Volume 1, Summer 2012 - Mid

C ROTONA P ARK E AST T IMES
VOLUME 1
arts
SUMMER 2012
COMPLIMENTARY ISSUE
•
community
•
education
•
sports
•
health
The Re-Birth of the
South Bronx
People, The Planet and
Profits 4
The Jolly Green Giants 5
•
leisure
•
home
Derrick Lovett, President/CEO,
Mid-Bronx Desperados Community Housing Corp
Seniors Appreciate Renovated Affordable Apartments 7
Youth Corner
8
CROTONA PARK EAST TIMES
PAGE 2
SUMMER 2012
Bronx Organization Banking on Former Banker
By Kenneth C. Plummer
M
any astute business analysts have
spoken on the theory that any
business or organization will ultimately assume the characteristics of its leadership weather good or bad.
People familiar with the recent history of the
now mushrooming, affordable housing nonprofit organization The Mid Bronx Desperados (MBD), say that a new alpha attitude and
a commitment of less talk and more action is
a direct result of its relatively new president
and CEO Derrick Lovett. Walter Mobley, chairperson of the Mid Bronx Desperados, courted
Lovett away from the commercial banking industry because of Lovett’s wealth of commercial banking knowledge and contacts within
the affordable housing industry. To Lovett’s
credit, in his last year before joining the MBD
closed a quarter of a billion dollars in commercial construction loans due to his never say die
attitude.
In less than two short years, Lovett with
the full support of his board of directors has
created an organization dedicated to the revitalization of the Mid and South Bronx. People,
especially in the Crotona Park East section of
the Bronx are describing such revitalization
one or two paychecks away from homelessness
or are living in hazardous conditions… It is
my moral obligation to utilize every resource,
contact and skill-set so that MBD can be of
better service to the South Bronx.”
L-R, MBD Board members James Ship and Wallace Mobley
as a phoenix rising from the ashes. The MBD
once thought to be on life support is experiencing a re-growth due to their aggressive yet realistic plans.
“Derrick has accomplished in two years
what we had been trying to accomplish in seven years,” states Mobley. The recent complete
renovation and ribbon cutting of 184 senior
housing units and the expected ground break-
TAKE ME OUT
ing of an additional 19 buildings encompassing
361 units is why many developers and affordable housing leaders can be seen entering and
leaving the unassuming offices at 1762 Boston
Road right underneath the 174th Street stop of
the number 2 train.
Lovett is keenly aware of the increasing demand for affordable housing specifically within the one- mile densely populated radius of
their main offices. “It is our mission to provide
quality affordable housing for people who are
economically challenged. Many of us are just
It appears that MBD and Lovett have
created a sizable fan-base. One such fan, Eva
Barber a 12-year senior resident in Mid-Bronx
Plaza stated that, “The new management
[team] has really done the things necessary to
make our lives more enjoyable… sometimes
people don’t like seniors, but MBD has really
worked with us recently.” Barber was elated
when Lovett asked her to be on the program to
speak to the dignitaries on behalf of residents
at the recent white-tent ribbon cutting for the
newly renovated 184 unit senior building she
calls home.
Elizabeth Lomba a 67-year old resident
who recently moved in to the residence agrees
and stated, “I like the new building and I like
the people because they respect me. I have
lived in the Bronx since the seventies and now
the area is much better.”
With a sense of pride, and with what the
board and Lovett have accomplished, board
member James Shipp added, “Safe, decent and
affordable housing is a right of all Americans
and not a privilege. I’m very pleased in the direction that we are headed.”
TO THE BALL GAME!
PLEASE JOIN MADISON SQUARE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
MONDAY,
JUNE 18, 2012
6:00 PM
PARTY
SUITES
4&5
SPECIAL THANKS TO
THE NEW YORK YANKEES
FOR HOSTING THE
ALL STAR EVENING
GREAT FUTURES START HERE.
For more information, or to sponsor a Madison child to
attend the game, please contact Hillary at
212.760.0074 or [email protected] or
Erica at 212.760.0073 or e [email protected]
AS THE NEW YORK YANKEES TAKE ON THE ATLANTA BRAVES
L-R, Madison Boys and Girls Club director Bell and Lovett discuss how
MBD can be helpful with area youth
How did Derrick Lovett Change MBD-(First two years)
1) Aligned the expensed with the revenue
2) Worked on the strengths and eliminated the weaknesses
3) Hired a third party property manager
4) Analyzed all of the development opportunities
and moved forward
Lovett’s Future Plans
1) Continue growth and development
2) Develop additional Social Services and programs
3) Continuing staff development and training
4) Green Building Initiatives
SUMMER 2012
CROTONA PARK EAST TIMES
Welcome:
Derrick Lovett
In January 2010, it was
a great honor to have been
chosen as the new leader of
MBD Community Housing Corp. I realize the
great contributions made
by those who served before
me, and the expectations
for me to continue the
great works of Genevieve
Brooks-Brown (founding
CEO) and Ralph Porter (founding board
member and second CEO). Both have
been very gracious with advice and encouragement.
As time has moved forward, since
MBD’s creation in 1974, so has the age of
its 1,200 unit housing stock. My first of
many challenges will be to focus on the
renovation of the aging buildings. We
recently completed a 184-unit rehabilitation consisting of three buildings. This
June 2012, we will close a 361 unit rehabilitation consisting of 19 buildings. My
endeavor is to have the entire 1,200 units
PAGE 3
rehabbed over the next few
years in addition to constructing new affordable housing.
While these have been
challenging, economic times,
MBD has been able to rebuild
its organization, strengthen its
balance sheet and move forward toward a brighter future.
MBD will also expand its social
programs in order to provide
services lacking in the community.
Lastly, I would like to welcome the
Crotona Park East Times newspaper
which I believe will serve as a vehicle to
share the stories of the people, culture
and thriving businesses that make up the
diverse fabric of this wonderful area that
we all hold dear to our hearts.
Derrick Lovett
Derrick Lovett
President/ CEO
Mid-Bronx Desperadoes
Community Housing Corporation
Wallace Mobley
As a Chairperson of the Mid-Bronx
Desperados Community Housing Corp.,
I’m overwhelmed with joy with the
progress that our organization is currently experiencing. Our many years of
toiling, combined with the careful planning and of course paying attention to
minute details has blossomed into an
exciting era of revitalization in the South
Bronx. Equally important, it has provided boundless opportunities for quality affordable housing for the current
and future hard working residents of the
Crotona Park East section of the Bronx.
I’m personally committed to ensuring that as an organization we continue
on a course of innovative thinking combined with a goal-oriented action plan,
and will continue my unwavering support of our forward-thinking CEO, Derrick Lovett and his dedicated staff.
I look forward to working with all
of the stakeholders of the Crotona Park
East section of the Bronx and beyond as
we move ahead.
Wallace Mobley
Wallace Mobley
Mid-Bronx Desperadoes
Community Housing Corporation
Board Chairperson
Ernestine Beauty Salon
Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse
1665 Hoe Avenue
Bronx, NY 10460
Tel: (718) 328-3900
Fax: (718) 991-9187
“Come be a part of
the wave of fun
in the sun at the
Joel E. Smilow
Clubhouse. This is
a place where you
read, swim,
the stars.”
1717 Boston Road
Bronx, New York 10460
—Eric Bell,
(718) 991-7219
Unit Director
Ernestine Bullock–Hair Stylist
dribble and shoot for
PAGE CROTONA PARK EAST TIMES
SUMMER 2012
People, The Planet and Profits
MBD Goes Green
By Kenneth Plummer
A
ctor, director, businessman and
environmentalist Robert Redford
once said, “I think the environment
should be put in the category of our
national security. Defense of our resources is
just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?” Presently, the
letter “D” in MBD (Mid-Bronx Deperados) an
affordable housing non-profit organization located in the Crotona Park East Section of the
Bronx that owns over 2,000 apartments may
not stand for defense, but clearly their staff
have their marching orders… GO GREEN!
The man behind the marching order Derrick Lovett, CEO of MBD is arming his staff
with the training and tools required to be
solution oriented in the fight to overcome the
increasingly recognized problems of sustainability and the adverse impact that NYC buildings sometimes have on the environment.
MBD has funded innovative training
for its superintendents called “The Green
Pro Program” in conjunction with Union 32BJ (SEIU) through their Thomas Shortman
Training Fund. The Fund is supported by contributions negotiated between Local 32BJ and
contributing employers, which is MBD in this
case. “Going green is good for humanity and
the environment. We are also learning about
the chemicals that we are using and how im-
MDB Superintendent Darien Lee
MDB Superintendent takes a break
MBD CEO Derrick Lovett Shares a lighthearted moment with superintendents from his buildings
portant our new energy efficient boilers are”,
stated MBD superintendent Noel Lopez.
The Green-Pro Program will assist MBD
building staffers to understand the basics of
sustainability and green building, including
the benefits and purposes of green-building
technologies and how they are implemented
within buildings. In addition, they will learn
how performance is measured through the
leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) rating system and environmentally sound best practices. Per class instructor
John Fitzgibbon stated, “Once complete, the
MBD superintendents will be BPI (Building
Performance Institute) certified which is the
national standards development and credentialing organization for residential energy
efficiency retrofit work.” A mechanical engiGreen Pro instructor John Fitzgibbon lectures class on green building technologies
neer with over 20 years of experience, Fitzgibbon can work with employees who are on the significant portion of the negative impact on ing that most New Yorkers walk or use public
frontline. “I also teach classes for the Build- the environment. That is why PlaNYC, New transportation instead of driving, resulting in
ings Owners Management Association and York City’s ambitious, comprehensive plan for relatively little emissions from cars. The city’s
trust me when I tell you they want all of their sustainable growth through 2030, contains so industrial sector is also modestly sized. What
many initiatives that relate to green buildings remained were the buildings, and the need to
building managers to learn this.”
Obviously there is a burgeoning recycling and energy-efficiency. Reducing city-wide make them more energy efficient. Moreover,
and environmental problem in New York City greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30 per- since New York City is an older city, more than
as there is in many areas, and MBD is attempt- cent by 2030 is PlaNYC’s ultimate goal. In the 85 percent of its 2030 building stock will be
ing to do its part. New York City has recog- development stages, it was first necessary to buildings that exist today.
Juan Vebareas said, “We have to think
nized the problem and is moving toward laws discover and then analyze from where the city’s
emission were coming. A surprising result was about the future. It’s very good for us in the
prohibiting electronic waste disposal.
The statistics support this conclusion discovered: roughly 75 percent of New York field, plus we save money for the company.
according to the PlaNYC web-site. In almost City’s GHG emissions were attributable to the I’ve been with the MBD for 20 years and this
every arena, from energy or water-use to energy used in buildings, almost twice the na- [Green Pro Program] shows the transformawaste, the building sector is responsible for a tional average proportionally. The reason be- tion and where we are headed.”
SUMMER 2012
CROTONA PARK EAST TIMES
PAGE The Jolly Green Giants
ConEdison & MBD Team Up to Help the
Environment in the South Bronx
C
on Edison is one of the largest
energy companies in the United
States, with approximately #13 billion in annual revenues and $40
billion in assets. The Mid-Bronx Desperados
is one of the largest providers of affordable
housing in the Crotona Park East section of the
Bronx and currently own and manage
over 1,200 units.
So to many, it seems fitting that in this
day and age of heightened concern related to
our environment that these two giants would
come together and utilize Con Edison’s Green
Team in order to provide incentives to assist
MDB apartments and buildings to become
more energy efficient. From installing free
energy saving products such as high-efficiency boilers to personalized energy-saving recommendations, the Con Edison Green Team
is looking to assist MBD with cost saving and
environmentally friendly solutions.
“Their team has been great and very
engaged. Everything from following up
on paperwork to providing access to their
building are the small things that make for a
successful partnership,” stated Greg Elcock,
Con Edison’s Multi-Family Energy Efficiency program manager. We are fully funded
to the year 2015 and encourage owners of
multi-unit dwellings from 5-75 units to
contact my offices directly to schedule a cost
energy survey.
Free Personalized Energy Savings Tips
and Upgrades for your 5-75 Unit Building
Do you own or manage a multi-family building? Con Edison’s Free Multi-Family
Energy Survey can help you identify energy-efficient and cost-effective improvements
and help you save on energy costs. Plus, we’ll provide free and subsidized upgrades.
Benefits
•Learn tips that can save you a bundle
•Take the first steps toward energy-efficiency
•Increase desirability of units by improving quality of life for tenants
Incentives
•Free surveys to evaluate common areas and individual units for lighting, heating
and cooling upgrades
•Free individual unit surveys with free installation of low cost electric and gas
energy-saving devices.
•Rebates for new ENERGY STAR® refrigerators and air conditioners
•Rebates for common area efficiency measures such as boilers, furnaces, and hot
water heaters.
•Free recycling of old, inefficient refrigerators and air conditioners
Eligibility & Requirements
•Con Edison Customers who own or manage 5-75 unit buildings are eligible.
Program Details
With Con Edison’s multifamily energy survey, a Green Team energy professional
will come to your building and evaluate your lighting, heating and cooling equipment,
and appliances, and offer energy-saving recommendations. Once your building is
enrolled in the program, residents can receive free CFLs, water saving devices and smart
strips. Building owners are offered incentives and rebates for certain upgrades, including
lighting fixtures, LED exit signs, chillers, HVAC systems, and more. In come cases, new
ENERGY STAR® refrigerators will be provided at no cost!
How to Apply
For More information, and to sche4dule a survey call at (877) 634-9443.
PAGE CROTONA PARK EAST TIMES
SUMMER 2012
Mid Bronx Plaza
Board of Directors
Mid Bronx Desperados Community Housing Corp.
(1441 Boston Road, 1690 Bryant
Avenue and 1700 Bryant Avenue)
1762 Boston Road, Bronx, NY 10460
Tel: 347-226-2474 Fax: 718-542-5694
Mr. Wallace E. Mobley, Board Chairman/Secretary
Mr. James Shipp, Board Treasurer
Ms. Carmen Silva, Board Member
Deacon Joe L. Taylor, Board Member
Derrick A. Lovett, President/CEO
Our Mission
The mission of MBD is to provide decent, safe and affordable
housing for low and moderate income residents of the Crotona Park East
section of the Bronx, MBD works to create and sustain viable
neighborhoods where residents can grow and prosper.
Programs
PROPERTY NAME
MBD HDFC
Rose Ellen Smith
Mid Bronx Plaza
Mid Bronx Plaza
Mid Bronx Plaza
HLB Pavilion
Minford Gardens
Charles Miller
Charles Miller
HLB Redevelopment
HLB Redevelopment
HLB Redevelopment
HLB Redevelopment
HLB Redevelopment
HLB Redevelopment
HLB Redevelopment
Nickerson Terrace
Nickerson Terrace
Nickerson Terrace
Nickerson Terrace
Don Quixote
Don Quixote
Don Quixote
Don Quixote
Wilson Plaza
Wilson Plaza
Wilson Plaza
Wilson Plaza
1490 Crotona Park East
Williams Court
Williams Court
Williams Court
Hopes Court
Hopes Court
Hopes Court
Crotona Terrace
EJ Mitchell
Lyman Place Pride
Lyman Place Pride
MBD Community Housing Corp.
ADDRESS
1711 Hoe Avenue
1131 West Farms Road
1690 Bryant Avenue
1700 Bryant Avenue
1441 Boston Road
1310 Intervale Avenue
1420 Minford Place
1665 Bryant Avenue
1671 Bryant Avenue
1014 Home Street
1160 Bryant Avenue
1170 West Farms Road
1174 West Farms Road
1415 Bryant Avenue
1434 Bryant Avenue
1438 Bryant Avenue
1562 Vyse Avenue
1566 Vyse Avenue
1572 Vyse Avenue
960 E. 173rd Street
1816 Crotona Park East
1357 Southern Boulevard
1345 Southern Boulevard
1327 Southern Boulevard
1389 Stebbins Avenue
1365 Lyman Place
1346 Lyman Place
1360 Lyman Place
1490 Crotona Park East
1522 Vyse Avenue
961 E. 173rd Street
1536 Vyse Avenue
1675 Southern Boulevard
1661 Southern Boulevard
909 E. 173rd Street
1714 E. 174th Street
945 E. 174th Street
1359 Lyman Place
1366 Lyman Place
1762 Boston Road
UNITS
18
29
48
52
92
90
77
74
50
20
24
11
10
23
20
5
21
20
12
12
24
43
54
68
12
15
8
15
39
21
19
20
15
13
16
53
76
21
30
0
Crontona Park East Times
Published by : The Mid-Bronx Desperados
The views and opinions expressed in The Crotona Park East Times do not necessarily
reflect the view and opinions of the staff of Mid-Bronx Desperados, their subsidiaries or
affiliated companies.
The Crotona Park East Times was created and designed by Alternative Community Publishing and Kensworth Consulting (914-664-3000 or [email protected]) for
Mid-Bronx Desperados.
Island Lunch Box
Specializing in
Carribean & American Dishes
1773 Southern Blvd.,
Bronx, New York 10460
Tel: 347-590-1705
CROTONA PARK EAST TIMES
PAGE SUMMER 2012
Seniors Appreciate Renovated
Affordable Apartments
M
Mid-Bronx Plaza and Bryant Mews Senior Residence,
in the Crotona Park East Neighborhood of the Bronx
any senior citizens in the Crotona Park
East section of the Bronx are feeling a
little more appreciated due to the renovation of 184 units of affordable housing. This amazing multi-million dollar success in the
midst of what many consider one of the worst economic times since the great depression was recently
celebrated at a white-tent ribbon which was attended
by the regions’ leaders in affordable housing.
Marc Jahr, President of the New York Housing
Development Corporation (HDC) and Eric Enderlin,
Associate Commissioner for the Division of Preservation at the NYC Department of Housing Preservation
and Development (HPD) joined representatives of
MBD Community Housing Corporation, Monadnock
Construction, Richman Housing Resources, LISC,
Wells Fargo and partners at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mid-Bronx Plaza, located at 1441 Boston Road, and Bryant Mews Senior Residence, located
at 1690-1700 Bryant Avenue in the Bronx. The rehabilitation included an upgrade of major mechanical,
electrical and plumbing systems and extends rent affordability an additional 30 years on each property.
Both properties were renovated under Mayor
Michael R. Bloomberg’s New Housing Marketplace
Plan (NHMP). The Plan is a multi-billion dollar initiative to finance 165,000 units of affordable housing for half a million New Yorkers by 2014. To date,
the Plan has funded the creation or preservation of
over 129,900 units of affordable housing across the
five boroughs with 6,116 units in Bronx Community
Board 3 where the Mid-Bronx Plaza and Bryant Mews
are located.
“What makes the preservation of affordable
housing unique is its immediate impact on the lives
of the people who are already living in the buildings.
It can be a complex process, but for each project, the
ultimate goal is simple and remains the same – to
make life better for the people living in these buildings,” HPD Commissioner Wambua further stated…
“Funding the rehabilitation of Mid-Bronx Plaza and
Bryant Mews means that they will be safe, clean and
affordable for the tenants who are there now, and it
ensures that they will be a resource and a haven of affordability for future generations of New Yorkers.”
“HDC is proud to work with HPD, MBD Community Housing Corporation, LISC, Wells Fargo and
Richman Housing to fund the rehabilitation of Bryant Mews and Mid-Bronx Plaza,” said Marc Jahr,
President of HDC. “This grand re-opening marks a
new beginning for these grand old buildings – once
state-of-the-art and now on the cutting edge again.
MBD Properties will continue to serve the needs of
our seniors, while providing them with sustainable,
affordable homes.”
This venture is the most recent example of MBD
Community Housing Corporation’s commitment to
their community. Founded in 1974, MBD Community
Housing Corporation or ‘the Mid-Bronx Desperadoes’
was established as a coalition of volunteers determined to save their community from the overwhelm-
Attendees celebrate Mid-Bronx Plaza Ribbon Cutting
ing incidence of arson, disinvestment, abandonment,
and population loss that devastated their neighborhood. In addition to organizing the community and
providing social services to residents, MBD has successfully sponsored over 2,300 units of housing in
Bronx Community District 3.
“It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated group of partners who are truly committed to
the preservation of affordable housing in the Bronx
and throughout the five boroughs of New York City”
stated Derrick Lovett, President/CEO of MBD Housing Corporation. He went on to say, “This project positively impacts the quality of life for our senior residents and sustains the ability to keep quality housing
affordable. MBD endeavors to continue its mission in
preserving and constructing quality affordable housing for all moderate and low income residents for
which it serves.”
Originally build in 1926, Bryant Mews Senior
Residence is a six-story, 92-unit building. The building features an on-site laundry facility and a community health facility which is leased and operated
by Bronx Lebanon Hospital. Residents are 62 years
of age and older. The Mews also features a recreation
room, outdoor garden in which residents are able to
plant and grow vegetables, and provides 19 parking
spaces for its residents. Both buildings are less than
one-mile apart, and both buildings received upgrades
to mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, new
boilers and new roofs. Repairs were also made to
common areas, windows and doors were replaced
and kitchens renovated throughout both buildings.
Importantly, to ease any negative impact on the tenants, accommodations were made through temporary
relocations. Rehabilitation and support were provided by Monadnock Construction who completed the
work this year.
“I am pleased Monadnock was able to be a part
of the renovation team for Bryant Mews and MidBronx Plaza and I am proud of the work done by my
staff at Monadnock” said Monadnock President Nick
Lembo. “I want to thank Derrick Lovett, the staff and
Board of MBD, Commissioner Wambua and HPD
staff, Marc Jahr and HDC staff, Bill Traylor and Noel
Henderson James at Richman; Duane Mutti, Tim
Edwards and the Wells Fargo team; and Denise Scott
and the folks at LISC and all of the project partners
for their ongoing support of MBD and organizations
across the city.”
Total development cost to rehabilitate Mid-Bronx
Plaza and Bryant Mews Senior Residence was $3806
million. The development was financed with a $15.1
million HDC first mortgage loan and a $3.6 million
HPD second mortgage. In addition, the project’s financing included $10.5 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits syndicated through Richman Housing
Resources. LISC provided predevelopment support
and technical assistance with the financial structuring of the refinancing. Wells Fargo provided the Letter of Credit for the development.
“Keeping key community assets available to
serve the needs of the communities over generations is vitally important,” said Bill Traylor, President
of Richman Housing Resources, LLC. “Richman is
proud to have partnered with the City of New York,
MBD and Monadnock to rehabilitate Bryant Mews
and Mid-Bronx Plaza so they can continue to serve
the neighborhood’s seniors well into the future.”
“LISC is very happy to be a partner with MBD.
The preservation of Mid-Bronx Senior Residences is
a testament to MBD’s tenacity and ability to deliver
quality affordable housing for Bronx seniors” said
Pierre Downing, Community Development Officer,
NYC LISC. “The partnership between MBD and Monadnock is a model for successful joint ventures between non-profit and for-profit developers.
“Wells Fargo is happy to help finance the rehabilitation of these two senior housing facilities” stated
Timothy Edwards of Wells Fargo Community Lending and Investment. “This is a great effort by MBD
Housing Corporation and Monadnock Construction
to preserve senior housing in the Bronx for many
years to come, and we are honored to be a part of it.”
Karl Crutchfield
Professional Photographer
917-232-3333
[email protected]
CROTONA PARK EAST TIMES
SUMMER 2012
PAGE Calendar of Events
Summer State: A Kind of Infinite Space
Thursday, June 14, 2012 8:00pm
Crotona Park
Cost: Free
Event Organizer: City Parks Foundation
Event website:
www.cruzandothermovie.com
American rock collides with Shakespeare in the
SummerStage commissioned, theatrical concert
event, “A King of Infinite Space”. Noted playwright
Mando Alvarado’s modern spin on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet places the plot in the Lower East
Side, Manhattan for a more relatable take on the
quintessential tale of struggling family dynamics,
power, and revenge. The production breaks away
from Shakespeare’s Elizabethan English by using
modern language and costuming while still portraying the core theme and plot of the original play.
Fusing the music and themes from America rock
icon Pearl Jam’s groundbreaking album, 10, with a
gritty Lower East Side dynamic, this concert event
relates Shakespeare’s 17th century literature to 21st
century New York City. Director Jerry Ruiz and his
design team craft a stream-lined, bare bones yet
theatrical storytelling approach that conveys this
timeless story to a contemporary audience with
clarity, simplicity and a modern sensibility. **Note:
This production contains strong language.
Basic Canoeing
Saturday, June 16, 2012 12:00n – 3:00pm
Crotona Nature Center
Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East
Cost: Free
Event Organizer: Urban Park Rangers
Contact number: (718) 378-2061
Very few experiences compare with being on the
open water in New York City. The rhythm of the
waves, the sun on your face, and the unique exhilaration of slicing through the water. All together,
they add up to an experience you’ll never forget.
Our trained Urban Park Rangers will lead you on
canoe adventures that range from the gentle waters of protected lakes, to the challenging open waters of rivers and bays. On an Urban Park Ranger
canoe program, you can go from novice to expert
in just one summer! Most canoe programs are
first-come, first-served, but a few require registra-
tion due to the level of difficulty. This particular
program is for canoers of all ability levels. Children
8 years old and up are welcome. For registration
programs, participants are chosen by lottery. To
enter your name in the lottery, visit nyc.gov/parks/
rangers/register.
Puppet Show
Sunday, June 24, 2012 1:00pm
Crotona Nature Center
Charlotte Street and Crotona Park East
Cost: Free
Event Organizer: Urban Park Rangers
Contact number: (718) 378-2067
We connect with nature to encourage active exploration of the natural world. Children who spend
time outdoors develop strong imaginations and
learn to socialize better with others. Urban Park
Rangers are role models who encourage children
to let their imaginations run wild in a safe, supportive atmosphere. While most of our programs
are family friendly, the programs highlighted here
are specifically for young children and families.
Whether enjoying a family movie under the stars,
freeing your imagination playing in nature, or
learning about conservation through eco-crafts, a
free Ranger program is the perfect addition to your
family’s weekend! All supplies provided.
Summer Stage: Chubb Rock/Kuris Blow/
DJ Bent Rock
Tuesday, July 10, 2012, 7:00pm
Crotona Park
Cost: Free
Event Organizer: City Parks Foundation
Event website: http://www.myspace.com/chubrobklegend1
Chubb Rock, often compared to a hip-hop Barry
White, dropped out of pre-med at Brown University to pursue his musical career. Regarded as
one of the East Coast’s most dexterous rappers,
he first appeared on the national rap scene with
his self-titled debut, Chubb Rock. His 1991 release, The One, reached #13 on Billboard’s Top
Hip-Hop/R&B chart that year. Three singles from
that release made it to #1 on Billboard’s Top Rap
Single chart list that same year including, the classic song, “Treat Em Right,” “Just the Two of Us” and
El Nuevo
Despertar Restaurant
“Lost in the Storm.” Kurtis Blow, one of founders
of recorded rap inspired a generation of rappers
with his street sense, social criticism, and commercial savvy that was instrumental in raising up a
generation of MCs. One of the first rappers to be
signed by a major label, he went on to release ten
albums over eleven years with numerous hits such
as “Basketball” and “If I Ruled the World” which
was famously covered by Nas in 1997. His rhymes
feature cinematic sensibilities, opening the world’s
eyes and ears to the truths of the inner city. In his
newest venture, Blow is the founder of the Hip-Hop
Church, where he serves as rapper, DJ and worship
leader. DJ Bent Roc is the premiere mix-master on
New York City’s 107.5 WBLS. Besides spinning for
all the station’s events, he spins weekly on Saturdays for his own show. Classic Flavors alongside
his partner, legendary rapper, Chubb Rock. With is
weekly show, DJ Bent Roc gives respect and attention to the pioneers of hip-hop culture.
Is it “ Tru” A Local Kid
is Youth of The Year?
By Adah Hill, 16
Every year countless numbers of kids wait in anticipation until when the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club
has their annual Youth of the Year competition. The Youth
of The Year is a program that highlights an individual teen
for their accomplishments in their school, community and
clubhouse. This year our nominated Youth of The Year is
Tru Garland. Tru was chosen for Youth of The Year due to
his outstanding academic performance in high school and
his involvement in the “Club” as it is affectionately called by
its members.
Tru’s is a 17-year old senior at John F. Kennedy High
School and is a member of the Madison Square Boys, Joel
E. Smilow Clubhouse. He has been a member for more
than 3 years, during which he has become a role model and
Tru Garland
extremely active such as playing on the basketball team. In addition, he participates in many
programs such as Keystone, Empowerment, Project Graduate and The Chess Club.
His exploits on the basketball team includes his high school team of which he is a member.
However, his highest point average is not on the basketball court, but in the classroom where
Tru has shown he is a well-rounded student-athlete where his 85-point average has landed him
on the honor roll.
It is his hope that after graduation from Kennedy, his appreciation for his favorite subjects,
math, history, and English will allow him to attend St. Bonaventure to major in political science
and business administration. “Youth of The Year means a new beginning to my road to success… it makes me feel that I can accomplish anything if I put my mind to it.” States True.
Tru continues his acsive lifestyle of giving back outside of the club and school. Every week
he sends five hours a Montefiore Hospital helping his sister and other patients with arts and
crafts. Tru enjoys playing basketball, playing chess and participating in community service
projects such as the National Aids walk in May. Boys and Girls Club unit director, Eric Bell,
added, “Tru is an outstanding young man and we give all out best wishes to him as he goes on to
the next phase of his life in college. He has made all of our lives better and it’s because of young
people like him that the activities and safe environment the “Club” offers works.”
Youth Corner
Especialidad ed: Comida Latina y Fritura
Specialty: Spanish and Fried Food
FRE E DE LIVE RY
920 East 174 Street
Bronx, New York 10460
Tel: (718) 861-2238
Louis
Alers
Age: 16
Kyara
Perez
Age: 12
School: Herbert H. Lehman High School
Grade: 11th
Sport: Swimming
Favorite Athlete: Ryan Lochete
(USA Olympic Swimmer)
Achievements: Junior Olympics,
100yd-Backstroke-28th,
100yd-Butterfly-31st,
200yd-Butterfly-18th; 50yd-Freestyle-42nd
School: Antonia Pantoja Preparatory Academy
Grade: 7th
Sport: Swimming
Favorite Athlete: Michael Phelps
(USA Olympic Swimmer)
Achievements: Junior Olympics,
50yd-Breaststroke-9th,100yd-Breaststroke31st, 200yd-Breaststroke-18th;
50yd-Freestyle-38th