Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - LEARNING HOW TO PREVENT LEGIONNAIRES':

#BXnightmarket - Who's up for a date night giveaway?

Do a pop-up, they said. Pop-ups are fun! Guess what? They were right! The Bronx Night Market pop-up at the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Eveningsis the place to be this Spring.  We've been having tons of fun meeting new faces, catching up with old friends and inhaling all the food. We're back on Friday, April 12th and Saturday, April 13th with more food, dancing, and, of course, the fantastic Orchid Show. Get your tickets here and use our code MARKET20 for a discount.

Can't make it this weekend? No worries, you can hang with us April 19, 20, 26 and 27, 2019!  Get the group chat going; you need a night out!

SINCE YOU'VE BEEN ASKING!!!

SINCE YOU'VE BEEN ASKING!!! 

BRONX MAN WHO WAS ON THE RUN FOR TWO YEARS SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DEADLY 2015 SHOOTING

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for fatally shooting a man in 2015 on a street in Fordham Manor in broad daylight. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant shot a 24-year-old man over a dispute involving drugs. The defendant was on the run for two years but justice caught up with him and he was sentenced today for the gun violence he carried out on our streets.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Kadeem Carty, 26, of 2605 Grand Avenue, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison and 5 years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice James McCarty. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter on March 20, 2019 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho.

  According to the investigation, on September 20, 2015, at 194th Street and Briggs Avenue, the defendant shot David Hooks, 24, twice in the lower back. Video surveillance of the day of the incident shows the victim and another man chasing the defendant. Carty then turned around and shot at the two men. The victim was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital where he died shortly afterwards. The defendant fled and was arrested on November 20, 2017 in Pennsylvania.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives John Feretti and Robert Klein of Bronx Homicide for their assistance in the case.

Here the New York City Council Goes Again

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Councilman, Rubén Díaz Sr.

Bronx County, New York

  You should know that instead of passing laws to protect our senior citizens and decent, law-abiding citizens, the New York City Council is planning to pass a law to stop the city from testing people who are on probation for marijuana use.

In an article titled “Pols set to back end of probation pot tests” in today’s New York Daily News, Graham Rayman reports that Council’s Public Safety Committee Chairman Donovan Richards stated: “ We’re trying to build stable communities … We want to stabilize peoples’ lives as much as possible.”

Oh really? Does another law that discourages people from obeying the law really make our communities stable? Will this law improve the lives of senior citizens, families and drivers?

You should already know that the purpose of putting someone on probation is to monitor their behavior when the district attorney has decided not prosecute.  Good behavior is required.

Since the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal, why would this criminal offense be acceptable for someone who is on probation?

Should we just sit back quietly and watch some of New York’s elected officials support lawlessness by weakening punishments for people who jump the turnstile, urinate in public, or drink alcohol in public, and now, smoking pot while on probation?

You should know that efforts to lower our quality of life do not protect our senior citizens, our families, our neighbors or our business communities.

How is it okay for someone who jumps the turnstile to not get arrested? How is it okay for someone to urinate in an elevator or in public right in front of a Mom with a young child and not get arrested? How is it ok for someone who is on probation to smoke pot?

It’s not!

My dear reader I cannot understand some of our politicians so quick to unite their efforts and embolden people to violate the law, and excuse violators when they do.

There should be a greater effort to promote respect for ourselves, our families and our neighbors so we can protect our senior citizens, our families, our drivers and our business communities?

Ladies and gentlemen, we need to start passing laws that actually create stability in our city, and stop finding ways to make it easier for people to destroy our quality of life.

This is Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know. 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES COMMISSIONER’S ORDERS TO ALL YESHIVAS IN WILLIAMSBURG TO EXCLUDE UNVACCINATED STUDENTS OR FACE VIOLATIONS AND POSSIBLE CLOSURE

The measles outbreak in the Orthodox Jewish community is now at 285 cases since it began last October. 246 cases are children 18 and under, and 39 are adults; 21 people have been hospitalized

Measles is a highly contagious disease and can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. Measles is preventable with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine

  The Health Department today announced it has issued Commissioner’s Orders to all yeshivas in Williamsburg affected by the school exclusion mandate. This means that any school out of compliance will immediately be issued a violation.

• In December, the Health Department ordered yeshivas and childcare centers serving the Orthodox Jewish community in the affected ZIP codes in Brooklyn to exclude all unvaccinated students from attending school or daycare until the outbreak is declared over.
• In January, one yeshiva in Williamsburg fell out of compliance with the Department’s exclusion mandate, allowing unvaccinated children back into school or daycare. This single yeshiva is connected to more than 40 cases, resulting in a large increase in measles cases and the continuation of the outbreak.
• The Health Department has since issued Commissioner’s Orders to all yeshivas in Williamsburg to comply with the mandatory exclusion of unvaccinated children or face violations subject to fines and possible school closure.

The measles outbreak in the Orthodox Jewish community continues to increase at an alarming rate. To date, 285 cases have been confirmed since the beginning of the outbreak in October, with many of these new cases being confirmed in the last 2 months. The vast majority of cases are children under 18 years of age (246 cases), and 39 cases are adults. Most of these measles cases were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals. There have been no deaths associated with this outbreak, although there have been complications, including 21 hospitalizations and five admissions to the intensive care unit.

Ahead of Passover, the Health Department is urging all New Yorkers—especially those in the Orthodox Jewish community—to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to prevent further spread of the virus. Individuals traveling to areas with ongoing large outbreaks, including Israel, Europe, Upstate New York, and other parts of the United States should make sure they and their children are appropriately vaccinated with MMR.

“As a pediatrician, I know the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. This outbreak is being fueled by a small group of anti-vaxxers in these neighborhoods. They have been spreading dangerous misinformation based on fake science,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “We stand with the majority of people in this community who have worked hard to protect their children and those at risk. We’ve seen a large increase in the number of people vaccinated in these neighborhoods, but as Passover approaches, we need to do all we can to ensure more people get the vaccine.”

Most cases have been reported from Williamsburg and Borough Park, Brooklyn. Five cases, including the initial case of measles, were acquired on a visit to Israel, where a large outbreak of the disease is occurring. Two people contracted measles from the U.K. and one from Ukraine.

Measles is a highly contagious disease and can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. Measles is easily preventable with the safe and effective MMR vaccine. Newborns, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems cannot get vaccinated, so it is important that everyone around them be vaccinated in order to protect them from contracting the virus which can have severe complications in these susceptible populations. While the MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective method of prevent measles, it is only 97 percent effective, so population wide immunity is a key component to protecting our most at risk New Yorkers from measles. Pregnant women – even if they have received the MMR vaccine – are still at risk of complications including birth defects or loss of pregnancy.

In February, the Department expanded vaccination recommendations for providers serving the Orthodox Jewish community to include an early, extra dose of the MMR vaccine for children between the ages of 6 months to 11 months who live in Williamsburg and Borough Park.

Measles Background

• Measles is transmitted by airborne particles, droplets, and direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person.
• Symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure to measles, and in some cases, symptoms can start as early as seven days or as late as 21 days following exposure.
• Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
• Rash and fever are the typical symptoms of measles and usually occur four days following the early symptoms. The rash usually starts on the face and proceeds down the body. The rash lasts several days.
• Infected individuals are contagious from four days before rash onset through the fourth day after rash appearance.
• Anyone can contract measles but the virus is more severe in infants, pregnant women, and people whose immune systems are weak. Complications include:

• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia (swelling of the lungs)
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
• Premature birth or low birth-weight
• Miscarriage
• Death
• About 1 out of 1, 367 children < 5 years developed a late, fatal complication of measles, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), an average of 9.5 years after recovery from measles infection.

Precautions New Yorkers Should Take

• Measles can be prevented through vaccinations. New Yorkers should call 311 to access a list of facilities that can provide MMR at low or no cost.
• There are large outbreaks of measles in Europe and Israel, as well as in countries in South America, Africa, and Asia. New Yorkers should make sure they have been vaccinated with MMR vaccine before traveling to Europe or Israel. Infants ages 6 to 11 months should also be vaccinated prior to international travel.
• New Yorkers who believe they were exposed to measles or who have symptoms of measles should contact their health care provider before seeking care to prevent exposure to other patients.
• For more information, New Yorkers can visit the Health Department’s Measles page.

Upcoming Events From State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

COMMUNITY CALENDAR:

New York State Senate Bronx Delegation Post Budget Forum, April 11, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. An opportunity for the community to ask about the 2019 State Budget, key issues, impact on the Bronx and the budget process. Sponsored by Senators Alessandra Biaggi (D-34) and Gustavo Rivera (D-33). Fordham University, Flom Auditorium, William D. Walsh Family Library, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx.

Senator Alessandra Biaggi Mobile Office Hours:

Constituent services are available at the following dates and locations every month. Walk-ins welcome from 11 am to 4 pm or call 718-822-2049 for an appointment:

1st TUESDAY of the Month: Riverdale Senior Services, 2600 Netherland Ave., Bronx.

2nd THURSDAY of the Month: Bronx Community Board 7, 229-A E. 204th St., Bronx.

3rd TUESDAY of the Month: Bronx Community Board 10, 3166 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx

Last THURSDAY of the Month: Bronx Community Board 9, 1967 Turnbill Ave. #7, Bronx. 

Daily, Senator Biaggi's Office, 1250 Waters Place, Suite 1202, Bronx. 

One Book One Bronx - Building a Community of Readers in the Bronx

One Book One Bronx is an exciting new book discussion group that hosts restorative community conversations related to gentrification, social justice, women’s empowerment, criminal justice, racial inequality and more. Reading selections reflect the racial, economic, and gender demographics of the borough and build bridges to engagement while (re)sparking a love of reading. Click here for details

On Tuesday, April 16, 6:30pm, BronxArtSpace (305 E. 140th St) 

One Book One Bronx will start Training School for Negro Girls by Camille Acker. 

In her debut short story collection, Camille Acker unleashes the irony and tragic comedy of respectability onto a wide-ranging cast of characters, all of whom call Washington, DC, home. A “woke” millennial tries to fight gentrification, only to learn she’s part of the problem; a grade school teacher dreams of a better DC, only to take out her frustrations on her students; and a young piano player wins a competition, only to learn the prize is worthless. Click here for details 

Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 8:00pm 

May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 2019 

The Crazy Bunch By Willie Perdomo 

Location: BronxArtSpace, 305 East 140th St. Bronx In his fourth collection, The Crazy Bunch, Perdomo returns to his beloved neighborhood to create a vivid, kaleidoscopic portrait of a “crew” coming of age in East Harlem at the beginning of the 1990s. In poems written in couplets, vignettes, sketches, riffs, and dialogue, Perdomo recreates a weekend where surviving members of the crew recall a series of tragic events: “That was the summer we all tried to fly. All but one of us succeeded.” Click here for details

Literary Freedom Project is a Bronx-based 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit arts organization that seeks to restore the importance of social and cultural identity through reading. Towards this goal, LFP publishes Mosaic Literary Magazine; develops literature-based lesson plans and workshops; and presents One Book One Bronx and Mosaic Literary Conference.

March 12, One Book One Bronx meets at BronxArtSpaced 

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES YOUTH VOTE NYC REGISTRATION DRIVE AND FIRST-EVER CIVICS WEEK ACROSS NYC SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Civics Week will encourage students to register to vote and participate in activities that empower their voices in our democracy; follow the latest with #YouthVoteNYC

  The de Blasio Administration today launched its most robust civic engagement effort at schools of all grade levels and colleges across New York City. The effort will encourage students to register to vote and participate in the City's first-ever Civics Week program, which aims to increase civic participation and empower the voices of New York City students.

During Civics Week, students at Department of Education schools will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that will help students hone their public speaking skills, encourage them to participate in Participatory Budgeting, connect students with community leaders and elected officials, and give students an opportunity to participate in town halls to discuss issues that matter to them and their communities. Hundreds of high schools also will be hosting student voter registration events, with the goal of registering thousands of young New Yorkers. Civics Week and the student voter registration drive are part of Mayor de Blasio's 10-point democracy agenda known as DemocracyNYC, which aims to increase civic engagement and strengthen democracy locally and nationally.

In order to strengthen our democracy and mold the next generation of leaders, we need to begin teaching our kids the importance of civic engagement early in their lives, said Mayor Bill de Blasio. With Civics Week and programs such as Participatory Budgeting, we're empowering our kids and reminding them that they have the power to spark change in their communities by using their voices. I encourage everyone to participate in Civics Week to continue creating a fairer and stronger democracy at home and across the nation.

The best way to achieve real civic participation is by connecting with each community to learn what people need from their elected officials and to have an ongoing dialogue on ways they can get involved, said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Phillip Thompson. That is exactly what Civics Week and the Student Voter Registration Drive will bring to young New Yorkers in hundreds of schools and colleges this week. I commend Council Member Helen Rosenthal for pioneering student voter registration drive efforts in our city since 2015 and the Democracy NYC team, the Department of Education, CUNY and everyone involved for ensuing our students have the information and tools they need to make their voices heard, especially in these critical times."

New York City public school students have the ideas and passion to improve our communities, and we want their voices to be heard, said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. Through the first-ever Civics Week and our year-round Civics for All initiative, we are removing barriers that keep students from participating in the democratic process, and fostering the skills and knowledge they need to make a difference.

Giving every New Yorker a voice involves working closely with government and community partners to develop and strengthen structures for people all over the City to engage in our democracy, said Chief Democracy Officer Ayirini Fonseca-Sabune. Youth of every age are key stakeholders in this process and Civics Week and the Youth Vote NYC registration drives are ideal platforms to help engage and empower them. I am thrilled to work with the Department of Education, the City University of New York and other partners in these efforts.

We must give the next generation the tools to take an active role in their community", said Marco A. Carrion, Commissioner of the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit. "Student Voter Registration Drive is part of our broader commitment to empowering and engaging young people here in New York City. 

"Today's students are the future of our society and we must make it as easy as possible for them to participate in our democracy," said Omar Khan, Director of the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit. "Whether it's taking a leadership role at school or voting, being civically engaged is the best way to ensure our community and government hears all of the diverse voices that make this city so strong."

"CUNY has a long history of voter registration on our campuses. This week's Student Voter Registration Drive is a continuation of that history and yet another opportunity for our students to register to vote. It is important for our students to recognize that their voice is in their vote," said Staci Emanuel, CUNY's University-wide Voter Registration Coordinator.

To support Civics Week and participating schools, the Department of Education developed instructional guides to help schools host voter registration drives and design activities that encourage civic participation. Schools interested in participating can access the guides here andhere. Civics Week is part of the Department of Education's Civics for All initiative, which teaches students about the foundations of American government and the democratic process.

Some of the activities schools across the City will host include:

Participatory Budgeting: Civics for All Participatory Budgeting In Your School will provide $2,000 for high school students to identify priorities and direct spending at 48 New York City public high schools. Students at these schools will engage in a participatory budgeting experience by identifying and proposing projects that are voted on by the entire school community. Each participating school will receive,

 A $2,000 allocation to fund the selected proposal.

Training on how to integrate the project into a social studies course and, in partnership with Participatory Budgeting Project, how to successfully engage students in generating and voting on ideas.

SoapboxNYC: A K-12 public speaking competition that calls on students to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. SoapboxNYC is led by Mikva Challenge's Project Soapbox and helps students develop, practice and hone their public speaking skills. School winners will compete in borough-wide contests later this year.

Poster Contest: Students will have an opportunity to participate in the City's Civics for All poster competition in which students are invited to showcase their artistic talent and civic engagement beliefs by exploring and creating posters that speak to important social issues, exercising student voice and examining the importance of voting and civic participation.

Guest Speakers: A variety of schools will host forums where student activist groups can connect with other students to speak about the importance of civic engagement and a variety of issues, including racial and gender equity, the environment, social media, how to write a petition and gun violence. Teams of activists from other American cities will also be visiting schools throughout the week to discuss issues of national significance and their related activism.

Town Halls: Students will be able to participate in town halls hosted by their schools to talk about issues that matter to them and their communities.

Additionally, the City will be working with DOE Schools, CUNY and other colleges to host Youth Vote NYC voter registration drives. College students will also have the opportunity to take a Civic Engagement Pledge to make a commitment to become more involved in their communities. For more information, visit nyc.gov/youthvote to download "how to host a drive" toolkits and watch videos of student activists speaking about the importance of participating in our democracy. Outreach specialists from the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit also will be at 70 high schools to support voter registration efforts.