NorthEast Bronx Association Inc.
Newsletter
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Next Meeting: Monday January 30, 2012, 7:30PM,
Kings Harbor MultiCare Center, Gun Hill Road at Stillwell Ave. Agenda:
Update on community concerns |
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You can make a difference this year! By Vincent Prezioso & Mark Saplicki Another new year...another appeal for your involvement! Why the same message again? Because (1) not enough of you believe that you can make a difference, or (2) you just don't care! We prefer to believe for most of you it is the former. What stops most people from getting involved in their communities? Why do they feel there is nothing they can do? Why is everyone so apathetic? We believe that most people do worry about the issues our society faces. Many of us even feel brief impulses to act, when we hear of crime in our area. Then we begin to think there are so many problems out there...what could we possibly do? That logic is flawed! The truth is that nothing in this world happens without someone taking one small step. No major problem is solved overnight. Next we might argue that we don't know anything about a particular issue, but this thinking is also flawed. Everyone who does know something had to learn it at one point! Most people who do get involved usually start from a position of feeling something is wrong and something has to be done about it. To think, "who am I to take a stand" or "I am not the kind of person who gets involved" is self-defeating. If you do not take a stand or you do not get involved then you leave your life in someone else's hands, or worse, no one's hands. The only way to make things better is to work with others. If you don't, then the problem will still be there or someone who you do not agree with will do something about it. You can learn to get involved. You may find a voice and confidence you did not even know you had. But you have to take a first step. The next time you find yourself thinking or speaking about an issue that matters to you - stop yourself. Find out where you can get a little more information on that issue, or whom you might be able to speak with about it. Where there is an issue there usually is some type of organization around trying to deal with it - call them. Call your local elected representative's office for guidance. Go to the library. Get online. Call us. Just do something! Remember you can't do everything, but you can do some little thing. And when you've done that, perhaps you'll feel confident you can do some more. Have patience with yourself and others. Do not expect immediate results - Rome wasn't built in a day! Have the courage to make mistakes. If you do not make mistakes in life, you are not doing anything! Be willing to accept small victories, and not be discouraged when things do not go your way. Always keep your goals in focus and never compromise what you truly believe in. Realize that there is more than one approach to most problems. Simply be yourself, be sincere and do your best - no one could ask any more.
Next Meeting Next Meeting: Monday January 30, 2012, 7:30PM, Kings Harbor MultiCare Center, E. Gun Hill Road at Stillwell Ave - Use Main Entrance. Agenda: Update on issues affecting the community.
FREE Tax Assistance & more Courtesy of the University Neighborhood Housing Program If you are a resident of the Bronx with a gross income of $25,000 or less (or a family with a gross income of $56,000 or less), you can get free tax return preparation assistance. The program is sponsored by the University Neighborhood Housing Program who will provide you with a professionally trained IRS certified volunteer. Please note this service is by appointment only on the following Wednesdays or Saturdays from 3PM to 8PM, at the Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave (near 196 St): January 25 and 28; February 1, 4, 11, 15, 25, 29; March 7, 24, 28, 31; April 4, 11, 14. Please call 718-933-2539 for an appointment and for a list of the documents you need to bring with you.
UNHP offers year round financial education services. The next round of financial education classes for English speakers is on Thursday evenings from January 19 through February 16; and for Spanish speakers on Tuesday evenings from February 7 through March 6. Call 718-933-2539 for more information.
From Da Prez! Vincent T. Prezioso Hard Parts: South Bronx We at NEBA have always known that Joe Ferrer was a star, but now he is a celebrity for real! Joe is a staunch supporter of NEBA, served on our civilian patrol and as our Vice President. Now Joe will star in a reality show called Hard Parts: South Bronx, which will feature Joe and his staff to chronicle the daily events of BS&F Auto Parts located on Bronx River Avenue, which he owns and operates. The show is produced by Harrington Talents, a City Island film production company and has already won an award from the New York Television Festival. It will debut in May 2012 on the SPEED network. Way to go Joe!
Seniors Funding Renewed Thanks to continued funding by Councilman Jimmy Vacca, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, our Seniors Program is in full swing for the new year. The grants received allow NEBA to offer programs without any cost to the seniors - and they deserve it! The seniors themselves decide on the activities they wish to pursue which have included bus trips to Atlantic City and other locations and luncheons at local venues. On behalf of the seniors we express our appreciation for the support received from our Councilman and Borough President.
Snow Removal Initiative By Mark Saplicki The City has is trying to get people motivated to assist those who are unable to remove the snow from their walkways. Although NEBA does not have the manpower to coordinate an effort in our neighborhood, we are appealing to all able bodied residents to take the initiative themselves. After all, shouldn't we do for others what we would like others to do for us? Last year when the storm came, my back went out, and if it wasn't for my neighbor, my walkway would never have gotten cleared. The Rodney's did not ask if it needed to be done, and did not boast about it afterwards - they just did what needed to be done! ‘Neighbors watching out for neighbors' is our slogan - how about making it yours starting this year? So if you are aware of someone who cannot clear snow on their own, please do it for them. Oh you don't like your neighbor? Well just pretend that your mother lives there and do it anyway. How would you feel if someone in your family slipped on the snow on your neighbor's property and hurt themselves? Sure you could blame them, but in reality you could have prevented it. Just imagine our neighborhood if everyone just assisted one person clear their walks. Not only would the sidewalks be less dangerous, but neighbors might start to talk to one another again. Charity begins at home and by loving your neighbor as yourself.
Toys for Tots Success! Once again we reached out to the community to give toys for needy children in our area. This year we teamed up again with Einstein Hospital to provide gifts for the children of patients who would not have the means to do so themselves. Your generosity overwhelmed us again. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing the joy a child smiling to receive a toy he or she might not have gotten otherwise. We are grateful for everyone who made this Christmas a little more joyful for the children. The program at Einstein is under the capable direction of Cecilia (CC) DeBrino Hass. And once again we are thankful for our ‘grey panthers' who were instrumental in coordinating this program on the NEBA side. We also thank Eugene DiPalo who continues to be more than generous with his donations of toys every year. Thanks to all who made a difference in a child's life!
NEBA assists the needy The Franciscan Sister of the Renewal are dedicated to serving the poor whenever and wherever they can from their 3 locations in the area. NEBA was asked if we could assist them again with a clothing drive, and up to the plate steps Joe Rizzo, one of our former civilian patrol members, who still enjoys being of service to those in need. We are amazed that Joe's efforts yielded about 200 pounds of clothing to be given to those who show up at the convent of Our Lady Queen of Angels. But then again, over the years Joe has never failed to assist us when asked. He is a shining example of what a good and conscientious citizen should be - one who quietly goes about doing the right thing in service to his fellow man. Joe wishes to also thank Diane C. Fox the Director of Student Activities at Greenwich High School for her invaluable assistance in making these donations possible.
Pelham Pkwy Update Courtesy of The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) WORK COMPLETED AS OF: Nov/Dec 2011: Below is a list of work locations and activities that have been completed to date: Installation of Concrete Road Base from White Plains Road to Hone Avenue; Installation of Curb and Sidewalk from White Plains Road to Lurting Avenue; House and Apartment Building Water Service Connections from Yates Avenue to Tenbroeck Avenue; Completion of Asphalt Roadway from Eastchester Road to Stillwell Avenue; Roadway Excavation at Holland Avenue. WORK SCHEDULED FOR: Jan/Feb 2012 Below is a list of work locations and activities slated to occur/be completed: Location 1: Pelham Parkway South Service Road (between Eastchester Road and Wilson Avenue): Street Light Replacement; Installation of DOT Street signage. Location 2: Pelham Parkway South Service Road from Wilson Avenue to Tenbroeck Avenue: Water and Sewer Service Connections. Location 3: Pelham Parkway South Service Road from Hone Avenue to White Plains Road: Completion of Concrete Road Base; Completion of Curb and Sidewalk Installation; Street Light Replacement. SPECIAL NOTE: Please be aware of high curbs on Pelham Parkway South between White Plains Road and Hone Avenue when opening car doors. The DDC contractor has installed concrete road base in this area; however, the upcoming winter weather makes it difficult to estimate when the final coat of asphalt road base can be installed. TRAFFIC/ PARKING RESTRICTIONS: STREET/TRAVEL LANE CLOSURES- or partial closures to vehicular traffic may be required in addition to limited access to intersections; Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times. Travel lanes will be restored, after work hours, daily. PARKING- will be temporarily restricted within the affected area so that construction may proceed. Signs will be posted where applicable and advance notification will be provided. PROPERTY DAMAGE: You are advised to inform the CCLs or the Resident Engineer in the first instance of any property damage. If the contractor fails to respond within 10 days, you should inform the DDC Borough Director in writing. If you intend to file a claim you must do so within 90 days of occurrence with the New York City Comptroller's Office. SPECIAL NEEDS: Individuals with special needs (dialysis, wheelchair user, etc.) who may be uniquely impacted by this project should contact the CCLs. COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION LIAISON The DDC has assigned Jonathan Conte as the Community Construction Liaison (CCL). Please contact Mr. Conte for all project related inquiries/concerns, or to be added to the e-mail distribution list at: Phone: (718) 829-0128 Fax: (718) 829-3849. E-mail: pelhampkwyprojectccl@gmail.com. Field Office Address: 1200 Waters Place, # 102, Bronx, NY 10461. NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION The bi-monthly Reconstruction Newsletter will be distributed by the CCLs throughout the project and is also available at the Morris Park and VanNest Libraries, Bx. Comm. Board #11 office, and Bx. House. Project updates are also available through the NYCDDC websites at www.nyc.gov/buildnyc and www.youtube.com/newyorkcityddc. If there is a concern during non-construction hours, please call the NYC Government Services and Information Hotline at 311.
Become a member of NEBA's award-winning team! We have proven over time how effective our Civilian Patrol and Blockwatchers are in assisting the police in reducing crime and quality of life offenses. NYPD Community Affairs officers have said that "Civilian patrols are critical to crime prevention...residents should consider them an investment in their community". We are always in need of volunteers to assist in this effort. Won't you consider donating 3 hours a month? For more information, or to arrange for a "test drive" please contact us today. NEBA is also looking to expand its successful Blockwatchers program. A Blockwatcher is simply a person who calls 911 when they witness crimes or other violations. Your involvement insures a better neighborhood. Our motto is ‘neighbors watching out for neighbors' - shouldn't it be your motto as well?
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