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May 8, 2024

I joined the EIIC for a walkthrough of their expansion with Empire State Development, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, and a representative from State Senator Jamaal Bailey's Office. This expansion, which includes an elevator, will be a remarkable improvement for the community of Woodlawn.

The Emerald Isle Immigration Center (EIIC), a nonprofit, safeguards community rights, fosters civic engagement, aids in US citizenship acquisition, and addresses civic reform. They are supported annually by the Government of Ireland through the Emigrant Support Program (ESP); their immigration services cover procedures like re-entry permits, green card replacements, and visa applications. They assist with citizenship programs, offer personalized consultations, and encourage eligible individuals to engage actively in American life. Social services include driver's licenses and healthcare updates, seniors' assistance, mental health counseling, and educational seminars. Their free employment service connects job seekers with quality opportunities and guides newcomers and employers in the US job search process.

The #SHREDDERSAURUS appeared in front of my office at 3107 Kingsbridge Avenue. My office, along with Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Congressman Adriano Espaillat, and in collaboration with KRVC Bronx, shredded any and all paper documents. Hundreds of people came even in the pouring rain and securely shredded their documents in front of my office.

I joined Governor Hochul, retail workers, and small business owners for a bill signing that establishes landmark protections against organized retail theft. This approach bolsters law enforcement, increases penalties for worker assaults, and offers $5 million in tax credits for enhanced security.

My legislation, A.2083, would protect New Yorkers from genetic discrimination based in insurance coverage. Everyone deserves coverage without fear of denial based on genetic predisposition. Let’s ensure fair access to insurance.

Recent growth in direct-to-consumer genetic testing, like "23andMe" and "Ancestry," has sparked interest in incorporating genetic test results into life insurance decisions. While genetic information can inform health risks and aid in making lifestyle and medical choices, concerns arise regarding potential discrimination in life insurance coverage. Unlike health insurance and employment, there are currently no legal safeguards against genetic discrimination in life insurance. Fear of losing coverage deters some from genetic testing, hindering their ability to understand their genetic makeup while protecting their financial future.

Research suggests that genetic factors contribute to only a portion of disease risk, with lifestyle and environmental factors playing significant roles. For instance, melanoma's genetic influence is estimated at 21%, while lifestyle factors like sun exposure contribute 79%. Similarly, the chance of passing on cystic fibrosis to offspring is 50%, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and other factors.

Studies also reveal variations in disease penetrance and expressivity, meaning not all carriers of genetic mutations develop associated diseases. It's unjust to deny life insurance based solely on genetic predisposition without certainty of disease development. Insurers should base decisions on reliable mortality or morbidity data rather than genetic information alone.

I met with former Yankees star First Baseman Tino Martinez and ex-Giants Wide Receiver David Tyree in Albany. They advocated for A.10040, which would update New York’s interactive fantasy sports regulations to promote market growth and consumer protection.

In 2016, New York granted authorization for interactive fantasy sports. This bill ensures adequate oversight and consumer safeguards. This legislation modernizes regulations and enhances consumer protections by raising the minimum age for authorized players or contestants to 21, aligning it with mobile sports wagering standards.

I successfully implemented the Henry Hudson Bridge Toll Rebate Program for Bronxites on February 3rd, 2024, after negotiating its inclusion in the state budget 2019.

• Bronx residents with Bronx-registered cars and funded E-ZPass accounts will receive instant rebates for Henry Hudson Bridge crossings, addressing historical toll grievances.
• This initiative aims to alleviate congestion and pollution caused by alternative routes into Manhattan.

Each week, we provide new streets and their histories, all reprinted from John McNamara's "History in Asphalt," which gives in-depth origins of how current and former Bronx Streets got their name! I picked the two streets for this week from Van Cortlandt Village: Dickinson Avenue and Saxon Avenue.

Dickinson Avenue: For many years, the unofficial name was Harald Avenue. This had a definite link with the adjourning avenues named Norman and Saxon: Harald, the Saxon king, fought the Normans. On May 2nd, 1916, by Ordinance of the Board of Alderman, the avenue was named Dickinson Avenue to honor John Dickinson, through whose estate the street was opened.

Saxon Avenue: This was once part of Orloff Van Cortlandt's land. The avenue was laid out in 1897 through what had been the John Dickinson estate. Mr. Dickinson was interested in history for the streets laid out recalled Harald, the Saxon king who fought the Normans. The names were given in 1890, but all did not survive the years. Harald Avenue is now Dickinson Avenue and Norman Avenue has been changed to Hillman Avenue.

Norwood News, May 4th, 2024 — UPDATE Op-Ed: A Plea for a Path to Peace

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett issued a stark warning, likening artificial intelligence to nuclear weapons. "We let a genie out of the bottle when we developed nuclear weapons," he remarked at his annual shareholder meeting. "AI is somewhat similar — it’s part way out of the bottle." Buffett, the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, revealed that his image and voice were recently replicated by an AI tool to such a degree that they could have deceived his own family. He cautioned that scams and AI-driven attacks are likely to become more prevalent. Meanwhile, companies associated with the AI surge have seen their stocks soar, with chipmaker Nvidia climbing approximately 215% over the past 12 months and Microsoft rising around 34%.

Last week, I asked, "Do you currently benefit from the Affordable Connectivity Program?"

Yes — 18%

No — 77%

Other / No Opinion — 5%

» MTA Mobile Sales Van Bus Schedule — Monthly

Need to refill your Metro card? The Metro Card Bus is coming near you! Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, the MTA will bring the Metro Card Bus to the following locations to assist you in refilling your card *Schedules are subject to change*. Note: Mobile Sales are Cash Only. You can still buy a MetroCard using cash or transfer value from a Reduced-Fare MetroCard.

1st Wednesday

• Riverdale at 235th Street and Johnson Avenue
• 9 AM – 11 AM

3rd Wednesday

• Riverdale at Skyview Shopping Center (Riverdale Ave between 256 St & 259 St)
• 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

3rd Wednesday

• Kingsbridge at 231 St and Broadway
• 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

2nd & 4th Friday

• Knolls Crescent Mall (11-21 Knolls Crescent)
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

1st Wednesday

• Woodlawn Heights at Woodlawn Heights Library
• 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

• Get help with a Reduced-Fare Application

• Transfer MetroCard balances (Full fare and Reduced-Fare)

• Exchange a damaged Reduced-Fare MetroCard for a temporary replacement

• Report a lost/stolen Reduced-Fare MetroCard

• Ask about any MetroCard-related issues

• Sign up for OMNY

» Van Cortlandt Park Alliance — Events in May 2024

Van Cortlandt House Museum Grounds 

Wetland & Floodplain Volunteer Days

Wednesdays, May 15, 22, and 29 - Meet at 9 am

Projects will vary from removing invasive plants to planting aquatic flora in the floodplain to removing water chestnuts in Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond. Bring your adventurous spirit, plenty of water, a hat, and extra-dry socks.

RSVP Now

Meet at Van Cortlandt Golf House

Forest Restoration Fridays

Fridays, May 10, 17, 24, and 31 - Meet at 9 am

Gear up for some hands-on conservation work, including tree planting, all while learning about the forest’s ecosystem in the Northwest Woods.

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Birding with NYC Audubon

Saturdays, May 11 + 18 - Meet at 9 am

Explore Van Cortlandt Park’s ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate its long birding tradition. A New York City Audubon guide will lead each walk.

RSVP Now

Meet at the Nature Center.

Spring Garden Tune-Up Tuesday

Tuesday, May 14 - From 10 am to 1 pm

Turnip to volunteer and help plant our garden beds! Volunteers will learn to care for the garden, maintain compost bins, weed, water, and harvest produce.

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Springtime Shindig!

Thursday, May 16, 2024, 6 to 9 pm

Join us for our annual spring fundraiser, which benefits the park and allows us to offer FREE community programs throughout the year!

Cocktails • Lite Bites • Dessert • Music • Picturesque Setting • Raffle

Tickets, Journal Ads, and Sponsorships Available!

Van Cortlandt Golf House Terrace

Northwest Corner Care

Saturday, May 18 - 10 am to 12 pm

Join VCPA and Riverdale Main Streets Alliance to show the Northwest Corner some TLC!

RSVP Now

Meet at W. 261st Street and Broadway.

Woodlawn Beautification Day

Saturday, May 18 - 10 am to 12 pm

Join VCPA, Women of Woodlawn, and Woodlawn Taxpayers Association as we continue to beautify the area around Woodlawn Playground. 

RSVP Now

Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground.

Barefoot Dancing with Yahaya Kamate

Saturday, May 18 - 2 pm to 4 pm

Kick off your shoes and learn to dance to West African Drumming with Yahaya Kamate and friends on the lawn. 

RSVP Now

Van Cortlandt House Museum

» NYC Parks — Hiring for the Summer!

• Help keep the Bronx's green spaces beautiful and safe!

• If you have a driver's license, we are looking for City Park Workers at a salary of $20.89 an hour. We also have City Seasonal Aide positions available for non-drivers at $18.00 an hour.

• For quick application to these positions, scan the code on the flyer or to the right or visit bit.ly/parks24bx

» Woodlawn Conservancy — Spring Flowering Tree Tour, May 5th

• Sunday, May 5th at 12:00 PM.

• A certified Level II Arboretum, The Woodlawn Cemetery & Conservancy is an oasis in an urban setting. With over 6,000 trees onsite, Woodlawn displays truly breathtaking spring beauty yearly. Come along for a Trolley Tour of Woodlawn's blossoming trees, shrubs, and flowers led by Herb Landmann, Project Manager for The Davey Tree Expert Company.

• For tickets, please click here.

» KRVC — Free Narcan Training, May 29th

• Wednesday, May 29th at 7:00 PM at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• Lillian Neuman will be the speaker and instructor on how to prevent an opioid overdose. She is the Community Outreach and Prevention Education Director at St.Vincent's Hospital Westchester, a Division of Saint Joseph's Medical Center. She will train the participants on administering nasal Narcan and guide them through crisis intervention.

• For more information, contact Laura4Bronx@gmail.com or visit KRVC.

» KRVC — Community Karaoke at KRVC, May 2024

• Fridays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Gallery 505 (505 W 236th St, Bronx, NY).

• All ages and all languages are welcome. Bring your snacks and support your local food spots.

• For more information, contact LindaKRVC@gmail.com or visit KRVC

» Riverdale Main Streets Alliance — Third Annual Riverdale Block Party, May 19th

• The event occurs on Sunday, May 19th, from 1:00 - 7:00 PM (259th Street and Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY).

• Art, Music, Vendors, Circus, Food & Drink, Activities, Doggie Parade, Dancing, Zumba, Live DJ, Salsa and More!

• For more information, contact NoRi.blockparty22@gmail.com or visit RMSABX.ORG

» 9/11 Memorial & Museum — Spring 2024 Field Trips, FREE for New York City Schools, Started January 16th

• Reservations are now open for Spring 2024 field trips at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Beginning January 16, we'll offer interactive on-site and virtual programs that help students understand what happened on 9/11 and its ongoing relevance today.

•Thanks to public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, on-site and virtual field trips are FREE for New York City schools. Proof of eligibility will be determined using a school’s zip code and confirmed by Museum staff.  

•Fill out a booking request form to plan your on-site student field trip to the Museum. To schedule a virtual field trip, visit our Virtual Field Trips page. Space is limited for all programs, and requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Programs are appropriate for students in grades 3 through 12. We look forward to welcoming you!

» E-ZPass NY — 24/7 E-ZPass NY Account Access!

• Preparing for a trip or already on the road? Forget to add that new license plate before your vacation? Want to check your balance? Is your account balance low? No worries! Use our Tolls NY Mobile App.

• Real-time payments and account updates are made without speaking to a representative.

• Scan the QR code or click the link below to easily download the app from the App Store or Google Play today!

Please visit our YouTube channel to learn more by clicking here.

Stay updated through X, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube!

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

3107 Kingsbridge Avenue

Bronx, New York 10463

Phone: 718-796-5345 | E-Mail: dinowitzj@nyassembly.gov