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Thursday, February 28, 2013

Sex Offender Charged in Laundromat Rape

Sex Offender Charged in Laundromat Rape

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, February 28- Police arrested a Level 3 sex offender who reportedly raped a worker at a Norwood laundromat.

Officers arrested 44-year-old Danny Gonzalez and charged him with rape, robbery and assault.

Officers were called to the Broad Laundry, located at 3181 Webster Avenue, at just after 8 a.m., on February 17.

Police say the suspect forced the 27-year-old woman into a back room where he attacked her.

The victim was later transported to a local hospital and was expected to recover.

The following Tuesday detectives identified the suspect through a nearby surveillance camera. Police say the suspect Gonzalez, is a career criminal with arrests dating back to 1990. Police sources say Gonzalez is a level 3 sex offender who has served 13-years in prison for rape and other offenses.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Monroe Runners on Track to Victory

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Monroe Runners on Track to Victory: By Gary Axelbank BRONX, NEW YORK, February 27- Three Deep in the heart of Texas this weekend, Monroe's top 22 indoor track and field ...

Monroe Runners on Track to Victory


By Gary Axelbank

BRONX, NEW YORK, February 27- Three Deep in the heart of Texas this weekend, Monroe's top 22 indoor track and field athletes hope to make their mark at the 2013 NJCAA Men's & Women's Indoor Track & Field National championships. The Mustangs' largest-ever entry in the indoor nationals features several top-ranked performers. As a team, the Monroe athletes will compete in a range of dashes, relays, and jumping and throwing events, testimony to the program's depth and versatility.

"Since we began practicing in the fall, this weekend at Texas Tech in Lubbock was circled on our calendars," said Coach Mark Goodman. "We'll be fielding a large team and a strong one. I could single out the athletes who have had some of the nation's best peformances as the ones with the highest expectations, but the fact is, every one of our athletes who will be competing is pumped and primed to make a showing for the royal blue and gold. They all can't wait to get there and do their thing."

For Monroe's best jumpers, deuces are wild - they're each ranked second in the nation. Sengalese freshman, Mamadou Gueye is ranked at #2 in both the long jump (7.83m) and triple jump (16.17m) and freshman high jumper Dennisha Frazier, from Washington, DC, is also ranked at #2 (1.68m). Sophomore pole vaulter K'don Samuels is ranked at #2 (4.80m) as well.

Mr. World, Columbian sophomore Francisco Escobar, will also be pole vaulting and freshman David Henry from Longview, NY will be in the triple jump.

As for the women sprinters, Westchester freshman Jessica Barrera has had a great indoor season, posting a 57.44 in the 400m, good for fifth best in the nation. Sohpomore sensation from the nation's capital Manaiza Kelley will be running in the 55m and 200m in Texas. Also, Monroe will field the #5-ranked 4x400 relay team (3:55:36).

On the men's side Florida freshman Khalfani Bernard (12th, 21.67) and Brooklyn freshman Christopher Lewis (29th, 22:07) will run in the 200m and Joel Johnson (8th, 48.59), also a Brooklyn freshman, and freshman Antoine Davis (12th, 49.03) from Newburgh, NY will compete in the 400m. Sophomore Brooklynite Earl Lucas (7th, 1:21:12) is entered in the 600m and Damion Walker (11th, 1:56:24), a freshman from Queens is in the 800m. Monroe's 4x400 relay team will try to best their #7 (3:15:43) standing.

Running distance for Monroe at the nationals will be Gambian sophomore Ansu Sowe (10th in the mile, 4:21:91 and 14th in the 3000m, 8:51:52).

Monroe's 2012 national champion outdoor discus thrower Lithuanian sophomore Tautvydas Kieras will be turning his talents indoors in the shot put (13th, 15.32m) and weight throw (13th15.50m).

"One thing that characterizes our team is its diversity," said Coach Goodman. "Our athletes come from a variety of backgrounds and places. But what they have in common is their love of their sport and their desire to achieve. Taking a talented team of this size to the national meet is the result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people," he said, " and competing in this scenario is the payoff. We expect to not only simply be there, but to make our mark and our stand as Monroe Mustangs."

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): TAXED OUT OF BUSINESS

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): TAXED OUT OF BUSINESS: Biz Owners Face Showdown on Taxes Tomorrow BRONX, NEW YORK, February 27- Co-op City's management has set Thursday, Feb. 28, for a show...

TAXED OUT OF BUSINESS

Biz Owners Face Showdown on Taxes Tomorrow

BRONX, NEW YORK, February 27- Co-op City's management has set Thursday, Feb. 28, for a showdown meeting with merchants on an impasse over real-estate taxes. 

More...

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Missing Mom Dismembered

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Missing Mom Dismembered: Police Say Human Remains is Missing Bronx Mom By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, February 26- Police officers were called to a gruesome ...

Missing Mom Dismembered


Police Say Human Remains is Missing Bronx Mom


By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, February 26- Police officers were called to a gruesome scene after a resident discovered parts of a human corpse inside several garbage bags, left with the trash along Eagle Avenue.

Officers from the 40th Precinct were first called to 823 and 725 Eagle Avenue in the Morrisania section after a man and his son walking their dog, discovered a leg sticking out from the garbage at 4:30 a.m., on February 26.

A short time later police would converge on a third grotesque scene that was discovered outside of 509 Eagle Avenue in the Melrose section, where more human remains were discovered. Sources say a fourth scene was located at 786 Cauldwell Avenue.

In total, police say the victim was dismembered and her head, torso and legs were discovered inside a duffel bag and several plastic bags scattered along several blocks of Eagle Avenue.

Police would quickly identify the victim as Tonya Byrd, 52, who lived less than a mile from where she was discovered. The mother of three had been missing for two-days, when a son reported her missing Tuesday morning.

Detectives were reportedly canvassing the area for witnesses and for possible surveillance video showing who placed the woman's body in the trash.

Police were also looking to question Byrd's ex-boyfriend, who reportedly picked her up from her job as a home health care attendant, on February 22. Byrd reportedly called in sick the following Monday.

Initial reports from an eyewitness, stated that the suspect fled the scene in a gray or silver SUV, possibly a Dodge Charger.

Police were also reportedly looking to question the woman's oldest son and were reportedly looking for additional clues inside Byrd's Westchester Avenue home.

The medical examiner will determine the cause of Byrd's death.

Gunmen Sought in Daylight Shooting in Mt. Hope



By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, February 26- Police are looking for two men wanted in connection with a daylight shooting along E. Tremont Avenue, on Saturday.

According to police sources and witnesses at the scene, the 25-year-old victim was shot one time in the buttocks outside of the Salcedo Food Corp, located at 61 E. Tremont Avenue, at 4:15 p.m.

Police closed off the corner as they performed their investigation. A second crime scene was set up across the street, outside of 1975 Walton Avenue.

Police were said to be looking for two male Hispanics, the first was 6 foot 4 and 200 lbs, the second suspect was said to be 5 foot 11 and wearing a black jacket.

Anyone with any information is asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Loses Overtime Thriller

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Loses Overtime Thriller: Fordham Wins Overtime Thriller (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, February 25- The final week of the regular s...

Fordham Loses Overtime Thriller

Fordham Wins Overtime Thriller





(Photo by Gary Quintal)



By Howard Goldin



BRONX, NEW YORK, February 25- The final week of the regular season of the women’s division of the Atlantic-10 Conference has begun.



Thus, each contest is crucial in the determination of seeds for teh A-10 tournament. Five teams are battling for the top four positions that will be given a bye in the first round of the tournament. Two of the five, the Fordham Rams (20-7, 10-2) and the St. Joseph’s Hawks (19-7, 10-2) met on Sunday afternoon at the Rose Hill Gym in the Bronx.



This year’s women’s team at Fordham, under the direction of second year coach Stephanie Gaitley, has taken for itself the slogan “Tradition begins NOW!” The new tradition the team has adopted is one of being successful on the court. Since joining the Atlantic-10 in 1995, Fordham has not had a winning record. In a single season, the team has never won more than five conference contests, has not won more than six consecutive contests, and has not been victorious in 10 non-conference games.



This year’s marks have put all those negative records in the past. The Rams defeat of the Hawks on Sunday ended a 13-game losing streak to St. Joseph’s. It earned the Rams its first 20-win season since the 1993-4 season. It may also qualify Fordham to earn its first bye in the A-10 Tourney in mid-March.



The Fordham victory moved it above St. Joe’s for third place in the conference standings. If each of the top four current teams (Dayton, Charlotte, Fordham, St. Joseph’s) win its final two regular season games, the four will finish in the same order they now are in and each will be exempt from playing in the first round of the conference tournament.



The lead changed hands eight times and the game was tied twice during the first 10 minutes of Sunday’s game. Fordham scored 10 unanswered points to take a 24-16 advantage at 7:22. The first half ended with Fordham holding its biggest lead of the half, 33-24.



Fordham reached its largest lead early in the second half as a three by Arielle Collins gave the Rams a 38-26 advantage. The lead lessened later in the half, but Fordham remained in the lead until the score was knotted at 58 with 13.9 seconds left in regulation. A dramatic shot from half-court at the buzzer by Marah Strickland went in and out of the hoop.



The Rams scored the first five points of overtime to ensure the victory. Strickland scored a career-high of 31 points (10 more than her previous high) during the game including seven of Fordham’s 12 during overtime. Freshman Samantha Clark achieved her fourth double-double of her first collegiate season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Erin Rooney was not far from a triple-double with 14 points, 9 boards and 7 assists. Collins, on 4 of 6 shooting from the field, netted 9 points.



The Fordham win was greeted with joy throughout the gym as the large crowd celebrated.



Prior to the start of the game, Strickland, Collins, Charlotte Stoddard and Ranait Griff were honored in Senior Day ceremonies.



Fordham plays host to St. Bonaventure University on Wednesday evening, February 27, and travels to Philadelphia for its final regular season contest at Temple University on Sunday afternoon, March 3.




Saturday, February 23, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): What You Should Know

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): What You Should Know: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, February 23- If you have a computer you should check out my blog at www.100percentbro...

What You Should Know


100 PERCENT
By Robert Press


BRONX, NEW YORK, February 23- If you have a computer you should check out my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to see the latest edition of “What You Should Know” by State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. Like us, Senator Diaz refuses to be shut up, and speaks his mind when it comes to politics. 

Diaz Sr. was one of the original “Four Amigos” of New York State Senate fame, and is the only member of the group who was not corrupted by the power that did in the other three Amigos. One big argument Senator Diaz Sr. has is, “What is it the difference what the IDC members are doing from what the Amigos did”. We always appreciate and sometimes if not more often agree with what Senator Diaz Sr. says and you might also when you read his commentary on my blog.

It looks like by the time you read this the school bus drivers strike will be over, and Mayor Incorruptible is taking credit by saying “Special interest groups have never had less influence then now”. We think he means since Ed Koch was mayor. Like Mayor Koch, Mayor Bloomberg is beyond reproach, we just wonder about some in the Bloomberg administration.

Speaking of Mayor Bloomdoom he may just be right on global warming, but why wait to tell us now in his last year of his last term? We hear that in some New York City Housing Authority Houses that the boilers will be moved out of the basement to a higher floor to prevent the flooding of the boilers that occurred during Hurricane Sandy. Also in these NYCHA houses the idea will be to have no tenants living in floors that lie below the flood level. Could Co-op City then be in danger of being flooded out next?

I know I said that I would look into the 15th City Council race this week, but I have to put that off for a few weeks while the picture gets a little clearer. Right now the vibes from the 15th are so bad I am waiting for even more players to be added to the race.

A deep bit of sorrow as Don “The Master Challenger” Masters has left us after suffering through a long illness. You knew your chance to be thrown off the ballot if Don Masters was involved in challenging your petition was very good, and that is why he was called “The Master Challenger”. Even as the legislature made it easier to get on the ballot it was still easy for Masters and his disciples to knock a candidate off the ballot. A fond farewell to Don Masters the king of petition challengers.

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo has passed along information that is on my blog about the state assembly introducing amended legislation that would increase the state minimum wage from $7,25 an hour to $9.00 an hour, and index it to the rate of inflation like President Obama's goal nationwide.

There are also comments by Comptroller John Liu and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. on Mayor Bloomberg's final State of the City Address. Comptroller Liu did not hold back, but I suspect that BP Diaz had to because of the Kingsbridge Armory.
Speaking of BP Diaz I will have a recap of his State of the Borough Speech in next week’s column and on my blog since it is being given after my deadline. I suspect only good things to come from BP Diaz as he boasts of his many accomplishments, and maybe a surprise from him.

Lastly our friends at the Bedford Mosholu Community Association are hosting their Annual Flea Market on Saturday March 9th location to be announced. BMCA will be accepting donations of new & used items “except clothing” at their office located at 400E. Mosholu Parkway (Apt B1) on Wednesday February 20th & 27th from 1:30 – 3:30 PM, on Saturday March 2nd from 1:30 – 4:00 PM, and on Wednesday March 6th from 7:30 – 9:00 PM during their monthly meeting.

If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Jasper's Ready for New Baseball Season

BRONX, NEW YORK, February 22- The Manhattan baseball team's accomplishments over the past seven years have put the Jaspers in elite company when it comes to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference baseball success. The Jaspers have won three of the last seven MAAC Championships, four of five Regular-Season crowns and this senior class has accumulated a 44-2 home record during their careers. The Jaspers have built what many would consider a dynasty in Riverdale. Now with the 2013 campaign on the horizon, Manhattan has the opportunity accomplish a feat only two other programs have done in league history, win its third straight MAAC title.

The two-time defending conference champions return eight of nine starters from last year's club that won 33 games and was the only team in the nation to go undefeated at home with an unblemished 18-0 record at Van Cortlandt Park. With four All-MAAC First Team honorees from last season returning to a roster that has a plethora of postseason experience under their belts, Manhattan's lofty goals have grown larger than ever before.

"I don't think anyone from our team is going to be content just having another solid season. The consensus with this team is that we need to raise the bar," said second year head coach Jim Duffy. "I want to make sure we don't get too far ahead of ourselves, so our initial expectations are simple, get off to a better start than last year. Our ultimate goals for this year are to win the regular-season, go to the MAAC Tournament and take home the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. That would get us back to a NCAA Regional, where we will need to figure out a way to win it."

The Jaspers will rally behind senior co-captains Nick Camastro, Kyle Murphy, Ramon Ortega, John Soldinger and Matt Troisi, who held the same roles last season leading the team to prominence. The five captains laid the ground work for Manhattan's historic 2012 MAAC Championship run, as the Jaspers became the first team in league history to rally for the title after losing the first game of the double elimination tournament. The Jaspers won four games in three days to engrave their name in the record book.

"They each bring a different type of leadership to the table, but have the same goals and expectations," said Duffy. "They are part of a very special senior class here at Manhattan that deserves to finish their careers on a high note. The most impressive thing about that group is they know how to win and they respect what it takes to win. These captains work really hard and all lead by example."

Manhattan's roster features 23 returnees from last year's championship roster. The Jaspers also welcome a blend talent in its six freshmen who are expected to bolster the lineup.

Infield

Manhattan has one of the premier middle infields in the region in returning 2012 All-MAAC First Team selections Nick Camastro and Yoandry Galan. Kyle Murphy and Joe McClennan are expected to hold down the corners again, while Matt Troisi, Vin Teixeira and newcomer Christian Santisteban are also expected to be in the mix adding power to the lineup.

"In the middle infield I am pretty blessed, so I don't have to give that a lot of thought on game days. We do have some guys who are going to provide depth there," Duffy explained.

Camastro is a two-time All-MAAC selection who has been a mainstay in the Jasper lineup since his arrival in Riverdale. He has started all 163 career appearances and enters his final season with 166 hits. The senior from Lagrangeville, N.Y., is a game-changer who started all 59 games last season and was named to the MAAC All-Tournament Team after batting .476 to help lead Manhattan to the championship. The defensively sound infielder committed only three errors, starting in all 24 conference games last year. Camastro finished in the top-5 of the MAAC last season in hits (66), on-base percentage (.435), doubles (16) and plate appearances (267).

Galan was one of two Jaspers to start all 60 games last season. The 6 foot 1, 180-pound sophomore shortstop from Miami has established himself as an elite defensive shortstops in the Northeast. Galan is coming off his top offensive season hitting .305 during the regular-season, posting 53 hits, 22 RBI, 32 runs and stealing eight bases. Galan committed only five errors in 24 conference starts last year. He brings veteran postseason experience to the club, starting all four NCAA Tournament games for the Jaspers in his first two years with the program.

"We can have a combination of players on the corners, but the situation will be led by Kyle Murphy at first base and Joe McClennan at third. The guys behind them have big bats. I have done it before and will play the hot bat in those situations," said Duffy.

Murphy, a 6 foot 3, 210-pound senior from Waterbury, Conn., also brings a knack for winning to the roster. His clutch single in the top of the 11th inning in the 2012 MAAC Championship Game sent Manhattan off with a 3-2 victory. Murphy is a superb athlete who started 40 of his 58 appearances at first base last season. He finished the year ranked in the top-5 of the team for hits (47), RBI (26), total bases (69) and sacrifice bunts (5). In addition, his 14 doubles were the fifth most in the MAAC last season.

McClennan earned the everyday role at third base last season after the rookie displayed his defensive consistency and ability at the plate. The 6 foot 2 product of Highland Mills, N.Y. did not have an error in the last 23 games of the season, and made only five all year, helping Manhattan mount its title run. Offensively, he finished with 41 hits, including six doubles, and drove in 16 runs.

Troisi and Teixeira are expected to contribute either in the infield or in designated hitter role. Troisi is a 6 foot 5, 235-pound lefty from Brooklyn who hit .311 during the regular-season in 2012, finishing with two home runs and 15 RBI while starting 31 of 40 appearances.

Teixeira brings a big bat from the right side as he is also expected to drive in runs for the Jaspers. The 6 foot 4, 220-pound native of Hamden, Conn. started 22 of 28 appearances in 2012. He was named MAAC Rookie of the Week after putting his offensive skills on display in his Jasper debut going 4-for-4 from the plate with three RBI and a home run to lead Manhattan past Florida Atlantic.

Santisteban comes from perennial national high school baseball power Gulliver Prep in Miami. He adds a solid lefty bat to the lineup, going along with good baseball fundamentals. Santisteban was a three-time All Miami-Dade County honoree who hit over .400 in his final two years at Gulliver Prep.

Outfield

The Jaspers outfield will feature veterans Chris Kalousdian and Joe Rock, one of whom will take over the role in center field in the absence of 2012 First Team All-MAAC honoree Anthony Vega, who was selected in the 30th Round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Baltimore Orioles. Andrew Gorecki and Aidan John O'Leary will also be competing for a starting job this season.

"The outfield is the toughest position, because we have some guys out there competing for starting spots, which is a good thing," said Duffy. "The most important thing is these guys have good experience and can bring leadership to the outfield.

Kalousdian offers flexibility to the Manhattan lineup with his versatility to play any position on the field. The junior from Kings Park, N.Y. emerged as one of the top defensive outfielders in the MAAC last year. He started 38 of 50 appearances, including all five games in the MAAC Tournament and in the NCAA Tournament against South Carolina. Kalousidan finished with 13 RBI and scored 17 runs last season.

Rock, a senior from Carmel, N.Y., is coming off his top season since his arrival in Riverdale. He started 31 of 42 appearances, hitting nearly .300 with 15 RBI and scoring 13 runs. Rock proved his ability to step up in the clutch with his season-saving solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Jaspers were down to their final two outs in the MAAC Championship. He hit .341 in MAAC contests.

Gorecki will be in the mix in the outfield as he offers a good lefty bat with power to the lineup. The 6 foot 2, 205-pound junior from Smithtown, N.Y., started 39 of 45 appearances last season, driving in 17 runs and posting six doubles.

The Jaspers can call on O'Leary for a dynamic athletic talent in the lineup. The sophomore from New Hampshire is one of the quickest players in the conference who covers a lot of ground in the outfield. He started 25 of 36 appearances last season, showing off his speed with two triples.

Catchers

Manhattan has plenty of depth behind the plate returning two-time All-MAAC selection in senior Ramon Ortega who garnered First Team honors last year. Junior Brendan Slattery, sophomore Mikey Miranda and freshman Chris Reynolds will all compete to contribute in 2013.

"Behind the plate we have four quality catchers," said Duffy. "They will be led by Ramon Ortega, because he has been there and done it for us before."

Ortega, a six foot, 200-pound native of Miami, led the MAAC with 51 RBIs last season to go along with seven home runs that were the third most in the conference. With Ortega's solid defensive skills he is arguably one of the top catchers in the Northeast. He blocks the ball well and has a strong arm that threw out 23 runners caught stealing in 2012. Ortega brings veteran leadership and postseason experience to the diamond. He was instrumental in guiding Manhattan to the MAAC championship last year after posting six RBI in five starts in the MAAC Championship to earn All-Tournament Team honors. Ortega has started 147 of 160 appearances at Manhattan, posting 158 hits and 103 RBI.

Slattery returned to the lineup midway through the 2012 season after recovering from an injury. He started 12 of 16 appearances and was a key contributor during Manhattan's postseason run. Slattery hit .391, posted a .565 slugging percentage and .440 on base percentage last season. He put his ability to hit in the clutch on display in the MAAC Championship round with the game winning RBI single to send the tournament to a decisive game seven. He adds power to the line up from the right side.

Miranda brings a lot of energy behind the plate with solid defensive skills. He receives the ball well and possesses above-average arm strength. The Miami native appeared in two games last year before suffering a season ending injury. Miranda is healthy entering the 2013 campaign and has been pushing the group swinging the bat as good as anyone on the roster in the preseason. Reynolds is a very athletic player from Wall, N.J. who comes to Manhattan after a successful career at St. Rose High School. He was a Shore Conference All-Division First Team selection and All-Monmouth County honoree. Reynolds' versatility will allow him to contribute on multiple positions on the field.

Pitchers

Manhattan's staff features a blend of experienced pitchers and talented newcomers who will compete for innings on the hill. Senior right-hander John Soldinger returns as the Jaspers' ace, and there will be a competition to fill in behind him for the next two weekend starter positions. Upperclassmen Matt Jordan and Scott McClennan bring experience to the mound, while sophomores Nick Girardi and Michael Scarinci are also expected to be in the mix. Junior Jacob Marchus will return to his role as Manhattan's closer in 2013.

"Soldinger is going to be pitching game one every weekend. That is what he wants and he has the accolades in the past to do that," said Duffy. "I also like the potential of our left-handed pitching, we don't have a lot of it, but the ability is there."

Soldinger, a 6 foot 3, 225-pound product from Bay Shore, N.Y., is a three-time All-MAAC selection who has earned MAAC Pitcher of the Year (2011) and MAAC Relief Pitcher of the Year (2010) honors during his career. Soldinger is a tremendous competitor who worked hard in the offseason to make his final campaign in Riverdale a memorable one. He finished last season as the MAAC leader and 10th nationally with six complete games. Soldinger was second in the league with six wins, five of which were in MAAC games. He has appeared in 53 games over his career maintaining a 3.35 ERA, and with 21 career wins, he is in striking distance of setting the program record.

Jordan is the most experienced of five lefties on the Jaspers' roster. He enters his final season at Manhattan healthier than ever before as he has fully comeback from an injury-plagued career. The 6 foot 3, 220-pounder from Kingston, N.Y., has split his time on the mound over his career as a starter or reliever. Jordan has a sneaky fastball with good command.

The Jaspers could also turn to McClennan, a six foot right-hander from Highland Mills, N.Y., who locates the ball well and has pitched big innings for Manhattan in his first two years. McClennan started 12 of 16 appearances in 2012, working 75 2/3 innings with 28 strikeouts. McClennan has postseason experience starting Manhattan's win over Canisius in the MAAC Championship round, and then he earned the start in the NCAA Tournament against Coastal Carolina.

Girardi and Scarinci earned good experience in their rookie campaigns. Girardi is a 5 foot 11 lefty who throws with good velocity and movement. He made 14 appearances last season, starting three times. The Syosset, N.Y. native who attended St. Dominic's High School registered 14 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings.

Scarinci was one of the most valuable pitchers for the Jaspers last season as he split meaningful innings coming out of the bullpen or in a starting role. The right-hander from Nanuet, N.Y., led Manhattan and was third in the MAAC with 24 appearances. His six wins were the second most in the conference as he logged 28 strikeouts and gave up only 15 walks in 59 innings. Scarinci stepped up to the challenge against MAAC opponents, posting a 3-1 record and 3.68 ERA. He was named to the Primetime Performer Honor Roll by CollegeBaseball360.com after carrying a perfect game into the final inning in a regular-season win at Canisius, finishing with a two-hit shutout. Scarinci pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings over two appearances at the MAAC Tournament, and then made his NCAA Tournament debut out of the bullpen against Coastal Carolina.

Manhattan has enjoyed consistent success when turning to Marchus to finish off games. The junior right hander from Miami maintained a team best 1.27 ERA in 21 appearances out of the bullpen in 2012. He struck out 14 batters and yielded only five walks in 21 1/3 innings of action, and did not give up an earned run in 10 MAAC appearances. Marchus is a fierce competitor on the mound who thrives on an excellent fastball. He finished the year second in the MAAC with eight saves.

Michael Martin, Casey Meyers and Yony Fernandez are the Jaspers other left-handed pitching options. Martin, a sophomore from Massapequa, N.Y., can either come out of the bullpen or hold a starting role. He enjoyed a successful summer ball season with the New York Atlantics of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ABCL) where he was named to the All-Star Team. He finished the campaign with a 2.83 ERA and a team-high 49 strikeouts pitching 35 innings in nine appearances.

Meyers comes from Brookside, N.J. where he was a First Team All New Jersey Athletic Conference selection at Mendham High School. He is a 6 foot 2, 190-pound freshman who is a tough competitor with great athleticism. Fernandez is a local product from All Hallows High School in the Bronx. A deceptive lefty with a funky delivery, Fernandez was a member of the 2011 All Hallows team that advanced to the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) "AA" Championship game.

Kevin Bonanni and Jared Hirschberg are sophomore right-handers who are coming off injury plagued 2012 campaigns. Bonanni is a hard-throwing competitor on the mound who can be used as a starter or in relief. In his last full season (2011), he posted a 2-1 record with 3.65 ERA, striking out 17 batters in 24.2 innings of work. Hirschberg last pitched meaningful innings for the Jaspers in 2011, starting five of 14 appearances. The 6'3", 230-pounder from Katonah, N.Y., had 25 strikeouts in 35.0 innings.

Sean Abbate, a six foot right-handed pitcher from Levittown, N.Y., adds depth to the pitching staff out of the bullpen. He worked 16 innings over seven appearances last season as a freshman, posting six strikeouts. Right-handed newcomers Chris Liquori and Tyler Mulvaney will also compete for innings in relief. Liquori offers a good fastball and slider with command on the mound. The Wyckoff, N.J. native lettered at Ramapo High School where he was a two-time All-County honoree. Mulvaney is a third generation Jasper who lettered at Santa Monica High School in California. Mulvaney is a 6'3", 180-pound athlete who is expected to develop with the program.

Schedule

Manhattan is slated for a challenging 53-game 2013 campaign, which features season opening series at southern powers Florida International and Florida Gulf Coast. The Jaspers will also take on members of the Big East in 2013, in addition to a matchup with 2012 College World Series participant Stony Brook.

The Jaspers open the season at Florida International (Feb. 22-24), the first of six opponents Manhattan will face that won more than 30 games in 2012. Manhattan will play a three-game series with the Golden Panthers in Miami. Manhattan returns to the Sunshine State the following week for a four-game set in Fort Myers at Florida Gulf Coast (March 1-3).

Manhattan travels to the Steel City from March 8-10 to participate in the Panther Classic hosted by Pittsburgh. The Jaspers play Youngstown State (March 8-9) twice before taking on Pittsburgh (March 9-10) in the final two games of the weekend.

The Jaspers return to the metropolitan area for the next 10 road games, beginning on March 13 when they visit NYIT in Old Westbury, N.Y. Manhattan makes the short trip to South Orange, N.J., for four games as part of the Strikeout Cancer Tournament hosted by Seton Hall. They will play the Pirates and UMass twice each.

The MAAC schedule opens for Manhattan at Iona (March 23-24). The Jaspers then have a midweek doubleheader at Columbia before packing their bags for a longest conference road trip of the year to Western New York, where they visit Niagara (March 29-30).

Manhattan finishes out its 25-game season-opening road stretch at Hofstra (April 2). The Jaspers return to Van Cortlandt Park for the first time on April 3 to defend the nation's longest active home win streak (19) taking on Fordham. Manhattan was the only team in NCAA Division I to post an undefeated mark at home (18-0) last season.

The Jaspers enjoy eight of their next nine games in Riverdale, hosting Marist (April 6-7) for their first league home series. Manhattan's only road game during the two week stretch is at Stony Brook (April 10), the defending America East champions who won 52-games and advanced to the College World Series in 2012.

Manhattan continues league play with Rider (April 13-14) at home, and then hosts Hofstra (April 16). The Jaspers return to the road for a meeting with 2012 NCAA Tournament participant Army (April 17).

A rematch of the 2012 MAAC Baseball Championship will take place on April 20-21 when the league's runner-up Canisius visits Manhattan. NYIT (April 23) and Albany (April 24) round out the five-game homestand.

The Jaspers stay local when they travel to Saint Peter's (April 27-28) and Fordham (April 30). Manhattan then has a home-and-home series with Lafayette. The Leopards come to Van Cortlandt Park for a doubleheader on May 4. The next day Manhattan travels to Lafayette (May 5) for the third game of the series.

Manhattan takes on Fairfield (May 11-12) for its final home weekend of the year. The Jaspers wrap up the regular-season at Siena (May 16-17).

The 2013 MAAC Championships are scheduled May 23-26 at Waterfront Park in Trenton, N.J. The top four teams in the league qualify for the tournament.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Register Gun Offenders-BP says



BRONX, NEW YORK, February 21- In his annual “State of the Borough” address, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. called on the New York State Legislature to create a new “gun crime registry,” with reporting requirements similar to New York State’s sex offender registry.

“We must also ensure that those who engage in gun violence are not allowed to escape the spotlight,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Law-abiding citizens ought to know who among us is responsible for gun violence, and this initiative will do just that.”

Diaz’s proposed registry would be available online, and would require perpetrators convicted of crimes involving a gun to keep updated records with the police regarding their living and employment arrangements. Gun crime offenders, under the proposal, would be required to remain on the registry for at least ten years, and could be removed from the registry for good behavior following that initial time period.

Among other requirements, those convicted of gun crimes would have to:

  • Report annually where they live by signing and returning an annual verification form within ten (10) days after receiving it.
  • Notify law enforcement officials in writing of a new address no later than 10 days after moving.
  • Report in person to a local police agency to have a current photograph taken every three years.
  • Personally verify their addresses every 90 days with law enforcement for a period of three consecutive years after the conviction. After three years without any further arrests, the individual will eligible for a modified reporting schedule. Law enforcement may at that time photograph an offender if that offender’s appearance has changed.

Under Borough President Diaz’s proposal, failure to perform any of the registration obligations would be considered a felony level crime. A first conviction would be punishable as a Class E felony; a second or subsequent conviction is punishable as a Class D felony.

Individuals unable to secure employment would be assigned a case worker to identify career counseling services, training opportunities and other available social services.

Borough President Diaz stated that, in the coming weeks and months, he would engage in conversations with members of the New York State Legislature to begin the process of crafting legislation and building support for this unique initiative.

“A safer New York State, and a safer nation, demands that we shine a light on those individuals who would commit gun crimes in our neighborhoods. An easily-accessible gun crime registry will serve as an excellent tool not only to keep neighborhoods informed about crime, but to serve as a deterrent from such acts. I look forward to working with the New York State Legislature to pass this important piece of legislation,” said Borough President Diaz.

During his annual “State of the Borough” address, Borough President Diaz also praised the New York State Legislature for passing the NY SAFE Act in January. He also called for new laws requiring ammunition micro stamping, limiting the number of guns and amount of ammunition an individual can purchase at any given time, and requiring a drug test to get a gun license.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Stringer Weighs in on Council Race

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Stringer Weighs in on Council Race: Riverdale Report By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, February 18- Last Friday Manhattan Borough President (and leading candidate for ...

Stringer Weighs in on Council Race


Riverdale Report
By Robert Press


BRONX, NEW YORK, February 18- Last Friday Manhattan Borough President (and leading candidate for City Comptroller) Scott Stringer came up to the Riverdale Y to endorse Mr. Andrew Cohen for the 11th council seat currently held by term limited Councilman G. Oliver Koppell. Manhattan BP Stringer is no stranger to the 11th council district as his parents have lived there for many many years. Stringer however, unlike Councilman Jimmy Vacca (on the term limit vote), said that “This was a non mom decision”. Candidate Cohen thanked Manhattan BP Stringer for his endorsement, and the pair went inside to say hello to some of those inside. You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to see photos of the endorsement, and a few of the people Cohen and Stringer met.

Was last Tuesday's Community Board #8's full board meeting a preview of next year's board. Cb 8 Chairman Bob Fanuzzi was absent, and Vice-Chair Maria Kurry ran the meeting. The meeting opened with a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2014 Preliminary Budget Capital & Expense requests of the board, and the comments by the city agencies to those requests. Comments by city agencies ranged from the agency will try within existing resources, agency supports request but funding is needed, agency funds insufficient refer to elected officials, can not be funded in FY 2014 resubmit for FY 2015, further study is needed by the agency, and private funding is needed. Some of these community board requests are presented year after year, and receive the same answers almost like the movie Groundhog Day. Some board members wonder when the movie will end.

After a brief gallery session, the presentation of the New York Yankee Youth Leadership Awards where five deserving students from the board area received scholarship awards from Mr. Rosco Brown of the New York Yankee organization took place. When the local elected officials were finished speaking, the board went into committee reports complete with committee resolutions for the full board to vote on.

The first committee to present resolutions to the board was the Economic Development Committee. Three separate Street Activity Permits that failed to pass in committee due to a lack of quorum were brought to the floor. Before any discussion on the resolutions this CB8 and Economic Development Committee member pointed out that there was a mistake on the recorded vote in committee (which was corrected), and I asked that the three Street Activity Permits be brought up separately. Vice-Chair Kurry ruled that the three separate permits be heard as one resolution, and then started discussion on the resolution. 

After most board members were allowed to speak on the resolution the question of “Why if we are going to close major streets was this not heard in the Traffic & Transportation Committee came up. After allowing some board members to speak a second time this board member asked and never got to speak once on the resolution as Vice-Chair Kurry closed the discussion and called for a vote. When the vote was taken there was confusion, and the official vote was never announced to the public.

The meeting continued with more confusion on other committee resolutions with the exception of the two resolutions from the Traffic & Transportation Committee. There was no confusion at the T&T committee level, and no confusion at the full board meeting. I certainly hope that last Tuesday's full Community Board 8 meeting is not a preview of future meetings, as current Cb 8 Chair Bob Fanuzzi had better not turn his back on his current Vice-Chair who seemed very comfortable sitting in the seat of the chair.

If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Former Mayor Dinkins Honored Here

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Former Mayor Dinkins Honored Here: By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, February 20- David Dinkins, the city's only black mayor, was center stage at the borough's Black Hi...

Former Mayor Dinkins Honored Here


By Michael Horowitz
BRONX, NEW YORK, February 20- David Dinkins, the city's only black mayor, was center stage at the borough's Black History Month celebration, which Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., held in Co-op City's Dreiser Loop Community Center auditorium.
Dinkins, the guest of honor at the celebration that an estimated 200 Bronxites attended, stressed that the African-American trailblazers who came before him, most notably the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton, set the stage for his election as the city's first and only black mayor in 1989.
The former mayor stressed that he would not have been elected as the city's mayor if it had not been for the increased voter registration of blacks that was spurred by Rev. Jackson's presidential candidacy and the ground work that former Borough President Sutton laid during his tenure in office.
Fittingly, Lori Stokes, the anchor for ABC-TV Eyewitness News, the daughter of former Rep. Louis Stokes, and the niece of former mayor Carl Stokes from Cleveland, served as mistress of ceremony for the Feb. 13 celebration of black contributions to the nation's vitality.
Stokes, in her introduction for the borough's black-history program, noted that she, like many other African Americans, has “lived black history,” witnessing the notable progress that people of color have made in the U. S. since the 1960s.
“Black history is American history,” Stokes declared. “That is the measure of the progress that African Americans have made, when we can talk openly about the contributions that black Americans have made to the fabric of our country.”
Borough President Diaz, for his part, pointed to the African heritage that he and many other Latinos share in terms of history, as well as physical appearance.
Ticking off the contributions of black to American life, Diaz pointed out that blacks invented the clock, the incandescent electric light bulb, the potato chip, and a new method for cataract-eye surgery.
“We have so much we need to celebrate during Black History Month,” Diaz stressed. “Black History Month is a teachable moment. It is a time to celebrate the progress that we, as individuals, have made, and it is a time to celebrate the progress that the Bronx has made in recent decades.”
Praising Dinkins, Diaz said that the former mayor's “Safe Streets, Safe City” initiative set the stage for the decline in crime that New York City has seen in recent decades.
Dinkins, for his part, stressed, “So much had to change for me to be elected mayor of New York City. I never expected to hold an office higher than borough president. In fact, it took me three tries before I was elected as Manhattan's borough president. I got elected as mayor of the city in 1989 because of all that went on before that election.”
Those honored in the celebration of Black History Month included, in addition to Dinkins, Francine Reva Jones, an African-American activist who serves as a member of Co-op City's board of directors, and Donald Arthur, a heart-transplant recipient in 1996 who lives in the Co-op City community.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Another One Bites the Dust?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Another One Bites the Dust?: --> COMMUNITY BOARD NEWS N’ VIEWS By Father Richard F. Gorman Chairman Community Board #12 (The Bronx) BRONX, NEW YORK, February 14 - A...

Another One Bites the Dust?

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COMMUNITY BOARD
NEWS N’ VIEWS

By Father Richard F. Gorman
Chairman
Community Board #12 (The Bronx)


BRONX, NEW YORK, February 14- Amidst all of the bad news as of late concerning the passing of the great, three-term, one hundred fifth Mayor of the City of New York, Edward Irving Koch; the wrath of an epic snowstorm and the dire conditions that remained in its wake; and this morning’s news from the Vatican that Pope Benedict XVI has decided to become the first Pope to resign from office in nearly six (6) centuries, it is somewhat understandable that perhaps a bit of very important good news would appear to have gone unnoticed and by the boards.  Overlooked and disregarded as it might have been, though, this information was as profound in its effect as its announcement was greeted with enthusiasm.  In a decisive action that rapped the knuckles of the Bloomberg Administration and encouraged the residents of Community Board #12 (The Bronx), the Comptroller of the City of New York, The Honorable John C. Liu, announced on Thursday morning, 7 February 2013 that his office was rejecting a contract in the amount of some ninety-one million dollars ($91,000,000.00) to operate a homeless shelter for two (200) hundred men in the now shuttered SARGEANT JOSEPH E. MULLER UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVE CENTER (M.U.S.A.R.C.) located at 555 East 238TH Street/Nereid Avenue in Bronx Community District #12.  The homeless facility was slated to be operated by THE DOE FUND, INCORPORATED, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization headquartered in Manhattan, whose Founder and President, Mr. George A. McDonald, is a candidate in the upcoming Republican Primary for Mayor.

In refusing to certify the contract between the New York City Department of Homeless Services (N.Y.C.D.H.S.) and Mr. McDonald’s outfit, Comptroller Liu cited as his rationale for so acting the failure of the City of New York to adhere to the process delineated in Federal Law governing the transfer of closing United States military bases to local jurisdictions for projects designed to assist homeless persons.  In other words, the Comptroller was upholding and agreeing with the longstanding assertion of The Honorable Ruben Diaz, Jr., Borough President of The Bronx, that no properly and legitimately convoked meeting of the Local Redevelopment Authority (L.R.A.), the body constituted and empowered by Federal legislation to determine the future use of decommissioned bases, ever took place.  Borough President Diaz, along with Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda I. Gibbs and Mr. Tokumbo Shobowale, the Chief of Staff to Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert K. Steel, comprised the L.R.A., whose meetings required a quorum of all three (3) aforesaid members in order to meet and to take action.  The Bloomberg Administration’s two (2) L.R.A. appointees maintained that a duly-constituted meeting did take place at which it was voted to turn the Muller Center over to THE DOE FUND.  Borough President Diaz vehemently denied this, having specifically stated that any gathering with Deputy Mayor Gibbs and Mr. Shobowale was informal in nature only and solely for the purpose of airing differences on the disposition of the M.U.S.A.R.C. Indeed, no agenda was formulated for this gathering and no minutes were either recorded or printed.  Moreover, it was months after the three (3) public officials unofficially met off the record that the Bloomberg folks curiously and abruptly came up with the claim that a bona fide meeting and decision had taken place.  Comptroller Liu’s investigation of this matter failed to produce any solid evidence to support the City’s contention.

Community Board #12 (The Bronx) and its Wakefield neighborhood specifically have been threatened in the past year with a homeless colony consisting of four (4) facilities in close proximity to each other.  If all four (4) facilities were to be opened, Wakefield would be burdened with several hundred homeless individuals, many of whom are afflicted with alcohol and chemical dependencies and/or mental health issues.  Fortunately, a few months ago, after negotiation with Community Board #12, Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Seth Diamond announced that he would not open a shelter on White Plains Road at East 240TH Street in an apartment complex constructed and owned by developer Mark Stagg and his STAGG GROUP.  Comptroller Liu’s action, taken at the behest and in support of the Borough President of The Bronx, holds open the prospect, even if at least temporarily, that only two (2) facilities housing the homeless will be opened in Wakefield.  The Comptroller’s refusal to certify the contract with THE DOE FUND can, and will most probably, be brought by Mayor Bloomberg and his Corporation Counsel to court, where Mr. Liu’s can either be upheld in his determination or ordered by the Judiciary to certify the contract.  Let us hope that the Judge who hears the case is as forthright as our Borough President in standing for the truth and as courageous as Comptroller Liu in standing up to the Bloomberg Administration for its perfidious and fraudulent manner of undertaking what is supposed to be the PEOPLE’S business.

Our accolades and appreciation go wholeheartedly to Messrs. Diaz and Liu for coming together as an effective and valiant tag-team for the hard-working, honest taxpayers of Community Board #12 (The Bronx).  If legal action is to be initiated at this juncture, perhaps it should be to uncover whether or not any Federal statutes were violated by the knowingly bogus and patently counterfeit claims made by officials of the Bloomberg Administration in order to secure possession of the Muller Center for the City of New York in breach of a process required by Federal law.  Such would be a much more pertinent and apropos recourse to the courts on this topic.  Perhaps prior to leaving office at the conclusion of this year, Mayor Bloomberg and friends need to learn that not telling the truth is not only disreputable and dishonest, but also unlawful and illegal.

Until next time, that is it for this time!


Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lost dialogue

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lost dialogue: --> Wakefield Area News By Mary V. Lauro BRONX, NEW YORK, February 14 -While we wait for the other shoe to drop, we remind you that the...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lost dialogue

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Lost dialogue: --> Wakefield Area News By Mary V. Lauro BRONX, NEW YORK, February 14 -While we wait for the other shoe to drop, we remind you that the...

Lost dialogue

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Wakefield Area News

By Mary V. Lauro

BRONX, NEW YORK, February 14-While we wait for the other shoe to drop, we remind you that the League will be meeting on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church's Undercroft. Redeemer is located at Barnes and Boyd Avenues. The guest speaker will be Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz. Everyone is welcome. Invite your neighbors. Our meetings are fun. There is an intermission with refreshments. Please make a note. A reminder will not be mailed.

Now which shoe are we talking about? Well, last Thursday, February 7, New York City Comptroller, John C. Liu “rejected a 21 year, $91 million contract for a homeless shelter in the Bronx amid questions concerning the legitimacy of the required approval process represented to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development ("HUD") in seeking approval for the project. Comptroller Liu's office was unable to verify whether the City properly followed Federal regulations in the disposition of the former Muller Army Reserve Center ("the Center"), located at 555 Nereid Avenue in the Wakefield section of the Bronx. The City wants to use the site, as a shelter for 200 homeless men."

Comptroller Liu's decision answered a lot of prayers since he is addressing the very points about which our Borough president threatened to take the Mayor to court. In any case, we were delighted to have our problem scrutinized by someone outside the Bloomberg cabal.
Sure enough, the very next day, a member of that cabal, Linda Gibbs, a Deputy Mayor and one of the individuals who decided the Center should be a homeless shelter was screaming like a stuck pig that Liu was politically motivated for rejecting the contract and that he had done this to "advance his political ambitions." More importantly, the Mayor's office seems to think that Liu does not have the authority to stop the contract unless there are no funds or corruption can be proven.

That's what we would like to see! Corruption proven. And the corruption we have in mind is the fakery of pretending that the citizens of Wakefield did not vehemently protest the turning of the Center into a shelter for the homeless.

This canard can best be found in a 26 page letter written by New York City Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Seth Diamond to Mayor Bloomberg last December. In it he repeats much of the distortions and inaccuracies present in the studies his Department had already made but he also lists the several meetings, especially the one in June 2011 that included Wakefield and Woodlawn residents. The purpose of listing them was to credit the Mayoral process with including the community in its decision. But, at no time did Mr. Diamond indicate that the community was 100 percent opposed to turning the Center into a Shelter for the Homeless.

Further, Mr. Diamond lists more than once that the community's wanted to use the Center for commercial purposes. He mentions only fleetingly that the community wanted to move the National Guard into the Center.

We think such distortion is corrupt

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Forget About That June Primary

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Forget About That June Primary: --> 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, February 14- Since those new City Council district lines won't be finalized until sometim...

Forget About That June Primary

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100 PERCENT
By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, February 14- Since those new City Council district lines won't be finalized until sometime in March you can forget about a June primary this year. The Board of Elections needs months to make up the new enrollment books, and it is quite possible the books may not be ready for the September primary when petitioning begins in June. 

It appears that current Councilman Jimmy Vacca is trying to increase his sphere of influence beyond his own 13th city council district. In looking at financial disclosure statements for candidates, it appears that the friends of Jimmy Vacca are spreading around the wealth. We have also been told that Councilman Vacca has gotten into the 15th council race by encouraging and even finding a candidate to run. More on that next week along with a recap on the two other open Bronx council seats and mayors race that gets better every day.

Your local community board will be having Public Hearings on the Fiscal Year 2014 Preliminary Budget Capital and Expense budget requests. The explanation is that your local community board has come up with a list of requests for projects that the boards have ranked in order for capital expenditures and service requests that fall into the expense budget. More than often the reply from city agencies is more funding is needed, refer to elected officials. You can call your local community board office for the date of your boards hearing or the Bronx Borough Presidents community board office at 718-590-3500 to find your local community board.

A last reminder that Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will be giving his “State of the Bronx” address on Tuesday February 19th at 11:30 AM in Monroe High School located at 1300 Boyton Avenue. RSVP to soth@bronxbp.nyc.gov or call 718-590-6116.

On Saturday February 23rd the 19th Annual “Bronx Parks Speak Out” will be held at the Lehman College Faculty Dinning room from 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. On the agenda is a mayoral candidates forum: “The Future of Bronx Parks”, and it is expected that most if not all candidates for mayor will attend.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce will be holding their Annual African American Heritage Celebration on Wednesday February 20th at the F&J Pines located at 1913 Bronxdale Avenue from 11:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. Seating is limited at this event for members and non members, and you must RSVP to Gabrielle@BronxChamber.org or call 718-828-3908. To view the program go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com and scroll down the archive section on the lower left side to BX. Chamber of Commerce Annual African American Her...

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce has also rescheduled its 10th Annual Awards and Scholarship to Thursday Feb 28th at Marina Del Rey. This event was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy, and will benefit the Empire State Sandy Relief Fund. E-mail Gabrielle@BronxChamber.org or call 718-828-3908 for more information or to RSVP. You can also find more information on the Bronx Chamber of Commerce website at www.bronxchamber.org .

Don't forget to check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for daily information that may come in after our deadline, more details on events listed here, and some of the photos of the events. On my blog the past week were updates on the impending blizzard from the City of New York, the full announcement by the USPS to eliminate Saturday mail delivery, Comptroller Liu rejecting the $91 million Muller Army Reserve Center contract along with comments from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and many other announcements and items of interest to all Bronxites You can scroll down the archive section on the lower left side to find the listing of the many different items that are on the blog.

If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog, you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.