JAMES KEIVOM/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Thomas Porton, a teacher at the Monroe Academy in the Bronx, was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 1995. He is the first and only teacher from New York City to receive that honor.
A Bronx teacher is not only the ONLY New York City teacher to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame but he also founded and runs the oldest HIV/AIDS educational program in the nation.
“As AIDS ravaged the city, Bronx teacher Thomas Porton took it upon himself to ensure students understood the deadly disease.
Porton, 65, recalled a student who was stunned in 1991 by the number of families devastated by AIDS asking him: “What are we going to do with this disease?”
So Porton, who now teaches English and drama at the Monroe Academy for Visual Arts & Design, founded Bronx Youth Creating Compassion — in spite of ill-founded opposition.
“We originally dealt with accusations of it being inappropriate,” he said.
Now, it is the longest-running student HIV/AIDS education program in the country, he says. It teaches 300 new students each year.”
Deliver Us From Evil, starring Eric Bana as former NYPD officer Ralph Sarchie, is a supernatural horror film loosely inspired on events that happened in the 46th Precinct in The Bronx which covers the neighborhoods of Fordham, Mount Hope, University Heights, and Morris Heights.
The movie is an adaptation of the book, ‘Beware The Night‘, written by Sarchie on his accounts moonlighting as a demonologist while still working as an officer of the NYPD.
During his tenure as a demonologist, Ralph Sarchie even became friends and worked with famed couple Ed and Lorraine Warren who worked on the real Amityville Horror case which the movie was based on. The couple themselves became the subject of the hit horror movie, The Conjuring, inspired by events of one of their cases back in 1971 on a Rhode Island farmhouse.
If the film is anything like director Scott Derrickson’s ‘Sinister’ and ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’, then we’re in for a special treat as those two movies were filled with terrifying moments for us horror movie fans.
In an interview with The Daily News, actor Eric Bana recounts: “It’s a horror movie, so it was mostly night shoots,” says Bana. “We’d sleep through the hottest parts during the day. But the Bronx being a true character in the film, it couldn’t have been shot anywhere else.”
A review in the New York Times says of ‘Deliver Us From Evil’, “… But Scott Derrickson, the director, and his special-effects crew really deliver the creepy goods here, providing an apt climax for as taut and credible a movie involving demonic possession as you’re likely to see… A nighttime scene at the Bronx Zoo will certainly persuade you never to be caught there after dark. And if you had any doubts that the music of the Doors is a direct conduit to Satan, they’ll be dispelled here.”
Are you going to see the movie? What do you think about a major horror film (or any film for that matter) set and shot in The Bronx?
Check out this excellent interview about Bronx born and raised Will Sanchez now living down under in Australia bringing Bronx culture to the masses. Thanks to Ms Hennessey of Ms Hennessey Speaks Blog in Australia for allowing us to syndicate this interview and sharing it with our readers.
You can take the B-Boy outta the Bronx but you can’t take the Bronx outta the B-Boy! An adage that befits the enormously talented, skilled, rhythmic wonder that is William ‘Ill Will’ Sanchez, founder of the first ever breakdancing, tap dancing and comedy crew “Beat the Streets”! The crew, founded in the Sydney by the Bronx New York native is an original concept that combines the art of hip hop breakdance with the staccato injections of tap dance and topped off with an infectious comedic flow that has the audience enthralled from start to finish!
Watching the crew, which consists of five of the dance industry’s best performers, it is a heart pumping, non-stop feat that showcases not only Sanchez’ evident hip hop artistry but allows the audience to be interactive with the crew as they perform their street theatre ensemble throughout Sydney city. For Sanchez’ who started his affair with breakdancing back in 1995 under the tutelage of legendary B-Boy “Crazylegz” of the famed Rocksteady Crew, “Beat the Streets” is a dream fulfilled and an ongoing passion which continues to break new ground for his crew. Not just content with street theatre pop up shows, Sanchez is also an educator of dance and travels all over the country with his hip hop workshops teaching all levels and age groups. Not bad for the New Yorker who took a chance in 2009 and decided to relocate and explore the different areas of dance in Australia, a risk that has certainly paid off. Since arriving in Sydney, Ill Will has appeared in a legion of television commercials for companies Foxtel, Holden and Samsung, performed on ”Australia’s Next Top Model”, worked with Sony recording artist Timomatic and choreographed Stan Walker’s music video “Music Won’t Break Your Heart”, with no signs of slowing down.
Will Sanchez is the real deal when it comes to this hip hop dancing business. The man has travelled the world as a professional break dancer representing the USA Breakdancers and has performed on Broadway as well as countless movies, music videos and TV shows in the US. Having worked with international artists like Kanye West, Ciara, Neyo and Twister, Sanchez brings a wealth of industry moves, knowledge and experience to Australia’s growing hip hop dance industry. Watch his “Beat the Streets Crew” in action and you will understand that this is more than just a talented and humorous dance crew. They are a selection of the finest, fittest and funniest performers in Australia that have banded together to create something truly original and unique to come out of Australia’s dance community. A true labour of love for Sanchez, he is swiftly gaining respect in the dance industry as he continues to build on his vision of “Beat the Streets” into truly innovative and authentic entertainment company of its kind to come out of Australia. They will thrill you, inspire you and make you laugh…… but above all they will entertain you like you no other dance crew can!
Thanks for your time Will – so excited to talk to you about your amazing street theatre ensemble you have put together out here called “Beat the Streets”! I caught your show (along with your crew members) at Darling Harbour with my son and we were both blown away by your talents – can you tell us what Beat The Streets is about and how it came to be?
Thanks so much for having me Maxine! Beat The Streets is a high energy Break dancing, tap dancing and comedy show. It’s a concept that started in the streets of times square and something that I really wanted to bring to the street performing world in Australia, which is very dominated by circus acts. I decided to move to Australia in 2009 and wanted to start a new company from scratch. It began with 3 b-boys working the streets at Manly beach, I then realised I needed a point of difference to separate what I was doing with all of the other breaking crews. That’s when we decided to bring in tap dancing. From here the group grew to 5 members and everything else fell in to place. We came up with a show structure and name and became “Beat The Streets”.
You are a native New Yorker, repping the Boogie down Bronx, and have been dancing and performing most of your life in the world of hip hop breakdance and b-boy arena. I read that your mentor was the legendary ‘Crazylegs’ from Rock Steady Crew and under his guidance you have taken your career to international levels. Can you share with us those early days growing up in the Bronx and how hip hop helped carve out your destiny?
Growing up as a kid in the Bronx in the 80’s/90’s was pretty tough. If you didn’t become part of something to keep you out of trouble, chances were you would end up in a gang and never get out of there. I started martial arts in 1995 and after only 6 months I heard on the streets about some guy named “Crazy Legs” teaching at my local community centre for free, something he was doing purely to give back to the Bronx community. I went in for my first class in September of 95’ and haven’t looked back since. If I hadn’t have started dancing I would still be in the Bronx caught up in the wrong scene with the wrong people. The world of Hip Hop has allowed me to travel the world, meet some incredible people and opened my eyes as a youngster that there is so much outside the streets of the Bronx. In saying that, I’m so grateful to have grown up in a place so rich with Hip Hop culture, the Bronx will always be home for me.
You have danced in battle competitions and worked professionally alongside music stars Kanye West, Neyo and Ciara to name a few. What do you think has allowed you to remain as successful, motivated, consistent and relevant in the dance industry from then to now and beyond?
The thing that has kept me successful and motivated is my passion for dance and the ongoing support from my family in New York. I train in different styles to stay relevant in this ever-changing industry and have been lucky enough to be able to make a living out of dance.
Why Australia as your current home base? What do you see in our dance community that has encouraged you to stay and grow your Beat the Streets brand?
I first visited Australia in 2002 and instantly fell in love with the place. I came back again in 2008 and met my now fiancé. By 2009 I was living in Sydney and realised how alive the dance industry was. Beat The Streets took off almost instantly as there was nothing else like it in Sydney at the time. I was excited by the fact that I could expand myself and try other aspects of dance which I never would have had I stayed in New York. I was at the age where I was ready for change and Australia offered the perfect platform and opportunity.
Beat The Streets provides classes to the general public, teaching kids and adults the fundamentals of street dance and theatre. How has the Australian public taken to your style of dance and theatre and if people are interested in learning how do they get involved?
At the moment we don’t have a regular class. The boys and myself have been busy so find it hard to keep something regular going. However we all travel and teach workshops around Australia and hope to get a weekly class going when we get a little more time.
You are in a crew with about 5 other dancers, performers and the like? How did you choose who you wanted to align yourself with in this crew and how would you best describe their personalities, energies and talents?
I chose dancers that inspire me and are versatile. All of the members of Beat The Streets are honest, humble, creative, loyal and easy to work with. Sean is the tap dancer of the group, Stevie G is the acrobat, Kamikazi is a B-Boy who specialises in parkour, Joe Bananas is our power head and B-Boy Blond who often works with us is one of the top 10 best b-boys in the world. Each guy brings something different and equally important to the group and I’m so lucky to work with such talent every day.
Coming from the Bronx NYC you hold within you the foundation of hip hop’s Holy Grail. Your dancing career has taken you around the world, introducing you to people from every walk of life. Tell us how you still remain a Bronx boy at heart and what do you miss about your hometown?
You can take the boy out of the Bronx, but you can’t take the Bronx out of the boy! This is so true! I will always have that little ghetto in me that comes from growing up in a place like that. I still yell across supermarket isles, will always blast loud hip hop music in my car and speak a lot louder than Aussies do. I miss my loud Spanish family, the food, the hip hop culture that is EVERYWHERE when you walk around the Bronx and my good old block parties.
What are you currently listening to? The artists or music that inspires you and why?
I listen to a real mix of things. My inspirations in music are Jay Z- he has a great story of starting from nothing, something I can relate to on a smaller scale of course. Eminem- because he speaks the truth, Lil Wayne- Good beats, Kanye- true artist, Drake- for his different sound and I also love house music, good DJ’s mixing great music.
What do you think are the pros and cons between street theatre and on stage theatre or performances as you have experience in both?
Street Theatre is the toughest audience to entertain. If you can make it on the streets, I feel like you can make it work on any stage. I personally prefer street shows because it’s what I have done my whole life; I feel comfortable and love the challenge of holding a random audience. It’s exciting to bring people joy when they don’t expect it.
What does Hip Hop mean to you?
I was born where Hip Hop started, so it is a way of life for me.
In August of 2012 Ms Hennessey launched her first blog page dedicated to interviews captured with a host of local and international Urban Music personalities, reality TV stars, music producers, artists and overall tastemakers in the industry.
With interviews ranging from hot Aussie Hip Hop artist Miracle, to pioneering US Hip Hop DJ / Producer DJ Premier, Civil Rights Activist and Poet Nikki Giovanni to our own Urban Hip Hop authoritarian Rodney O, Ms Hennessey conducts her interviews to relay to her readers as real conversations in Hip Hop, drawing on the professional and personal worlds of all of her interviews to bring forth a human interest light that engages, celebrates and educates her readers.
With over 10 years music journalist experience under her belt Maxine Johns aka Ms Hennessey has written on and continues to document the past, present and future role that the Australian Urban community plays on the global stage.
I’ve got a big dog, and I always clean up after him. If I forget to bring a bag with me when I walk him, it’s not a problem: a dozen small black plastic bags will blow by us in the course of a ten-minute walk, and I can always grab one of those. And several million of them will end up in the ocean EVERY DAY.
That’s one reason why I approve the proposed tax (or ten-cent charge) on single-use plastic bags. Let’s face it: nobody has to pay that tax, when bags are so little, and so easily crumpled into something tiny and unobtrusive.
The ladies who read this will know that it’s no strain to carry a reusable bag or two; many of us already do that. (We adapted to having an endless supply of disposable bags in supermarkets, bodegas, and other stores. No doubt we’d adapt pretty quickly to not having them, too.) And the men who just haven’t formed the habit yet will find that it grows on you easily.
The arguments against the tax seem silly to me, and shallow, and frankly self-indulgent. The bags are ugly, fluttering in trees, blowing up and down streets, clogging storm drains. They are serious pollutants, in addition to doing great damage in the oceans. They increase the cost of citywide sanitation efforts. They are manufactured from nonrenewable resources. It seems silly to defend their use just because it might be hard to remember to bring one (or several, if that’s what you’ll need) the first few times you go to the store.
It’s also true that the multiply reused bags might not be very hygienic, but that problem goes away if you wash them occasionally. No big deal.
Climate change is real, and is threatening many aspects of life. At each step, with each new choice, it’s likely that we’ll have to make decisions weighing our entitlements and convenience against a healthier, safer, better life for our children and grandchildren. I’d like to see us all approach these problems with heart, and an eye to the future.
But I also think that we must involve communities in this decision, and if many people agree that the bags should be reduced in number, I do believe that a good public relations and information campaign would smooth the path to our new way of handling bags.
All we have to do is keep calm, and carry bags. Not so much, really.
About Killian:
Killian Jordan is an editorial consultant who has lived in the Bronx for the past seven years. Jordan is a member of the Board of Bronx Council for Environmental Quality and CB 4’s Parks and Recreation Committee.
Disclaimer:
Comments, views, and opinions are that solely of the author and should never be misconstrued as that of Welcome2TheBronx or any other authors of this site. Welcome2TheBronx only edits articles submitted by readers for grammar and spelling leaving fact checking up to the author.
Welcome2TheBronx encourages reader submissions for consideration for publication on our site. It is our mission to be able to provide a platform where Bronx residents can have their voices broadcasted to a wider audience.
To submit an article, email us at submissions@welcome2thebronx.com
THE CRUNCH PHILOSOPHY: There are no judgments here — No too much or not enough. No glares of disapproval. Here we keep open minds. We are nurturers. We seek only to encourage, empower and entertain. There is no one type. There is no one reason. There is no one way. What we are is a diverse community; what we have is a culture of fun; what there is, is room for everyone: all kinds of people with all kinds of goals who’ve chosen to come reach them with us. CRUNCH. NO JUDGEMENTS.
CRUNCH perks:
• Great facilities with functional training areas, Premier Strength equipment, top-of-the-line cardio equipment and more
• Top compensation plan of any commercial gym
• Continuing education opportunities with in-house certifications and workshops offered monthly (i.e. discounted NASM-workshops, TRX-STC, TRX Rip Trainer, Kettlebell Concepts, Annette Lang, guest speakers/presenters and much, much more).
• Complimentary dotFIT Nutrition Certification
• Complimentary membership
• Semi-Annual Team Trips & Activities
• Discounts on services, products, and much more!
• Complimentary membership and discounts in club
• Semi-Annual Team Trips & Activities
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Ability to build clientele by administrating fitness assessments and safely conducting personal training sessions
• Ensures accurate administration of client programs, including dotFIT programs, supplement purchases, measurement tracking and workout programs
• Assists in all revenue generating activities, including but not limited to: complimentary workouts, supplement booths, body fat tables, seminars, and workshops
• Ability to sell the value and importance of personal training sessions to our members.
• Responsible for achieving personal monthly revenue objectives set forth by the company
• Organization skills and ability to maintain a neat presentation of the fitness floors at all times
• Ability to adjust and operate all fitness equipment
• Possess an enthusiastic, passionate, friendly and ambitious personality
PREFERRED EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS:
• Current CPR
• Current dotFIT certification (or must be willing to obtain)
• Certification from organization recognized by Crunch (NASM, NSCA, ACSM, NCSF, ACE, AFAA, NESTA, TRX)
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• A degree in a related field is preferred (Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Sports Medicine, Physical Education, Nutrition, Fitness Specialist, etc.)
EXPERIENCE:
• Personal Training experience preferred but not required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Physical effort required for daily duties include lifting heavy weights, squatting, bending, reaching, spotting & prolonged standing and walking. Must be able to frequently lift and /or moves up to 45+ pounds
TO APPLY: Please email your resume to ptresumes@crunch.com with the subject heading “Crunch at the Hub Personal Trainer” and include in the body of your email:
1. Why would you like to be a Personal Trainer at Crunch?
2. Do you currently hold a Personal Training Certification? If so, please list all applicable certifications.
3. Please advise your availability to work Monday-Sunday.
4. Have you interviewed for Crunch or worked for our company in the past? If so, please provide detail.
We had a chat with Lovie Pignata, resident of the Pelham Parkway area who is trying to get a storefront at Brady Court rezoned back to commercial so that she can open up Morris Perk, a cafe that offers so much more than your simple cup of joe.
The storefront in question was once a diner owned by Robert Abrams’ parents, former Bronx Borough President from 1970-1979 and from 1979 until 1993 served as the New York State Attorney General. Since the space has been empty for so long, it has gone back to its original residential zoning so now Pignata has to convince City Planning and Zoning as well as Community Board 11 members to change the zoning to allow for the cafe.
From Bob Grand, former Bronxite born and raised sent this in: The address stated by the unknown source of the photo was 2000 Holland Ave, and it is of Ben and Dotty Abrams (Robert Abrams' parents) in their candy store. There was no date given, but my guess judging by the prices on the signboard, is early to mid 1950's.
‘An artist and small business owner promoting the beauty of the Bronx.’
In her own words, Lovie Pignata tells us her story:
“I moved to Brady Court in Pelham Parkway in 2001. I was born in Staten Island, lived in Westchester and Putnam counties as well as North Carolina and Oklahoma. I moved back to New York in 1994 to attend Pratt Institute as a sculpture major. I bought my co-op apartment in the Bronx when my Fort Greene, Brooklyn landlord ran me out of my apartment so he could jack up the rent! I’m so glad I left Brooklyn when I did.
Lovie Pignata drinking having her cup of coffee out from her custom mug / Image Credit Lovie Pignata
“I have never lived anywhere as long as I have lived here in the Bronx. It feels more like home than anywhere I have ever lived and while I am not officially aligned with any particular cause or group, I participate and attend many Bronx events. The Bronx River Flotilla, sponsored by the Bronx River Alliance, walking tours with the East Bronx History forum and I have done plenty of exploring on my own.
“I have worked in many industries, the majority of them were small businesses. I have never been involved in the beginning of the process so I am acquiring a new respect for the previous small business owners I have worked for. About 10 years of my experience was in restaurants. Waitress, bartender, manager, line cook, barista, dishwasher–if someone didn’t show up, I was always the person thrown in to cover the position for a shift. My most recent work history was a project manager at a home automation company. We designed and installed high end audio video equipment and the hardware that would control the lights, shades, security, home theater, etc. It was a small exclusive company and I learned so much in 12 years but it wasn’t very rewarding.
“I left there to work at another technology firm but unbeknownst to me, they were in financial trouble and realized they couldn’t afford a new employee so I was let go after 5 months. Since being laid off in May, I have been utilizing all the available small business help the city has to offer, working on my artwork and my business plan. I’ve made so many wonderful connections that I didn’t have time to make when I was working long hours in Manhattan.
“While Morris Perk is technically in Pelham Parkway, I thought Morris Perk sounded like a better name overall and will include vendors from Morris Perk. The name is also a throwback to the sitcom Friends’ where they all lived in the village somewhere but went to a coffee shop there named ‘Central Perk’.
Lovie Pignata recently rode the Bronx Trolley on her way to the Fish Parade in Hunts Point last Saturday. Pignata can always be found running around the Bronx attending many cultural activities and all the Bronx has to offer. You can usually spot her in her zooming about in her smart car with the Morris Perk magnets attached to the the vehicle!
Morris Perk, Inc. & 754-768 Brady Owners Corporation are seeking community approval to rezone the storefront space located on the corner of Antin Place and Holland Avenue. Because this commercial space has been empty for over 30 years, the NYC Planning office reverted the space to residential status and it cannot be rented and generate income for 754-768 Brady Owners Corporation until it is rezoned. A start-up business, Morris Perk, is interested in renovating and renting the space.
Morris Perk will provide superior coffee and espresso beans from around the globe, roasted locally and brewed and sold in our store. Morris Perk also offers a selection of coffee shop favorites like bagels and pastries, homemade lemonade, as well as daily specials for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. We are dedicated to the Bronx’s diverse and changing customers and their needs. From the local school children, to the commuters leaving the Bronx for the day, as well as the senior citizen community, Morris Perk intends on being flexible in their offerings to accommodate our customers and the community that surrounds us. Morris Perk is dedicated to utilizing as many local Bronx vendors, employees & products as possible.
42 year old Bronx born and raised Joseph Martinez, known as Jupiter Joe, was outside around 3:10AM this morning on Bronx Park East when he and a neighbor spotted the lone coyote walking around Ben Abrams Playground. In a phone interview with Joseph, he told us he was out taking pictures for a photography book he’s putting together of constellations as seen from The Bronx.
According to Martinez, the coyote came within 10 feet of the group and then stopped about 45 feet away from them but seemed not to be afraid of them as it continued walking around the playground.
Joseph Martinez runs the popular ‘Jupiter Joe’s Sidewalk Astronomy‘ where he brings astronomy to children and families throughout the borough.
Check out these great pictures provided by Martinez
Image Courtesy of Joseph Martinez aka Jupiter JoeImage Courtesy of Joseph Martinez aka Jupiter JoeImage Courtesy of Joseph Martinez aka Jupiter JoeImage Courtesy of Joseph Martinez aka Jupiter Joe
Yesterday evening participating photographers and artists of the Bronx Artist Documentary Project met for a meet and greet at the Andrew Freedman Home. This was the first time that almost all 100 members gathered since the project began last year.
When the Bronx Artist Documentary Project launches its exhibition in September, it will be the culmination of 30 photographers documenting 78 Bronx visual artists in the midst of their individual and unique creative processes.
The BxADP is the brainchild of Daniel Hauben, a Bronx born and raised artist who’s works have captured everyday Bronx life and landscapes with his signature and distinct style that is readily recognizable.
BxADP is an official Bronx Centennial Event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the creation of Bronx County and through its exhibition will highlight the diversity of local Bronx artists and photographers.
The collective came together to bring attention to the wonderful, creative energy that exists in The Bronx yet is severely underrepresented in New York City art scene and the world at large.
Our borough has produced some of the greatest names in all aspects of the Arts as well as influenced entire movements that have spread to every corner of the globe and The Bronx Documentary Artist Project seeks to give us a taste of just a tiny fraction of all that.
The exhibition will run from September 11th – October 8th, 2014 at the Andrew Freedman Home at 1125 Grand Concourse. The exhibition will also have a wide variety of programming centered around it including a “Garden of Artists” event on Saturday, September 27th that will be held outdoors on the lawn of the Andrew Freedman Home where visitors can witness first-hand the creation of art by participating artists.
Stay tuned to Welcome2TheBronx as we get closer to the opening reception for a full detail of events.
The Bronx photographers and artists of the Bronx Artist Documentary Project pose for their first group picture.Bronx photographer, Adi Talwar was on hand to document the evening as well as take portraits of the participants of the Bronx Artist Documentary Project.
This summer The Gift to Empower is collecting supplies from June 1st to August 1st to be distributed directly to children during Boogie on the Boulevard (a summer festival that will close the main road on the Grand Concourse to vehicular traffic from 165th-167th Streets) on August 17th from 10am to 2pm. Support local Bronx students by giving them the tools to succeed in the 2014-15 school year.
Drop off locations:
The Bronx Museum of the Arts – 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY (718) 681-6000
El Fogon – 989 Home Street, Bronx, NY
Andrew Freedman Home – 1125 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY (718) 293-8100
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About The Gift to Empower:
Flora Montes started a school supply drive six years ago, partnering with other organizations such as: Urban Voices Heard, El Grito De Poetas, LatinosNYC, The Bronx Museum of the Arts as well as John Chance Acevedo and Peggy Robles Alvarado. Through the drive over 2000 children have received school supplies and information about resources and programs geared towards families and children in the Bronx. The drive was born from a desire and need to honor her daughter Vanessa Christine, who passed away shortly after birth. According to Ms. Montes, “it is not solely about giving a pen or pencil, it is about empowering children through education giving them the knowledge and resources they need in order to have the ability to be whatever they dream to be while overcoming the adversities life at times gives them.”
Please call (203) 893-5553 for more information and if you want to donate or volunteer.
