the bricks weighed approximately 142.6 grams, or over five ounces, and contained multiple rubber balloons filled with a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. DOI later recovered $140 in cash from the defendant who indicated he had been paid that sum to bring in the contraband to give to a prisoner.

 The investigation is ongoing.

DOI Commissioner Peters thanked Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. and his staff for their prosecution of this matter; and DOC Commissioner Cynthia Brann and her staff for their cooperation in this investigation.

 A criminal complaint is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty 

STATEMENT BY DOI COMMISSIONER MARK G. PETERS


  James McGovern, who I appointed to conduct an independent investigation of whistleblower claims by Anastasia Coleman and Daniel Schlachet, has informed me that he has substantiated their claims. He recommended and determined the following: (1) That they be restored to their prior employment and provided with back pay; (2) I exceeded my authority by integrating the office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation within the Department of Investigation and that all actions in that regard should be reversed; (3) I erred in my conduct and should be disciplined in the form of a letter of apology. I will accept and follow Mr. McGovern’s recommendations. 

 Accepting oversight, even when you are the subject of that oversight, is critical for good government. Now that this process is complete, I look forward to continuing the systemic and important oversight work of DOI, the City’s Inspector General.

Friday, October 12, 2018

Comptroller Stringer Releases Investigative Survey of NYCHA Doors


  Unlocked doors, missing latches, and broken locks were found at 65 percent of developments located in every borough
61 developments found severely vulnerable – with over half their entrances unlocked
  Today, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released the results of a survey of NYC Housing Authority building doors that revealed over 1,000 broken and defective doors at 195 NYCHA developments. When tested, the doors swung open – or were held open by rope, tape, or chains.
The Comptroller’s audit and investigations team visited 299 NYCHA developments, including 3,538 buildings within them. 65 percent of developments had unsecured doors. Further, 61 developments were severely vulnerable, with over half of their entrance doors unlocked. 47 percent of all front entrances were not equipped with security cameras.
The Comptroller launched the comprehensive, citywide review after a NYCHA resident spoke out at a town hall about safety concerns. She reported that her building lacked a working door for 19 years, the entire life of her grandson.
“All New Yorkers should feel safe in their own homes – but hundreds of broken latches, busted locks, and doors held open by chains and rope leave NYCHA families without that basic sense of security,” said Comptroller Stringer. “Unsecured doors are unacceptable. NYCHA must promptly secure, repair and replace broken doors.”
The Comptroller’s comprehensive building-by-building review of NYCHA’s exterior door security was conducted in summer 2018. The full findings include the following:
Nearly 200 Developments Affected
  • Auditors visited 299 developments citywide, pushing or pulling on over 4,551 exterior building doors – and found that 195 developments were affected by unsecured doors:62 percent of Bronx developments had at least one door unsecured; including 14 developments where over half of the doors were open to intruders.
    • 73 percent of Brooklyn developments had at least one door unlocked; including 13 developments where over half of the doors were open to intruders.
    • 59 percent of Manhattan developments had at least one door unlocked; including 32 developments where over half of the doors were open to intruders.
    • 67 percent of Queens developments had at least one door unlocked; including 2 developments where over half of the doors were open to intruders.
    • 89 percent of Staten Island developments had at least one door unlocked; no developments had more than half their doors open.
Over One Thousand Broken, Tampered, Open Doors Across All Boroughs
  • Citywide, 1,023 building doors were broken, tampered with, or unlockable, leaving developments open to intruders, including roughly 23 percent of all front doors and 21 percent of all rear or side doors.
    • In Manhattan, 37 percent of the developments’ 761 front doors were open and 33 percent of 269 rear or side doors were unlocked;
    • In the Bronx, 24 percent of the developments’ 767 front doors were open and 20 percent of 276 rear or side doors were unlocked;
    • In Staten Island, 19 percent of the developments’ 108 front doors were open and 21 percent of 28 rear or side doors were unlocked;
    • In Queens, 18 percent of the developments’ 470 front doors were open and 9 percent of 81 rear or side doors were unlocked; and,
    • In Brooklyn, 17 percent of the developments’ 1,432 front doors were open and 14 percent of 359 rear or side doors were unlocked.
Roughly Half of All Front Doors Unmonitored
  • Auditors also searched for security cameras by front doors, and found that just 53 percent (1,887) of all 3,538 entrance doors had cameras placed by the entrance.
Following the auditors’ citywide review, Comptroller Stringer called on NYCHA to immediately assess its security measures, and recommended that NYCHA improve residents’ safety by taking the following steps:
  • Repair or replace all damaged exterior doors identified in this Citywide review and equip them with sturdy, functional hardware;
  • Regularly inspect all exterior doors and maintain all doors and locks in good working order;
  • Ensure that security cameras are operational and located at all publicly accessible entrances and exits; and,
  • Conduct a top-to-bottom review of its security and maintenance systems and procedures to ensure that when exterior doors are obstructed or unsecured, staff are made immediately aware of the conditions, and the doors are promptly fixed.
“Thank you Comptroller Scott Stringer for bringing the importance of our entrance doors to be secured as a priority. Residents safety should always be first,” said Rhonda Bennett, Tenant Association President of Polo Ground Towers.
“We want NYCHA to be more transparent and responsive on this issue. For example, the front door leading to the vestibule has been broken for the last three months. We thank NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer and his office for doing the work on this issue. We look forward to working with them in ensuring this gets addressed,” said Neva Harper, President of Shelton Houses Residents Association.
“Residents in Lehman Village complain about how the front doors don’t lock in the lobby and how people are getting robbed. We as residents should be able to live in a safe and healthy environment,” said Patricia Burns, Tenant Association President at Lehman Village.
“Bronx River is compiled of eleven buildings, with two of them being senior buildings. As residents we don’t feel safe because none of the entrance doors lock properly and the lighting is very dim. We have had seniors getting robbed in the buildings because doors do not lock. Doors are of poor quality and are mostly broken. NYCHA set up for Bronx River to have intercom and it has yet to happen. Please, we are in need of help with security/safety improvements and we hope this report sheds light and puts pressure on the importance of this matter,” said Norma Saunders, Bronx River Resident Association President.
To read results from the investigative survey, click here.

CONGRESS MEMBERS SMITH, ENGEL, AND SCHIFF JOINT STATEMENT DEMANDING ACTION ON THE DISAPPEARANCE OF SAUDI JOURNALIST JAMAL KHASHOGGI


  Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), and House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff (D-CA) released the following joint statement in response to the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi:

“As attacks on the press have proliferated in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other countries around the world, the disappearance and possible death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is deeply alarming. If the reports detailing the involvement of the Saudi government are true, the United States should not be afraid to take bold action to demonstrate to the world that we will not stand by in the face of such an appalling violation of international human rights. 

“We fully support the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s letter to the administration invoking the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act to trigger an investigation and determination of sanctions. If Saudi Arabia is found to have been involved in the disappearance of Mr. Khashoggi, inaction is simply not an option. The United States should leverage our support and strong relationship with Saudi Arabia to advocate for respect for human rights and push back against these types of actions, which isolate Saudi Arabia. As Congressional leaders, we must show that the United States will stand up against injustices and human rights violations in any country, including our partners. We wish the administration would do the same.”