What Happened to Fan Noli Way? Bronx Albanian-American Community up in Arms.

 

On a cold Saturday that should have been a joyous street co-naming in the Albanian-American community of a famous Albanian-American leader turned into a protest of a city council member for dropping the ball in not getting the Department of Transportation to put up the street sign Fan Noli Way. So who was Fan Noli? 

Born in 1882 Fan Noli attended Harvard University, and was an advocate of an independent Albanian country from the Ottoman Empire. When Albania gained its independence he became a member of the Albanian Parliament, and became Prime Minister in July of 1924, only to be overthrown on Christmas Eve of the same year. Noli fled to Italy, winding up in America once again in 1932. He continued his studies in Boston, and went into music before retiring to Florida where he passed away in 1965 at the age of 83. Fan Noli is also known as the founder of the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America, the church which most Albanian-Americans  belong to. 

The bill to co-name the corner of Morris Park and Tenbroeck Avenues Fan Noli way was passed in the City Council as presented by former Councilman Mark Gjonaj. February 26th should have been the day the street co-naming should have taken place, but it will now happen on April 9th. Councilman Rafael Salamanca (who was present) said that he voted in favor of the bill, while Assemblyman Michael Benedetto said that Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez had done an injustice to the Albanian-Americans of her district. Similar words were said by Assemblywoman Fernandez, who said she stands with the community in this injustice. 

Ardhmir Malziu, a former staffer for former Councilman Mark Gjonaj said that he prepared all the paperwork for the incoming councilwoman to finish for DOT to have the sign made. Former Councilman Mark Gjonaj was a little harsher in his words, saying that Albanian-Americans are a proud people. He was the first Albanian-American elected to political office, and Albanian-Americans are proud of their heros. Ornela Beshiri, a member of Community Board 11 said that she was in contact with Councilwoman Velazquez weeks before the scheduled date of the street co-naming, saying that the councilwoman lied to the Albanian-American community.

Former Councilman Mark Gjonaj held up a mock street sign Fan Noli Way in what should have been a real DOT issued street sign on the pole in the background.

Councilman Salamanca says that he voted to approve the co-naming of the corner Fan Noli Way which passed in the City Council.

Ardhmir Malziu said that he filled out all the paperwork for the incoming councilwoman to send to the DOT.

Elmi Berisha, President of Vatra, Pan Albanian Federation of America said that the missing sign was an insult to the American-Albanian people of the community.

CB 11 member Ornela Beshiri said that Councilwoman Velazquez lied to her, and the Albanian-American community.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON MASK MANDATES IN SCHOOLS, VACCINE MANDATES ACROSS NYC

 

“I want to thank the millions of New Yorkers who have gotten vaccinated to help stop the spread. New Yorkers stepped up and helped us save lives by reaching unprecedented levels of vaccination. I also want to thank Governor Hochul for her partnership in the fight against COVID-19 and for making clear that parents should be part of this conversation. 

 

“More than a million New York City school children will return to class tomorrow after a week off. At the end of this week, we will evaluate the numbers and make a final announcement on Friday. If we see no unforeseen spikes and our numbers continue to show a low level of risk, New York City will remove the indoor mask mandate for public school children, effective next Monday, March 7. Our schools have been among the safest places for our children since the beginning of the pandemic, and we will continue to make the proper public health decisions to keep our kids safe, including making masks available for any child or school staff member who wishes to continue wearing them.

 

“Additionally, New York City’s numbers continue to go down day after day, so, as long as COVID indicators show a low level of risk and we see no surprises this week, on Monday, March 7 we will also lift Key2NYC requirements. This will give business owners the time to adapt and will allow us to ensure we are making the best public health decisions for the people of New York.

 

“All other vaccine mandates in New York City will remain in place at this time as they are, and have been, vital to protecting New Yorkers.”

Governor Hochul Announces Plan to End State Mask Requirement in Schools Starting March 2

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced plans to end the state mask requirement in schools starting on March 2, 2022. The Governor made this decision based on the analysis of several key COVID-19 data trends and after consulting with health and education experts, as well as parents, teachers and school administrators. The announcement also follows recent changes in metrics used by the CDC to determine risk and transmission levels in communities. Other mitigation measures should remain in place.

"With more New Yorkers getting vaccinated, and the steady decline over the past several weeks in cases and hospitalizations from Omicron, we are now entering a new phase of the pandemic. Because New Yorkers have stepped up, we can confidently remove the statewide mask requirement in our schools," Governor Hochul said. "This is a huge step forward for our kids and communities and I am grateful to the students, educators and parents for their dedication to keeping us all safe—we've reached this milestone because of your hard work."  

New York has made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19. Among large states, New York has the highest rate of adults fully vaccinated for COVID-19, the highest rate of teenagers fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and the second-highest rate of children ages 5-11 fully vaccinated. New York State has experienced a 98 percent decline in COVID-19 cases since the Omicron peak, and a continuous downward trend in cases for 51 consecutive days.  

The number of children testing positive for COVID is declining to levels not seen since before students returned from summer break; yesterday 229 cases were reported compared to a 7-day average of 832 cases at the beginning of the school year. Pediatric hospitalizations have declined by roughly 80 percent since the Omicron peak. 

Ahead of Midwinter break, 4.8 million tests were sent to schools for children to take home. An additional 4.8 million tests will be sent this week for students to take home upon their return to school. In total, 20.8 million tests have been distributed to schools. Over the past six weeks, the State established 261 #VaxForKids sites, bringing the vaccine directly to New York families to help parents and guardians get their eligible children vaccinated and boosted. 

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers, today we are able to lift the statewide mask requirement for schools. As Governor Hochul said, we will remain vigilant as New York moves forward, and our team at the Department of Health will continue to monitor the data and advance early warning monitoring systems like wastewater surveillance. We continue to urge all New Yorkers to get vaccinated and get boosted, and we will work with our partners in education statewide to ensure our schools, teachers, and students have the support they need to keep our classrooms healthy and safe." 

State Education Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa said, "I thank the Governor for her leadership. Working together we look forward to keeping our schools safe for students and educators."

Governor Hochul gives an update on the COVID-19 pandemic. - FEBRUARY 27, 2022

 

98 Percent Drop in Cases Since Peak on January 7

20 Covid-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.  

"As we've been saying from the very beginning, the vaccine is the best tool we have to beat back this virus," Governor Hochul said. "The incredible progress we've made so far is thanks to New Yorkers from every corner of the state doing their part - rolling up their sleeves, getting the shot, and making sure they were protecting their families and our way of life. Now is the time to remain vigilant and keep up that hard work - get your shot, get boosted, and let's leave this pandemic in the past."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Test Results Reported - 97,975
• Total Positive - 1,671
• Percent Positive - 1.71%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.94%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,911 (-88)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 198
• Patients in ICU - 342 (-7)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 191 (+10)
• Total Discharges - 285,572 (+273)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 20
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,684   

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 69,057

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.  

• Total vaccine doses administered - 36,791,518
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 7,061
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 80,844
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.8%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 85.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.5%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 81.0%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 73.0%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.5%   

Bronx Borough President Gibson's Black History Month Event

 

Having attended former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s Black History Month events, I really didn't know what to expect from new Bronx BP Vanessa Gibson who was a guest at past BP Diaz Jr., Black History Month events. This year was different, because it was no longer a Black History Month event held by a Hispanic male borough president, but it was a Black History Month event that was being held by a Black Woman Bronx Borough President. That in itself was history enough, but more was to follow.

Once the event got started you could feel the difference in this event compared to past events. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer spoke first about how he helped get the keynote speaker selected as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, which includes most of New York City and Westchester County.  Damien Williams the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District the Keynote Speaker, told the story of the Harlem Hellfighters, an all black U.S. Army group of soldiers in World War One. Williams said they faced racism as they were  given broom sticks in place of rifles to learn how to be soldiers, and they could not fight alongside the white soldiers, but had to fight with French soldiers who gave them rifles and trained them for the war, to be one of the best fighting brigades in WWI. Williams would go on to say that James C. Thomas who fought as a member of the Harlem Hellcats would become the first black lawyer, and one hundred years later that he, Williams would become the first Black U.S. Attorney. 

Mayor Eric Adams was next to speak, telling of how he grew up on Gates Avenue in Brooklyn with his mother who was saving up from her work to finally be able to buy a home for the six members of his family in Queens. That however, he said led to his mother being fired from her job, and the struggles for his family continued as he grew up. He then wanted to know how the city got to where it is now, what happened to our children he said. Guns are more important than education, and why do we attack each other? He continued saying that he is not the enemy, but someone who is trying to help and stop the violence. Mayor Adams concluded by saying that he owes his mayorship to the Bronx, and he will be there for the Bronx.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson stood next to a picture of her mentor former Assemblywoman/Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene as she spoke. You could hear BP Gibson's voice wanting to have her mentor with her to see this moment, but her words were "I know Aurelia is looking down on me right now to celebrate this moment". Gibson then praised Mayor Adams for all he has done in helping with the Twin Parks fire aftermath, and thanked him for being the leader that will bring the Bronx and New York City forward. She then introduced Deputy Bronx Borough President Janet Peguero, and said the Bronx is now led by two women of color.

The honorees for the evening were Community Activist Patricia Banks Edmiston, Hugh Campbell Esq., Dr. Hazel N. Dukes President NAACP, Sophia Reid R.A.I.N. Total Care Inc. 

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell is with Bishop Peggy Smalls (who gave the invocation), and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.

Bronx Borough President Gibson stands next to a portrait of her mentor Aurelia Greene as Bronx DA Darcel Clark speaks.

(L -R) Bronx DA Darcel Clark, Bronx BP Vanesa Gibson, Keynote Speaker U.S. Attorney Damien Williams, U.S. Senator Chuck Schummer, and NAACP President Dr. Hazel N. Dukes.

Mayor Eric Adams spoke about his growing up in NYC, and wanted to know what has happened to the city he is now mayor of.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson speaking at her Black History Month event, making history as the first Black Woman Borough President.

Mayor Eric Adams with BP Gibson.

Bronx elected officials and judges with BP Gibson.

(L-R) Bronx DA Darcel Clark, Civil Court Judge candidates Cynthia Isales and Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor.

New York City Man Convicted Of Threatening To Kill U.S. Senator Joe Manchin And Fox News Hosts Laura Ingraham And Greg Gutfeld

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that RICKEY JOHNSON was convicted of threatening a federal official and making interstate threats, following a one-week jury trial before the Honorable Lewis A. Kaplan. JOHNSON threatened to kill United States Senator Joe Manchin and Fox News television hosts Greg Gutfeld and Laura Ingraham in direct messages and publicly posted videos on Instagram.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Rather than express his political differences constructively, Rickey Johnson escalated his discord by instilling fear. Johnson's attempts to scare and stifle a U.S. Senator and two Fox News hosts were federal crimes for which he has now been convicted by a New York jury.”

According to court documents and the evidence at trial:

On January 30, 2021, JOHNSON sent direct private messages to Mr. Gutfeld that threatened, “you will be killed.” On February 3, 2021, JOHNSON posted public videos in which he threatened to kill Senator Manchin, Mr. Gutfeld, and Ms. Ingraham. Among other things, JOHNSON declared that Senator Manchin was “dead” and would be “executed”; told Mr. Gutfeld that he was “going to take [his] life”; and said that he would “kill” Ms. Ingraham with his “bare hands.”

JOHNSON, 48, of New York, New York, was convicted of two counts of transmitting threatening interstate communications, which each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of threatening a federal official, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison. JOHNSON was also acquitted of one count of threatening a federal official. The maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

JOHNSON is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Kaplan on May 25, 2022.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), the NYPD’s Intelligence Bureau, Leads Investigation Unit, and the NYPD’s 23rd Precinct Field Intelligence Team.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 26, 2022

 

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity Under 2%

Hospitalizations Below 2,000 for The First a time Since November 14

33 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.   

“New York State continues to lead the way in beating back COVID, but we must continue to work together to fight this virus,” Governor Hochul said. "These positive trends are a result of New Yorkers’ hard work and dedication to protecting one another. If you or your child haven’t gotten your shot, sign up today to help us in our ongoing fight against COVID-19.” 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:   

• Test Results Reported – 117,830
• Total Positive - 2,213
• Percent Positive - 1.88%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 1.89%
• Patient Hospitalization – 1,999 (-129)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 227
• Patients in ICU - 349 (-9)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 181 (-15)
• Total Discharges – 285,299 (+305)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 33
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,664

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 69,057    

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.   

• Total vaccine doses administered - 36,784,457
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 9,631
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 85,404
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.6%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.8%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 85.5%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.5%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.4%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 73.0%   
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.4%   

Each New York City borough's 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:   

BOROUGH	Wednesday, February 23, 2022	Thursday, February 24, 2022	Friday, February 25, 2022
Bronx	1.44%	1.15%	1.20%
Kings	1.09%	0.97%	1.00%
New York	1.57%	1.23%	1.32%
Queens	1.38%	1.37%	1.44%
Richmond	1.57%	1.56%	1.62%