Morris Park Theater Presents 'A Stroll Down Memory Lane'

 

The Morris Park Performing Arts Theater at Jacobi Hospital in the Rotunda presented 'A Stroll Down Memory Lane'. That brought back memories to some of when the hospital opened in 1955 as the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, and many of the songs heard were popular. There were Traditional, Rock and Roll, Soul, Country, and a couple of other  genres of music sung by the performers. Peter Lupo, the Souldees, Jimmy Sage, The Acchords, Twin Gold, Dennis "Dennis Rodgers' Gustafarr, Gene DiNapoli, and John Scupaletti and the Reactions.

A crowd of over two-hundred people were in attendance including elected officials Assemblyman Michael Benedetto who opened the event with Morris Park community Association President Al D'Angelo, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson who enjoyed a couple of acts saying that it is wonderful that the empty auditorium and be repurposed as a community theater. Also speaking was Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez who came in and ran out without even taking off her coat. Besides performing Twin Gold introduced each act. 

Morris Park Community Association President Al D'Angelo welcomes everybody to the inauguration show 'A Stroll Down Memory Lane'.  

The sound system went quiet for a few minutes as all in the audience joined in to sing the National Anthem. 

Peter Lupo was the opening act as he sang several oldies.

One of the hits of the show were the Souldees.

Jimmy Sage finishes his act to cheers from the audience.

The Acchords singing one of their songs.

Bronx Borough President Vanesa Gibson said it is wonderful how an empty auditorium can be repurposed into a community theater.

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez didn't take off her coat, and left right after she spoke as not to be asked when exactly she knew about the just Home project at Jacobi Hospital. She said she knew in June when everyone else did, but a power point presentation to her about Just Home is dated March 1, 2022. 

Twin Gold, Jane and Louise are singing in between announcing the other performers.

Dennis 'Denny Rodgers' Gustafarr doing his Kenny Rodgers imitation singing the Gambler. Denny said he knows 'When to Hold Them and When to Fold Them.'

Bronx favorite Gene DiNapoli performing.

Another highlight was when the sound went silent for a few minutes, so John Scupaletti told some jokes including the one about the Parrot and the Lady. She  would pass by the pet shop every day to a comment from the parrot, 'You Know'. 

After the show ended many of the performers came on stage for a group photo. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo Returns To The Bronx

You should know that at this time, when Puerto Rico my Homeland, is suffering from a lack of electricity, drinking water and other necessities, due to the ravaging effects left by Hurricane Fiona, Former Governor Andrew Cuomo returns to the Bronx, and will join The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization in a humanitarian effort to help the Island of Puerto Rico.  A Shipping Container will be available to be filled with vital supplies such as canned goods, medicine, water, and other vital necessities desperately needed for the victims of Puerto Rico. 

  

This event will take place on Saturday, October 1st, at 12:00 P.M.  on Aldus Avenue corner of Southern Blvd., in the Bronx.  The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization together with former Governor Andrew Cuomo will be on hand to receive donations and the aforementioned items that will be shipped to Puerto Rico. 

  

In the event you would like to donate and help in this humanitarian effort, please use the Link below for Christian Community Benevolent Association:  

 

https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/6078964  

  

Thank you so very much. 

  

I Am Rev. Ruben Diaz, and This Is What You Should Know.

Long Island Man Convicted of Attempted Sex Trafficking, Attempted Kidnapping, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Obstruction of Justice

 

Two Victims Escaped by Jumping from the Defendant’s Moving Car

 Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Andrew Frey pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Arlene R. Lindsay to being a felon in possession of a firearm and obstruction of justice.  Today’s guilty plea follows the defendant’s conviction by a federal jury of the attempted sex trafficking and attempted kidnapping of two victims.  The verdict in that case was returned on September 20, 2022 after two weeks of trial before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack.  When sentenced, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to life in prison. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Rodney K. Harrison, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the guilty plea and verdict.  

“Frey targeted and used violence against vulnerable members of our society seeking to exploit them for his own sexual gratification,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Fortunately, the young women whom the defendant sought to victimize were able to escape.  Today’s guilty plea, and the jury’s verdict, make clear there was no escape from justice for this dangerous defendant.” 

Mr. Peace also expressed his appreciation to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance.

“The victims in this case jumped from a moving vehicle rather than risk the fate Frey had waiting for them. Based on the weapons investigators discovered, Frey's intent was dangerous, if not deadly. These women should be commended for their bravery, which we hope will serve as motivation for any other women being victimized by sexual predators to call us,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Driscoll.

“The defendant has proven to be a dangerous individual with a propensity for preying upon and attacking vulnerable women who refuse to bend to the will of a sexual predator,” stated SCPD Commissioner Harrison.  “I commend the victims for taking action and coming forward to work with law enforcement to bring a violent and dangerous man to justice.”

As proven at trial, the defendant attempted to traffic and kidnap two women in Suffolk County.  In October 2018, the defendant lured a sex worker who was addicted to heroin into his car in Mastic, New York.  When the victim refused to accompany him to a secluded location on the beach, the defendant became enraged and threatened her life.  He tried to trap her inside his car by speeding, locking the doors and grabbing her neck.  The victim managed to escape by jumping from his moving vehicle, suffering injuries to her back when she struck the pavement.  The defendant later tracked down his victim sleeping inside of a friend’s parked car at a Long Island Railroad station.  Armed with a knife, the defendant tried to remove the victim from the car, but her friend sped away.  The defendant chased after them in his car, but the victim once again managed to escape. 

In July 2019, the defendant attempted to take a second sex worker to a secluded wooded area in Coram, New York.  When she refused, the defendant became enraged, screamed that he “owned” her and tried to prevent her from leaving by grabbing her as he was driving.  The defendant’s second victim also escaped by jumping out of his moving car, suffering injuries to her knee.   

At the time of the defendant’s arrest in November 2019, law enforcement officers searched the defendant’s car and found multiple sets of handcuffs, as well as knives, rope and other items that he could use for restraint.  The defendant had installed a device in his car which allowed him to conceal his license plate with the push of a button.  Additionally, law enforcement officers recovered a Glock 23 handgun and ammunition located in a safe inside of the defendant’s home.  Because the defendant was a convicted felon and was not legally permitted to possess a firearm, he pressured his son to obtain a pistol permit to conceal that he was the true owner of the firearm. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbors,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review. 

 

This week, we took more steps to assist our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. The Category 3 storm caused heavy rain, mudslides and flooding in multiple Caribbean islands and even caused a power outage on the island of Puerto Rico. The Hispanic Federation, the Dominican Consulate and SOMOS, INC. are all working to bring resources and donations to the islands that were affected by this storm last week. We will keep everyone updated on next steps and ways to aid Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic during this time. Please find more information below.

 

Yesterday, we honored the life of Gladys Ricart and so many other women who have lost their lives at the hands of an abusive partner with the 22nd Annual Bride’s March. To everyone who joined and shared their story on the steps of Borough hall yesterday, thank you. Thank you for your courage and relentless effort in this fight to end gender-based violence. 

 

Lastly, Riverdale First-Ever Restaurant Week begins October 1st - 8th. Please join us in supporting our local businesses. The inaugural week-long event will include 29 Riverdale restaurants. We hope to see this event spread across our beloved borough. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

UPCOMING EVENTS

IN THE COMMUNITY

I joined with my colleagues to bring attention to high rates of infant mortality in our Borough. The Bronx has the highest rate of infant mortality in the City. Infant mortality is the death of an infant before his or her first birthday. The top 5 causes of death in infants in 2020 were: 1. Birth defects 2. Preterm birth and low birth weight 3. Sudden infant death syndrome 4. Injuries (e.g. suffocation) 5. Maternal pregnancy complications For people of color, the risk of infant death is higher. The infant mortality rate is 3.3 times higher for Black people and 2.0 times higher for Hispanic people than in the white community. We must take actionable steps to make sure that our children are safe and healthy at the early stages of their life and beyond.

We honored the life of Gladys Ricart and so many other women who have lost their lives at the hands of an abusive partner with the 22nd Annual Bride’s March. Unfortunately, what happened to Gladys was not an isolated incident.  The Bronx has the highest number of DV homicides of any borough and it also had the highest rate of DV. Black females accounted for 29.6% of intimate partner homicides, while accounting for 13.0% of NYC’s population.   Hispanic females accounted for 26.5% of intimate partner homicides, while accounting for 14.6% of NYC’s population. This administration is committed to amplifying the voices of our survivors to ensure that when we are advocating and creating resources that they are at the forefront of these conversations.

Though Monkeypox infection rates have lowered in our Borough and City, we can not let up.  Last week, we partnered with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife, the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, the Third Avenue BID and Destination Tomorrow to bring resources to our Borough to combat Monkeypox. ICYMI Our city agencies should reflect the great diversity of our city and the FDNY is no exception. We are dedicated to working with the FDNY, DCAS and the City’s Commission on Human Rights to build a more diverse work force in every sector in our city and to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent women and people of color from joining our first responders. Thank you Speaker Adams, Council Member Riley, the NYC Black, Latino, Asian Caucus, the Vulcan Society and everyone else for their support of these bills and commitment to equity.

CONSUMER ALERT: New York State Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips for Keeping Babies Safe with A Two-Part Series During Baby Safety Month

Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez, “The products parents purchase may not be as safe as they should be”

Part One: The Importance of Paying Attention and Staying Updated on Product Recalls 

September is Baby Safety Month, an annual event that focuses on raising awareness of critical lifesaving information to help parents and caregivers keep little ones safe. In recognition of this event, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) calls attention to the importance of baby safety with a two-part series that highlights baby-proof safety measures and tips.

“Parents and caregivers try to give their babies the best care possible and keep them safe from harm,” said New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection.  “Unfortunately, the products parents purchase may not be as safe as they should be. That is why staying updated on the latest product recalls is vital to protect babies from unsafe products.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF PAYING ATTENTION TO PRODUCT RECALLS:

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which issues product recalls across all categories of consumer goods, sometimes even the best baby products will get recalled due to one or more safety issues. Baby product safety recalls are typically related to suffocation hazards, choking hazards, laceration hazards, tipping hazards, and other safety concerns. In the past five years, there have been over 220 product recalls of products for babies and kids. Since 2019, these products have been linked to at least 42 infant deaths and more than 119 injury incidents, many of them resulting in serious injuries.

Most of the infant fatalities linked to these recalls occurred with inclined sleepers which increase the risk of suffocation. Unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury death among infants in the United States, with 82% being attributable to accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Recent inclined sleeper CPSC recalls, warnings, and actions include:

• In June 2022, Fisher-Price alerted consumers to at least 13 reported infant deaths of its Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rockers and Newborn-to-Toddler Rockers.
  
  
• In January 2022, CPSC sued Leachco over suffocation hazard from defective Infant Loungers that caused the death of two infants.
  
  
• In 2021, Boppy, the company that sells infant loungers and breastfeeding pillows, recalled three of its products following 8 infant deaths.
  
  
• In 2021, Fisher-Price also recalled their 4-in-1 Rock ‘n Glide Soothers and 2-in-1 Soothe ‘n Play Gliders after the death of four babies.

In response to this disturbing trend, on June 23, 2022, the CPSC issued a New Federal Infant Sleep Products Safety Standard.  This new mandatory standard eliminates potentially hazardous sleep products in the marketplace that currently do not meet CPSC standards for infant sleep, this includes inclined sleepers, travel and compact bassinets and in-bed sleepers.

HOW TO CHOOSE SAFE PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BABY:

1. Stay updated on the latest product recall. Check for recalls at CPSC (www.cpsc.gov) and FDA (www.fda.gov) or follow DCP on social media. If you have a recalled product, the first thing you should do is stop using it.
   
   
2. Check for recalls before you buy or use new or used baby items. Stores are not always up to date on the latest the recall information, so don’t assume a product is safe just because it’s for sale at a local retailer. Remember to also check for recalls if you purchase used items online, through social media (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc.) or at a “mom swap” or garage sale.
   
   
3. Don’t sell or donate recalled items. Do not sell or give away recalled items; instead follow the recall guidance. In the instance of inclined infant sleepers be sure to destroy the sleeper so that it can’t be used by anyone else.
   
   
4. Regularly schedule a safety check-up on products in your home and check for recalls. Make it a habit to continuously track recalls since hundreds of items are regularly added that have been recalled for safety concerns

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer