Joe DeSimone Way

 

Joe DeSimone Way

By Robert Press

Joe Desimone was many things to many different people. He was a husband, father, uncle, friend, and most of all he was a football coach, to the almost two-hundred people who came to see Joe DeSimone Way unveiled. Joe coached football at Spellman High School before retiring, and going into coaching local neighborhood football at Pelham Bay Park. It is at the corner of Middletown Road and Stadium Avenue that Joe DeSimone Way has been placed. 

William Cawley who also coached football with Joe DeSimone aid Joe was a community person who put the community. Joe' daughter Alexis spoke of the way she was brought up with values that were taught to her by her father. That he always told her to do things the right way, and that this (the park area) was his favorite place coaching Warrior Football. Jerry Demers began Warrior's Football in 1952 at the age of fourteen. At age 82 he is still active as the founder and CEO of Warrior's football now located in Pelham Bay Park with Joe DeSimone as one of the coaches. 

Several others of Joe's family and football family spoke, until it was time for the family to unveil Joe DeSimone Way. The family was then given official street signs by Councilman Gjonaj for family members to remember the day.

Members of the DeSimone family were provided their own signs to remember Joe DeSimone Way.

Jerry Demers who started Warrior Football in 1952 and is the CEO with Vice-President Jose Garcia and President James Pellicone. Joe DeSimone had taken over running the league in 2015 from a retiring Jerry Demers, who was called back into action when Joe took ill.

Councilman Mark Gjonaj speaks with Joe's wife Kathy and daughter Alexis after Joe DeSimone Way was unveiled.

William Cawley a former football coach with Joe at Spellman High School, speaks of his experiences with Joe DeSimone, as the covered street sign Joe DeSimone Way awaited to be uncovered in the top left corner of the photo.

Governor Cuomo Announces New Record-Low Statewide COVID Positivity

 

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 0.52% -- Has Declined for 62 Consecutive Days

Number of New Positive Cases Statewide Below 1,000 for 10th Consecutive Day

72,178 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

816 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide -- Lowest Since October 8

13 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19.

"With warm weather coming in throughout the state, it is extraordinary to see New Yorkers making sure COVID numbers drop to these new record lows," Governor Cuomo said. "Whether you're meeting with friends you haven't seen face to face for more than a year, going to watch your favorite team play, or heading inside to escape the heat in a cool theatre, getting your vaccine will help ensure you can make the most of your summer and make up for lost time with loved ones. The vaccine is our best tool in the fight against COVID. If you haven't already, I encourage you to get yours as soon as possible." 

  
Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 117,999 
• Total Positive - 549 
• Percent Positive - 0.47% 
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 0.52% 
• Patient Hospitalization - 816 (-52) 
• Patients Newly Admitted - 93 
• Patients in ICU - 208 (-9) 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 112 (-9) 
• Total Discharges - 182,995 (+140) 
• Deaths - 13 
• Total Deaths - 42,789 
• Total vaccine doses administered - 19,479,983 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 72,178 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 483,366 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 66.2% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 58.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 68.6%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 59.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 54.6% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 47.1%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 56.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 47.8%

Attorney General James Takes 47 Guns Off the Streets at Kingston Gun Buyback

 

AG James Has Taken Nearly 1,000 Firearms Out of Communities Since 2019

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that 47 firearms were turned in to law enforcement at a gun buyback event hosted by her office and the Kingston Police Department. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) accepts — with no questions asked — working and non-working, unloaded firearms in exchange for compensation on site. To date, Attorney General James has taken nearly 1,000 firearms out of communities through gun buybacks since taking office in 2019. 

“Our neighborhoods are safer when we take dangerous firearms out of our communities and ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands,” said Attorney General James. “My office remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all New Yorkers, and we thank the Kingston Police Department for their invaluable support and partnership in this effort.”

The community buyback resulted in 47 guns being collected, including an assault rifle, 15 handguns, 17 rifles and shotguns, and 14 non-working or antique guns. Since 2013, OAG has hosted gun buyback events throughout New York state and has successfully collected nearly 3,100 firearms.

In exchange for the firearms, OAG also offered monetary compensation, in the form of prepaid gift cards, and Apple iPads when an unloaded gun was received and secured by an officer on-site.

Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 6/4/2021

 

Dear Friends,

I hope you and your families are doing well. June is the month to celebrate the Graduating Class of 2021. As another year winds down, we are looking forward to celebrate all the achievements of the students, staff and families in District 13. My office will be awarding over 1,300 NYC Council Citations to all graduating students in the District.

The COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help stop the pandemic and it requires using all the tools we have available such as wearing masks and social distancing. I am glad co-host a Vaccination Clinic at the Bronx House for our community on June 17th from 12pm - 6pm.

NYC has announced the reopening of Senior Centers on June 14th with physical distancing and mask adherence. This is a big step towards reestablishing an in-person community for older adults who have been greatly impacted during the pandemic.

This week I was proud to stand with Senator Chuck Schumer and other elected officials as we called for more funding for Stand Up to Violence program, a great outreach service initiative at Jacobi Hospital in District 13 that I have supported and funded.

In partnership with the Wildcats, our office has continued to help so many constituents with a lot of cleanup and graffiti removal issues from Pelham Parkway to Throggs Neck.

Tonight we are proud to kick off our Summer Concert Series in Bufano Park with performance by Just Nuts. We look forward to seeing you there and throughout the rest of the concerts and Family Days.

This Sunday, I am also glad to present a Street Co-Naming Ceremony in honor of Joe DeSimone, Former President of the Warriors Football League and an an inspiration to so many.

As always we are here for you, so please do not hesitate to contact my office with issues or concerns at 718-931-1721 or email at MGjonaj@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj

District 13, Bronx

210 Days and Counting

 

I have to turn into Bill de Blasio latter so I can hold my morning media availability. I hope none of those reporters ask me about the Big Bird comment. A Big Bird I find it downright insulting to be compared to Mayor de Blasio.

Back to work, at least I only have only one grouch to work with, not 51 like the City Council.

Bronx Candidates for City Council Who Support the Courage For Change Agenda

Courage to Change Questionnaire

If you are awarded the CTC endorsement, do you pledge to remain positive and not engage in negative* campaigning towards other CTC candidates?

Do you support the following national policy priorities:Medicare for All, Green New Deal, Abolish ICEPlease provide the name, phone and email for three (3) in-district movement groups that you are organizing with and are supporting your campaign.Please describe your vision and goals for your term as New York City Council Member. (min 500 words max 1000 words). [responses to this question may be displayed on the CTC website]

Ethical Fundraising

Although contributions from corporations and for-profit companies are prohibited under the rules of the New York City Campaign Finance Board (NYCCFB), corporations and for-profit companies can form Political Action Committees (PACs) and contribute to a campaign under a different name. This presents serious challenges when it comes to keeping corporate money out of politics and ensuring that the will of the people of New York City prevails over the self-interests of a few wealthy companies.

The corrupting role of big money in politics is one of the largest threats we have to truly people-driven government and policy. We see this when executives and board members of private companies, including the real estate and fossil fuel industries, attempt to gain access to elected officials through large personal and bundled contributions. As a result of being courted and financed by special-interest groups, politicians end up spending more time with their big dollar donors rather than with their communities, where they can refine the policies that will make this city a better place for everyone.

Is your campaign accepting contributions from a PAC that represents, or was created by, a for-profit company? Yes, No.

If yes, please list the PAC:Is your campaign accepting contributions from real estate developers, real estate PACs, or any executive or Board Member of a real estate company? Yes, No.Is your campaign accepting contributions from any executive or Board Member of a fossil fuel company? Yes, No-Is your campaign accepting contributions from any law enforcement association or PAC? --- Yes, No.

Prioritizing New York's Workers 

New York City is home to millions of innovative, creative, and tenacious people who hustle every day to provide for their families, save for their future, and simply get by. These are the people we must uplift with strong labor protections, reliable assistance programs, and expanded small business opportunities.

A labor peace agreement is a neutrality agreement between the employer and the union in which the employer agrees not to resist a union’s organizing attempts. Do you pledge to oppose any New York City development project receiving public funds or tax breaks if it does not include a labor peace agreement requirement? Yes, NoWill you support and vote for legislation aimed at holding developers and general contractors responsible for wage theft and workers’ compensation fraud? Yes, No.Do you pledge to commit to creating an emergency cash assistance fund for those New Yorkers often left out of the federal relief packages or other assistance programs such as unemployment insurance, including direct cash payments and help for small businesses?

Yes, No.

Do you pledge to commit to creating an emergency cash assistance fund for those New Yorkers often left out of the federal relief packages or other assistance programs such as unemployment insurance, including direct cash payments and help for small businesses?

Yes, No.

Investing in 21st Century Infrastructure for the MTA, NYCHA, and Public Schools

It is time to build a NYC that works for all of us. This means investing in improvements to public transit so every person can access a safe and reliable ride to work, quality broadband internet services for NYCHA residents, and public school retrofits to provide our children with a safe place to learn. From borough to borough, our communities are interconnected through housing, transit and schools— and bold infrastructure investments are a key part to building a prosperous future for everyone.

Will you vote to increase city funding by at least $100 million per year for mass transit improvements including to expand bus shelters to every bus stop and provide elevator access to every subway station? Yes, No.Do you pledge to vote for an increase of at least $50 million per year in city funding to expand bike lanes throughout NYC in order to achieve a connected city-wide bike lane system? Yes, No.NYCHA maintains over 350,000 open work orders for resident maintenance and repairs. This current situation is unmanageable, leads to living conditions that are uninhabitable, and are a direct result of NYC neglect of its public housing portfolio for over a decade. If elected, do you pledge to increase city funding for NYCHA by at least $50 million per year in order to provide sustainable maintenance and repairs throughout the citywide NYCHA portfolio and bring all open work orders up to date? Yes, No.Will you vote for legislation that requires NYCHA housing developments to provide residents with free and reliable high-speed internet service? Yes, No.Do you pledge to vote for an increase of at least $50 million per year in city funding for public school infrastructure projects to remove lead and mold from pipes and to install state-of-the-art heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems? Yes, No.Do you pledge to vote for an increase of at least $50 million per year in city funding for public school infrastructure projects to remove lead and mold from pipes and to install state-of-the-art heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems? Yes, No.Will you support a plan to turn Rikers Island into a green energy storage hub? Yes, No.NYCHA buildings consume 40%-50% more energy per square foot than the typical NYC multi-family building, while contributing to unhealthy home environments that lack comfort and safety. Do you pledge to increase city funding for NYCHA by at least $100 million per year for deep energy retrofits to the city-wide NYCHA portfolio? Yes, No.The proposed Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) is a 333-mile long 1,000 megawatt high voltage direct current (HVDC) power line consisting of bi-directional cables — two cables side by side running to and from Quebec to New York City. The CHPE project would threaten endangered Atlantic Sturgeon Habitat in the Hudson River and also threatens Indigenous communities in Canada and their environment. Do you pledge to oppose the aforementioned contract and instead pursue energy efficiency and renewable energy options locally? Yes, No. 

Reimagining Public Safety

In order to provide real public safety and undo our unjust system of mass incarceration and over policing, New York City must invest in education, housing, jobs, healthcare, and community-based programs.

Will you support a plan to bring down the annual NYPD budget and shift those funds towards community resources and programs, including: community accountability services; victim support and compensation funds; community schools; and prisoner rehabilitation and re-entry programs? Yes, No.Will you support and fund comprehensive mental health and crisis response services, including community-based treatment programs, and a 911 health care responder corps that is entirely independent of the NYPD Yes, No.Do you support dissolving the NYPD Vice Enforcement Division and redirecting all public funds currently dedicated to NYPD Vice towards the development and expansion of community-based safety centers that offer family support programs, youth employment programs, community mediation and other services which center victim-based support?Yes, No. With regards to the list of offenses for which an undocumented immigrant can be turned over to federal agents by NYC law enforcement, will you support a law that removes all offenses from the list? Yes, No.Will you vote for a law that eliminates the ability of the Police Commissioner to review and reject recommended disciplinary sanctions made by the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB)? Yes, No.

Protecting the Right to a Safe, Decent, and Stable Home

The answer to solving New York City’s housing crisis begins with trusted leaders in government who are competent, responsible, and want to advance opportunities for all people while ensuring a roof over their heads. When we carry out the work to preserve public housing, to protect tenants and to usher in social housing for NYC, we will realize the true impact of progress by providing enough for everyone.

Due to decades of actions to privatize and disinvest public housing, NYCHA residents experience uninhabitable living conditions. Government leaders have the power to change this reality, but continue to push short-term proposals such as Rental Assistance Demonstration (‘RAD’), Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (‘PACT’), and the NYCHA Blueprint. These proposals will deprive public housing residents of unique federal laws and economic opportunities afforded to them. Do you pledge to oppose all attempts to sell public housing property to private real estate developers, like the NYCHA Blueprint, RAD, and PACT? Yes, No.New York City’s Right to Counsel (‘RTC’) has been a tremendous success in stopping evictions of low-income New Yorkers and allowing families to stay in their homes. Will you support and vote for improvements to RTC that: increase the income eligibility for tenants from 200% to 400% of the federal poverty level; expand RTC services to cover appeals filed by landlords; and require immediate implementation of RTC with no zip code rollout? Yes, No.Will you vote in favor of zoning changes to include mixed-income housing developments in an affluent neighborhood if the local council member was opposed? Yes, No.Will you support and vote for legislation encouraging the conversion of distressed hotels into permanent housing? Yes, No. We’re proud to recognize the New York City Council candidates who have taken the Courage to Change pledge. City council candidates across every district were invited to submit a questionnaire pledging their support to strong progressive values. The candidates below received a perfect score.

IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE ANSSWER TO EACH QUESTION OR PART WAS NOT ALWAYS A YES ANSWER, THAT IS WHY THE 'YES, NO,' OPTION TO ANSWERS WAS LEFT IN. 

THE SIX CANDIDATES BELOW ARE FROM FOUR DIFFERENT COUNCIL DISTRICTS, HAVE COMMITTED TO ITEMS THAT ARE OUT OF THEIR CONTROL, SUCH AS FEDERAL PROGRAMS.

AS CRIME RISES TO CUT THE NYPD, ELIMINATE ITS VICE-SQUAD, AND CUT THE POWERS OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONER.

SAY NOTHING ABOUT IMPROVING THE EXTREMLY POOR STUDENT PERFORMANCE LEVELS OF BRONX PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS, AND HOW PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE KEPT SAFE FROM GANGS AND THE RISING CRIME RATES. 

VOTE TO BAIL OUT THE HOTEL INDUSTRY BY TURNING EMPTY HOTELS INTO PERMANENT HOSING, BUT DO NOT SAY FOR WHOM.

THEY ALSO WILL VOTE FOR ZONING CHANGES TO INCLUDE MIXED-INCOME HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FEW AFFLUENT BRONX NEIGHBORHOODS THAT ARE LEFT, SUCH AS RIVERDALE, FIELDSTON, COUNTRY CLUB, SILVER BEACH, PELHAM GARDENS, AND THROGGS NECK. IN DISTRICTS 11, AND 13.

BRONX

• 

  MINO LORA

  CD 11

  • Working Families Party
• 

  MARJORIE VELÁZQUEZ

  CD 13

  • Working Families Party
    
  • Road to Justice
• 

  ADOLFO ABREU

  CD 14: First choice

  • Sunrise Movement
  • Democratic Socialists of America
  • New York Communities for Change
• 

  PIERINA SANCHEZ

  CD 14: Second choice

• 

  AMANDA FARIAS

  CD 18: First choice

  • Sunrise Movement
• 

  MICHAEL BELTZER

  CD 18: Second choice

Bronx Fashion Week - Bronx Fashion Summer Newsletter

 

Bronx Fashion Summer 2021 Newsletter Fashion Photography by the Amazing Marcus Isaac Makeup Stylist and Floral Headpiece Designs by Chrissy  Gonzalez Find them on IG @marcusisaacphotos &  @chrissy_thecreator

Fashion is more than fabric; clothing expresses who  we are. Creating a design from inception takes a  conscious approach; It is a form of expression used to  connect through the power of ideas—our styles, it is  about the stories behind the fabric being sewn together,  assuming that piece from your local thrift store or a  Goodwill or your local consignment shop, and creating  a re-purposed piece ready for its new home.

Bronx Fashion Re-Launch Fall 2021 Thank you for your support and love. We miss you  more than words can express and can't wait to be  back on the runway! We can't wait to see you!!!

The Thrift Collection Curated by Stylist Isabella Cordaro &  Fashion Producer Flora Montes, this idea was born from a  desire to create a line from two perspectives. Two women  from different generations coming together to create a line  of re-purposed, affordable, ready-to-wear styles empowering  woman of all ages.

Warm regards, The Bronx Fashion Team

©2021 Bronx Fashion Week | Bronx NY

AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND AND NEW YORK CITY METRO In Effect for Sunday, June 6, 2021

 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for the Long Island and New York City Metro regions for Sunday, June 6, 2021. 

  

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone 

  

The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

  

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

  

OZONE 

  

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and are the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere. 

  

People, especially young children, those who exercise outdoors, those involved in vigorous outdoor work and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma) should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce your exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing should consider consulting their doctor. 

  

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available. 

  

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:  

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities; 
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips; 
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas; 
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees; 
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air; 
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters; 
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures; 
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and 
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) has been established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest Air Quality situation. 

  

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/air/ozone.htm on DOH's website. 

  

The Sunday, June 6, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of the following: Region 1 Long Island, which includes Nassau and Suffolk counties and Region 2 New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties.