Wishing You A Blessed Thanksgiving | Deseándole Un Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias

No matter how you celebrate the Thanksgiving tradition, my office would like to extend our best wishes to you and your loved ones. This year and every year it is my honor to represent you and the 85th district at large. It will never be lost upon me that I am where I am today because of your support and for that I thank you!

A pesar de cómo usted celebra El Día de Acción de Gracias, mi oficina le extiende nuestros mejores deseos a usted y sus seres queridos. Este y cada año es un honor servirle. Nunca se perderá que e podido lograr bastante durante mi puesto con su apoyo y por eso le doy las ¡gracias!

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Happy Thanksgiving! Save the date - give back on 11/27

This #GivingTuesday don't just give Give BACK! November 27th, 2018 The Bronx Jewish Community Council is not only looking for donations this #GivingTuesday but we also want YOU to pledge to volunteer Our goal is to raise $3000 and get 30 new volunteers Here are some ways you can do both: Come volunteer at our Food Pantry AND for $25 feed a family of four Sign up to be a Friendly Visitor AND donate $35 to defray the cost per bag from Project HOPE Fill one of our open long term volunteer positions AND sponsor our 2019 Volunteer Recognition Event Volunteer at one of our holiday parties AND sponsor the party for $150 HELP US REACH OUR GOAL!! Donate Now

BRONX JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL I 718-652-5500

BRONX MAN SENTENCED IN BRUTAL GANG ATTACK THAT LEFT STREET VENDOR IN COMA

Victim Beaten After He Tried To Stop Group From Stealing Merchandise 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to three years in prison for participating in a brutal gang assault against a street vendor in May 2017. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant and five others viciously beat the victim in front of his wife and children in broad daylight on a busy Bronx street. The attack left the victim in a coma with life-altering injuries and, although more than a year has passed, the victim continues to attend rehab. I hope this sentence brings some justice for him and his family.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Enrique Foote, 19, of 2726 Cruger Avenue, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer to three years in prison and three years post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree Assault on September 6, 2018. Another defendant, William Burgess, was sentenced on June 8, 2018 to four years in prison for his role in the attack. Charges against the other four defendants are still pending.

 According to the investigation, on May 2, 2017, at the corner of 149 th Street and Third Avenue, the defendant and five other men repeatedly struck Souleymane Porgo, 53, a street vendor, after he tried to stop one of them from stealing some of his merchandise. The victim was beaten to the ground and left in critical condition with multiple facial fractures. Porgo required multiple surgeries for swelling and bleeding in his brain and continues rehabilitative treatment.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Detective Richard Simplicio of the 40th Precinct Detective Squad.

Bronx Man Charged With Defacing African Burial Ground National Monument With Threatening Racial Slur

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that IVAN NIEVES has been charged with vandalism and disorderly conduct. NIEVES was arrested this morning and will be presented before United States Magistrate Judge Henry Pitman in Manhattan later this afternoon.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “The protections of the First Amendment allow all Americans to express their opinions without fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction. However, those protections do not apply when you deface federal property in the name of hate. Today’s arrest of Ivan Nieves for allegedly defacing the African Burial Ground National Monument aptly demonstrates the sanctity of those protections; and that those who do not follow the law while expressing their freedom of speech will be charged with federal crimes.”

As alleged in the Information, on or about November 1, 2018, NIEVES defaced a sign on the grounds of the African Burial Ground National Monument by writing a threatening racial slur on it. 

NIEVES, 57, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of vandalism and one count of disorderly conduct.  Each charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York Regional Office of the Federal Protective Service, the New York Field Office of the United States Park Police, and the New York City Police Department.

The charges contained in the Information are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Information and the descriptions of the Information constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Bronx Puerto Rican Parade, Lehman College Fundraiser

The Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade, Lehman College and the Lehman LIFE Program invites you to support and attend the 2018 - End of Year - Holiday Benefit Concert. This year’s concert will feature performances by Ayodele Casel, Dancers Dreamzzz, Los Hermanos Colon, Candela, and many more! In addition to the concert, the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade will present awards to their 2018-2019 honorees.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGE NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR EXTREME COLD ON THURSDAY

Temperatures forecast to be in the low to mid-20s with wind chill values as low as single digits

Spectators can text THXGIVING18 to 692692 to receive important alerts and notifications about the parade and cold weather

   The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department are urging individuals to prepare for extremely cold temperatures during Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day parade. According to the National Weather Service forecast,temperatures Thursday will be in the low to mid-20s with wind chill values as low as single digits. Cold weather can cause or worsen health problems. Certain individuals are at an increased risk for injuries, illness or death, such as those who drink heavily or use drugs and becomes incapacitated outdoors. Parade spectators, including older adults and infants, are encouraged to dress warmly. Wear hats, scarves, gloves, and layered clothing. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered.  To learn more about winter weather safety, visit the Health Department’s interactive online infographic.

Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to frostbite – which often results in red and painful or pale skin – and hypothermia.  Symptoms of hypothermia include:

·         Intense shivering

·         Dizziness

·         Trouble speaking

·         Lack of coordination

·         Sluggishness or drowsiness

·         Confusion

·         Shallow breathing

If you see symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite, call 911 and follow instructions, or go to the emergency room.

“With the low temperatures and even lower wind chills on Thursday, make sure you bundle up if you plan to attend the parade,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “If you’re at increased risk for injury or illness due to the extreme cold, significantly limit your time outdoors, and check in on elderly family members and neighbors.”

“This Thanksgiving Day’s weather is expected to be frigid and potentially very dangerous,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “While everyone is at risk for hypothermia, certain individuals are at an increased risk for injuries, illness or death, such as those who are homeless and those who drink heavily or use drugs and become incapacitated outdoors. Take care to bundle up warmly if you are planning on attending the parade, and if you or your loved ones have symptoms of hypothermia, like intense shivering or dizziness, seek medical attention or call 911.”

Code Blue

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 each and 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.

New Notify NYC Short Messaging Service (SMS)

NYC Emergency Management is making it easier for New Yorkers and visitors to “get notified” about the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Notify NYC, the City’s official emergency communications program, today launched an opt-in short message service (SMS) for those attending Thanksgiving Day festivities in New York City on Thursday. New Yorkers and visitors can text the keyword THXGIVING18 to 692692 (NYCNYC) to receive alerts and updates on weather, road closures, traffic delays and more. Message and data rates may apply.

“With Notify NYC’s new short code messaging, anyone attending the Thanksgiving Day parade can receive key alerts and information in the palm of their hands, with a simple text,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “This service adds to the utility of the Notify NYC program, making it even easier for us to communicate with the public.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Notify NYC to keep spectators easily informed on developments related to the Macy’s Parade. With millions of spectators joining us in celebration, this tool enhances the already incredible communication and safety measures in place to ensure that everyone has a fantastic experience on Thanksgiving Day,” said Susan Tercero, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

More than 3.5 million spectators are expected to attend the 92^nd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which kicks off at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 22, stretching 2.5 miles through the city streets from 77th Street and Central Park West to 7th Avenue and 34th Street.

Notify NYC is the City’s free, official source for information about emergency events and important City services. The opt-in SMS service is just one of many ways people can stay informed with Notify NYC. New Yorkers can download the Notify NYC mobile application, which is available for free download from iTunes or Google Play. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC , call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115), or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter. For up-to-date parade tips, text THXGIVING18 to 692692.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr - Bronx Jewish Hall of Fame's 2018 induction

The Bronx Jewish Historical Initiative (BxJHI) and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Invite you to The Bronx Jewish Historical Initiative’s Celebration of the Fourth Annual Induction Bronx Jewish Hall of Fame Class of 2018 Renee Wexler Taylor Bologna         Hon. Betty Weinberg Ellerin Ethan Geto Charley Rosen Rabbi Levi Shemtov Michael Spierman Emcee: Michelle Divon, Bronx TV 12 News Anchor with a Special WWI Centennial Recognition of Sergeant William Shemin The Bronx Jewish community's sole WWI Medal of Honor Recipient WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018 5:30-7:30 PM (doors open at 5:00 PM) The Bronx Museum of the Arts 1040 Grand Concourse (at 165th Street) Admission Complimentary Light Refreshments   RSVP Required: TheBronxJewish@gmail.com (Please leave name, e-mail, telephone and number of guests) See our website www.thebronxjewish.org

RSVP

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO THE VETERANS ADVISORY BOARD

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the appointment of six members to New York City’s Veterans Advisory Board, an independent advisory council of military service veterans.This eleven-member Board works in partnership with the Department of Veterans’ Services, veteran service organizations, and individuals across the City to better understand and address the issues facing veterans and their families. More information on the board can be found here.

“The Veterans Advisory Board ensures the voices of those who bravely served our country are heard,” said Mayor de Blasio. “These appointees are exemplars of service, both as military veterans and advocates for their communities. New York City is fortunate to gain the perspective and wisdom these distinguished veterans will provide over the next three years.”

“Our City is only as strong as the people who call it home,” said Deputy Mayor J. Phillip Thompson. “The men and women appointed to the Veterans Advisory Board exemplify the strengths, capacity for leadership, and commitment to public service that define New Yorkers. I commend the appointees for their service to our nation and their continued service to the people of our City.”

“We’re thrilled at the Mayor’s selection of appointees, who are as diverse as the City itself, representing different eras of military service and educational and professional backgrounds,” said Commissioner Loree Sutton, MD, Brigadier General (US Army, ret.). “This brings a diversity of perspectives that will most effectively represent the interests of the City’s veteran population. As always, we thank the Veterans Advisory Board for their leadership within the veteran community and look forward to continuing a strong, collaborative working relationship with the VAB in this new term.”

Todd Haskins, Chair of the Veterans Advisory Board said, “I am personally honored to be re-appointed to the New York City Veterans Advisory Board.  As Chairman, I am thrilled to have so many citizens step forward to support New York City in its quest to develop the most effective local veteran policies of any large city in the nation.” 

Mayor de Blasio appointed four new members including:

Tiffany Daughtery (US Army): Tiffany is the Head of Military Employment for First Data Corporation, where she is charged with driving the strategy for veteran and military spouse hiring, retention, internal mobility, and community engagements. Since Tiffany joined First Data, the team has won several national awards, including being ranked as the #1 “Best for Vets: Employers” in 2017 by Military Times. Tiffany began her career as a US Army Air Traffic Controller, serving in the US as well as the Republic of Korea. Prior to First Data, Tiffany spent four years at the Wounded Warrior Project, serving as both a regional and then national employment program manager. She holds a Masters of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies from Austin Peay State University.

James Hendon (Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Reserve): James is the Director of the NYU Veterans Future Lab, a small business incubator for practicing and aspiring entrepreneurs who are US Military Veterans or Veterans’ Spouses.  A Veteran entrepreneur himself, James is also the CEO of the Energy Economic Development Corporation, an organization that helps communities and small businesses take advantage of energy-related advancements. Before entering the civilian workforce, James spent seven years in the US Army as an Active Duty Infantry Officer where he deployed as a Mortar Platoon Leader and Battalion Public Affairs Officer to Iraq (2005), worked as an Admissions Officer for West Point (2006-2007), and served as the Senior Advisor to the Afghan Border Police in Afghanistan (2007-2009). James is a 2002 graduate of West Point, a 2012 graduate of Harvard Kennedy School and Columbia Business School, and a 2015 graduate of the Earth Institute’s Program in Conservation and Environmental Sustainability. As a drilling US Army Reservist, James serves as the New York City Lead for the 75th Innovation Command. 

Peter Kauffmann (US Navy): Peter is the founder and principal of Bluejacket Strategies, a public affairs firm based in New York City. He is Vice Chair of VoteVets, a progressive advocacy organization representing 500,000 veterans. Prior to starting Bluejacket, Peter was Communications Director for the Governor of New York, Press Secretary for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Deputy Press Secretary at the Democratic National Committee. During his military service, Peter spent five years on active duty as a Naval Intelligence Officer and was part of the 2005 tsunami relief operations in the Pacific Rim. Peter earned his Bachelors of Arts in Government at Franklin & Marshall College, is a member of the Board of Advisors for the VetVoice Foundation, and a Truman National Security Project Fellow.

Annette Tucker Osborne (US Army Reserve): Annette served as Chief of Clinical Operations from 2009-2013 at the 8th Medical Brigade, Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island and is now a doctoral candidate at Walden University. Having devoted 29 years of service to the US Army Reserve, Annette held numerous positions of increasing authority in both general and combat support hospitals and deployed to Kuwait in 2011 as Chief of Clinical Operations at the rank of Colonel. Annette received fifteen separate commendations for her service, including the Legion of Merit. Previous employment includes positions at the New York City Health + Hospitals Corporation, United States Department of Health & Human Services, and the Visiting Nurse Services of New York. Annette is a registered nurse and holds a Masters Degree in Professional Studies, as well as certifications as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Legal Nurse Consultant.

Mayor de Blasio reappointed two members:

Todd Haskins (US Marine Corps):  Todd serves as Chairman of the Veterans Advisory Board, a position he has held since 2015.  He is currently a principal at Reverence Capital Partners, a private investment firm focused on thematic investments in leading financial services businesses.  Previous employment experience includes over twelve years with Goldman Sachs Group Inc as a Managing Director where, among other roles, he served co-chair of the Goldman Sachs Veterans Network and was actively involved in the leadership of Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS).  Todd holds a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from Rice University, where he was a Naval ROTC student.  

Charles Greinsky (US Army; New York Army National Guard): Charles has represented Staten Island on the Veterans Advisory Board since 2015. He served for a total of ten years in the US Army and New York Army National Guard and holds a number of military commendations. Charles currently serves as Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Staten Island Post 80. He also serves as Chair of the Staten Island Sports Hall of Fame. Charles was a board member of the Civilian Complaint Review Board from 1993 to 2003. He holds a Bachelors of Arts from Touro College.