Memorial Day Remembrances at Peace Plaza and Van Nest War Memorial

While they were two separate events these two Memorial Day events could be put together as one was right after the other in the 80th Assembly District. 

The Peace Plaza Memorial Day event began at 11 AM at the corner of Pelham Parkway and Williamsbridge Road with over one hundred people in attendance. There are 1.3 million soldiers who have died in wars America has been involved in. Veterans Joe Ronda and Gene De Francis have taken over the event after the passing of Silvio Mazzara. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and several veterans spoke on what Veterans Day means to each and everyone of them. Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez coming from another event arrived as the event was almost over and was able to speak. 

The Van Nest Memorial Day event began at 12:15 PM so that people could arrive from after the Peace Plaza ceremony. Rich Vitacco was the emcee for Van Nest event which also had Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, and 80th Assembly District State Committeewoman Christine Culpepper (who was also at Peace Plaza). Vitacco and veterans Earl Menard Jr. and Richard Garcia read a story of a young Bronx man from the Van Nest area who joined the Air Force, and his story of being shot down over Germany by German fighter pilots during one of the B-17 Bomber raids by the Allied Armed Forces. 

Veteran Joe Ronda speaking with (L - R) Bronx DA Darcel Clark, a local veteran, Veteran Gene DeFrancis, Veteran Sammy Ravelo, and Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez standing in front of the Peace Plaza Memorial.

All turn to salute the flag as the National Anthem is sung by Ms. Grace Lovac. 

Vietnam Veteran Joseph Thompson speaks of being a child during World War II.

A reef is placed by the next to the headstones by the flag in honor of Memorial Day.

Rabbi Saadia Pewzner of the nearby Bronx Jewish Center says the closing prayer after a short story.

At the Van Nest Memorial Day event there was a parade around the War Memorial on White Plains Road.

Rich Vitacco speaks as on his left is Local post commander Richard Garcia and on his right (white shirt) is Bronx County Vice Commander Earl L. Menard Jr. with Bronx DA Darcel Clark, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, and 80th A.D. State Committeewoman Christine Culpepper.

 Members of the John Frazer Bryan American Legion post pose with their banner in front of the Van Nest War Memorial.

Release of Body Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on February 5th, 2023 in the confines of the 44th Precinct.

 

The NYPD is releasing today body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on February 5th, 2023 in the confines of the 44th Precinct..

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The benefits of cameras are clear: transparency into police activity, de-escalation of police encounters and accountability for police officers, through an independent account of interactions between the police and the citizens they serve. Body-worn cameras serve as a vital part of ongoing efforts to increase trust between the police and all New Yorkers.

You can find the video here

Release of Body Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on March 22nd, 2023 in the confines of the 50th Precinct.

 

The NYPD is releasing today body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on March 22nd, 2023 in the confines of the 50th Precinct..

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The benefits of cameras are clear: transparency into police activity, de-escalation of police encounters and accountability for police officers, through an independent account of interactions between the police and the citizens they serve. Body-worn cameras serve as a vital part of ongoing efforts to increase trust between the police and all New Yorkers.

You can find the video here

Governor Hochul Awards $4 Million in Grants for Offshore Wind Training and Workforce Development

 

First-Round Offshore Wind Training Institute Awards Approved for SUNY and Its Partners to Develop Programs Preparing Students for Careers in Offshore Wind

Awards Will Expand Workforce Development and Training Initiatives for Jobs in Constructing, Manufacturing, Installing, Operating, and Maintaining Offshore Wind Farms

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $4 million in grants awarded from the Offshore Wind Training Institute to SUNY campus-led programs designed to prepare students for careers in this growing industry. The winning programs will expand workforce development and training initiatives for jobs in constructing, manufacturing, installing, operating and maintaining offshore wind farms.

"Nation-leading programs like the Offshore Wind Training Institute are essential to ensuring that the State’s workforce is ready to support our ambitious renewable energy goals,” Governor Hochul said. “SUNY, in partnership with NYSERDA, is equipping new and existing workers to participate in the green energy revolution here in New York for generations to come — helping us address the climate crisis and create a greener state for all.”

In this round of grants, 10 programs were approved for seven SUNY campuses including: Alfred State College, University at Buffalo, Farmingdale State College, Hudson Valley Community College, Suffolk County Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and Stony Brook University.

Governor Hochul launched the request for proposals in October 2022. The grant process is led by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in collaboration with Farmingdale State College and Stony Brook University. The funding, to be distributed through multiple rounds of selection, will award each program up to $500,000.

Applicants were asked to apply under one or more “priority focus areas,” which include expanding existing SUNY curricula relevant to offshore wind; responding to rapid, targeted training needs; and addressing barriers to entry. Proposals addressed equity needs, long-term outreach to young students, community-driven efforts to raise awareness, and partnerships with connected or adjacent sectors.

A second round of awards will be announced in summer 2023.

Finishers Recruit Apprentices

 

The Finishing Trades Institute of New York will conduct a recruitment from June 26, 2023 through July 10, 2023 for 50 Dry Wall Taper (Finisher) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Please note, the openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions – the New York City and Long Island regions.

Applications can be obtained, in person only, from the Finishing Trades Institute of New York, 45-15 36th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the recruitment period. This is a limited-application recruitment. Only 500 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, first-served basis. The recruitment will be offered for ten (10) business days or until 500 applications have been issued, whichever comes first.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required at time of enrollment in apprenticeship.
• Must attend a mandatory orientation which includes an evaluation for working from heights and completing a personal statement.
• Must sign an affidavit attesting that they are physically able to perform the work of a Dry Wall Taper (Finisher), which may include:
  • Lifting and moving heavy equipment, and/or materials weighing up to 70 pounds.
  • Working from ladders, scaffolds, stilts, and personal lifts, which may exceed 100 feet in height.
• Must take and pass a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and randomly throughout the apprenticeship.
• Must be able to hear and understand instructions and warnings in English.

For further information, applicants should contact the Finishing Trades Institute of New York at (718) 937-7440. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

Developers Welcome New Residents To Jerome Court Affordable Housing Property At 1769 Jerome Avenue In The Bronx

 

Bronx Pro Group and Services for the UnderServed recently welcomed the first wave of residents to 1769 Jerome Avenue, a newly completed affordable and supportive housing property in the Morris Heights section of The Bronx. Known as Jerome Court, the 16-story building comprises 175 apartments, including 105 supportive housing units, 69 affordable housing units, and one superintendent’s unit.

The supportive housing component is specifically designated for formerly homeless individuals and families leaving the New York City shelter system. There is also a 7,000-square-foot retail component on the building’s ground floor, which has already been leased to several small businesses.

Amenity spaces include a communal lounge, a landscaped patio, a shared laundry room, and a fitness center. Services for the UnderServed will also provide on-site social services and 24-hour security.

Rendering of Jerome Court’s lower floors and pedestrian walkway

Developers, city officials, and residents celebrate a housewarming ceremony at Jerome Court

“This project is a model of collaboration between private, public, and non-profit sectors to change the housing opportunities of New Yorkers in a meaningful way and invest in communities and neighborhoods,” said Perry Perlmutter, interim president & CEO, Services for the UnderServed. “We are so grateful to all of our partners involved in this project and are thrilled to welcome these residents home.”

The new development was financed through a combination of capital subsidy through New York City’s HDC’s Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability program, HPD’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, Tax Exempt Bonds, and the Federal LIHTC. Private financing included support from TD Bank and Enterprise. The supportive housing units will receive NYC 15/15 HRA subsidy for social services and matching rental assistance from HPD to cover operating expenses.

South Bronx Culture Festival 2023: Mi Cultura Viva en Mí June 2-4, 2023

 

Join us for a weekend of free performances in celebration of women creators 

Headliners: Annette A Aguilar & StringBeans, Batalá New York &

BronX BandA featuring Arturo O’Farrill and Arthur Avilés Typical Theater

Since 2011, Casita Maria’s South Bronx Culture Festival has celebrated the vibrant culture and communities of the South Bronx through an annual performance series anchored by a new theme each year. This year’s theme, Mi Cultura Viva en Mí, is rooted in healing and self-love. We have gathered a community of women from Caribbean and Latin American Diasporas who carry their culture with them and reframe traditional music and dance, sharing hope and creating inclusive community connections while amplifying the voices and perspectives of all who identify as women. 

This year’s SBCF line-up, with musical roots from the diasporas of Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, México, Puerto Rico, and the confluence of cultures that is New York City, is curated by Casita Maria’s Artistic Director, Gail Heidel, in partnership with theOri-Gen Collective, La Reina Del Barrio and Bronx Arts Ensemble. 

FREE outdoor performances will take place June 2-4, 2023 at Father Gigante Plaza in front of St. Athanasius Church, 878 Tiffany St, Bronx, NY 10459. Everyone is welcome to attend all events in person, or to watch the Festival events at a later date on BronxNet Television, our media partner.

Throughout the weekend, bilingual celebrity MCs and BronxNet hosts Rhina Valentin & Javier E. Gomez will keep the celebration going, along with DJs BEMBONA, Sabine Blaizin and Boston Chery. Headliners will include percussionist and drummer Annette A Aguilar performing with her 12 piece Salsa band, Afro-Brazilian percussion group Batalá New York, and Casita Maria’s 9-piece jazz ensemble BronX BandA featuring seven time Grammy award- winning artist Arturo O’Farrill performing original compositions inspired by oral histories of women from the Bronx. The ensemble will be joined by Arthur Avilés Typical Theater, presented in partnership with BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, who will choreograph and perform new work. These acts will anchor a full schedule that will include artists ranging from Young Artists of Casita Maria and Bronx Studio School for Writers & Artists to performance groups: Alea,Akua Dixon & Quartette Indigo, Renee Goust, LA MANGA, Mireya Ramos, and Sonia de Los Santos. The performance schedule is provided below.

Additional partnering organizations will create even more joy and activities for the community. Bronx Children’s Museum, DreamYard and THE POINT CDC will lead hands-on activities; Bronx Night Market will present a curated selection of Bronx food vendors; and New York Public Library will park their Bookmobile near the stage. Additionally, this entire program would not be possible without Sebco Inc., who will allow us to use Father Gigante Plaza for free.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from The New York City Department Of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. Additional support is provided by the Howard Gilman Foundation. 

LISTINGS INFORMATION / PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Location: Father Gigante Plaza in front of St. Athanasius Church, 878 Tiffany St, Bronx, NY 10459

Friday, June 2, 2023 

2-7pm: Bronx Children’s Museum, Bronx Night Market (Food Vendors), DreamYard, The POINT CDC

2-3pm: BEMBONA (Afro-Diasporic Sounds DJ Set 1)

3-3:45pm: *Bronx Arts Ensemble presents Akua Dixon & Quartette Indigo (Funk/Blues/Latin Jazz)

3:45-4:15pm: BEMBONA (Afro-Diasporic Sounds DJ Set 2)

4:15-4:45pm: Young Artists of Casita Maria and Bronx Studio School for Writers and Artists

4:45-5:30pm: BEMBONA (Afro-Diasporic Sounds DJ Set 3)

5:30-7pm: Annette A Aguilar & StringBeans (Salsa)

with Young Dancers of Casita Maria

Saturday, June 3, 2023  

12:00-7pm: Bronx Night Market (Food Vendors), DreamYard, The POINT CDC

12:30-5pm: New York Public Library Bookmobile

12:30-1pm: DJ Sabine Blaizin, Oyasound (Global Soul / African Diasporic Set 1)

1-1:45pm: LA MANGA (Cumbia, bullerengue y gaita / Afro-Caribbean Colombian Music)

1:45-2:30pm: DJ Sabine Blaizin, Oyasound (Global Soul / African Diasporic Set 2)

2:30-3:15pm: **Renee Goust (Latin/Regional Mexican)

3:15-4pm: DJ Sabine Blaizin, Oyasound (Global Soul / African Diasporic Set 3)

4:00-4:45pm: **Alea (Colombian Latin Alternative)

4:45-5:30pm: DJ Sabine Blaizin, Oyasound (Global Soul / African Diasporic Set 4)

5:30-7pm: Batalá New York (Afro-Brazilian Percussion)

Sunday, June 4, 2023 

12:30-6pm: Bronx Night Market (Food Vendors), DreamYard

12:30-1:30pm: Boston Chery (DJ Set 1)

1:30-2:15pm: **Sonia de Los Santos (Bilingual Family Music)

2:15-3pm: Boston Chery (DJ Set 2)

3-3:45pm: **Mireya Ramos (Latin Fusion / Latin Alternative)

3:45-4:30pm: Boston Chery (DJ Set 3)

4:30-6pm: BronX BandA featuring Arturo O’Farrill & ***Arthur Avilés Typical Theater (Latin Jazz and Modern/Contemporary Dance)

*Presented in partnership with Bronx Arts Ensemble

**Presented in partnership with Ori-Gen Collective

***Presented in partnership with BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT AND THE ARTISTS, VISIT: https://www.casitamaria.org/south-bronx-culture-festival#About

DEC Announces Start of 2023 'NYHABS' Online Notification and Reporting System for Harmful Algal Blooms

 

Interactive Map Displays Bloom Locations

DEC Encourages New Yorkers to "Know it, Avoid it, Report it"

The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) reminded New Yorkers to learn about and be aware of harmful algal blooms, or "HABs," as the 2023 HABs notification season starts. DEC’s New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) is now active and allows the public and trained citizens to send reports of HABs to DEC electronically via a simple, user- and mobile phone-friendly form.

"As summer begins, we encourage New Yorkers to be on the lookout for HABs, which can impact New York’s lakes and waterways and pose a potential public health risk," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Working closely with DOH and local partners in communities statewide, DEC continues to make significant investments to prevent excess nutrients and other contaminants from contributing to these potentially toxic blooms and is actively working to help New Yorkers understand how to identify and report HABs, as well as keep themselves, their families, and pets out of harm’s way.”

“Harmful algal blooms contain toxins that pose health risks to people and animals, so we want to encourage New Yorkers to be on the lookout this summer as they spend time in the water,” said Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) is an easy tool that allows the public to both protect themselves by becoming aware of trouble areas as well as to report blooms in an effort to help protect others.”

Once evaluated by DEC and DOH, reports are posted to the NYHABS page. The system features an interactive map of current and archived bloom locations to help keep New Yorkers informed. With resources such as the online HABs map and reporting system, New York continues to be a national leader in supporting initiatives to address HABs across the state and to ensure effective communication to the public. DEC works with DOH, the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and other State and local partners in leading the most comprehensive HABs monitoring and reporting program in the nation. In cooperation with its partners, DEC monitors hundreds of waterbodies annually and works with DOH and OPRHP to ensure public health protections against HABs.

HABs have been monitored closely across New York State for more than a decade. DEC’s Division of Water recently published an analysis of trends in the occurrence of HABs, “Detections of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in New York State, United States (2012–2020).” This work evaluated patterns in frequency, intensity, and duration of HABs compiled in large part through public reporting. This important piece of peer-reviewed literature suggests that increased public awareness of HABs, and their reporting through NYHABS, has led to an increase in confirmed HABs since 2012. However, few lakes had confirmed HABs every year of the study. The study also determined the intensity and duration of HABs did not increase. To best understand HAB conditions statewide and over time, the study highlights the importance of focusing monitoring efforts on a broad range of waterbody sizes and conditions coupled with consistent public reporting, elements DEC has incorporated into its monitoring programs and through NYHABS. HABs present several management challenges and this study and other research help advance the understanding of HABs to inform sound, scientifically driven, decision-making to protect public health and the environment.

HABs are likely triggered by a combination of factors that include excess nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, lots of sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm water, and warm temperatures. HAB occurrence and reporting typically increases each year throughout the warmest months with the most reports received during August and September.

New York State has many programs and activities to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen from entering the water from surrounding lands, including stormwater permitting programs, a nutrient law that restricts the use of phosphorus lawn fertilizer, and funding for water quality improvement projects that, among other issues, improve water quality impacted by nutrients and HABs.

To date, New York has awarded more than $371 million in grants designed to reduce the frequency of algal blooms across the state by targeting phosphorus and nitrogen pollution, controllable factors that can contribute to the occurrence of HABs, and more than $14 million to research and development, pilot projects, and advanced monitoring. As part of New York State’s recently announced Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), DEC's Division of Water has two grant programs currently available that may support projects to help reduce the occurrence of HABs. These include at least $75 million in funding through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program and up to $3 million in funding through the Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant (NPG). DEC also continues to evaluate HAB mitigation technology and strategies.

When it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to "KNOW IT, AVOID IT, REPORT IT."

KNOW IT - HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration. AVOID IT - People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface. REPORT IT - If members of the public suspect a HAB, report it through the NYHABs online reporting form available on DEC's website. Symptoms or health concerns related to HABs should be reported to DOH at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov.

For more information about HABs, including bloom notifications, which are updated daily through fall, visit DEC's Harmful Algal Blooms web page. The HABs Program Guide, which includes information and links to resources regarding bloom prevention, management, and control, can also be downloaded from the DEC website. Visit DOH's website for DOH's public health information.