Kappstatter on BronxTalk tonight

Bob Kappstatter questioning former State Senator Pedro Espada on primary night 2010. 

Photo by Adi Talwar

Gary Axelbank will be interviewing veteran reporter Bob Kappstatter, who is leaving the Daily News after 43 years, on BronxTalk tonight at 9 p.m. on Cablevision channel 67.

BronxTalk Focuses on the Dangers of Plastic Bags

BronxTalk last night featured experts on the impact of plastic bags on our planet. Just click play above and learn.

Rep. Joe Crowley on BronxTalk

BronxTalk, Gary Axelbank's talk show on the borough's public access station, BRONXNET, featured Rep. Joe Crowley this week. They discussed the economy, environmental issues and the election of a Republican in a historically Democratic district. Video above.

Adi Talwar Featured on BronxTalk

The talented photographer Adi Talwar, whose photos have often graced this blog and the pages of the Norwood News, was on Bronx Net's "BronxTalk" last week, discussing his work with host Gary Axelbank. Check out the video below for the interview and to see some of Talwar's favorite Bronx shots.

The Bronx in the media on BronxTalk

This Monday night the American Idol piece and Glenn Beck's comments about Co-op City that raised the ire of some Bronxites will be the subject of BronxTalk.  Beginning at 9:00pm, Doris Quinones of the Bronx Tourism Council and Prof. Salvatore J. Fallica of the NYU Dept. of Media, Culture, and Communications will talk with host Gary Axelbank and take calls from viewers about how these media affect the Bronx.


Viewers can call in with comments or questions during the show at 718-960-7241.


Last Monday night BronxTalk focused on health care reform.  Here's a link to it:  BronxTalk - January 31, 2011


One of New York City's longest running TV talk shows now in its 17th year, BronxTalk is seen each Monday night at 9:00pm on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67.  It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at www.bronxnet.org.  Hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm. Archives are available here: BronxTalk archives

Your Bronxites of the Year!

We posted this last week, but seeing as there will probably be no further posting today we thought we'd once again unveil, in the spirit of MLK Day, your choices for Bronxites of the Year -- those who give, and have given, so much to their communities without much recognition or glory. This is a new feature and something we'll probably do every year. Enjoy!


A few weeks ago, as 2010 came to a close, we asked our readers to submit their choices for Bronxite of the Year--taking a cue from Time Magazine and its annual person of the year. We asked you to nominate a member of your community who you thought made a difference this year, who's been a force for good, and who's gone above and beyond.

To be clear, this isn't a contest, but more of a way to showcase a number of individuals who served the borough with distinction in 2010. We didn't pick a winner--we're posting them all below.

So here they are--your picks for Bronxite of the Year.

Meg Charlop at the Tour de Bronx in 2000 (Norwood News file photo)

Zach Charlop-Powers nominated his mother, Meg Charlop, a long-time Norwood resident and veteran public health advocate who worked at Montefiore for more than 25 years in the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, and most recently as director for community health in the School Health Program. Charlop passed away in a tragic bicycle accident in March at the age of 57.

"My mother was devoted to the Bronx and the people of the Bronx," Charlop-Powers wrote. "She moved into the Bronx in the 70's when everybody else was leaving, and she worked tirelessly and fearlessly."

Charlop's many accomplishments throughout decades of work include organizing tenants against deadbeat landlords, rallying against the use of lead-paint in Bronx homes, and establishing several school health and fitness programs.

"For the work my mother did, for her unbelievable capacity for love of the people of the Bronx, for her dedication to them, and for the rare ability to actually get things put into motion I think she should be your Bronxite of 2010," Charlop-Powers wrote.

 

Longtime Bronx pastor Father Flynn.
(Photo by David Gonzalez)

Bronx native and New York Times reporter David Gonzalez nominates Father John C. Flynn, who retired this summer from St. Martin of Tours parish, where he was pastor for over 20 years.

Known for his work outside the pulpit as much as within it, Flynn fought for years against neighborhood drug-related violence. He started “Save a Generation,” a program during the 1990s to assist high school dropouts. His campaign for young people to trade their guns in for a crucifix was profiled in the New York Times and other media outlets and he was known for his long daily walks around the church's Crotona neighborhood.

Flynn gave his last sermon in June and is currently living in Riverdale, at a home for retired priests.

Bob Connolly, CEO for BronxWest Consulting, nominates Sister Eileen Richards, who taught math and science at the all-girls Aquinas High School in Belmont for over 44 years. (No photo available.)

"Sister Eileen is as humble and modest a person as I've ever met," Connolly wrote. "She is a person who has spent her entire life in the Bronx. Several times over the years she has had the opportunity to move on to different positions in suburban Catholic schools and each time she decided her place is in the Bronx."

During her decades teaching, Sister Eileen has helped countless young women of the Bronx graduate from high school and go on to college, Connolly said, many of whom "have returned to the Bronx as doctors and other professionals now serving their community in valuable ways."

Bronx political activist Yorman Nunez at a rally (Photo by Adi Talwar)

Kingsbridge Heights resident Jack Marth picked young community organizer Yorman Nunez as his choice--a selection seconded by another reader, Thomas Waters.

Nunez, who's only 22, has worked worked for the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition and even once toyed with a run for City Council in 2009. This year, he jumped on the campaign trail once again to work for two local political candidates--Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter, the first person to challenge Pedro Espada, and later for Gustavo Rivera after Pilgrim-Hunter dropped out.

"He managed a remarkably professional campaign," Marth wrote. "The New Roosevelt Initiative eventually hired him to manage its field operations in support of the Rivera candidacy."

Marth also recognized Juan Antigua and Wendoly Marte for working to get Rivera elected.

"I have great hope for the future of the Bronx because of great young leaders in our community like these three," he said.

BxNN reader Connie Anestis wanted to nominate not one person, but the entire staff at Leroy's Pharmacy on 204th Street.

Employees at Leroy's Drug Store (Norwood News file photo)

"They are so much more than a business," she wrote. "They greet each customer, treat everyone with respect, make no distinction between those with insurance and without, those with cash and those with Medicaid cards."

Leroy's employees are always willing to answer questions and make suggestions about a customer's health regimen, Anestis said.

"They are truly an asset to the neighborhood."

Community activist Karen Argenti nominates BronxTalk host and BxNN blog contributor Gary Axelbank as her choice for Bronxite of 2010, for his many roles as an advocate for the community. He's hosted the BRONXNET show for 17 years, one of the longest running TV talk shows in New York City.

"While being completely objective, his interviews on BronxTalk provide Bronxites with unique in-depth access not available anywhere else," Argenti wrote. "The show has highlighted culture, community, economic, educational, environmental, fitness/health, music, and last but not least, he is not afraid to tackle the issues that impact our lifestyle’s most – politics!"

BronxTalk host Gary Axelbank

"Often, he is the first person community advocates turn to for advice on their issues. In many cases and because of his passion for right over wrong, he provides technical advice, publicity and public relations support, often without taking credit for that input."

Axelbank, Argenti said, is also a longtime Bronx resident and devoted husband and father.

"A real Bronx family!" she said.

Bronx real estate broker Gregory Tsougranis casts his vote for Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC), the economic arm of Bronx Borough President's office, a position she was appointed to last winter.

BOEDC President Marlene Cintron

"When I had my Bronx real estate trolley tour she came down in person (on a Saturday !!) to meet the prospective home buyers interested in making the Bronx their home," Tsougranis explained. "This is beyond the call of duty as Bronx Economic Czar. She is out there making herself available unselfishly to common everyday people."

Cintron was approached by new Gov. Cuomo earlier this month with the prospect of joining his new economic team--an offer she turned down to stay in the Bronx, according to the Daily News.

"Many people use the Bronx as a stepping stone," Tsougranis said. "She stuck with the Bronx even when courted by higher offices."

Bronx News Roundup, Sept. 30

Mayor Bloomberg wasted no time in yanking Bronx teacher Melissa Petro from her classroom at PS 70 after he learned of her very public musings about her past as a sex worker.

Councilman Fernando Cabrera, whose district includes PS 70, chimed in about Petro--and her tenure--in a panel discussion on Fox News yesterday. Watch the video here.

A group of Bronx high school students are weighing in on the debate over the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory.

BronxTalk host Gary Axelbank was on the radio program The Perez Notes yesterday to talk about his show and Bronx politics.

A Parkchester man turned himself in to authorities yesterday for allegedly beating a traffic cop who gave him a ticket.

The Daily News has footage of two sets of baby tiger cubs born at the Bronx Zoo. 

Vandals spray painted and etched swastikas into the green at Van Cortland Golf Course yesterday.

Cesar Mercado, the Nicaraguan diplomat who was found dead in his Mount Hope apartment last week, had ingested a bottle of Drano cleaner before he died, according to police.

A new breakdown of Census figures ranks Jose E. Serrano's South Bronx Congressional District as the poorest in the country, with 38 percent of residents living below the poverty line.

The much talked about change in street signs this week--where the DOT is replacing capital letters with lowercase ones--is part of a federal mandate intended to "improve readability." It'll cost the state a whopping $27 million to make all the required replacements.

The murder rate is up across New York City, with a particularly high rise in the number of killings in the North Bronx--the rate went up 46 percent this year.

Actress Rosie Perez, in a video released by gay rights group Fight Back NY, told Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. that she is "extremely disappointed" in him for his opposing stance on gay marriage. "You are not speaking for the majority of New York Latinos," she said.

Bronx-born actor Tony Curtis died yesterday at the age of 85.

The Department of Homeless Services has shut out hundreds of families from using the agency's "Homebase" program in an attempt to see how effective it is.

John Liu Discusses the City Budget, CBAs and More on BronxTalk

On Monday night on BronxTalk, NYC Comptroller John Liu talked with host Gary Axelbank about the city budget, community benefit agreements, recent audits of the EDC and DHS, and many other topical subjects.

For more than 15 years, BronxTalk has been seen live each week on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67. It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at http://www.bronxnet.org/. Produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. Archives are available at blip.tv (search for "BronxTalk").

Kappstatter Discusses Local Politics on BronxTalk

Daily News Bronx Bureau Chief Bob Kappstatter was Gary Axelbank's guest on BronxTalk this past Monday night (before the Espada civil suit was announced).

They had an in-depth discussion about Bronx politics and analyzed some of this fall's Senate and Assembly primary races (who might challenge who, whether the incumbents will get County support, etc.)

Next Monday night at 9 p.m., Public Advocate Bill de Blasio will be the guest. On Monday, May 10 it will be City Comptroller John Liu.

For more than 15 years, BronxTalk has been seen live each week on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67. It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at http://www.bronxnet.org/. Produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. Archives are available at blip.tv; search for "BronxTalk."

Diaz Discusses Armory, Schools and More on BronxTalk

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. appeared on BronxTalk with Gary Axelbank on Monday night, where he discussed the Kingsbridge Armory, development, sheltering the homeless in the Bronx, the charter revision commission, charter schools, mayoral control of schools, and more. (Watch above.)

This coming Monday night, Axelbank's show will focus on charter schools and on April 26 Public Advocate Bill de Blasio will be the guest. The show is live Monday night at 9 p.m. on BRONXNET channel 67 (Cablevision) and re-airs at the same time throughout the week.

Diaz on BronxTalk Monday Night

On BronxTalk Monday night ...

Beginning at 9 p.m. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. will answer questions from host Gary Axelbank about the Kingsbridge Armory task force and living wages, development and land use issues, education, green initiatives, and a variety of other contemporary topics.

Viewers who wish to submit questions for the borough president should email them to bronxtalk@hotmail.com.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio will appear on the show on Monday, April 26.

For more than fifteen years, BronxTalk has been seen live each week on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67.  It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at www.bronxnet.org.  Produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm.  Archives are available at blip.tv; search for "BronxTalk."

Bronx Bloggers on BronxTalk

Lou Cicalese from BoogieDowner and Ed Garcia Conde of Welcome2Melrose appeared on BronxTalk on Monday night to talk about their respective blogs with host Gary Axelbank.

Armory Discussed on BronxTalk Tonight

They're still lining up the guests, but it's a good bet that members of the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance will appear on BronxTalk tonight -- channel 67 on Cablevision at 9 p.m.. It's rebroadcast throughout the week at the same time.

Gary usually takes calls so if you're for what happened today or against it, let everyone know how you feel!

Update: The show has booked KARA activist Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter and Teresa Andersen, who is also president of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition. Tune in!

Housing Expert and BxNN Blogger Greg Jost on BronxTalk Tonight

Gregory Lobo-Jost, a frequent contributor to this site who is deputy director of University Neighborhood Housing Program, will be interviewed tonight at 9. a.m. on BronxTalk (Cablevision channel 67) with Gary Axelbank.
They're sure to discuss critical Bronx housing issues such as foreclosures and the looming crisis with over-leveraged buildings purchased at unsustainable inflated prices with private equity.
I should also note that Greg and the folks at UNHP deserve a lot more credit and attention for the important work they're doing and have done since the 80s. Jim Buckley, the groups's executive director, was an organizer with the NWBCCC in the 1970s, and has been working for better housing in the Bronx ever since.
No other organization keeps such a close eye on the health of the borough's housing stock, and raises alarm bells when necessary.
These folks do the tough research and know what they're talking about. More of us should listen and make certain elected officials, bankers and other decision makers do the same. And citywide reporters should check in with them more often, rather than just the usual Manhattan suspects.
Watch Greg tonight if you can. The show will re-air at the same time all week long. We'll post the show on the blog when it's up on-line.
Oh, here's a recent op-ed by Greg in Norwood News on vacancy decontrol.

BronxTalk: Broken Promises at Yankee Stadium

BRONXTALK WITH GARY AXELBANK/MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2009

This week, BronxTalk featured an expose about the broken promises that were made in the building of the new Yankee Stadium. Two representatives from the 4DSbx coalition spoke with host Gary Axelbank about the stipulations in the Community Benefits Agreement that have not been followed. There was also a presentation about how the original plans for parking garages have not been followed.

Next Monday night in conjunction with the Bronx News Network, BronxTalk will present a live debate between the candidates in the 14th CD.

On Monday September 7, BronxTalk will feature a new book about growing up in the Bornx in the 50's and 60's, "The Rat that Got Away."

BronxTalk, the borough's flagship talk show, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this October. It is seen live Monday nights at 9:00pm on channel 67 in the Bronx and streamed live on the web athttp://bronxnet.org/home/live/webstreamtrial.html. It is hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro.

Viewers can see replays of BronxTalk at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm daily and the programs are archived at http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/category/bronxtalk .

Engel on Healthcare Reform, Israel, and More

BRONXTALK/MONDAY, AUGUST 17 2009

This week, BronxTalk featured an interview with Rep. Eliot Engel of the 17th CD. He spoke with host Gary Axelbank about health care reform, Israel, and other topics of interest.

Here's a link to the program: http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/video/GCEs4pPO

Next Monday night BronxTalk will present an update on the demolition of the old Yankee Stadium.

BronxTalk, the borough's flagship talk show, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this October. It is seen live Monday nights at 9 p.m. on channel 67 in the Bronx and streamed live on the web at http://bronxnet.org/home/live/webstreamtrial.html. It is hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro.

Viewers can see replays of BronxTalk at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. daily. The programs are archived at http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/category/bronxtalk

A Debate on the Issues -- Aug. 31

Bronx News Network is organizing a television debate on Aug. 31 for the 14th Council District in conjunction with BronxTalk, the cable television talk show hosted by Gary Axelbank on channel 67 (Cablevision).

Earlier this week, we invited all the candidates and are waiting for their responses. We will keep you updated.

Heastie talks party policy on BronxTalk

This week, BronxTalk featured an interview with the Chairman of the Bronx County Democratic Committee, Assemblyman Carl Heastie. Heastie spoke with host Gary Axelbank about party policy and philosphy, specific candiates and their support, and a variety of other Bronx political issues. He also took phone calls from viewers.

The program provides unique, in-depth insight into the workings of the so-called Bronx Democratic Party machine. Here's a link to the entire program: http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/video/Bx8CgXHg.

BronxTalk, the borough's flagship talk show, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this October. It is seen live on Monday nights at 9 p.m. on channel 67 in the Bronx and streamed live on the web at http://bronxnet.org/home/live/webstreamtrial.html. It is hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro. Viewers can see replays of BronxTalk at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. daily and the programs are archived at http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/category/bronxtalk.

Fernandez Talks Mayoral Control on BronxTalk

Bronxtalk July 13 09 Part 1

Bronxtalk July 13_09 part 2

This week, BronxTalk featured an interview with the Bronx representative on the newly formed Board of Education, Dr. Delores Fernandez. She spoke with host Gary Axelbank about her abstention in the vote on mayoral control, the concept of mayoral control, charter schools, how the system mgiht be run to maximum effiency, lessons learned from her tenure as president at Hostos CC, and numerous other topics. She also offered insight on the management style of borough president Ruben Diaz, Jr.

The show is posted on the web in two parts:

Parte one - http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/video/Uwl82KSI

Part two - http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/video/F0fI0qP8

BronxTalk, the borough's flagship talk show, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this October. It is seen live Monday nights at 9:00pm on channel 67 in the Bronx and streamed live on the web at http://bronxnet.org/home/live/webstreamtrial.html. It is hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro.

Viewers can see replays of BronxTalk at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm daily and the programs are archived at http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/category/bronxtalk .

Here's the schedule for upcoming editions of BronxTalk:

July 20 - History of DeWitt Clinton High School

July 27 - Council Debate, 11th District, Oliver Koppell/Anthony Cassino

August 3 - Bronx Democratic Chairman Carl Heastie

BronxTalk Discusses Senate Mess with Sen. Schneiderman and Armory with Local Leaders

BRONXTALK/MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009

This past Monday night's BronxTalk featured two topics: an interview with Sen. Eric Schneiderman about the goings-on in albany and a talk with two local advocates about the Kingsbridge Armory. Both segments provided important information about two of the Bronx' most talked-about issues.

BronxTalk, the borough's flagship talk show, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this October. It is seen live Monday nights at 9 p.m. on channel 67 in the Bronx and streamed live on the web at http://bronxnet.org/home/live/webstreamtrial.html. It is hosted by Gary Axelbank and produced by Jane Folloro.

Viewers can see replays of BronxTalk at 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. daily and the programs are archived at http://bronxnet.fliggo.com/category/bronxtalk .

Here's the schedule for upcoming editions of BronxTalk:

July 13 - Majora Carter

July 20 - History of DW Clinton HS

July 27 - Debate: Koppell/Cassino

August 3 - Carl Heastie