Monday, May 23, 2016

CANADIAN-IRANIAN CITIZEN SENTENCED IN MANHATTAN FEDERAL COURT TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON FOR CONSPIRING TO VIOLATE IRAN SANCTIONS



  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, announced that ALI REZA PARSA, a Canadian-Iranian dual citizen and resident of Canada, was sentenced on Friday, May 20, 2016, to three years in prison for his participation in a conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (“ITSR”).  PARSA was arrested in October 2014 following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”).  PARSA pled guilty on January 20, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams, who imposed Friday’s sentence. 
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As he admitted in court, Ali Reza Parsa conspired to purchase high-tech electronic components – some used in the production of rockets and missiles – from American companies for eventual delivery to Iran through Canada.  He has now been sentenced to three years in prison for his violation of federal law.”
Assistant Attorney General John P. Carlin said: “Over the course of six years, Parsa repeatedly violated export control laws and aided Iranian entities in procuring high-tech electronic components that have both commercial and military uses.  With this sentence, he will be held accountable for circumventing important U.S. laws designed to protect our national security interests.  One of our top national security priorities remains safeguarding our national assets from those who may wish to do us harm.”
According to the Indictment filed against PARSA and other court documents publicly filed in this case and statements made in court proceedings, including Friday’s sentencing:
Between approximately 2009 and 2015, PARSA conspired to obtain high-tech electronic components from American companies for transshipment to Iran and other countries for clients of PARSA’s procurement company in Iran, Tavan Payesh Mad, in violation of U.S. economic sanctions.  To accomplish this, PARSA used his Canadian company, Metal PM, to place orders with U.S. suppliers and typically had the parts shipped to him in Canada or to a freight forwarder located in the United Arab Emirates, and then transshipped from these locations to Iran or to the location of his Iranian company’s client.  PARSA provided the U.S. companies with false destination and end-user information about the components in order to conceal the illegality of these transactions. 
PARSA’s criminal scheme targeted numerous American technology companies.  The components that PARSA attempted to procure included cryogenic accelerometers, which are sensitive components that measure acceleration at very low temperatures.  Cryogenic accelerators have both commercial and military uses, including in applications related to ballistic missile propellants and in aerospace components such as liquid-fuel rocket engines.
In addition, following his arrest and while incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center, PARSA continued to violate the IEEPA and the ITSR  by conducting business for Metal PM and Tavan Payesh Mad, including by ordering parts from German and Brazilian companies for Iranian customers.  PARSA subsequently directed a relative to delete email evidence of his ongoing business transactions while in jail, emphasizing the need for secrecy in their dealings.
Neither PARSA nor any other individual or entity involved in transactions that gave rise to his conviction applied for or obtained a license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for the transactions. 

Senator Klein Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month in Riverdale



  Jewish American Community Leaders and Hundreds of Bronxites Gather to Celebrate Jewish Heritage Month at Riverdale YM-YWHA

State Senator Jeff Klein hosted his 2nd  Annual Jewish Heritage Celebration on Sunday at The Riverdale YM-YWHA, honoring local community leaders and honoring the over 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American society and culture.
“Each year, I am proud to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month and recognize the valuable contributions that Jewish Americans have made to our communities. Our nation was built by hardworking individuals whose perseverance and dedication to seeing a brighter future for all will never be forgotten. Thank you for joining me today to salute those who have made a positive difference in our communities and improving the quality of life for their fellow citizens,” said Senator  Klein.
Joined by hundreds of community members, Senator Klein highlighted the contributions of outstanding Jewish Americans including: Sylvia Lask, community leader; Richard Romanoff, founder, president, and CEO of Nebraskaland; Robert Rubenstein, Esq., board member of Riverdale Senior Services; and Andy Wolf, publisher and editor.
Rabbi Ari Hart Weiss of Hebrew Institute of Riverdale performed the invocation, and guests enjoyed a complimentary lunch and Jewish cultural music.


Above and Below - State Senator Jeff Klein personally went to each table to hear what the seniors in attendance to hear from them. Below he holds the Riverdale Report which the senator prints for his constituents in Riverdale.




Above - Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz was in attendance.
Below - Congressman Eliot Engel congratulates Honoree Sylvia Lask.




A delicious cake was served for desert after the luncheon.


'Riverdale RiverFest 2016
SundayJune 5th12-6pm, College of Mount Saint Vincent
Sail on the Hudson River on June 4th and June 5th!
Boat rides are a big part of what sets  Riverdale RiverFest apart from all the other special festivals and events held in our community. This year, sails are offered throughout the weekend. For Riverdale RiverFest 2016, boat riders have two great ships to choose from!
 
Schooner Pioneer
Schooner Pioneer Sail Times & Info:
Saturday June 4th (pre-festival)
Special pre-festival sails Saturday on the Schooner Pioneer.  Enjoy the River without the festival crowds!  
Adults: $25; Children (infant - age 14): $15
Saturday, June 4 10:30 am (~1.5-hour sail)
Saturday, June 4 12:30 pm (~1.5-hour sail)
Saturday, June 4  2:30 pm (~1.5-hour sail) 

Sunday June 5th
Adults: $25; Children (infant - age 14): $15
Sunday, June 5 9:30 am (~1.5-hour sail)
Sunday, June 5 11:30 am (~1.5-hour sail)
Sunday, June 5  1:30 pm (~1.5-hour sail)
Sunday, June 5  3:30 pm (~1.5-hour sail) 
 
Mystic Whaler
 Mystic Whaler Sail Times & Info:

Adults: $25
Children (infant - age 14): $15
Sunday, June 5 10 am (~1.5-hour ride)
Sunday, June 5 12:15 pm (~1.5-hour ride)  
Sunday, June 5  2:15 pm (~1.5-hour ride)
Sunday, June 5   4:15 pm (~1.5-hour ride) 
 
 Click here to register for your boat ride today!A Celebration of the River in Riverdale!

Saturday, June 4th - I Am Longwood Arts Festival





I Am Longwood Arts Fest 
FEATURING UpBeat NYC Orchestras


Saturday, June 4th,
12pm-6pm

FREE ADMISSION 
Please invite your family and friends!


PS 333 & PS 335 Schoolyard
888 Rev James A Polite Ave
Bronx, NY 10459



Join us on Saturday, June 4th as we celebrate the arts and culture of our beautiful community! The I Am Longwood Arts Fest will bring together artists and performers of all ages to promote cultural engagement and awareness for South Bronx children and families.


The event is a collaboration of PS 333, PS 335, Thrive Collective, YUCA Arts, UpBeat NYC and The Boden Center.


The day's activities will include:

-the unveiling of a new community-designed mural 

-musical performances by South Bronx musicians including UpBeat NYC's Orchestra and Jazz and Latin Big Band with special guests Papo Pepin, Willie Martinez and Pete Nater!

-works of local artists and artisans exhibited and for sale

-performances by local dance groups

-face painting and other fun activities for kids!




We hope to see you there!

Jacobi Hosting Our First LGBTQ Pride Event



Join NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi for our First Annual
LGBTQ PRIDE EVENT!
Friday, June 3
11:30 am - 1 pm
Atrium - Building 8

Mini-Pride Parade (Meet at 11:30 am in Atrium)

Recognition Ceremony (Honoring Ms. Patricia Jackson and Councilman Ritchie Torres)

·         LGBTQ Health Info
·         DJ Dance Party
·         Giveaways, Refreshments and More!

Jacobi is a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality.


NYC Health + Hospitals is committed to empowering Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) New Yorkers to live the healthiest life possible.

As an ally, we support civil rights and LGBTQ health equality. Our hospitals and health centers provide responsive, compassionate and respectful care in a welcoming environment. We don’t judge. We care.

Friday, May 20, 2016

NBDC Petition Training Meeting- June 2, 2016



Please Join NBDC for a Petition Training     7pm     June 2, 2016
2018 Williamsbridge Road Bronx NY 

News From KRVC - Orleans to Headline RiverFest thanks to State Senator Jeff Klein!





   ORLEANS ...is best known as the 70s Pop/Rock band that brought you the iconic hits "Still the One", "Dance With Me" and "Love Takes Time". Now entering it's 41st year of live performances, Orleans has produced a body of work spanning 16 albums and several DVDs. The band continues to be in great demand domestically and internationally for live shows, as they have been for four decades.
   In the summer of 2012, Orleans experienced a tragedy in the sudden passing of co- founder Larry Hoppen. While there is no replacing Larry, the decision was made to somehow continue to perform the remaining shows of the year's calendar. Co- founder/brother Lance Hoppen, along with long-standing members Lane Hoppen, Fly Amero and Charlie Morgan were rejoined by co-founder John Hall (who had been on sabbatical as a US Congressman) in order to finish with dignity and integrity what had been started 40 years prior.
   With more than a dozen successful shows under their belt, the band finds that they are more than ready, willing and able to forge ahead into year 41. 

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Bronx Day in Albany is Almost Here



 
The Best of the Bronx in Albany is  
"Where Upstate meets Down State!"
  
Tuesday May 24, 2016 - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. State Senator & IDC Co-Leader Jeff Klein & Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, with BOEDC & The Bronx  Tourism Council, proudly present the 4th Annual Bronx Day in Albany taking place in the Hart Theather Lounge at the Egg.

The day begins with a Small Business Luncheon beginning at 12pm, featuring presentations from NY Small Business Development Center and the NYS Dept of Finance & Taxation. Small business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend and partake in an open panel to follow with attendees and thier legislative officials. 

The 'Best of the Bronx' Reception, sponsored by Anheuser Busch will be a grand celebration of the Bronx and all it's treasures.  Guest will enjoy entertainment by Exciting Pop/Classical Tenor Elio Scaccio and rocking tunes from the Jumpin' Dragons Band. Additional sponsors include: Hutch Metro Center, Wildlife Conservation Society- Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, Montefiore Hospital, New York Yankees, Eastchester Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Health First, Affinity Health and D&J Ambulette.

Delicious Bronx foods and desserts are sponsored by Hunts Point Produce Terminal Market, Nebraskaland Meats, Mike's Deli in Arthur Avenue Market, Teitel Brothers,  Borgatta Noodles from Little Italy, A1 Food Distributors, Golden Globe Cookie Factory, Don Coqui Restaurant- City Island, Golden Crust Caribbean Bakery & Grill, and Coco Delicioso Helado.

The best of the Bronx's bakeries will compete in a Best of the Bronx Cannoli Contest! Participants include: Gino's Pastry Shop, Conti's Pastry Shoppe, Artuso's Bakery, Dufour Bakery and more. Attendees will also have the chance to enter in a raffle with a chance to win a 2015 Jeer Renegade from Eastchester Chrysler Jeep Dodge! You do not want to miss this event!

For more information, please contact the office of Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj,718-409-0109.