Sunday, September 27, 2015

Bronx Council for Environmental Quality October 2015 Events



Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4 from 12:30pm
 – 2:30pm
Walk Inside the Fence at Jerome Park Reservoir

Thursday, October 15 from 6-8pm
Mini-Conference on the Harlem River: From south to north:  
Bridges, BOAs, Wetlands & CSOs at Bronx Museum of the Arts

Friday, October 23 to Friday October 30th
Schools Canoemobile the Harlem River Watershed at Van 
Cortlandt Park Lake &   
Roberto Clemente State Park

Saturday, October 24 from 12pm to 4pm
Canoemobile on Van Cortlandt Lake & the Seven Wonders of 
the Park: Tibbetts Wetland

Wednesday, October 28 from 6-8pm*
Bronx Parks Speak Up Fun Fundraiser with the Bronx Coalition 
for Parks & Green Spaces (BCPGS) at Bronx Beer Hall, 
2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx NY

Saturday, October 31 HALLOWEEN from 12pm to 4pm
Halloween on the Harlem at Roberto Clemente State Park

Community events are free and open to the public 
(except where *).
For information or to register, contact RSVP@bceq.org
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4
Walk Inside the Fence
Jerome Park Reservoir 12:30pm – 2:30pm
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection 
(DEP) announced that it will open the grounds of Jerome 
Park Reservoir in the Bronx for limited access recreation on 
the weekend of October 3rd and 4th. There will be a 
non-ticketed opportunity for the public to walk or jog around 
the 2-mile perimeter of the Reservoir.

Phones, bags and cameras will not be permitted on the 
Reservoir grounds. There will be an opportunity to check 
phones, but visitors should not bring bags or cameras. Entry 
to the Reservoir Grounds will be through a Gate House 
located on the west side of Goulden Avenue, just south of 
205th Street.

For more information: 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thursday, October 15
Mini-Conference on the Harlem River 6-8 pm
From south to north: Bridges, BOAs, Wetlands & CSOs
Bronx Museum of the Arts
This is the Bronx Council for Environmental Quality annual 
mini-conference – this year celebrating the Harlem River. 
Presentations include the BCEQ Harlem River Brownfield 
Opportunity Area Step 2 Consultants, the Highbridge, 
the South Bronx Greenway Connector, Van Cortlandt Park 
Wetlands and Watershed, and the feasibility study of 
daylighting Tibbetts Brook. Partners include the Harlem River 
Working Group & Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces.

Courtesy of ConEdison, Refreshments will be served at 7:00 pm
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friday, October 23 to Friday, October 30
Schools Canoemobile on the Harlem River Watershed
At Van Cortlandt Park Lake 
and Roberto Clemente State Park

The Bronx Council for Environmental Quality (BCEQ) and the 
Harlem River Working Group (HRWG) are partnering with 
Wilderness Inquiry’s Canoemobile to “Experience the Harlem 
River from the Water.”  During the week, the Wilderness 
Inquiry and partners will provide hundreds of school 
children (5th Grade and older) a chance to paddle large 
Voyageur canoes (with trained outdoor educators) and learn 
firsthand about the river. During the week, we are able offer 
the opportunity for Bronx schools to ride in 24-foot Voyager 
canoes on the Harlem River. Each canoe has one trained 
captain, and can accommodate teachers, aides, parents, or 
one of our agency or community partners. The students will 
have a fun time learning in the canoes and experience first-
hand the ecology, science, history, and geography of the Harlem 
River in an hour-long canoe trip. We will also be supplementing 
this on-water experience with land-based experiential, 
confidence-building, and leadership training components 
developed by the Harlem River Working Group in conjunction
with the National Park Service (Rivers, Trails and Conservation 
Assistance Program), Wilderness Inquiry, U.S. Geological 
Survey, and many others. Interested schools should contact us at 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Wednesday, October 28 
Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces (BCPGS) 
Bronx Beer Hall, 2344 Arthur Ave, Bronx NY
Join the Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces to help 
raise funds for the upcoming Bronx Parks Speak Up at a fun 
fundraiser: Wednesday October 28, 2015 from 6-8pm at the 
Bronx Beer Hall.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. .Ticket includes: 
Your first beer, Finger Foods, Souvenir Pint Glass (limited to 
first 120 ticket purchasers) All proceeds will go to support 
the 2016 Bronx Parks Speak Up - tentative date February
27th at Lehman College.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Saturday, October 24
Canoemobile on Van Cortlandt Park Lake 12noon – 4pm
With the Seven Wonders of the Park
At Van Cortlandt Park Lake
BCEQ is working with the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park for a 
fun afternoon of celebrating their next wonder: Tibbetts 
Wetland. During the event, we will have wetland tours, 
freshwater ecology lessons, EcoCrafts and FREE canoeing with 
Wilderness Inquiry on VC Lake. Meet us at VC Lake near the 
Golf House- enter the Park at Van Cortlandt Park South and 
Bailey Ave.
* * * * ****************************************************** * *
Saturday, October 31 HALLOWEEN
Canoemobile on the Harlem River Watershed 
12noon – 4pm
At Roberto Clemente State Park, the entire community will 
have a chance to attend and participate in what can only be 
described as a “street fairs” on the land and on the water—
free canoe rides will be the highlight.  The Halloween event on 
10/31 will be held at Roberto Clemente State Park along the 
Harlem River, and will include many activities including watching 
a regatta 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
More info about Canoemobile Events:


Wilderness Inquiry (WI) is an experienced adventure 
organization that collaborates with the National Park Service 
and many other state and federal agencies to engage urban 
school students on their local waterways. WI’s Canoemobile 
program visits 30 cities annually and engages more than 
10,000 youth throughout the country. WI has agreed to 
provide trips to students on the Harlem River at no cost 
to our schools. You can view Wilderness Inquiry’s online 
video to be prepared for the trip on the Harlem River.

The Bronx Council for Environmental Quality (BCEQ) and 
Wilderness Inquiry’s Canoemobile are partnering on this 
fifth annual public event organized by the Harlem River 
Working Group (HRWG). The HRWG is a group of community 
organizations, governmental agencies and other commercial 
stakeholders, focused on improving environmental quality 
and access to and along the Harlem River—from Randall’s 
Island to the Hudson River in Bronx County, New York City. 
Formed in 2009, we organize and develop goals to ensure 
that a green corridor is established along as much of the length 
of the Harlem as possible, with habitat buffer, bike and walking 
path greenways and river access points.




COUNCIL MEMBER ANDREW COHEN SUPPORTS TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES ‘COMPLETE THE CONCOURSE’ CAMPAIGN



  Council Member Cohen believes the ‘Complete the Concourse’ effort reflects life-saving improvements that need to be made along the Grand Concourse

     This summer, Transportation Alternatives met with Council Member Andrew Cohen regarding their ‘Complete the Concourse’ campaign. This campaign requests the NYC Department of Transportation for a plan to implement a complete street design for the Grand Concourse that would bring life-saving pedestrian, bicycle and public transit improvements for residents of The Bronx. After this meeting Council Member Cohen agreed that a safer streetscape is necessary along the five miles of the Grand Concourse.

Since July 2012, over 650 people have been injured and nine have been killed due to the dangerous conditions along the Grand Concourse. ‘Complete the Concourse’ is a local effort to bring a “complete street” to the Grand Concourse. A “complete street” promises life-saving improvements for the entire Concourse, including pedestrian islands, protected bike lanes and curb extensions. It is the belief of Council Member Cohen and Transportation Alternatives that these amenities would increase connectivity along the Grand Concourse.

“After meeting with representatives from Transportation Alternatives (TA), I agree that measures need to be taken to ensure the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians along the Grand Concourse. Complete the Concourse promises life-saving improvements such as protected bike lanes and curb extensions to arguably the busiest thoroughfare in the borough. I am confident that these enhancements will improve the safety of everyone utilizing the Concourse and I look forward to working with TA to make sure they are implemented,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

"The current design of the Grand Concourse makes it difficult and dangerous for Bronx residents and visitors to get around and access public spaces like children’s playgrounds and cultural centers," said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. "A Complete Street redesign will make this key corridor safer for everyone, whether they're walking, biking, riding the bus or driving a car. We thank Council Member Cohen for supporting local communities' demand for safety improvements that will save lives along the Grand Concourse."

EDITOR"S NOTE:
As a frequent driver of the roadway, I must admit that better education of people on how to cross the Grand Concourse is a must. Signs such as not crossing anywhere, but only at the corners where there are traffic signals would cut down on many injuries. When to cross the street, and .most of all better traffic enforcement of the speed limit, cars going through the red lights, and other traffic violations. Putting up cameras to give violations is not going to work, as it will only mean drivers will have to take their eyes off the road to look for any camera which will lead to more accidents. 





Friday, September 25, 2015

Bronx Democratic County Judicial Convention



   Last night's Judaical Convention was not without dissatisfaction that current/former Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson while denying rumors that he would be seeking a judgeship while petitions were being collected in his name for the Democratic primary (and several other party lines) did indeed accept the nomination for a Bronx Supreme Court Justice position from the Bronx County Judicial delegates. 

  Before the Judicial Convention even got under way there were protesters outside the Eastwood Manor where the event was being held. In all there were to be six people either renominated for their current judge ships on the Bronx State Supreme Court, or nominated to fill vacancies created by either retiring or term limits (those judges reaching age 70). The only one to really matter was when current Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo boisterously spoke about the man he was going to nominate for judge, that being Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson. Tom Messina of Congressman Joe Crowley's office seconded the nomination by saying that Assemblyman Crespo has said it all. 

   Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo later gave a speech saying that there are those in the media who want to criticize the choice of Robert Johnson being named as a candidate for judge after the petition process, and they are wrong because the law until it is changed calls for the process that is in place and it will be. Newly appointed Judicial candidate Robert Johnson refused to answer any questions from the media. including the one I had asked him over a month ago where he denied that he would be seeking a judge ship. Read more in my next column of 100 Percent in the Bronx News next Thursday as to what may be the real reason why now former Bronx DA Robert Johnson accepted the nomination for Bronx Supreme Court. 

  The Bronx Democratic County party leaders later convened to replace newly nominated Robert Johnson for Bronx District Attorney with current State Appelate Court Justice Darcel D. Clark. Much to what the game plan was. Some interesting notes about the Judicial Convention - Missing were Assemblyman Carl Heastie, Councilwoman Annabel Palma (an emergency), Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda (told not to go by his advisor), Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. (another event), and many more. In attendance however was former 80th Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera looking more like a candidate for the state assembly every day, and in the 78th next year since she now resides with her daddy current Assemblyman Jose Rivera.  




 Above - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. was at the Judicial Convention waving to the crowd of protesters outside. That's Bob Kappstatter now advising Assemblyman Luyis Sepulveda smiling in the background. 
Below - A very angry Egidio Sementilli speaks to reporters about what he says is an injustice to the voters of the Bronx with the naming of current Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson as a judge to circumvent the primary process to have the Bronx Democratic County organization named Johnson's replacement and not the voters of the Bronx. 




Above - Dick Drady of Citizen's Union joins Mr. Sementilli and others to say that Democracy is being subverted to name a replacement candidate after the primary for Bronx District Attorney.
Below - It is time for Mr. Stanley Schlein to call the 2015 Bronx Judicial Convention to order.





Former Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson thanks the delegates of the 2015 Bronx Judicial Convention for nominating him as a candidate for a Bronx Supreme Court Judge. That is Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo who nominated DA Johnson to be a judge standing proud next to former Bronx DA Robert Johnson. 


SENATOR KLEIN LAUNCHES BRONX H.I.R.E. ON-THE-GO



  New mobile jobs program connects Bronxites with employment opportunities across the 34 Senate District

State Senator Jeff Klein, in partnership with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, launched Bronx H.I.R.E. On-the-Go on Thursday. The new mobile jobs program geared toward bringing employment opportunities and workforce training directly to Bronxites.

“Providing our workforce with first-rate training and connecting job seekers with valuable learning opportunities is critical as we work to build up our borough. We must continue to combat high rate of unemployment in The Bronx, and this program is another step in the right direction. I’m proud to partner with The Bronx Chamber of Commerce to launch Bronx H.I.R.E. On-the-Go and I look forward to continuing to create more opportunities for hard-working people in the 34th Senate District and beyond,” Senator Jeff Klein said.

"As a result of Sen. Klein's funding, we are able to offer Bronx job seekers crucial workforce development training as well as free certifications to create the ideal employee. Bronx H.I.R.E. participants continually expand and strengthen their skillsets  to obtain employment in leading industries. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce thanks Senator Klein for investing in The Bronx workforce," said Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, Executive Director of The Bronx Chamber of Commerce.​

Bronx H.I.R.E. On-the-Go will host a series of workforce training and development workshops throughout the month of October. Upcoming events include:

  • Wednesday, September 30 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Soundview Library, 660 Soundview Ave., Bronx, NY
Presentations on customer service, IT Technician and Microsoft Office certificates

  • Thursday, October 15 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Riverdale Neighborhood House, 5521 Mosholu Ave., Bronx, NY
Presentations on real estate and public speaking certificates

  • Thursday, October 22 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Hunts Point Recreation Center, 765 Manida St., Bronx, NY
Presentations on personal training and security certifications

At the training seminars, Bronx H.I.R.E. On-the-Go will provide participants with the opportunity to learn more about available job opportunities, fine tune their resumes, improve their writing skills and learn how to make a great first impression in an interview.

Bronx H.I.R.E. On-the-Go is part of Senator Klein’s larger jobs initiative, Bronx H.I.R.E. The Bronx H.I.R.E. program works to provide jobs candidates with the resources, skills and supports they need to succeed in today’s job market. To date, Bronx H.I.R.E. has placed more than 400 candidates in jobs and provided 100 job seekers with certifications in an array of industries.


Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's Immigration Forum on October 21



Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's Immigration Forum 
Join us for an open panel of discussions on Immigration Guidelines 

Wednesday, October 21, 2015
5:30 to 8:30 pm
Bronx House
990 Pelham Parkway South
Bronx, N.Y. 10461
For more information, please contact Lilyanna Pekic at
 or email

Mercy College's Bronx Leadership Awards Dinner Tuesday October 27th


Join us Tuesday, October 27 for the Bronx Leadership Awards Dinner honoring four outstanding community members who help strengthen our connection to the Bronx community. Held at Marina del Rey, attendees will enjoy a cocktail hour and silent auction before sitting down for the awards presentation and dinner. Proceeds from this event will support the Hutchinson Metro Center and Bronx Leadership Endowed Scholarship Fund. 
This year's outstanding honorees include:

Deborah Antoine - President and CEO, NY Junior Tennis and Learning
Paul Chapman - Chairman and Vice President, ABC Carpet and Home
Steven Squitieri - President, Sanitation Salvage Corporation
Mark Stagg - President and Founder, Stagg Group


Mercy College Bronx Leadership Awards Dinner
Tuesday, October, 27, 2015
Marina del Rey
One Marina Drive, Bronx, NY

5:30 p.m. Cocktails, Hors D'oeuvres and Silent Auction
7:00 p.m. Award Presentation, Dinner and Entertainment from Danny Aiello 
                 with Joe Geary and The Guys Band

Please Note: When completing your registration form you will be directed to our secure payment site blackbaud.com. 


  1. Step 1 Selection
  2. Step 2 Registration
Tuesday October 27
5:30 PM
Join us in recognizing the outstanding advocates who work diligently to deepen and strengthen the connection in the Bronx community.

Click here to register online
For more information please contact - 
Lenny Caro HD '11
Chief Community Relations Officer, Bronx
Mercy College
718-678-8667 (office)
914-755-4982 (cell)
MERCY COLLEGE