REGISTER NOW FOR THE 20th ANNUAL ‘TOUR DE BRONX!’ Sunday October 26th

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and Transportation Alternatives today announced the 20^th Annual “Tour de Bronx,” the largest free bicycling event in New York State which will take place on  Sunday October 26th

Sponsored by the Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and the Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, the “Tour de Bronx” traditionally brings together nearly 6,000 bicyclists from around the world. This year’s launch event was held at the Bronx YMCA, one of the stops on the Tour de Bronx.

During the event, Borough President Diaz encouraged potential riders to register to participate atwww.ilovethebronx.com.

"Riding in the Tour de Bronx is a healthy way to explore our borough, especially with 6,000 fellow travelers. Once again, I am proud to welcome cyclists from all over the region to this fantastic event, which gives them an opportunity to explore our amazing parks and neighborhoods and discover all the things that make our borough a great place to live, work and raise a family," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 "We are proud to sponsor this borough-wide biking event that celebrates Bronx historic districts and diverse neighborhoods, while promoting health and wellness in our community,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and CEO, Montefiore. “For the past six years, Montefiore has supported the Tour de Bronx in its efforts to bring community members together to help increase awareness about the importance of exercise and healthy living."

It couldn’t be easier to participate in the “Tour de Bronx,” as numerous City agencies and corporate sponsors are rolling out the red carpet for cycling enthusiasts. Metro North Railroad will waive their bicycle permit requirements and quantity limits for the day, allowing for groups of riders to participate. The Department of Transportation will fit and distribute free bicycle helmets beginning at 8 a.m. while supplies last. The rider must be present and sign a waiver. For children under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and will also need to sign a waiver. Coca Cola will distribute Dasani water, Powerade sports drinks and Fuze. Pizza will be provided after the ride courtesy of Domino’s.

The event offers both a 25- and 40-mile course, each of which winds through dozens of beautiful Bronx neighborhoods, historic districts, parks, waterfront, Greenway paths and more. Both routes culminate at The New York Botanical Garden for an end-of-ride slice of pizza, light refreshments and a live music festival.

NYPD's 2014 Community Career Day on Saturday, October 18

NYPD's 2014 Community Career Day Saturday, October 18th 12:00pm to 4:00pm Poe Park Grand Concourse and E. 192nd St. Bronx, NY 10462

NYPD's 2014 Community Career Day Saturday, October 18th 12:00pm to 4:00pm Poe Park Grand Concourse and E. 192nd St. Bronx, NY 10462

Council Member Cohen Announces Scheduling of Participatory Budgeting Neighborhood Assemblies

  Council Member Andrew Cohen has announced the scheduling of several Participatory Budgeting Neighborhood Assemblies throughout the 11^th Council district during the month of October. 

Participatory Budgeting is a new, grassroots process that allows community residents to have a direct voice in how their tax dollars are spent.  Twenty-Three Council Members have now bought this groundbreaking initiative to their districts allowing the public to be more involved in the budget process.  The public will have the power to suggest ideas and ultimately vote on how City dollars are spent in their own communities.  

The Neighborhood Assemblies are open forums where members of the public can suggest ideas for projects they would like to see implemented in the community through the Council Member’s capital funding.  For projects to be considered eligible for funding, they are required to be large construction or renovation type projects on City property (parks, streets, public schools, etc.) that cost a minimum of $35,000 and have a lifespan of at least five years.  Anyone can participate in the Neighborhood Assemblies and suggest ideas they believe will be a benefit to the community.

“I am very excited to hear the great ideas that my neighbors will have in how we can improve our community.  Participatory Budgeting is the true definition of bringing government to the people and through this process we will engage residents, increase civic participation and give the public more confidence in government.  I encourage everyone to attend a Neighborhood Assembly and suggest an idea,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The following Neighborhood Assemblies are scheduled throughout the district (with a few more that remain to be scheduled).  If someone is unable to attend an Assembly they can submit an idea online at pbnyc.org/11.

Monday October 20^th- Schervier Nursing Home, 2975 Independence Avenue at 7:00pm

Wednesday October 22^nd- Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Avenue at 7:30pm

Thursday October 23^rd- Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 Dekalb Avenue at7:00pm

Monday October 27^th- Riverdale Y-M/WHA, 5625 Arlington Avenue at 7:00pm

Wednesday October 29^th- Lehman College Lovinger Theatre, 250 Bedford Park Blvd at7:00pm

Thursday October 30^th- Vladeck Hall, 74 Van Cortlandt Park South at 7:00pm

If anyone has questions about the upcoming Neighborhood assemblies or about Participatory Budgeting in general, they are encouraged to call Council Member Cohen’s office at 718-549-7300.

Friends of Mark Gjonaj Fundraiser

Comic Con 2014

  The above photo shows the many different ways people came to Comic Con 2014. Some came dressed up as their favorite or made up characters, while others wanted to show themselves off. There were authors signing for free, there were celebrities who charged for an autograph, and then there were others who just wanted to show themselves off as you will see in the photos below.

  I met a comic artist William Ramos who lives in the Bronx, and owns a comic company called Section Eight Comics. We talked for a while about the name of his company, and where he is located. I asked if he can live being a very small artist owner in the world of comics, and he (like many of the others) said that they are doing it as a hobby part time. William has hopes of going big, but that is in his future - when he does not know. 

  You will see in one of the photos a pretty young girl named Amanda Rivera. Amanda is special because just like William Ramos Amanda is also from the Bronx. Amanda lives in Wakefield, and told me that she can not wait to see her photo in the Bronx Nerws.  

  Enough written here as the photos will speak for themselves.

This is Amanda Rivera from the Wakefield area of the Bronx.

This is William Ramos the artist and owner of Section Eight Comics from the Bronx.

Here is The FAT Guy of Fat Guy Comics.

Here two artist from Archie Comics are signing their work, FREE.

Here WWE star announcer and former champion wrestler John "Bradshaw" Layfield signs autographs and takes photos with you for a fee. Other former wrestlers Ted "Billion Dollar Man' Dibiase and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan were also signing and taking photos for a fee. 

  I was able to talk to JBL who said that he would love to get back in the ring at least once a year, but can not due to an injury that would only get worse if he wrestled. JBL does the blow by blow analysis on WWE's Monday night Raw show, and said he loves doing it, but wishes he had better commentators then he currently has. 

As you can see there was almost anything to buy at Comic Con, including Horns, Magic Wands, and Fairy Dust.

The character Halo was roaming in front of its booth.

One of the many costumed attendees.

Two more of the many costumed attendees.













 

Using the old adage 'sex sells' on the left is a girl in a bikini walking around with a poster for one booth. On the right the words other than those that started with the letter P are much smaller as you see on the t-shirt of the girl with the Power.

Here you see some new clothing for the Geeky Girl.


















These three could just pop up on one of the many cable or other channels.


















And then there were those who got tired out by all the excitement.

October 17, 2014 Senior Citizens Appreciation Day

  BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD SIX AND COALITION OF COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT

AGENCIES JOIN TOGETHER TO SPONSOR “SENIOR CITIZENS APPRECIATION DAY.”

  The Senior Citizens Outreach Committee of Bronx Community Board #6, in conjunction with the United Health Care Community Plan, announced today that it will sponsor a “Senior Citizens Appreciation Day” activity from10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Friday, October 17, 2014, at the Grand Slam Catering Hall, which is located at 478 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, New York, between Washington and Bathgate avenues. 

    The goal of the Senior Citizens Appreciation Day activity is to provide the community board’s senior citizens with a well-deserved day of pampering while also providing them with important information about health care, personal safety, and certain government entitlement benefits. 

    The day’s activities – all of which will be free of charge – will include manicures and pedicures for the women, haircuts for the men, massages, and a Zumba fitness class.  There will also be representatives from government, non-profit, and health care organizations who will offer a crime prevention workshop; health screenings for diabetes, glaucoma, and dental services; and information on how to obtain food stamps and reduced fare Metro Cards.  A representative from the Social Security Administration will be present to give out information about Social Security benefits; and light, health conscious refreshments will also be provided.

    Co-sponsors and supporters of the Senior Citizens Appreciation Day include Phipps Neighborhoods, VIP Community Services, SBH Health Systems, the Grand Slam Catering Hall, the New York Police Department’s 48^th Police Precinct, the Aquinas Housing Corporation, and the PSS Caregivers Support Program, to name but a few.

  Elected officials who have confirmed their plans to attend include:  Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and City Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo.    

  Seniors citizens and senior citizens organizations that wish to attend the Senior Citizens Apperception Day activity are asked to RSVP to Bronx Community Board Six’s district office at (718) 579-6990 by no later thanWednesday, October 15, 2014.

   Additional information about the activity is found on the attached flier and may also be obtained by telephoning the community board’s office at the above telephone number.

SENATOR KLEIN HOSTS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION

  Senator Klein is in the middle of the four honorees Mr. Gus Danolis, Mr. Anderson Torres, Mr. Israel Morales, and Ms. Marjorie Velazquez-Lynch. Also in the photo is Bronx Acting Supreme Court Judge Doris Gonzalez (the keynote speaker, and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo (far right).

  State Senator Jeff Klein will be joined by Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo , and Councilman James Vacca for his 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Havana Cafe. At this year’s event, themed “Hispanics: A Legacy of History, a Present of Action and a Future of Success,” Senator Klein will honor four distinguished community members of the 34th Senate District.

This year’s honorees are: Gus Danolis, Waterfront Gardens Community Association President; Anderson Torres, Ph.D, LCSW-R, R.A.I.N. Chief Executive Officer; Israel Morales, Castle Hill Homeowners Association President; and Marjorie Velazquez-Lynch, Democratic District Leader. Bronx County Acting Supreme Court Justice Doris Gonzalez will deliver the keynote address. Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th - October 15th, celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Americans of Spanish, Mexico, Caribbean and Central and South American descent.

 Below Senator Jeff Klein, and Justice Doris Gonzalez address the over 100 people who attended. Assembly members Luis Sepulveda and Marcos Crespo mingled with with the crowd.

50th Precinct Council Meeting

  It was a full house at the 50th Precinct Council meeting last night. In the photo above are (L - R) Dan Padernacht Chair of Community Board 8, Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson, Deputy Inspector Paul Rasa, and Councilman Andrew Cohen. 

  Bronx DA Johnson was the guest speaker and over 100 people came to the meeting. DA Johnson went through several topics and then took many questions from the attendees. The questions raised were - why are there repeat offenders almost after they are arrested? DA Johnson spoke of the system of bail that allows someone who is arrested to be back out on the street shortly after they see a judge who sets the bail. Auto Theft, and other crimes that people carelessly allow themselves to become a victim of. 

  Councilman Andrew Cohen applauded the officers of the 50 for the excellent job they do in the community. Commanding officer Deputy Inspector Rasa also went over the Compstat Report, or the crime statistics for the 50th precinct. While crime in general continues to decline there was a spike here or there due to the very low numbers previously. 

 Above - Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson listens to a question, as 50th Precinct Council President Paulette Schlomo adds a comment that makes Deputy Inspector Rasa, Community Affairs officer Ramos, and Councilman Cohen chuckle.