Volume 1, Summer 2012 - Mid
Transcription
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