Wrap Up, Updates and News

Greetings Tildenites!

Last week’s monthly meeting in the Chapel was exciting, with special guests, reports on many activities, and a resolution. We were joined by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who discussed many of his projects, including the gun crime registry and development in The Bronx. Since many Tildenites have a personal history with the Borough it led to some fun questions. The BP was accompanied by staffers Dirk McCall and Matt Emrick and provided us with copies of the Bronx Tourism Guide.

Our City Councilman (and former Tilden President) Dan Garodnick and our State Senator Brad Hoylman took the stage to discuss current issues. Dan discussed new parks being created and protection for renters being subjected to new forms of harassment. Brad discussed ethics reform, homeless youth, and the State budget. The dual format made for an exceptionally informative session.

Following up on Brad’s discussion, Housing Committee Chair Shelley Winfield presented a resolution in support of restoring 2015-2016 Executive Budget Funds (from $2.35 million to $4.75 million) for programs to help homeless youth. Special thanks to Janice Plumer for her expertise in crafting the resolution, which passed unanimously, and the Committee for its hard work. DL Steve Smollens provided an insightful discussion and analysis of mutliple housing issues, including the rent reguation situation.

Dan Garodnick is partnering with NY Road Runners for Health & Fitness Sunday March 28 (1-4 pm) at PS 59 (233 East 56th St. between 2nd & 3rd Avenues). The afternon will include fitness events, a nutrition workshop and other fun activities for kids in grades K-6. For more information and to RSVP call Dan’s office at (212) 788-7393 or visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/HealthFitnessClinic.

Remember to RSVP for the Thursday, April 23 Annual Dinner at the National Arts Club. Seating is limited so act now! The Dinner will be doing double-duty as the April meeting. The May meeting will be held off-cycle on Thursday, May 14 to accommodate the petitioning schedule.

Tilden would like to send our best wishes to the several Club members who have been dealing with health issues over the past few months. At least week’s meeting we cheered members Marcia Robinson, Arthur Wolf, Virginia Rosario and Genevieve Cervera. We are thinking of you!

Warmest Regards,

Mark P. Thompson

President, Samuel J. Tilden Democratic Club