Upcoming Cultural Events at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center

1. JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center will host a musical program by Yanni, an outstanding pianist, on Tues. Dec. 29th after lunch.  Kosher BBQ chicken breast, brown rice pilaf, kale w/garlic sauce and dessert will be served at 12:15 PM.  Yanni will perform international, jazz and pop music at 1:00 PM. Recommended senior voluntary contribution for lunch is $2.25 and $1.00 for the event. Non-seniors are welcome to attend for a meal fee of $5.00 and event fee of $2.00. Please call the senior center office:at 718-549-4700 for meal reservations by Thurs. Dec. 24th.

2. JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center will host a dinner and New Year's celebration on Wed. Dec. 30th. A kosher festive meal of vegetable soup, choice of beef brisket or sole fillet, spinach noodle pudding,carrots and dessert will be served at 4:30 PM. Sigal Chen, soprano, accompanied by Jonathan Dzik will perform classical, Broadway and popular music at 5:30 PM. Recommended senior voluntary contribution for dinner is $3.50 and $2.00 for the event. Non-seniors are welcome to attend for a meal fee of $5.00 and event fee of $3.00. Please call the senior center office 718-549-4700 for meal reservations by Mon. Dec. 28th.

 

For more information about JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center's classes, activities and meals, 

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center

3880 Sedgwick Ave., First Floor 

Bronx, NY 10463

Phone: 718-549-4700

Fax: 718-884-6063

Assemblyman Dinowitz Demands Falsely-Issued Parking Tickets Be Dismissed

 a photo of a ticketed vehicle with the new signage taken on 12/21/15.

   After receiving complaints from several constituents, all of whom received parking tickets after parking in spaces with newly installed parking signs, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is calling for the tickets to be dismissed.

Recently, angled parking lines were painted on the southbound side of Fieldston Road on the overpass of the Henry Hudson Parkway, with no corresponding signage regarding the direction a motorist must pull in to a vacant space. Since then two parking signs have been installed requiring motorists to back in, resulting in many parking tickets being issued. Drivers have been pulling into parking spaces front end first and presumably over the weekend two new ‘Back-In 60° Parking Only’ signs were installed, resulting in almost every car parked there receiving a ticket. Moreover, because this parking area is not beholden to the city’s alternate side street parking regulations, many residents leave their vehicles for extended periods of time, meaning their vehicles may be subject to several days’ worth of fines before they go back to move them.

“The problem is that the Department Of Transportation failed to notify residents of the pending signage. My office has received several calls from residents who were ticketed, saying that the signs were installed after they had parked in the spots over the weekend,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.  After visiting the location I found that there were indeed several cars parked front side first, all of which had parking tickets. While I am always supportive of creating more parking and making our streets safer, it is unacceptable that the DOT did not notify the community appropriately, nor was the Traffic Enforcement Officer on duty aware. I am demanding that these tickets be dismissed, and that in the future DOT takes the appropriate steps to notify the community of changing traffic and parking rules. Moreover, this is yet another example of the predatory traffic enforcement practices; there is no excuse for Traffic Enforcement Officers not being aware of recent and un-promulgated changes in local parking rules. I sincerely hope these tickets are dismissed and that these agencies are able to work better together in the future for the community.”After receiving complaints from several constituents, all of whom received parking tickets after parking in spaces with newly installed parking signs, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is calling for the tickets to be dismissed.

Recently, angled parking lines were painted on the southbound side of Fieldston Road on the overpass of the Henry Hudson Parkway, with no corresponding signage regarding the direction a motorist must pull in to a vacant space. Since then two parking signs have been installed requiring motorists to back in, resulting in many parking tickets being issued. Drivers have been pulling into parking spaces front end first and presumably over the weekend two new ‘Back-In 60° Parking Only’ signs were installed, resulting in almost every car parked there receiving a ticket. Moreover, because this parking area is not beholden to the city’s alternate side street parking regulations, many residents leave their vehicles for extended periods of time, meaning their vehicles may be subject to several days’ worth of fines before they go back to move them.

“The problem is that the Department Of Transportation failed to notify residents of the pending signage. My office has received several calls from residents who were ticketed, saying that the signs were installed after they had parked in the spots over the weekend,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz.  After visiting the location I found that there were indeed several cars parked front side first, all of which had parking tickets. While I am always supportive of creating more parking and making our streets safer, it is unacceptable that the DOT did not notify the community appropriately, nor was the Traffic Enforcement Officer on duty aware. I am demanding that these tickets be dismissed, and that in the future DOT takes the appropriate steps to notify the community of changing traffic and parking rules. Moreover, this is yet another example of the predatory traffic enforcement practices; there is no excuse for Traffic Enforcement Officers not being aware of recent and un-promulgated changes in local parking rules. I sincerely hope these tickets are dismissed and that these agencies are able to work better together in the future for the community.”

2016: "unhappy" New Year

  An "unhappy" New Year looms ahead for Puerto Rico.  The Caribbean island is going through its worst fiscal crisis.  As a result, last year 85,000 people left the Island for places like Florida and New York.  The population has dropped from 3.9 million to 3.5 million in the last few years.  For me the issue is personal.  I was born and raised on the Island.  My mother lives in Puerto Rico as do most of my relatives and many close friends.  I was there last week and noticed that the Christmas spirit the Island is known for was just not all there.  People are worried about the future and rightfully so.

 

After months of lobbying efforts, the White House put together a package of solutions and sent it to Congress.  Many of us lobbied Congress to approve it.  But yesterday Republican leaders rejected that package and other last-minute attempts to allow Puerto Rico to tackle its $72 billion debt through bankrupcy restructuring which would not have cost a penny.  The next payment of $957 million is due January 1st and there's simply no way to pay it.  The choices on January 1st are clear:  Puerto Rico can either a) close schools, hospitals, shut down government services and bring chaos to the Island, or b) default on that payment due to hedge funds and Wall Street investors.  The Island's Governor said:  "If they make me choose between Puerto Ricans and creditors. I will choose Puerto Ricans."  I agree with the Governor and applaud his resiliency.

 

This will be the largest municipal bond default in U.S. history.  But Congress was more persuaded by the hedge funds and other vulture fund investors who lobbied fiercely to stop any restructuring of the debt.  Congressional leaders apparently believe that these investors are more important than the well-being of the 3.5 million American citizens living in Puerto Rico who have shed blood, sweat and tears in every war this Nation has fought over the last 117 years since the Island became a colony of the U.S.  Call and write the Speaker of the House, the Majority Leader of the Senate and other Congressional leaders.  And help me go to Congress to stop this second-class treatment of Puerto Ricans both living in the Island as well as those of us on the mainland.

 

Keeping the Faith,

 

Adam Clayton Powell

Candidate for Congress

NY - 13th C.D.

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

  In celebration of Christmas, State Senator Jeff Klein, hosted his second annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday. Nearly 300 participants enjoyed a continental breakfast, danced to holiday music, and took family portraits with Santa. Children created holiday crafts and were given gifts during their visit with Kris Kringle.

  “I am thrilled to host my annual breakfast with Santa, which has become a tradition for our Bronx families.  Today, we celebrate the season with family and friends, creating priceless memories as we enjoy these festivities,” said Senator Klein.  “I wish everyone a safe and memorable holiday, and a new year filled with good health and prosperity.”

  This Christmas extravaganza was held at St. Clare’s of Assisi School.  “In this festive season it is my pleasure  to have Senator Klein host  breakfast  with Santa here at St. Clare’s School. He is such a wonderful asset to this community. We are so lucky to have him,” said Principal Bivona of St. Clare’s of Assisi School.

Toy Guns, Internet Speeds & More

Keeping Communities Safe From The Dangers Of Toy Guns

When toy guns are mistaken for real guns, there can be tragic consequences. That is why the Attorney General reached settlements with 30 online retailers that sold over 5,000 illegal toy guns to consumers in New York State. These online retailers have agreed to voluntarily meet New York City’s standard of selling toy guns which requires them to be completely brightly colored. The announcement this week follows agreements with major retailers K-Mart, Walmart, Amazon.com and Sears over the summer, who paid over $300,000 following an earlier investigation into the illegal sale of toy guns. The Attorney General will continue to enforce the laws on imitation weapons so that we can avoid putting both children and law enforcement officials at risk. 

Putting Internet Speeds To The Test

Think your Internet speed is slower than advertised? Then check out the Attorney General’s new online form where New Yorkers can test and submit data on home Internet speeds. In October, the Attorney General sent letters to Time Warner Cable, Cablevision and Verizon asking for documents related to whether the Internet speeds they advertise are actually what households are receiving. Too many New Yorkers may be paying for one thing, and getting another, and by conducting these tests, consumers can uncover whether they are receiving the Internet speeds they have paid for. Go tohttps://ag.ny.gov/internet-speed to take the test for and see how fast your Internet speed is.  

Dismantling The School To Prison Pipeline

In February, the Attorney General began an investigation into the disciplinary policies of the City School District of Albany. The investigation revealed that black students were far more likely to be suspended in the District than their white peers, and students with disabilities were more likely to receive a suspension than their counterparts without. Harsh disciplinary practices undermine student development and increase the likelihood of incarceration in the future, and the Attorney General’s agreement institutes disciplinary reforms to ensure the District will not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin or disability status. This agreement is a step towards ending the school to prison pipeline, which disadvantages some of the most vulnerable children in our schools. The Attorney General believes it is critical that we protect equal educational opportunities for all students and commit ourselves to fostering a safe and effective school climate.

Holding Nursing Homes Accountable

The Attorney General has reached a $600,000 settlement with a Hudson Valley area nursing home chain which resolves claims that it delayed the discharges of short-term residents at its facilities. Between 2008 and 2011, it was alleged that Elant postponed discharges of short-term residents who were clinically ready to leave its facilities against the wishes or without the informed consent of the residents or their families. Internal emails revealed that administrators and staff openly discussed efforts to delay discharges and thereby keep daily resident counts for each home as high as possible in order to receive additional Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements. Elant also admitted that it prolonged short-term stays by giving residents additional services that were not clinically necessary, avoiding residents who were actively seeking discharge, and delaying the completion of discharge paperwork. This settlement makes it clear that those who seek to profit at the expense of vulnerable New Yorkers will be held accountable. 

Building A Greener, Healthier Greenpoint

The Attorney General announced the final round of grants from the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund, a competitive grant program created out of a 2011 settlement with Exxon Mobil over its Greenpoint Oil Spill. Nearly $55 million has now been dedicated to environmental improvement projects in Greenpoint, and this last round of funding will go towards initiatives such as park restorations, a new living shoreline and new community spaces. Through the GCEF, New York State and Greenpoint residents have been able to work together to ensure that the settlement funds are directed to high-quality, locally-led projects that serve the community’s environmental improvement priorities. 

Partnering To Stop Public Corruption

Former Town of Halfmoon Supervisor Mindy Wormuth has been sentenced to ten months incarceration for stealing campaign contributions donated to her campaign fund. An investigation in conjunction with State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office found that Wormuth cashed seven contribution checks, totaling $6,250, between July 2009 and July 2013. She then pocketed the proceeds without reporting the contributions to the committee’s treasurer, or on the Financial Disclosure Reports that were filed with the State Board of Elections. Wormuth’s sentence will run concurrent with a term of incarceration in a federal penitentiary stemming from related charges in federal court.  

Stopping Fraudulent Home Contractors

The Attorney General announced the sentencing of scam artist George Anna to 360 days in jail, who has continued to falsely hold himself out as a home improvement contractor. Time and time again, Anna offered home improvement services to Western New York residents, yet pocketed up-front payments from New Yorkers without providing the services promised. After being sentenced to 90 days in prison for violating a 2012 court ordering barring him from the home improvement business in May, the Attorney General found Anna to be in contempt of court this August as he continued to rip-off consumers. This sentencing shows that those who scam consumers and fail to provide promised services will be held accountable. 

TEAM DIAZ Holds Christmas Party

  It was being billed as Bronx elected officials State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, and Assemblyman Michael Blake will be celebrating their annual Christmas Party at Mastero's Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue with over 500 people expected to attend. 

  Assemblyman Michael Blake was on a trip to Israel, and Newly elected Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark showed up to help celebrate. As the evening went on Assemblyman and Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo announced the person that the Bronx Democratic County organization will be supporting in the non-partisan special election for the 17th City Council seat of Maria Del Carmen Arroyo. Councilwoman Arroyo announced on Monday November 23rd that she was stepping down as of December 31st after ten years and midway through her third and final term in the city council. There is speculation as to why she is stepping down, but no real answer as to why. It seems to have been a swift and secret selection process as I have already received calls from more than one potential candidate that there was no notification of a selection process, that Councilwoman Arroyo is still in office, and that there has been no date set yet for the special election. 

  I asked Assemblyman Crespo about the selection process, and was told that he reached out to candidates that had committed to running for the seat. When I asked how a selection could be done when there is no vacancy yet, and even several people who may enter the race, Crespo said that he did not want to wait. It seems to be a quick decision by the Bronx Democratic County organization, and I have already been told a few things about the choice that I will check into. It could be that the choice was made to keep certain candidates from running for the 17th City Council special election much as was done in the recent selection of the candidate to replace former Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson. More on this in my 100 PERCENT political column. 

  

  

Above - People lined up outside of Mastero's to get a good seat.

Below - You can see these people enjoying themselves while they dance the night away.

Above - Newly elected Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark dropped by to talk to the people and take some photos also.

Below - Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson was also on hand to celebrate.

Above - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj was also on hand after he helped Santa Claus back into his sled from the Morris Park Christmas tree lighting nearby. 

Below - District Leaders were announced, and here Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda gives kudos to his Female District Leader Julia Rodriguez.

Above - Senator Diaz Sr. announces the birthday of his grandson Ruben Diaz Jr. III.

Below - Could it be that Senator Diaz has found some new amigos to replace the other Three Amigos he had in the state senate, as Community Board 2 District Manager Rafael Salamanca (left next to Assemblyman Crespo) was announced as the choice by County Leader Crespo in the 17th district. I wonder what the connection between them is? 

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Morris Park

  This is what it looked like yesterday afternoon on the corner of Morris Park Avenue and Haight Avenue just outside the fence of Loreto Park. As the sun set the people of the community led by elected officials such as Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mike Benedetto, along with members of the Morris Park Community Association met Santa Claus who stopped by to wish everyone a 'MERRY CHRISTMAS', and enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree above. Children from St. Clare Assisi's School (of Hone Avenue), and from PS 105 (of Brady Avenue) sang various holiday songs for the huge crowd that came to enjoy the Morris Park Christmas tree lighting. Those who came were not disappointed as you will see in the photos below.

Above and below - as the sun went down more and more people came out to enjoy coffee or hot chocolate. candy, or other snacks as they waited for the lighting of the Morris Park Christmas tree.

Above - Students from St. Clare Assisi School sing holiday songs for the huge crowd.

Below - Students from PS 105 also sang holiday songs for the huge crowd at the Morris Park Christmas tree lighting.

Above - Santa Claus parked his sled a few blocks away and had to hoof it over to the Christmas tree lighting.

Below - Santa gets a little help after his long ride and walk.

Above - That's Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj with the microphone in his hand,is counting down to the Christmas tree lighting. Assemblyman Mike Benedetto is closest on the left, and State Senator Jeff Klein on the right.

Below - The Morris Park Christmas tree is lit.

As all good elected officials and community leaders do, they are standing in front of the Morris Park Christmas tree with Santa Claus. 

CM COHEN, ASSEMBLY MEMBER DINOWITZ & COMMISSIONER AGARWA ANNOUNCE NEW IDNYC POP-UP

  A New IDNYC Enrollment Center Opens at the Kingsbridge Library

  City Council Member Andrew Cohen and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowtiz was joined by Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and Tony Marx, President of The New York Public Library (NYPL) to announce the opening of a new IDNYC pop-up site at the Kingsbridge Library.

The pop-up site at the NYPL branch will be active from December 21, 2015 – January 15, 2016. Enrollment pop-up sites like this one rotate throughout the City to keep-up with the high demand the City has seen from residents since its introduction last year.

The IDNYC Municipal ID card gives New Yorkers an opportunity to easily access key City resources and over 30 cultural institutions and libraries with a free government-issued ID. This innovative program unifies all of New York City’s residents regardless of their immigration status, race, and gender or sexual orientation.

On Monday, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced that the IDNYC program will continue to be free for eligible New Yorkers in 2016. In addition to welcoming back all of the 2015 partners, IDNYC now provides New Yorkers with free one-year memberships to seven more cultural institutions, including the Soloman R. Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Football Club, as well as discounted tickets and memberships for Citi Bike.

IDNYC cards are available for all New Yorkers aged 14 years and up, and can be used to open a bank account or credit union account at one of several financial institutions across New York City.

To learn more about the perks the IDNYC card and to make your own appointment, visit www.nyc.gov/idnyc.

"I am excited that another pop-up enrollment site has been opened in District 11. I applaud Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for this innovative program that has acted as a gateway for all New Yorkers to gain access to vital City programs and services. It is great that the success of IDNYC keeps growing! I encourage all of my constituents to make an appointment and take advantage of the free municipal ID card," said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

“At its core, IDNYC signifies equality and access regardless of immigration or economic status. It allows all New Yorkers to access key services and a range of the City’s finest cultural offerings. We look forward to even more New Yorkers obtaining IDNYC through the Kingsbridge Library pop-up,” said Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.

“Just a few weeks ago I went to the Bronx Library Center to sign up for my own ID NYC card, and I was amazed at how quick and easy the whole process was. I am thrilled that ID NYC is now making it even easier for members of our community to sign up by creating a pop-up enrollment site at the Kingsbridge Library. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for his leadership in creating this program, which affords all NYC residents, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, the opportunity to utilize several City resources in addition to dozens of cultural institutions and libraries. I strongly encourage all of my constituents to make an appointment and take advantage of this pop-up site while it’s here," said Assembly Member Dinowitz.

Above - The NYC ID cards are held up by Assemblyman Dinowitz, Councilman Cohen Sona Rai of the Mayor's office of Immigrant Affairs.

Below - NYC Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Nisha Agarwal stands in front of the machines used to take the photo and process the NYC ID Card, similar to equipment used in the motor vehicle department to process driver licences.