Bronx shows its Pride

The new Bronx LGBTQ Center (the “Center”) held the 2013 pride event, which featured nearly 100 different entertainers, speakers, and organizations, at Crotona Park.

“Keeping in line with doing things differently, our pride event was different from other borough's events at its very core as it incorporated a health fair, where over 12 health-oriented organizations provided on-site health screenings that included rapid HIV testing, blood glucose/diabetes screenings & blood pressure testings, and more. More than 40 organizations in total have signed on to provide information and outreach to pride participants,” stated Peter C. Frank, the Center's secretary, who also chairs their pride committee.

Saying “So Long” to A Good Man

COMMUNITY BOARD
NEWS N’ VIEWS

by

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

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 25- Summertime is supposedly reserved for sun, fun, friends, catching up on things one wants or has not been able to do, and taking a break from the usual routine of life. Regrettably, this Summer became a time of real sadness for those of us at Community Board #12 (The Bronx) as we learned of the news that our longtime Colleague and good Friend, Mr. Larry Clark, returned to the Lord on Sunday, the Fourteenth of July. Mr. Clark, a long-serving and dedicated member of Community Board #12 (The Bronx) was also for many years the Chairman of its Standing Committee on Economic Development and Business Services.

Larry Clark was the sort of individual that every group or organization of whatever type longs to have among its members. Larry was a “doer,” and not merely a “talker.” As a matter of fact, he was a man of fairly few words but many powerful deeds. He was not one limited just to speaking about a need or an undertaking. True, he was open to consequential conversation and to intelligent dialogue. However, his bottom line was to get matters up and running without delay, minus hesitation, and with an absolute minimum of wasted time and talk. I noticed this attribute of Larry’s from the very first time that he attended a Stated Monthly Meeting of Community Board #12, which he did prior to applying for membership on the Community Board, and, much to our good fortune, receiving it. It was a quality that was welcomed at our meetings and deliberations in the Carriage House at TOWN HALL. It was moreover one of the primary reasons why I reached out to him and requested that he assume the mantle of Community Board #12’s Chairman of Economic Development and Business Services.

When Larry Clark took over in the aforesaid capacity, there were several pressing issues waiting to grapple with him. Entertainment enterprises were sprouting up near residential areas and along our commercial strips in increasing numbers. In a few instances, such businesses were even opening their doors on residential blocks. Noise and nuisances of all sorts oftentimes accompanied the establishment of these ventures. Some of them lacked legitimacy and licenses. Some did not operate according to the rules. Some became the setting and backdrop of crime. Such circumstances were daunting as was the urgent need to act expeditiously in the interests of our local quality of life. Others would have shrunk in the face of such an overwhelming challenge. Larry Clark embraced it and sought to find a solution by which both proprietors and neighborhood residents could survive and thrive. He immediately undertook to visit one-by-one and in person every bar, social club, and entertainment entity in Bronx Community District #12. He introduced himself to each of the owners and/or operators. He shared the concerns of Community Board #12 (The Bronx) and those of nearby neighborhood residents. He steeped himself in the knowledge of the pertinent rules, regulations, codes, and laws and, in turn, educated those unaware and ignorant of them. He encouraged those who ignored them along with the justifiable complaints of their neighbors. Mr. Clark became a proactive and positive participant in the licensing application process of the New York State Liquor Authority (N.Y.S.L.A.). He spent innumerable hours in attendance at Authority hearings and in meetings with both business owners/operators and concerned citizens. He did not retreat from saying what needed to be said or in doing what needed to be done. Nor was he stingy in giving of his time and talents. Larry was generous to a fault in trying to be of genuine help.

One of Mr. Clark’s most cherished dreams and fervent desires was to see merchant associations flourish along each of our area’s three commercial strips. Larry really rolled up his sleeves on this project. He went out to meet with merchants during the day. He was equally as generous in holding meetings at night. Circumstances were not kind to Mr. Clark’s endeavor in this regard, but Larry never lost the vision or the hope that one day his dream would come true.

One would think that Mr. Clark’s extensive philanthropy and commitment to our neighborhood would leave him with little or no opportunity to do anything else. However, Larry Clark was a devoted Husband and proud Father. He was a tried-and-true partner to his lovely Wife of so many years, Dorothy. There was never a time that one sat down and chewed the fat with Larry that he did not brag at length about the life and the accomplishments of his two children. A devout Christian gentleman, Mr Clark not only faithfully worshipped at his Church but served extensively in various capacities on its governing boards.

Recent years were not so considerate to Larry Clark or benign. The loss of his much-loved and adored Dorothy was a real blow to him. Ensuing health setbacks and issues likewise burdened this wonderful human being. Even with these formidable trials, Larry never raised the white flag or gave into despair. He did what he could and did the best that he was able. I still recall our District Manager, Carmen L. Rosa, sternly upbraiding him one Thursday evening for walking -- YES, WALKING! -- all the way from his home to TOWN HALL in order to be present for a meeting!

Husband, Parent, Christian, Friend, Civic Leader, Good Neighbor -- all of the aforementioned describe who Larry Clark was and the ways in which and for which we knew him. However, I suggest that to sum up simply and perfectly why Mr. Clark was truly loved and deeply appreciated, one need only say that he was a good and decent man. Larry Clark was buried on the morning of Wednesday, 24 July 2013. May his good deeds go before him. While his mortal remains are to be committed to the earth, the good that he did and the love that he engendered will neither be buried nor forgotten. The world needs good guys. Thank God that He sent Larry Clark to us to be one of them!

Until next time, that is it for this time!

Taking a Stand Against Crime

National Night Out

By Bill Ludwig

The 30th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday,
Aug. 6th.

The 47th Precinct will be holding NNO activities from 4-8 p.m. at Granada Place
between Ely Avenue and Laconia Avenue, across the street from the 47th
Precinct.

This year’s theme is “Respect Your Neighbors - Think Quality of Life!” The opening ceremony will be at 5 p.m. The event is being co-sponsored by the 47th Precinct and the 47th Precinct Community Council. Deputy Inspector Brian Mullen and Community Affairs Officers David Belle and Jason Soto and the 47th Precinct Community Council have planned an enjoyable afternoon and evening for children and adults. Our elected officials have been invited. The 47th Precinct Clergy Coalition will have a prayer march in the vicinity of the 47th precinct starting at 4:45 p.m. before the opening ceremony.

There will be representatives at tables from New York City agencies and other
organizations who will be giving out valuable free information. The League, which is
celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, will have a table and will be distributing
McGruff “Take a Bite Out of Crime” 48 page memo pads. Food and refreshments
will be served. For children’s activities there will be rides and games. There will
also be entertainment for the community to enjoy. Bring the family out, learn about crime prevention, and have fun at the same time.

The slogans this year is: “Get Involved, Help Unite Our Community, Say No to
Drugs, No All Night Parties, Talk to Your Neighbors, Love Your Block, Do Not Block
Your Neighbor’s Driveway, No Loud Music, and A Quiet Neighborhood is a Good
Neighborhood.”

So, what exactly is NNO? It is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored
by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The NATW is a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and promotion of community-bases, law enforcement-affiliated crime prevention activities. NNO is designed to (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front door porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods “celebrate” NNO with a variety of events and activities such as: block parties, cookouts, visits from local police, parades, flashlight walks, contests, and youth programs. An event doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. It can be as simple as having a conversation in a neighbor’s backyard.

The important thing is to talk to your neighbors and plan to get together. NNO has
proven to be an effective, inexpensive, and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer
nation. More than 37 million people are expected to participate in various anti-
crime programs and activities this year. The event involves 15,000 communities
from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

Remember, the key to participating in NNO is: turn your outside lights on, come
outside to meet your neighbors, and participate in your neighborhood’s special
events. This way you can be a part of the nation’s largest annual crime/drug
prevention event on Tuesday evening, August 6th.

Dominican Delegation Tours Bx in Advance of Sunday's Parade

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. welcomed a delegation of elected officials and other leaders from the Dominican Republic to The Bronx.

The day's events included a tour of the borough aboard the Bronx Trolley. The group specifically visited the New York Botanical Gardens, the Yankee Stadium Museum, Arbor House, which is a privately-owned 124-unit housing complex on East 166th Street.

Among the visitors, the deputy mayor of the city of Moca, City Council Members, the Director of Department of Education and Cultural Affairs of the City of Moca, local business owners, as well as the representative of the Bronx Dominican Parade in the Province of Espaillat.

The delegation is visiting the Bronx to take part in the festivities leading up to the Bronx Dominican Day Parade, which will take place on Sunday July 28.

Deadly Drivers

Cabbies arrested for killing girlfriend
hit-n-run outside school

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 22- Two Bronx cab drivers are off the streets after two unrelated incidents on different sides of the borough, over this past weekend.

Police sources say that patrolmen from the 44th Precinct were answering a call of "suspicious activity," at 1356 Walton Avenue in the Mount Eden section, when they discovered a man attempting to dispose of the body of his girlfriend.

The NYPD reports the body of Yajaira Reyes, 29, was discovered shortly after the initial call was reported at 5:45 a.m., on July 21, after police officers questioned why livery driver Moises Martinez, 52, had parked his Lincoln Town Car on the sidewalk.

Martinez allegedly killed Reyes and stuffed her body into a garbage can and was attempting to load the can into his cab when police apprehended him.

Officially, the NYPD has offered no motive in the killing, however, one police source maintained that investigators believe jealousy was the reason for the killing.

The medical examiner was expected to conduct an autopsy on Monday that would determine Reyes' cause of death. Those results may not be available for several days.

Neighbors say the couple were raising four-children together, published reports have stated that the children were on vacation with relatives in Florida at the time of the slaying.

Martinez was immediately taken into custody and was charged with murder and manslaughter.

Reyes, an immigrant from Guatemala, had been a part-time NYPD traffic agent for the better part of the past year.

Martinez looked straight into the lenses of several photographers until one asked, "Why'd you do it?." The suspect then looked away as he was placed into an unmarked car and seconds later-- buried his face in his lap as he was transported to central booking for his arraignment.

Citing an unnamed police source, both Eyewitness News and 1010 WINS reported that Martinez had confessed to the gruesome crime at the scene.

An employee at the Diplo First Class Car Service on Jerome Avenue in Bedford Park, where Martinez worked, recalled, "He was a quiet guy, but got along with everybody." The company currently employees 300 workers.

At about the same time police discovered Reyes' body, another livery taxi driver was returning to the scene of a serious hit-and-run crash in Co-op City.
Police say the unidentified 19-year old victim was crossing Baychester Avenue opposite Harry S. Truman High School, at just after 3 a.m. on July 21, when he was struck by a livery taxi traveling southbound.

The victim, a resident of Co-Op City, was rushed to Jacobi Hospital where he underwent a 6-hour operation, where doctors were forced to amputate the man's leg at just below the knee. The victim was later reported to be in serious, but stable condition.

Police say that at just after 6 a.m., the driver returned to the scene-- after first having replaced his windshield.

Published reports say the driver, identified by officials as Derek Maida, 37, told co-workers he thought his white Ford sedan was hit by debris thrown from a pedestrian overpass.

Maida was quickly arrested and charged with second degree vehicular assault, leaving the scene of an accident, tampering with physical evidence, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failing to yield to a pedestrian.

An official at One Police Plaza could not immediately say where Maida was from, but confirmed Maida was driving with a suspended license. The official also could not say how many times Maida's license had been suspended.

An employee answering the phone at the Co-op City Luxury Car Service in Pelham Bay, where Maida was employed, would only say, "I can't help you with that... no," before hanging up the phone.

# # #


Moises Martinez, 52, was charged with killing NYPD traffic enforcement agent Yajaira Reyes.--Photo by David Greene

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cell phone snatchers strike on subway

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cell phone snatchers strike on subway: BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- A pair of teenage subway riding cell phone thieves are being sought by cops. Police released surveillance video ...

Cell phone snatchers strike on subway

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 19- A pair of teenage subway riding cell phone thieves are being sought by cops.

Police released surveillance video of the teenagers who were seen sneaking under the turn styles at the East 174th street station. At around 10:45 a.m. on June 21, the victim was playing a game on her cell phone on the Number 2 train. The suspect was standing near the victim. When the door opened, the thief snatched the phone from her hands and fled with his accomplice.

Cops say suspect number 1 is a Hispanic male between the ages of 14 to 16. He is
5 foot 6 and 130 pounds with long brown hair. He was wearing a blue and red shirt, with a red and blue baseball cap, dark blue jeans and black sneakers.

Suspect number 2 is described as a Hispanic male between 16 and 18 years old. He is 5 foot 6 and 130 pounds with long, curly dirty-blond hair, wearing a white tank top, black shorts with white stripes, and black sneakers.

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