Drug Companies Need To Be More Responsible

Report: 211 die during drugs trials in India

Prevent Zumba Injuries

How to avoid Zumba injuries

Rafael Martínez Alequín, local guy makes good

Press conference at City Hall? Meet VC Village’s mayor torturer - The Riverdale Press

Dancercise with Doriana

Doriana leading a class

This dynamic woman lead a dancercise class on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 3:30 PM at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center.
It was great fun.

WW II Polish Rescuers of Jews celebrated

Here is the story

Preserve the Comfort Women Memorial

This memorial should remain in Palisades Park, NJ

Bronx Opera Ensemble and Art Exhibit

Here's a story from the NY Daily News about the art show. Here's a photo from the article:

SPARC (Seniors Partnering with Artists Citywide) Art Show will open on Wed. June 27th at 1:30 PM at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Sedgwick Ave. in the Bronx. Referencing their personal narratives, participants created colorful self-portraits that incorporate collage, drawing and multi-dimensional imagery. Meet Michael Ferris, Jr., our resident artist, along with the talented participants who created these works over the past 5 months. Refreshments will be served. The SPARC initiative was sponsored by NY Dept. of Cultural Affairs in collaboration with Bronx Council on the Arts. The SPARC Art Show at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center will run through Friday, July 6th, 2012.

At 5:30 PM on June 27th, join us for a fish dinner followed by the Bronx Opera Ensemble’s classical and Broadway extravaganza. Suggested senior contribution for dinner is $2.00. Recommended senior contribution for event is $2.00. Non-senior guests are welcome. For reservations and further information, call the center office 718-549-4700 by Mon. June 25th.
JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center is funded by NYC DFTA and by legislative grants from Council Member Oliver Koppell and from Borough President
Ruben Diaz, Jr.   

More hype about Dr. Sharma

Don't believe the hype

Rounds Preview: Excelling in Cardiac Care 
This article touts the protocol books that Dr. Sharma has medical and nursing staff memorize.  However, the practice of medicine and nursing is in part the implementation of protocols.  Memorizing is for passing exams.


Here is my yelp review of Dr. Samin Sharma

Van Cortlandt Senior Center June 2012

Create your own narrative portrait with Michael Ferris, guest artist-in-residence through the SPARC initiative. No previous artistic training necessary. Mr. Ferris will instruct this class on Monday afternoons from 1:15 – 2:30 PM through June. Please call the center office 718-549-4700. This project is made possible by grants from Bronx Council on the Arts and NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs.

Join Caroline, graceful exercise instructor for Movement to Music sessions on Tues. June 12, 19 and 26 at 10:15 AM.

Thurs. June 7th: Center Light will host a lively Zumba class at 10:30 AM followed by a presentation: “What is a Pooled Trust?”

Fri. June 8th: Join Rose and Meir, experienced dance instructors, for a fun session of international line dancing at 1:00 PM. Beginners welcome.

Sun. June 10th: Boricua College Chorus will perform a mix of classical, Latin and Broadway at 1:00 PM. 

Boricua College Chorus June 10, 2012

They were wonderful.



Nutrition Talks on Tues. June 12th with A. Jalandoni, RD and Wed. June 13th: Cholesterol by C. Harry, DFTA Nutritionist at 11:15 AM.

Lucy Degidon, Art Historian, will talk about Pablo Picasso’s work on Friday, June 15th at 1:00 PM.

Rob Silverman, pianist, will present Jewish and Broadway music on Fri. June 22nd at 1:00 PM.

Wed. June 27th: Join us for a special evening of classical and Broadway music presented by the Bronx Opera Ensemble at 6:45 PM after a dinner at 5:45 PM. Suggested senior contribution for dinner is $2.00. Recommended senior contribution for event is $2.00. Non-senior guests are welcome. RSVP to center office 718-549-4700 by Mon. June 25th.
The Bronx Opera Ensemble programs are also always a delight.

Thurs. June 28th: L. Davies, Esq. will present a talk on Senior Scams via Phone, Internet and in Person at 1:00 PM.


Trips to Stew Leonard’s on 6/6, Empire City on 6/13 and to Aqueduct on 6/19. For reservations and more information, call Maritza at 718-548-4700.

Classes in Fitness, Tai Chi, Yoga, Tone & Stretch, Painting, Knitting, Current Events and Short Stories, Indoor Gardening, Line Dancing, Jewelry Making, sing-along, computer lab and more are offered at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center.

We are located in the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. off of Van Cortlandt Ave. West on the Bronx #1, #2 or #10 bus routes. We are non-sectarian. Seniors age 60+ may register for free. For more information, please call the center office at 718-549-4700.

JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center is funded by NYC Dept. for the Aging, UJA- Federation of NY and by special grants from Council Member Oliver Koppell and Bronx Borough President Reuben Diaz Jr.

Carter Burden Arts & Crafts Program

The Carter Burden Center supports crafts programs in NYC.  A several week, two hours one day,one day a week program, began at the Amalgamated Houses.  Week 1 was a button necklace.  There was no thought to have alternate projects for a man.  Demographic studies indicate that in the generation that is now approaching sixty, the ratio of men to women will be much more equal than in the past.  This should be considered in any plans made for older people.

May 2012 Van Cortlandt Senior Center

Cultural Events, Classes and Trips in May, 2012:


Create your own narrative portrait with Michael Ferris, guest artist-in-residence through the SPARC initiative. No previous artistic training necessary. Mr. Ferris will continue instructing this class on Monday afternoons from 1:15 – 2:30 PM. Please call the center office 718-549-4700 for further information. This project is made possible by grants from Bronx Council on the Arts and NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs.

Join our new walking group on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:45 AM.

Wed. May 9th: Supper served at 5:30 PM followed by Latin-Jazz by LIBBY & CO:  Libby Richman - alto sax; Marilyn Seits, piano; Lester Harper- bass and Ramon Terrero, Percussion. This combo performs in the tri-state area in jazz venues and for special events. Supper menu: beef tacos, rice and beans, garden salad and dessert. Suggested senior contribution for supper is $2.00. Recommended senior contribution for event is $2.00. Non-senior guests are welcome. RSVP to center office 718-549-4700 by Mon. May 7th.

Tues. May 15th: Presentation by Senior Whole Health Medicare Advantage Plus at 11:15 AM by Janet Gordon.

Post Mother’s Day celebration with Igor Sherbakov, dynamic keyboard player and vocalist on Fri. May 25th at 1:00 PM after lunch. Lunch menu: chicken marsala, kasha w/onion and mushrooms, health salad and dessert. Suggested senior contribution for meal is $2.00. Recommended contribution for event is $2.00. RSVP to the center office 718-549-4700 by Tues. May 16th.

Sun. May 20th: Lisa y Josue Guitar Duo will perform Flamenco, Latin and classical music after lunch at 1:00 PM. Lunch will be served at 12:15 PM: fresh fish, yellow rice and blended vegetables, roll and dessert. Suggested senior contribution for meal is $2.00. Recommended contribution for event is $2.00. Non-senior guests are welcome. RSVP to the center office 718-549-4700 by Friday, May 18th.

Trips are offered to Sands Casino on May 2nd, Fairway at Pelham Manor on May 9th, China Town on May 15th and Cross County Mall on May 18th. For registration and more information, please call the center office 718-549-4700 in advance.

NYC Board of Ed no longer afraid of birthdays and dinosaurs

April 3, 2012 Revised:  Sufficient ridicule has caused the Board of Education to announce:
"After reconsidering our message to test publishers and the reaction from parents, we will revise our guidance and eliminate the list of words to avoid on tests,” New York Chief Academic Officer Shael Polakow-Suransky said in a statement.
 March 26, 2012
City avoids placing taboo topics (that kids may actually know about) on public school exams - NYPOST.com

We Didn't Have Green

I enjoyed this post by oodlekadoodleprimitives

April events at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center

       

Create your own narrative portrait with Michael Ferris, guest artist-in-residence through the SPARC initiative. No previous artistic training necessary. Mr. Ferris will continue to instruct this class on Monday afternoons from 1:15 – 2:30 PM. Please call the center office 718-549-4700 for further information. This project is made possible by grants from Bronx Council on the Arts and NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs.

“A Taste of Passover” Model Seder on Wed. Apr. 11^th at 11:15 AM with Marilyn Kaplan, pianist, and sing-along leaders. A festive lunch of roast chicken and kugel will be served at 12:30 PM. Senior contribution for this event is $3.00. Fee for non-senior guests is $4.00. Reserve by Fri. Apr. 6^th with the center office: 718-549-4700.

Holocaust commemoration on Thurs. Apr. 19^th featuring an illustrated presentation by Gary Finkler, grandson of artist/author Toby Knobel Fluek based on her memoir Memories of My Life in a Polish Village: 1930 – 49 .   Lunch, tuna and health salad, will be served at 12:15 PM followed by the slide presentation. Senior contribution for lunch is $2.00. Fee for non-senior guests is $2.50 for lunch. Kindly reserve by Tues. Apr. 17^th.

Trips to South Street Seaport on Apr. 17^th and to South Ferry on Apr. 20^th.  Call the center office for further information and registration: 718-549-4700.

Line Dancing with Rose and Meir Beer, experienced instructors, resumes on Fri. April 27^th at 1:00 PM.

Open Sunday, Apr. 22^nd featuring NY Troubadors: Nick and Sam Kline performing Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and other nostalgic favorites at 1:15 PM. Lunch served at 12:15 PM. Senior contribution for lunch is $2.00. Senior contribution for program is $2.00. Non senior guests are welcome: $2.50 for lunch and $3.00 for program. Kindly reserve by Thurs. Apr. 19^th.

Center Light will offer a Zumba for seniors class on Apr. 25^th at 10:30 AM followed by a Medicare Benefits presentation at 11:15 AM.

Celebrate March/April birthdays with Igor Sherbakov, dynamic keyboard player/singer on Wed. Apr. 25^th at 1:15 PM. Latinos al Frente, a new social club, will enliven this event with authentic dancing to Latin rhythms.  A delectable lunch of beef stew and brown rice will be served at 12:15 PM. Senior contribution for lunch is $2.00 and ed/rec contribution for the event is $2.00.

On Fri. Apr. 27^th, Hudson Pointe at Riverdale will offer blood pressure screening at 10:30 AM followed by a presentation on Cerebral Vascular Accidents: Signs and Symptoms at 11:15 AM.

Big Apple Senior Strollers

A new walking program with William has begun.  Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:15 a.m.  Meet at the Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY.  Questions?  call 718 549 4700.

March 16, 2012  I participated in the walk yesterday.  We went from the senior center to the track at Van Cortlandt Park, we walked around it twice.  We each walked at our own pace.

    Cultural Events and New Class Offerings in March, 2012:
   
    Meditation with Clara on Fri. Mar. 2nd at 1:00 PM.

    Create your own narrative portrait with Michael Ferris, guest artist-in-residence through the SPARC initiative. Mr. Ferris will instruct this class  on Monday afternoons starting on Mar. 5th from 1:15 – 2:30 PM. Please call  the center office 718-549-4700 for further information. 
Pre-Purim concert by Stephanie Kurtzman, Violinist and Binyamin Ginsburg, keyboard player on Tues. March 6 at 1:00 PM. Ms.Kurtzman performs with Neginah Orchestra.

    Centerlight Health Care (CCM) will present a talk on Stress Management     on Wed. Mar. 7th at 11:15 AM.

    Line Dancing with Rose and Meir Beer, experienced instructors, resumes     on Fri. Mar. 9th at 1:00 PM.

    Wed. Mar. 14th:Remembering Jerry: A Lullaby of Broadway, Film and     Television Legend Jerry Orbach  by John Anthony Gilvey, author,     educator and stage director at 1:15 PM. This presentation will be     illustrated with archival video and film footage of the actor's life and     work.     Mr. Gilvey is a noted authority on the Broadway musical and the     author of Jerry Orbach, Prince of the City (Applause Books, 2011).
    Lunch will be served at 12:15 PM. Suggested senior contribution for lunch
         is $2.00 and program contribution is $2.00. Call the center office 718-549-    4700 by Mon. Mar. 21st to reserve for lunch.

    New Member Tea on Thurs. Mar. 22nd at 1:30 PM. New members are     welcome to attend and to learn about JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center's     many programs and services. Singer Carmel Riggs accompanied by     Jonathan Dzik will perform beloved Gershwin and Cole Porter songs such as     "Anything Goes", "You’re The Top", "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and     "So In Love".

    Carmel Riggs holds a BA from the Westchester Conservatory of Music in Vocal     Performance and an MA in Music Education from Manhattanville College.     She has performed regionally, on and off Broadway in West Side Story (Maria),     The Sound of Music (Maria) and Man of LaMancha (Aldonza).  
    Lunch will be served at 12:15 PM. Suggested senior contribution for     lunch     is $2.00 and program contribution is $2.00. RSVP to the center office at     718-549-4700 by Tues. Mar. 20th.

What your doctor doesn’t tell you - NYPOST.com

Save the CLASS act

This is from the Coalition of People of dis-Abilties NYC site:

Fighting for Home and Community-Based Care!

An estimated 10 million Americans currently need long-term services including personal care and other supportive services – and this number is projected to increase to 26 million by 2050. For Americans with Disabilities, long-term care is a critical tool for independent living but most could not secure coverage.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act included a program known as the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (the “CLASS Act”) that would enable people to buy affordable long-term care insurance.
CLASS would provide millions of people with a crucial service that was previously beyond their reach—home and community based care that enables people live and work in their communities and costs far less than institutional care.
Now, before it has even been implemented, this vital program is in danger.
HR 1173 -- a bill that would repeal the CLASS Act – is expected to reach the floor of the House of Representatives soon. We have to stop this bill.
Instead of killing a program that millions of Americans need, our leaders must get back to work and find a way to make the CLASS Act work.
Congress must not repeal CLASS and the President must VETO any legislation that attempts to repeal it.

Internet Freedom at risk

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Cuomo in league with nursing home lobbyists

Governor Cuomo's plan to reduce New York's rising Medicaid costs may send some of the state's poor and elderly to nursing homes - NY Daily News