WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Councilman, Rubén Díaz Sr.

Catholic Charities Ends its Foster Adoptions Program after 95 years of excellent and professional adoption services

You should know that according to The Buffalo News “The Catholic Charities is ending their foster adoptions programs over the same-sex marriage rule.” after almost one hundred years of serving the poor, and less fortunate of our society.   It is important for you to know that “The Catholic Charities was founded approximately 95 years ago.  Today the agency is a thirty-six million dollar non-profit organization that sponsors seventy (70) social programs and services at sixty (60) locations throughout the eight counties in western New York.”  According to the article in the “Buffalo News”   As you know, The State of New York has regulations that bar discrimination based on sexual orientation. Those regulations are in direct opposition to Catholic teachings and beliefs.    Catholic doctrine, and teachings oppose same-sex marriage and therefore must oppose the adoption of children by same sex couples.    Mr. Dennis C. Walczk, the Chief executive officer for the Catholic Charities of Western New York stated that “We are a Catholic Organization, so we have to practice what we do consistent with the teaching of the Church.”    After decades of providing social vital services to the poor, the homeless, the abandoned orphans, and those most vulnerable of our society they are closing their doors to adoptions.  They served all people of every race, creed, color, and religion.    The Catholic Charities is willing to let go of more than thirty-six million dollars in funding for these programs to send a clear message to the entire world, that their faith, values, beliefs, and Catholic Teachings are much more valuable than money.     The Catholic Dioceses in Western New York estimates that since 2017 more than 153,000 people have received and have been served by the organization through its comprehensive counseling, social and mental health, adoptions and foster care assistance services.    According to the Buffalo News Report, The Western New York Dioceses is not the only one in the nation who have refused to accept money from the government to operate programs that go against their Catholic teachings.   In 2006 the Archdiocese of Boston stopped providing adoption services and in 2011, the Archdiocese of Illinois also stopped their adoption program, based on their refusal to change the Catholic Teachings in relation to same sex adoptions.   It is important for you to know that The Catholic church as of today continues to hold on to their beliefs that marriage should be between one man and one woman, even though there are some indications that those teachings, may in time, soften according to some signs coming from the Vatican and Pope Francis.   This is Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know. EDITOR'S NOTE: The news is from a Buffalo News source, which specifically mentions Western New York and the eight counties within it.  Rev. Councilman Diaz Sr. then mentions Boston and Illinois, but there is no mention at all of New York City anywhere.  Does Rev. Councilman Diaz Sr. mean that New York City is next?

Bronx Dems Annual BBQ & Softball Game - This Saturday

BRONXTALK 87th A.D. Debate Tonight 9 PM

  Bronxtalk host Gary Axelbank will moderate a debate between the candidates running for the open 87th Assembly District seat tonight. The candidates are Sergeant John Perez, Ms. Farah Despeignes, and Ms. Karines Reyes. 9 PM tonight, and the debate will be rebroadcast all week long. It is available on -

Optimum Cable channel 67

Fios Cable channel 33
also streaming live at https://www.bronxnet.org/watch/shows/bronxtalk/

WHERE DOES AMANDA FARIAS LIVE?

The Karines Reyes petition states that Amanda Farias lives at 1500 Thieriot Avenue in the 87th A.D.

Why is it that the address on the check given to Amanda Farias is 769 Arnow Avenue and not 1500 Thieriot Avenue? 

769 Arnow Avenue is in the 80th A.D., not the 87th A.D.

AUG-24-18 07:26 PM FRIENDS OF KARINES REYES Page 1

NYS BOARD OF ELECTIONS FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT

Filer ID: A22224 2018 32 DAY PRE PRIMARY (A) SCHEDULE: F EXPENDITURES/PAYMENTS

07/14/18 AMANDA FARIAS 769 ARNOW AVENUE BRONX NY 10467 CHK1004 $11.00 REIMB AUG-13-18 03:24 PM

07/14/18 H & H HARDWARE 1171 CASTLE HILL AVENUE BRONX NY 10462 1004R $0.00 R-DET MEMO: $11 AUG-13-18 03:24 PM

What is going on here? Where does Amanda Farias live? The 87th A.D. or 80th A.D.? 

News from Senator Luis Sepulveda

HELPING FLOOD-DAMAGED NYCHA TENANTS

Myself, Assemblyman Michael Blake and City Councilmember Vanessa Gibson are working with the New York City Housing Authority to help tenants after major flooding at the Morrisania Air Rights Complex on Park Ave. by E 158th St. in Melrose. 

Water pipes burst there on Sunday and Monday, sending water cascading down from the 20th and 17th floors, flooding tenants’ apartments.

Service on the 20-story building’s two elevators was also knocked out, forcing tenants, many of them elderly and infirm to use the stairs.

We hope to see the city quickly begin repairs and provide compensation to tenants to help them replace destroyed furnishings.

We also need to make sure there is a thorough examination of the building’s other water pipes to make sure this was only a one-time occurrence.

I, along with Assemblyman Blake and Councilmember Gibson toured the building on Monday, and I returned the next day to survey cleanup efforts and personally pitched in to mop floors in some elderly tenants’ apartments.

We all want to help in any way we can to see these tenants return to their normal lives as quickly as possible.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF CECILIA HERNANDEZ

ENGEL STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF SENATOR JOHN S. McCAIN

Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, this evening released the following statement:

“Pat and I join in the heartbreak of Americans across the country tonight learning of the loss of John McCain. History will record Senator McCain as one of the great Americans of the 20th and 21st centuries. His legacy is one of dignity, integrity, and tireless service to the country he loved.

“John and I worked closely on national-security issues for decades. He embodied the old axiom that politics should stop at the water’s edge. He acted not out of partisan or political concern, but in our country’s interests as he saw them. He was a hero, a statesman, and a friend to all who knew and worked with him.

“My heart goes out to his wife, Cindy; his mother, Roberta; his children; and all his family in this difficult time.”

Wave Hill Events September 6‒September 13

Thu, September 6

Art Workshop: Master Class in Watercolors with Asuka Hishiki

Held just prior to the opening weekend of the American Society of Botanical Artists’21st Annual International, an exhibition in Glyndor Gallery, this exclusive master class is an exploration of botanical art in watercolors led by Asuka Hishiki, 2012 Wave Hill Winter Workspace artist and 2018 ASBA exhibiting artist. Absorb the beauty of Wave Hill’s fall bounty and study scientific details as you paint. Morning coffee and boxed lunch included. Some experience painting botanicals required. $200. Registration required, at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Wave Hill Members save 10%.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 9:30AM–4PM

Sat, September 8

Family Art Project: Plant Morphology

Be inspired by the botanical illustrations in the exhibition opening in Glyndor Gallery this weekend. Observe living specimens of plants, fruits and flowers up close, then make drawings inspired by their shape, size and structure. Use watercolor pencils and paints to illustrate your plant or combine it with collaged plant images. Consider the importance of biodiversity on our planet while you conserve species in two dimensions. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, September 8

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sat, September 8

Fall Exhibitions Opening

Meet the artists and curators of our fall exhibitions. In a new collaboration, Wave Hill is partnering with the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) to produce and host ASBA’s 21st Annual International. ASBA’s mission is to provide a thriving, interactive community dedicated to perpetuating the tradition and contemporary practice of botanical art. This juried exhibition consists of two-dimensional, original botanical art, including some specimens found at Wave Hill. In the Sunroom Project Space, Ashton Agbomenou’s new project stems from his time in Wave Hill’s 2018 Winter Workspace. Seeking synchronicity in the African diaspora, Agbomenou constructs visual mementos through his collage-like, layered-painting process, drawing inspiration from Wave Hill’s natural resources. Bronx-born, Dominican-American artist Yelaine Rodriguez works on a new series for the Sun Porch. Using photography, video and performance, Rodriguez creates a unique narrative that examines self-identity and draws inspiration from the colors and textures in nature and from her experience of Wave Hill’s landscape during the 2018 Winter Workspace program. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2–4:30PM

Sun, September 9

Fall Birding

Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting, overlooking the Hudson River, provides the perfect habitat for resident and migrating birds. Birders of all levels welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds, NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM

Sun, September 9

Family Art Project: Plant Morphology

Be inspired by the botanical illustrations in the exhibition opening in Glyndor Gallery this weekend. Observe living specimens of plants, fruits and flowers up close, then make drawings inspired by their shape, size and structure. Use watercolor pencils and paints to illustrate your plant or combine it with collaged plant images. Consider the importance of biodiversity on our planet while you conserve species in two dimensions. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, September 9

Family Nature Walk

Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. Registration not required. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM

Sun, September 9

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Sun, September 9

Cooking Demo: Cooking with Figs

Growing figs in New York City often evolves from a garden pastime into a garden passion. Fruit expert and Senior Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day discusses the best fig varieties for containers and offers tips for cultivating figs (Ficus carica) in urban gardens. A chef from Wave Hill exclusive caterer Great Performances shares samples of seasonal figs and demonstrates figgy recipes for your anticipated backyard bounty. An optional walk to the Herb Garden follows, to see Wave Hill’s fig trees in situ. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

Mon, September 10

Closed to the public.

Tue, September 11

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, September 11

Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. In a new collaboration, Wave Hill is partnering with the American Society of Botanical Artiststo produce and host ASBA’s 21st Annual International. ASBA’s mission is to provide a thriving, interactive community dedicated to perpetuating the tradition and contemporary practice of botanical art. This juried exhibition consists of two-dimensional original botanical art, including some specimens found at Wave Hill. In the Sunroom Project Space, Ashton Agbomenou’s new project stems from his time in Wave Hill’s 2018 Winter Workspace. Seeking synchronicity in the African diaspora, Agbomenou constructs visual mementos through his collage-like, layered-painting process, drawing inspiration from Wave Hill’s natural resources. Bronx-born, Dominican-American artist Yelaine Rodriguezworks on a new series for the Sun Porch. Using photography, video and performance, Rodriguez creates a unique narrative that examines self-identity and draws inspiration from the colors and textures in nature and from her experience of Wave Hill’s landscape during the 2018 Winter Workspace program. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Take Bribes To Smuggle Contraband Into The Metropolitan Correctional Center

Correctional officer Victor Casado conspired to take bribes from a federal inmate in his custody in exchange for smuggling contraband into the jail

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the guilty plea of VICTOR CASADO to his role in a scheme to smuggle contraband into the Metropolitan Correctional Center (“MCC”), a Manhattan detention facility that houses federal inmates, in exchange for cash bribes.  CASADO, a former federal correctional officer, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and to introduce contraband into prison before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Sullivan.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As a correctional officer, Victor Casado’s duty was to ensure the security of the Metropolitan Correctional Center and the safety of inmates in his care.  Instead of honoring that duty, he betrayed it, taking bribes to smuggle contraband into a jail that houses federal inmates.  This Office will continue to stop the corruption of our criminal justice system by those entrusted with supervising incarcerated individuals and keeping them safe.”

According to the Information and Complaint filed in this case, other public filings, and statements made during the plea proceeding:

CASADO was employed as a correctional officer at the MCC from 2012 until his resignation in July 2018.

On multiple occasions in 2016 and 2017, CASADO smuggled cellphones, alcohol, over-the-counter medications, and food into the MCC in exchange for bribe payments from inmates.  These bribes were funneled to CASADO by non-incarcerated relatives or associates of the inmates, either in cash or by wire transfer.  For example, on multiple occasions, CASADO received bribes from an inmate (“Inmate-1”), transferred by one of Inmate-1’s attorneys, totaling more than $25,000, in exchange for smuggling alcohol and cellphones, among other contraband, into the MCC for Inmate-1.  Additionally, CASADO also requested and received thousands of dollars in payments from another inmate (“Inmate-5”), which were delivered to CASADO by Inmate-5’s relatives and a paralegal who represented him.  Inmate-5 paid CASADO at CASADO’s insistence, ostensibly to fund travel by CASADO to the Dominican Republic.

CASADO, 35, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and to introduce contraband into prison.  The charge carries a maximum term of five years in prison.  CASADO is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Sullivan on January 11, 2019.  The maximum potential penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. 

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General.