Welcome2TheBronx first heard about this from Amelia Zaino, a 24 year old graduate student at Lehman College studying Geographic Information Studies who lives in Co-op City. Zaino posted about it in the Facebook Group Bronx Movers & Shakers (after reading about it in the Co-op City Times) and immediately started a petition, along with her friend Jessica Cruz, addressed to Prestige Properties to keep Barnes and Noble in place at Bay Plaza (PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SIGN IT!). Zaino told us, “I think it’s completely embarrassing that the Bronx is about to become the first borough without a public, secular bookstore. We were the last to get a Barnes and Noble and the first to lose it. I also think it is sad that our leaders think economic recovery is based on the number of clothing stores and chain restaurants we have, and not on a variety of businesses, especially those selling educational materials and books.”
In the petition, they passionately state:
“The New Bronx” is a growing retail center, with cell phone stores, clothing stores, and chain restaurants sprouting on every corner. We just opened the largest indoor mall in New York City in 40 years. But by the end of the year, “The New Bronx” will be the only borough in New York without a bookstore.
In a borough with nearly a dozen institutions of higher education and almost 20 percent of its residents now possessing a bachelor’s degree, the lack of accessibility to quality literature, in addition to art and hobby supplies, is truly alarming.
Community residents will no longer have a place to purchase novels, instruction books, nor training manuals for important exams such as the SATs. They will no longer be able to meet their favorite authors or celebrities, including Steve Harvey and Joel Osteen.
In addition, dozens of Bronxites will now be out of work and forced to find jobs elsewhere.
The signers of this petition demand that Prestige Properties arrange a fair leasing deal for the bookstore, and allow it to stay in the area. The Bronx is already the poorest county in the country. We must not let it become the stupidest.”
In a statement issued to Welcome2TheBronx, Barnes and Noble’s VP for Development, David Dearson said, “Our lease is expiring and we worked diligently to extend the lease. The property owner informed us that they had other users who were willing to pay in excess of what Barnes & Noble was paying for the leased space. We operated our Bronx store and were happy to serve the community for 15 years. We’ll look to re-open as soon as an opportunity presents itself.” We reached out to Prestige Properties but have yet to hear back from them.
2883 3rd Avenue as it looked in 1940 / Image Courtesy Shorpy.com
Since B&N appears willing to re-open in the borough as soon as the opportunity presents itself, I say, why not in Melrose at The Hub? It is an area that has seen a renaissance in recent years with over $2 billion in developments as well as new stores such as The Children’s Place, Carters, and the Manhattan-based shoe store, Orva(with one of their stores directly across a B&N on 86th and Lexington Ave on the UES). Not to mention national fitness chains such as Planet Fitness, Blink, and Crunch. The area is also home to not one but 2 of the Bronx’s first luxury boutique hotels: The Opera House Hotel and The Umbrella Hotel, the latter of which is scheduled to open shortly.
Tens of thousands of professionals work in the area under a 1 mile radius from medical professionals at Lincoln Hospital, to the legal profession with thousands of attorneys working in area offices and at the court system located within the neighborhood to the many businesses which have offices in the neighborhood.
The Hub also sees pedestrian traffic of over 250,000 people a day, which according to The Hub Business Improvement District, makes it the busiest intersection outside of Times Square. These people are local residents, employees who work in the many office buildings in the area, shoppers, and visitors to the many services based in the area. It is an area that is 2 blocks away from Lincoln Hospital and it also sits within walking distance of 4 institutions of higher learning 2 of which are within 2 blocks.
A Barnes and Noble at this location would make sense since it can also easily capture residents from Manhattan over in Harlem which is only 5 minutes and 2 stops away on the 2 line.
What do you think? Do you think the Hub would make an ideal place for a Barnes and Noble location? It is one of the most easily accessible locations in our borough and would ensure that we still have at least one book store in The Bronx.
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Sponsored Ad: Space still available at new school in Mott Haven!
“Morgan Powell lived for Bronx history. He spoke about everything from the borough’s parks, rivers and early settlers — the kind of people for whom streets and neighborhoods are named — to the waves of African-American and Latino immigrants who remade the area during the 20th century.
He paid the bills — as best as he could — working as a landscaper and gardener. But he sustained his spirit with his love of Bronx history and his advocacy for the natural environment. He did his research on his own, sharing his knowledge and passion on blogs and free tours.
“Even when we went downtown, he would make connections about things in Manhattan and things in the Bronx,” said Nilka Martell, a close friend who joined him on daylong historical walks. “He knew I hated leaving the Bronx, so he always showed me the connections.”
Now Ms. Martell and her friends are struggling to find the most basic of connections to Mr. Powell — his next of kin. His body was discovered floating in the Erie Basin, off Red Hook, Brooklyn, on Sept. 29. The New York City medical examiner’s office is investigating the cause of his death. People are devastated and confused: How could a man devoted to uncovering the hidden history of the Bronx have concealed his own past? Worse, would he now be fated to a pauper’s unmarked grave?”
Refinery29 author and Bronxite Maggie Parker recently published 12 reasons why The Bronx Is Our New Favorite Borough and we’re especially happy to see the Bronx Documentary Center on that list.
Bronx Documentary Center Sorry, Brooklyn and Manhattan, but you’re not the only two boroughs filled with innovative artistic experiences. The Bronx Documentary Center is a photography, new media, and film sanctuary located on the south side that offers an array of film screenings, photography exhibits, book signings, and more. Aspiring photographers and filmmakers can take part in the center’s hands-on workshops (the next one is hosted by award-winning photojournalists Carolyn Cole and Todd Heisler, on November 8), or partake in biweekly meetings with other like-minded individuals.
Due to a scheduling conflict with the venue, the memorial for the late Kristopher Morgan Powell has been changed to TUESDAY, October 28th.
In the meantime, The Friends of Morgan Powell has created an official donation site to raise the necessary funds for his wake and burial:
“Our dear friend, local Bronx historian, Kristopher Morgan Powell passed away suddenly, leaving friends and colleagues shocked and heartbroken. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been made public as next of kin have not been located. The Public Administrator’s office will release him to his friends if we properly bury him. Only next of kin can make the decision to cremate.
Morgan was a giving man, giving of his time, knowledge and positivity. He was a friend to many and loved by his community and beyond. He left behind some amazing work, presenting Bronx history and nature walks, presented lectures and distributing handouts during all of his functions.
His passion led to over 10 years of research and resulted in his findings being shared by thousands of people who have either attended his events, or viewed it online. Some of his research is available online at his blog, Bronx River Sankofa and Facebook page. Videos of his history and nature walking tours are also available on youtube.com (search Bronx River Sankofa.) His research was based on African-American and Latino history of the Bronx, especially communities around the Bronx River.
Because of his love, passion and contribution to the Bronx, as well as his love for Woodlawn Cemetery, we are looking to find him a resting place at Woodlawn. The average cost of wake and burial is approximately $15,000. Morgan touched many lives and we’d like to give him the beautiful, respectful burial that he deserves.
Please share this link with others that knew Morgan. Even a small donation helps. There is an option of giving an anonymous donation.
Let us come together as a community, as Friends of Morgan Powell, and provide him a resting place in his beloved Bronx. – See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/celebration-of-life-for-kristopher-morgan-powell/249380#sthash.g1umZYKC.dpuf
On Tuesday, October 28th, 2014, a memorial service will be held for the late Kristopher Morgan Powell at the historic Andrew Freedman Home located at 1125 Grand Concourse. Due to limited capacity, kindly RSVP via the EventBrite link provided.
If you cannot make it to next week’s celebration of Morgan’s life, stay tuned as there will be others in the coming weeks.
If there ever was a super fan of Jennifer Lopez, it’s Edgardo Luis Rivera. Edgardo is desperately trying to get the city to name a street near JLo’s Castle Hill home to ‘Jennifer Lopez Way’. He’s even started a petition to the city to do so.
The odds, however, seem against him due to regulations stating that guidelines for street renamings state that the person must be deceased or terminally-ill.
Governor Cuomo announced today in a press conference that a total of eight hospitals across the state of New York as medical centers designated to treat ebola cases — Montefiore in The Bronx being one of them.
According to the press release, “Montefiore Health System president and CEO Steven M. Safyer, MD said, “We applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership on this potential public health issue. New Yorkers will be well-served by having specialty centers located in their communities with the expertise to respond quickly and efficiently if the need arises. Montefiore, with its academic partner, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has nationally-recognized expertise in Ebola research and treating infectious diseases, and has a robust infection control program. We have been training our frontline care providers in best practices for many months to identify, isolate, and care for patients who may be infected with Ebola.”
Of other 7 institutions, 4 are located in the New York City with 3 in Manhattan (Mount Sinai, New York Presbyterian, and Bellevue), 2 on Long Island at North Shore/LIJ Health System in Nassau County and Stony Brook University Hospital in Suffolk. The other two are located upstate in Syracuse and Rochester.
Unannounced Training Drills in Health Facilities Expanded to Occur in Mass Transit Centers and on College Campuses Statewide
Education Session for Healthcare Workers Scheduled for October 21
Albany, NY (October 16, 2014)
Governor Designates Eight Hospitals Statewide to Care for Potential Patients and Outlines Updated Department of Health Hospital Protocols
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today convened New York State agency leadership along with regional hospital and healthcare representatives to outline the State’s plans for Ebola preparedness and to assure New Yorkers that the State is taking every precaution to protect their health and safety. The Governor has designated eight hospitals statewide to treat potential patients with Ebola. Additionally, the State Department of Health has issued a Commissioner’s Order to all hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, and ambulance services in New York State, requiring that they follow protocols for identification, isolation and medical evaluation of patients requiring care. In order to ensure that New York is continuously prepared to safely treat anyone who is exposed to or contracts Ebola, an education session for healthcare workers will be held in New York City on October 21.
Governor Cuomo also announced that the Port Authority will coordinate procedure and practice between all State airports to ensure proper training is in place for airport personnel, and the Port Authority Police Department will be deploying two ambulances per shift at each of its airports to ensure the timely and safe transport of potential patients with Ebola. Additionally, the MTA will work to ensure that its employees have necessary equipment and training to protect themselves as well as subway, bus and commuter railroad customers. As part of the State’s preparedness plan, unannounced drills currently occurring at hospitals and health care facilities will be expanded to college campuses as well as subway and mass transit areas. State agencies will continue to work together and make adjustments as necessary in the weeks and months to come in order to best protect New Yorkers.
“Protecting the people of this state is one of our top priorities in government, and I want all New Yorkers to know that we are doing everything necessary to safeguard against the risks of ebola,” Governor Cuomo said. “Today I’m announcing a thorough effort involving multiple state agencies and authorities that will ensure we are prepared to address even the slightest possibility of this disease. On top of these measures, we are working in close coordination with federal and local agencies and health care professionals, and I want to thank all of them for their cooperation and support. This administration has always erred on the side of caution, and this issue is no different. New Yorkers should rest assured that we are taking the steps to be fully prepared for whatever the future brings.”
New York State’s Ebola plan calls for eight hospitals statewide to handle all patients diagnosed with Ebola, with plans to designate additional hospitals going forward. The following eight hospitals have agreed to the designation and are creating isolation units to accept patients:
Mt. Sinai in Manhattan
New York Presbyterian in Manhattan
Bellevue in Manhattan
Montefiore in the Bronx
North Shore/LIJ Health System in Nassau County
Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse
University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester
Stony Brook University Hospital on Long Island
Various State agencies and authorities are already addressing the threat of Ebola, including:
Department of Health: In addition to updating protocols and hosting training exercises, the Department of Health will plan webinars for all hospital epidemiology, infection control and emergency room staff on Ebola. DOH will also draft another alert reiterating guidance about emergency department triage and infection control and take steps to be sure this guidance reaches all parts of the healthcare system, including clinics, urgent care centers, and primary care. DOH will also conduct an electronic survey of all hospitals to query Ebola readiness activities, training, and the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). DOH regional staff – including personnel from the Office of Public Health’s Epidemiology, Infection Control, and Primary Care and Health Systems Management Offices – will do joint visits to hospitals and other health care settings using a standard check for things like emergency department triage, care plan, PPE, and training.
Port Authority: At JFK, in coordination with personnel from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Customs and Border Protection and US Coast Guard, advanced screenings commenced on Saturday using detailed questionnaires for passengers originating in three West African nations. In addition, personnel from the CDC, Customs and Border Protection and the US Public Health Service had a practice drill with the Port Authority Police Department and other Federal, State and local partners on Friday afternoon at JFK for scenarios in which passengers who may have been infected with the virus are handled at JFK. Advanced screening began Saturday at JFK and at this time no passengers at JFK arriving from the three West African nations have been identified as having the Ebola virus.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority: The MTA has developed a protocol to keep its employees and customers safe during this time of heightened awareness. This protocol includes ensuring that at-risk employees have appropriate personal protective equipment to guard against infection and are trained in its use, as well as following best practices and recommended standards when cleaning MTA facilities. This protocol was developed in close consultation with the State Department of Health regarding symptoms and likelihood of potential exposure. The MTA has been meeting with its labor unions this week to discuss this protocol and to make sure it is consistent and thorough in its implementation. The MTA will outline this Ebola virus protocol to customers through messaging throughout the MTA system in the coming days.
Public Safety: The Governor’s Office of Public Safety is working with New York State Police, the New York State Chiefs and Sheriff’s Associations and SUNY Chiefs to coordinate field advise for police officers regarding recommended equipment and procedures to reduce chance of contamination.
Commissioner’s Order: Acting State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker has issued a Commissioner’s Order to all hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, and ambulance services in New York State, requiring that they follow protocols for identification, isolation and medical evaluation of patients requiring care, and also mandating that all staff be trained in person in the practice of donning and removing personal protective equipment. The protocols are in place to ensure that New York’s hospitals can safely care for and treat patients with Ebola. The Department of Health is also providing guidance to other healthcare professionals and facilities on the proper management of people with potential exposure to Ebola. The Commissioner’s Order can be viewed HERE.
More information about Ebola – including answers to common questions and links to other resources on the disease – is available HERE.
State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said, “Every hospital and health care provider in New York State must be prepared for a patient with Ebola to come to them. New York State is sharing guidance and working on training and practice drills and helping health care providers assess their readiness to ensure that all health care professionals know the guidelines and protocols so that we can provide the best possible care for patients while protecting the people who provide that care.”
Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye said, “Ensuring the health and safety of everyone who uses or works at our facilities is our number one priority. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership we are working with the State Department of Health, the CDC, the CBP and the rest of our federal, state and local partners to ensure the personnel at our airports are fully prepared to handle potential patients with Ebola or any other infectious disease.”
State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said, “Law enforcement are often the first responders to medical emergencies. The State Police is working with the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, the New York Sheriffs Association and SUNY Police to share best practices, protocols and messaging to better prepare the law enforcement community in the event of a medical emergency.”
Training for Health Care Workers: Next week, the State Department of Health will join representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Greater New York Hospital Association, 1199 SEIU and the Partnership for Quality Care for an Ebola education session for health care workers. The event will include national and New York City-area infection control experts, and a hands-on demonstration of wearing and removing equipment. The training will take place on Tuesday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Javits Center in New York City.
Healthcare Association of New York State President Dennis Whalen said, “Ebola is a serious concern for every hospital in New York State. The care of patients and the health and safety of our staff and workers are critical priorities. Each institution is training staff and workers in proper procedures; ensuring appropriate protocols and plans for patient assessment and care are developed, in place, and drilled; and making certain that adequate supplies of recommended Personal Protective Equipment are available for staff. We are working closely with the State Department of Health and these efforts will continue as new information becomes available from CDC and DOH. We will work with our hospitals to ensure compliance with the Commissioner’s Order that reinforces the actions hospitals already have underway. Hospitals in New York State are institutions that are always ready to respond to threats of disease, disaster, and illness—and they are making every preparation to safely care for patients with Ebola, should the need arise.”
Greater New York Hospital Association President Ken Raske said, “As the Texas Ebola cases have shown, a patient with Ebola can show up anywhere, so New York State needs to be at the highest level of preparedness. The State’s plan—anchored by the outstanding leadership of the hospitals that will care for all Ebola patients—is a critically important development in ensuring that our patients receive the highest level of care while our invaluable health care workforce receives the highest level of protection. GNYHA will work with the State, local health departments and our hospitals to ensure that communication and coordination are the hallmarks of every element of the State’s plan.”
New York State Nurses Association Executive Director Jill Furillo, RN, said, “The New York State Nurses Association supports the State’s decision to require each hospital to have written protocols for immediately identifying, isolating, and medically evaluating any person who could potentially be infected with Ebola. Additionally, we commend the State for requiring in-person training on donning and removing personal protective equipment, further ensuring the safety of all patients and the frontline workers who care for them. NYSNA looks forward to working with the Department of Health as we implement optimal statewide requirements for high-quality, safe care for all New Yorkers.”
CEO and President of the Mount Sinai Health System Kenneth L. Davis, MD said, “As frontline health care workers, we are committed to protecting the health and well-being of our communities. We have established protocols to identify, treat and monitor patients who possibly have Ebola, and we are confident our efforts will successfully allow us to employ all necessary infection control measures to keep all patients and staff safe.”
New York-Presbyterian Hospital CEO Steven J. Corwin, M.D. said, “We exist for the public good and we are committed to providing superlative care to all those who need our help, especially during times of crisis. As a designated Ebola Center, through specialized resources and a highly trained, core team of providers, New York-Presbyterian will be prepared to manage the complete course of care for an afflicted patient.”
Montefiore Health System president and CEO Steven M. Safyer, MD said, “We applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership on this potential public health issue. New Yorkers will be well-served by having specialty centers located in their communities with the expertise to respond quickly and efficiently if the need arises. Montefiore, with its academic partner, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has nationally-recognized expertise in Ebola research and treating infectious diseases, and has a robust infection control program. We have been training our frontline care providers in best practices for many months to identify, isolate, and care for patients who may be infected with Ebola.”
North Shore/LIJ President and CEO Michael Dowling said, “As New York’s largest healthcare provider with 16 hospitals across the metropolitan area, the North Shore-LIJ Health System embraces its role as a regional resource in preparing for and responding to the Ebola emergency, including offering assistance to other healthcare providers. While all of our hospitals have been on high alert for patients who may have been exposed to the virus, we recognize the wisdom of designating a single location to serve as a receiving site for potential Ebola patients. We will work cooperatively with state and local health officials to maximize the protection of patients, staff, visitors and the community-at-large during this public health emergency.”
On Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014, a memorial service will be held for the late Kristopher Morgan Powell at the historic Andrew Freedman Home located at 1125 Grand Concourse. Due to limited capacity, kindly RSVP via the EventBrite link provided.
If you cannot make it to next week’s celebration of Morgan’s life, stay tuned as there will be others in the coming weeks.
The Bronx Zoo may be getting a few Yellowstone National Park bison as a result of a 10 year program to create genetically pure herds.
The Bronx-based Wild Life Conservation Society at The Bronx Zoo is leading the consortium deciding where the 145 bisons, currently on media maven and philanthropist Ted Turner’s Ranch, will end up.
According to the Associated Press, The animals that would be sent to the zoos would be to create nucleus herds in order to provide for future conservation efforts.
The 145 Yellowstone bison would be distributed as follows:
-75 would go to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana
-35 to the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma
-30 would go to Utah’s Division of Wildlife
The remaining 10 would go to The Bronx Zoo, Queens Zoo and a zoo in Ohio.
Now, NYC Department of Health has issued more comprehensive educational material on Ebola and we would like to share that information with you so please refer to the information below:
Ebola virus disease is a severe, often fatal disease that affects humans and some animals (like monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). It is caused by the Ebola virus.
Currently, there is an Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The first-ever U.S. case of Ebola was diagnosed in late September, when a patient who had traveled from West Africa to Texas became sick.
HOW DOES EBOLA SPREAD?
Ebola is spread by directly touching an infected person’s skin, blood or body fluids. It is not spread through the air or simply by being near someone who is infected. People only become contagious after they begin to have symptoms, such as fever.
Since the virus can survive on surfaces for a short time, people can be infected by touching objects (like needles or bed sheets) that contain infected blood or body fluids.
During outbreaks, the disease can spread within health care settings if workers do not wear protective gear and take proper precautions.
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE CURRENT OUTBREAK?
The current outbreak is largely taking place in three West African countries: Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
On September 30, 2014, the first travel-related U.S. case of Ebola was diagnosed in Dallas, Texas. The patient did not have symptoms when leaving Liberia in West Africa, but started to feel sick days after arriving in Dallas.
If you traveled to one of the affected West African countries in the past three weeks, you are not at risk unless you had direct contact with a person infected with Ebola.
The CDC issued a travel advisory urging all U.S. residents to avoid non-essential travel to Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia.
NOW THAT SOMEONE IN THE U.S. HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH EBOLA, AM I AT A HIGHER RISK?
No. The only way to get infected with Ebola is to directly come into contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluid. The nation’s top health experts are continuing to monitor the outbreak, including the recent situation in Dallas, and are working with health care providers, hospitals and others to make sure that everyone is prepared to handle another case of Ebola if it were to occur in the U.S.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF EBOLA?
The disease usually starts with an abrupt fever, possibly with headache and joint and muscle aches. Other symptoms may include:
Nausea
Weakness
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Lack of appetite
Some patients may also experience:
Rash
Red eyes
Hiccups
Cough
Sore throat
Chest pain
Problems breathing
Problems swallowing
Bleeding inside and outside the body
WHEN DO SYMPTOMS FIRST APPEAR?
Symptoms usually appear eight to 10 days after exposure but may appear anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure.
HOW SERIOUS IS EBOLA?
The severity of the disease varies, but over 50% of patients with Ebola have died during past outbreaks. Researchers do not fully understand why some people who become sick with Ebola recover while others do not.
HOW IS EBOLA TREATED?
There is no known effective medication for Ebola infection. Treatment focuses on supportive care and may require intensive care unit support. There is no vaccine for Ebola.
CAN EBOLA INFECTION BE PREVENTED?
Measures to stop the disease from spreading include
Quickly identifying people who might be infected with Ebola virus
Following infection control guidelines in health care facilities (i.e. sterilizing medical equipment and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment )
Isolating Ebola patients from contact with uninfected people.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE EBOLA?
The only people at risk in the current outbreak are those who might have had direct contact with a person with known or possible Ebola.
If you visited one of the affected countries and develop fever within three weeks after leaving that country, seek medical care right away. Make sure to tell your doctor if you had direct contact with a person who might have had Ebola. Be sure to alert the doctor’s office or emergency room about your symptoms before going so that arrangements can be made, if needed, to prevent others from becoming sick. For more information, call 311.
Updated 08/12/2014 Reducing your risk of Ebola
Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease that affects humans and some animals (like monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees). It is caused by the Ebola virus. A large outbreak of Ebola is now occurring in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Lagos, Nigeria.
Ebola is spread by directly touching an infected person or animal’s skin, blood or body fluids. You cannot get Ebola through the air or water, or by touching someone who is not sick.
Reduce your risk by following the below steps.
DO NOT:
-Touch people who may be sick from Ebola
-Touch patients in hospitals where there have been cases of Ebola
-Touch any body fluids (blood, vomit, urine, feces) of people who are sick
-Touch people who may have died from Ebola, especially when washing and preparing a body for burial
-Touch bats, monkeys, chimpanzees or other animals in the affected countries
-Eat bush meat in the affected countries
ALWAYS:
-Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
-Wear waterproof gloves and a mask if you are in contact with people who are sick or if you clean a spill that includes body fluids. Be sure to clean your hands with soap and water afterwards.
You may hear rumors that Ebola can be prevented in other ways, such as by drinking or bathing in salt
water or using disinfectants or detergents. These rumors are false and dangerous. The best way to
reduce your risk of getting Ebola is by avoiding direct contact with people or animals sick with Ebola.
If you have loved ones in the affected areas, help protect them by sharing this information with them.
If you visited one of the affected countries, check your temperature daily for 21 days after leaving that
country. If you develop fever within those 21 days, seek medical care right away. Tell your doctor about
your recent travel, and be sure to notify the doctor’s office or emergency room about your symptoms
before going so that arrangements can be made, if needed, to prevent others from becoming sick. For
more information, call 347-396-7989.
This Week Only: Pregones/PRTT Gets Ready for Los Angeles with 4 Bronx Performances of
DANCING IN MY COCKROACH KILLERS
NYC – October 14, 2014 – Uproarious ensemble musical Dancing In My Cockroach Killers, a production of Pregones Theater and Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, gets ready for its West Coast premiere with evening and matinee performances this Thursday to Sunday, October 16 to 19, in The Bronx. The company invites local community members to get on the cheering squad, and will be rolling out new benefits and incentives for members and patrons in attendance, including the chance to win a round-trip ticket to the destination of your choice on Southwest Airlines, the Official Airline of Pregones/PRTT!
Dancing In My Cockroach Killers is an explosive mix of texts, visuals, and music based on the writings of award-winning poet and playwright Magdalena Gómez. Pregones/PRTT’s stellar ensemble delivers the full range of Gómez’s rhythmic realism, boundless hope, and laugh out loud humor. Her characters face real life challenges with courage and flair, and are openly inspired by friends, family, and Latin cultural icons as varied as Lolita Lebrón, Joe Cuba, and Iris Chacón. Following its enormously successful Off-Broadway run last year, the show is now a featured selection in Los Angeles Theatre Center’s historic Encuentro Latino Theater Festival, a national gathering and showcase presented in the City of Angels this October-November by LATC and the Latina/o Theatre Commons.
Each story in Dancing In My Cockroach Killers will have you nodding and finger-snapping in self recognition! An extraordinary evening of live theater and music! Directed by Rosalba Rolón with musical director Desmar Guevara. In English and Spanish with supertitles. 65 minutes.
Magdalena Gómez will be signing copies of her latest book, Shameless Woman, following the show on Friday, October 17th. Dancing In My Cockroach Killers is part of Pregones/PRTT’s Bronx-Manhattan Theater Express — learn more at www.pregonesprtt.org!
DATES: October 16-19, 2014 Nights — Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM Matinee – Sunday at 3:00 PM Book Signing by Magdalena Gómez on Friday, October 17
LOCATION: Pregones Theater, 575 Walton Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10451
TICKETS: Starting at $12 — Group Discounts Available
Online at WWW.PREGONESPRTT.ORG By phone at 718-585-1202
For more information contact Priscilla Aguilar: 718-585-1202, paguilar@pregones.org
THANK YOUS: This program is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York State
Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature; and
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the NYC Council.
Imagine my surprise two weeks ago, when I walked into 1 Bruckner Boulevard, and immediately noticed it was no longer called Bruckner Bar and Grill.
Panic ensued. Was there some type of hostile takeover? Where was the loving staff we’ve come to know for so many years? Was the menu even the same?
Luckily other than the name change to Mott Haven Bar and Grill, everything else seemed to be the same with the exception of various menu items but the overall experience was still that same home feeling you get when you walk into that beloved place.
When I spoke with staff, the name change was a result of an ongoing lawsuit by former partner, Alex Abeles the details which remained unknown but it doesn’t matter at the end of the day because it’s still the same place we’ve grown to love.
Patrons I spoke with at the time agreed.
“It’s still Bruckner Bar to me”, said local resident and regular patron Alejandro Brown. ” As long as the service and food hasn’t change, I know I’ve arrived home”, he added.
Indeed it is the same great place. It’s a shame that they were forced to change their name but at least we still have Rosa, Javi, Joseph and the rest of the wonderful staff as well as the cast of characters and patrons that make this a wonderful joint to come and hang out and have a good time.
What do you think of the name change? Are you looking forward to trying the new menu? If you have, tell us what you think!
