Bronx Fashion Week - Fashion Designer Call, Model Workshops & More!!!

 Bronx Fashion Master Model Class Facilitated by Supermodel Crystal

November 20th and December 4th at Noon

Multi-level Master Classes will be offered by our very own Creative Director and Published Professional Fashion Model Crystal taking YOU to the next level! Click on the Link on the Picture Above and Register!

BXFW WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

Learn the ins and outs of starting your journey as a Professional Fashion Model. You will develop the skill set to successfully secure and execute castings and grow confidently with this 90-minute, four-part Fashion Modeling Course facilitated by BXFW Creative Director Crystal.

We look forward to having you Join Us!

Beyond the Runway Empowering Initiatives!

Prom Drive Donation by Bronx Fashion Week

For many of our youth, the expenses associated with attending their prom alone are beyond their financial reach. This past summer, your donations helped three hundred plus Bronx students in need with prom and graduation garments.

Thank you again to our partners at the Bronx DA's office, Community Based Organizations, Validus Prep, Mott Hall, BxFW Designers, Models, Promised Land Convenant Church, Bronx Schools and my partner in giving Dawn Cuttino-Jones and Pamela Damon and the entire community at Promised Land Covenant Church for joining in this partnership mission of love and giving.

Warm regards, The Bronx Fashion Team

CONSUMER ALERT: New York State Division of Consumer Protection Provides Tips to Avoid Charity Impersonation Scams

 

Scams are More Prevalent After a Natural Disaster or Emergencies

Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez, “Scammers prey on the good intentions of people and take money that could otherwise help individuals and programs in need”

Scammers Usually Pretend to be Members of a Well-Known Organization to Bilk Millions Out of Unsuspecting Donors

Follow These Tips to Donate Wisely and Avoid Charity Scams

The New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) aims to raise awareness about charity scams. Donations of any kind can make a real impact on a good cause, which is why charity scams are especially cruel. Unfortunately, scammers never miss an opportunity to defraud people, so it’s important to remember that not all donation requests are legitimate. The Division has created this quick guide to help donors do their own due diligence on the charities seeking their support.

“After a major event such as a natural disaster, tragedy, or as the season of giving unfolds, scammers prey on the good intentions of people and take money that could otherwise help individuals and programs in need,” said Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez. “In order to ensure that donations go to the right place, we encourage New Yorkers to research and confirm charity claims before making a donation.”

Charity scams can happen at any time, but they are more prevalent after a natural disaster or emergencies collecting millions of dollars from unsuspecting donors. On many occasions, these fraudsters pretend to be affiliated with well-known organizations or even the government to scam people out of their hard-earned money. According to the Federal Trade Commission about 2.8 million people nation-wide reported being victims of someone pretending to be a trusted charity source in 2021 causing loses of about $2.3 billion.

To prevent your donation money from falling into the wrong hands, DCP recommends taking the following precautions:

• Check the legitimacy of the charitable organization. Research the charity by searching the New York State Attorney General's online database of registered charities at charitiesnys.com, and by visiting websites such as bbb.org, www.give.org and www.guidestar.org in addition to visiting the charity’s website. If donating toward relief efforts after a natural disaster, check a site like disasterphilanthropy.org to be sure your money is going to truly help those in need.
• Learn how to detect a phony charity. Some scammers will create fake “charities” and try to trick you with similar names of well-known charities. Pay attention to the charity’s name, web address, logos, etc. Scammers often mimic the names of familiar, trusted organizations to fool donors.
• Designate your donation. Find out what percentage of your donation will go directly toward the cause as opposed to administrative costs. Ask the charity whether you can designate your donation to a specific effort rather than a general contribution fund. If the solicitation comes from a professional for-profit fundraising company, be aware that the charitable organization will receive only a percentage of your donation. If you want to ensure the charity receives the whole amount, donate directly instead.
• Pay attention to vague claims. Pay attention to language such as “all proceeds go to charity” or “your purchase will benefit a charity.” A disclosure should be provided that includes the actual or estimated purchase price amount the charity will receive directly.
• Resist high-pressure tactics. Charity fraud scams can come in many forms, whether by email, social media, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. Watch out for direct e-mails from “victims” and solicitors who employ heart-wrenching stories, insisting that you donate immediately. It is strongly advised not to give money over the phone to unsolicited telemarketers, and instead ask the caller to send written materials about the charity.
• Find out who's behind the crowdfunding request. Online platforms like GoFundMe make it easy for people to create crowdfunding campaigns. To protect yourself, remember to give to people you know directly. It’s also important to understand the crowdfunding site’s rules, policies, and vetting procedures. It can be helpful to know these ahead of time to determine how they are protecting consumers from potential fraud.
• Do not disclose personal or financial information to unsolicited requests. Never give your Social Security number, credit card or debit card number or other personal identifying information in response to an unsolicited charitable request.
• Avoid giving cash. Give your contribution by check or credit card to ensure that you have a record of the donation. Make checks out to the charity, not to an individual. If you choose to make a donation via a charity's website, check that the website is secure and that your computer is equipped with the latest anti-virus protection. Do not send contributions with a "runner," by wire or overnight parcel pick-up.
• Don’t assume. Check out an organization’s tax status at irs.gov/app/eos to find out if the donation is tax deductible. Ask for a receipt and trace the status of your donation.

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 8:30am to 4:30pm, 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

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON CITY COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES’ THREE VOTES TO ADVANCE THOUSANDS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS FOR NEW YORKERS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after the New York City Council Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises voted unanimously to approve the Innovation Queens and Innovative Urban Village affordable housing projects and the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions voted unanimously to approve the Livonia4 project:

 

“Today marks a new day for affordable housing in New York City. On the heels of yesterday’s announcement of plans for 2,500 affordable homes in Willets Point, the City Council’s actions today move the ball forward on thousands more. In the last two days alone, we have taken major steps towards delivering nearly 8,200 new homes for New Yorkers, more than three-quarters of which will be affordable.

 

“The unanimous votes in support of all three of these projects speak volumes. We have a severe housing shortage at the root of our affordable housing crisis, and the only way to solve it is to build more housing — especially affordable housing. That’s what this administration is doing — building historic levels of affordable housing — and I am proud of what we have accomplished, working hand-in-hand with our colleagues in the City Council.

 

“I want to congratulate my partner in government, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, as well as subcommittee Chairs Kevin Riley and Farah Louis and the members of both subcommittees.

 

“This is what a ‘City of Yes’ looks like. I look forward to celebrating with New Yorkers when they move into their new homes.

Governor Hochul to Declare State of Emergency Ahead of Intense Lake Effect Snow Forecast for Portions of Upstate New York

 

Several Feet of Snow Expected in Buffalo and Watertown Areas Starting Wednesday Evening and Continuing Through Sunday

Storm Expected to Cause Hazardous Travel Conditions and Potential Power Outages Resulting from Snow, Freezing Rain and Gusty Winds

New Yorkers Urged to Avoid Unnecessary Travel Thursday Evening Through Friday in Buffalo and Watertown Areas Due to Dangerous Conditions

Beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, All Commercial Traffic Banned on NYS Thruway (I-90) from Exit 46 (Rochester - I-390) to Exit 61 (Ripley - Shortman Rd)

State Agencies Directed to Prepare Emergency Response Assets

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced her plans to issue a State of Emergency Thursday morning ahead of a winter storm forecast to impact portions of upstate New York with intense lake effect snow through Sunday. The most significant snowfall is expected Thursday and Friday with accumulations of up to three feet of snow possible in the Buffalo area and up to two feet of snow possible in the Watertown area, with snowfall rates of three inches per hour. Hazardous travel conditions and local power outages as a result of the storm are likely due to the combination of snow, ice and wind in the forecast. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel in the Buffalo and Watertown areas Thursday evening through Friday. 

"Parts of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, Central New York and the North Country are about to get their first snowstorm of the season, which means we need everyone in these impacted regions to be ready for dangerous travel conditions," Governor Hochul said. "My team and I are deploying emergency response assets ahead of the storm, remain in constant contact with local officials, and are laser focused on the forecast. New Yorkers should remain vigilant ahead of the storm and avoid any unnecessary travel during these hazardous conditions."  

Lake Effect Snow Warning and Winter Storm Watches are in effect as of Wednesday morning and continuing through Sunday evening for several counties in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York and North Country regions. As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service forecast anticipates several feet of snow over the duration of this storm. 

For a complete listing of weather watches and warnings in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website. 

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Despite the unseasonably warm weather of late, winter is here across upstate New York. Do not underestimate this storm. We expect snow to be intense at times creating dangerous conditions, and significant accumulation to occur over the event. Now is the time to get prepared and have a plan. New Yorkers in the affected area who must travel later this week, should take it slow and build in extra time for your commute. And we should all check on our neighbors, particularly vulnerable neighbors, to help them prepare for winter weather in the forecast." 

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services  

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is closely monitoring weather and travel conditions, coordinating State agency response operations, and communicating with local governments ahead of the event. 

The State Office of Emergency Management's Emergency Operations Center will be activated on Thursday and the State's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs. 

The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control will be preparing vehicles, UTVs and equipment for deployment and will respond to mutual aid requests, as needed. 

Department of Transportation 

The State Department of Transportation is prepared to respond with 3,287 supervisors and operators.  Staff can be configured into any type of response crew that is required, including snow and ice operations, drainage, chipper, load and haul, and cut and toss. Additionally, 75 Incident Command System (ICS) personnel are available to support the upcoming event.

To support lake effect snow response in critical areas, a total of 106 staff from other regions, including 92 plow truck operators/supervisors, 11 equipment operator instructors, one assistant resident engineer, one safety representative, and one ICS support staff member are being deployed on Wednesday.

Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.  

Beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, all commercial traffic will be banned on the New York State Thruway (I-90) from exit 46 (Rochester I-390) to the Pennsylvania border.  ALL commercial traffic heading eastbound on the Thruway must exit at exit 61 (Ripley - Shortman Rd). 

Commercial traffic heading westbound on the Thruway towards Pennsylvania from points east, should use exit 46 (Rochester - I-390) for I-390 to I-86 West. 

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras, and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. You can follow the Thruway Authority on Twitter: @ThruwayTraffic and @NYSThruway and on Facebook at NYS Thruway Authority. 

Department of Environmental Conservation 

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff and regional staff are on alert and monitoring the developing situation and actively patrolling areas and infrastructure impacted by severe weather. All available assets are positioned to assist with any emergency response. 

DEC is advising backcountry users to be aware of and prepared for winter conditions. Winter hiking safety and preparedness are extremely important regardless of a hiker's physical ability or destination. Properly preparing for winter conditions is essential for a more enjoyable and safer experience. Additional information on winter hiking is available here. 

DEC reminds those responsible for the large-scale removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash and other debris in snow from affecting water quality. More information is available here. 

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Park visitors should check parks.ny.gov or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings, and closings. 

Department of Public Service 

New York's utilities have approximately 5,730 workers now available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State, in preparation for the latest weather system. In the National Grid service territory in Western New York, a total of 230 additional workers have been secured. DPS staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact. 

State Police 

The State Police is adding extra patrols to the areas that will be most impacted by the lake effect snow, and will also be staging additional specialty vehicles, including utility task vehicles and snowmobiles, in those regions. All four-wheel drive vehicles will be deployed, and troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested. 

Winter Safety Tips 

Winter Travel 

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include: 

• When winter storms strike, do not drive unless necessary. 
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads. 
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag. 
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location. 
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions. 
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time. 
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while its operating. 

Heavy Exertion 

Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of a heart attack.  

To avoid problems: 

• Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors. 
• Take frequent rests to avoid over-exertion 
• If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in your jaw radiating down your arm -- STOP and seek help immediately. 

Power Outages 

• Call your utility to determine area repair schedules 
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored 
• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need 

Heating Safety 

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters 
• Always follow manufacturer's instructions 
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation 
• Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces 
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work 
• If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips: 

• • Follow the manufacturers' instructions 
  • Use only the correct fuel for your unit 
  • Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool 
  • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects 
  • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly   

For more safety tips, visit https://dhses.ny.gov/safety. 

Permits Filed For 100 East 149th Street In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story mixed-use building at 100 East 149th Street in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Located between River Avenue and Gerard Avenue, the lot is three blocks from the 149 Street-Grand Concourse subway station, serviced by the 2, 4, and 5 trains. Ronnie Gross of G. Holdings is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 85-foot-tall development will yield 29,219 square feet, with 27,248 square feet designated for residential space and 1,971 square feet for commercial space on the ground floor. The building will have 42 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 648 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and a 10-foot-long side yard.

Kurv Architecture DPC is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association November Meeting

 

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association November Meeting 

By Robert Press

Since the second Tuesday was election day the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association held their meeting on the third Tuesday with the new elected officials to the PPNA area. Newly redistricted State Senator Gustavo Rivera, State Senator elect Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and Assemblyman elect John Zaccaro Jr. were on hand. A  representative of Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez and a representative of outgoing State Senator Biaggi stood in for their respective bosses. 

First to speak was State Senator Gustavo Rivera who had won a hard fought primary in August and had no opposition running on the Democratic and Working Families Lines with only a possibility of a write in against him. He gave a brief description of hi new State Senate District running from Riverdale in the West Bronx to Williamsbridge Road in the East Bronx, and down to half of what his old District went to. He is keeping his district office on the Grand Concourse off Fordham Road and wants to get to know the new parts of his district. 

When questions came in they were mostly about the proposed 'Just Home' proposal for Jacobi Hospital. Senator Rivera first answered that Jacobi Hospital was not in his district, and then said he did not know much of the proposal, but wanted to learn what exactly it is, who it would service, who would be running it. 

Senator elect Nathalia Fernandez was next to speak, saying she would no longer have the PPNA in her new district, and would have t find a new district office since the old 34th senate district office was in Riverdale. While still the assembly member until the end of the year she promised to give twenty-five turkeys towards the PPNA turkey giveaway this coming Sunday on Holland Avenue. When asked about the 'Just Home' proposal at Jacobi Hospital Senator elect Fernandez said Yes she is opposed to the current plan.

Assemblyman elect John Zaccaro Jr. spoke next about his many years in government. He said that he wants to tour the district schools new and old to see where problems are with putting WiFi into any old buildings, and how to solve that. He added that he is opposed to the 'Just Home' proposal at Jacobi Hospital, and wants to go to Albany to work on the bail reform issues that need to be adjusted. 

A representative of Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez said the councilwoman was home sick, that the next two weeks there are a lot of committee meetings, and when asked where the councilwoman stands on the 'Just Home' proposal at Jacobi Hospital she replied that the councilwoman is against it. Sharlene Jackon-Mendez Vice-President of the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance was concerned that the councilwoman was not in attendance, and that the councilwoman was not in attendance at the previous VNNA meeting she was scheduled to attend. M. Jackson-Mendez said she does not trust the elected officials because crime  is a huge problem. 

State Senator Biaggi also sent a representative who spoke about an event by Senator Biaggi at the Huntington Library in Westchester Square this coming Saturday. She gave Steve Glosser twenty vouchers for the PPNA turkey giveaway this coming Sunday.  

State Senator Gustavo Rivera introduces himself to a new community after redistricting changed his district to Williamsbridge Road.

Assemblyman elect John Zaccaro Jr. introduces himself to the audience. 

State Senator elect Nathalia Fernandez says her good-bye to the PPNA as her new district does not include the PPNA. 

The pro 'Just Home' people were out with the video camera taping the anti 'Just Home' people who asked where the new elected officials stand on the 'Just Home at Jacobi Hospital.

Bronx Gang Member Charged With 2013 Murder

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging LAMAR WILLIAMS with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and murder with a firearm.  The charges relate to WILLIAMS’ murder of Rasheed Barton on August 11, 2013, in the Bronx, New York. 

WILLIAMS was arrested today and presented before Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendant shot and murdered Rasheed Barton as part of the defendant’s gang membership and crack cocaine dealing.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who commit these horrific acts of violence.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Today’s charges highlight what the NYPD and our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District can accomplish when we focus on the relatively few people responsible for much of the crime and violence in New York City.  Together, we remain committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those who partake in any form of gang activity, from drug distribution to murder.  Make no mistake: Severe consequences await anyone who dares to jeopardize the safety of our neighborhoods.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal Court:[1]

From at least 2013 to 2022, LAMAR WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Little Black,” a/k/a “Chase Money Marz,” was a member of the Mac Ballers, which is a set of the national Bloods gang.  The Mac Ballers operated primarily in the northeast United States, including in the Bronx, and in jails and prisons of New York City and the State of New York.

Members of the Mac Ballers committed acts of violence, including murder, to protect and expand the gang’s territory, to retaliate against rival gang members, to keep victims and potential victims in fear of the gang, and to otherwise promote the gang’s reputation.  They also distributed controlled substances in order to enrich themselves.  Mac Ballers members promoted and celebrated the gang’s criminal conduct — including acts of violence, drug distribution, and firearm usage — on social media.

On August 11, 2013, WILLIAMS shot and killed Rasheed Barton in the vicinity of East 174th Street and Bronx River Avenue in the Bronx, New York.  WILLIAMS murdered Barton in connection with WILLIAMS’ membership in the Mac Ballers gang and his conspiring to sell crack cocaine. 

WILLIAMS, 31, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of death or life in prison and mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison; and one count of murder through use of a firearm, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD. 

The charges contained in the Indictment 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 Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.