Working Girls Aren’t the Only Ones Suffering in Labor Dispute

Working Girls Aren’t the Only Ones Suffering in Labor Dispute

Northeast Bronx Hot-Sheet Motel Battle Over Wages, Bedbugs, and Posting Pix on Internet

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 23- Workers continue to picket a local hot-sheet motel as a labor dispute will soon enter a fifth-month.

The 18 employees of the Capri Whitestone Hotel along the Hutchinson River Parkway near Ferry Point Park, have been demonstrating outside the hotel since early January after their contract expired.

Workers charge that on March 3, the owner slashed the housekeepers’ pay from $24.80 to $10.92 an hour and eliminated their health and retirement benefits.

 (A hotel guest hides the face of his date as they arrive at the Capri Whitestone Hotel.--Photo courtesy of the New York Hotel and Motel Trade Council) The workers clean and maintain 95 rooms that can be rented for a 4-hour stay or by the night. Rooms can cost as little as $55 for a four-hour stay and as much as $120 per night.

With the blessing of organizers at the New York Hotel and Motel Trade Council, on March 20 union members began the unusual step of snapping photos of patrons who crossed their picket line and posting those pictures at the website www.Dontcrosstheline.com.

Fellow union members who have joined the picket line in solidarity with Capri Whitestone workers, are also armed with an air horn and bullhorn to disturb the peace and quiet that those who decided to cross the picket line, had sought.

The union has filed several grievances with the National Labor

Relations Board, including management cutting pay of unionized workers and workers charge-- are violating the National Labor Relations Act.

Those charges are still being investigated.

On April 9 an arbitrator ruled that management must protect workers with hazmat suits to protect them from a bedbug infestation at the hotel.

Workers claim that the bedbug outbreak was caused by management’s refusal of washing the bedspreads after every visit.

Room attendant Venus Burgos, a 12-year employee at the Capri Whitestone, said of her plight, "I'm a single mom. I have three kids to support. I've always known the most important things I can give me children are love and education."

Burgos added, "But with an almost $14 an hour wage cut and no medical, I'm not sure I can even pay for my rent, let alone my children’s education."

Workers and union officials say they are prepared to stick it out for as long as the battle takes.

Calls for comment from the management of the Capri Whitestone Hotel were not immediately returned.   

Highbridge News: Soccer has a New Home at Yankee Stadium

Highbridge News: Soccer has a New Home at Yankee Stadium: Soccer has a New Home at Yankee Stadium By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 22- Officials of the New York Yankees and the New Y...

Soccer has a New Home at Yankee Stadium

Soccer has a New Home at Yankee Stadium

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 22- Officials of the New York Yankees and the New York City FC (NYCFC) were present at a  press conference that was held at Yankee Stadium on Monday to announce that that the iconic ballpark will be the first home venue for the NYCFC when the team begins its first season in MLS (Major League Soccer) in March of 2015.

Tim Pernetti, the Chief Business Officer of the new club in the MLS, stated its goal originally was and still is “to find the right community to build a soccer specific stadium in New York City.” He stressed that the 20th member of the MLS intends to play its games within New York City.

Attempts have previously been made to plan construction of a new stadium in Flushing Meadow Park in Queens and in the South-west Bronx, but resistance from residents has thus far thwarted those efforts from being successful.

With less than one year remaining before the new MLS season will begin, a home for the new club to play had to be named. All those officials on the dais presented realistic reasons as to why Yankee Stadium fits the bill.

Pernetti pointed out, “The Yankees are no strangers to soccer. They understand the needs of our club. This is the first MLS season that will be played within New York City.”

As part owners of the club, the Yankees organization has a vested interest in it being successful in every measurement of that term. Transforming the baseball field into an acceptable soccer pitch has been done before and is already been thoughtfully planned for 2015.

Soccer was played at the original Yankee Stadium from 1931 through 1976. Two world class soccer matches have been played at the current Yankee Stadium in each of the past tywo years and a match between Manchester City and Liverpool, two of the powers in the English Premier League is scheduled to be played on July 30.

Lonn Trost, the COO of the Yankees, using a chart, explained the particulars of the use of the stadium by NYCFC: The baseball capacity of 49,681 will be lowered to 33,444 for soccer, the pitch will measure 110X70, 17 games will be played in the Bronx during the regular season, field conversion to the other sport will take three days.

The schedule of playing dates between the Yankees and NYCFC will be worked out without difficulty. According to Randy Levine, “They [MLS] know we know what we are doing.”

One of the main benefits of playing in Yankee Stadium is accessibility, which was mentioned repeatedly during the press conference. 

Pernetti remarked, “Yankee Stadium is one of the world’s most legendary sports venues and a great and accessible location for fans.”

The Sporting Director of NYCFC, an experienced soccer star who captained the Red Bulls, commented on its attractiveness to world class players, “By having our home facility at Yankee Stadium, we feel even more confident that we’ll be able to attract top-level talent from around the world to our organization. Top athletes want the opportunity to showcase their talents at the world’s most famouis sports venues, and Yankee Stadium is such a venue.”

Although not present at the press conference, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. issued a statement supporting the team’s playing in the Bronx, “The Bronx is thrilled to have the New York City Football Club makes its home in Yankee Stadium. This will lead to more visitors to our borough, which in turn will mean more tourism dollars and more people discovering the ‘New Bronx’.”

Highbridge News: Knocked Out

Highbridge News: Knocked Out: Knocked Out 2 Arrested for Assault By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 21-  Two Co-op City men have been arrested in conne...

Knocked Out

Knocked Out

2 Arrested for Assault

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 21- Two Co-op City men have been arrested in connection with an assault on a 51-year-old man, who lost consciousness after being beaten up, police said this week.

The 51-year-old victim, whose identity has been withheld, was transported to Jacobi Hospital for treatment. He reportedly sustained bruising and swelling to his left eye, cheek and face. The injuries ultimately caused him to lose consciousness.

Arrested in the assault on the unidentified local man in the vicinity of the Einstein  Loop Shopping Center were Adalberto Torres, 21, of Hunter Ave., and Andre Nelson, 23, of Einstein Loop.

Nelson and Torres, who were reportedly known to their victim, were charged with third-degree assault in connection with the beating and with possession of 23 bags of marijuana in their possession. The suspects were arrested two days after their alleged assault, being apprehended in an area opposite 140 Elgar Place.

Co-op City’s Public Safety officers reportedly played a key role in apprehending the suspects, who face only misdemeanor charges because they didn’t use weapons in their attack.

Public Safety officers were the first ones to spot the suspects based on a description that was supplied to them.

The arrested men reportedly confessed to their crimes after being turned over to 45th Precinct officers for the processing of the suspects’ arrests.

Highbridge News: Fordham Sweeps Double Header

Highbridge News: Fordham Sweeps Double Header: Fordham Sweeps Double Header  (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 21- Fordham softball swept a d...

Fordham Sweeps Double Header

Fordham Sweeps Double Header 

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 21- Fordham softball swept a double header over visiting UMass Saturday afternoon to extend their winning steak to 11 games.  

Fordham took the first game 7-0. All of their runs were scored  in the third inning, including a grand slam by pitcher Michele Daubman.  

A five-run, sixth inning in Game Two gave Fordham a 6-2 victory. With six games remaining, Fordham holds a 29-16 record. 

Highbridge News: Spring Events Throughout Boro

Highbridge News: Spring Events Throughout Boro: Spring Events Throughout Boro Jazz standards to be performed at library Spend an afternoon of music with Don Witter at the Pelham ...

Spring Events Throughout Boro

Spring Events Throughout Boro

Jazz standards to be performed at library

Spend an afternoon of music with Don Witter at the Pelham Bay Library at 2 p.m. on April 26. He will be performing works by Ellington, Rodgers and Hart, Legrand, Porter and Gershwin.

Don Witter, Jr. started musical life at 4 trained as a Classical Pianist and first performed in public at the age of 5 at Carnegie Recital Hall. He appeared on the "TED MACK AMATEUR HOUR" and graduated from the high school of Music and Art where he was known as an accompanist for the High School Chorus and Vocal Students.

All Public Library Programs are free of charge and are subject to cancellation without notice.

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Salsa legend holds final concert at Lehman

Photo by Allen Spatz Photography

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is proud to host the historic celebration Paquito Guzman “Great Farewell Concert” on Saturday, April 26th, 2014 at 8 p.m. 

After a long and fruitful musical career, with unforgettable hits and a loyal fan base around the world, Paquito Guzmán is retiring from the concert stage, with a farewell show at Lehman Center. Joining Guzmán for this concert are special guests direct from Puerto Rico, the legendary La Selecta orchestra with 

Raphy Leavitt. Produced by Lehman Center and José Raposo. 

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is on the campus of Lehman College/CUNY at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY 10468. 

Tickets for Paquito Guzman “Great Farewell Concert” on Saturday, April 26th, 2014 at 8 p.m. are $55, $50, and $45 and can be purchased by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833 (Monday through Friday, 10am–5pm, and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert), or through online access at www.LehmanCenter.org.  Lehman Center is accessible by #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd. and is off the Saw Mill River Parkway and the Major Deegan Expressway. Low-cost on-site parking available for $5.

Paquito Guzman, one of the greatest Salsa Romantica vocalists, was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. In 1959, at the age of 20, he moved to the Bronx, NY, and went to work in a record shop, hoping to make connections in the music industry. Less than a year later he met Joe Quijano who hired him as the lead singer for his Caribbean pachanga band Joint Cachana, that also included Bobby Valentín on trumpet. Within three years, Joint Cachana recorded seven albums with Guzmán as vocalist including Dance to the Bossa Nova, the Mambo, the Cha Cha Cha and The World’s Most Exciting Latin American Orchestra and Revue, the latter record selling 1,000 copies in the first 6 months alone and has become a cult classic often referred to as “The Nostros Album”. 

Firmly established as a bolerista in the new “salsa” movement, Guzmán returned to Puerto Rico in 1962 to sing vocals with Chamaco Ramirez in the Tommy Olivencia band, recording seven albums. Mintiendo Se Gana Mas (1977) marked his first of over twenty albums as a solo artist, and during the 1980’s he was widely popular singing in the Salsa Romantica style reaching a high point in sales with his 1986 album Salsa The Best Ballads. 2008 saw the release of Guzmán’s well regarded album The Greatest Salsa Ever and his latest record, Iconos: 25 Exitos, was released in 2013.

Raphy Leavitt, bandleader, pianist, arranger, composer, and producer, formed his first band, Los Señoriales, in his early teens. After graduating from the University of Puerto Rico, he taught business at the San Agustin College in his hometown of Puerta De Tierra. In 1971, he formed La Selecta, whose line-up of trombones and trumpets, rhythm section and voices included lead singer Sammy Marrero. With Borinquen Records, they released 10 albums between 1971 and 1979. Leavitt’s first composition, a bolero montuno called “Payaso,” was a smash hit. The single and La Selecta's self-titled debut album both went gold. 

The following year the band had a huge international hit with “Jibaro Soy,” their second gold record. Leavitt’s tribute to his late trumpeter Luisito Maisonet, “La cuna blanca,” topped the charts in Latin America and the Latin charts in the USA, and he was named Puerto Rico’s Composer of The Year. In 1976, the single “El buen pastor” became another international hit and went gold.  The band released three albums with TH Records from 1981 to 1983. Carlitos Ramírez joined La Selecta as co-lead singer on their tenth anniversary album. In 1987, La Selecta received the Puerto Rican music industry’s Diplo Award for Band of the Year. With over 30 albums, including five compilations, to their credit, the band’s latest release of new material is 2006’s two-DVD set 30 Aniversario: Live. 

Lehman Center is supported, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council. The 2013-2014 season is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, JPMorgan Chase, and through corporations, foundations and private donations.

###

Trees are among the most captivating natural citizens of Wave Hill. Rather than offering clusters of one type of tree or another, the landscape offers a stately elm just east of historic Wave Hill House, a soaring copper beach beyond Glyndor Gallery, conifers north of Armor Hall, flowering cherry and lilac along the edge of the Lower Lawn—each an individual that captures the heart of visitors. No surprise, then, that Arbor Week at Wave Hill branches out into a three-day celebration. From a bike tour and an arborist station to Tai Chi and Hath Yoga on lawns that are ringed by these graceful, tall companions, it’s a fine time to celebrate as our trees leaf out and blossom in all their glory.

No less important, however, is the culminating performance of our current concert season, on Sunday, April 27. The focus is a jazz suite commissioned by Wave Hill and performed by composer/pianist Daniel Kelly, it promises to be a thrilling event.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 25-27- Arbor Weekend

Arbor Day extends into a weekend celebration with a tree giveaway, tree walks and talks, a bike tour of trees in the Bronx, a tree-themed Family Art Project and a junior arborist station sponsored by Almstead Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care.

Friday, April 25- Tree Giveaway

Thanks to a partnership with MillionTreesNYC, Wave Hill welcomes families, individuals and community groups to pick up a free tree for planting on private property within the five boroughs of New York City. Staff horticulturists will be on hand to help you make your selection and simple tree planting and care instructions will be available. At home, all you’ll need is a spade, a place to plant and access to water. Trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Arbor Weekend event.

Friday, April 25- Garden Walk

Don’t miss this special tour of Wave Hill’s magnificent living collection with Assistant Director of Horticulture Brian McGowan. Wander among centuries-old trees and newly-planted specimens and see first-hand how our tree planting and maintenance plan will provide shade and beauty for future generations of visitors. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Weekend event.

Saturday, April 26- Family Art Project: Buds, Buds, Buds

Explore Wave Hill’s many budding trees and observe the myriad shapes and sizes of these flowery beginnings. Then, using a wood base, paper and a variety of natural materials, make a sculptural tree—and even add a nest of eggs or a plaster-of-Paris flock of birds. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Arbor Weekend event.

Saturday, April 26- Tai Chi Chuan

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, a member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, introduces students to the internal martial arts and promotes an awareness of its benefits. Sessions are held outdoors as weather permits. Session fee: $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Register online and, day of, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. (Reservations may not be made by telephone.) Online registration closes at 8AM on the day of the session. Cancellations must be made by 3PM the Friday before; after that, refunds will not be made.  Drops-ins will be accommodated as the limited space permits. Participants must present a Member’s ID card or a printed program registration form at the front gate.

Saturday, April 26- Trees of the Bronx Bike Tour

In celebration of Arbor Day, join professional photographer Benjamin Swett, author of New York City of Trees (April 2013), and Boogie Down Rides, a Bronx-based bicycling and art project, on a bicycle tour of significant trees in the Bronx. Explore the connections between the urban forest and the rich cultural heritage of our borough. Tour begins at Woodlawn Cemetery and ends at Wave Hill. Snacks and water provided. $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. Arbor Weekend event.

Saturday, April 26- Junior Arborist Station

Kids ages seven and up are invited to don tree-climbing harnesses and hardhats and ascend into the canopy of our old sugar maple tree to get a birds-eye view of Wave Hill. Arborists from Almstead Tree and Shrub Care—who have generously sponsored this free program—are on hand to assist budding arborists and answer questions about the big old trees at Wave Hill. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Arbor Weekend event.

Saturday, April 26- Garden Walk: Best Trees for the Small Garden

Are you thinking about planting a tree for your yard but overwhelmed by the choices? Enjoy a spring walk around Wave Hill as a garden interpreter highlights some great trees with four seasons of interest, suitably-scaled to the smaller garden. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Weekend event.

Saturday, April 26- Gallery Tour

Join a curatorial assistant for a tour of Wave Hill's spring exhibition, Prickly, Tender and Steamy: Artists in the Hothouse, which assembles artworks that were created during Wave Hill's Winter Workspace program over the last five years. During their residencies, Gabriela Albergaria, Carrie Beckmann, Susan Benarcik, Matthew Burcaw, Asuka Hishiki, Nick Lamia, Lina Puerta, Naomi Reis, Anne-Katrin Spiess, Linda Stillman, James Walsh and Marion Wilson closely examined, and were inspired by, the living collection in Wave Hill's Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory. Representing a wide variety of mediums, the works on view give visitors multiple ways to observe the plants in the Tropical, Palm, Cactus and Succulent Houses. In the Sunroom Project Space, Brandon Neubauer's installation incorporates video projection, photographs and recorded sounds to create a portrait of the Wave Hill site that engages time, optical phenomena, topography and found objects. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m.. Free with admission to the grounds.

Highbridge News: Yankees Honor Mandela, Jackie Robinson

Highbridge News: Yankees Honor Mandela, Jackie Robinson: Yankees Honor Mandela, Jackie Robinson  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 17- On April 15, 1997, the 50 th anniversary of t...

Yankees Honor Mandela, Jackie Robinson

Yankees Honor Mandela, Jackie Robinson 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 17- On April 15, 1997, the 50^th anniversary of the first game played by Jack Roosevelt Robinson in the major leagues, Baseball Commissioner Allan “Bud” Selig announced the retirement of Robinson’s #42 from Major League Baseball. On that date in every year since 1997, all players in a scheduled game wear the #42 to honor Robinson’s accomplishment of breaking the color barrier. With the retirement of Mariano Rivera at the close of the 2013 season, there are no longer any active p[layers wearing #42.

Inclement weather in the Bronx forced the delay of the April 15 game between the Yankees and Cubs, the ceremony and the press conference for the one day, but did not in any way lessen the meaning of the day of remembrance.

This year’s special Robinson ceremony took place at Yankee Stadium to honor not only Robinson but former South African President Nelson Mandela. The New York Yankees added a plaque honoring Mandela in Monument Park. Many remember Mandela’s appearance at Yankee Stadium on June 21, 1990, shortly after his 27 year imprisonment in South Africa ended. On that day, wearing a Yankee jacket and cap, Mandela remarked to the crowd, ‘’You know who I am. I am a Yankee.’’

That day and Mandela’s subsequent accomplishments as South Africa’s president were recalled in a press conference that featured many prominent speakers who paid tribute to his deeds.

Zondwa Mandela, the grandson of the world leader who died at the age of 95 in December 2013, expressed his gratitude to the Yankees, and referred to himself as ‘’just a custodian of his [Mandela’s] legacy.”

Also present were South Africa’s Consul General, George Monyemangene, and Sello Hatang, Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO. The latter asked the Yankees to honor Mandela on July 18, Nelson Mandela Day. 

Others who spoke in honor of Mandela included former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, the Reverands Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton, Harry Belafonte, New York Yankees President Randy Levine and Robinson’s daughter, Sharon.

Yankee Managing Partner Hal Steinbrenner presented a matted copy of Mandela’s plaque to Mandela’s grandson and wife. The plaque will join those of Robinson, Yankees immortals and world leaders such as Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI in Monument Park. 

The centerpiece of the annual ceremony was, as always, a recognition of Robinson’s deed. His widow, Rachel, and daughter, Sharon, were present to enhance the remembrance of their loved one. 

To put the achievement of Jackie Robinson in historical perspective, we should recognize that he integrated MLB before it was accomplished in the NFL or NBA, seven years before the Supreme Court decision on Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, 16 years before the memorable March on Washington and 17 years before Congress passed the Civil Rights Acts during the administration of President Lyndon Johnson. 

In his introductory words at the informative, inspirational and educational press conference, New York Yankees Executive Director of Communications and Media Relations Jason Zilo linked the legacies of the two honorees, “Bringing people of all backgrounds and demographics together.”

Highbridge News: Cops on Lookout for Perv

Highbridge News: Cops on Lookout for Perv: Cops on Lookout for Perv  By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- Cops are asking for the public’s help to catch a perv who to...

Cops on Lookout for Perv

Cops on Lookout for Perv 

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- Cops are asking for the public’s help to catch a perv who touched a teenage boy near a school.

At around 5:35 a.m., the man in his 20s approached a 13-year-old boy at Boynton and Lafayette Avenues. The man pulled the teen’s pants down and touched the boy’s buttocks. The boy pushed the groper away and the suspect fled. The incident took place near a school and Soundview Park.

Police released a photo of the suspect who is described as Hispanic or a light skinned black man in his 20s. He is 5 foot 10 and 140 pounds.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. 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.

Highbridge News: Criminal masterminds caught on tape using stolen c...

Highbridge News: Criminal masterminds caught on tape using stolen c...: Criminal masterminds caught on tape using stolen credit card By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- A pair of brazen, but ...

Criminal masterminds caught on tape using stolen credit card

Criminal masterminds caught on tape using stolen credit card

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- A pair of brazen, but not-too-bright, home invaders were caught on surveillance tape allegedly using a credit card they stole from a Bronx man at gunpoint.

At around 8:14 p.m. on April 9, the two men entered a building on Decatur Avenue and attacked a man. Displaying a handgun, they restrained the victim with duct tape and removed $900 in cash, jewelry and a cell phone. The men left without incident.

Less than an hour later, the credit card that was stolen from the victim was used at Rite Aid store at West 125 Street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard in Manhattan. Police pulled the surveillance video from the store and say the men using the card are the ones wanted for robbing the man in the Bronx. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. 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.

Highbridge News: Cardinal Dolan Visits Sick in Bronx

Highbridge News: Cardinal Dolan Visits Sick in Bronx: Cardinal Dolan Visits Sick in Bronx BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- The Archbishop of New York, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, celebrated Mass ...

Cardinal Dolan Visits Sick in Bronx

Cardinal Dolan Visits Sick in Bronx

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- The Archbishop of New York, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, celebrated Mass recently at Calvary Hospital for more than 140 patients, families, employees, and special guests. Afterwards His Eminence visited with many patients and their visitors. He also visited the Hospital’s Kosher Hospitality Room and Shabbos Lounge. Cardinal Dolan serves as honorary chairman of Calvary Hospital.

In 2012, Calvary and Yeshiva University’s affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) announced a pioneering collaboration to provide rabbinic consultation to the observant Jewish community about end-of-life care in accordance with Jewish law. Several representatives from Yeshiva University were on hand to meet with the Archbishop including Edward R. Burns, M.D., Executive Dean, Albert Einstein School of Medicine, and Rabbi Menachem Penner, Dean of RIETS. Each year, the Hospital cares for hundreds of Jewish patients at their Bronx hospital, 25-bed Brooklyn Satellite at Lutheran Medical Center, as well as with home care and home hospice throughout the greater New York area.

Calvary Hospital is the nation’s only fully accredited acute care specialty hospital devoted exclusively to providing palliative care to adult advanced cancer patients. A 225-bed facility with locations in the Bronx and Brooklyn, Calvary is the model for the relief of cancer pain and symptoms for more than a century. More than 6,000 patients are cared for annually by Calvary’s inpatient, outpatient, home, hospice, nursing home hospice, and wound care services. To learn more or sign up for the e-newsletter, Calvary Life, please go to www.calvaryhospital.org.

Highbridge News: Sedar hailed as a success

Highbridge News: Sedar hailed as a success: Sedar hailed as a success BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- Almost 30 persons participated in the community Seder sponsored by Temple Hati...

Sedar hailed as a success

Sedar hailed as a success

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 16- Almost 30 persons participated in the community Seder sponsored by Temple Hatikva this past Sunday evening at the synagogue. The Seder was conducted by Cantor Kyle Cherry and Rabbi Harry Hertzberg, and all participants read from the special “Hatikva Haggadah”, retelling the story of Passover (the Exodus from Egypt) and singing special holiday songs.

Directly after the Seder, a Kosher Passover feast was served, including chicken soup with matza balls, chopped liver, salad, roast chicken, potato & noodle kugels and traditional Passover desserts.

It was a wonderful evening, with everyone enjoying the traditional Passover foods during the Seder, including Shmura Maztza, bitter herbs and charoset.

Cantor Kyle thanked all those in attendance for their wonderful participation. He noted:“Everyone took part in this beautiful Seder.

It was a pleasure to hear all these voices enthusiastically sing the

traditional Passover songs.”

Rabbi Harry added: “We are grateful to the Bronx Jewish Community Council and its Executive Director Brad Silver for partnering with us in bringing this magnificent event to our friends and neighbors. This Seder was truly a joint effort of the Jewish community and was a great success!”

Temple Hatikva is located at 2440 Esplanade, Bronx, NY. For more information about Temple Hatikva or any of our programs, please call Temple Hatikva at (917) 453-7557 or contact us at

TempleHatikva@aol.com.

Highbridge News: Yankees Sock it to Boston

Highbridge News: Yankees Sock it to Boston: Yankees Sock it to Boston Yanks Put to Rest Some Questions with Dominance of Red Sox, Ejection of Manager John Farrell By Ric...

Highbridge News: Yankees Sock it to Boston

Highbridge News: Yankees Sock it to Boston: Yankees Sock it to Boston Yanks Put to Rest Some Questions with Dominance of Red Sox, Ejection of Manager John Farrell By Ric...

Highbridge News: Yankees Sock it to Boston

Highbridge News: Yankees Sock it to Boston: Yankees Sock it to Boston Yanks Put to Rest Some Questions with Dominance of Red Sox, Ejection of Manager John Farrell By Ric...

Yankees Sock it to Boston

Yankees Sock it to Boston

Yanks Put to Rest Some Questions with Dominance of Red Sox, Ejection of Manager John Farrell

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 14- The rivalry changed a bit when the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox met for the first time in the Bronx the past three days. The Yankees, a team with questions will take what they accomplished after their 3-2 win Sunday night taking three of four games from their rivals.

This early in the season, and with questions about a Yankees bullpen that is being tested, they conquered. Matt Thornton, David Phelps and Shawn Kelley closed the door with David Robertson on the disabled list. It was intense baseball in the Bronx and from the looks of these first four of 19-games that will be played between these division rivals, there will be more intensity.

And count on a little of everything, including spectacular defense that came from the Yankees outfield. With a decimated infield, plagued by injuries, Carlos Beltran was shifted from right-field to first base in the top of the fifth because of an injury to Francisco Cervelli.

Cervelli, will likely go on the disabled list. Sunday night, Beltran went 3-for-4 including a home run, single and a double He has been everything the Yankees wanted in their lineup, perhaps something they did not have last year when the Red Sox dominated New York.

"I didn't have a whole lot of choices tonight," said manager Joe Girardi about putting Beltran in at first for the injured Cervelli. "Just tells you the type of player he is. Willing to do anything you ask him to do.”

He added, “Very, very unselfish."

Beltran is that type of player. He was one of the four players the Yankees purchased for over $450 million to get them back to October. But, with the Yankees decimated with injuries in the infield, Beltran was pressed into service and was put in the infield for the first time in his career.

It was another dimension to this rivalry, a new one that has developed. The Red Sox don’t resemble the team that went on to win a World Series last October. And the Yankees, without Derek Jeter this night ,were pressed to do something and Beltran did not say no.

"Thank God nobody hit the baseball to me," said Beltran. He made three putouts and without Mark Teixeira, on the disabled list with a right hamstring pull, Girardi may not hesitate to put Beltran at first again.

“We have to do what it takes," Beltran said. I hope I don't have to do it again." The Yankees are doing what they have to do, 13-games into a young season. He has homered in consecutive games since May 28-29 of last season against Kansas City when he was with the Cardinals.

The Yankees scored their third run in the fourth inning. The new instant replay rule went to their benefit and caused the ejection of Boston Manager John Farrell. Cervelli was ruled safe on a bang-bang play at first. Girardi challenged.

Farrell contested the change of a call that enabled the Yankees to get what was a decisive run in what could have been an inning ending double-play. Under the new rule a play overturned is not supposed to be argued by a manager, hence the ejection. More, so the Yankees got the benefit and the rivalry got more intense.

So much of what transpired renewed a rivalry that seemed to disappear last season. Ichiro Suzuki, replacing Beltran in right, crashed into the outfield wall and made a spectacular catch that took an extra base hit away from David Ortiz in the eighth inning.

And by the eighth inning, with Mike Napoli on second, after a double to left that the Yankees’ Brett Gardner did his best to get, the Yankee Stadium crowd could be heard again, as it was when this rivalry was so intense.

Phelps, part of the mix and match late combination out of the Yankees pen walked Daniel Nava on a pitch that was low. A.J. Pierzynski got hit by a pitch that loaded the bases. Mike Carp off the bench after going behind 2-0 on the count went after a breaking ball and swung at strike three.

Then Kelley, in a role as one of the closers, sent the Red Sox packing in the ninth. It is only April, but these games are so important in a division that will be contested also with Tampa Bay.

“You know the division and wild card come down to one run,” said Girardi who always said these games are important now. However, if the Yankees want to be there in late September, they need to stay healthy. And they need good pitching as Ivan Nova got his second win in 7.1 innings. He struck out four on eight-hits and one of the Boston runs off Napoli’s third home run in the sixth.

“I thought he had a better command of his curveball tonight and that was a difference,” commented Girardi. In his last outing, Nova gave up seven runs and 10-hits in 3-2/3 innings to Baltimore.

The type of game on Sunday night that revived a rivalry in the Bronx and the Yankees, with an off Monday have a day to recuperate before welcoming the Chicago Cubs for a two-game interleague series.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  facebook.com/Rich Mancuso www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Highbridge News: Yanks Blast Sox Off

Highbridge News: Yanks Blast Sox Off: Yanks Blast Sox Off Homers Give Yankees a 7-4 Victory over the Red Sox By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK APRIL 13- In a reversa...

Yanks Blast Sox Off

Yanks Blast Sox Off

Homers Give Yankees a 7-4 Victory over the Red Sox

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK APRIL 13- In a reversal of the circumstances of the previous night’s contest at Yankee Stadium, five Yankee four baggers drove in each of their seven runs and ensured them a Saturday matinee victory over the Boston Red Sox.

The good feeling of sitting under blue skies and mild temperatures in the 60’s was increased for the Yankee rooters in the ballpark by the success at the plate of the Yankee batters. The combination provided a pleasant Saturday afternoon outing for the 48.572 fans in the Stadium, the largest crowd of the season.

In the first frame, a two-out single by the hot hitting former star of the Red Sox, Jacoby Ellsbury, was followed by Carlos Beltran’s second home run of the 2014 campaign, which gave New York a two run lead.

A lead-off base hit by Xander Bogarts in the second led to a tied score of two as the next batter, AJ Pierzynski blasted the first pitch into the seats in right to drive in two runs.

Two innings later, Brian McCann and Alfonso Soriano connected for back-to-back homers to give New York a 4-2 advantage. The Yankees had last hit homers back-to-back on June 6, 2013 in Seattle.

Two additional Yankee runners crossed the plate in the bottom of the sixth. McCann with his second home run of the game also drove in Beltran, who had doubled to begin the inning. This was McCann’s tenth multi-homer game in his career in the majors. It was the first Yankee multi-home run game since Soriano blasted two round trippers on September 10, 2013.

Despite entering the contest with a batting average of .162, the Yankee skipper was not surprised by McCann’s home runs, “I know he’s going to hit; he’s too good a hitter not to hit.”

Yankee starter Hiroki Kuroda was removed from the game after 6.1 innings after walking two batters in the seventh. A hit batsman and a single by Mike Carp off reliever Matt Thornton allowed the last two baserunners of Kuroda’s outing to score.

Kuroda gave up six hits and four earned runs in his 6.1 inning performance. He earned his second win of the young season, but was critical of his pitching, “Overall, I wasn’t sharp. My command and precise control wasn’t there.”

Kelly Johnson began the eighth frame with a crushing blow that landed in the center field seats. Saturday’s game was the third straight in which Johnson homered. The two rookies, Yangervis Solarte and Dean Anna, followed with a single and a double respectively. They were stranded on second and third when the inning concluded after the next two batters could not move them.

The offensive onslaught was quite pleasing to the Yankee manager, “It definitely helps if you can score runs quickly. I think our offense is much more balanced than last year. I think it is much more explosive too.”

The final game of the series will be played on Sunday night. Ivan Nova will start for New York and Felix Doubront will start for Boston.

Highbridge News: CC Loses Concentration, Game

Highbridge News: CC Loses Concentration, Game: CC Loses Concentration, Game Red Sox Homers Give Boston a 4-2 Win over Yanks By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 12-  The Red Sox evened...

CC Loses Concentration, Game

CC Loses Concentration, Game
Red Sox Homers Give Boston a 4-2 Win over Yanks


By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 12- The Red Sox evened the four game series with the Yankees at one each as two homers in the sixth inning off Yankee starter CC Sabathia gave the visitors enough runs to ensure their victory.

Sabathia was extremely effective during the first five innings, giving up one hit, a double by catcher David Ross in the third and walking two batters. During that period, the lefty fanned six to tie Roger Clemens for 12th place in strikeouts as a Yankee pitcher.

Manager Joe Girardi was pleased with the work of the man considered the ace of the Yankee staff, “I thought he [Sabathia] threw the ball pretty well. He’s run into a little bit of bad luck.”

The bad luck or careless pitching came in the sixth frame. The second pitch Sabathia threw was hit by Jonny Gomes into the seats in left field to knot the score at one. With one out, David Ortiz checked his swing on a 0-2 pitch, but the ball dribbled into the infield for a base hit. The unlikely hit unnerved the veteran pitcher sufficiently for him to lose his focus.

Mike Napoli then singled and Grady Sizemore, a close friend of the Yankee pitcher, took a hanging slider into the right field stands for a three run homer. Girardi believed only one bad pitch cost Sabathia a victory, “It was just one pitch. I thought he left the slider up to Sizemore.”

The losing hurler for the Yankees blamed the difficult inning on his loss of concentration after the hit by Ortiz, “It’s frustrating. I let them [my emotions] get the best of me tonight. I just can’t let this stuff happen. I haven’t been able to put a whole game together.”

The Boston starter, Jon Lester, spoke respectfully and realistically of Sabathia’s performance, “You know it’s always going to be tough against CC. He was on point and made a couple of mistakes. Fortunately, we made him pay for it.”

Lester only gave up one run in the first six innings, also caused by one pitch. Alfonso Soriano connected on a fastball to lead off the second and drove the ball into the seats in left for his 408th home run.

A two out single in the seventh by Ichiro Suzuki, a walk to Brian Roberts and a single by Kelly Johnson drove in the only other run for the Yanks. The hit was only the first by Johnson off Lester in 15 at bats. Notwithstanding the hit, Johnson was full of praise for Lester, “Lester was great. That was typical Lester. He’s one of the toughest in the game.”

Girardi was in agreement, “When you’re facing an ace [Lester], you don’t score a lot of runs.”
The third game of the series will be played on Saturday afternoon with Hiroki Kuroda starting for New York and John Lackey for Boston.

Highbridge News: Pizza chain opens in hungry Co-op City

Highbridge News: Pizza chain opens in hungry Co-op City: Pizza chain opens in hungry Co-op City BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 11- Hungry Howie's Pizza is bringing their famous flavored crus...

Pizza chain opens in hungry Co-op City

Pizza chain opens in hungry Co-op City

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 11- Hungry Howie's Pizza is bringing their famous flavored crust to the New York area with its newest location at Co-op City. 

Hungry Howie's Pizza, the originator of the flavored crust pizza, offers eight famous crust flavors including: butter, butter cheese, cajun, garlic herb, onion, ranch, sesame and original. The franchise also offers $5, $10, $15 and $20 deals for the Co-op City and North East Bronx residents to indulge in. "I am thrilled to begin Hungry Howie's Pizza's expansion in the state of New York, with my new location at Co-op City," said owner Phillip Cotto. "I am positive we will bring great service and high quality, delicious pizza to the area." "We are grateful to have Phillip as part of the Hungry Howie's Pizza family," said Brian Wirth, Marketing Manager at Hungry Howie's Pizza. “With great passion along with a wonderful environment, we are confident that they will do well at their Co-op City location."

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce presented Phillip with a certificate officially welcoming Hungry Howie’s to the Bronx Community family. Hungry Howie’s team presented Jeffrey Ampratwum, District Executive/Bronx Council of the Boy Scout of America with a check to help support their facilities.

Hungry Howie's Pizza is located at 291 Co-op City Blvd, Bronx, NY. To reach Hungry Howie's Pizza call (929) 222-4500. Hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. 

Highbridge News: One-Two Punch Sox Boston

Highbridge News: One-Two Punch Sox Boston: One-Two Punch Sox Boston Pitching, Hitting Takes Out Red Sox By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 11- Michael Pineda made his...

One-Two Punch Sox Boston

One-Two Punch Sox Boston

Pitching, Hitting Takes Out Red Sox

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 11- Michael Pineda made his second start of the year and his first at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night. His start on April 5 at Toronto was his first since September 21, 2011. His last victory in the majors came on July 30, 2011. A serious shoulder injury and surgery kept him out of the majors for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

In each of his starts this month, Pineda pitched six innings and gave up only one earned run. He was given the loss on April 5 because the Yankees were shut out. The situation was different five days later. 

Yankee batters managed more than one hit in only two innings but made those hits count. Jacoby Ellsbury was safe on an error to begin the fourth frame. Carlos Beltran followed with a single to right, his fourth hit in the last two games. Ellsbury scored the first run in the game as the next batter, Brian McCann, broke a 0 for 14 streak with a run batted in single. McCann spoke about the hit, “I found a hole. I really needed that hit.” The second run crossed the plate on a double play on Alfonso Soriano.

The Yanks scored their final two runs in the next inning. With one out, Dean Anna hit his first major league home run. The 27 year-old was acquired from the San Diego Padres in a trade on November 20, 2013. The native of Illinois made his major league debut on April 4. He said, “Words can’t explain it.” He then tried to, “It feels really good to hit a home run at Yankee Stadium against the Red Sox. He [Buchholz] threw a change-up [and] I hit it well.”

Asked if he felt like giving up after playing 554 minor league games before reaching the majors, the infielder remarked, “You just have to keep your head down and work, work, work.”

The second run scored that inning was by Derek Jeter, who doubled with two out. Jeter was driven in by a single from Ellsbury, in his first game against his former team. In a pre-game press conference, the new Yankee commented that playing for both the Red Sox and Yankees was “pretty special.”

The only Boston run was scored on a seventh inning lead-off homer by Daniel Nava.

The four runs for the Yankees were more than sufficient for the win because of Yankee pitching. Pineda’s six inning performance was impressive. He gave up one run and four hits, walked two and fanned seven. 

Yankee skipper Joe Girardi was pleased, “He pitched extremely well. He mixed his pitches, location was really good, he had command of the strike zone. We’re glad to have him back.”

David Phelps, the reliever who got the save with an outstanding 2.1 innings on the mound, also praised Pineda, “He [Pineda] did a great job carrying us. He keeps guys off balance.”

Girardi also gave credit to Phelps, “Outstanding performance on his part, got huge outs for us.”

CC Sabathia (Yanks) and Jon Lester (Red Sox) will be the starters of the second contest of the big rivalry on Friday night. 

Highbridge News: Phenomenal Start for Yankee Rookie Yangervis Solar...

Highbridge News: Phenomenal Start for Yankee Rookie Yangervis Solar...: Phenomenal Start for Yankee Rookie Yangervis Solarte By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- -The cycle of life can be seen...