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

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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. 

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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.