Home is sweet for Monroe

Home is sweet for Monroe

Mustangs make the most as Nationals host

By Gary Axelbank

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 10- The Monroe Mustangs men's and women's teams were at the forefront of history as they hosted the 2014 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championships at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory in Manhattan this past weekend. It was the first time the NJCAA has held the track and field championships not only in the city, but on the east coast.  

Though many of the more than 600 athletes from 74 teams representing 14 states said they had never competed in the world's most famous indoor track facility, much less visited NY, there were comfortable smiles on the faces of Mustangs athletes as they entered the very-familiar Armory on Friday.

"This is our home, this is where we practice every day," said assistant coach Shirvon Greene. "We are proud hosts and came ready to do our best."

Numerous Mustangs achieved All-American status and one of Monroe's best performances came right away. The meet touched off with the distance medley relay on Friday afternoon and the Monroe men (Ronaldo Ball, Walter Penate,Alexshandro Rodriguez, and Katleho Dyoyi) set a school record, finishing third in a time of 10:08:17.

On Saturday South African freshman Sabelo Ndlovu finished third in the triple jump, launching 15.29m (50.02'). 

Also, the women's 4x400 team of Shanice Cameron, Ashley Mandat, Sarah Atcho and Jessica Barrera turned in another of the Monroe inspirational performances of the weekend, finishing sixth.  Their 3:51:61 set a new Monroe school record. 

"This was a full weekend of Mustang pride," said head coach Mark Goodman. "It was kind of amazing to bring an event of this magnitude to New York. But I have to give our athletes credit. Despite the potential for distraction, for the large part, they stayed focused and performed well. This was a wonderful weekend for the college and for all the coaches and athletes who came to New York City to compete."

In the much anticipated men's 1000m, the so-called 'Legion of Doom' (so-named by Coach Greene) featuring top ranked Ronaldo Ball and Dyoyi, the Monroe duo ran neck-and-neck finishing fourth (Ball – 2:27:92) and fifth (Dyoyi – 2:27:98).  Remarkably only .06 of a second separated the two Mustangs.  

Dyoyi also ran the mile finishing seventh overall with a time of 4:15:72.

Monroe's Christopher Belcher placed eighth in the 200m dash, breaking the school record in the prelims with his 21.42. In the men's 600m Joel Johnson finished sixth with school record time of 1:21.01.

Teammate Tresean Goodwin took sixth-place in the 400m, running in 48.76. 

The men's 4x800m Relay consisting of Alexshandro Rodriguez,  Lashley Winter, Shea Coltrain and Javaun Grant placed fifth with a time of 7:54:75 which is a new school record.  

In the women's 200m, Monroe's Sarah Atcho ran a wonderful 24:39, good for second place in Friday's prelims. In the finals on Saturday, she was a notch better, running a new school record in 24:30, which was good for fourth place. 

Another piece of Monroe history was set at this year's Nationals as freshman Rashema Briscoe became Monroe's first-ever pentathalete.  She placed 10th.

Also, Damon Daniels ran his first ever 600m in 1:21.45 and finished tenth and Rashad Ramsey also ran a personal best (1.22.02).

In the women's 400m run, Jessica Barrera finished ninth overall in her fastest time of the season, 57.67

"We knew that it would be a really special thing to have all the teams from around the country come to New York City," said Coach Goodman, "and the people here will have a very wonderful perspective of what the college is about and what we do here."

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Monroe plays 'D' for District title

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Monroe plays 'D' for District title: Monroe plays 'D' for District title Mustangs nab eleventh straight nationals berth By Gary Axelbank BRONX, NEW YORK, ...

Monroe plays 'D' for District title

Monroe plays 'D' for District title

Mustangs nab eleventh straight nationals berth

By Gary Axelbank

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 10- For the Monroe Mustangs women's basketball team, it starts with their defense. And they used that defense to finish off two District opponents this weekend in Franklin MA to take the District N Championship and earn themselves a remarkable 11th consecutive trip to an NJCAA National Tournament. On Saturday, Monroe downed Manor College (NY) 78-50 and on Sunday, they took care of Essex (NJ) 76-57 to win their fourth District championship in the last five years.

"We are peaking at just the right time," said head coach James Robinson Jr. "Our defense keys everything else and right now we are committed to the energy that it takes to play good defense. I also have to say that every player on this team knows they're important and so on any given night, any give player can be key. This is a great way to get set for a national tournament."

In the win over Manor on Saturday, 11 of the 12 mustangs who got in the game got on the board. Aaliyah Mercer had 16 points and Tiashana Morris had 10. Tiara Brown also had 10 and she added 10 rebounds for a nifty double/double.

The finals win on Sunday was ignited by a dominant first half by Breana Bey who finished with 25 points, 21 of them coming in the first half as she displayed an awesome inside game. She shot 11/13 from the field. Eli Rojas was a virtual force for Monroe pulling down seventeen rebounds to go along with her ten points. Mercer had 11 points and Brown had 12.

Aaliyah Mercer was named Player of the Year in Region XV and after the game Coach Robinson took home the District Coach of the Year award. Monroe is now 22-10 on the season.

The NJCAA Women's Division II National Championships will be held at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS from March 18-22. Monroe has won four of the 10 previous national tournaments.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Rams End Regular Season

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Rams End Regular Season: Fordham Rams End Regular Season with Eighth Straight Loss (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 10- The Fordham...

Fordham Rams End Regular Season

Fordham Rams End Regular Season with Eighth Straight Loss

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 10- The Fordham Rams (9-20, 2-4) ended the regular season at home on Saturday afternoon. The contest was exciting, hard-fought and extremely competitive and played before a capacity crowd. The Rams were edged by the George Washington Colonials (23-7, 11-5), 70-67. 

The game had everything the Fordham fans could have wanted to witness except a positive result. The lead alternated 14 times and the score was knotted on 15 occasions. In the first half, neither team could amass a scoring run larger than six unanswered points as the Rams did mid-way through the first half when they changed a 14-15 deficit to a 20-15 advantage. That five-point lead was the highest either team could compile during the contest.

After not trailing for more than 10 minutes in the second half, the Rams hit a wall. The visitors scored nine unanswered points in the waning minutes of the contest to turn a 56-51 deficit with 5:10 remaining to play into a 65-61 lead that would not be overturned.

Branden Frazier, a Fordham senior, had an exciting and quite successful final performance. He scored 28 grabbed 8 boards and threw 4 assists. He said he hoped it would help fans, “to remember what I did.”

Traditionally, prior to the final home game of the season, the seniors on the team are honored. Two of the three, Leo Walsh and Khalid Robinson, joined the team as walk-ons. Although they have obtained little playing time, their courage to enlist without scholarships cannot be questioned. 

Walsh, a communications major from Pennsylvania, did not join the squad until the middle of his junior season. He appeared in four games last year and five this season.

Robinson is a New York City native, who attended Fordham Prep prior to his college years. He suited up for the first of his 39 games on the team as a sophomore. 

Brandon Frazier, the third senior honored, has been a starter in each of his years at Fordham. The native of Brooklyn graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School, where he excelled on the court. Prior to his first game as a Ram, Frazier had already played at the Rose Hill Gym and at Madison Square Garden. 

Frazier has been one of the most prolific scorers in Fordham history, compiling 1,598 points, ninth in career scoring totals at the school. The unselfish player has also helped others on the team compile points as he has dished 487 assists, second in the Fordham career rankings. 

After his final game at home, the Communications major discussed the importance of his time at Fordham, “It was the best decision I made. Fordham has made me a man. Basketball isn’t everything. I’m leaving Fordham but Fordham is never leaving me.” 

Tom Pecora, Fordham’s head coach, remarked on his star senior, “He’s grown into a great Fordham man. He set the foundation for us. When we’re winning next year, I’m going to mention Branden a lot.” 

This year, every team in the Atlantic-10 Conference will participate in next week’s conference tournament. The last place Rams will face George Mason in the first game on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Barclays. The winner will advance to play the #5 seed at 2:30 pm on Thursday. The losing team’s season will conclude on Wednesday.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Residents Question Need for Monte’s Riverdale Comp...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Residents Question Need for Monte’s Riverdale Comp...: Residents Question Need for Monte’s Riverdale Complex Riverdale Report By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 7-  After disposi...

Residents Question Need for Monte’s Riverdale Complex

Residents Question Need for Monte’s Riverdale Complex

Riverdale Report

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 7- After disposing of two applications for home alterations in the Special Nature area of Community Board 8 the meeting became very interesting. 

This month representatives of Montefiore Hospital and Simone Developers were on hand to discuss the progress of the proposed 11 story medical center on Oxford/Riverdale Avenues. The crowd was half the size of previous meetings on the subject, but they were as boisterous as in past meetings. Ms. Lynn Richmond the Chief of Staff of Montefiore Hospital and Mr. Jeffrey Moerdler the lawyer for Simone Developers were on hand, and by the end of the meeting you could almost see the scalping that was given to the two. Since Mr. Jeff Moerdler is a blood relative of CB 8 Land Use Chair Charles Moerdler this part of the meeting was turned over to the Vice-Chair to proceed.

Ms. Richmond (of Montefiore) started off by giving the statistics of how many people in CB 8 use one of the six locations in CB 8 that Montefiore Hospital runs. She said that Montefiore wants to consolidate these six sites into one site where their patients could receive full services rather than having to go to several different locations. She added that Montefiore has asked Simone Developers to find and build such a site.

Mr. Jeffrey Moerdler (representing Simone) said that he was not at the meeting with the local elected officials where there was a mix up in what Simone was going to do. He said that Simone is going to build the medical center, and that the plans were not withdrawn only put on hold. He added that no new plans for the medical center have been submitted as of yet, and that Simone is in dialogue with Montefiore to address the community concerns.

Vice-Chair Martin Wolpoff asked for the data that Montefiore speaks of the community needs, if Montefiore is wedded to this particular site on Oxford/Riverdale Avenues, or could this medical center be built at a different site in CB 8. Ms. Richmond responded by saying that Montefiore is looking at other options, has looked at other sites, but this is the best suited site for Montefiore in CB 8.

Four speakers who are residents around the proposed medical center spoke against the proposal. One said that two days after he moved in the demolition work started, one showed a photo of Oxford Avenue with snow drifts from the recent snow storms, one questioned the need for the medical center, and one was just against the proposal.

Since the state legislatures were in Albany only Councilman Andrew Cohen was on hand to say that both Montefiore and Simone appear to be working together to try to address the community and elected officials concerns, and had representatives at this meeting. Ms. Richmond responded that Montefiore has data showing that Riverdale is an under served in certain areas and in time for an appointment. She added that Montefiore has asked that the project be put on hold to listen to community concerns. Mr. Jeffrey Moerdler then explained as to why the Department of Buildings may have rejected the plans because of the hold and probable changes to the plans.

It was then time for the community board members to respond. A questions of vibrations during construction had no response. A question of the status of the demolition work was answered that the project is on hold, and to shouts from the audience that the house on Oxford Avenue was indeed demolished Mr. J. Moerdler said that he was unaware of it. A question of the board seeing the amended plans before presentation to the D.O.B. was answered YES. A question of another location on Broadway and West 236^th Street was answered that it is not a good site for Montefiore. A question as to where the six sites are was answered in Riverdale and Kingsbridge. A question of if Montefiore is committed to the Riverdale site how can they be looking at other sites was answered that Montefiore is committed to the Riverdale site. A question of funding was answered that Montefiore is not building the medical center Simone is, and that no government funding will be used since the site is not being classified as an under served site. To a statement that Simone is looking to lower the height of the building and having a vehicle entrance on Riverdale Avenue, Mr. J. Moerdler said yes.

The audience was then asked for comments. Former Councilman Oliver Koppell (whose wife is a real estate agent) asked if he found an alternate site would Montefiore consider that site. The answer was that right now Montefiore is working with Simone on the Riverdale site. He said that he uses the Montefiore site on Johnson Avenue, adding that if someone needs additional tests or services that they could go to another Montefiore site that would have that test or service. Koppell then appeared to put on his State Senate candidate hat by making a speech against the proposed site, and saying that if Montefiore does not go elsewhere the local elected officials should turn down any funding for Montefiore. Others spoke against the proposed medical center with a response by Ms. Richmond that some sort of administrative certificate would be needed for the medical center.

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

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Spring Events

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Spring Events: Avoiding Scams and Fraud The Pelham Bay Library will be hosting a talk on how to avoid scams and fraud at 2 p.m. on March 15. The event...

Spring Events

Avoiding Scams and Fraud

The Pelham Bay Library will be hosting a talk on how to avoid scams and fraud at 2 p.m. on March 15. The event will be presented by Jay Stevens.

Statistics show that criminals scam victims out of billions of dollars every year using various types of fraudulent activities. Avoid becoming a victim yourself. Learn how to recognize the tricks of a con artist and the tell-tale warning signs of a scam.

All Public Library Programs are free of charge and are subject to cancellation without notice.

The New York Public Library's Money Matters series is made possible thanks to the generous support of McGraw Hill Financial.

The Pelham Bay Library is located at 3060 Middletown Road.

For more information: (718) 792-6744 

www.nypl.org

###

Lehman concerts heat up the boro

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts continues its amazing season with seven new shows added to its 2014 roster. 

The new shows include:

Saturday, March 15th- Salsa all-stars, the great Tito Rojas and Gammy Award winner Lalo Rodríguez heat up the stage in Duelo De Exitos, which is sure to have the audience singing and dancing. Produced by LehmanCenter and José Raposo.

Sunday, March 23rd- Hailed as the “pre-eminent guitarist of our time,” multiple Grammy award winner Sharon Isbin will be joined by the Brazilian virtuoso Romero Lubambo and jazz legend Stanley Jordon in Guitar Passions, an exquisite concert of Latin, Jazz & Brazilian guitar music. (Rescheduled from February 9th.)

Saturday, April 19th- The King of Blues is back in the Bronx when the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and multi-Grammy Award winning guitarist BB King lights up the stage with his trusty, lifelong companion Lucille.

Saturday, April 26th- An evening full of memories and great Salsa Romantica and Salsa Dura hits not to be missed as Paquito Guzman retires from the concert stage and celebrates his long, successful musical career in his Great Farewell Concert with the legendary La SelectaOrchestra with Raphy Leavitt. Produced by Lehman Center and José Raposo.

Saturday, May 10th- Light Your Fire on Mother’s Day weekend with Jose Feliciano when the legendary singer-composer and virtuoso guitarist performs an exhilarating mix of soft rock and Latin pop music.

Saturday, June 7th- An evening of songs of time, love and tenderness with the multiple Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Michael Bolton.

Saturday, June 21st- The exclusive NYC engagement of Invincible, A Glorious Tribute to the King of Pop honoring the greatest entertainer of all time as it that brings back the spirit and essence of seeing Michael Jacksonin a spectacular multi-media and live performance.

A complete listing of Lehman Center’s 2014 Spring Season Events is attached.

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is on the campus of LehmanCollege/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. 

Tickets for all shows can be purchased by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833 (Monday through Friday, 10am–5pm and beginning at12 noon on the day of the concert), or through 24-hour online access at www.LehmanCenter.org. 

###

Spring into season with activities

Despite the cold, Wave Hill is holding a series of events to welcome spring.

March 15- Family Art Project: The early bird get into the mobile

Look for the first returning birds and overwintering residents, along with early migrants passing through on their way north. Cut out their birdie shapes and hang and balance them to make a colorful, moving mobile. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

March 15- Tai Chi Chuan    

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. 

March sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) 

Online registration closes at 8 a.m. on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3 p.m. the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

March 15- Winter Workshop: Rephotography Scavenger Hunt 

Gain insight into Winter Workspace artist Brandon Neubauer’s creative process and explore the late winter landscape as a source of inspiration. 

Participants in this workshop will use printed photographs provided by the artist to juxtapose images they take of prominent trees and vistas with those taken of the same locations last summer and fall at Wave Hill. Each participant must bring their own camera or camera phone with the Instagram app and are encouraged to work in groups or pairs; all other materials are provided. 

Workshops are open to all visitors ages 12 and over when accompanied by an adult. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Free with admission to the grounds.

March 15- Garden Workshop: Terrariums 

Don’t have a garden or greenhouse? Create your own tabletop landscape with Assistant Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer. Tiny ferns, creeping fig and other tropical plants thrive in the humid conditions of an enclosed glass jar as if in their own miniature greenhouse. 

Create your own fanciful scene with a selection of diminutive plants, perfect for home or office. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. $45/$35 Wave Hill Member per project. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling (718) 549-3200 x251.

March 16- Birding Boot Camp

Can you tell a catbird from a cowbird? New birders are invited to join expert birder, naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow to discover the many groups of birds that call New York City their home. 

Through images and a short lecture, Gabriel shares proven techniques to simplify bird identification using visual and audible clues. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. (NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission.)  

Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling (718) 549-3200 x251

March 16- Meditaion 

This fall, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. 

Each session includes instruction in simple techniques followed by 20 to 30 minutes of meditation. Classes are led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and other certified instructors. All levels welcome. Winter sessions are held indoors. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. 

Registration opens online and onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8 a.m. on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3 p.m. the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made. Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

March 16- Garden Highlights Walk 

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Politics

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Politics: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press New Club or Revival of an Old One BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 6- I often look to see what my fellow politi...

Politics

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

New Club or Revival of an Old One

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 6- I often look to see what my fellow political pundits have to say, and often I am amused at what they write. 

One example was that last week Bob Kappstatter, of a similar sounding paper, wrote of an exclusive that he had about a new Democratic Club in the 80th A.D from State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. I like Kappy a lot especially when he was top dog at the Bronx Daily News Bureau many years ago, but if he had looked at some of his old Daily News clippings he would have known that it was a revival of 80th A.D. Assemblyman Jeff Klein's North Bronx Democratic Club. What with the instability of the Liberty Democratic Association over the past few years, Mark Gjonaj the assemblyman from the 80th A.D. now, and former Assemblyman Klein, now Senator Klein, it makes sense for Klein to revive his old club with his friend Assemblyman Gjonaj. One also never knows when an opponent or opportunity may pop up.

On the note of the last sentence it looks like there is going to be a civil war in the state senate among Democrats. Queens Democratic State Senator Tony Avella has joined the Independent Democratic Conference led by Senator Jeff Klein. Senator Avella has become the fifth Democratic State Senator in the IDC, and there may be more coming. More on this in upcoming weeks.

At the 87th A.D. Democratic District Meeting this past weekend, Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. is bowing to State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, and you can go to my blog atwww.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to see the photo. I asked Senator Diaz if he is going to be #6 in the IDC, and he said “Could Be”. The meeting was spearheaded by 87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda (and his district leaders) who said that the turnout was much greater then was expected. Over 250 people were in attendance, and the elected officials included State Senators Jeff Klein & Ruben Diaz Sr., Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, City Council members Anabele Palma & Fernando Cabrera (a possible challenger to State Senator Gustavo Rivera). There is also a photo of Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie talking with Councilman Cabrera, and I asked Assemblyman Heastie if this year was going to be like 2012 where the county Organization endorsed all incumbents. The answer was that we would have to see when primary time rolls around.

The item before the 87th A.D. meeting on my blog is about State Senator Adriano Espaillat now official candidate for the 13thCongressional District, and a walking tour of Fordham Road with State Senator Gustavo Rivera. It was a quiet morning, and the two walked a few blocks in the chilly weather stopping in to chat with some of the people on the street and a few of the merchants. There are some photos of the walk on my blog, and you can see by candidate Espaillat's expression in one of the outside photos of just how cold it was.

Now that it is March it is Irish American Heritage Month and check my blog for events that are going to celebrate Irish American Heritage Month. Bronx Borough President Ruben O'Diaz Jr. is sponsoring an event on March 13th in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is also holding its Irish Heritage Luncheon on Friday March 14th. You can contact the Bronx Chamber of Commerce at www.bronxchamber.org or call 718-828-3900 for more information. The BCC has several other events upcoming.

If you thought that former Mayor Michael Bloomberg had it out for motorist watch out for Mayor Bill deBlasio. Not only do we have the most pot holes ever, but in his “Vision Zero” it is questionable if the city speed limit will be come 25 MPH or even 20 MPH. If only we had a dependable reasonably priced mass transit system, but then there are those who say we should bike it to work. With all the bikes maybe they should be licensed and be required to carry insurance. Many people have horror stories about being hit by speeding bike riders.

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 call718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Legionnaire’s Disease

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Legionnaire’s Disease: Health Scare Panic or Coverup? Why Didn’t Officials Inform Community About 2 Confirmed Cases of Legionnaire’s Disease By Michael Hor...

Legionnaire’s Disease

Health Scare Panic or Coverup?

Why Didn’t Officials Inform Community About 2 Confirmed Cases of Legionnaire’s Disease

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 6- Two Co-op City shareholders living in a Section 5 building have come down with a severe form of pneumonia that bacteria in the building’s water system may have caused, Levi Fishman, deputy press secretary for the city’s Health Department confirmed this week.

The two who contracted the disease, both of whom live in Building 27, came down with Legionnaire’s Disease in May 2012 and June 2013, correspondence between the Health Department and the Riverbay Corporation has confirmed.

The Health Department’s suggested protocols for guarding against Legionnaire’s Disease, which can be fatal in as many as 15 percent of cases, calls for taking shower heads and water faucets in apartment apart and disinfecting them with bleach and maintaining specific temperatures in the building’s hot- and cold-water supply.

Management officials are insisting that there is no problem in any of Co-op City’s water systems, and Fishman said, this week, that there is no evidence of any current problem with the water that Co-op City’s shareholders use.

Fishman said, this week, that the suggested protocols for stopping the spread of Legionnaire’s Disease are suggestion only --- that the building’s management and shareholders are not required to follow them.

The News, after learning about possible cases of Legionnaire’s Disease in Co-op City from an informed source who wished to remain unidentified, waited for more than two weeks for Health Department officials to respond to the newspaper’s pointed and meticulously drafted questions.

Correspondence between the Health Department and the Riverbay Corporation, which Herbert Freedman first supplied to the News, confirmed that officials of both Co-op City’s management and the city’s Health Department have known about the potential health risk to shareholders in Building 27, where the two who contracted Legionnaire’s Disease lived, and Buildings 26 and 30, which are connected to the same water system, since at least Dec. 3 of last year.

An estimated 1,400 families use the water system that may be at issue. 

However, at this time, Fishman said that the Health Department can’t be sure that the victims of Legionnaire’s Disease got it from bacteria in their building’s water system or from other sources.

The Health Department is concerned about the water system serving Building 27 because the two Co-op City shareholders who contracted Leionnaire’s Disease live in that building.

In response to questions from the News, which Herbert Freedman found out about secondhand, the Co-op City official angrily accused the newspaper of spreading “panic” in the local community.

In response, Christopher Hagedorn, editor and publisher of the News, called Freedman’s charge outrageous, saying, “The people of Co-op City have a right to know what’s going on in their community. They certainly have a right to know about potential health risks. We have an obligation to alert shareholders to potential risks to their health once we confirm that they may exist.”

In an e-mail to the News, Freedman strongly indicated that information about a potential health risk from Legionnaire’s Disease should be withheld.

He stated, “Hate to mess up your lead story this week, but I am hoping you are responsible enough not to attempt to start a panic in coop (Co-op) City.”

In a direct response to Freedman, Hagedorn stressed, “We obviously have more confidence in the ability of the people of Co-op City to process information than Mr. Freedman does. We intend to report this extremely important story in the great traditions of the free press, which our nation’s Founding Fathers guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. We will not be silenced by diatribes or sarcastic comments from Herb Freedman or anyone else.”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bundled Up Burglar Wanted

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bundled Up Burglar Wanted: Bundled Up Burglar Wanted By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 5- Providing few details, police hope that surveillanc...

Bundled Up Burglar Wanted

Bundled Up Burglar Wanted

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 5- Providing few details, police hope that surveillance photos will lead them to the identity of a burglary suspect who broke into two homes over a three-day period.

Investigators will only say that the two break-in's took place on January 6 and January 9.

One crime was committed within the confines of the 52nd Precinct and the other in the 50th Precinct and both locations were within walking distance of each other.

After gaining entry the suspect flees with cash and jewelry.

The individual is described as a 40-year-old male white or Hispanic, 5 foot 9 and weighs 170 pounds. On both days the subject was wearing a black North Face-type coat, blue jeans and black cap and ski mask.

Anyone with any information on the suspect's identity is asked to call the 52nd Precinct's detective squad at (718) 220-6134.   

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 280 Gang

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 280 Gang: Facebook Fools Gangs Bragged, Recruited Through Social  Media BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 3- A Bronx street gang bragged about shooting...

280 Gang

Facebook Fools

Gangs Bragged, Recruited Through Social

 Media

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 3- A Bronx street gang bragged about shootings, posed with cash and recruited through social media.

Bridget Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton and Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced the arrest and indictment of 10 leaders and members of the “280” gang, based in the Morrisania section of the Bronx, who are charged with conspiring in numerous shootings during turf disputes with rival violent narcotic gangs. An eight-count indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit murder, assault, narcotics possession and weapons possession.

The new indictment is the final in a series of four prosecutions since 2012 targeting rival gangs operating in close proximity 

to one another in Morrisania: “280”, “Dub City,” “WTG” and “6 Wild.” These investigations were conducted by the Special Narcotics Gang Prosecution Unit, the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) 44th Precinct Field Intelligence Sergeant, Assistant Field Intelligence Officers and Strategic Enforcement Team, and the Bronx District Attorney's Office.

Conducted under the auspices of the NYPD’s “Operation Crew Cut,” these investigations focused on multiple warring gangs within a targeted zone and have contributed to significant declines in shootings in the 44th Precinct and surrounding areas. In all, a total of 50 individuals were indicted and 24 guns seized in the past 18 months.

Arrests related to the new indictment charging members of the “280” gang took place on Friday. The defendants are expected to be arraigned this morning in Manhattan Supreme Court before Judge James Burke, 111 Centre Street, room 948. Police apprehended 10 high-ranking members of “280,” including gang leader Diamond Brown, aka "Debo," aka "Bo Gotti" and top lieutenants Jesus Perez, aka "Justice Bambino" and Guess Carter, aka "Guess Loc."

Since at least 2011, four rival gangs have been engaged violent, protracted turf battles in Morrisania. “280”, “WTG” and “6 Wild” are based in the NYPD’s 44th Precinct, while “Dub City” territory falls just over the border of the neighboring 46th Precinct.

Over the past three years, these four warring gangs together were linked to 34 shooting incidents in which 43 individuals were shot. In some instances, gang members brazenly fired their weapons in public areas, including busy streets, at apartment buildings and in one case into a crowded restaurant. Several victims were innocent bystanders.

The NYPD’s 44th Precinct Field Intelligence Division spearheaded investigations into all four of these gangs. The investigations involved a close examination of social media, including Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, which the gang members used to attract new recruits, fuel rivalries and brag about victories.

Fifty leaders and members of these gangs were charged under four indictments filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor over the past 18 months. The first indictment, unsealed in August 2012, charged 17 members of “Dub City.” The second indictment named 10 members of “WTG” in December 2012. A third charged 13 members of “6 Wild” in June 2013. The final indictment targets 10 members of “280.”

As successive waves of arrests occurred over the past 18 months, the NYPD’s 44th Precinct, where the majority of these gang members’ criminal activity occurred, experienced a significant decline in shootings. Between 2011 and 2013, the 44th Precinct recorded a dramatic 34% drop in overall shootings. (Overall shootings include incidents in which one or more individuals are shot, and are not limited to gang-related shootings.)

The 44th Precinct recorded an overall total of 51 shooting incidents (involving one or more victims) in 2011. By the end of 2013, following the completion of the “Dub City,” “WTG” and “6 Wild” investigations, the number of overall shooting incidents in the 44th Precinct had dropped to 34. The neighboring 46th Precinct experienced similar declines. This is compared to a 27 percent drop citywide in overall shooting incidents between 2011 and 2013.

Over the same time period, the NYPD recorded a 75 percent decline in shooting incidents specifically linked to these four gangs throughout the Bronx. In 2011, the four gangs were responsible for at least 15 shootings in which 18 individuals were shot. In 2012, the gangs were responsible for at least 16 shooting incidents in which 22 individuals were shot. By the end of 2013 – after three waves of arrests, but before the “280” arrests – there were 3 shootings linked to members of the “280” gang and none to “Dub City,” “WTG” or “6 Wild.”

As detailed in the four indictments, rivalries between these gangs date back to at least 2011. The intensity of these disputes varied as priorities and alliances shifted over time. While the “280” gang engaged in violent conflicts with all three rival gangs, “Dub City” was the gang’s primary rival. The gangs posted coded messages and photographs on social media to coordinate criminal activity and fuel the violence.

Shootings among the four groups frequently spilled into the community and resulted in innocent bystanders being shot. On July 28, 2011, a member of “6 Wild” fired into a crowded restaurant where members of “280” were gathered. One “280” member was shot. Later that year, on September 11, 2011, members of “280” and “WTG exchanged gunfire at a “WTG” YouTube videotaping session. Two bystanders watching the videotaping were shot. Windows of a livery cab in which members of “280” were riding were also shot out during the gunfire.

The following year, on May 18, 2012, a member of “Dub City” and a juvenile gang member fired shots through the window of a first floor apartment at a residential building at 1555 Grand Concourse, where they believed “WTG” members were living. Rounds were recovered from the window and from a wall inside the apartment. Another example occurred on July 16, 2012, when a “WTG” member fired shots into a crowd of bystanders near 1880 Valentine Avenue.

The “280” criminal street gang operates in the vicinity of 168th Street and College Avenue. Leaders and members participated in numerous acts of violence, including murder, assaults and attempted assaults using firearms, razor blades and other dangerous weapons. The indictment contains conspiracy charges related to 12 shooting incidents involving 17 victims. Members of the gang sold narcotics, including crack cocaine, heroin and other drugs, in part to pay for communal firearms.

As the leader of the “280” gang, Diamond Brown, aka "Debo," aka "Bo Gotti," authorized and directed numerous shootings. A review of communications through social media and text messages, combined with other evidence, show Brown and his two top lieutenants, Jesus Perez, aka "Juice Bambino," and Guess Carter, aka "Guess Loc," controlled communal firearms and directed juveniles to transport the weapons from place to place. Leaders of “280” relied heavily on social media to recruit new members, incite violence and intimidate witnesses.

On August 12, 2012, Brown sent a message by phone to a new recruit demanding a cash payment for guns and stating that the money would help cover the costs of “beefs” or disputes with other gangs. Brown wrote, “YU GOTTA ATLEAST PUT IN MONEY 4 dhat set severy chance yu get...cause dhis beef shit aint cheap” and “im supplyin dha hood soo wee can stay on dha map.”

Brown also oversaw the gang’s narcotics activity, with assistance from his top lieutenants. The gang leader used social media to brag of about the large sums of money he was making and posted numerous photos of cash on Facebook. Members of opposing groups often “friended” each other on Facebook in order to view one another’s postings.

During the investigation, Brown became a target of violence and was shot at least three times between October 2012 and June 2013. Three days after he was shot in June 2013, BROWN posted a message to his Facebook profile stating, “IT REALLY COST TO BE THE BOSS.”

The charged murder conspiracy in the “280” indictment begins with an escalation of violence on April 12, 2011, when “Dub City” member Dontae Murray, aka “TAY” was fatally shot. The shooter, a member of “280” was arrested and prosecuted by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. He was later sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Following the homicide, members of “280” sought to kill additional members of “Dub City,” often bragging about their efforts on Facebook and plotting additional attacks through text messages. Meanwhile, members of “Dub City” swore revenge. Numerous retaliatory shootings went back and forth between “280” and “Dub City,” including a shooting on August 2, 2011 targeting the brother of the “280” member who killed Murray.

The gangs were still warring the following summer when “280” members were targeted in serious shootings. Defendant Jaquan Murray, aka “MTB JA,” a member of “280”, was shot in the back on June 11, 2012. Extensive Facebook comments threatening retaliation followed this shooting. Another defendant, “280” member Anton Pye, aka "Max Payne," was shot in the face on July 1, 2012. The following month, Pye sent a text message to a “Dub City” member who he believed was involved, stating, “80 High Or DUCC LOW ...I’M NOT DEAD!”

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G, Brennan said, “Reckless, wanton shootings detailed in the indictment forced innocent bystanders to take cover and neighborhoods to conduct daily business in great fear for their safety and security. Targeting drug gangs involved in violence has significantly

diminished shootings in these neighborhoods. We commend our partners in the NYPD and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for their perseverance in rooting out this problem.”

Police Commissioner Bratton said, “Today’s indictments are the culmination of a much larger investigation into four of the city’s most violent street crews, who since 2011 were responsible for murders, shootings, gun trafficking and narcotic distribution throughout the communities of the Bronx. I want to thank the members of the 44th Precinct, The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for their relentlessness efforts in bringing these criminals to justice.”

Bronx District Attorney Johnson said, “No one should have to live in a community surrounded by drug dealers and shootings. These arrests and indictments are well deserved outcomes for the hard working, law abiding citizens who are trying to provide for their families and educate their children. Our respective agencies are committed to doing everything in our power to root out and punish those responsible for these violent criminal acts that put innocent men, women and children in harm’s way.”

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Monroe Mustangs Take Championship

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Monroe Mustangs Take Championship: Monroe Mustangs Take Championship By Gary Axelbank BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 3- Utilizing their deep and talented front line, not to mention...

Monroe Mustangs Take Championship

Monroe Mustangs Take Championship

By Gary Axelbank

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 3- Utilizing their deep and talented front line, not to mention their defensive intensity and breakaway speed, the Monroe Mustangs women's basketball team convincingly defeated Dean College at the MAC ,91-78 on Sunday afternoon to take the Region XV Championship. Technically it's their first Region title since the 2008-09 season when they were a DIII team (now they're DII), even though they've won two National and three District titles over that span.

Monroe accomplished their feat this weekend by defeating CCRI in the semifinal game, 83-70 on Saturday and following it up with the finals win over Dean on Sunday. Monroe is now 20-10 on the season.

"We've said all along that we were going to develop and be ready by playoff time," said Coach James Robinson Jr., "and clearly we are. I'm so proud of how hard they've worked to get here and we're going to use all the things we've learned about defense, about our running game, and about sharing the ball the rest of the way. We intend to play and conduct ourselves like champions and you saw what that means today."

Because two teams from the Region qualify for the Districts, Saturday's win was the one that got Monroe to next weekend's Tournament. Sunday's title win then became icing on the cake.  Interestingly, in 2011-12, Monroe lost in the Region final, but went on to win the National Championship anyway.

Monroe's formula in both of the Region Tournament games was a trapping defense, superior inside play off the boards offensively in the paint, and an up-tempo style that left both the Knights and Bulldogs a step behind. Their deep bench was also a key.

The Mustangs had 30 more points in the paint than the Knights did. On Sunday, Monroe got an incredible 82 of their 91 points in the lane. Their fast break was also working, netting a total of 28 points in the two games.

Tiara Brown was a force all weekend, averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in the two games, including an 18-point, 10-rebound double/double on Sunday. She shot a phenomenal 16/22 in the two games (72.7 percent). Eli Rojas was also key for Monroe averaging eleven points and 11.5 rebounds in the two games. She had 15 rebounds against Dean.

"It's really hard to single anyone out on this team," said Coach Robinson. "You could go up and down our roster and see that everyone contributed and that's the way we like it. The Mustangs are a team."

The District Tournament will be a two-round affair on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9 at Dean College in Franklin, MA.  If Monroe wins two games they will qualify for their eleventh consecutive National Tournament. They'll play Manor College on Saturday at 4:00pm. The finals are set for Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Buzzer Beater

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Buzzer Beater: Buzzer Beater Gives La Salle a 64-62 Win over Fordham By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 3- The season’s second largest crow...

Buzzer Beater

Buzzer Beater Gives La Salle a 64-62 Win over Fordham

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 3- The season’s second largest crowd (3,017) at Fordham’s Rose Hill Gym in the Bronx left disappointed after Saturday’s contest in which the Fordham Rams (9-18, 2-12) were defeated on a buzzer beating layup by Tareek Duren, which gave the 64-62 victory to the La Salle Explorers (14-14, 6-8).

The disappointment was magnified as it appeared to many of the onlookers that the game was headed to overtime when senior Brandon Frazier blocked Duran’s attempt at a game winning layup. The officials decided the game was not over and resumed play with 0.07 on the clock. Duren was not to be denied as he netted his fourth field goal to win the game. 

La Salle got off early and led 9-0 at 15:43. A free throw by Sam Mills at 12:24 raised the lead to double figures, 14-4, for the first time in the game. At 9:23, a layup by Steve Zack brought the Explorers their largest lead of the game, 21-6. The Rams did not reach double figures until 11 minutes and 30 seconds had elapsed when a basket by Ryan Rhoomes gave them a total of 10 points but they finished the first half by outscoring the visitors 21-9 to cut the deficit to three, 30-27. 

The visitors increased their lead to double figures again (42-32) when Jerrell Wright scored at 15:23 of the second half. A 14-5 scoring run culminated with two free throws netted by Fordham freshman Jon Severe cut the La Salle advantage to a single point with 11:15 remaining. Although the Rams never led, a jumper by Bryan Smith knotted the score at 62 with 35.6 seconds on the clock. 

Frazier’s 23 points and six assists were the high totals for either team. His 1,548 points is ninth in Fordham career scoring and his 476 assists ranks second in team history.

The tie was as close as Fordham was able to get. The loss dropped the Rams to undisputed last place in the Atlantic-10 Conference with two games left to play. Fordham travels to Rhode Island on March 5 and then returns home to host the George Washington Colonials.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Manhattan Jaspers Edge Iona

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Manhattan Jaspers Edge Iona: Manhattan Jaspers Edge Iona in Overtime By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 3- On the last day of February, two elite teams of the Me...

Manhattan Jaspers Edge Iona

Manhattan Jaspers Edge Iona in Overtime

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 3- On the last day of February, two elite teams of the Metropolitan Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), the Manhattan Jaspers (21-7, 14-5) and the Iona Gaels (19-9, 16-3) engaged in a hard-fought and thrilling contest that was not decided until the final seconds of overtime. The game had been tied nine times with the lead changing hands on 13 occasions. The result of this contest at the Draddy Gym in Riverdale was quite different than the first between the two schools this season played on the last day of January that was won by Iona, 85-73. 

The Jaspers took an early 11-6 lead that was followed by 11 unanswered points by the Gaels. With Iona leading, 20-13, the Jaspers’ eight straight points gave them a 21-20 advantage. The lead gravitated back and forth several times until the final four minutes of the first half when Manhattan outscored Iona, 9-2 to end the half ahead by a score of 45-35. That was the only double figure lead of the close contest.

Despite the Manhattan lead, Iona had a higher percentage of success from the floor. This was nullified by the control of the offensive boards by the Jaspers which allotted them nine more shots than Iona. 

An opening 10-3 scoring run by the Gaels in the second half lowered the deficit to three points, 48-45. At 13:49, a basket by junior Emmy Andujar raised Manhattan’s lead to seven, 54-47. The two points broke his career high of 19. The score was tied at 61 with 7:30 remaining. It was knotted three more times in regulation including at 71 when time ran out. 

Andujar’s performance in the five minutes of overtime was crucial to the Manhattan victory. After stealing the basketball, he successfully drove to the basket and was fouled. The three points broke a 73 tie and that lead was never overturned. The visitors had possession with Manhattan leading, 80-77, but did not make the shot. Andujar was the leading scorer of the game with a single game career high of 28.

As it was the final home game of the season, three Manhattan seniors were honored prior to the game. Michael Alvarado suffered an ankle injury after being on court only six minutes. His one assist and three points raised his career totals to 1,374 points and 353 assists. 

George Beamon recorded his fifth double-double (13 points and 11 rebounds). His 1,778 career points ranks fourth in the college’s totals. 

The other senior, Rhamel Brown scored 9, grabbed 9 boards and blocked 4 shots. He ranks second in shots blocked in the NCAA this year and is first as a Jasper with 367. He is eighth at Manhattan with 781 boards and has scored 1,108 points. This is the first time in Manhattan history when each of three seniors have scored more than 1,000 points at the school.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Women Hoopsters

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Women Hoopsters: Fordham Women Hoopsters End Home Season with 14 th Victory in 15 Games By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 27- The home e...

Fordham Women Hoopsters

Fordham Women Hoopsters End Home Season with 14^th Victory in 15 Games

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 27- The home environment in the Bronx brings out the best in the Fordham University women’s basketball squad. The 71-52 victory of the Rams (21-7, 10-5) over the George Mason Patriots (7-21, 1-13) ended the regular season home schedule of the Rams with their achieving 14 wins in 15 games. 

For the Patriots, the 2013-14 season, its first as a member of the Atlantic-10 Conference, has been exceptionally lengthy. They have lost all but one of their conference contests and 19 of their last 21 games. 

A basket by Sandra Ngoie, 42 seconds into the game, gave the visitors their first and only advantage of the contest. The Rams netted the next nine points to lead by seven at 16:28. A three by freshman Hannah Missry at 7:50 capped another run of nine unanswered points to raise the Fordham lead to 15 (23-8). Fordham scored the final 11 points of the half to take its largest lead of the game, 38-18.

Fordham was as dominant on the court as the score shows. They sunk half of their field goal attempts (16 of 32) while their able defense held the Patriots to 29.6 percent (8 of 27) shooting from the floor. Erin Rooney, Fordham’s top scorer, was the only player to reach double figures with 13 points.

The second half featured a series of alternating scoring runs. Fordham began the half with four points. George Mason followed with eight unanswered points. A 12-3 run by Fordham resulted in its largest lead of the contest, 24 points (54-30). An 18-6 run by the Patriots cut the deficit to its lowest level in the second half, 12 points (60-48). Fordham closed the contest by scoring 11 of the final 15 points to conclude the game with a 71-52 win.

The Patriots adjusted well to an unfamiliar site, the Rose Hill Gym, in the second half. Their shooting percentage climbed to 57.7 percent (15 for 26) while that of the Rams declined to 39.3 percent (11 for 28). 

Two factors were crucial in the Rams’ maintaining their lead. In the second half, they controlled the boards, 18-10. They were especially effective on the offensive end with eight rebounds to one for the visitors, which led to 13 second chance points to only two for the Patriots. 

Another critical difference between the two teams was success in accuracy from beyond the arc. Fordham sunk four 3’s in each half, but the Patriots were unsuccessful in their seven attempts.

Rooney was the only player with double digit scoring in the second half and ended the contest with 24 points and an impressive nine assists. She needs only three points to reach 1,000 in her two seasons at Fordham. Emily Tapio scored 16, her sixth straight game in double figures. Samantha Clark was one point short of achieving a double-double (10 rebounds and 9 points).

The Rams travel to Philadelphia on March 2 to face St. Joe’s in their final regular season contest.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium: Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium Bronx Native Santos to Perform First Latin Music Concert at Stadium  By Howard Goldin Yankee Stadium...

Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium

Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium

Bronx Native Santos to Perform First Latin Music Concert at Stadium 

By Howard Goldin

Yankee Stadium is arguably the most iconic sports venue in the world. It is not only the home of the world renowned New York Yankees, but also hosted world class soccer matches, championship fights, football bowl games, and NHL outdoor hockey contests. 

Less known, but no less important is that in Yankee Stadium,  three Popes celebrated Mass, Billy Graham preached, Nelson Mandela spoke after being released from prison in South Africa, a service was held less than 2 weeks after the 9/11/2001 attack on the World Trade Center and world famous entertainers performed concerts.

A two purpose press conference was held in the Legends Club of Yankee Stadium on Monday afternoon. An announcement was made of the first Latin music concert at the current Yankee Stadium. Bronx born vocalist Anthony “Romeo” Santos, termed the “King of Bachata”, will headline the July 12 show. The second half of the conference featured Santos, seated in a chair, calmly yet animatedly answering questions regarding his newest recording, “Fórmula Vol 2”, scheduled to be released on the following day.

With a large gathering awaiting the start of the press event, Yankees President Randy Levine and COO Lonn Trost moved to seats on the stage and were followed shortly by concert promoter Felix Cabrera and Santos. The multi-platinum selling recording artist took time to pose for many photos before the conference began. 

Both Yankees executives expressed the happiness and pride of the organization to present the concert in July and predicted its great success, both artistically and financially. Santos follows such superstars of the entertainment world on the stage in the current Yankee Stadium as Jay-Z and Eminem, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters and a heavy metal concert with Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. 

Levine said, “It only makes sense” that Bronx born Romeo Santos headlines the first Latin music concert at the current Yankee Stadium. He added, “Romeo Santos is going to be a giant hit here. The show will be memorable.”

Cabrera explained the number of performances that Santos sold out at Madison Square Garden and predicted, “I know he can sell out Yankee Stadium in less than one month.”

The 32-year-old singer seemed to be awed and proud to be in these surroundings. He remarked, ”I was born and raised in the Bronx, and when I walked around the streets here I always visualized coming to a game with my dad. My father is a big Yankees fane as am I, although I don’t know a great deal about sports.”

His feelings about performing a solo concert  at Yankee Stadium were expressed with much emotion, “This is a dream, thanks to God, to be here. It’s a tremendous honor to present myself here in a place of such magnitude, especially in the Bronx. It’s a privilege to be the first Latino artist. I am not just representing a genre [Bachata], a culture, but Latinos. [His father is from the Dominican Republic and his mother from Puerto Rico]. It’s a big responsibility, but I won’t let you down.” He termed it, “the most important event of my career.”

Many great musical artists performed in the first Yankee Stadium such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, the Beach Boys, U2 and Billy Joel. The most recent Latin music concert there was held on August 24, 1973 by the Fania All Stars, more than 40 years ago.

To those who are not familiar with the musical sensation, it should be said that he has worked long and hard to reach his exalted position in the music world. After singing in a church choir as a boy, he, together with his cousin and two close friends formed a vocal quartet. They began as teenagers in 1994 and signed their first recording contract in 1999. After assuming the name Aventura, they had several hit records and attained status as a superlative musical group performing the Dominican genre, Bachata.

The foursome was honored during Bronx Week in 2007 as the group’s name was added to the Bronx Walk of Fame, the greatest honor given by the borough.

In 2010, the group disbanded, so its members could pursue individual projects. Romeo Sanchez recorded his first solo album, Fórmula Vol 1, which produced a unique feat of five #1 singles. The Sony Music Latin artist was the #1 in sales of Latin music in 2009, 2010 and 2012. This fact will most likely continue in the future as Santos has the most #1 discs in Latin music in the current decade. 

His new recording, which features Drake, Nicki Minaj, Carlos Santana, Marc Anthony, Tego Calderón and comedian Kevin Hart introducing it, has been eagerly awaited and should be another best seller.