Home Blog Page 212

Residents Invited to Register for Free Cell Phone Program for Low Income Families

13


Assurance Wireless, a new cell phone service operating under the Sprint Prepaid division, will be on hand tomorrow, Sunday May 16th from 1pm – 6pm at the “The Shops at Gateway” at the Gateway Center Mall offering low income individuals the opportunity to have a cell phone with 200 free minutes a month.  Andrew de Lara, with Corporate Communications/PR at Sprint Nextel put it best by saying:

“We really see this as an opportunity to make those less fortunate aware of this valuable resource – one that can change the lives of people in the Bronx who need a little help getting back on their feet. We recognize that a cell phone is crucial in getting back in the job market (potential employers do need to get in touch with candidates and such – and they still need to stay connected with their loved ones).”

There are several ways one can qualify for this free cell phone service some which are:

  • Medicaid
  • SMAP (food stamps), 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
  • Low Income Housing Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) 
  • National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
Let’s take this opportunity to give a big Melrose THANK YOU to all at Sprint Nextel for this wonderful opportunity to the people of The Bronx.  It’s about time that someone does something for the poorest congressional district in the entire country!
On a separate but related note, for cell phone repair, visit 1800Fix!

Full Press Release:

 

***MEDIA ALERT***
ASSURANCE WIRELESS TAKING APPLICATIONS AT GRAND OPENING OF “THE SHOPS AT GATEWAY”
Residents Invited to Register for Free Cell Phone Program for Low Income Families
WHAT:
Assurance Wireless will be in attendance taking applications for low income eligible residents to receive a free cell phone and service and on hand for interviews during the Grand Opening of “The Shops” at the Gateway Center. 
Assurance Wireless is a new cell phone service for eligible low-income households from Virgin Mobile USA
, part of Sprint’s Prepaid group.  Eligible New York State residents can receive a free cell phone and 200 free minutes of air time for local and long distance calling every month.
Eligibility can be determined by calling Assurance Wireless at 888-898-4888 and more information is available at www.assurancewireless.com.  Generally, those receiving Medicaid, SMAP (food stamps), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8, Low Income Housing Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), or the National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program may be eligible for Assurance Wireless.  Customers may also qualify based on household income and Federal poverty guidelines.  Eligibility varies by state.
WHEN:
Sunday May 16, 2010
12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
WHO:
Kenneth Poindexter, Assurance Wireless Relationship Manager
WHERE:
Shops at Gateway
3rd Avenue 149th-156th Street
Bronx, NY
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
Interview and photo opportunity during grand opening with:
·       Kenneth Poindexter, Assurance Wireless Relationship Manager
CONTACT: 
Onsite: Ken Poindexter – 703-731-4947
Media Contact – Assurance Wireless
Jack Pflanz – 315-374-0693
                                         

             

Residents Invited to Register for Free Cell Phone Program for Low Income Families

3


Assurance Wireless, a new cell phone service operating under the Sprint Prepaid division, will be on hand tomorrow at the “The Shops at Gateway” at the Gateway Center Mall offering low income individuals the opportunity to have a cell phone with 200 free minutes a month.  Andrew de Lara, with Corporate Communications/PR at Sprint Nextel put it best by saying:

“We really see this as an opportunity to make those less fortunate aware of this valuable resource – one that can change the lives of people in the Bronx who need a little help getting back on their feet. We recognize that a cell phone is crucial in getting back in the job market (potential employers do need to get in touch with candidates and such – and they still need to stay connected with their loved ones).”

There are several ways one can qualify for this free cell phone service some which are:

  • Medicaid
  • SMAP (food stamps), 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
  • Low Income Housing Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) 
  • National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
Let’s take this opportunity to give a big Melrose THANK YOU to all at Sprint Nextel for this wonderful opportunity to the people of The Bronx.  It’s about time that someone does something for the poorest congressional district in the entire country!




Coqui Mexicano Makes It To the New York Times!

0



What can our Melrose community do for you? Well for starters if one of our own is in trouble we can all get together, make some ruckus and help save them!  That’s exactly what we did when we found out that Coqui Mexicano was served with an eviction notice.  Thanks to all who rallied the troops like The Bronx Defenders, The South Bronx Food Cooperative, Welcome2Melrose and local elected officials enough noise was made and now they have the attention of the world through the great piece by Sam Dolnick of the New York Times.  First it was the New York Daily News and News12 The Bronx who picked up the the story from Welcome2Melrose


For those of you not familiar with Mr. Dolnick’s writings, he was the one who quoted the phrase the “Bronx Paradox” a few months ago which prompted the Food Revolution in the Bronx lead by Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr. during May 1st’s first ever Bronx Food Summit.


Let’s all give a round of applause for each and every one who came out to show support for the little big guys!

Melrose Just Got Greener – El Jardin De Selene Is Officially Open

0

One of the most long awaited developments in Melrose, El Jardine de Selene is now officially open.  The LEED-Gold (certification pending and was originally designed to achieve a Silver certification but they since bumped it up) development is a mixed-use, mixed-income affordable housing development with a healthy mix of 84 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom units.  

The beautiful 12 story tower, one of the tallest in Melrose, resonates with the Bronx’ rich art deco architectural history .  El Jardin de Selene provides residents with plenty of outdoor space and it’s design floods the building with natural light.  Units on the higher levels even boast 3 exposures – a rarity in any type of construction these days.  A large green roof on the 9th floor provides residents with views of the Bronx and NYC skyline while sitting amongst local and native fauna.  Further down the building on the 2nd Floor is a larger outdoor courtyard also landscaped with native fauna and has direct access via the community room or the laundry room.  The laundry room itself is a treat for the residents as it features “green” appliances – and plenty of them as well as floor to ceiling windows providing tons of sunlight.

And not to be left behind in the “green wars” (The Eltona back in October 2009, opened with 10 windmills on its roof and achieved a LEED PLATINUM Certification) of Melrose as each new development tries to outdo the other, El Jardin de Selene has solar panels on its roof top to power the building’s common areas, bamboo flooring and wheatboard cabinetry in all units and daylight and occupancy sensors in the common areas. 

A big Melrose THANK YOU is in order to all who made this development possible including, Nos Quedamos, Magnusson Architecture and Planning, PC, MJM Construction Services, LLC and Melrose Associates!  Keep up the great work in making our neighborhood the GREENEST neighborhood in the all of New York State!


Manny Kanaris, Principal of MJM Construction Services, LLC showing us the solar panels on the rooftop.

Melrose Avenue Facing North – View from the 12th Floor
View of Melrose Facing North – Boricua College and Village in the distance

"The Price is Life" – Opening Reception Today At LDR Studio Gallery

0

I had the of attending a semi-private tour of “The Price is Life” at the LDR Studio Gallery in Port Morris and I have to say that it is one of the most intense works of art that I have seen so far this year in the Bronx.  The exhibit, which opens today from 5:30PM to Midnight is not one to be missed and is curated by Luis D. Rosado.
==============================================

LDR Studio Gallery is proud to present
 “The Price is  Life”
  
                   
    May 5th, 2010 Opening Reception
5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
curated by: Luis D. Rosado

The duo comprised of Dude & Magnus have devised an infinite canvas which they call Conspiracy Theatre–a vehicle they use to invite a change to the apathy and mass confusion of our dying nations.  They seek to learn, educate and inspire through their creations revisiting the theme of  ‘each one teach one.’  
Dude was born in the Bronx and raised all over New York. He has been creating art since the age of 5.  It was then that his palette for reality itself widened beyond his ability to express it and to this day he strives to blend his knowledge of the worlds around him with the grace of his art.  Through the clarity and purity of science and logic he searches for ultimate wisdom.  As he sometimes refers to himself, he simply considers himself a visiting Vulcan accented by a Jigsaw Picasso. 
Magnus the other half of this duo was born and raised in Union Zoo of the “Dirty Jerz,” an industrial suburban town where no one ever leaves.  His environment forced him to examine his own path.  While exploring his fate to suffer he chose to be guided by his inner conscious to a higher existence.  Forging a new path he broke out to New York to begin his career as a tattoo artist. Since then his goal has been to create life enhancing art which provokes epiphanies in sleeping minds and expands the mass human consciousness.  
Directions to 137 Alexander Ave, between 134th st & Bruckner Blvd:
Subway:
Take 6 train to 138th St./3rd Ave. and exit on 138th St. and Alexander Ave.
Walk south on Alexander Ave until you get to 134th St.
The building is on Alexander Ave. between 134th St. & Bruckner Blvd.
It’s the first building on the right hand side of the street.

Driving from Manhattan:
Go to E. 125th St. & 1st Ave. and take the Willis Avenue Bridge.
Continue on Willis Avenue and take the ramp to Bruckner Blvd.
Turn left at Bruckner Blvd.  Turn right at Alexander Ave.  The building
will be on your left hand side on Alexander Ave. in between 134th St.
& Bruckner Blvd.

NY Daily News Picks Up A Welcome2Melrose Exclusive!

0

Welcome2Melrose first told you about our beloved Coqui Mexicano being served with eviction papers a few weeks ago. Since then, the story was picked up by numerous local and citywide outlets including our great friends at the BoogieDowner, The New York Times and now the Daily News!  


Let’s keep up the great work, Melrose, in representing our people!

Being Green Isn't Just About Changing Your Light Bulbs…

0




So you go to the local hardware store or Home Depot and purchase that compact florescent light bulb (CFLs) because we’re told that it’s great for the environment since it uses 75% less energy than a conventional incandescent bulb. You go home, replace the bulb and voila – you think you are now a happy green individual.


But then you go to your supermarket. You purchase that pineapple you’ve been craving (probably came from South America, Hawaii or the Caribbean – thousands of miles away), and “fresh” tomatoes (not so fresh when you consider they had to travel thousands of miles to get here because tomatoes are not in season in the Northeast until July). When all is said and done probably 99% of everything you purchased at said supermarket was not grown or produced locally for that matter and your total carbon footprint contribution for that one sale can easily offset that bulb you replaced at home earlier in the day.

One way you can help reduce your carbon footprint for produce is to buy fruits and vegetables that are in season in our region. In the Bronx we have access to several farmers markets and local Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) where you can purchase a share of produce for the growing season. Not only are you helping reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing from LOCALLY but you are supporting our regional farmers economically as well as connecting directly with the grower of your food, cutting out the middle “men” such as corporate farmers, buyers and supermarkets, the truckers delivering the produce to Hunts Point then the trucks from Hunts Point delivering your produce to your supermarket and finally to your table.

Wouldn’t you feel much better knowing EXACTLY where your food came from and who grew and delivered it to you? I know I would and to boot, my purchase would also be environmentally friendly. Who knew?!

Here’s a list of Farmers’ Markets in The Bronx:
Bronx Borough Hall Green Market (June 29 – November 23, Tuesdays, 8AM – 3PM)
Lincoln Hospital Green Market (June 29 – November 23, Tuesdays & Fridays, 8AM – 3PM)
Poe Park Green market (July 6 – November 23, Tuesdays, 8AM – 3PM)
New York Botanical Garden Green Market (June 16 – November 29, Wednesdays, 9AM – 6PM)

City Officials Break Ground at Via Verde

6



The usual brass was on hand today at the official ground breaking ceremony in Melrose for the ambitious and long awaited Via Verde (spanish for “Green Way”) development. Attending the ceremony was Secretary Shawn Donovan, the 15th Secretary for Housing and Urban Development of the United States, Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr (as well as his notorious father, State Senator, Ruben Diaz), Congressman Jose E. Serrano and of course, New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. The event was coordinated to coincide with HPD and HDC celebrating the financing of 100,000 affordable units – a milestone towards the 165,000 units goal.


Although there was much excitement in the crowd, not everyone was thrilled with the ground-breaking of Via Verde.  The union rats were in full force on display outside the tent where the ceremony was held with chants from the union workers of, “BLOOMBERG – DO THE RIGHT THING” over and over again, unhappy about the lack of union jobs for the project.  The chants began during Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz, Jr’s speech to which he said, “They chose to start as I started to speak – but they have a right to have their voices heard and practice freedom of speech.”


The $99 million mixed-income rental and homeownership Via Verde is an exciting “green” project developed by Phipps Houses and Jonathan Rose Companies, in partnership with Dattner Architects and Grimshaw Architects which will offer residents approximately 40,000 square feet of open space and is designed to achieve LEED Gold designation.


Some of the features that residents will come to enjoy are:

  • 3 different unit types, a tall 20 story tower with views of Downtown Bronx and Manhattan Skyline, midrise duplex apartments and townhome style dwellings
  • Solar panels will power Via Verde’s common areas
  • Rainwater will be harvested to irrigate the vegetable and fruit gardens that will be available to residents to grow food.
  • All 221 units will have cross-ventilation and solar shading to cool off the units more efficiently during summer months.
  • 34,000 square feet of planted green roofs to create “sky gardens” for the enjoyment of its residents.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2012.  This is yet another big win for the Bronx and our great neighborhood of Melrose where we continue to lead the City and State in what it means to be GREEN!




Congressman Jose E. Serrano
Council Speaker Christine Quinn

The “Mayor” of Melrose with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Organic Pasta, Veggies and 'Shrooms Oh My!

0


So today was MUCH better than yesterday’s dreadful meal of fried wings and french fries. I decided to make up for my poor choice by going to the South Bronx Food Cooperative on Third Avenue and East 158th Street. I picked up some portobello mushrooms, veggie pasta and spinach – all organic and all by the bulk which is pretty awesome that I could purchase the quantities which I NEEDED and WANTED and wasn’t forced to purchase some prepackaged stuff.

That was dinner…breakfast and lunch were pretty good as well…opted for a couple of oranges and a yogurt and then for lunch I had fresh made guacamole – can’t beat that!

Living in the South Bronx is ROUGH when you want access to the good stuff…every corner there’s a bodega with 99% of the items being pretty toxic if you consider all the chemicals, sodium, high fructose corn syrup, sugars, etc – it’s no wonder why we’re not only one of the hungriest but also one of the most obese districts in the country. Corporations are slowly killing us because we are only seen as $ signs and not as HUMANS.

So I Failed Miserably

3


You would think that after attending and participating at the Bronx Food Summit that I would have made a better choice in eating but such is the danger of living in a Food Desert – it’s easier to eat something that kills rather than nourishes. Last night I ordered fried wings and french fries from the local Chinese take-out. I will try and make up for it later.

Trying To Be Green In The South Bronx

0

Today, on May Day, I have decided to chronicle my journey as a South Bronx resident who is trying to be green including but not limited to eating healthy and in a green fashion.

Why May 1st? Well I decided to take advantage of today’s first ever, Bronx Food Summit which brought together people from all ends of the spectrum to bring the issues of food justice to the spotlight as well as issues of sustainability. Even more overwhelming was the sheer number of the public which came to the event thirsting for the knowledge to learn how they can do their part.

The Bronx has been undeserved in so many areas especially when it comes to food.  Have you ever asked yourself why areas of higher income have access to great produce and better food selections? Are you aware that this great food is already in the Bronx? There are many distributors located in Hunts Point and they won’t even deliver to the Bronx – the same borough they operate out of!

Speaking of which, did you know that Fresh Direct will only deliver to Riverdale but not the Bronx? If that wasn’t enough of an insult to Bronxites, they have now expanded delivery to Westchester County but won’t make stops through the neighborhoods which they pollute with their trucks zipping by to get to the third wealthiest county in the country.

I truly hope that my daily journeys  for a year, struggling to be a better citizen of our planet in the poorest congressional district of our nation, can serve as an inspiration and a wake up call that food justice, being green and the welfare of our environment is in our hands, in your hands and not government or big corporations…let’s reconnect with our farmers, our local community gardens and neighborhoods to become a sustainable society versus a wasteful one.

-Green Bronx Guy

(all photographs were taken at Hostos Community College on May 1st, 2010 for the first ever, Bronx Food Summit)

Meet the "Mayor" of Melrose at the Bronx Food Summit

1



Tomorrow, Saturday May 1st you can meet me, the “Mayor” of Melrose as well as a bunch of other great Melrose residents, business owners (such as Darada David of PeaceLove Cafe)and Bronxites as well at the first ever Bronx Food Summit at Hostos Community College from 9AM – 5PM.


Please come meet members of the South Bronx Food Cooperative, which is located right here in Melrose, who will be facilitating the following workshop from 11:45am – 12:45pm:


CLASSROOM 462What is a food co-op and why are they important?
South Bronx Food Cooperative
Not exactly sure what a food cooperative is and how it can benefit you and your community?  Come and find out exactly what a cooperative is, how it functions as well as how it is integrated into the very fabric of our communities.  Learn the difference between a cooperative and your traditional bodegas and supermarkets as well as how you can take control of where your food comes from.



And from 2:30pm – 3:30pm you can come and listen to me speak on the following Panel Discussion:


Afternoon Panel Discussion #1:  C-390 STUDENT LOUNGEHealthy Food Now! Exploring Food “Deserts” and Alternative Solutions for Bronx Communities
Moderator:  Paula Lukats, CSA in NYC Program Manager, Just Food
Panelists:  Kim Latimer-Nelligan, Chief Operating Officer, Low Income Investment Fund; Kate Scallion, Food and Fitness Business Development Coordinator, NYC EDC; Ed Garcia, Board of Directors President, South Bronx Food Cooperative; Christina Grace, Manager Urban Food Systems Program, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets; Robert Volosin, Chief Operating Officer, Inner City Development 
A food “desert” is defined as a specific area lacking access to healthy food options due to a shortage of supermarkets and places to buy fresh food. In place of supermarkets and places to by fresh  food, there’s an abundance of fast food chains, dollar stores and bodegas selling highly processed, poor quality food. Many health care professionals believe there’s direct relationship between the lack of access to healthy fresh food, too many fast food chains and obesity and diabetes.  Hear directly from supermarket developers, policymakers, CSA organizers, and Food Coop owners about the issue and the solutions.



or you can attend the following workshop from 2:30pm to 3:30pm and meet Darada David, owner and operator of Melrose favorite, the healthy PeaceLove Cafe:


Afternoon Workshop #5:  CLASSROOM 454Bronx Flavors: The Television Show!
Facilitator(s):  Baron Ambrosia, Culinary Ambassador and host of Bronx Flavor; Darada David, owner of Peace Love Café; Sybil, H.I.M. Italian Restaurant
Have you ever seen the show Bronx Flavor?  Meet Baron Ambrosia, creator and producer of this TV show featuring the many different flavors of Bronx culture and the foods we eat.  Learn about one restaurant that’s keeping it real with fresh, healthy ingredients.





Bronx Food Summit Schedule:
9:00 – 10:00 am: Registration
10:00 – 11:30 am: Opening CeremoniesWelcome
Dr. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Hostos Community College President
Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough President
Special Guest Remarks
Keynote Speaker
Majora Carter, MacArthur “Genius” Fellow
11:45 – 12:45 pm: Morning Workshop Sessions
12:45 – 02:15 pm: Lunch
2:30 – 03:30 pm: Afternoon Workshop Sessions
3:45 – 04:15 pm: Celebrity Panel Discussion: “Growing Up in the Bronx – Food, Health and Family”
Kurtis Blow
Melle Mel from the Furious 5
Popmaster Fabel from The Rock Steady Crew
Rosa Clemente, Journalist, Radio Host and 2008 Vice Presidential Candidate (Green Party)
Joe Conzo, Hip Hop Celebrity Photographer, Co-Contributor “The Bronx is Burning”
Byron Hurt, Documentary Filmmaker “Soul Food Junkie” and “Beyond Beats and Rhymes”
David Greco, “Godfather of Parmigiana” (Bronx’s Little Italy)
Annie Novak, Co-Founder of Eagle Street Rooftop Farm
04:30 – 05:00 pm: ReadNex Youth Squad poetry performance (Lunchroom)