Morrisania News: YANKEES

Morrisania News: YANKEES: Return to Glory? New Faces and Returning Faves Look to Bring Home Another Championship By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 31-...

YANKEES

Return to Glory? New Faces and Returning Faves Look to Bring Home Another Championship

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 31- As the college basketball season reaches its apex, the Final Four, the Major League Baseball (MLB) season is ready to begin in full force. Each team, except the two teams who began the season earlier in March in Australia, have a mark of 0-0.

Hopes are high in the Bronx as there are always expectations among Yankee fans that the team will reach the World Series or, at the least, qualify for the playoffs. 

Great changes have been made since the conclusion of the 2013 season. Iconic figures have departed. Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer in MLB history, retired. Andy Pettitte, a mainstay starter for 15 seasons with the Yankees, especially effective in the post-season, retired. 

The controversial third sacker who has blasted more than 600 home runs, Alex Rodrigez, was suspended for the entire 2014 season by the Commissioner of Baseball. Robinson Cano, considered by many observers to be the best second baseman in the majors, signed a 10-year contract for $240 million with the Seattle Mariners. Starter Phil Hughes and reliever Joba Chamberlain signed with other teams as the Yankees showed little interest in signing them.

Last year’s injury riddled team finished the year with an 85-77 record and did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The 2013 Yankees consisted of many reserves who were inserted into the starting lineup in the place of injured star players.

Stars always counted upon for consistency are returning from serious injuries. First baseman Mark Teixeira played only 15 games in 2013 after having suffered a wrist injury that required surgery. The team captain Derek Jeter played only 17 games last year after repeated ankle injuries. Jeter announced that 2014 will be his final season in the majors. He, obviously, will be making his usual supreme effort to lead his club to a successful year. 

Four off-season free agent acquisitions with a combined cost of nearly $500 million are expected to strengthen in the club in a number of areas. For the first time since Jorge Posada was behind the plate, the Yankees have an outstanding offensive and defensive catcher with leadership qualities in Brian McCann. With an impressive Spring Training showing, Francisco Cervelli beat out Austin Romine and J.R. Murphy to be the back-up catcher.

Jacoby Ellsbury, formerly of the Red Sox, will be the lead-off hitter and center fielder for the team. Although he was out two weeks with an injury in March, the Yankees are hopeful he will play a full injury-free season. 

Veteran Carlos Beltran will fill the position in right field. The former Met had envisioned playing with the Yankees years ago. If he remains as he has been the last few years, he will help the Yankees at bat and should also be a boon to the team in the clubhouse. 

Brett Gardner, on the big club since 2008, recently signed a four -year extension for $52 million. Gardner, who has a similar skill set as Ellsbury, will fill the other outfield corner in left.

Veteran Ichiro Suzuki will serve as the fourth outfielder. Alfonso Soriano, who had an excellent season after signing with the Yankees last year will move from the outfield to be the designated hitter.

Kelly Johnson at third and Brian Roberts at second will join veteran Yankees Teixeira and Jeter in the infield. While they cannot be expected to replace Rodriguez and Cano at the plate, the experienced major leaguers should be more than adequate in the field. 

The ace of the starting rotation, CC Sabathia, is hoping to rebound after a poor year. He has again lost weight, which could either be positive or negative. He appears to recognize that he needs to adjust to the loss of velocity on his fastball. 

The second starter, Hiroki Kuroda, is coming off a disappointing second half of the 2013 season. The 39 year-old can benefit the Yankees by helping major league rookie Matsahiro Tanaka adjust to the majors and the United States. 

The three young starters had outstanding springs. Tanaka was 2-0 with an excellent ERA in his appearances. Ivan Nova also pitched well. Michael Pineda, after missing two seasons with injuries, was recently named the fifth starter by Joe Girardi after an impressive Spring Training. 

The key relief spot, closer, filled nearly perfectly by Marian Rivera will be given to David Robertson. Last year’s eighth inning specialist is hopeful of being as successful as he was on 2013 in his new role. The Yankees passed on signing several respected closers to replace Rivera. 

Shawn Kelley and newcomer Jacob Thornton are expected to take over the eighth inning responsibilities. Other returning relievers include David Phelps, Dellin Betances, Cesar Cabral, and Adam Warren.

Will the 2014 version of the Yankees be sufficient to carry them into the playoffs? No one yet knows. Yankees personnel and fans certainly hope for and expect success. 

Morrisania News: Derek Jeter, Kate Moss ‘Sign’ for Troubled Pol

Morrisania News: Derek Jeter, Kate Moss ‘Sign’ for Troubled Pol: Derek Jeter, Kate Moss ‘Sign’ for Troubled Pol Campaign Workers Indicted for False Petition Signatures BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 27- Di...

Derek Jeter, Kate Moss ‘Sign’ for Troubled Pol

Derek Jeter, Kate Moss ‘Sign’ for Troubled Pol

Campaign Workers Indicted for False Petition Signatures

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 27- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that a nine-month long investigation into fraudulent petitions filed with the New York City Board of Elections has resulted in the arrests of three former campaign workers for New York City Council Member Maria Del Carmen Arroyo.

The investigation uncovered no evidence of any criminal conduct by any other persons.

Elbin Lopez, 49, of Alexander Avenue, Betty Julien, 47, of Bruckner Boulevard of Richman Plaza, and Luis Vargas, 45, of Bruckner Boulevard, have been charged with multiple felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, forgery in the second degree, and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. The defendants are facing maximum terms of up to seven years imprisonment if convicted.

The charges stem from the defendants’ alleged conduct as employees of Council Member Arroyo’s campaign for re-election in 2013. The defendants were hired by the Council Member’s campaign to gather signatures on petitions to have her name placed on the ballot in the Democratic Primary Election which was held in September 2013.

The defendants were arraigned before Criminal Court Judge Carol Sharpe and were released on their own recognizance.

It is alleged that Lopez, Julien, and Vargas forged nearly 100 signatures on the candidate’s petitions which were then filed with the New York City Board of Elections. The alleged forgeries included the signatures of New York Yankees team captain Derek Jeter, sports announcer Joe Buck, New York Giants defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, and actress Kate Moss. The petitions also contained phony addresses accompanying some signatures including a Citibank branch location and a location for the drug rehabilitation program Odyssey House.

The charges announced today are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Morrisania News: Lady Rams Leave the Big Dance

Morrisania News: Lady Rams Leave the Big Dance: Lady Rams Leave the Big Dance By Howard Goldin BRONX NEWS, MARCH 24- The only team representing the Bronx in the Women’s NCA...

Lady Rams Leave the Big Dance

Lady Rams Leave the Big Dance

By Howard Goldin

BRONX NEWS, MARCH 24- The only team representing the Bronx in the Women’s NCAA Tournament, Fordham University, seeded 10th, played competitively throughout its first round contest against the seventh seeded California Lady Bears at Waco, Texas. A victor was not decided until the final seconds of the game.

The Lady Bears ran up their largest lead in the first half, six points, 13-7, with a three at 14:25. At that point, the Rams of Fordham began a 14-1 scoring run that raised their advantage to a game high of seven points, 21-14, at 7:51. The run was culminated by a three by Erin Rooney. After the last first half tie at 28, Fordham’s Emily Tapio sunk a basket that gave Fordham a 30-28 lead at the half.

During the second half, neither team displayed any intention to accept losing the contest. The score was knotted eight times and the lead changed hands on nine occasions. 

Three of the lead changes took place during the final 31.5 seconds of play. With the Rams leading, 61-60, Afure Jemerigbe netted two free throw to give the Bears a 62-61 lead. The ball then was given to the star of each team, Erin Rooney of the Rams and Brittany Brown of the Bears to hopefully give her team a win. They are two of only three players in the NCAA this year who averaged at least 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game.

With 19 seconds on the clock, Rooney’s basket provided the Rams with a 63-62 advantage. Five seconds later, Brown’s layup gave the lead back to the Bears, 64-63. Rooney took the final shot of the game, but it was blocked by Reshanda Gray. The block was caused by a defensive switch made by Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb. 

The two backcourt leaders of their teams played outstandingly and achieved double-doubles. Brown scored 22, 16 in the second half, dished 10 assists and grabbed 6 rebounds. Rooney scored 17, hauled down 10 boards and passed for five assists. 

Coach Stephanie Gaitley assessed the two, one day before the contest was played, “I think Erin is very disciplined. I think she is more of a disciplined guard and I think Brittany can really create her own shots and she does a great job of getting other people shots as well. In so many ways, what they both do for their teams is very similar.”

Although the Rams were narrowly edged in Saturday afternoon’s contest, their improvement since Gaitley assumed the head coaching position is remarkable. In the 2007-8 season, the Rams were 0-29. Under the helm of Gaitley for the past three seasons, Fordham has won 62 games, a Fordham record high of 25 in each of the last two years.

Two star Fordham seniors commented on the team’s rise. Rooney remarked, “I think it’s just nice to be able to put a school on the map. It’s a great school, and people, I think, think of it as more of an academic school, and to be part of a team that can put it out there in in the sporting world and get people to recognize it, it’s pretty special.” 

Another Fordham senior, Abigail Corning, said, “It means a lot to be a part of the historical run that we’ve put together and really building our program up from obviously winning zero six years ago.”

Meaningful comments regarding Fordham were tweeted by Scarsdale native Lindsay Gottlieb, the classy and highly successful coach of Cal, “Major credit and kudos to @Fordham WBB. Well coached is an understatement. [They are] excellent players with a winning attitude.”

Morrisania News: Subway Muggers Sought

Morrisania News: Subway Muggers Sought: Subway Muggers Sought Police Seek to Identify D-Train Robbers By David Greene BRONX NEW YORK, MARCH 20- P olice have released ...

Subway Muggers Sought

Subway Muggers Sought

Police Seek to Identify D-Train Robbers

By David Greene

BRONX NEW YORK, MARCH 20- Police have released a video and several photos and are hoping the public can help identify two groups of suspects wanted in connection with two cellphone robberies at a Norwood train station.

According to police, an unidentified 20-year-old male victim was on the mezzanine level of the East 205 Street station when he was approached from behind by two assailants at 8:30 p.m., on February 16.

The victim reported that one of two suspects produced a firearm and demanded valuables. The suspects removed the victim’s wallet and cellphone before fleeing the station.

A surveillance camera captured the two suspects as they exited the station. They are both described as male Hispanics. The armed suspect reportedly had braids in his hair and wore a black hat.

Police reported a second incident that took place at the same train station at 8:15 p.m. on February 17.

Cops in that case say the 34-year-old victim had boarded a southbound D-train when an individual grabbed the victim’s cellphone and fled.

The victim reportedly gave chase and was surrounded on the platform by a group of suspects, who punched him in the face several times and fled.

Investigators have also released surveillance photos of the six suspects in this case, all believed to be in their teens or early 20's. The photo were taken as they too fled the station.

Repeated attempts to reach Gilbert Santos, the MTA Station Manager for the 205 Street Station were unsuccessful.

An employee answering phones at the MTA Transit Police Department referred calls for information to the NYPD.

Police suggest subway riders keep all electronic devices secured and out of sight at all times.

Anyone with any information on either of the individuals is asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577, all calls remain confidential.

Morrisania News: Nobody Told Us About Outbreak

Morrisania News: Nobody Told Us About Outbreak: Nobody Told Us About Outbreak Residents Fuming Over Silence on Disease By Michael Horowitz BRONX NEW YORK, MARCH 14- Co-op Ci...

Morrisania News: Nobody Told Us About Outbreak

Morrisania News: Nobody Told Us About Outbreak: Nobody Told Us About Outbreak Residents Fuming Over Silence on Disease By Michael Horowitz BRONX NEW YORK, MARCH 14- Co-op Ci...

Nobody Told Us About Outbreak

Nobody Told Us About Outbreak

Residents Fuming Over Silence on Disease

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX NEW YORK, MARCH 14- Co-op City shareholders, speaking out during interviews expressed concerns that they had just found out about two confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in their building, one from last summer and one from 13 months earlier than that.

Among the Building 27 shareholders who were interviewed, only Teresa Acevedo said that she was not concerned about reports of cases of Legionnaires’ Disease in her building.

Expressing the dominant point of view among those questioned Ariel Jimenez, walking out of his building with his 5-year-old son, Elian, said, “This is really spooky. I’m concerned for the little ones who don’t have fully developed immune systems to fight disease, and, of course, I’m concerned for everyone else in the building. We should have been told about this in December, when management and the city’s Health Department first found out about it.”

Jimenez added, “Like many people in our building, we have had problems with mold in our apartment. Under the circumstances, it should have been even more important for the shareholders in our building to know what was happening in terms of the cases of Legionnaires’ Disease.”

Expressing an even more vocal view, Ethel Minkin stressed, “This whole thing about Legionnaires’ Disease in our building is a shock to me. Riverbay should be sued for this. Co-op City is a nice place, but there are too many secrets. The shareholders have a right to know what’s going on.”

Rena Mena, a former paramedic, added, “We have a whole lot of environmental problems in our apartments. I have toxic black mold in my apartment, which Maintenance workers keep fixing because it keeps coming back. I suffer from asthma, so I’m especially concerned, like Legionnaires’ Disease, that could make it more difficult for me to breathe.”

A shareholder, who wished to remain unidentified, stressed, “We just got through settling an environmental lawsuit in North Carolina, and now, we have to deal with this. I have a 1-year-old daughter, and I’m extremely concerned about our health.”

Morrisania News: Picking Up the Pieces

Morrisania News: Picking Up the Pieces: Picking Up the Pieces Fire destroys 2 buildings in Morrisania By David Greene BRONX NEWS, MARCH 12- A long struggling com...

Picking Up the Pieces

Picking Up the Pieces

Fire destroys 2 buildings in Morrisania

By David Greene

BRONX NEWS, MARCH 12- A long struggling community must once again pick up the pieces after a devastating fire destroyed two buildings and has closed two popular businesses and left several families homeless.

Fire officials were first called to the three-alarm blaze at the Pamela Deli, located at 781 E. 163 Street at 3:30 p.m. on March 6. Fire officials and witnesses at the scene reported flames and smoke pouring out from all three floors of the wood-frame structure, before an adjacent building also caught fire.

A third building suffered multiple broken windows, as well as smoke and water damage, as firefighters vented the building. The thick, black smoke could be seen billowing high above Tinton Avenue for several miles.

Kevin Hudson, who works at an adjacent SRO had just left work and was several blocks away when he saw the speeding fire trucks, when he raced back to his building to assist with the evacuation of the 51 residents.

As firefighters were just bringing the fire under control, Hudson said of his residents, "Everyone is fine, but there's a lot of smoke in the hallways." He concluded, "Everyone evacuated quickly, there use to it. We do drills every week."

Two firefighters suffered minor burns and were transported to local hospitals. Nearly 150 firefighters from 33 units, including one unit from as far away as New Jersey battled the flames for several hours. Firemen remained at the scene the rest of the night as fire flared-up several times.

The Department of Buildings would later deem the structure unsafe and the building would be torn down.

The building's owner Pamela Baez, who has run the popular deli for the better part of three-decades, has vowed to rebuild.

Tags: Fire, building

Morrisania News: Bronx Ready for March Madness

Morrisania News: Bronx Ready for March Madness: Bronx Ready for March Madness Manhattan, Fordham, Advance to NCAA Tourney By Howard Goldin BRONX NEWS, MARCH 12- Representati...

Bronx Ready for March Madness

Bronx Ready for March Madness

Manhattan, Fordham, Advance to NCAA Tourney

By Howard Goldin

BRONX NEWS, MARCH 12- Representatives of the Bronx will be participants in March Madness of 2014 as the Manhattan Jaspers men and the Fordham Rams women automatically qualified for the NCAA National Tournament by virtue of winning their conference tournaments. 

The Manhattan Jaspers (25-7) reversed last year’s MAAC Tournament final result by defeating the 1^st seeded Iona Gaels by three points, 71-68, on Monday night, to advance to the NCAA National Tournament. The second seeded Jaspers advanced to the final contest by a win over Saint Peter’s and Quinnipiac in earlier rounds of the tourney.

The victory over Iona advanced the Jaspers into the true March Madness for the fourth time. They last were in the nationals a decade ago, 2004. Prior to that year, they were in the NCAA’s in 2003 and 1993. Interestingly, their current head coach, Steve Masiello was an assistant coach in the successes of 2003 and 2004. 

MAAC Tournament MVP George Beamon led Manhattan with 16 points and eight boards. Rhamel Brown scored 15. Shane Richards, with four from beyond the arc, scored 14. Emmy Andujar netted 12.

One day earlier the women hoopsters of Fordham University (25-7) captured the Atlantic-10 Tournament with a 63-51 victory over the 1^st seeded Dayton Flyers. This tournament title was the first for the Rams in the respected athletic conference. The Rams advanced to the National Tournament for the second time. Their last appearance was 20 years ago, 1994.

At 16:09, Dayton was up by 8-2. A jumper by senior Abigail Corning at 3:05 gave the Rams their first lead of the game. The Flyers, as they had for most of the first half, led at the half, 30-29.

The game was competitive throughput the early minutes of the second half. After a tie at 43 was broken by two free throws by Emily Tapio at 13:07, the Rams never again lost the lead. Stephanie Gaitley, the Fordham head coach, remarked, “They were very focused. Confidence grew as we came down the stretch.”

Three of the starters for Fordham achieved double-doubles. Erin Rooney scored 13 and grabbed 13 boards. Emily Tapio accomplished her fifth double-double in the past eight contests with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The A-10 Tournament MVP, Corning, scored 12 with 10 rebounds.

The seeding and location of play for Manhattan will br announced on Sunday and for Fordham will be announced Monday.

Tags: March Madness, NCAA National Tournament, Fordham Rams, Manhattan Jaspers 

Morrisania News: Spring Events

Morrisania News: 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.

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.

Morrisania News: Legionnaire’s Disease

Morrisania News: Legionnaire’s Disease: Health Scare Panic or Coverup? Why Didn’t Officials Inform Community About 2 Confirmed Cases of Legionnaire’s Disease By Michael Horo...

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.”

Morrisania News: Bundled Up Burglar Wanted

Morrisania News: Bundled Up Burglar Wanted: Bundled Up Burglar Wanted By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 5- Provi...

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.   

Morrisania News: 280 Gang

Morrisania News: 280 Gang: Facebook Fools Gangs Bragged, Recruited Through Social  Media BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 3- A Bronx street gang bragged abou...

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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Morrisania News: Manhattan Jaspers Edge Iona

Morrisania News: 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 tea...

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.