Governor Hochul Launches New 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' Vaccine Incentive Program for 5- To 11-Year-Olds for a Chance to Win A SUNY or CUNY Full Scholarship

 

Parents and Guardians of 5- To 11-Year-Olds Who Receive Their First Vaccine Dose by December 19 Can Enter Into the Random Drawing Here

Scholarship Includes Tuition, Room And Board 

10 Winners per Week for Five Weeks with First Winners Announced November 24; Drawing Schedule Available Here

Parents, Guardians, And Communities Encouraged To Visit Ny.Gov/Vaxforkids;

New Posters, Stickers and Other Assets Available For Providers on the Ground Here

 Today, during a COVID-19 briefing at the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center in Westchester County, Governor Kathy Hochul announced new efforts to support vaccinating 5- to 11-year-olds, including the launch of a new vaccine incentive program - 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' - for young New Yorkers. Parents and guardians of children ages 5 through 11 who receive their first vaccine dose by December 19th can enter the State's incentive program for a chance for their child to win a full scholarship to any two- or four-year SUNY or CUNY college or university; the scholarship includes tuition, room, and board. Ten winners will be announced each week beginning November 24th, with a total of 50 winners being selected over the five-week period.

"Finally, the COVID-19 vaccine is here for young New Yorkers age 5 through 11, "Governor Hochul said. "Our critical work to make the vaccine accessible and available to all eligible children and their families is underway - and we will creatively support and celebrate those who get vaccinated. The 'Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate' program is an extraordinary opportunity for children to win free tuition to a SUNY or CUNY college or university, and I urge parents and guardians to help their children get vaccinated and enter into this once-in-a-lifetime program." 

Winners of the State's incentive program will receive two or four years of full-time study in any SUNY or CUNY Associates or Bachelor's degree program, which includes the following:

• Tuition: The full cost of in-state tuition at a New York State or City University.
• Non-tuition Costs: Room and board and allowances for books, supplies and transportation up to the average cost at SUNY colleges.
• Residence: Students living on campus will receive a higher room and board allowance than commuter students. If housing is not available for students on campus, they will receive the same allowance as students living on campus.

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE REACHES $2.35M IN CIVIL SETTLEMENT INVOLVING CIGARETTES SOLD AT JFK AIRPORT THAT WOUND UP IN NYC BODEGAS, WHERE THEY WERE SOLD WITHOUT TAXES

 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, along with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and The City of New York, today announced a $2.35 million civil settlement with duty free retailer International Shoppes following an investigation of the sales of cigarettes at John F. Kennedy Airport to passengers traveling to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, who then brought the cigarettes back to New York where they would sell them without paying required taxes. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “We have reached a civil settlement which restores a significant portion of revenue to the city. This settlement and our previous investigation show we will zealously work to dismantle the untaxed cigarette trade in this County—which deprives the state of considerable tax revenue—and stop the sources of supply in such schemes. I thank our partners for working with us in this investigation that involved millions of dollars.”

 International Shoppes denies having knowledge that the cigarettes were flown back to New York. It has fully cooperated with the investigation into these passengers, and shared documents with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, including legal authority that they believe permitted the sale of cigarettes to individuals travelling to Puerto Rico, which sales they had reported to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for many years. The company has voluntarily stopped selling cigarettes to individuals travelling to Puerto Rico. Based on International Shoppes’ cooperation and enhanced compliance policies, all parties have agreed to resolve any dispute as to whether such sales were taxable with a civil settlement whereby International Shoppes will pay $2.35 million in satisfaction of all claims.

 Ricky J. Patel, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New York, said, “Enforcement of America’s customs laws is one of the many critical areas in which Homeland Security Investigations secures our nation. Through this scheme, the State of New York was cheated out of millions of dollars in revenue. Working with our partners at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Police Department, HSI New York remains dedicated to protecting the people in New York State and our country.”

 The settlement stems from an investigation in 2017 by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the New York City Police Department Intelligence Division, and Homeland Security Investigations which led to 21 individuals convicted for various crimes related to selling untaxed cigarettes in the Bronx. During the investigation, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and its partners became aware that individuals who were part of that investigation purchased cigarettes from International Shoppes, brought those cigarettes to Puerto Rico, and then brought the cigarettes back to New York City.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Jonathan Dubroff, Detective Joseph Petrosino, Detective Brett Topping and Sergeant Timothy Jaycox, under the supervision of Lieutenant Christopher Ward of the NYPD Intelligence Division.

 District Attorney Clark thanked the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, and Homeland Security Investigations, Division of Affirmative Litigation, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Office of Chief Counsel Attorney Advisor Keith Q. Sullivan, and Dyana Lee, Senior Counsel, Office of Inspector General of the Port Authority.

Representative Adriano Espaillat Attends United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow

 

Espaillat Joins Congressional Delegation Led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi on behalf of the United States House of Representatives

 Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) joined Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a Congressional delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, or “COP26,” in Glasgow, Scotland on behalf of the United States House of Representatives. 

In Glasgow, the delegation will participate in bilateral meetings, panel discussions and other engagements with global leaders on top climate priorities, including the recent IPCC report, gender equity and public-private sector coordination on climate action. 

"We can no longer ignore the climate crisis and I commend President Biden's leadership during this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference following the backtracking by the previous administration to remove the United States from the Paris Agreement,” said Rep. Espaillat. "I look forward to working with climate justice champions to ensure international commitments to combat the impact of global warming, and I remain committed to ensuring the effects of the climate crisis on poor, developing populations and people of color across the world remain at the forefront of our policy discussions with international leaders in attendance during this year’s conference.”

The CoDel comes shortly after the House passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act which rebuilds America’s infrastructure, tackles the climate crisis, advances environmental justice, and invests in communities that have too often been left behind. Following the Members' return, the House is expected to pass the Build Back Act, President Biden’s signature social safety net and climate change bill. The Build Back Better Act will invest more than $550 billion to deliver the largest effort to combat climate change in American history.

 

“The climate crisis is the existential threat of our time, and America must continue to bring our boldest ambitions to the table to meet and beat our climate action goals,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  “Together with this outstanding, experienced and diverse delegation including Committee Chairs, Members of the House Select Committee on Climate Crisis and respected Members of Congress, I am honored to once again return to the United Nations Climate Change Conference to convey the strong commitment of the U.S. Congress in addressing this crisis and doing so in a way that puts justice and equity – particularly for indigenous communities – first.”

 

A champion of climate and environmental justice, during the 116th and 117th Congresses, Espaillat has introduced his Green Climate Fund Authorization Act (H.R.2774), which authorizes $4 Million for the GCF for two consecutive years to help support the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to help developing countries limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.  Additionally, Espaillat introduced the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act (SEERA) Act (H.R 3036), a bipartisan, bicameral climate and national security priority in Congress to further demonstrate good faith and U.S. leadership to combat the flow of electronic waste (e-waste) internationally. Last Congress, Espaillat passed his environmental justice amendment H.R. 9 – the Climate Action Now Act, the first congressional vote in a decade to address the threats of climate change that would ensure that the United States follows through on its Paris Agreement commitments.

The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are yearly conferences held in the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). They serve as the formal meeting of the UNFCCC parties (Conference of the Parties, COP) to assess progress in dealing with climate change, and beginning in the mid-1990s, to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol  to establish legally binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to Rep. Espaillat, other Members of the delegation are:

• Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Chair, House Committee on Energy and Commerce
• Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Chair, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
• Chairman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Chair, House Foreign Affairs Committee
• Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Chair, House Committee on Natural Resources
• Chairwoman Kathy Castor (D-FL), Chair, House Select Committee on Climate Crisis
• Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), House Committee on Ways and Means
• Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), House Committee on Appropriations
• Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME), House Committee on Appropriations, House Agriculture Committee
• Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA), House Foreign Affairs Committee,
• Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House Select Committee on Climate Crisis
• Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA), House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House Select Committee on Climate Crisis
• Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA), House Select Committee on Climate Crisis, House Committee on Natural Resources, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
• Congressman Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), House Committee on Natural Resources, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
• Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Chair, United States Joint Economic Committee, House Committee on Ways and Means, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology  
• Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-PA), House Committee on Ways and Means
• Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL), House Select Committee on Climate Crisis, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
• Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX), House Select Committee on Climate Crisis
• Congressman Mike Levin (D-CA), House Select Committee on Climate Crisis, House Committee on Natural Resources
• Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO), House Select Committee on Climate Crisis, House Committee on Natural Resources
• Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), House Committee of Oversight and Reform, House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth

NEW YORK CITY ANNOUNCES AID FOR GHANA’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

 

City is providing medical supplies to Tamale Teaching Hospital in Northern Ghana, a collaborating partner of the NYU Grossman School of Medicine

 As part of the City’s COVID-19 humanitarian relief efforts, Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the City of New York has donated medical supplies and personal protective equipment to Tamale Teaching Hospital in Northern Ghana. Tamale Teaching Hospital provides highly specialized tertiary medical care to over 100,000 patients each year and is a teaching hospital for undergraduate and postgraduate medical students and other health professionals. NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Section for Global Health leads the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Consortium of academic health centers in the AMPATH Ghana partnership with the University for Development Studies School of Medicine, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and other affiliated institutions in northern Ghana.

 

Delivery of the donation will be aided by the Afya Foundation, which brings donated medical supplies to underserved and compromised health systems globally. Donated supplies will include test kits, N95 masks, isolation gowns, and face shields.

 

“Early on during the COVID-19 crisis, communities across the nation and the world stepped up to help to New York City,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now, it’s our turn. This donation to our partners in Ghana is another example of New York City’s commitment to helping communities across the world fight against COVID-19.”

 

“Just like New York City received assistance when we needed it most, it is our moral duty to assist others facing the threat of COVID-19 around the world,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog. “I thank NYU, the Afya Foundation and our City agencies for coming together to make this donation to Ghana possible.”

 

“New York City was the epicenter at the beginning of the pandemic, and the world came together to help us in getting lifesaving PPE to our medical workers,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Chokshi. “We continue to stand in solidarity with our friends in Ghana and with other communities around the world in the global fight against COVID-19.”

 

“The global challenge of COVID-19 requires all of us to come together to help save lives,” said Lisette Camilo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. “New York City was very fortunate in the support we received during the early days of the pandemic, and we are proud to pay it forward and help those who are most in need today.”

 

“Several layers of collaborations and partnerships at different levels have helped culminate in these donations from Afya and the NYC to help in Ghana’s Covid-19 fight,” said Dr. Kareem Mumuni, Ag. CEO - Tamale Teaching Hospital. “As a healthcare facility, the Tamale Teaching Hospital is excited because, not only will we be beneficiaries of this support, but more so because we will serve as conduit for these items to reach other healthcare facilities within the hard-to-reach areas of Northern Ghana, as well as other sister teaching, secondary and primary healthcare facilities in other regions of the country. We are grateful to all our partners and collaborators. Together, we can indeed achieve more!”

 

"We are delighted that our Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Ghana partnership has catalyzed this donation, and we hope it will strengthen Ghana's response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Rajesh Vedanthan, Executive Director of AMPATH Ghana and the Director of the Section for Global Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “It is a wonderful example of how we can leverage the power of academic institutions to improve population health and advance global health equity.”

                                                                             

“We were proud to connect NYU-Langone with DCAS in pursuit of this critical initiative,” said Danielle Butin, Founder and CEO, Afya Foundation. “With over a decade of experience delivering surplus medical supplies to communities in need all over the world, we are honored to lend our logistics expertise to this initiative. This donation is a beautiful example of what can happen when we work together and are generous with our resources.”

 

“Our AMPATH partnership with NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Tamale Teaching Hospital is guided by the principle of leading with care," said Professor Stephen Tabiri, Dean, University for Development Studies School of Medicine, Tamale. "Therefore, we are excited to see our partnership generate this substantial donation of medical supplies to augment our COVID-19 response, both locally and across the country."

 

“CalBank PLC, Ghana, is excited to be part of this PPE donation project as a partner responsible for financing the shipping cost,” said Mr. Philip Owiredu, CEO CalBank. “We recognize that our continued existence and success is dependent on working together with the right partners to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. CalBank will continue to deliver on its responsibility, concern and commitment towards our society’s sustainability and development.”

 

Donated items were recently shipped to Ghana and should arrive in early December. The donation includes 1.2 million test kits, nearly 150,000 N95 masks, 30,000 isolation gowns, and 7,500 face shields, with a total value estimated at over $4.7 million.

 

The donation announced today follows COVID-19 response-related donations the City made to India in May, and to Indonesia in August 2021.

 

Affordable Housing Lottery Launches For 2015 Vyse Avenue In West Farms, The Bronx

 It's the Bronx, that is why the building looks this way, and not fancy like in other boroughs.

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2015 Vyse Avenue, a seven-story residential building in West Farms, The Bronx. Designed by Gino Longo, the structure yields 26 residences near Vidalia Park. Available on NYC Housing Connect are nine units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $46,286 to $167,570.

Residents will have access to a shared laundry room and parking for an additional cost. Units come equipped with energy-efficient appliances and hardwood floors. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are four one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,350 for incomes ranging from $46,286 to $139,620 and five two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,550 for incomes ranging from $53,143 to $167,570.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than November 28, 2021.

Governor Hochul Announces Administration Nominations and Appointments

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced new administration nominations and appointments.

"We are building a top tier team to lead State agencies and deliver high quality services for New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "Dr. Cunningham and Reverend DeCohen are outstanding leaders who will lift these agencies to new heights. Kylah Hynes will be a vital liaison between the federal government and New York during our recovery.These are experienced, talented individuals, and I look forward to working with them."

Dr. Chinazo O. Cunningham will be nominated as Commissioner, Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Most recently, she served as the Executive Deputy Commissioner of Mental Hygiene at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. She joined the agency from Montefiore Health System and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine where she is a Professor of Medicine, Family and Social Medicine, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Cunningham has more than 20 years' experience in research, care and program-development that focuses on people who use drugs. She has also partnered with community to develop pioneering programs to promote the health of this population. Dr. Cunningham led one of the first clinics in New York City to integrate buprenorphine into primary care, which subsequently expanded across seven clinics citywide. She also went on to train hundreds of doctors in the treatment of substance use disorders in primary care.  Dr. Cunningham received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and completed her residency in primary care internal medicine at UCSF and New York University (NYU). She spent a year as chief of residency at NYU. She also holds a master's degree in clinical research methods that she completed during her time at Einstein. Dr. Cunningham will serve as Acting Commissioner until confirmation by the Senate.

Reverend Viviana DeCohen has been appointed Director of the New York State Division of Veterans' Services. Reverend DeCohen is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and most recently served the City of Mt. Vernon as its Commissioner of Veterans Services. Previously she served as Director of Military & Veteran Affairs and Adjunct Professor at Concordia College where she began an On-Campus Resource Program to ensure student veterans have access to food, shelter, clothing and more. Prior to her work at Concordia College, Reverend DeCohen was the Veterans Advisor at Mercy College where she began as a student. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Reverend DeCohen established the first Veteran's center to support academic achievement and markedly improve veterans' graduation rates. She designed programs, such as "Operation Buddy Up" and "Operation PUSH" that improved the overall grade point averages and pushed a record number of veterans to go on to graduate school. She is a member of the Women Marines Association, NY-6, American Legion Post 1038, New York Council Navy League, and Military Adviser to the Barbara Giordano Foundation as well as Clergy Committee Member with the Alzheimer's Association. Reverend DeCohen also serves as Associate Pastor, alongside her husband, Reverend Troy P. DeCohen, of the Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church. Her military service allowed her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, a Master of Science, in Health Service Management, both from Mercy College, and her current pursuit of a Doctorate in Educational Leadership & Gerontology, at Concordia University, Chicago.

Kylah Hynes has been appointed Director of Federal Affairs. Most recently she served as the Director of Federal Affairs for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) with more than 14 years of experience working in the transportation and infrastructure industry. Ms. Hynes has worked for the State of New York for more than ten years on state and federal transportation policy, with project specific experience in federal formula, discretionary and loan programs across all modes. Ms. Hynes has cultivated a diverse background in federal institutional policies and statutory authorities, including working across multiple adjacent policy portfolios in the environment, energy, civil works, and general infrastructure sectors. Prior to her state service, Ms. Hynes began her transit career with the American Public Transportation Association, working for four years with transit agency members on federal policy, grassroots advocacy, and industry-wide policy positions. Ms. Hynes received her B.A. in Political Science and Government from St. Catherine University and an MPP in Transportation Policy from George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Kathy has not found a spot for Nathalia yet.

54 Days and Counting - Remember Who is on my 'Do Not Call On' List Moderator

 

It is 10:15 AM this Wednesday morning, Mayor de Blasio started his media availability at 9:45 AM, and is now taking questions from eight reporters only, and each can ask two questions. Number one the reporter from WNBC. Number two from a new reporter from Univision, where the mayor said good question, thank you, as it was a question of school vaccination also that the mayor said was taken care of.

Third question from WCBS another question about vaccinations, the third in a row so the mayor can explain what the city is doing, as he brings in Dr. Katz the head of HHC (who told me outside Jacobi Hospital that I was Immune to COVID, and that I didn't need to get vaccinated) who spoke about getting vaccinated, then DOH Commissioner Dr. Chokshi (who also told me that I was Immune to COVID, but he wanted me to get vaccinated) also spoke on the school vaccination program. The mayor said that he wants all journalist to participate in questioning him about his vaccination program. 

Fourth Question from New York One Television about the Blood Center in New York increasing in size that the mayor favors. Second question about the East River Park work being stopped. Mayor blamed Hurricane Sandy, and is in favor of it.

Fifth Question from regular reporter from Politico, about Rikers Island, Mayor responded he reduced arrests so less people are in Rikers, also much less in solitary confinement. Second question about 5 - 11 child vaccination 650,000 according to Mayor and Dr. Chokshi.

Sixth Question from Gersh of Streetsblog a regular caller. Question about two young children being hit by cars, asking if it is a public health crisis, Mayor answered that automobiles and larger ones (SUV's) have to be reduced and alternate means of transportation must be found. Dr. Chokshi said drivers should go 5 MPH when turning, and assume there are people in the crosswalk. 

Seventh question from from reporter from Gothamist a semi regular caller, about pop up vaccination center sent to parents by a school principal. Mayor double talked answer it would be good if there was enough vaccine for all the children who want it. Second question also about vaccination mandate, and why the MTA is not under it. Mayor answered it would be nice if they did, but they are not under his control

Eighth question from Yuhuda from Borough Park 24 also a semi regular caller asked about the city being left in wore shape than when de Blasio took office, which the mayor disputed. Second question about why looter were not prosecuted, the mayor blamed the court system not functioning. 

The media availability was over by 10:45 AM. The mayor takes questions from reporter he likes, and does not want to answer questions from all reporters like me who has asked him real question about subjects he does not want to talk about. 

My questions to the mayor today would be, 'Why are you dumping 540 single adult males into Bronx Community Board 11 which has a responsibility for less than 800 homeless people? DHS has a policy of no more than 25% of the homeless people sent to a community board be single adult males, yet you are sending over 65% into CB 11. Why are you not setting up family shelters for the homeless families that came from CB 11? My second question would be how can he let the Pelham Parkway construction now over budget by $249 million dollars and over 13 years late, without any community oversight, since the Pelham Parkway Task Force was disbanded in April of 2021, and the consultant told the District Manager of CB 11 a month later when asked if the Task Force should be reinstated, she said no. Why is there no community oversight on this project that seems out of control? I hope Mayor de Blasio looks at this.

Now you know why the moderator does not call on me to ask a question, I am on the 'Do Not Call On' list.

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Project HOPE Chanukah 2021 Cancelled

 

Project HOPE 2021 Update

Unfortunately BJCC will not be holding our annual Chanukah Project HOPE Delivery this year. However, we plan to return to our meaningful program Passover 2022: Sunday, April 3, 2022 YOU CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE We are planning a smaller Chanukah delivery on December 12, 10-12. Contact Niti if you would like to participate! The BJCC Volunteer Department Continues with Senior programming at least 2-3 times a month. We maintain the five day a week Pelham Parkway food pantry including donations, sandwiches, 'soup in a jar', are welcome! Continues with regular smaller monthly deliveries, all of which require the assistance of our caring volunteers. We would love to have you on our team! Come see how you can help by contacting: Niti Minkove, Director of Volunteers nminkove@bjcconline.org or 917-693-3084 We can't wait to hear from you!

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