Friday, April 19, 2013
Westchester Square News: Clinton Mauled by Lehman
Westchester Square News: Clinton Mauled by Lehman: Photos by Gary Quintal The Lehman Lions walloped Clinton 14-2 at Dewitt Clinton High School. Clinton's starting pitcher ...
Clinton Mauled by Lehman
Photos by Gary Quintal
The Lehman Lions walloped Clinton 14-2 at Dewitt Clinton High School. Clinton's starting pitcher managed only one out while allowing the first 6 batters to reach base in a 6 run first inning. Heading into Friday's match-ups, Clinton is 3-3, while Lehman is 5-1.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Westchester Square News: Ruben Diaz Sr. Still Amazes Us
Westchester Square News: Ruben Diaz Sr. Still Amazes Us: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- Before I get into our headline, Saturday night rocked and socked as ther...
Ruben Diaz Sr. Still Amazes Us
100 PERCENT
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- Before I get into our headline, Saturday night rocked and socked as there was standing room only at the ECPW Wresting event at St. Francis Xavier. The wrestlers battled it out in seven grueling matches, signed autographs, and mingled with the audience. I have many great photos of the wrestlers and matches on my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com so if you can see what you missed.
As for State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr., Saturday afternoon The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization inc. held its 25th Anniversary Banquet. The ballroom was packed with over 600 people including two of the top four Democratic, and the two top Republican candidates for mayor. Democrats New York City Comptroller John Liu, & former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson, Republicans former MTA head John Lhota & supermarket magnate John Catsimatidis. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Bronx Assemblymen Marcos Crespo & Luis Sepulveda, and other minor candidates for mayor such as former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion and Rev. Erick Salgado.
One could see the pandering to the audience with the use of a few words of Spanish said by several of the candidates, and how each tried to tie their roots to the Bronx. Missing was the leading candidate for mayor City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, but while she was invited no one expected Quinn to come with in a mile of the banquet let alone the Bronx. You can go to my blog to see just which politician came to try and sway the powerful Hispanic Clergy swing vote. Also is a photo of Senator Diaz standing in the middle of the two Republican candidates for mayor with his arms firmly around both candidates.
Speaking of mayoral candidates, City Council Speaker Quinn was on Fordham Road last Sunday with State Senator Gustavo Rivera to get his endorsement. So far Senator Rivera is the only Bronx elected official that I know of who has openly endorsed Quinn for mayor, and I have to wonder why so many Bronx council members have said that they are refusing to endorse their speaker Christine Quinn for mayor.
Mayoral candidate Christine Quinn avoided a mayoral candidates forum that was held at Monroe College last week held by the City Action Coalition. City Councilman Pastor Fernando Cabrera opened the mayoral forum by introducing Monroe College President Steven Jerome who gave a wonderful description of the college and its offerings. Topics of discussion after opening statements included allowing faith based organizations use of school buildings during non school hours, sex education, who would be schools chancellor and police commissioner, and the stop and frisk policy. I asked several people if they had any opinion on Speaker Quinn's absence the answers ranged from “WHO?” to “that's how much she cares about the Bronx”.
87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda had the grand opening of his new (and the former Assemblyman Peter Rivera's old) office which is located at 1973 Westchester Avenue near the Hugh Grant Circle at Metropolitan Avenue. The phone number for Assemblyman Sepulveda's office is 718-931-2620. You can see photos of Assemblyman Sepulveda's office on my blog.
Zaro's Bread Basket a long time fixture at the corner of Westchester and Metropolitan Avenues was closed on April 9th by the New York City Health Department. There was a pending grade notice pending dated March 23rd.
Finally the Bronx Chamber of Commerce held their Women of Distinction luncheon last week with Ms. Juliet Papa of 1010 WINS fame as the Mistress of Ceremony. Ms. Brittany Mitchell (of Preston High School) sang the national anthem, and Sister Seline Mary Flores (of Providence Rest Nursing Home) gave the invocation. BCC President Lenny Caro gave the opening remarks as NYC Department of Corrections Commissioner Dora B. Schribo gave the Keynote Speech. The honorees were NYPD Deputy Inspector Nilda Hoffmann and Dean of Studies at Preston High School Linda Youngren. There were five one thousand dollar scholarship awards given to Zoraya Almonte, Faith Daniels, Selene Munoz, Rosalias Read, and Yaritza Rendon. You can go to my blog to see the honorees and recipients of the scholarship awards and other upcoming events being held by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce or go to their website at www.bronxchamber.org.
If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.
Westchester Square News: Bench Warmer Becomes Home Run Hero
Westchester Square News: Bench Warmer Becomes Home Run Hero: By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- Travis Hafner sat on the bench Wednesday night for more than two hours. Bottom of the eighth...
Bench Warmer Becomes Home Run Hero
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- Travis Hafner sat on the bench Wednesday night for more than two hours. Bottom of the eighth at Yankee Stadium, he gets the nod from Yankees manager Joe Girardi to pinch hit with two outs. And, as Yankees role players have been doing so well, Hafner connected on the first pitch off Arizona right hander David Hernandez.
The home run to right field was a difference as the Yankees came from behind and defeated the Diamondbacks for the second straight night.
Hafner is one of those supposed minor acquisitions that general manager Brian Cashman believed would be beneficial, along with Lyle Overbay and Vernon Wells. And with Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixiera, and Alex Rodriguez disabled with injuries, the role for Hafner is come off the bench, occasional outfield play or inserted as the designated hitter in the lineup.
Pinch hitting is more difficult, as Girardi would say, but Hafner has accepted his role and is ready to contribute when called upon.
“To sit two two-and-a –half hours that has to be tough to do,” commented Girardi about one of his super substitutes that have helped New York win seven of their last eight games.
It was the fourth pinch-hit home run in Hafner’s career, and his fourth of the season. He had 12 all of last year with the Cleveland Indians. The Yankees signed him to a one-year deal in February after spending the last 10-seasons with the Cleveland Indians.
“It’s moments like this that are really special, you remember a long time,” said Hafner about the home run. “Happy to be a part of the team and contribute tonight I was just looking for a good pitch to hit.”
Hafner added, he is enjoying his time with the Yankees and is swinging the bat really well. Time on the bench is not easy, but he knows right now the role is to be ready and he also realizes that when the injured return the playing time may be less.
“Pretty much I am ready the fifth or sixth inning on,” he said. “He, (Girardi) calls your name, be ready. I was looking to be aggressive and get a good pitch to hit and drive and fortunately I got it out.”
Most importantly, he said, “You want to contribute and help the team win.”
Winning pitcher CC Sabathia, expects more from his former Cleveland teammate because he knows how valuable the veteran is. “When Haf walked in I expected him to do a lot more than what he has done,” said Sabathia. That got a laugh, however the Yankees are more than pleased with the production and contribution.
Said Sabathia, “In this ballpark, with his power all it takes is the right pitch and he got that today.”
e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Westchester Square News: Easter Parade
Westchester Square News: Easter Parade: BRONX, NEW YORK, March 28- Students in Castle Hill donned their Easter bonnets during the annual holiday celebration at St. Raymond E...
Easter Parade
.JPG)
BRONX, NEW YORK, March 28- Students in Castle Hill donned their Easter bonnets during the annual holiday celebration at St. Raymond Elementary School. In addition to a parade there was a petting zoo and an Easter egg hunt.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Fordham News: Register Gun Offenders-BP says
Fordham News: Register Gun Offenders-BP says: BRONX, NEW YORK, February 21 - In his annual “State of the Borough” address, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. called on the New York S...
NorwoodBX: Register Gun Offenders-BP says
NorwoodBX: Register Gun Offenders-BP says: BRONX, NEW YORK, February 21 - In his annual “State of the Borough” address, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. called on the New York...
Register Gun Offenders-BP says
BRONX, NEW YORK, February 21- In his annual “State of the Borough” address, Bronx
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. called on the New York State Legislature to
create a new “gun crime registry,” with reporting requirements similar to New
York State’s sex offender registry.
“We
must also ensure that those who engage in gun violence are not allowed to
escape the spotlight,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Law-abiding
citizens ought to know who among us is responsible for gun violence, and this
initiative will do just that.”
Diaz’s
proposed registry would be available online, and would require perpetrators
convicted of crimes involving a gun to keep updated records with the police
regarding their living and employment arrangements. Gun crime offenders, under the
proposal, would be required to remain on the registry for at least ten years,
and could be removed from the registry for good behavior following that initial
time period.
Among
other requirements, those convicted of gun crimes would have to:
- Report annually where they live
by signing and returning an annual verification form within ten (10) days
after receiving it.
- Notify law enforcement
officials in writing of a new address no later than 10 days after moving.
- Report in person to a local
police agency to have a current photograph taken every three years.
- Personally verify their
addresses every 90 days with law enforcement for a period of three
consecutive years after the conviction. After three years without any
further arrests, the individual will eligible for a modified reporting
schedule. Law enforcement may at that time photograph an offender if that
offender’s appearance has changed.
Under
Borough President Diaz’s proposal, failure to perform any of the registration
obligations would be considered a felony level crime. A first conviction would
be punishable as a Class E felony; a second or subsequent conviction is
punishable as a Class D felony.
Individuals
unable to secure employment would be assigned a case worker to identify career
counseling services, training opportunities and other available social
services.
Borough
President Diaz stated that, in the coming weeks and months, he would engage in
conversations with members of the New York State Legislature to begin the
process of crafting legislation and building support for this unique
initiative.
“A
safer New York State, and a safer nation, demands that we shine a light on
those individuals who would commit gun crimes in our neighborhoods. An
easily-accessible gun crime registry will serve as an excellent tool not only
to keep neighborhoods informed about crime, but to serve as a deterrent from
such acts. I look forward to working with the New York State Legislature to
pass this important piece of legislation,” said Borough President Diaz.
During
his annual “State of the Borough” address, Borough President Diaz also praised
the New York State Legislature for passing the NY SAFE Act in January. He also
called for new laws requiring ammunition micro stamping, limiting the number of
guns and amount of ammunition an individual can purchase at any given time, and
requiring a drug test to get a gun license.
###
Monday, February 11, 2013
Westchester Square News: Winter Wonderland
Westchester Square News: Winter Wonderland: --> (Photos by Dan Gesslein) Bronxites in Pelham Bay enjoyed the snow after Old Man Winter dumped the white stuff all over the bor...
Winter Wonderland
-->
Ad.jpg)
(Photos by Dan Gesslein)
Bronxites in Pelham Bay enjoyed the snow after Old Man Winter dumped the white stuff all over the borough. In Pelham Bay Park, children and parents made snowmen while older kids played football in the snow.
Beats By Dr. Dre Solo HD Light Blue On-Ear Headphones - BT ON SOLOHD LBL (Google Affiliate Ad)Beats By Dr. Dre Solo HD Pink On-Ear Headphones - BT ON SOLOHD PNK (Google Affiliate Ad)Spalding 63-995E NBA Varsity Junior Outdoor Basketball - Pink-Green (Google Affiliate Ad)Franklin Trac-Tec Breakaway Basketball Hoop (Google Affiliate Ad)
Ad.jpg)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Westchester Square News: Bronx Hails Koch
Westchester Square News: Bronx Hails Koch: --> Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. issued the following statement on the passing of Mayor Ed Koch: BRONX, NEW YORK...
Bronx Hails Koch
-->
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. issued the following statement on the passing of Mayor Ed Koch:
BRONX, NEW YORK, February 1- “Today the Bronx is mourning the death of a son and one of the city’s greatest and most charismatic public leaders. Mayor Ed Koch was a man of wit and wisdom, a leader who helped lift our city out of the brink of bankruptcy, raising our spirits along the way and securing New York’s place as the capital of the world.
“Mayor Koch was always proud of his Bronx roots. During his administration he helped rebuild the South Bronx, creating a task force that helped restore burned-out buildings while creating new, thriving communities—work that still resonates to this day. He was a man of deep devotion, who after leaving office continued to inspire New Yorkers through his activism and his commitment to a city he fiercely loved.
“While we mourn his loss we honor his legacy, commitment to civil rights and his civic leadership, which will forever live in our hearts and in the millions of lives he touched. On behalf of the 1.4 million residents of the Bronx, I would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this very difficult time,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Westchester Square News: Flu Shots
Westchester Square News: Flu Shots: --> BRONX, NEW YORK, January 28- Council Member James Vacca and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York offered free flu shots for ...
Flu Shots
-->
BRONX, NEW YORK, January 28- Council Member James Vacca and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York offered free flu shots for Bronx residents at Vacca’s office, located at 3040 East Tremont Avenue. Vacca was pleased to join the first two constituents who came for their free shots, (Left to Right) Emilio Abbamonte and Florence Smith, who received their shots from VNSNY’s Ann Royston.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Westchester Square News: Monte Takes Over Westchester Sq. Hospital
Westchester Square News: Monte Takes Over Westchester Sq. Hospital: --> BRONX, NEW YORK, January 25- The Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved Montefiore Medical Center’s b...
Monte Takes Over Westchester Sq. Hospital
-->
BRONX, NEW YORK, January 25- The Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved Montefiore Medical Center’s bid to acquire the facilities of New York Westchester Square Medical Center (NYWSMC), a Bronx, N.Y., neighborhood hospital that has operated under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for nearly seven years.
“Montefiore has a longstanding commitment to its community. We want to provide vital healthcare services that are forward-thinking, coordinated and patient-centered, and in so doing, safeguard jobs and support local businesses,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Montefiore. “Our model is based on the belief that comprehensive and well-managed care improves patients’ overall well-being.”
The new facility will be renamed Montefiore Westchester Square. The plan is to have a full-service emergency department, an ambulatory surgery center and, over time, comprehensive primary and specialty care services.
Montefiore is committed to preserving as many jobs as possible and will begin working closely with NYWSMC’s labor unions to identify qualified staff eligible for hire by Montefiore. “The physicians and staff at NYWSMC have maintained the highest level of professionalism at a time when the medical center was under financial stress and its future uncertain,” Dr. Safyer said. “They have sustained the warm and caring environment that has characterized this institution for many years.”
NYWSMC was founded in 1929. Approximately half of NYWSMC’s physicians currently have privileges at Montefiore; others have the option of applying for privileges.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is supported by $20 million in funding available under the state’s Health Efficiency and Affordability Law. Closing is expected to take place in March.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Westchester Square News: Maritime Snaps Losing Streak
Westchester Square News: Maritime Snaps Losing Streak : --> BRONX, NEW YORK, January 23- The Maritime basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak in dominating fashion on Tuesday ...
Maritime Snaps Losing Streak
-->
BRONX, NEW YORK, January 23- The Maritime basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak in dominating fashion on Tuesday night at the Riesenberg Hall Gymnasium, claiming its second victory of the season, 79-57, over Skyline opponent Mount St. Vincent. The Privateers improve to 2-11 (1-7 Skyline) with the victory, while the Dolphins fall to 4-12 (2-7 Skyline).
“I am so proud of our team tonight,” said head coach Jake Scott. “Everything we have been working on to this point came together. They deserve to be excited after that win. We will continue to work and improve every day. It was a great team effort.”
Sophomore T-Vaughn Gibson (Freeport, Bahamas/Sunland Baptist) led all players with a career-high 28 points; 17 of them coming in the second half. Classmate Sean Corley (Harlem, N.Y./Thurgood Marshall) drained 19 points, while also grabbing six rebounds and dishing out six assists. Senior Ron Bethea (Harlem, N.Y./Humanities Prep.) was limited in the second half due to an apparent leg injury, but still scored 13 points and had a game-high seven rebounds in just 27 minutes.
The Privateers charged out to a 21-point lead, 28-7, at 7:48 of the first half, but Mount St. Vincent fought back with nine straight points in just three minutes, all but two were off of Maritime turnovers. The Red and Blue were able to correct their mistakes and held a 12-point, 35-23, lead at halftime.
The Dolphins picked up their game early in the second half and the lead was cut down to just eight points, 45-37, at 14:03. However, a long stretch from 10:22 to 4:24 of the second saw the Privateers expand their lead to a game-high 23 points after a 20-7 run made the score 71-48. It was capped off by Gibson nailing two free throws.
Mount had three players score in double-figures, led by junior James Zuccaro, who had 18 points. Sophomore D’Andre McPhatter added 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds and junior Gerard Fraser scored 11.
The Privateers shot a season-high 51.0-percent from the floor (26-for-51) compared to the Dolphins’ 32.8-percent (22-for-67).
Maritime is back in action on Thursday, when the squad will travel to Brooklyn to take on NYU-Poly. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Jays’ Jacobs Gymnasium.
Westchester Square News: St. Raymond High School Basketball Past Meets Bask...
Westchester Square News: St. Raymond High School Basketball Past Meets Bask...: --> BRONX, NEW YORK, January 23- Excitement filled the air at the St. Raymond High School for Boys gym on January 20 as alumni,...
St. Raymond High School Basketball Past Meets Basketball Present
-->
BRONX, NEW YORK, January 23- Excitement filled the air at the St. Raymond High School for Boys gym on January 20 as alumni, family and friends of the school celebrated the past and present of the basketball program.
Gary DeCesare ’81 coached the St. Raymond Varsity basketball team for 16 seasons until 2003. After coaching stints with DePaul University and Richmond College, DeCesare now helms the St. Rita High School varsity team in Chicago who visited to take on St. Raymond.
St. Raymond entered the game with a record of 10-5, and a number six ranking in New York City according to MSG Varsity. More than 75 alumni from the school attended to watch DeCesare take on first year coach Jorge Lopez and the St. Raymond team. The game was exciting throughout, with St. Raymond emerging victorious by a score of 56-52. Leading the Ravens were Tory Ferguson with 15 points, Shawn Jones with 13 points, six rebounds and three assists and Luis Santos with 11 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks.
After the game, all players and fans remained in the gym as Coach DeCesare recognized the 20th anniversary of St. Raymond’s first state championship in 1993. Many of the players, managers and coaches of this team returned to celebrate the past and present of St. Raymond basketball. “It is great that so many guys were able to come back today,” said Alex Perez ’95, one of the team’s student managers.
Each player was presented with a St. Raymond windbreaker, championship t-shirt, framed photo of the team and news clippings from their historic season. “That really was a true team,” coach DeCesare said. “You had 12 guys that battled every day in practice.”
Charlton Clarke ’95 approached the podium next to provide plaques to coach DeCesare and assistant coach Greg Scott ’72 on behalf of the 1993 championship team. Coach DeCesare led St. Raymond to New York City Championships in 1991, 1993, 2000 and 2001, and state championships in 1993 and 2001.
The St. Raymond varsity team rode the momentum of the St. Rita victory into wins in their next two road contests: January 21 at Moore Catholic and January 22 at Mount St. Michael. The defending city champion Ravens are now 13-5 as they enter the final stretch of their schedule before the playoffs.
St. Raymond has been welcoming back alumni throughout the basketball season, acknowledging the 40th anniversary of the first Varsity B team and the 35th anniversary of the first freshman city championship team at the annual homecoming event in December.
Westchester Square News: Bronx Seeing Major Drop in Crime
Westchester Square News: Bronx Seeing Major Drop in Crime: --> BRONX, NEW YORK, January 23- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. released statistics highlighting the decrease in murders in th...
Bronx Seeing Major Drop in Crime
-->
BRONX, NEW YORK, January 23- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. released statistics highlighting the decrease in murders in the Bronx in 2012. Last year, the Bronx had a total of 112 murders, down from 148 in 2011 and an all time low in the borough since the early 1960s.
“We are fed up with the negative stereotypes and the erroneous images about who we are as a Borough. The Bronx is a different place from when I was a teenager in the 80s and 90s, and hopefully we can make 2013 safer. This is a good first step, but we have much more work ahead of us,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“I would especially like to thank the hard work of the NYPD, our elected officials, community organizations and everyone who continues to help make our borough a safer place to live.”
With roughly 1.4 million residents in the Bronx, statistics show that in 2012 the Bronx had a murder rate of 8.0 per 100,000 residents. For example, in 2012 Philadelphia’s murder rate stood at 21.4 per 100,000 residents, while Boston had a murder rate of 9.1 per 100,000 and Newark had 33.1 per 100,000 in 2012.
Other cities with significantly higher murder rates than the Bronx included New Orleans, Detroit, Atlantic City, Cleveland, Buffalo, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Dallas and Houston. Los Angeles, with a murder rate of 7.7 per 100,000 residents, barely edged out the Bronx in 2012.
“The Bronx is outpacing the nation in a wide variety of areas, including crime reduction. These statistics show that our borough, which continues to suffer from an inaccurate image as a dangerous place, is indeed outpacing some of the nation’s biggest cities when it comes to violent crime reduction. Given these numbers, it’s time for people across the nation and the world to reconsider how they think about the Bronx,” said Borough President Diaz.
Since the NYPD began tracking crime statistics through CompStat 19 years ago, the Bronx has seen a 70.4 percent total drop in crime, including a 78.1 percent drop in murders. This year’s drop is the lowest number of total murders since 1963. In 2012, the borough saw a drop in shooting victims of 7.7 percent and in shooting incidents of 6.7 percent from the previous year. In the past 19 years, the Bronx has seen shooting victims drop 65.1 percent, and shooting incidents drop 68.5 percent.
Samsung Galaxy Note WiFi 32GB, Gray GTN8013EAVXA (Google Affiliate Ad)Apple 4th Gen iPad With Retina Wi-Fi 32GB For Verizon - MD523LL/A (Google Affiliate Ad)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)