Monday, September 13, 2021

Backpack and School Supply Giveaway Outside Bronx Muslim Center.

 

Almost two-hundred backpacks filled with school supplies were given away outside the Bronx Muslim Center on Rhinelander Avenue Sunday. This backpack giveaway was organized by Community Board 11 member Christian Amato, Throggs Neck District Leader John Doyle, and Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez.  


Community Board 11 Vice-Chair Yahay Obeid set up the location of the Bronx Muslim Center, a well used building that is at almost full capacity. 


(L-R) Throggs Neck District Leader John Goyle, CB 11 member Christian Amato, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and CB 11 Vice-Chair Yahay Obeid. 


Assemblywoman Fernandez gives this backpack to this young girl.


CB 11 member Christian Amato looks for the right grey backpack for this young boy.


Here CB 11 member Amato gives this young girl her backpack, as local Muslim leader Yahay Obeid looks on in apreaction.




Peaceful Rally outside the Yemini American Association Headquarters to End Civil War in Yemen.

 

Little Yemen is located on Rhinelander Avenue off White Plains Road. Sunday, there was a peaceful rally to try to end the civil war in Yemen that has been going on since 2014 when the capital city of Sana'a, was captured by Houthi insurgents with Shiite rebels believed to have ties to Iran rose up against the Sunni Government. In January 2015 the Presidential Palace was taken over forcing the President of Yemen to flee to Saudi Arabia. A civil war has continued since then, and those who came to the rally want that civil war to end, with the help of the United States. 


Close to five-hundred people came out to hear speeches from Yemini-American leaders calling for the U.S. Government under President Joe Biden to act on behalf of the majority of the people of Yemen who want to live in peace. Local Yemini - American leaders Yahay Obeid, Dr. Debbie of Yamausa.org, and others including local Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and presumed incoming Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez spoke. The rally is to hope that local members of congress, and the two New York U.S. Senators can get President Biden to help end the civil war in the country of Yemen.


The Yemini American Association headquarters on Rhinelander Avenue.


Yemen-American leader Dr. Debbie speaks.


Part of the crowd of almost five-hundred who came out for the rally, that closed streets for blocks around.


Another view of the crowd of about five-hundred.


Sunday, September 12, 2021

Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 9/10/2021

 



Dear Friends,

As we enter this weekend of remembrance, marking the 20th anniversary of 9/11 we remember and honor all those whose lives were lost, the lives that were forever changed and the dedication, commitment and strength of those who responded on the frontlines. These tragic events were intended to break our spirit, instead we have emerged stronger and more unified.

Residents in our District are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Our office has put together a Resource Information Guide for all the affected with the following links for help: The NYC Page, the FEMA page and the Comptroller Page.

With NYC schools starting this Monday and catholic schools already in session, we are proud that we have wrapped up our School Bookbag and Supply Giveaway Operation as we gave away over 1900 bags in every corner of our district.

I am glad that as every year I am co-sponsoring the City Island Clam Chowder Festival, a staple in the community, this Sunday, September 12th, stop by and taste some as we continue supporting restaurants and small businesses during these difficult times.

Please remember we are here for you, contact my office with issues or concerns at 718-931-1721 or email at MGjonaj@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj
District 13, Bronx









116 Days and Counting

 


Well, Tomorrow is the first day of school for our public children. It's that Teachers union who is blocking mandatory vaccinations for their union members. They don't care about the children, only their union members. The UFT once said to my DOE staff that they got legislation passed in Albany, and that created another teaching position in every school.


I will be in the Bronx tomorrow morning with my chancellor at a school to see how everything is going. I plan to visit other schools later in the day. The children come first to me and Chancellor Porter.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Good news and hard news from this week

 

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress

This past week has been a very difficult one for our community.

The torrential downpours from Ida devastated family homes and we lost over a dozen people in the floods in our district alone. The vast majority of these tragedies were connected to safety hazards in off-the-books basement dwellings that people have been forced to turn to as a result of the city’s cost of living and housing crisis.

I’ve spent the last week canvassing the community and working with FEMA, President Biden, Governor Hochul, state and local officials, block associations, and community members to cut through red tape and try to get relief out as swiftly as possible.

Here’s the good news: help is here. We’ve worked to make this one of the fastest ever FEMA approvals for disaster relief. Folks who have experienced damages from the storm can apply now at DisasterAssistance.gov for grants up to $34,000. My advice is to apply for this aid as soon as possible, document EVERYTHING while you can, and to take photos of all your damaged belongings — including bar codes and model stickers on your major appliances, electronics, or higher-priced items.

Our community is coming together and doing everything we can to help each other heal and recover. Many organizations are on the ground right now working to provide assistance and distribute supplies to those who need it most. 

The hard news is this,  climate change is here. Relief can only go so far. Without examining our systems of power and wealth, we will find ourselves in this position again and again.

We need to be asking ourselves questions like:

Why are rents so high that we must resort to dangerous living conditions when luxury apartments throughout the city are vacant?

Why are insurance companies allowed to deny people flood insurance and then deny people’s claims when a storm hits – putting the cost of climate change on everyday people?

Why do our officials allocate trillions for war but not enough to rebuild our 100+ year old sewer systems?

Where is the accountability for fossil fuel companies who lied to the public about climate change for decades?

People deserve better, and we ALL become safer when we challenge the systems that harm the many for the benefit of the few. It’s past time to try new policies and systems that will prepare us for what is to come.

I believe in a better future for all of us. We just need the faith that we can do it and the will to fight for those we don’t know.

Love and solidarity,

Alexandria

THENEWBXCC - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Legislative Updates, New Grants, Events and Much More
Please click View/Allow Images so you don't miss a thing!
The Friday Extra
In this week’s Friday Extra, President Lisa Sorin speaks about:
The Hero Act – Employers must implement disease exposure prevention plan pursuant to NY hero act
Key to NYC Mandates – enforcement will begin on September 13. Businesses that do not comply with this policy will be subject to fines. Click here to learn more and how to stay in compliance.
ABNY – We have partnered with our new member, Association for a Better New York (ABNY), to assist in the production of a robust directory featuring businesses that are Minority-, Woman-, Disability-, Veteran- or LGBTQ+ -owned throughout New York City. Click here to view.
Gala – We are 20 days out from our Annual Gala. If you have not purchased your tickets, you may do so here.
Available Growth & Recovery Grants
KKR Small Business Builders
Round 6 now open!
KKR Small Business Builders offers $10,000 grants and mentoring to help owners sustain their businesses, maintain and create jobs, and spur economic opportunity during COVID-19. Apply now before the Round 6 deadline on October 15.
Hurricane Ida's Impact on Small Businesses
Hurricane Ida has impacted all five boroughs. The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is extending help. 
 
SBS recommends the following immediate next steps:

  • If you or others are facing immediate danger, please call 911.
  • Determine whether you have access to your space, assess any damage and consider the following:
  • Will you be able to conduct business in the near term?
  • Are your employees impacted and/or can they can travel to the worksite?
  • What insurance do you have, and do you have access to the records needed to file a claim? 
  • Carefully review the post-loss insurance tips below
 
If you need additional support from an emergency response professional to assess your space and your specific business needs, call the NYC Department of Small Business Services hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
Creciendo Con TikTok
TikTok, HHF and partners have partnered to create a $150,000 Grant Fund aimed at expanding and elevating 30 Small Latinx Businesses across the US. celebrating the perseverance, hard work and commitment of Latinx Business Owners as champions of entrepreneurship during the COVID crisis, the fund will grant cash awards of $5,000 each to selected Latinx business owners from across the country who exemplify those business principles championed through TikTok.
The deadline to apply is Thursday, September 30, 2021. 

SBA PPP Forgiveness
#PaycheckProtection Program borrowers: Did you take out a loan of $150,000 or less? You may be eligible to apply for direct loan forgiveness through SBA's online portal!

Find out if your lender is participating and apply for forgiveness: https://sba.gov/pppforgiveness
Upcoming Events
LGBTQ Business Enterprise Certification & NYC Fast Track Event
Join nglccNY on Monday, September 27 at noon for the LGBTQ Business Enterprise Certification & NYC Fast Track Event! You’ll network with members of the chambers of commerce from all 5 NYC boroughs, as well as hear about: 
  • How being an LGBTQ Certified Business can open doors to new business opportunities
  • The certification process and how to leverage benefits
  • Advice from certified business owners 
Come learn and connect with other business owners and grow your LGBTQ Business community!

This is a free virtual workshop for New York LGBTQ business owners, entrepreneurs, and business students.
Upcoming: Bronx Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala
Mark Your Calendars
For Our 2021 Gala on
September 30, 2021
The Bronx Is Back In Business


We're going to make it a night to remember! 
Honoring:
Ruben Diaz Jr. - Bronx Borough President
Lucy McMillan - Arnold & Porter
Aurelia Greene - Former Deputy Bronx Borough President & Assemblywoman (posthumously)
Bill Tipacti - Univision
Marcos Crespo - Montefiore Health Systems
Bronx Chamber Member Spotlight
Upcoming: Bronx Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala
American Maintenance 3 Janitorial Services and Supplies CO. Corp. has moved to a NEW location! They are now located at 3957 Provost Ave Bronx, NY 10466, near Eastchester Road and Dyre Ave. They will be having their ribbon cutting ceremony on September 22, 2021 AT 11am.