Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Still Searching for Bodega Bandit

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Still Searching for Bodega Bandit: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- Police are still searching for a gunman who held up two grocery stores within two hours in t...

Cops Still Searching for Bodega Bandit

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- Police are still searching for a gunman who held up two grocery stores within two hours in two different nabes in the confines of the 45th Precinct.

Cops are asking for the public’s help once again to help identify the suspect in the two armed robberies. The first stickup occurred at Zerega Deli and Grocery on December 22. At around 1 p.m., the suspect walked into the store on Zerega Avnue, displayed a weapon and demanded money. The clerk forked over the cash and the perp fled. 

Two hours later the gunman struck again. At around 3:35 p.m. that same day, the suspect walked into Steve’s Deli & Grocery on Mayflower Avenue. Inside the Pelham Bay grocery, the man showed off a firearm and fled with the cash.

Investigators released surveillance video of the suspect and the alleged get-away vehicle. The gunman was seen wearing a red shirt, green knit hat and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

 All calls are strictly confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fireworks Explosion

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fireworks Explosion: Following Fireworks Shake and Wake in Park, Pol Calls for Stiffer Sentences for Vandals  BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- In the wake o...

Fireworks Explosion

Following Fireworks Shake and Wake in Park,

Pol Calls for Stiffer Sentences for Vandals 

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- In the wake of a major fireworks explosion Monday night in the Bronx, State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein announced he will introduce legislation that would dramatically increase penalties for vandals who set-off fireworks explosions causing more than $1,000 in property damage or public panic. Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx) will sponsor the legislation in the Assembly.

“New Year’s Eve should be a time for public celebration, not panic and fear. Last night’s explosion was terrifying and has no place in any community,” Senator Klein said. “If these types of vandals think they can get away with a slap on the wrist, they’re dead wrong. I will not risk letting our young people think that this type of life-threatening vandalism is ok here or anywhere else in New York.”

Assemblyman Benedetto said, "It is important that we send a message to all who think something like this is a 'fun prank'. It is anything but. Terrifying our residents in the middle of the night is anything but fun and they should be held responsible."

Currently, an individual who illegally explodes fireworks faces a maximum of 15 days in jail. But under Sen. Klein’s proposed legislation, an individual who illegally explodes fireworks and causes $1,000 or more in property damage or public panic would face a sentence of between 1- 4 years in prison. The legislation would elevate the offense from a violation  to a Class E felony.

Community Board 10 Chairman John Marano said, "It is scary knowing that the perpetrator of this explosion can just walk the streets and get away with harming others. I applaud Senator Klein for recognizing the need to hold those that cause public panic like this accountable. The common person should never have to live in fear."

Al Carena, President of Spencer Estates Civic Association said, "In this current climate we live in, incidences like this can cause public alarm and should be addressed. The New York State Legislature should take a look and consider this bill." 

Frank W. Diefenbach, Affected Homeowner on Middletown Road said, "The perpetrator of this explosion showed no regard for our property or for the safety of local residents and animals in the area who could have been hurt or injured. I think this legislation is a wonderful idea and it’s something that needs to be done to protect homeowners like me."

Monday night’s incident, which occurred inside Pelham Bay Park at approximately 11:00 p.m., is currently under investigation by the Arson and Explosion Squad and by the 45 Precinct Detective Squad. Damage to at least three homes has been reported as a result of the explosion.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Victorious in Fordham Holiday Classic

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Victorious in Fordham Holiday Classic: By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- Aficionados of college women’s basketball in the Bronx had an opportunity to attend ...

Rams Victorious in Fordham Holiday Classic

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- Aficionados of college women’s basketball in the Bronx had an opportunity to attend two doubleheaders shortly before the close of 2013 as the 7^th annual Fordham Holiday Classic was held on the afternoons of December 29 and December 30 at the Rose Hill Gym. As in the previous six years, the invitees included teams from a wide area of the nation and from several conferences. 

In the opening contest on Sunday afternoon, the Fordham Rams easily triumphed over the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) Spartans, 79-48. The Rams began aggressively by scoring the first eight points. At 11:35, Fordham reached its first double digit lead of the contest, 15-5. They increased their lead at the half to 39-20. 

Mid-way through the second half, Fordham increased its advantage to an insurmountable 67-34. Fordham’s experienced and classy coach, Stephanie Gaitley, gave all the reserves on its bench an opportunity to see action and to ensure that the visiting team from the South was not treated to an even more embarrassing defeat.

Erin Rooney paced the Rams, nearly achieving a triple double with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in only 27 minutes on court. 

The closing game of day #1 was the first meeting between the Harvard Crimson and the Tulsa Hurricanes. The two teams battled competitively on a court foreign to both. Control of the boards, 44 rebounds to 32, and six additional points from the charity stripe gave the 61-57 victory to Harvard.

The consolation contest between Tulsa and UNCG opened the second day of the tourney. The game was hard fought and evenly played by two teams that never previously faced one another. Tulsa led throughout most of the first half, but the Spartans took a 27-26 lead with four minutes left in the half. The Hurricanes followed with 10 unanswered points, and led at the half, 36-32.

After knotting the score at 38 early in the second half, the Spartans remained behind for the remainder of the game. They cut the Tulsa advantage to a single point on four occasions, but could not again equal the Tulsa point total. The Hurricanes won, 76-71.

The title contest of the two-day tourney was between Fordham and Harvard. Interestingly, the two men’s teams of the same universities met in the same Bronx venue two nights earlier. The Rams’ ability from beyond the arc furnished them an advantage during the opening half. Five of Fordham’s first six baskets were from downtown and allowed the Rams to lead, 20-12 at 7:47. A basket and a free throw by Emily Tapio brought Fordham its first double figure advantage of the game, 25-14, at 5:56. 

Fordham never lost the double figure advantage again during the contest. During the final two minutes of the game, Fordham, in the person of Abigail Corning, outscored the Crimson, 6-1, to raise its final score lead to a game high 20 points, 64-44. The win was the 10^th straight for the Rams, equaling a mark last accomplished in the 1978-79 season. They are undefeated at home, 7-0.

Corning had an impressive game for the Rams, grabbing 12 boards, scoring 9 and dishing 6 assists. Rooney led all scorers in the contest with 19.

Corning and Rooney were named to the All-Tournament team along with Janaé Stevenson of UNCG, Mariah Turner of Tulsa and Temi Fagbenle of Harvard. 

The women of Fordham next see action on the evening of January 2 in the Bronx versus Saint Louis. It will be Fordham’s first Atlantic-10 conference game of the season. 

Rams Victorious in Fordham Holiday Classic

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- Aficionados of college women’s basketball in the Bronx had an opportunity to attend two doubleheaders shortly before the close of 2013 as the 7^th annual Fordham Holiday Classic was held on the afternoons of December 29 and December 30 at the Rose Hill Gym. As in the previous six years, the invitees included teams from a wide area of the nation and from several conferences. 

In the opening contest on Sunday afternoon, the Fordham Rams easily triumphed over the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) Spartans, 79-48. The Rams began aggressively by scoring the first eight points. At 11:35, Fordham reached its first double digit lead of the contest, 15-5. They increased their lead at the half to 39-20. 

Mid-way through the second half, Fordham increased its advantage to an insurmountable 67-34. Fordham’s experienced and classy coach, Stephanie Gaitley, gave all the reserves on its bench an opportunity to see action and to ensure that the visiting team from the South was not treated to an even more embarrassing defeat.

Erin Rooney paced the Rams, nearly achieving a triple double with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in only 27 minutes on court. 

The closing game of day #1 was the first meeting between the Harvard Crimson and the Tulsa Hurricanes. The two teams battled competitively on a court foreign to both. Control of the boards, 44 rebounds to 32, and six additional points from the charity stripe gave the 61-57 victory to Harvard.

The consolation contest between Tulsa and UNCG opened the second day of the tourney. The game was hard fought and evenly played by two teams that never previously faced one another. Tulsa led throughout most of the first half, but the Spartans took a 27-26 lead with four minutes left in the half. The Hurricanes followed with 10 unanswered points, and led at the half, 36-32.

After knotting the score at 38 early in the second half, the Spartans remained behind for the remainder of the game. They cut the Tulsa advantage to a single point on four occasions, but could not again equal the Tulsa point total. The Hurricanes won, 76-71.

The title contest of the two-day tourney was between Fordham and Harvard. Interestingly, the two men’s teams of the same universities met in the same Bronx venue two nights earlier. The Rams’ ability from beyond the arc furnished them an advantage during the opening half. Five of Fordham’s first six baskets were from downtown and allowed the Rams to lead, 20-12 at 7:47. A basket and a free throw by Emily Tapio brought Fordham its first double figure advantage of the game, 25-14, at 5:56. 

Fordham never lost the double figure advantage again during the contest. During the final two minutes of the game, Fordham, in the person of Abigail Corning, outscored the Crimson, 6-1, to raise its final score lead to a game high 20 points, 64-44. The win was the 10^th straight for the Rams, equaling a mark last accomplished in the 1978-79 season. They are undefeated at home, 7-0.

Corning had an impressive game for the Rams, grabbing 12 boards, scoring 9 and dishing 6 assists. Rooney led all scorers in the contest with 19.

Corning and Rooney were named to the All-Tournament team along with Janaé Stevenson of UNCG, Mariah Turner of Tulsa and Temi Fagbenle of Harvard. 

The women of Fordham next see action on the evening of January 2 in the Bronx versus Saint Louis. It will be Fordham’s first Atlantic-10 conference game of the season. 

Pinstripe Bowl is Final College Game for Notre Dame Wide Receiver TJ Jones

By Howard Goldin

The final phase of the 2013 college football season has begun, which is the playing of the annual Bowl games. For the student-athlete that is a senior, he will be appearing in his final college game. The story of each of these young men’s past, present and future is unique, yet each, like every college graduate, will be entering a new stage of life with its own opportunities and challenges.

This story is about TJ Jones, a Notre Dame senior who plays wide receiver on its renowned football team. Jones was born in Winnipeg, Canada, but moved with his family to Georgia as a young child. He was a highly regarded football player in high school, but chose to enroll at Notre Dame for very personal reasons, “My father [Andre] went here [1987-91]. My father met my mother here when she was in graduate school and he was an undergraduate. In my visit to the school, I saw the closeness of my father with the other students after 20 years.” An example of the closeness of the students is that Jones’ godfather, Raghib “Rocket” Ismail, was a teammate of his father on the football team at Notre Dame.

TJ, like his father, has been a success on the football field. Both were contributors to highly successful teams that compiled winning records and competed in a Bowl game at the end of each of the four seasons they played. During the current season, Jones surpassed his previous seasons’ statistics with 65 receptions accounting for 1,042 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns one by rushing.

The last four years have not been all smooth or good times as Jones’ father died in 2011, his sophomore year. It affected him greatly, “I believe I grew into the man I am today at a young age after my father died.”

At this stage in his life, the articulate young man voiced his thoughts regarding his years at Notre Dame, “It’s been a roller coaster, a lot of highs and a lot of lows. Today was my last practice. Saturday will be my last game. It’s hard to believe; I feel like I just got here. I feel young.” It’s bittersweet; I’m sad to leave these guys but it’s exciting. The possibilities [for the future] are endless.”

He also expressed his hopes for future endeavors. Like his father, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in 1991, Jones hopes to play in the NFL. Of being invited to the NFL Combine, he admitted, “That’s the goal.”

Jones also has longer-term goals for the more distant future after his football days have ended. The Radio, Television and Theater major projected his desires, “As I get older, I’d like to get small acting roles. I’d also like to be able to work with killer whales at Sea World.”

Regardless of what his future holds, the memories of his college years will always remain with him, “It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life, being part of the tradition of Notre Dame and playing at Yankee Stadium [in 2010 and 2013].”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Fatally Shoot Alleged Bank Robber

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Fatally Shoot Alleged Bank Robber: By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 27- A suspect wanted in an armed robbery at a Chase Bank ATM was shot and killed  as he fought wit...

Cops Fatally Shoot Alleged Bank Robber

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 27- A suspect wanted in an armed robbery at a Chase Bank ATM was shot and killed  as he fought with police on Davidson Avenue in Morris Heights.

Cops say James Torres, 44, was hit two-times in the chest at just after 4 a.m. on Thursday, December 26 after the confronted officers. Torres was shot during the scuffle with a pair of uniformed officers from the 46th Precinct. Torres later died at St. Barnabas Hospital. 

A loaded .380 caliber handgun was recovered at the scene. Police say Torres had an extensive criminal background with three felony convictions and 22 misdemeanor convictions for a host of crimes including assault, robbery, weapons possession and an assault of a police officer.  

Carlos Beltran Officially Introduced by New York Yankees

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 21- For the third time in the past three weeks, the New York Yankees officially introduced one of their free agent signees. These brief meetings with the press and media are wise ways for an organization to publicize its franchise in a positive manner and demonstrate to its fan base its efforts to improve the performance of the team in the coming season.

Catcher Brian McCann, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and on Friday, Carlos Beltran were the subjects of these public events. The player least needing an introduction to New York fans is Beltran.

The 36 year-old outfielder has been in the majors since 1998 and was a star on the New York Mets from 2005-2011. During that time, he has compiled very creditable on the field statistics and conducted himself humbly and gentlemanly off the field.  

After playing 14 games for the Kansas City Royals in 1998, Beltran earned the American League Rookie-of-the Year Award in 1999. After a trade to Houston during the 2004 season, Beltran became a free agent and was hopeful of signing with the Yankees in 2005.

Beltran recalled this experience, “I grew up being a Yankee fan, a Bernie Williams fan. I used to look up to this organization. They always did what it takes to put good teams out there and win championships. Eight-nine years ago, they [Yankees] couldn’t commit to the years I wanted. They were having problems with the salary cap. They got Randy Johnson and I signed with the Mets.”

Although he still retains the hurtful memories of having been unfairly spoken of negatively by Mets brass, Beltran put the entire Mets experience in a positive light, “I have good memories of Queens. As a person, I met so many good people. In my career, my best numbers were with the Mets.”

Beltran responded with total honesty when asked how playing for the Yanks will be different than playing for the Mets, “I don’t know. I have to experience it.”

New York Yankees President Randy Levine explained one of the reasons the Yankees desired to sign Beltran, “We know he can play in New York. A lot of great players can’t.” Beltran later explained the meaning of Levine’s words from his own playing experience, “Playing here [New York] is different than playing anywhere else. The attention here is more; that’s pressure.”

Despite the pressure, he talked of his happiness of being in New York, a feeling that was not always realized by the public, “People misunderstood that I didn’t like New York. I really did enjoy it. My wife loves it here.”

As a Latino born in Puerto Rico, the veteran major leaguer expressed happiness of being in the Bronx, “I’m proud that on this side of town we have a lot of Puerto Ricans. I have a double responsibility, representing the Yankees and representing my country. We’re going to have some fun.”

The socially conscious individual also spoke of his responsibility of giving back to the community, “My opportunity as a player is to give back. We are going to do something positive.”

As a veteran player who at the end of his current three year contact will have played in the majors for 18 seasons, Beltran is thinking of the future. He said although he never gave thought to the Hall of Fame, people have told him it could be in his future. Because of this possibility, he felt a strong preference for a three year rather than two year contract, “The third year, to me, is important. It allows me to play longer and get better numbers.”

The statistics and honors earned by Beltran are already quite impressive. The eight time All-Star, three time Gold Glove winner and recipient of the Silver Slugger twice is worthy of being considered. His .333 batting average in 51 post-season games also adds to his high reputation.

He responded to a query of when he will retire, “It depends on how I feel. Right now, I consider it my last contract.”

Perhaps, the comment by Levine of why this contract between Beltran and the Yankees was signed was most appropriate, “The stars were aligned.”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dunkin’ Dimwits Can’t Make Off with Ca$H

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dunkin’ Dimwits Can’t Make Off with Ca$H: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 19- Call them the crooks that can’t knock over anything. A wannabe Bonny and Clyde tried unsucc...

Dunkin’ Dimwits Can’t Make Off with Ca$H

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 19- Call them the crooks that can’t knock over anything. A wannabe Bonny and Clyde tried unsuccessfully to stick up two chain stores.

At around 12:30 p.m. on December 7, a man and woman walked into a Carvel on Morris Avenue. The woman acted as a lookout as the male pulled out a handgun and demanded cash. The gunman grabbed the worker’s purse and attempted to flee. During the course of the getaway, the crooks dropped the purse fleeing empty handed. 

The pair struck again at around 6:30 a.m. on December 13. This time they tried to rob a Dunkin’ Donuts on Prospect Avenue. As the female crook acted as lookout, the gunman slapped the store employee in the face and demanded money. When the worker refused to fork over the cash, the pair left empty handed. 

The gunman is described as a black male between the ages of 25 and 30. He is 5 foot 8 and weighs 160 pounds. His accomplice is a black woman between the ages of 25 and 30. She is 5 foot 6 and weighs 180 pounds. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are confidential. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Holiday Hold ups at Cell Stores

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Holiday Hold ups at Cell Stores: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 19- On the third day of Christmas, a Bronx bandit is on the NYPD’s wanted list for: sticking up...

Holiday Hold ups at Cell Stores

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 19- On the third day of Christmas, a Bronx bandit is on the NYPD’s wanted list for: sticking up 3 cell phone stores, punching one clerk in the face and making off with over $6 grand in cash. 

Police released surveillance video of the gunman who has held up three cell phone stores over the course of the past month. The first incident occurred on November 24 when the thief stuck up a Boost Mobile store on Webster Avenue. The suspect entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded cash. He fled with $560.

At around 6 p.m. on November 29, cops say the suspect walked into the Simple Mobile store on Webster Avenue and showed off his handgun. The bandit proceeded to punch the clerk in the face and demanded cash. The gunman made off with $1,400 and the clerk suffered only minor injuries. 

At around 2:17 p.m. on December 8, the gunman struck again in the same store. This time he robbed the same Boost Mobile store and made off with $4,500. No one was injured in this stickup.

The gunman is described as a 25-year-old black male, who is between 5 foot 10 to 6 feet tall and weighs about 185 pounds. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are confidential. 

Tags: Holiday, Stickup, Cell phone, Boost Mobile

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Grinch Rips Off Playstation

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Grinch Rips Off Playstation: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 19- Looks like a Bronx Grinch really did steal Christmas. Police are asking for the public’s h...

Grinch Rips Off Playstation

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 19- Looks like a Bronx Grinch really did steal Christmas. Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch this holiday crook.

Investigators released a photo of a man, they say, robbed a University Heights family of their Playstation video game system, TV and an undetermined amount of cash. 

Cops say the crook pushed in a window air conditioning unit to gain access to the house. Once inside the crook made off with the items.

Police have identified the suspect as Angel Yambo, who is 39 years, 5 foot 9 and weighs 190 pounds. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are confidential. 

Tags: Grinch, Christmas, NYPD, Robbery

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Santa is the star of show

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Santa is the star of show: By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 18- Santa Claus, played by Co-op City locksmith Louis Loscalzo, was, once again, ...

Santa is the star of show

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 18- Santa Claus, played by Co-op City locksmith Louis Loscalzo, was, once again, the star of the show at the community’s winter-holiday celebration, which was held in the auditorium of the Dreiser Loop Community Center.

Co-op City’s effervescent Santa was on hand early to accommodate the community’s delightful children. including Adam Martinez, 5; Eriella and Sienna Gonzalez, 1 ½ and 8 respectively, and Marcel Williams, 4. 

For the children, sitting on Santa’s lap was clearly the highlight of the celebration.

Among the highlights of the festivities were the lighting of the Christmas tree by representatives for City Councilman Andy King, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, and Rep. Eliot Engel, as well as the lighting of the Chanukah Menorah by long-time shareholder Barbara Rose and the telling of the Kwanzaa story by Co-op City’s Girls Scout troop.

Adorable tots from the Garvey School and the Learning Ladder Day Care Center  spread holiday cheer, and so did singers and  dancers from the Co-op City Baptist Church, the Faith@Work Christian Church, the Cathedral United Baptist Church, and the Greater Love Baptist Church.

As in recent years, the winter-holiday celebration, sponsored by the Riverbay Fund, was a time for the community’s younger families to celebrate their children and for the community as a whole to celebrate positive aspects of life in Co-op City.

Highbridge News: 'Loko' Bandit at Large

Highbridge News: 'Loko' Bandit at Large: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 18- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to track down a gunman who stuck up a conven...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 'Loko' Bandit at Large

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 'Loko' Bandit at Large: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 18- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to track down a gunman who stuck up a conven...

'Loko' Bandit at Large

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 18- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to track down a gunman who stuck up a convenience store and a parking garage. Investigators are hoping a sketch of the suspect will spur tipsters to call.

The gunman struck most recently around 4 a.m. on December 5. Cops say the man walked into a 7-Eleven store on University Avenue and took two cans of Loko beer from the refrigerator. The suspect placed the beers on the counter, whipped out a handgun and demanded cash. The 58-year-old female clerk put $100 on the counter and the gunman fled with the cash and the beer.

Detectives from the 46th Precinct have identified the convenience store bandit as the suspect wanted for sticking up a parking garage. At around 6 a.m. on November 28, the suspect entered RG Parking Garage on Loring Place South. He went up to an employee at the garage, displayed a handgun and demanded cash. The worker forked over money and the gunman fled. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Santa Spotted in the Bronx

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Santa Spotted in the Bronx: BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 12- Santa had a busy time in the Bronx last week. First he attended the annual lighting of the Parkchester Chr...

Santa Spotted in the Bronx

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 12- Santa had a busy time in the Bronx last week. First he attended the annual lighting of the Parkchester Christmas tree at the Oval. The event, filled with local singers and dancers, was capped off with the

holiday lights inside Met Oval. Then Old St. Nick was on hand for the tree lighting at the Fordham BID.

Arthur Avenue kicked off the holiday season with a tree lighting and a visit from Santa. In addition, holiday carolers sang to inspire the crowd.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Holiday Tribute to Michael Jackson

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Holiday Tribute to Michael Jackson: Doll House Celebrates 40 Years on Pelham Parkway (Photos by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 11- F...

Holiday Tribute to Michael Jackson

Doll House Celebrates 40 Years on Pelham Parkway

(Photos by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 11- For the Garabedian family of Pelham Parkway, they don't just celebrate Christmas-- they live it.

And now for the 40th-consecutive year they have re-constructed the scene that kind of looks like Hollywood's A-list is celebrating Christmas with Santa Claus in Bethlehem.

Like one of Santa's elves, Gary Garabedian, 49, was recently spotted carrying out of his home some of the life-like manikins that weigh up to 40 pounds and securing them into place with a power drill, before another family member tends to its wardrobe.

Before the statues of Audrey Hepburn, Cher, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson are done, a dozen people were outside the home's fence and the available parking spaces in the immediate area were going fast.

Gary Garabeian, 49, later explained, "Every year it's the same theme and every year we keep adding, next year will be Elvis, the Wizard of Oz... we're trying to make it like all of the movie stars came to celebrate Jesus' birth."

In a 2008 New York Times article Garabeian and a family member briefly spoke about a "miracle," or "vision" the family had witnessed in 1973--yet would not reveal.

Garabeian again politely declined the invitation to share their secret, stating, "No we can't reveal that because something special happened to the family and my mother started to do this and we're keeping the tradition going as long as we can, God willing."

Most of the material used to create the 150-plus manikins was trash salvaged from the families fabric business.

When the weather is good, several thousand people will visit in a single night, many tossing dollar bills over the fence. The several thousand dollars raised is later donated to organizations that help children fighting diabetes.

It takes about 37,000 volts to power-up the 50,000-plus lights and displays. After problems in the past, Con Edison regularly visits the home to prevent power failures in the area.

Fact: During the month of December, the families electric bill can run between $1,300 and $1,500.

Myth: Despite it's brightness, the home can't be seen from outer space.

The displays current insurance policy puts its value at between $3 and $4 million dollars. But before any wise-guys get any ideas, the area is under 24-hour video surveillance and it's a regular stop for on and off-duty members of the NYPD.

Weather permitting, the display is on from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. from now until January 6. The home is located at 1605 Pelham Parkway North at Westervelt Avenue in the Pelham Gardens section.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Torre gets Well Deserved Hall of Fame Nod

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Torre gets Well Deserved Hall of Fame Nod: By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 9- Joe Torre is now a legitimate part of baseball history when he got the well- deserved ...

Torre gets Well Deserved Hall of Fame Nod

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 9- Joe Torre is now a legitimate part of baseball history when he got the well- deserved honor of being elected with two other former and living managers into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The announcement was made at the annual baseball winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista Florida.

Torre, along with Bobby Cox and Tony LaRussa, former managers of the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals, were unanimously elected by the expansion era committee. The late George Steinbrenner, who hired Torre to manage the Yankees in 1996, was denied induction for the second time.

With four World Series rings, and a successful playing career, Torre, Executive Vice President of Operations for Major League Baseball, joins an elite group of former managers to be enshrined in the Hall.

It is an honor that is well deserved with overall managerial record of 1,173-767 with the Yankees and six American League pennants. Steinbrenner at the time took a chance when he appointed Torre as the manager and there was much skepticism at the time. But, with an array of free agents and support from the Yankees front office staff, Torre was able to utilize what he had and it worked guiding his team to championships in the Bronx.

Previously as a manager with the Braves, cross-town Mets and the Cardinals, Torre did not have much success and that was a primary cause of concern when he was hired by the Yankees. However the names of Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Bernie Williams and many more put a hush to the critics about his managerial ability.

He always said, the players made the job that much easier to manage. On the other hand, those who played for Torre always claimed that he was the proper fit to guide the Yankees. A player’s manager, and one who knew how to take control in the clubhouse when there was any sign of adversity, Torre was respected.

Though in the Torre years, there was little room for adversity as the Yankees, always with the highest payroll in baseball were able to compete and get the players that they needed. 

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com   Facebook.com./Rich Mancuso

Tags: Joe Torre, NY Yankees, Baseball Hall of Fame

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Rams Crush Furman Paladins, 79-48

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Rams Crush Furman Paladins, 79-48: By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 5- The contest on Wednesday evening between the Fordham Rams (4-2) and the Furman Paladins (3-...

Fordham Rams Crush Furman Paladins, 79-48

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 5- The contest on Wednesday evening between the Fordham Rams (4-2) and the Furman Paladins (3-4) in the Bronx was only the second meeting between the two teams. In both games, at the NCAA Tournament in 1971 and in the Bronx this week, Fordham was victorious by 31 points. The win raised the 2013 mark of the Rams to 4-2, their most successful start since 2006.

Although Furman is not currently a national basketball power, one of its former players, Frank Selvy, accomplished a feat on court not yet reached by another men’s player in NCAA Division I basketball. Selvy in January, 1954, scored 100 points. The two-time All American was the first NBA draft choice at the end of the 1954 season. Selvy played a decade in the NBA, including 1958-59 with the New York Knicks.

Although none of the current Paladins are recognizable by fans in the Bronx, one name should be recognized. Aaron O’ Neill, the starting guard in all seven of his team’s contests this year, is the son of former New York Yankees highly popular right fielder and now one of their TV broadcasters, Paul O’Neill. The younger O’Neill joined the team as a walk-on in his freshman year, 2011-12. O’Neill earned a scholarship this year. He amassed his most minutes in a contest on Wednesday, 24, but did not score.

Fordham’s superiority in athleticism, height and shooting skill was apparent from the earliest seconds of the game. Bryan Smith, after missing the last two contests with an injury, scored the first basket of the evening before five seconds had passed. After gaining a 6-5 lead, the Rams scored 12 unanswered points to take a double digit advantage, 18-5, at 13:49 of the half. 

Leading 30-15 mid-way through the first half, Fordham began a 10-2 scoring run that increased the lead to 40-17 with 5:02 left in the half. As the half-time buzzer sounded Fordham had more than doubled the point total of its opponent, 49-24. 

The Rams, in the beginning of the second half, played in much the same fashion as they did throughout the first. The Rams scored 15 of the first 17 points to amass an overwhelming 64-26 lead with 13:07 remaining in the game. 

A layup by senior Branden Frazier at 9:43 produced largest lead of the game for the Rams, 41 points (72-31). Fordham Coach Tom Pecora gave his reserves the opportunity to see game action during the one-sided contest; 13 Rams played.

Fordham controlled the boards, garnering 45 rebounds to 25 for Furman. The Rams shot 47 percent from the field while its defense held the Paladins to 34 percent and none successful from beyond the arc. 

Three of Fordham’s starters are natives of Brooklyn and all three contributed to the win. While Smith did not again score after his game starting basket, he was crucial under the boards, grabbing 12 rebounds. Freshman Jon Severe, the leading scorer in the Atlantic-10, continued his hot hand with 5 for 8 from 3-point range and compiled a 23 point total. Frazier scored nine.

Two sophomores from upstate New York made important contributions. Mandell Thomas netted 19 points on 7 for 11 shooting from the floor. Ryan Rhoomes achieved a double-double, 15 points and 14 rebounds, in only 22 minutes on court.

Fordham makes its only appearance at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon, December 7, facing the St. John’s Red Storm in the second game of the Holiday Festival doubleheader.

Tags: Fordham, Rams, Basketball

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Woman pleads guilty to doggone assault on bus driv...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Woman pleads guilty to doggone assault on bus driv...: BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 4- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that a 19-year-old woman has been convicted of assaulting an...

Woman pleads guilty to doggone assault on bus driver

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 4- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that a 19-year-old woman has been convicted of assaulting an MTA bus driver after the driver refused to allow the defendant’s dog to board the bus.

Steangeli Medina pled guilty to assault in the second degree, the top count in the indictment, before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Patricia DiMango. Under the plea agreement Medina will be sentenced to six months in jail and five years’ probation.

Medina has also agreed to waive her right to appeal the conviction and will complete a mandatory anger management program. The judge also issued an eight-year order of protection, which prohibits Medina from having any contact with the bus driver.

On December 12, 2013, the defendant will surrender and be held without bail pending a sentencing date which will be set once the Department of Probation has prepared a pre-sentencing report.

The assault occurred on June 21, 2011 at a bus stop on East Fordham Road and Third Avenue when the defendant became enraged because bus operator Marlene Bien-Aime would not allow Medina’s dog to get on the bus without being in a pet carrier. Medina dragged the driver out of her seat, off the bus and onto the sidewalk where Medina struck the victim repeatedly.

As a result, the victim sustained extreme facial bruising and swelling, suffered partial vision loss, which has since been restored, and underwent surgery for injuries to her knee and shoulders. The trauma resulted in the bus driver being off the job on a medical leave for one year.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Hilary Chernin of the Trial Division.

Tags: Assault, Bus Driver, Dog

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Win First Round FCS Playoff Contest

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Win First Round FCS Playoff Contest: (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 2- A historic college football game was played at Jack Coffey Field ...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Win First Round FCS Playoff Contest

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Win First Round FCS Playoff Contest: (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 2- A historic college football game was played at Jack Coffey Field ...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Win First Round FCS Playoff Contest

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Win First Round FCS Playoff Contest: (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 2- A historic college football game was played at Jack Coffey Field ...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Win First Round FCS Playoff Contest

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rams Win First Round FCS Playoff Contest: (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 2- A historic college football game was played at Jack Coffey Field ...

Rams Win First Round FCS Playoff Contest

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 2- A historic college football game was played at Jack Coffey Field on the Bronx campus of Fordham University on Saturday afternoon. Fordham(13-1) hosted its first FCS playoff contest, in the first round of the 2013 Division I championship and the Sacred Heart Pioneers (10-3) were making their first FCs playoff appearance.

The weather was not a factor in the outcome as skies were clear, winds were blowing more than 10 mph and the temperature was in the 30s. 

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend did not decrease interest in the game as nearly 5,000 of the 7,000+ seats were filled with enthusiastic Rams rooters.

The result of the hard fought contest was primarily determined by turnovers. Each of the four turnovers of the Pioneers led to a Fordham Rams score.

The first turnover of the afternoon was an interception of a Michael Nebrich pass by J. D. Roussel, that he carried 52 yards to the Fordham 13. The scoring opportunity was nullified two plays later as Keshaudas Spence, the North East Conference (NEC) Offensive Player of the Year, fumbled the football, which was recovered by Levon Williams on the Fordham 30. 

The Fordham drive that followed culminated in a 32-yard touchdown pass from Nebrich to Tebucky Jones, Jr. at 6:23 of the first quarter. The extra point kicked by Michael Marando gave the Rams a 10-7 advantage. 

Seconds into the second quarter, the same Fordham combination, Jake Rodrigues, who again caused Spence to fumble and Williams, who recovered the ball, set the stage for another Fordham touchdown. A 19 yard Nebrich pass to another of his favorite receivers, Sam Ajala, brought the Fordham lead to 24-7 at 13:22 of the second quarter. 

The visitors hung tough and cut the Rams advantage to four points, 31-27, before the third quarter concluded. 

Sacred Heart’s first drive of the final period was stopped at Fordham’s 32 as Jordan Chapman picked off a pass by the Pioneers’ quarterback, R. J. Noel, and carried it 35 yards to the Sacred Heart’s 33. The Fordham drive stalled at the 15, but Marando kicked a 32 yard field goal to increase Fordham’s lead to 34-27 at 11:29.

The final scoring opportunity of the afternoon began with an interception of a Noel pass by Williams at the Fordham 29. Not only was a scoring threat by the Pioneers prevented, but the Fordham possession resulted in Marando’s third field goal of the game with 2:05 on the clock. 

Of the fourth quarter Fordham defense, Williams commented, “We played very aggressively. We felt we had to get the ball back.”

The importance of the turnovers was commented upon in the post-game press conference. Sacred Heart Coach Mark Nofri said, “We had four turnovers and that’s one of the things that stood out today. The turnovers came back to bite us in the end.” Spence who fumbled twice, but also gained 194 yards on the ground and scored two touchdowns, remarked, “We definitely shot ourselves in the foot.”

Several Fordham offensive players broke school marks with their contributions to Saturday’s victory. Quarterback Nebrich’s 32 complete passes, 413 yards gained in the air and three touchdowns brought him Fordham season records with 316 complete passes, 3,989 yards gained, and 31 touchdown passes. Ajala, with 128 yards gained on seven receptions, broke the Fordham receiving yards mark for a season with 1,516.

These marks and others will rise next Saturday as the Rams move to the second round of the tournament to play Towson (10-2) in Maryland. Coach Joe Moorhead of Fordham described his team’s opportunity, “it’s going to be a challenge, but we’re going to do what we always do every week, prepare to go 1-0.”

Senior running back Calvin Koonce, who gained 152 all-purpose yards on Saturday, spoke about the importance of continuing the season for the seniors, “I don’t want it [the season] to end. This is our last go around.”

Quarterback Nebrich predicted, “As long as we execute to our level, nobody can beat us.”

Tags: Fordham, Rams, Football