NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Unveils New Pirate Ship Playground for Pediatric Patients

$400K Grant from the Taft Foundation Makes Renovation Possible

   NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi hosted on October 26th the grand opening of a beautiful new play yard adjacent to its pediatric outpatient clinic. The opening represents the transformation of 7,000 square feet of vacant space into a fun and exciting play area for children and their parents as they await their appointments. The renovation was possible through the generous assistance of The Taft Foundation, which provided $400,000 to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi to serve Bronx children.

Two years ago, providers at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi approached The Taft Foundation about assisting in transforming the vacant outdoor space so it could better serve patients at the facility. As the Bronx continues to grapple with high rates of obesity and diabetes, exercise and healthy habits are critically important to reinforce. Medical providers envisioned this area, located a few feet away from the hospital’s pediatric outpatient clinic, as a place where children could exercise and enjoy themselves while waiting to see their doctor.

Features include a large pirate ship complete with nautical accessories, such as waves, rideable dolphins, and sea turtles. Nautical-themed musical elements include a xylophone stingray and pylons that form drums. The set itself was developed by Studio DB and Vomar Construction.

“This investment in our facility represents the perfect public-private partnership for our patients,” said Chris Mastromano, chief executive officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi. “We can’t thank The Taft Foundation enough for their generous contribution. It is already putting big smiles on the faces of our smallest patients.”

“This playground equipment is not only great fun, but it can help medical providers reinforce the importance of exercise and physical activity for our pediatric patients,” said Dr. William Caspe, chairman of the hospital’s Pediatrics Department. “The Taft Foundation’s investment in our playground facility helps us do exactly that.”

“NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi offers essential health care to thousands of New Yorkers, and The Taft Foundation is thrilled that the overall family experience is now significantly enhanced with the addition of this exciting and creative outdoor play space, bringing children joy and having a positive impact on their health and wellness,” said Nina Bershadker, executive director of The Taft Foundation.

Those interested in making an appointment at the pediatric outpatient clinic should call 718-918-5000.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Veterans Luncheon - Thursday November 15th

    

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Veterans Luncheon

  

Thursday | November 15, 2018 | 12:00-3:00pm

Maestro's Caterers

1703 Bronxdale Avenue | Bronx, NY 10462

 

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us as we salute our veteran heroes in recognition of their past and current service to our country. Details will be posted shortly on our website.

 

Admission is FREE to all veterans
and active military men and women

Information or to RSVP:

718-828-3900 or phil@bronxchamber.org

Phil Cardone

Events, Communications & Grants Director

Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network for Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106

Attorney General Sessions Delivered the Following Statement About Today’s Tragedy in Pittsburgh

  “Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “Every American has the right to attend their house of worship in safety. Today 11 innocent people were suddenly and viciously murdered during religious services and several law enforcement officers were shot. These alleged crimes are reprehensible and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Accordingly, the Department of Justice will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant, including charges that could lead to the death penalty. 

“It has been an important week for us to show gratitude for the hard work of our law officers around the country. And today was no exception. I want to thank the FBI, ATF, Pittsburgh police, and especially the heroic officers who were so quick to respond to the shooting, including the multiple officers who were shot. These officers ran to danger to save others, which reflects the highest traditions of policing in this country. There can be no doubt that they saved lives today.

“The Department of Justice will continue to support our state and local partners and we will continue to bring the full force of the law against anyone who would violate the civil rights of the American people.”

Attorney General Sessions Delivers Remarks Announcing the Ongoing Investigation Into Suspicious Packages

  Over the past week, more than a dozen suspicious packages have been sent through the United States Postal Service to a media outlet, a Hollywood actor, and at least seven high-ranking current and former political leaders in the Democratic Party.

This is utterly unacceptable.  Political violence—or the threat of violence—is antithetical to our vigorous system of self-government. 

It is a threat to that respect for law and process that allows our people to accept legislation, elections, and court rulings with which we do not agree.

This is the central feature of our system of government: you advocate for your beliefs enthusiastically but we peaceably and lawfully comply with the results.

Please know that from the beginning this investigative team has made this matter a top priority, focusing their great talents and expertise on neutralizing this threat.

They have moved swiftly and professionally, using extraordinary technical expertise, to apprehend the one alleged responsible.

This is a demonstration of the skill, the capability, and determination of our American law enforcement.

So I am pleased to participate in this announcement that a suspect is in the custody of the FBI.

I want to remind everyone that the defendant in this case—as in every case—is innocent until proven guilty.

He has been charged today with five federal crimes, including interstate transportation of an explosive, illegal mailing of explosives, threats against former presidents and certain other persons, threatening interstate communications, and assaulting current and former federal officers. 

For these charges, the defendant faces up to 48* years in prison.

These charges may change or expand as the investigation continues.

This is a law-and-order administration.  We will not tolerate such lawlessness, and especially not political violence.

And so I want to thank FBI Director Wray and his team, all of our law enforcement partners who are here: ATF, the Secret Service, our Postal Inspectors, the Capitol Police, and the New York City Police Department. And United States Attorney Berman of the Southern District of New York, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Ariana Orshan.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from across America responded immediately to the cause and contributed to this effort.  We are proud of each one of them.

I want to reiterate that the defendant in this case is innocent until proven guilty.

But let this be a lesson to anyone—regardless of their political beliefs—that we will bring the full force of law against anyone who attempts to use threats, intimidation, and outright violence to further any agenda. 

We will find you.  We will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. 

Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study - Parkchester/Van Nest Public Workshop/Open House

  It was billed as a public workshop/open house and help plan around future Metro-North service in your neighborhood!

However, it appeared to be a what would you like to see by the new Metro North station, and very little about the Metro North service. There were plenty of people from the various city agencies involved with lots of charts and drawings, but no concrete answers. Over a dozen people from the City planning Commission, people from the Parks Department, Housing Preservation Development Department, and Department of Transportation, but no real answers. 

As you will see residents gave their suggestions as to what they wanted to see by the new train station, which ranged from a fitness center to curb cuts for buses to let people off at the station and other suggestions. The Bronx DOT Commissioner was on hand to say that the city no longer makes curb cuts for buses, but now extends the curb out as a bus bulb. Other ideas were taken as the study area is about one half a mile around from where the new Metro North station is to go, That however was not conveyed to members of the public who were giving their suggestions for the the strip of East Tremont Avenue adjacent to the rail lines. Not noted also was that Amtrak and CSX railroads share and have priority as to the use of the New Haven Line of the Metro North Railroad, or that this particular Metro North line covers the states of New York and Connecticut.  

When I asked what the fare would be from Parkchester to Grand Central Station no one was able to give me a clue. As to other Metro North related questions, I received the same 'We don't know yet' answers to the frequency of service, accessibility from the full area around the station, and the answers were "We are here today to hear what the community wants'. 

Above - The station area is in a bold line, with the impacted area around. Parkchester to the south, and Van Nest to the north.

Below - A chart with the various educational levels and incomes of people living around the new Metro North station. 

Above - A City Planning Commission worker puts community suggestions on a map of the area around the proposed Parkchester Metro North station.

Below - With all the suggestions on it, the area sheet is gone over to make sure the suggestions are written and have been done correctly.

BP DIAZ & BRONX TOURISM COUNCIL HOST 24th ANNUAL TOUR DE BRONX!

  On Sunday, October 28, 2018 (TOMORROW), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in conjunction with The Bronx Tourism Council and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, will host New York State’s largest free bicycling event, the 24^th annual Tour de Bronx.

More than 6,000 cyclists will take part in the event, which features a 25 and 40 mile route. Following the ride, cyclists are invited to the Tour de Bronx Festival at the New York Botanical Garden featuring live entertainment and refreshments.

REGISTRATION

East 163^rd Street & Grand Concourse

The Bronx  9:00 a.m

STAGE/PROGRAM/LAUNCH

East 161^st Street and Grand Concourse

The Bronx  10:30 a.m.

 

AFTER-RIDE FESTIVAL

New York Botanical Garden

2900 Southern Boulevard

The Bronx  2:00 p.m.

NY Man Arrested At Peace Bridge, Charged With Unlawfully Importing Marijuana He Legally Obtained From A Canadian Dispensary Into The U.S.

  U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that David Dratch, 23, of Montgomery, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of a controlled substance, importation of a controlled substance, and smuggling goods into the United States. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fne.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Astorga, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on October 25, 2018, the defendant was encountered entering the United States from Canada at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry, and was referred for a secondary inspection. During his initial inspection, Dratch stated he did not have any drugs, weapons, or prohibited items. 

During the secondary inspection of the defendant’s vehicle, a canine search resulted in an alert to a trained odor on the glove compartment area. A search resulted in the discovery of six envelopes containing marijuana, two jars of marijuana resin, four additional packages containing THC-infused gummy worms, and a piece of paper with “118 George St.” and “289-396-8078” written on it. The address and number linked to the internet address “https://weedmaps.com/dispensaries/47483/about.” The website displayed MMJ Canada – Hamilton as well as various marijuana products for sale. The defendant was arrested at that time.

During a search of recent text messages in Dratch's phone, a message to an individual identified as "Max" on the same day stated: “lol bro I just had 100mg edible and I got stopped by customs and now they're asking me so much (expletive).”

The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  

BP DIAZ CALLS FOR CHANGES TO SCHOOL TECH REGULATIONS

Directive 10 is out-of-date, and must be amended to allow schools to purchase Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks, Samsung Galaxy Tablets, Amazon Kindles and other portable devices

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is calling for urgent amendments to Directive 10, an out-of-date set of rules that prevents city public schools from purchasing portable technology such as such as Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks, Samsung Galaxy Tablets and Amazon Kindles.

In a letter to New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, whose office administers these rules, Borough President Diaz notes that Directive 10 currently prevents New York City public schools from purchasing such items using capital funding as they could with traditional desktop computers. The letter goes on to urge the comptroller to update these regulations to allow students access to the most current technology possible.

“Tablet computers have become almost ubiquitous, and have potentially limitless potential to expand learning opportunities in our classrooms. However, New York City’s public school students remain limited in their ability to take advantage of them because of the regulations laid out by your office’s Directive 10, which prevents the use of capital funding to purchase them,” states Borough President Diaz in the letter.

The full letter to Comptroller Stringer can be read at https://on.nyc.gov/2NWqGyH.

“In order to best prepare our students for higher education and the workforce it is our duty to ensure they have access to the most current technology, and that includes tablets and portable laptops,” said Borough President Diaz. “Directive 10 is holding our students back, and I urge Comptroller Stringer to change these regulations and allow our public schools access to the full range of technology options.”

Earlier this month, Borough President Diaz issued a report, “Programming New York City Students for Success,” which outlines an expanded view of computer science education in New York City public schools. Included within that report are recommendations that buttress the borough president’s call to update Directive 10, including the need to continuously evaluate and revise computer science curriculum to keep it fresh,  as well as the need to ensure access to computer science in areas where funding has historically been lacking.

That report can be read at https://on.nyc.gov/2Ow0Q9X.