Do Not Donate to BRAC - Call Gail Nathan the Executive Director and Ask Her Why Only Two State Legislators Are Listed

 Gail Nathan - Executive Director of the Bronx River Arts Center - why are Karines Reyes and Luis Sepulveda the only two state legislators listed 

This program is made possible with support  from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the NYS Council on the Arts with support from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature including Assembly Member Karines Reyes and Senator Luis R. Sepulveda. Additional support is from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Council Members Ritchie Torres, Andrew Cohen, Andy King and Ruben Diaz Sr., and the Bronx Delegation  as well as from Con Edison/The Power of Giving, BronxCare Health System, and private donors

Call Gail Nathan at 718-589-5819 and ask her why only those two sate legislators names are listed. We have an idea, but would like to know from Ms. Nathan as to why only those two state legislators are only mentioned. 

Until we get an answer we ask that you do not donate to the Bronx River Arts Center (BRAC) 

Orange County Man Charged With Federal Hate Crimes For December 28, 2019, Machete Attack At Rabbi’s Home

Grafton Thomas Injured at Least Five People in Hate Crime Attack During Hanukkah Observance

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Eric Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that GRAFTON THOMAS has been charged with five counts of obstructing the free exercise of religion in an attempt to kill, a federal hate crime, related to his machete attack during Hanukkah observances at a rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York, on the night of December 28, 2019.  THOMAS is expected to be presented in White Plains federal court later today.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Grafton Thomas targeted his victims in the midst of a religious ceremony, transforming a joyous Hanukkah celebration into a scene of carnage and pain.  Today is the eighth day of Hanukkah, the festival of lights that commemorates Jews’ struggle to practice their faith more than two millennia ago, and we are about to welcome in a new year.  Even in the face of tragedy, both milestones are an occasion for renewed hope and resolve:  To combat bigotry in all its forms – and to bring to justice the perpetrators of hate-fueled attacks.”

Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband said:  “Every American should be free to live and worship in safety.  The Department will vigorously prosecute those who commit hate crimes, and we will continue to work with our state and local partners to bring to justice anyone who violates the civil rights of Americans.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “When an individual’s actions cross the threshold of a federal crime, as we allege Mr. Thomas did here, we will act swiftly.  The message from today’s charges should be crystal clear – the FBI won’t tolerate violence against anyone.  Working with our partners, we will hold anyone who commits a crime like this accountable for their actions.  The federal penalties for this type of attack are severe and justified.  In this instance, the local community was engaged, and their actions were essential to saving lives and led directly to Mr. Thomas’s capture.  It’s the rest of our community’s joint responsibility to step up and engage as well – don’t give hate a platform to propagate and don’t dismiss this type of behavior as someone else’s problem, address it and immediately report suspicious activity to authorities.” 

According to the Complaint[[1]] unsealed today in White Plains federal court:

On December 28, 2019, THOMAS entered a Rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York, which is adjacent to the Rabbi’s synagogue, during observances related to the end of Shabbat and the seventh night of Hanukkah.  THOMAS declared to dozens of assembled congregants, “no one is leaving,” and attacked the group with an 18-inch machete.  At least five victims were hospitalized with serious injuries, including slash wounds, deep lacerations, a severed finger, and a skull fracture. 

Following the attack, Thomas traveled in a car to New York City, and he was stopped in Harlem by members of the New York City Police Department.  The responding officers observed what appeared to be blood on THOMAS’s hands and clothing, and smelled bleach coming from his vehicle.  A search of THOMAS’s vehicle led to the seizure of, among other things, a machete that appeared to have traces of dried blood on it.  Law enforcement subsequently searched THOMAS’s residence and cellphone pursuant to warrants.  The residence contained handwritten journals with several pages of anti-Semitic references.  THOMAS’s cellphone contained Internet searches dating back to at least November 2019 for terms such as “Zionist Temples” in Staten Island and New Jersey, as well as a webpage visit on the day of the attack to an article titled, “New York To Increase Police Presence After Anti-Semitic Attacks.”  

THOMAS, 37, is charged with five counts of obstructing the free exercise of religion in an attempt to kill, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 247.  Each of the five counts carries a maximum prison term of life.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, the Ramapo Police Department, the Rockland County Sherriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the Clarkstown Police Department, and the New York City Police Department, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division..

The charges in the Complaint 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 Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey Statement on the Collapse of Wind Turbine at 500 Baychester Avenue

 The events that occurred on 500 Baychester Ave. in Co-op City are a reminder that we can not allow any type of building structure be put up so hastily, and that the Department of Buildings needs to properly inspect these structures prior to it's assembly. There are many yet unanswered questions about the permission to build and the stability of a structure that was put up quite literally as residents of Co-Op City slept, and we continue to investigate this matter.

 We are lucky that there were no injuries from the collapse of the wind turbine and the only damage, while unfortunate, was property damage. We are even luckier that this was not a day where school was in session, as there are multiple schools on Baychester Avenue and the injuries could have been devastating.

My office will continue to monitor this situation, and I hope that the owner of this turbine realizes that Co-op City is no place for this type of structure. Simply because one believes they can do something, they shouldn’t always do so. This serves as a reminder for that. 

Editor's Note:

At the October 17, 2019 Community Board 10 meeting held in Coop-City CB 10 voted to change the zoning from C7 to C82. The change of zoning would not disallow the same mono pole from being built, just that it would have to be affixed to the roof of the building rather than free standing. 

The C82 zoning also allows for community facilities to be built in the zone of which at least one member of the public had concerns about. In the minutes of the CB 10 meeting there were concerns from board members about the sign and its illumination, but board members were reminded that they were voting on a zoning change and not the mono pole or any illumination issues. 

SENATOR RIVERA'S STATEMENT ON THE VETO OF BILL TO REGULATE PHARMACY BENEFITS MANAGERS

"The Governor's decision to veto S.6531, which would address transparency, affordability, and fairness in the prescription drug market by regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), is discouraging and truly concerning. I was proud to be a prime co-sponsor of the bill after working very closely with Senator Breslin and Assembly Member Gottfried on crafting a bill that would safeguard New Yorkers and local pharmacies by helping to rein in PBMs that are recklessly inflating the costs of prescription drugs. I also worked with Senator Skoufis to write an investigative report on the PBM industry that concluded such legislation is absolutely necessary for our state. Among climbing healthcare costs, outrageously priced prescription drugs are a significant challenge to many New Yorkers and this bill would have asserted that prices and decisions by providers, pharmacists, and patients should be based on care needs before profit margins. This bill boasts broad support from fellow legislators, health care providers, local pharmacists, and New Yorkers who deserve affordable medications chosen based on health needs. I am astonished that the Governor would veto this much needed bill, but I remain committed to continue working alongside the bill's sponsors to enact strong and impactful laws that will truly regulate this industry in the coming legislative session."

Bronx Jewish Center Hosts Community Dinner

BRONX JEWISH CENTER  Hosts Community Dinner  

Please join us for our next community Shabbat dinner on Friday January 3rd starting  at 7:00 pm  at  the Bronx Jewish Center located at 1969 Haight  Avenue Bx NY 10461. . The B J C will be going White ..  The special theme for that evening will be Snowy White in honor of the winter.!   All of your traditional  style  dishes will take center stage!  We look forward to seeing you! Enjoy a delicious 4 course dinner with your fellow neighbors.Turn your Friday night Shabbat into an evening of spiritual awakening, inspiration,Jewish songs and culinary delight.All are welcome .

  Please RSVP@718-812-1701 to let us know you are coming .Shabbat dinners are held the first Friday of every month.    

When:    Friday  January 3rd..

Where: 1969 Haight Avenue Bx, NY 10461

Cost:   Free of charge and all are welcome to join!

Website:www.BronxJewishCenter. org

Contact: office@bronxjewishcenter.org 

Telephone:  #718-812-1701

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli:- Read the Fine Print on Your New Gift Card

  New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers this holiday season to read the fine print on gift cards for details about fees and expiration dates. While some gift cards sellers have eliminated inactivity fees, consumers should still ask whether fees apply. DiNapoli also reminds recipients to spend their new gift cards in a timely manner, otherwise the money could eventually get turned over to the Office of Unclaimed Funds.

“After the holiday season wraps up, many New Yorkers tend to forget or lose track of their gift cards,” DiNapoli said.  “Last year my office received over $13 million worth of unused cards. As a rule of thumb, New Yorkers should register the card with the retailer and use gift cards within a year of purchase to avoid inactivity fees.”

Registering a new card, or an old one you recently found, helps to get a replacement card if it’s ever lost and also helps you recover any unused balance if it’s reported as unclaimed funds. 

After five years of dormancy, money from unused gift cards issued by New York businesses is turned over to the State Comptroller's office as abandoned property. Under the federal Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, many types of retail gift cards sold after August 22, 2010 are not permitted to charge inactivity fees unless the card has been inactive for at least 12 months. All terms and conditions for a card must be disclosed directly on it and gift cards cannot expire within the first five years after purchase. New York law provides that gift cards cannot be assessed a monthly service fee against the balance prior to two years or the 25^th month of inactivity.

Since January 2011, New York has required companies offering rebates to disclose whether they will be issued in the form of a gift card and whether any fees will apply to those cards. Rebate cards are not all covered by the same rules as regular gift cards, so this disclosure helps consumers to identify the different cards and how they can be used.

Gift cards may have other terms and conditions that can decrease the value.  These may include:

• Service fees when the card is purchased;
• Dormancy fees if the gift card is not used within a certain time period;
• Fees to call and check the balance remaining on the card; and
• Replacement fees for lost or stolen gift cards.

DiNapoli’s office is currently holding more than $16 billion in unclaimed funds. This holiday season he urges New Yorkers to see if they are owed money and visit www.osc.state.ny.us.

MAYOR DE BLASIO LAUNCHES NEW CRIME PREVENTION EFFORTS TO COMBAT HATE AND ANTI-SEMITISM

City launching new Neighborhood Safety Coalitions based on a successful model used to drive down gun violence

   Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today the creation of new multi-ethnic interfaith Neighborhood Safety Coalitions, increased NYPD presence, and new Department of Education  lesson plans and curriculum as part of the City’s commitment to the prevention of hate crimes and anti-Semitic attacks. In addition to an immediate increased NYPD presence, the new Neighborhood Safety Coalitions will have physical presences in the community with neighborhood safety walks and corner watches. They will also offer ongoing programming designed to promote tolerance and break down stereotypes.

“Fearing the next act of terror will not become the new normal for our Jewish neighbors. In New York City, diversity is our strength and we respect the traditions of all who call New York City home. Intolerance will never take hold here,” said Mayor de Blasio.

Increased NYPD Patrols and Safety Measures

The NYPD will increase resources and patrols to precincts in Borough Park, Midwood, Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Williamsburg. Each precinct will have an additional 4 to 6 officers per tour. In addition to an increased NYPD presence at houses of worship and during local events, six new light towers will be posted in Borough Park and additional security cameras will be installed throughout these neighborhoods. 15 light towers have already been installed this month. 

Neighborhood Safety Coalitions

Neighborhood Safety Coalitions will launch in Williamsburg, Crown Heights, and Borough Park, and will be overseen by the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. These individual coalitions will identify and address issues that drive hate-based crimes, bringing together stakeholders from across their communities. They will meet community members where they are — in schools, on street corners, in religious institutions — to be a regular presence to deter acts of hate.

Each coalition will gather regularly to strategize about ways to interrupt hate acts before they happen. The coalitions will identify and offer programming within their neighborhoods that foster community and connect directly with local youth in and after school hours. 

The coalitions are based on a successful model already used by residents in East Flatbush and Williamsburg/Bushwick through the Mayor's Office to Prevent Gun Violence, in which community groups, neighborhood leaders, and clergy have worked together with local police precincts to dramatically reduce gun violence in their communities.

DOE Curriculum

The DOE is committed to ensuring schools are welcoming, inclusive environments for all students and will be implementing hate crime awareness programming next month for middle and high schools in Williamsburg, Crown Heights and Borough Park, including workshops with community partners and leveraging existing social studies curricula and resources. Curriculum on hate crimes will be launched at middle and high schools in these neighborhoods beginning in the 2020-21 school year. These curriculum resources will also be available to middle and high schools citywide.

Citywide, the DOE will distribute resources to facilitate important conversations in the classroom in January, and the annual Respect for All week in February will focus on preventing and addressing hate crimes. Schools are encouraged to develop opportunities for students to discuss what discrimination and religious intolerance might look like in a school and collectively explore the positive actions they can take to promote acceptance, inclusion, and the diversity of their communities.

Citywide Advertising Campaign

The City will launch a series of advertising and social media campaigns to highlight the City’s diversity and encourage respect for all communities.

“The NYPD stands with members of the Jewish community. We will continue our increased patrols and the targeted deployment of Counterterrorism officers at key locations to ensure that everyone is safe,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “We also need the public’s help—if you see anything suspicious, call 911 or flag down a police officer right away. There is no place for hate in NYC, or anywhere.”

“Safety, for every community, remains the City’s highest priority. The Neighborhood Safety Coalitions announced today are grounded in the strength of New Yorkers themselves, working together to prevent the acts that hurt us all. This neighborhood-based work is key to us remaining true to who we are: a safe city that celebrates diversity and condemns hate,” said Liz Glazer, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice.

“A critical part of our work is engaging directly with the communities impacted by anti-Semitism,” said Deborah Lauter, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. “The neighborhood coalitions will help further New York City's commitment to diversity and respect for all and ensure every New Yorker feel safe in their community.”

“Schools are safe havens, and all students deserve a learning environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and free from discrimination. We’ll be providing programming and resources to schools in order for students and school communities to engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue, and to advance learning about hate crimes through historical context and current events. We look forward to partnering with city agencies and community organizations on this critical work. There is no place for hate in our schools,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza.

Bronx River Art Center - Do Not Donate to BRAC Until We Get Our Answer

1087 East Tremont Avenue Bronx,  www.bronxriverart.org 718.589.5819

Our accomplishments this year are many, but highlights include: Over 44 different 10-week series of classes in more than 12 different media in fine art or digital media, including a FREE career development in the creative industries program (TPS+2.0) for teens - young adults up to age 26. Click here for a short video on our 2019 TPS+2.0 Park Bench project Five contemporary art exhibitions in our 2,500 sq. ft. storefront art gallery that addressed an eclectic mix of aesthetics and media and two student shows Six performing art productions of music, theatre, film and spoken word presented in our new event space that opens to our beautiful patio and garden adjacent to the Bronx River Four artist panel discussions related to various exhibitions or presentations Affordable event, conference and rehearsal space rental opportunities for community, businesses and non-profit organizations

And so much more! BRAC is your one-stop shop for the broadest and most accessible range of cultural opportunities in the borough.  Please help us thrive so we can continue to serve our diverse and growing population. The best way to give is to become a member. Memberships start as low as $30 and include discounts on performances, classes, and special events.  Click here to donate or join our Members club, and have a safe and happy holiday season. From all of us at the Bronx River Art Center. This program is made possible with support  from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the NYS Council on the Arts with support from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature including Assembly Member Karines Reyes and Senator Luis R. Sepulveda. Additional support is from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Council Members Ritchie Torres, Andrew Cohen, Andy King and Ruben Diaz Sr., and the Bronx Delegation  as well as from Con Edison/The Power of Giving, BronxCare Health System, and private donors. EDITOR'S NOTE: We sent a reply back to the Bronx River Arts Center after the previous e-mail we received - in past e-mails other Bronx NYS LEGISLATORS have been mentioned, why is it that there are only two listed this time. We have not received a reply back, so we ask that you call BRAC and ask why are there only these two state legislators mentioned. BRAC can be reached at 718-589-5819. Ask Executive Director Gail Nathan why these two NYS legislators are the only ones only mentioned. We also suggest you do not donate to BRAC until we get an answer as to what is going on at BRAC,