MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS 28 JUDGES TO FAMILY, CRIMINAL, AND CIVIL COURT

   Mayor de Blasio has made 28 judicial appointments and reappointments for the New Year, including one appointment and four reappointments to Family Court; six appointments and ten reappointments to Criminal Court; and three appointments and four reappointments to Civil Court. Judges appointed or reappointed to Civil Court sit in either Family or Criminal Court. The appointments were effective January 1.

“These appointees will represent New Yorkers proudly and work tirelessly to provide oversight of our courts,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Their work is essential in ensuring that we are creating a fairer city for all.”

Family, Criminal and Civil Court are part of the New York State Unified Court System. Family Court judges hear cases related to adoption, foster care and guardianship, custody and visitation, domestic violence, abused or neglected children, and juvenile delinquency. The City’s Criminal Court handles misdemeanor cases and lesser offenses, and conducts arraignments. Two of the three judges newly appointed to Civil Court will sit in Criminal Court, one will sit in Family Court.

The Mayor appointed the following judge to Family Court:

Judge Linda Capitti was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Family Court. Prior to her appointment, Judge Capitti served with the New York State Unified Court System as a Principal Court Attorney in the Integrated Domestic Violence Court for 12 years. Prior to that, she served as a Staff Attorney in the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. She is a graduate of Rutgers University and received her law degree from New York Law School.

The Mayor appointed the following judges to Criminal Court:

Judge Michael Gaffey was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to his appointment, he was a criminal law practitioner for 32 years and most recently served as Supervising Attorney and Deputy Director at Queens Law Associates. Before that, he was a Staff Attorney at The Legal Aid Society and had his own practice. He is a graduate of Adelphi University and received his law degree from Hofstra University School of Law.

Judge Wanda (Wendy) Licitra was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she practiced criminal law for nearly 33 years and most recently served as an Arraignments Supervisor at Queens Law Associates. Before that, she served as a Staff Attorney in The Legal Aid Society in both Kings and Bronx counties. She is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and received her law degree from Hofstra University School of Law.

Judge Archana Rao was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York County District Attorney’s Office for 17 years, most recently as the Bureau Chief of the Financial Frauds Bureau. She is a graduate of Vassar College and received her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.

Judge Audrey Stone was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she most recently served with the New York State Unified Court System as the Chief Counsel on Family Violence cases for the Office of Policy and Planning. She also served in the Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Division and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Judge Stone is a graduate of Brown University and received her J.D. from New York University School of Law.

Judge Jonathan Svetkey was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Judge Svetkey most recently served with the New York State Unified Court System as an Associate Court Attorney in Criminal Court, New York County. Prior to this, Judge Svetkey served as a prosecutor with the Kings and Bronx County District Attorney’s Office before establishing a partnership specializing in criminal defense, immigration and personal injury. He is a graduate of the University of Rochester and received his J.D. from Catholic University School of Law.

Judge Kerry Ward was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York State Unified Court System as Chief of Staff in the Office of Policy and Planning. Judge Ward had also served as a Principal Law Clerk and Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court Criminal and Civil Terms. She is a graduate of Pace University and received her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law.

The Mayor appointed the following judges to Civil Court:

Judge Ashley B. Black started her legal career with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services as an Agency Attorney before joining the New York State Unified Court System, first as a Court Attorney, then as a Court Attorney Referee in Family Court. She received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and her J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.  Judge Black is appointed to Civil Court and will be assigned to Family Court.

Judge Paul McDonnell has been serving with the New York State Unified Court System since 1983 in various capacities, most recently as Deputy Counsel of Criminal Justice at the Office of Court Administration. Prior to that, he served as a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, Criminal Term in both New York and Bronx counties. He received his undergraduate degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and his J.D. from Washington & Lee Law School. Judge McDonnell is appointed to Civil Court and will be assigned to Criminal Court.

Judge Jean T. Walsh spent most of her 37 year legal career in public service. She started at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office where she served in various bureaus for fourteen years before joining the United States Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York and then the New York State Office of the Inspector General. Most recently she returned to serve as the Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Investigations Division in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office. She received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and her J.D. from SUNY Buffalo Law School. Judge Walsh is appointed to Civil Court and will be assigned to Criminal Court.

The Mayor reappointed the following judges to Family Court:

Judge Sarah Cooper was appointed as a Family Court Judge in January 2012. Prior to her appointment, she practiced in Family Court for 15 years, having worked for the New York City Administration for Children's Services and as a Court Attorney Referee. She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Binghamton and received her law degree from Cardozo School of Law.

Judge Alicea Elloras-Ally was appointed as a Family Court Judge in April 2015. Prior to her appointment, Judge Elloras-Ally was a Staff Attorney with the New York City Administration for Children's Services, served as a Court Attorney in Family Court as well as a Law Clerk in Supreme Court, Criminal Term. She most recently served as a Support Magistrate in Family Court for six years. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received her law degree from Penn State University, Dickinson School of Law.

Judge Lisa J. Friederwitzer was appointed as a Family Court Judge in February 2018. Prior to her appointment, she served as a Court Attorney Referee in Supreme Court, Queens County after serving as a Support Magistrate in both Queens and Manhattan Family Courts. Judge Friederwitzer graduated from Queens College and received her law degree from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Judge Jane Pearl was first appointed to the Family Court in February 2000. Judge Pearl previously served as a Court Attorney Referee in New York County Family Court. She received her undergraduate degree from George Washington University, her master's degree and Ph.D from Northwestern University, and her law degree from The Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.

The Mayor reappointed the following judges to Criminal Court:

Judge Abena Darkeh was appointed to the Criminal Court in February 2015. Prior to her appointment, Judge Darkeh served with the Kings County District Attorney's Office and with the New York State Office of Court Administration as a Court Attorney/Citywide Domestic Violence Coordinator for New York City Criminal Court and as Assistant Deputy Counsel in the Office of Policy and Planning. She also served as the Deputy Commissioner for Regional Affairs and Federal Programs for the New York State Division of Human Rights. Judge Darkeh is a graduate of Georgetown University and received her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law.

Judge Curtis J. Farber, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was appointed as a Criminal Court Judge in December 2012. He was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in July 2012 and served in Criminal Court. Judge Farber served with the Bronx County District Attorney's Office and was a solo criminal defense practitioner for 20 years. He received his undergraduate degree from George Washington University and his law degree from Boston University School of Law.

Judge William Garnett, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, has been a Criminal Court Judge since August 1991. Prior to his appointment, he served with the Richmond County District Attorney's Office where he last served as Supreme Court Bureau Chief, as well as the Kings County District Attorney's Office where he last served as Senior Trial Assistant of the Homicide Bureau. Judge Garnett graduated from Fordham University, received his law degree from Brooklyn Law School, and his L.L.M. from New York University School of Law.

Judge John T. Hecht, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was appointed as a Criminal Court Judge in September 2011. He was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2011 and served in Criminal Court.  Prior to his appointment, he served as a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, was a Supervising Attorney for the Legal Aid Society, and was a litigation associate for private firms. Judge Hecht graduated from Yale College and received his law degree from Boston University School of Law

Judge Salvatore J. Modica, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was first appointed to the Criminal Court in December 2001. Prior to his appointment, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens and as a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, Bronx County. Judge Modica graduated from the University of Arizona and received his law degree from St. John's University School of Law.

Judge Edwin Novillo was appointed to the Criminal Court in January 2019. He was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in February 2018 and served in Criminal Court. Prior to his appointment, Judge Novillo served with the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Practice for 14 � years, most recently as a Senior Staff Attorney in Queens County. He graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and received his law degree from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Judge Kim Petersen was appointed to the Criminal Court in December 2016. Prior to her appointment, Judge Petersen served with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office as Bureau Chief of Criminal Court and served with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.  She was also a Principal Court Attorney in the Appellate Division, First Department, Departmental Disciplinary Committee, as well as, in Supreme Court, Criminal Term, Queens County. She is a graduate of Queens College and received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.

Judge Raymond Rodriguez was appointed to the Criminal Court in December 2013. He was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2013. Prior to his appointment, Judge Rodriguez served with the Richmond County District Attorney's Office and was a solo practitioner for almost nine years specializing in criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation. He received his undergraduate degree from St. John's University and his law degree from Widener University School of Law

Judge Elizabeth N. Warin was appointed to the Criminal Court bench in December 2015.  Prior to her appointment, she served as a Law Clerk with the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, then served with The Legal Aid Society and was Of Counsel to two firms specializing in criminal defense. Judge Warin received her undergraduate degree from Yale University and her law degree from New York University School of Law. 

Judge Stephanie Zaro, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was appointed to the Criminal Court in February 2008. She began her career by serving in the Inspector General's Office of the New York City Department of Finance and then served with the Queens County District Attorney's Office. Judge Zaro was also a solo criminal defense practitioner for nearly 20 years prior to her appointment. She is a graduate of John Jay University and received her law degree from Cardozo School of Law.

The Mayor reappointed the following judges to Civil Court:

Judge Deepa Ambekar was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in May 2018 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York City Council as a Senior Legislative Attorney and Counsel to the Committee on Public Safety. Judge Ambekar also served as a Staff Attorney with the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and received her J.D. from Rutgers Law School.

Judge Quynda L. Santacroce was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York State Unified Court System as a Principal Court Attorney in Criminal Court, Queens County in the Integrated Domestic Violence Part/Queens Youth Part, and also served with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office in several bureaus. Judge Santacroce is a graduate of Cornell University and received her J.D. from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Judge Jonathan H. Shim was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in February 2018 and has been serving in Family Court. Prior to his appointment, Judge Shim worked as an associate at several firms before starting his own practice in family and matrimonial law, which he maintained for nine and a half years. He is a graduate of SUNY at Albany and received his J.D. from Albany Law School.

Judge Jay L. Weiner was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in April 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to his appointment, he served with the New York State Unified Court System as a Principal Law Clerk in the Appellate Division, Second Department. Judge Weiner also worked with Appellate Advocates, and served as an Assistant District Attorney in both Queens and Kings Counties. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and received his law degree from Fordham University School of Law.

Wave Hill events January 16‒January 23

Sat, January 18

Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee Bend

In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the Gee’s Bend Community in rural Alabama and the Freedom Quilting Bee was established. The bold patterns and bright colors of these now famous quilts, made from fabric scraps, would later go on to fund aspects of the community’s freedom. Create your own brilliant compositions out of bountiful squares of donated fabric to honor Dr. King’s birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, January 19

Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee Bend

In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the Gee’s Bend Community in rural Alabama and the Freedom Quilting Bee was established. The bold patterns and bright colors of these now famous quilts, made from fabric scraps, would later go on to fund aspects of the community’s freedom. Create your own brilliant compositions out of bountiful squares of donated fabric to honor Dr. King’s birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, January 19

Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 1–3PM

Sun, January 19

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Sun, January 19

Exhibition Opening: Returning to the Source

Since 2010, 111 artists have had studios at Wave Hill through the Winter Workspace residency program. This time of experimentation and reflection in the garden proved immensely influential to their practices, launching new and expanded directions. The work they created has often been exhibited widely, finding new audiences, meanings and contexts. To celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary, a selection of those works made during residency returns to Wave Hill House, where visitors can see the garden in winter through the eyes of this stellar group of alumni artists. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 2:30–4PM

Mon, January 20

Wave Hill is closed.

Wed, January 22

Heroes of Horticulture–Americans Who Transformed the Landscape: A Horticultural Lecture by Barbara Paul Robinson

In her new book Heroes of Horticulture, Barbara Paul Robinson tells the vibrant stories of 18 contemporary heroes of horticulture―institution-builders, restorers of public parks and public spaces, adventurous plant explorers and garden creators―who have each had a significant, public impact on the American landscape. A hands-in-the-dirt gardener, Robinson and her husband have created their own gardens at Brush Hill in Connecticut. A frequent speaker, she has published a biography of Rosemary Verey, as well as articles in The New York Times, Horticulture, Fine Gardening and Hortus. Wave Hill’s annual horticultural lecture series is held at the New York School of Interior Design. Individual tickets: $30, with a 10% discount for Wave Hill Members and students. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are recommended, online at wavehill.org, starting November 13. Student tickets available lecture evening only, at the door, space permitting and with a valid student ID. The second lecture of the series takes place on February 19, when photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo speaks about photographing gardens.

New York School of Interior Design, 6–7:30PM

                         

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS – Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM, November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES – Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

  

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

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.