Thursday, November 29, 2012

Throggs Neck News: Pols Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Albanian Indep...

Throggs Neck News: Pols Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Albanian Indep...: BRONX, NEW YORK, November 29- Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Assembl...

Pols Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Albanian Independence

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 29- Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj were the honored guests of the Albanian-American Society Foundation and the Sons and Daughters of Albania in America in their celebration of 100th anniversary of Albanian Independence. A billboard in Times Square was illuminated to commemorate the occasion.  
The celebration honored several groups and individuals who have given back to their community or have made significant contributions to Albania’s independence, including Dr. Elez Biberaj; Voice of America; The League of Prizren; Ismail Qemali (in memoriam); Adem Jashari (in memoriam) and Tahir Sinani (in memoriam).
Borough President Stringer took time to honor each of these distinguished leaders by issuing a special proclamation declaring an official “day of celebration in the borough of Manhattan.”
“Albanian-Americans are defined by a strong commitment to ethnic diversity, religious pluralism, and liberty and freedom for all,” said Borough President Stringer. “Almost 40 percent of New Yorkers are foreign-born--and Albanians are a vital part of that diverse tapestry.”
“I am proud to stand today with my friends in the Albanian community and beyond to celebrate this important milestone, the 100th anniversary of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. The Albanian community of the Bronx continues to grow and prosper, and their success is good for the Bronx and the entire City. The Bronx is home to the largest Albanian population in New York City, and on this day of great celebration we renew our commitment to working with the Albanian community of our borough to build and strengthen the entire Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
We live in the greatest country in the world, a country that allows you to celebrate your heritage and culture while becoming a productive member of American society,” said Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj. “On this momentous day, I wish Albanians throughout the world a happy celebration of this 100th anniversary. This is a proud day for Albanian Americans and Albanians worldwide.”
“What a historic, landmark day for the Albanian community. Albanian-Americans have contributed so much to our vibrant city, and it is fitting that New Yorkers are celebrating 100 years of Albanian independence by marking the special place that they have in our neighborhoods. Their small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit has helped grow our economy and their sense of civic duty and acts of kindness have made tremendous impact on countless lives. It is my privilege to join you in celebrating this auspicious occasion,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.
“On this momentous occasion, the 100th anniversary of the independence of Albania from the Ottoman Empire – the largest event so far in the proud history of Albania – Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer has again opened the doors of Broadway and turned on the lights of Times Square, the cross-roads of the world, for all Albanians,” said Esad Rizai, Founder of Albanian American Society Foundation. “This celebration will be watched with joy and honor by Albanians everywhere, both here in the United States and around in the world.  Scott M. Stinger has again shown his dedication to the Albanian peoples, and we know he proudly stands beside us as we celebrate this great day.  In the spirit of Besa and our fore-fathers, here in America, Albania and all around the world, we express our sincere gratitude and thanks.”
“On this day, Albanians in Albania and everywhere in the world celebrate with joy and pride the Centenary of the Declaration of Independence,” said His Honor Mr. Ferit Hoxha, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations, New York. “Independence was the result of sustained efforts by the best among us and the genuine support by friendly nation, in the first place this blessed country of United States America. I am particularly grateful to President Scott Stringer and his team, for the diligence in co-organising this event, in this mythical world place. I consider this event in the City of Lights, in a Place of Splendour, a special and delicate present he made to us, Albanians."
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Maritime Loses Home-Opener To Kings Point

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 28- The Maritime basketball team played host to arch-rival Kings Point on Tuesday night at the Riesenberg Hall Gymnasium and lost to the Mariners by the score of 78-42. The defeat drops the Privateers to 0-4 on the season, while USMMA improves to 2-1.
Two players scored in double-figures for Maritime, led by sophomore T-Vaughn Gibson (Freeport, Bahamas/Sunland Baptist), who had 17 points and a team-high five rebounds. Freshman Tim McNamara (Somerville, N.J./Somerville) finished the night with 10 points and two assists, while senior Ron Bethea (Harlem, N.Y./Humanities Prep.) recorded nine points.
The Mariners shot an impressive 56.9-percent from the field (33-of-58) and did not trail once in the game. They relied on shots down low, as the outscored the Privateers 30-6 in points in the paint.
Kings Point was led by junior Reed Buck, who recorded a double-double with a game-high 25 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman David Smith added 15 points.
The Privateers are back in action on Thursday night, when they play host to Skyline opponent NYU-Poly. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Riesenberg Hall Gym.
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Friday, November 23, 2012

Throggs Neck News: Holiday Magic

Throggs Neck News: Holiday Magic: --> (Photos by Dan Gesslein) The holidays kicked off with floats, family and fun at the Macy’s Th...

Holiday Magic

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(Photos by Dan Gesslein)
The holidays kicked off with floats, family and fun at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kids of all ages watched balloons such as SpongeBob, Kung Fu Panda and Buzz Lightyear make their way down Central Park West. Celebrities from Whoppi Goldberg to Flo Rida joined in the festivities. 
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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

To Give Thanks

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COMMUNITY BOARD
NEWS N’ VIEWS
By
Father Richard F. Gorman
Chairman
Community Board #12 (The Bronx)
BRONX, NEW YORK, November 21- I suspect that by the time you have the opportunity to see this column, you might well be feeling a bit tired, a touch full in the stomach, and, perhaps, a tad out of sorts.  
This is quite understandable, as you will be reading my words subsequent to our annual “GOBBLEFEST.” Of course, I am making light of our beloved national holiday, Thanksgiving Day.  However, I refer to it as “GOBBLEFEST” not only because of this holiday’s signature tradition of enjoying a turkey dinner, but likewise because Thanksgiving is all too frequently a busy and bustling day upon which one contends with “I,” “C,” “I”  --  i.e., “Irritation” with preparing for visiting relatives and guests, “Congestion” on the highways, and “Indigestion” after eating and drinking too much! Too many of us, “Yours Truly” included, “gobble” down a little more than we should in the course of commemorating this yearly event.
Nonetheless, in spite of the aforementioned, Thanksgiving is a day to take stock of life and to take the time to be grateful for whatever blessings with which we have been gifted. As we sit round and about our Thanksgiving dinner tables, we can plainly and immediately see right in front of our nose the most significant and precious of these graces and good fortunes  --  viz., family, friends, health, happiness, and the means with which to provide for ourselves. In these gifts, hopefully, we are prompted and prodded to celebrate those two fundamental realities that underlie and underwrite them  --  first of all, the God who gives us life and who redeems it and, secondly, a free country with its open, democratic society that affords us the opportunity to enjoy and to exercise our God-given human rights and dignity. For God and for nation, and for all those blessings that issue forth from them, we need to be humbly appreciative for who we are and for all that we have.
On this Thanksgiving week in the Year of Our Lord 2012, I write to give public thanks for, ironically enough, for that what was recently not given to us  --  i.e., the same magnitude of devastation that Hurricane Sandy inflicted on our less fortunate fellow New Yorkers in other parts of our City and our State.  True, there were many residents of our own neighborhood that were adversely impacted by the recent extreme weather.  Nonetheless, Bronx Community District #12 was spared the horror of what happened in areas such as Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, a grace for which I am deeply grateful. 
I am equally as thankful for the privilege of serving as the Chairman of Community Board #12 (The Bronx). It has been, and remains, an awesome honor that I neither take for granted nor fail to be grateful for each and every day of my tenure and my service as Chairman. Notice here that I utilize the expression “to give thanks” for, to my mind, there is a big distinction between merely “SAYING THANKS” and really and actually “GIVING THANKS.” The distinction between them is neither superficial nor simply stylistic or terminological. There is a bona fide dichotomy that is best defined and highlighted by the wisdom contained in the familiar, old adage “ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.” I am further reminded of the insightful admonition that words are oftentimes cheap. The values that we truly cherish and that form the basis for how we think and live are best manifested by our actions, not by our words. More importantly than maintaining that I am a grateful person is the upholding and the daily observance of a way of life that exhibits thankfulness and gratitude. The undertaking of such a lifestyle, in my humble estimation, is the genuine test of Thanksgiving and all for which it stands. Thanksgiving is not just a day. Thanksgiving should be, and MUST be, a way of life! 
This avowal naturally should lead a thoughtful individual to inquire what a “Thanksgiving” way of living entails. For what it is worth, I believe it requires one to live in peaceful, respectful, and civil concord with others. Scripture instructs us that gratefulness to God is best demonstrated by esteem and regard without distinction for all of God’s children, icons of the Divine Image and Presence in whose Holy Image we have been created.  Appreciation for the blessings of our magnificent land is preeminently displayed in facilitating and protecting the exercise of those God-given and constitutional liberties that we claim for our loved ones and ourselves. A most excellent fashion in which to proclaim our appreciation of family, friends, home, and the ability to support them is to enable others to realize and to have the benefit of these blessings as well. Such is the challenge of a genuinely thankful person, not only on the Thursday that is called “Thanksgiving Day,” but on each and every day in each and every year.  May it be an endeavor that we all accept with relish and in which we succeed beyond all expectations.
On behalf of myself, my District Manager, Miss Carmen L. Rosa; our staff members, Mrs. Ursula D. Cruz-Greene, Ms. LaShieka Williams and Ms. Jakira Torres; our Associates, Mrs. Joyce Anthony and Mrs. Verna Smith; and all of my colleagues on Community Board #12 (The Bronx), I convey best wishes for this holiday and for the others soon to follow, along with the hope that our gracious and grateful way of living will redound to the benefit of our neighborhood, our Borough, our City, our, State, and our Nation, and, indeed, all the world.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

FreshDirect to give away turkeys

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 20- FreshDirect is donating a total of 1,900 turkeys this week to various groups throughout New York City and Philadelphia in anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The schools and charitable organizations receiving the turkeys are the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition, the East River Development Alliance, Project H.O.M.E., and Public School 209 in the Bronx. The offices of State Senator José Peralta, Bronx Borough President Rubin Diaz Jr., and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will help distribute the donated turkeys. FreshDirect is also providing 200 turkeys to victims of Hurricane Sandy in Far Rockaway through the Church of the Nazarene in Queens.
“Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and enjoy a warm, fresh and high-quality meal,” said FreshDirect CEO and co-founder Jason Ackerman. “We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help provide part of that meal for those who need it most.”
Due to a shortage of delivery trucks caused by Hurricane Sandy, the company is enlisting the help of Bronx-based small business FarmFresh Trucking to aid in its donation deliveries.
“We work hard to give the Bronx community a helping hand during the holiday season. Assistance from private sector companies like FreshDirect is invaluable to our efforts,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
State Senator José Peralta, who represents District 13, added, “Queens has been through a lot in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.  Many of our residents are struggling and need a helping hand.  FreshDirect’s donation will help some of them get a good meal on Thanksgiving.”
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz said, “Bravo to FreshDirect for its generous donation to the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition and for helping to make this Thanksgiving a little brighter for those in need. But let’s not forget that for many struggling to recover after Hurricane Sandy – and for thousands of residents in our area every year – the issue of hunger will be around long after the last light is turned back on and the final home is rebuilt. So as we count our blessings and give thanks for all we have, remember to support individuals and organizations like FreshDirect who are dedicated to putting healthy food on the tables of Brooklynites and New Yorkers throughout the year.”
Reverend Leslie Mullings of the Church of the Nazarene in Queens said, “Many areas in Far Rockaway were devastated by the recent storm.  As we work with residents to rebuild our community, we are glad to have FreshDirect pitch in during this difficult time.”
P.S. 209 Principal Anne Keegan added, “I know there’s been some concern about how FreshDirect will fit into the Bronx, but this company is letting their actions do the talking. They’re actually following through on their promise to be a good neighbor, and I look forward to welcoming them to our community.”
Bishop Mitchell Taylor, President and Founder of the East River Development Alliance, said, “Seeing charitable donations being given to those in need, especially during the holidays, is a beautiful thing. Residents all over Queens will be grateful to receive the 400 turkeys that FreshDirect is providing.”
Reverend W. Taharka Robinson, founder of the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition, said, “I would like to thank FreshDirect for their support for the Brooklyn Anti-Violence Coalition and the surrounding communities here in Brooklyn. FreshDirect has been a great community partner and we look forward to their continuing success and productivity in the community.”
FreshDirect is not limiting its contributions to New York City. The company will also make a donation to Philadelphia’s Project H.O.M.E, an organization devoted to ending homelessness in the area, where it will distribute 100 turkeys.
“As an organization dedicated to alleviating poverty, Project H.O.M.E. is proud to be working with FreshDirect and others to makesure everyone in our city is able to feed their families this Thanksgiving,” said S. Mary Scullion, executive director of Project H.O.M.E.
FreshDirect began distributing the turkeys this past Saturday, November 17th and will continue to do so through Wednesday, November 21th.  

Monday, November 19, 2012

Throggs Neck News: Maritime Falls To Anna Maria, 73-61

Throggs Neck News: Maritime Falls To Anna Maria, 73-61:   BRONX, NEW YORK, November 18- The Maritime basketball team wrapped up action at the Herb Kenny Tip Off Tournament on Saturday w...

Maritime Falls To Anna Maria, 73-61

 
BRONX, NEW YORK, November 18- The Maritime basketball team wrapped up action at the Herb Kenny Tip Off Tournament on Saturday with a neutral site game against Anna Maria in the consolation matchup at Wesleyan University’s Silloway Gym. The Privateers fell to the AMCATs by the score of 73-61, falling to 0-2 on the young season as Anna Maria evens its record at 1-1.
 
For the second-straight game, senior Ron Bethea (Harlem, N.Y./Humanities Prep.) led Maritime in scoring with 24 points, while also grabbing five rebounds. Sophomore T-Vaughn Gibson (Freeport, Bahamas/Sunland Baptist Academy) also scored in double-digits with 13 points and a team-high six boards. Freshman Tim McNamara (Somerville, N.J./Somerville) was 6-for-8 from the free throw line and finished the day with eight points, while also leading the Privateers with three assists.
 
The AMCATs pulled ahead to a 10-point lead, 14-4, just over six minutes into the game, but Maritime fought back to within one point when freshman Max DeMartino (Babylon, N.Y./Babylon) hit a jumper to make the score 22-21 in favor of Anna Maria at 7:27 of the first half. However, the AMCATs ended the first half on a 15-7 run and took a 39-28 lead into the locker room.
 
In the second half, Anna Maria built up its biggest lead of the game, 21 points, at 12:32 when grad student Brad Peterson hit a free throw to make the score 57-36. Peterson had a game-high 20 points and seven rebounds. He was the only AMCAT to register double-digits in scoring. The Privateers rallied back to as little as eight points at 6:37 after two free throws by Gibson made the score 63-55, but it was the closest the squad would get to tying the game.
 
Maritime is back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 20, when the team will travel into Manhattan to take on non-conference opponent City College of New York. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Beavers’ Nat Holman Gymnasium.
 

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Friday, November 16, 2012

BP, Zoo Collects Toys for Needy Kids

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined officials from the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and  students from PS 205 at the Zoo Center to kick-off Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.’s holiday toy drive.
The partnership between the Bronx Zoo and the Borough President on the toy drive has become an annual tradition. The Bronx Zoo will serve as a collection point for new, unwrapped toys donated by members of the community. Toys will be collected through the end of December and will be distributed by the Borough President’s office to local veterans and active-duty members of the military and their families.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

FREE Pizza giveaway

BRONX, NEW YORK, November 14- CiCi’s Pizza in the Bronx is keeping its doors open on Thanksgiving this year and will give away its famous endless buffet for adults and children for free all day while supplies last. No purchase is necessary, but drinks are not included and will be available at regular price.
“We’re new to the Bronx community and want to say thank you to our great neighbors for making us feel so welcome,” said CiCi’s Pizza Franchisee Nabeel Ansari. “As part of this community still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, we also wanted to invite people affected by the storm to come enjoy a meal on us this Thanksgiving.”
CiCi’s Pizza offers more than 28 pizzas in rotation on its endless pizza buffet in addition to pasta, salad, soup and dessert. Every CiCi’s restaurant makes each pizza by hand using house-made dough, sauce made in small batches with special herbs and seasonings, freshly grated cheese and crisp vegetables. Guests are limited to one free visit on Thanksgiving. CiCi’s will offer hot, made-to-order carryout pizzas at regular price throughout the day.
The restaurant hours of operation for dine-in and carryout are Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

FREE vouchers for Thanksgiving food

  BRONX, NEW YORK, November 10 - The New York Yankees and White Rose will team up once again to hold their annual Thanksgiving Food Voucher Giveaway on Thursday, November 15, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Gate 2 at Yankee Stadium (corner of 164th St. and Jerome Ave.).
Bronx residents are invited to come to Yankee Stadium and pick up a food voucher, which can be redeemed at a local Met Food market or Pioneer Supermarket (while supplies last). Proof of Bronx residency is required to receive a voucher.
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