Assemblymember Michael Blake - Reminder January 31st State of the District

Greetings, 
 

Assemblymember Michael Blake cordially invites you to his first State of the District as he outlines the progress of and the path forward for the 79th assembly district to achieve our "3, 2, 1" vision of Economic Development, Education, and Equality for All.  

 

NOTE: The State of the District will now be on Sunday, January 31st, 2016 at 2pm at DreamYard, 1085 Washington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451.

 

A reception will follow the event.

 

Join us as we are transforming the South Bronx into the urban metropolis of the world.

 

This is a free event but we encourage you to RSVP at link below:

https://act.myngp.com/Forms/-6440420854953867520

STATEMENT: ENGEL on Zika Virus

  Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement on the Zika virus:

“We shouldn't allow the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Zika virus to spark a panic.  Domestic and international health experts are taking this issue seriously, and I'm committed to working in Congress to ensure that this outbreak is dealt with quickly and competently.

“President Obama's recent meeting with top U.S. health officials and today's announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) of an emergency meeting on Zika are good steps.  I encourage continued efforts to address the issue head-on. This challenge will require enhanced research, substantial resources, interagency cooperation, and coordinated efforts to ensure that clear information reaches the public as quickly as possible. I have long called for increased engagement with our partners in the Americas, and at this difficult time, the United States must assist our neighbors as they continue to fight the Zika virus.”

Background:

Cases of the Zika virus have been reported in more than 20 countries throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean, as well as Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. While this mosquito-borne infection is common in other parts of the world, Zika has only recently appeared in the Western Hemisphere. As a result, most lack the immunity needed to ward off infection.

News on Zika’s spread has centered primarily on a concurrent uptick in cases of microcephaly, a condition that causes infants to be born with abnormally small heads and significant brain defects. While health officials have yet to confirm the link between Zika and microcephaly in infants whose mothers were infected during pregnancy, the apparent correlation has incited widespread concern and varied instructions for pregnant women.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events

Tuesday February 2, 2016 10 AM - 11AM

FREE Event  Advance Reservations Required Limited Space!

  Friday, February 5, 2016, 6 PM - 8 PM

Assemblymember Pichardo - Bronx residents are encouraged to install smoke detectors

  Will be providing free alarms at his Jerome Avenue office

Assemblymember Victor Pichardo (D-Bronx) announced that free smoke/carbon monoxide alarms will be available today at his Bronx office.

  “Installing these safety devices is a simple thing to do and can protect families in the event of a fire or emergency,” said Assemblymember Pichardo. “It could mean the difference between life and death.”

  Two recent incidents have highlighted the need for better home safety, Pichardo noted. On Dec. 11, there was a six-alarm fire on Valentine Avenue and on Jan. 12, a three-alarm fire occurred on the Grand Concourse. Assemblymember Pichardo has worked closely with community leaders and organizations to make sure that everyone affected by the fires received immediate assistance and housing.

  

  To ensure Bronx families have much-needed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, Pichardo has partnered with State Senator Gustavo Rivera and New York City Councilmember Ritchie Torres, who will also be offering alarms in February and March at their offices. The events are co-sponsored by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the American Red Cross.

   Residents can obtain an alarm by going to Pichardo’s office at 2175 Jerome Ave., Suite C, Bronx, NY, between 2 and 5 p.m. today. The distribution is on a first come, first served basis, but everyone who attends will receive an alarm; either in person at the event, or on a later date which includes free installation by the FDNY. For more information, call 718-933-6909.

TRUMP to Skip Tonight's Iowa Debate - Will SALAMANCA Do The Same in tonight's 17th City Council Debate Tonight?

  Donald Trump has announced that he will be skipping tonight's last Republican Iowa debate being held on Fox, and moderated by Megan Kelly. Trump instead will be holding his own event which he says will be better than the debate.

 With pressure mounting for accountability from Bronx Community Board #2 District Manager Rafael Salamanca there are now questions if Mr. Salamanca who is a candidate for the 17th City Council special election will show up to tonight's 17th City Council Special Election debate hosted by We Stay/Nos Quedamos.

    As each day passes new information about Bronx Community Board #2, its District Manager (and candidate in the 17th Special Election) Rafael Salamanca, The Bronx Democratic County organization, and the relationship between Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo and Bronx Community Board #2 District Manager (and candidate for City Council) Rafael Salamanca. 

   

NYC City Council District 17 Candidates Forum Wed. January 27.

As of December 31, 2015 our local City Councilwoman, Maria del Carmen Arroyo has resigned from her seat and there will be a special election for Arroyo’s replacement on 2/23/16.  

Due to the short time from Arroyo's resignation announcement and quick turnaround which will no doubt limit our community's participation as voters, we are coordinating this forum to ensure the community is aware of this special election, and ultimately able to fully participate both in hearing from the candidates and demonstrate that our local residents care by voting in significant numbers.

SIMULTANEOUS TRANSLATION WILL BE PROVIDED IN SPANISH

WHEN

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM (EST) - 

WHERE

Pregones Theater - 575 Walton Avenue. 1. Bronx, NY 10451 -

United War Veterans Council Enlists Public to Show Love to Vets/Active Duty Personnel this Valentines Day

  The United War Veterans Council (UWVC) invites the public to show their love for those who serve or have served our country by sending Valentines cards and gifts, which UWVC will deliver to veterans and active duty military personnel at Veterans Administration facilities, other veterans service centers and military facilities in all five boroughs of New York City.

            The public is asked to send Valentines cards, small gifts and packaged candy, including sugarless candy to:

Valentines for Vets & Service Members

C/o Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen’s' Club

283 Lexington Ave.

New York, NY 10035

Please send your cards and gifts by Friday, February 5.

            “Let’s show the love to our veterans and those still in service on Valentine’s Day and every day,” said UWVC incoming President Dan McSweeney.  “We see it every year when we deliver these cards and gifts, how this small gesture on your part means so much to the men and women who receive these expressions of your love, respect and gratitude.”

New York City firefighters who also are veterans have volunteered to help the UWVC deliver the cards and gifts to locations such as the Manhattan and Brooklyn VA hospitals, Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and the U.S. Coast Guard base at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. 

The U.S. Coast Guard is the featured service for the 2016 Veterans Day Parade, November 11, marking the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11 and dedicated especially to veterans who have served since 9/11 and to first responders, including the Coast Guard.

About United War Veterans Council

The United War Veterans Council, Inc. (UWVC) is a 501-(c) (19) non-profit organization that is dedicated to mobilizing the public to honor, support and serve America’s veterans through a wide range of activities and initiatives. We produce America’s Parade (the NYC Veterans Day Parade), the largest celebration of service in the nation.  Since our inception, the UWVC has been a non-political, non-partisan organization, with no agenda or purpose other than serving our veterans. We represent the mosaic of the veterans’ community, encompassing veterans of all eras and backgrounds. www.uwvc.org / FB / Twitter.

Council Member Andy King To Offer Free Healthcare Enrollment & Referral Assistance on Thursday to Bronx Residents

  The Office of Council Member Andy King, in cooperation with MetroPlus and LiveOn New York, will be hosting free health-care enrollment and benefits referral service on Thursday, Jan. 28th, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the district office of Council Member Andy King, 940 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx.

Representatives from MetroPlus Health Plan will be available to assist New Yorkers who need to renew or sign-up for healthcare insurance.  MetroPlus Health Plan is part of the NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace.

And, LiveOn New York will provide assistance with Medicare Benefits, SNAP, SCRIE and other referral services.   

In addition, guest DJs from WBLS radio station will be on-site to provide music. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please call the Office of Council Member Andy King at (718) 684-5509.