Councilman Torres Calls For Metro North Clean Up on East 161st. Street Metro North Area

  Standing on the corner of Park Avenue and East 161st. Street Councilman Ritchie Torres called for the MTA to clean up the garbage from inside the gated area behind him which is on Metro North property. He said that he has an organization that would clean the garbage if the MTA would allow access to the filthy area.

Standing with Councilman Torres was a resident of the Morrisania Houses Ms. Tanya Pedler who said that rats come from all the trash and garbage thrown around the tracks. Also were members of Wildcat, an organization that hires people to clean up business areas. 

Councilman Torres was asked when he learned of the situation, answering a few weeks ago. There was no answer as to how the larger items got inside the gated area, or a solution to keep future items out of this gated area.

Above - The gated area leading to where Councilman Torres says the Metro North should clean or give him access to allow his clean up workers do the clean up.

Below - A Metro North train passes under 161st Street at the point where Councilman Torres called for a clean up.

SAGE - We told our stories—and it made a difference

Bipartisan legislation introduced after momentous trip to Capitol Hill Never underestimate the power of sharing personal stories. Six weeks ago, SAGE organized its first-ever National Day of Advocacy, bringing dozens of LGBT elders together from across the country to speak directly to their representatives in Washington, D.C. These elders sat down, face-to-face, with their members of Congress to bravely describe the challenges they continue to confront as a result of their LGBT identities and the lack of federal support for LGBT aging programs in their communities. And it made a difference! Weeks later, for the first time, bipartisan federal legislation to support LGBT elders was introduced in the U.S. Senate, championed by Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Senator Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, and Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. The Inclusive Aging Act would, among other things, ensure that our community’s pioneers have equal access to critical federally funded aging programs like Meals on Wheels and senior centers. It would also permanently establish the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging (which is run by SAGE) and create a rural grant program to support care and services for LGBT and other minority elders. This is a groundbreaking accomplishment and was only possible thanks to the many people who participated in SAGE’s National Day of Advocacy on Capitol Hill last month, which laid the foundation for this monumental achievement. Read more »

Help SAGE advocate for LGBT elders This year, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, we have a special opportunity to lift up the stories of LGBT pioneers and educate the public about our community’s history of activism and the rights we are still fighting for today. SAGE is looking for individuals to participate in a variety of ongoing projects to help highlight the stories of LGBT elders and advocate for LGBT equality. SAGE is specifically looking for elder advocates, allies and providers in Florida, a state where LGBT people are not protected from discrimination. SAGE wants to change that, and we need your help. In partnership with Equality Florida, SAGE is organizing in-person meetings between LGBT elders and allies and their members of Congress in Florida. If you are interested, please SIGN UP to advocate on behalf of LGBT elders, who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. SAGE will help you prepare for your meetings and work with you every step of the way—all you need is to be willing to share why you feel that LGBT people urgently need protections.   SAGE is also continuing to collect stories about Stonewall experiences. Did you participate in the 1969 Stonewall uprising? Do you know someone who participated? Do you want to simply share what Stonewall means to you? (Applies to people of all ages and identities.) If you have a Stonewall story to share, we want to hear from you! Participate in our Stonewall stories project by filling out our form.

A toast to fierce LGBT advocates in Philadelphia On Thursday, April 4, SAGE supporters gathered at the Comcast Center in Philadelphia to honor LGBT trailblazers Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania's secretary of health, and Ed Miller, the senior programs coordinator at Philadelphia’s William Way LGBT Community Center. The event raised funds toward SAGE’s continued work with and on behalf of LGBT elders. SAGE also supported the William Way LGBT Community Center and their work with the LGBT and aging communities. See photos »

Mark Your Calendars!

Fire Island Pines Celebration June 1, 2019 | 225 Bay Walk Join us for the 27th annual edition of this classic summer event. Buy tickets »   SAGE & Friends DC June 7, 2019 | The Wonder Bread Factory Rooftop, 641 S Street NW Washington, D.C., 20001 Enjoy cocktails and appetizers as we kick off Capital Pride weekend. Buy tickets »   Hamptons Tea Dance July 13, 2019 | Nova’s Ark Project, 60 Milestone Rd, Water Mill, NY 11976 Join SAGE and Callen-Lorde as we celebrate summer and raise money to support services for the LGBT community. Buy tickets »

News from Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez

#BXnightmarket - So much new food to try...here's some info to help you plan better

GET IN MY BELLY

We've been working super hard to get it cooking for you, The Bronx. Our goal is to curate a culinary journey that will get your taste buds singing with some familiar local tunes, but also some tremendous global flavors. We feel good about it; we know you will too.  SAVE THE DATES  Let everyone you love know they're going to be busy during these dates:  Share Tweet Forward Share HELP US HIT 10,000 FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM Some of you know the levels of hard work and money it takes to produce a project at the scale of the Bronx Night Market. We obviously couldn't bring you this exciting series without the help of these amazing partners. Shout out to all our supporters, friends, and collaborators, and a special thank you to Wilma Alonso and Jessica Gordon of the Fordham Road BID.

OFFICE OF THE BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO HOST 3rd ANNUAL CHILD SAFETY FAIR ON APRIL 27, 2019

April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month Bronx Children and Parents Can Learn About Safety Issues Among Fun Activities

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that her office, along with the New York City Police Department, Safe Horizon, the NYC Administration for Children’s Services and the New York City Fire Department, will host the third annual Bronx Child Safety Fair. The event will allow families to hear from experts on safety concerns, obtain a free New York State Safe Child Identification Card, and enjoy a day filled with games, music and other fun activities. 

 The Child Safety Fair, which marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary School, located at 1914 Morris Avenue, between East 177th Street and East Tremont Avenue. Children ages 3 to 13 and their families are encouraged to take part in the event. 

 District Attorney Clark said “Keeping Bronx children safe is a top priority, and learning how to prevent harm towards our kids is extremely important. We had great turnouts for our first two fairs, and I hope you will join us this year for this educational, fun event.”

 The fair will cover a wide range of safety topics, including bicycle safety, bullying prevention, tips on staying safe while surfing the Internet, safe sleeping for infants, and safe/unsafe touching. Assistant District Attorneys will be on hand to answer questions.

 Besides educational opportunities, there will also be a live DJ, face painting, a bouncy castle and a raffle. Free food will also be offered. The NYPD will distribute free SAFE Child Identification cards, which includes the child’s name, biographical information and a fingerprint image of both index fingers. The ID cards are used by the New York State AMBER Alert and Missing Child Alert programs. Additionally, the NYPD will be taking sign-ups for their summer youth programs.

BRONX WOMAN INDICTED FOR ASSAULT FOR ILLEGAL SILICONE INJECTIONS IN HER BRONX HOME

Other Possible Victims Are Encouraged To Contact Police 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx woman has been indicted for Assault and other charges for allegedly carrying out an illegal silicone cosmetic procedure on a 39-year-old woman. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly conducted a dangerous, illegal cosmetic procedure that left the victim with substantial pain. We hope this indictment reminds the public that they should not undergo these unauthorized procedures that can gravely threaten their health.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Whalesca Castillo, 44, of 2219 Seward Avenue, was arraigned today on second-degree Assault, Unauthorized Practice and third-degree Assault before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. The defendant is due back in court on June 3, 2019. 

 According to the investigation, on or about February 10, 2018, in the defendant’s home, Castillo conducted an unauthorized cosmetic procedure and injected silicone substance into the body of a 39-year-old Bronx woman. The botched procedure, which was done in an effort to enhance the buttocks of the victim, left her with extensive infections and pain in her buttocks and thighs. The victim also has to undergo surgery to remove most of the tissue in the affected area

 The defendant, who does not have a license to practice medicine or cosmetic surgery, was indicted in second-degree Manslaughter, Criminally Negligent Homicide and Unauthorized Practice earlier this year for a separate procedure in which a woman died. Anyone with information about other possible victims of the defendant are encouraged to call the 43rd Precinct Detective Squad at (718) 542-5530.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Carmen Torres of the 43rd Precinct Detective Squad and Anthony Velez of the Bronx Homicide Squad for their assistance.

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

SENTENCES OF 16 YEARS, 17 YEARS IN PRISON FOR TWO MEN IN FATAL SHOOTING OF TEEN DURING ROBBERY IN HIS HOME

Defendants Pleaded Guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter; Had Gone To Victim’s Home To Steal Insurance Settlement

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that two men have been sentenced to prison—one for 16 years, the other for 17 years--for fatally shooting a teen in his Bronx home in 2016. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants went to the 19-year-old victim’s home to commit a robbery and shot him during a struggle. The defendants’ actions ended the life of a young man over money that wasn’t even in the victim’s home.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Andy Encarnacion, 24, of 596 Riverside Drive, Manhattan, was sentenced today to 17 years in prison and 5 years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice James McCarty. Matthew Wulah, 25, of 2632 Davidson Avenue, was sentenced to 16 years in prison and 5 years post-release supervision by Judge McCarty on April 11, 2019. Encarnacion and Wulah pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter in March 2019 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Barry E. Warhit. 

 According to the investigation, in the early morning on November 20, 2016, inside 1058 Southern Boulevard, the defendants, in concert with each other, shot Jose Hart, 19, causing his death. Prior to the shooting, the victim’s mother had recently won a $50,000 car insurance settlement, and Hart had told a woman he was dating, Kayla Moreno, about the money. After the victim shared a sexually explicit video of them, she allegedly planned the robbery with others. Moreno told Wulah and Encarnacion about the money and let the defendants into Hart’s apartment. While trying to find the money, the victim struggled with the defendants and he was shot in the chest.

 The defendants fled the scene and allegedly took with them a flat screen TV, the victim’s cell phone, PlayStation console, sneakers and his jacket. The victim’s body was found by his mother when she arrived home several hours after the shooting. 

 The cases against Moreno and other co-defendants are still pending. 

 District Attorney Clark thanked Beryl Wright, Clerical Associate in the Homicide Bureau. District Attorney Clark also thanked Detective Gregory Casvikes of the 41st Precinct Squad and Detective Robert Klein of the Bronx Homicide Task Force.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR WEAPON POSSESSION IN INCIDENT THAT LEFT 5-YEAR-OLD BOY SHOT IN HEAD ON A BRONX STREET

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of weapon possession involving a shooting that left a 5-year-old boy critically wounded. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “Any defendant on parole, carrying a gun in broad daylight should receive the maximum sentence under the law, which is 15 years. The young victim miraculously survived a gunshot to the head but continues to struggle with the injuries. An innocent child’s life has been utterly changed.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Michael Quiles, 29, of Washington Avenue, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and 5 years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Martin Marcus. A jury found the defendant guilty of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon on March 26, 2019. The defendant was acquitted of Attempted Murder and first-degree Assault.

 According to the investigation, on June 5, 2017, in the area of 167th Street and Washington Avenue, the defendant was in possession of a loaded firearm while arguing with two men with whom he was having a dispute. The men were armed with knives and approached the defendant. Quiles, who was on parole at the time, then fired multiple shots during the argument. One bullet struck Jaheem Hunter, who was to celebrate his fifth birthday that day. His father and sister rushed him to the hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries. He suffered severe brain damage and continues to live with the repercussions from the shooting.