Throggs Neck News: Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic

Throggs Neck News: Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic: Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic #Fordham #Princeton By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- Fordham hosted the ...

Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic

Princeton Tops Fordham in Holiday Classic

#Fordham #Princeton

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- Fordham hosted the eighth annual edition of the Fordham Holiday Classic on December 29 and 30. The invited teams for the end of the year women’s basketball tournament in the Bronx were the Hartford Hawks (6-8), the Princeton Tigers (15-0) and the Savannah State Lady Tigers ((4-7).

In the opening game of the tourney the hosts, Fordham Rams (8-5), were not overly hospitable to the visitors from Georgia. Neither team scored during the first 33 seconds of the contest, but Fordham’s first basket, a three by Hannah Missry, was a harbinger of what was to come. The Rams held the lead and built upon it throughout the game. Missry continued her pinpoint shooting from beyond the arc as she netted 5 of 9 to tie her career high of 15 points. The Rams took its first double digit lead, 12-2, at 15:21.

Despite the passage of 15 days since their last game, the Fordham defense held the visitors to a shooting percentage of only 24.1 while controlling the boards (24-14) in the first half. Fordham coach Stephanie Gaitley commented on the reasons for her team’s victory, “Our defense was a strong one. Outrebounding our opponent is a big part for us.”

The Lady Tiger’s one point advantage in the second half did not cut the deficit to single figures as Fordham moved to the tournament final with a 63-53 win. Fordham could not stop one player, Ezinne Kalu, who scored 26. Gaitley admitted her pre-game plan for the pre-season MEAC Player of the Year “was to not let her touch it [the ball].”

The other first round game on Monday was similar to the first game. The superiority of the undefeated Princeton Tigers in the first half could not be overcome by the resurgence by Hartford in the second half. Neither team scored for the first 32 seconds. Blake Dietrick’s basket gave the Tigers a lead that was never relinquished. Dietrick was the game’s high scorer with 27 points in 27 minutes on court during the contest. 

Two one-sided scoring runs gave the Tigers a 25 point advantage at the end of the first half. They scored 12 unanswered points to take a 23-7 lead at 11:51. Later in the half they scored 15 straight points to go up by 25 points, 41-16, at 2:29. The Tigers shot 59.4% while holding the Hawks to 27.6 percent in the first half.

The shooting percentages of the two teams were reversed in the second half as Hartford made a comeback attempt. Hartford shot 57.1 percent and held Princeton to 26.1 percent, but the seven-point advantage on the second period only cut the final score lead to 18 points for Princeton.

The consolation game that began Tuesday’s action was an exciting comeback win for Hartford. Savannah State’s defense kept the Hawks to only seven field goals on 33.35 shooting.

Three Hawks, Amber Bepko, Cherelle Moore and Morgan Lumb, showed energy, ability and leadership as they accounted for 38 of the 40 second half points scored by their team. The 52  percent shooting allowed the Hawks to make a late game run to win by four, 59-55. The absence of Kalu from the Savannah State lineup was also a factor in the result.

The Princeton Tigers showed their undefeated record this season deserves respect as they did not allow a second half surge by the Rams to nullify their victory. The final of the three lead changes took place mid-way through the first half during a run of 10 unanswered points scored by the Tigers. As the half neared its end, sight straight points by Princeton gave them a double figure advantage that remained through the first half.

The Rams, held to 25 percent shooting in the first half moved to a sterling 56 percent in the second. Gaitley remarked, “In the second half, we settled down and shot the ball well.” Despite cutting the deficit to single figures, 10 unanswered points by the Tigers raised the lead to a game-high 19 points at 4:11. The visitors won the two-day tourney with a 67-53 win. 

The knowledgeable and gracious Fordham coach spoke highly of her opponent, “They’re [Princeton] a top 25 team. They’re a very sound defensive team. They move the ball up the court very quickly.” The Tigers were 11-0 over the Rams in fast break points. 

Blake Dietrick of Princeton led the Tigers with 14 points and 7 assists. She was named the Tournament MVP. Gaitley spoke words of praise, “She’s a very good decision make. You don’t know how good she is until you play her.”

Fordham graduate student Tiffany Ruffin was the only Ram with double figures in each game and on the tournament team. Of her, Gaitley said, “Tiff’s the key to how far we will go.”

Throggs Neck News: Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause

Throggs Neck News: Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause: Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- On December 29th and 30th, Lehman College ...

Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause

Lehman Hoops Raise $ for a Good Cause

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 31- On December 29th and 30th, Lehman College played host to the 8th annual CUNY Athletic Conference Coaches vs Cancer Basketball Classic.  

Proceeds from the event benefited the Coaches vs. Cancer program. Last year's event at Lehman raised over $1,300.  Participants in this year's Classic included Lehman College, Adrian College (Mich.), Kean University (NJ), Shenandoah (Va.) University, and Maine Maritime Academy.   

The Lehman men played two individual match-ups, while the women played a tournament style event that culminted with a game winning three pointer by Amely Del Rosario with 0.3 seconds remaining in a 68-66 victory over Adrian College.  Del Rosario was named to the all tournament team as she tallied 36 points in her two games, including a game high 25 in the Championship match-up. 

Throggs Neck News: Holiday Filled with Tears

Throggs Neck News: Holiday Filled with Tears: Holiday Filled with Tears Vigil Held as Locals Mourn with Pakistani, NYPD Communities By David Greene BRONX, NEW YOR...

Holiday Filled with Tears

Holiday Filled with Tears

Vigil Held as Locals Mourn with Pakistani, NYPD Communities

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 30- A crowd of nearly 100 gathered outside of Christopher Columbus High School on Astor Avenue for a tearful candlelight vigil held for the 132 school children killed by members of the Taliban in Peshawar, Pakistan.

The event, hosted by members of the Bronx Park East Community Association on Sunday, December 21, also became somewhat of a vigil after police officer's Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were murdered in Brooklyn a day earlier.

Imam Mudassar Husdain of the Masjid Noor ul- Huda Mosque told mourners that the killings, "had nothing to do with Islam, nothing to do with Muslims and nothing to do with honoring our beloved prophet Mohammad."

Husdain added, "We all have different backgrounds, different beliefs, but we do not take each others lives in vain."

Speaking on both horrific acts, local official Joseph McManus said, "It's just a crime, in my opinion the people that performed these acts are cowards."

The crowd as diverse in age as it was in race and nationality then lit candles and held a moment of silence. The crowd would later be asked to sign a poster that would be sent to schoolchildren in Pakistan.

Throggs Neck News: Words Kill

Throggs Neck News: Words Kill: Words Kill City Mourns 2 Cops Executed #WenuanLiu #RafaelRamos #NYPD By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 22- The month...

Words Kill

Words Kill

City Mourns 2 Cops Executed

#WenuanLiu #RafaelRamos #NYPD

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 22- The month-long protests against the use of excessive force by members of the NYPD has apparently been put on hold-- as two of New York's Finest were shot dead execution-style on the street's of Brooklyn.

Patrolman Wenuan Liu and Rafael Ramos were shot dead as they sat in their patrol car on Saturday, December 20. Gunman Ismaaiyl Brinsley, 28, would use the same gun to take his own life.

The following day the family of Eric Garner joined Reverend Al Sharpton in denouncing the use of violence against police officers.

Meanwhile, the NYPD has ended lone foot patrols of officers and the NYPD's Auxiliary force who patrol without weapons, has been discontinued until further notice. Officers across the nation have been put on a heightened alert. 

In reaction to the latest turn of events, Congressman Peter King told Fox News, "This is an absolute tragedy what occurred in New York, and it's really time for our national leaders, the president, it's time for the mayor of New York and really for many in the media to stop the cop bashing."

Rockland County Executive and former commander of the 47th Precinct detective squad Ed Day, stated, "To know that these brave men were murdered in cold blood should sicken us all... the cowardly act of senseless violence underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement every day."

Despite a pair of officers being assaulted on the Brooklyn Bridge on December 13, police gave Bronx protesters two extra minutes for a seven minute die-in outside the office of Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson's office on December 18.

Police Benevolent President Pat Lynch has publicly blamed Mayor Bill de Blasio for the deaths of the two officers and an online campaign reportedly has 50,000 signatures calling for the mayor's resignation.

Rumblings within the police union are even calling for ending all but the most urgent arrests made by officers. 

Meanwhile, police have announced a fourth arrest of individuals involved in the Brooklyn Bridge disturbance.   

Throggs Neck News: Garden train show

Throggs Neck News: Garden train show: Children of all Ages Enjoy Train Show Photos by Dan Gesslein Nothing says the holidays like a train circling a Ch...

Garden train show

Children of all Ages Enjoy Train Show

Photos by Dan Gesslein

Nothing says the holidays like a train circling a Christmas tree. But what about trains made up of trees? The NY Botanical Gardens continues its annual train display showcasing NY landmarks made out of plant material. In addition to the favorites like the Brooklyn Bridge and Yankee Stadium, this year’s exhibit features the 1964 World’s Fair complete with Unisphere.

Throggs Neck News: A Tale of Two Cities

Throggs Neck News: A Tale of Two Cities: A Tale of Two Cities Another Deadly Week as Cops Battle Protestors By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 19- The hom...

A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities

Another Deadly Week as Cops Battle Protestors

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 19- The homicide death toll across the borough continues to rise as police officers from across the city are called into Manhattan to manage and control the NYPD protesters who have caused a month-long traffic nightmare during the busy holiday season.

Detectives from the 52nd Precinct were notified after an elderly patient at a local nursing home suffered a laceration to his back and later died at Montefiore Hospital.

Officials say Frank Mercado, 77, a resident of the University Nursing Home on Grand Avenue, died at the hands of a caregiver on December 8. The medical examiner later ruled the death a homicide and police would charge caregiver Cherrylee Young, 41, with criminally negligent homicide and felony assault.

A 17-year-old teen is said to be fighting for his life after being shot three times, including once in the neck.

According to NYPD spokesman detective Michael DeBonis, the

unidentified victim was shot at 7:20 p.m., on December 12, at the corner of Valentine Avenue and Miriam Street in the Bedford Park section.

According to DeBonis, "A 17 year-old male was shot in the neck, stomach and arm and was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital.”

DeBonis said of the still-unidentified victim, "He was in serious

condition, but I have not been told he has died.”

Officials believe he was involved in a dispute with another male  at the time of the shooting. The gunman then fled the scene.

Detectives from the 52nd Precinct who responded to the scene, were reportedly looking for a light-skinned male Hispanic, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. The individual was wearing a ski mask over his face as he fled toward Webster Avenue.

Police are also investigating the shooting death of a male victim,

shot to death on December 14 on East Burnside Avenue.

Cops say the still-unidentified victim was shot one time in the chest and was discovered in the street by police officers from the 44th Precinct at 4:45 a.m., he died a short time later at St. Barnabas Hospital.

Police have no suspects or motive at this time.

A little more that an hour later police from the 45th Precinct in Throggs Neck were called to a home at 6 a.m., after a father discovered his two month-old daughter unconscious and unresponsive.

Investigators say Diana Rivera was rushed to Jacobi Hospital where she died. The child reportedly had bruises on her backside and an arm.

Detectives continue to investigate as they wait for the report from the medical examiners office.

Throggs Neck News: $12G Reward Offered to Catch Cops’ Attackers

Throggs Neck News: $12G Reward Offered to Catch Cops’ Attackers: $12G Reward Offered to Catch Cops’ Attackers BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 17- On Saturday, December 13, 2014 at approximately 7:30 p.m....

$12G Reward Offered to Catch Cops’ Attackers

$12G Reward Offered to Catch Cops’ Attackers

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 17- On Saturday, December 13, 2014 at approximately 7:30 p.m., two New York City Police Department lieutenants were walking along the pedestrian walkway of the Brooklyn Bridge, monitoring a large crowd of demonstrators crossing into Brooklyn on the vehicular roadway below. While following the crowd, the two lieutenants, both of whom were wearing NYPD jackets, observed a male suspect attempt to throw a large garbage can down onto the roadway below, where other demonstrators and police officers were walking. The lieutenants stopped the man from throwing the garbage can and attempted to take the individual into custody, at which time the suspect violently resisted and other demonstrators intervened, pulling the suspect away from police. During the struggle, the demonstrators punched and kicked the lieutenants while attempting to remove the officers' police department radios and NYPD jackets.

As a result of the actions by those who helped prevent the lawful arrest, the suspect was able to escape but was captured a short time later. Before he ran away, however, officers were able to retain the suspect’s backpack, found to contain a black ski mask, three hammers wrapped in plastic, personal papers, and a small quantity of marijuana. Both lieutenants were transported to Lower Manhattan Hospital in stable condition: one sustained a broken nose, and both sustained multiple cuts and bruises. Both were treated and released.

Pursuant to the ongoing investigation, the NYPD is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating seven suspects wanted in connection with the incident, and nine witnesses who may be able to provide information valuable to the inquest.

A $12,000 combined reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects in this case: Crime Stoppers has offered $2,000, and Citizens Outraged at Police Being Shot has offered $10,000.

Anyone with information regarding these suspects, these witnesses, or this incident in general, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-800-COP-SHOT. The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Throggs Neck News: Bad Shot Gets 25 yrs for Killing Mom

Throggs Neck News: Bad Shot Gets 25 yrs for Killing Mom: Bad Shot Gets 25 yrs for Killing Mom Son Pens Letter of Pain BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 11- It was a misplaced sense of loyalty tha...

Bad Shot Gets 25 yrs for Killing Mom

Bad Shot Gets 25 yrs for Killing Mom

Son Pens Letter of Pain

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 11- It was a misplaced sense of loyalty that killed an innocent bystander and has now landed 30-year-old Joseph Diaz behind bars for 25 years, following his conviction on manslaughter in the first degree, Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson announced.

Diaz’ aim was to prove his loyalty to a friend who had lost a fistfight, when he aimed a gun at the man with whom the friend had the dispute. But the shooter, who even has a tattoo of the word “Loyalty” emblazoned across his neck, had bad aim – and instead killed a young mother, Aisha Santiago.

When Diaz fired a half-dozen shots with a .45-caliber semi-automatic. He did so during the 3 o’clock hour on one of the Bronx’s busiest streets, with the sidewalks at Willis Avenue & East 146^th Street teeming with pedestrians, including mothers walking their children home from school.

The 25-year-old Santiago took a bullet straight to her heart, crumpling arms-length away from her 9-year-old son, and dying as she tried to crawl to her little boy.

That little boy, now a 14-year-old teenager, submitted a victim impact statement to the Court (in its entirety below), asking that Diaz “gets what he deserves.”

“There’s not a day I don’t think how my life would [have] been if she was still here…

“All I want is my mom back in my life and finish raising me and helping me [learn] right from wrong…”

“I never want to disappoint my mom but I’m not doing all the right things and making good decisions. But I do whatever I can possibly do to make her proud and see her smile.”

Diaz was sentenced to 25 years in prison with an additional five years post-release supervision by Supreme Court Justice Barbara F. Newman.

Throggs Neck News: Cops Strained?

Throggs Neck News: Cops Strained?: Cops Strained? NYPD Scrambles to Cover Rash of Homicides as Protests Continue By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 10- ...

Cops Strained?

Cops Strained?

NYPD Scrambles to Cover Rash of Homicides as Protests Continue

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 10- As NYPD officials are about to enjoy yet another all-time record low for homicides, but despite the cold and wet weather police reported no less than eight shootings in the first week of December-- including at least five homicides.

As uniformed officers have been diverted out of the borough by the van loads to cover the NYPD protests in Manhattan, detectives are now investigating five homicides that occurred in the last week.

On December 1, police say two men and a woman were shot outside of 1932 Jerome Avenue and all were expected to recover.

Police captured all three suspects a short distance away and two handguns were reportedly recovered at the scene.

On December 2, police say Dune Janelle Jacobs, 31, a Manhattan chef returning home from work, was shot once in the head at 1 a.m. along East 213 Street in the Williamsbridge section.

Police have made no arrests in the case and were looking for three men who were seen fleeing in a white vehicle.

At 5:30 p.m. on December 5, police say Timothy Hairston, 27, was shot several times in the chest outside of the Lincoln Care Drugs along East 165 Street in the Melrose section. Hairston died a short time later at Lincoln Hospital.

On December 6, a 14 year-old was shot along East 213 Street near White Plains Road. The victim was shot in the arm at 10 a.m. and was treated and released from Jacobi Hospital.

Police were looking for the male gunman and the female who police say took the gun after the shooting and fled in a gray Nissan Sentra.

Cops were also looking for the gunman who shot three victims outside of Club Miami on Bruckner Boulevard and Alexander Avenue in the Mott Haven section.

That incident was reported at 3:30 a.m. on December 7. EMS reported a 26-year-old man was shot in both legs. A 30-year-old man was shot in the thigh and a woman also shot, were transported to a local hospital by a civilian auto.

Investigators were looking for the gunman who was wearing black jeans, gray sweatshirt and white sneakers and who fled in a red Jeep Cherokee with a smashed drivers side window.

At just after 4 p.m. on December 8, police were called to East 168 Street and discovered a male in his 30's shot repeatedly inside his black BMW outside of the Ultimate Gas Station.

Police sources stated that two victims had been shot through the car's windshield and speculated that the killing was a "carjacking gone wrong," and investigators continue to investigate.

The second victim was also shot in the chest and was reported to be recovering at Lincoln Hospital.

Minutes later police were called to Macombs Road in the Mount Eden section, where police say Willie Lora, 21, was shot in the chest inside the building where he lived.

Lora was rushed to Bronx Lebanon where he died.

On December 8, police revealed that officers performing a wellness check found a woman dead on December 3rd, has been ruled a homicide.

Police now say that the woman identified as Cynthia Taylor, 51, had been stabbed multiple times in the torso inside her Clarke Street apartment in the Concourse section.

The medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide. Police had no suspects at this time.

Throggs Neck News: Bronx Political Icon Badillo Laid to Rest

Throggs Neck News: Bronx Political Icon Badillo Laid to Rest: Bronx Political Icon Badillo Laid to Rest By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 8 - Often called a trailblazer for becoming ...

Bronx Political Icon Badillo Laid to Rest

Bronx Political Icon Badillo Laid to Rest

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 8- Often called a trailblazer for becoming the first Puerto Rican  to hold the office of Bronx Borough President, as well as becoming the nation’s first Latino elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Herman Badillo has died at the age of 85.

According to his longtime friend and spokesman George Arzt, Badillo died on December 3, from complications related to congestive heart failure at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Hospital in Manhattan.

Badillo was a young lawyer who had served as New York Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development before entering politics when he was elected Borough President in 1966.

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970, Badillo served four terms representing New York's 21st District in the South Bronx.

In 1977, Badillo stepped down from Congress to become deputy mayor of New York City under then Mayor Ed Koch from 1978 - 1979.

Badillo ran five unsuccessful campaigns for mayor of New York City- in his last attempt he was defeated by Michael Bloomberg in 2001. Badillo would later assist in Bloomberg's reelection campaign in 2005.

In recent years, Badillo was a senior counsel for the personal injury law firm Parker Waichman Alonso.

In a prepared statement announcing Badillo's death, George Arzt stated, "He lost many elections but gained respect as a real fighter and as the nation’s highest-ranking Puerto Rican office holder."

Governor Andrew Cuomo said of Badillo, "From his tenure as Bronx Borough President to his work leading the CUNY Board of Trustees, he was a shining example of how a dedication to civil service can make a difference in the world around us."

Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., said of Badillo,"I am deeply saddened by the passing of a man whom I looked up to as a role model and who represented Latinos, Bronxites and all New Yorkers as an exemplary public servant."

Badillo was laid to rest after a private service held on December 7 at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home in Manhattan. He is survived by his wife Gail and son David from a previous marriage.    

Throggs Neck News: Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys?

Throggs Neck News: Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys?: Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys? 100 PERCENT By Robert Press 1st Annual Turkey Awards BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMB...

Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys?

Which Pols are the Biggest Elected Turkeys?

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

1st Annual Turkey Awards

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 4- Just like many elected officials gave out turkeys last week, I am going to give my 1st Annual Turkey Awards to some elected officials. 

My first Turkey Award goes to all those Republican elected and party officials who did not believe in their candidate for governor Rob Astorino. Each and everyone of you deserve to get a Turkey Award. It reminds me of those turkeys on the other side of the isle who wrote off Bill Thompson in the 2009 Mayor's race. Both races were much closer then thought, and with a little more help from their own party who knows? However ,when he first came to the Bronx I asked candidate Astorino if he was running just to help get a Republican State Senate. Well Astorino lost and the Republicans won the state senate outright. Makes you kind of wonder if I was right.

The next and last Turkey Award goes to that big Turkey who runs New Jersey. What kind of deal did he make with Andrew Cuomo? Was it the Sargent Schultz attitude Cuomo took of 'I Know Nothing, I See Nothing, I Hear Nothing' when it came to Bridge-gate that got him Republican N.J. Governor Chris Christe's support? Or should I say lack of support for Cuomo's Republican opponent Rob Astorino.

It seems that Mayor Bill de Blasio turns to his Deputy Mayors when something happens for advice. Deputy Mayors are also at press conferences with commissioners and the mayor. Al Sharpton was with the mayor and police commissioner at a press conference, and Mayor De Blasio has defended Al Sharpton in his matters with the IRS and his wife's Chief of Staff woes. De Blasio even has said that he asks Sharpton for advice at times, so just when is Mayor Bill de Blasio going to name Al Sharpton a Deputy Mayor?

Back in the Bronx – It is party time no matter which party you belong to. On Sunday December 7th, The Bronx Conservative Party is hosting their Annual Holiday Party. The location is Spoto's Restaurant 4005 East Tremont Ave (in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx), and it will take place from 2 – 7 p.m. Bronx Conservative Party Chairman William Newmark always has a very interesting event including the delicious food. There is a $25 admission fee per person here, but one never knows just who may drop in.

On Wednesday, December 17th, The Bronx Democratic County Committee, Chairman Assemblyman Carl E. Heastie, and the Bronx Young Democrats are hosting their 2014 Holiday Celebration at the UFT Bronx Headquarters located at 2500 Halsey Avenue from 6 – 9 p.m. This event is free and open to all Bronx residents. You can call (347) 281-9757 for more information.

This past Sunday Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj celebrated the 102 years of Albanian Independence. This is very special to the first Albanian elected official in New York State. Hundreds of Albanians and others were on hand at Maestro's to celebrate their allegiance. America their new home, and to Albania the land they or their forefathers immigrated from. It was great to hear both National anthems, and see the dedication of tho Albanian-Americans to both countries.

Some others on hand were Senator Jeff Klein who spoke of how Assemblyman Gjonaj has improved the standard of living in the Pelham Parkway area of the 80th A.D. since being elected. I kidded Senator Klein that it was his old assembly district, and Senator Klein said that was a long time ago. 

Assemblyman Mike Benedetto also had only praise for Assemblyman Gjonaj, and the Albanian community. 32BJ, the service workers union comprised of 145,000 members of which 20,000 are Albanians received a citation from Assemblyman Gjonaj for their work in the Albanian communities of the Bronx and Staten Island. The Bronx Jewish Community Council received a citation also from Assemblyman Gjonaj for its food pantry that services over 400 area residents including over 100 Albanians, and that shocked Gjonaj. 

The third and last citation from Assemblyman Gjonaj was to Mr. Zeqir Kukaj. Mr. Kukaj was one of the first people who immigrated to the Bronx from Albania. He helped set up what is now the Bronx Albanian community. Assemblyman Gjonaj said to Zeqir, “Without you this could not have been possible.” You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to read more about the 102nd Celebration of Albanian Independence Mark Gjonaj style. There are some real good stories that I did not have room for in this column about the upcoming political year and beyond you may want to read. By the way, the food at Maestro's was delicious as usual.

If you have any political news that you would like to share, have any comments about this column, or have an event that you would like to have 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.

Throggs Neck News: Biblical Beatdown

Throggs Neck News: Biblical Beatdown: Biblical Beatdown Man Beats Friend to Death After Coming from Church By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 3- Police a...

Biblical Beatdown

Biblical Beatdown

Man Beats Friend to Death After Coming from Church

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 3- Police are looking for a dapper gunman with one drooping-eyelid and his two cohorts, who calmly waited for the gunman to take a haircut— before they robbed the joint and ran away with the shop’s cash register.

Cops were called to the Alante Barber Shop on Westchester Avenue in the Longwood section at just before 10 p.m. on November 29.

Police say that after getting his haircut the man produced a gun and the suspects preceded to rob the other customers, before fleeing down the street with the shops cash register.

Police say no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.

Detectives quickly pulled surveillance camera video that they would release to the media.

As quickly as police obtained the video, police identified the gunman as Ramael Pierson, 24, and would release a police mug shot of him from a 2008 arrest.

In the photo Pierson's left eye is nearly shut, possibly a medical condition as no swelling is evident.

Police could not immediately say if a witness identified Pierson or from facial recognition software now used daily by the NYPD.

Attempts to reach the shop owner were unsuccessful.

Police have asked anyone who has any information on the trio to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls remain confidential.

Throggs Neck News: Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl

Throggs Neck News: Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl: Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 28- In the 72nd editi...

Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl

Hayes Stuffs Mount in Turkey Bowl

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 28- In the 72nd edition of the annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey-Bowl , Cardinal Hayes and Mount Saint Michael Academy battled each other and the snow.   

Mount Saint Michael was looking to avenge last season's 20-16 defeat, while Hayes was hoping to win consecutive match-ups for the first time since 1979-1980.  

The Mountaineers  could not get anything going on offense gaining only one first down in the first half while Cardinal Hayes book-ended their scoring with 1 yard touchdown runs. The first came the opening drive of the game and the second to end the third quarter capping the scoring with a 32-0 Hayes victory.

Throggs Neck News: What do you know about Thanksgiving?

Throggs Neck News: What do you know about Thanksgiving?: What do you know about Thanksgiving? Community Board News N’ Views By Father Richard F. Gorman Chairman Community Bo...

What do you know about Thanksgiving?

What do you know about Thanksgiving?

Community Board

News N’ Views

By

Father Richard F. Gorman

Chairman

Community Board #12 (The Bronx)

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 26- Thanksgiving is truly an American holiday. It originated in the New World. Even before it became a national holiday established by law, generations of Americans celebrated a day of thanksgiving for blessings received. Americans, despite diversity in faith traditions, racial and ethnic background, economic status, gender, age, or physical and mental condition uniformly anticipate and celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

One could suppose, then, that Americans know all that is fact about Thanksgiving. Do they? How about you, neighbors and friends? For example, do you know any or all of the following …

• The first Thanksgiving Day was held in the Autumn of 1621, included 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians, and lasted three days. Many historians believe that only five women were present at that first Thanksgiving, as many women settlers didn't survive that difficult first year in the New World. 

• Thanksgiving didn't become a national holiday until over 200 years later. Sarah Josepha Hale, the woman who actually wrote the classic song “Mary Had a Little Lamb” convinced President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to make Thanksgiving a national holiday, after writing letters for 17 years campaigning for this to happen.

• Historians say that no turkey was served at the first Thanksgiving. What was on the menu? Deer or venison, ducks, geese, oysters, lobster, eel and fish were. They probably ate pumpkins, but no pumpkin pies. They also did not eat mashed potatoes or cranberry relish, but they probably ate cranberries. There were no “Turduckens”  --  i.e., a turkey stuffed with a duck that is stuffed with a chicken. These were nowhere to be found during that first Thanksgiving.

• The first Thanksgiving was eaten with spoons and knives, but no forks! Forks were not even introduced to the Pilgrims until 10 years later and were not a popular utensil until the eighteenth century. The Pilgrims, prior to utilizing forks, did use their fingers, however.

• Thanksgiving is the reason for T.V. dinners. In 1953, Swanson had so much extra turkey  --  260 tons  --  that a salesman told them they should package it onto aluminum trays with other sides like sweet potatoes. Ergo, the first T.V. dinner was born!

• Thanksgiving was almost a fast and not a feast! The early settlers gave thanks by praying and abstaining from food, which is what they planned on doing to celebrate their first harvest, that is, until the Wampanoag Indians joined them and  --  lucky for us!   --  turned their fast into a three-day feast!

• Each year, the President of the United States pardons a turkey and spares it from being eaten for Thanksgiving dinner. The first turkey pardon ceremony started with President Harry S. Truman in1947.

• Why is Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November? President Abraham Lincoln said Thanksgiving would be the fourth Thursday in November, but, in 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt moved it up a week hoping it would help improve the Christmas shopping season and spur the economy during the Depression era. It never caught on and it was changed back two years later.

• The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 with 400 employees marching from Convent Ave to 145^TH  Street in New York City.  No large balloons were at this parade, as it featured only live animals from Central Park Zoo.
• Turkey is not responsible for drowsiness or the dreaded "food coma." Scientists say that extra glass of wine, the high-calorie meal or relaxing after a busy work schedule is what makes one drowsy!

• How did the tradition of watching football on Thanksgiving start? The National Football League started the Thanksgiving Classic Games in 1920 and, since then, the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have hosted games on Turkey Day. In 2006, a third game was added with different teams hosting.

• Wild turkeys can run 20 miles per hour when they are scared, but domesticated turkeys are bred are heavier and cannot run quite that fast.

• Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States instead of the eagle.

• Americans eat 46,000,000 turkeys each Thanksgiving.

• Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin's first meal in space after walking on the moon was foil packets with roasted turkey.

• The heaviest turkey on record, according to the Guinness Book of Records, weighed 86 pounds.

• Californians consume the most turkey in the United States on Thanksgiving Day!
• Female turkeys, called “hens,” do not gobble. Only male turkeys gobble.

• The average turkey for Thanksgiving weighs 15 pounds.

• Campbell's soup created green bean casserole for an annual cookbook 50 years ago. It now sells $20 million worth of cream of mushroom soup.

So how many of these pearls of wisdom did you know?  Regardless of your expertise in Thanksgiving Day trivia, there is one most important thing that all of us know-- viz., that the need for and the origin of Thanksgiving Day both spring from a common yearning to acknowledge God’s loving goodness and His munificent generosity to us. Join me, then, fulfilling this need rooted in the very core of our being by praying these words, taken from the Preface of the Roman Catholic Mass for Thanksgiving Day:

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,

we do well always and everywhere to give You thanks.

We acknowledge You as the Lord of all Nations,

the Creator of land, and sea, and sky,

the Source of the wonders of nature and salvation.

Through Your Word You called all things into being,

that You might bestow on us Your love

reflected in the vastness of the universe

and the bounty of this earth.

You placed creation in our care,

yet You alone sustain all life with the gentle dew of Your Word

and the life-giving breath of Your Spirit.

Your gifts of nature have not exhausted Your goodness,

for the fullness of Your love is revealed by the imparting

of the manifold gifts of Your Grace.

Our hearts are moved to thankful praise,

and so we join the choirs of angels and saints

in proclaiming Your glory.

Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving! See you after the feast!