Tag: NY/NJ/CT

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): JLF New York, produced by Teamwork Arts on September 10th and 11th, 2024, at one of the world’s most culturally alive cities, created a sort of history with the diversity of distinguished speakers and a variety of interesting subjects. The festival, which embodies the infectious energy of its mother ship, the iconic annual Jaipur Literature Festival, brought back its signature camaraderie, leading books and writers, and ideas and conversations that make it truly special. Held at prestigious venues including the Asia Society, The National Arts Club, The Center for Fiction, and Sundaram Tagore Gallery, JLF New York provided a rich tapestry of debates and dialogue, featuring an exceptional roster of speakers.

The speakers included Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Aroon Purie. The Indian writer, politician and Member of Parliament has authored over 22 books of fiction and non-fiction. Adept at thinking spontaneously and conversing on any subject, his wit and humor are capable of making the most unhappy and morose person come alive. Audience did get a fair share of “Tharoorism”.

Navdeep Suri, a distinguished diplomat and translator, recited in English “Khooni Vaisakhi”, his grandfather Nanak Singh’s searing ballad on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre while Vidya Shah sang parts of it in Punjabi.
Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, celebrated for cinematic works like Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Bandit Queen, also graced the festival.

The line-up continued with Ruby Lal, Devika Rege, Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee dedicated to health and education advocacy in the Middle East, Tarun Tahiliani, famous fashion designer known for his fusion of Indian textiles, and Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts. The festival also featured Sree Sreenivasan, a digital innovation leader and president of the South Asian Journalists’ Association, and Mohit Satyanand, entrepreneur and investor.
The Consul General of India in New York Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan inaugurated the festival at Asia Society on September 10, and felicitated Shashi Tharoor and Aroon Purie. In his remarks he appreciated the contribution of Jaipur Literature Festival in promoting art and literature.

Int. 991 will damage hotel and tourism industry, force thousands to lose their jobs and harm New York’s economy

NEW YORK (TIP): Over one thousand hotel owners, workers and small business owners, as part of the newly formed Protect NYC Tourism Coalition, on September 12, rallied on the steps of City Hall to fight against the City Council’s so-called “Safe Hotels” bill. The Coalition has also sent a letter asking the City Council to reject the bill, Int. 991, as it threatens the sustainability of New York City’s hotel and tourism businesses and puts the livelihoods of thousands of dedicated workers at risk.

The Coalition includes members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC), the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the Coalition for Hotel Subcontractors, the NYC Minority Hotel Association, the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD) and numerous other groups and stakeholders that support New York City’s tourism industry.

“This legislation will cause irrevocable damage and hurt thousands of guests, hotel owners, workers, and small business owners who support New York City’s hotel and tourism industry,” said American Hotel & Lodging Association Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “The economic toll of this bill will reverberate for years, forcing hotels to lay off hard-working staff, raise rates, and even permanently close. This is not a licensing or safety bill. It’s a government takeover of New York City hotels, and we will not stop fighting until it’s defeated.”

“The National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers stands with New York City’s hotel owners, workers, and small businesses in opposing Int. 991,” said Andy Ingraham, President, CEO and Founder of National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers. “This bill would disproportionately impact minority-owned hotels and developers, who have worked tirelessly to contribute to the city’s tourism industry and create jobs within their communities. The operational costs and regulatory burdens of this legislation threaten to undo decades of progress in creating inclusive opportunities for Black and minority hotel owners. We urge the City Council to reconsider this bill and work with us to find solutions that support economic growth and job creation – not stifle them.”

“Int. 991 is a solution in search of a problem. It imposes staffing mandates that most hotels cannot afford, forcing closures, and disrupting hotel lending and transactions,” said Vijay Dandapani, President & CEO of the Hotel Association of NYC. “This bill harms the financial health of hotels and threatens the sustainability of New York’s tourism industry. The City Council should be working with us, not against us, to support job creation and economic recovery.”

“The Safe Hotels Act will have devastating effects on our hotels and the hospitality industry,” said Rahul Patel, Treasurer of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. “This bill would require our small hotels to stop partnering with other small businesses and force them to let go of their employees. Our hotels offer personal service, often with a small team of staff. If we could hire more employees, we would, but it is a shame that this bill is trying to force us to work outside our current functioning business model. It is patently unfair for the City Council to impose a one-size-fits-all business model on all hotels. This bill will destroy our livelihoods.”

“This legislation is a dagger to the heart of our City’s hotel, tourism, and entertainment industries,” said Jim Whelan, Real Estate Board of New York President. “It will hurt the City’s economic recovery, cut jobs and slash tax revenue. If enacted, it is yet another deterrent to investing in New York.”

“The hospitality industry could not function without family-owned businesses, first- and second-generation immigrant entrepreneurs, and small business owners who provide housekeeping and maintenance services, as well as other needs specific to the hospitality industry, and today we made it clear we are a strong, unified coalition coming together to fight for our livelihoods,” said Camilo Torres, Chief Operating Officer of Lumina HR, a hospitality staffing solutions company located in Manhattan. “We hope this rally sends a message to the City Council that they should reconsider this legislation and bring us to the table to discuss the issues we face and how we can work together to solve them.”

First introduced by Councilwoman Julie Menin over the summer, Int. 991 has been positioned as a “simple licensing bill” by its supporters, but in reality, it would impose harsh and costly operational mandates that would force many hotels out of business and eliminate jobs. It jeopardizes New York City’s 42,000 hotel jobs, the nearly 260,000 jobs New York City hotels support, and billions of dollars in revenue for New York City. Last year, New York City’s tourism industry generated $74 billion in economic impact with more than $48 billion coming from direct spending.

The Coalition also made clear the important safety protocols already in place at member hotels, and the industry’s long-standing commitment to end human trafficking. Int. 991 is not a hotel safety and human trafficking prevention bill. New York hotels are already required to train all employees on human trafficking awareness and training – because of a law the hotel industry worked to pass in 2022

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) marks a crucial opportunity to put gender equality at the center of the global discussions towards Sustainable Development.

UNGA79 will take place from 10th to 30th September 2024, under the theme, “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations”.

Heads of State and Government will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges at the Summit of the Future, to advance peace, security, and sustainable development. World leaders are expected to adopt the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact where the importance of gender equality will be front and center.

As the 30th anniversary of the visionary Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action approaches, UN Women will convene partners at UNGA 79 to strengthen and deliver on the commitments made to advance equal rights for women and girls.  UN Women will also present The Gender Snapshot 2024 report, with the latest data on gender equality across all SDGs.

Key events 

As some details are still being confirmed and there may be last-minute changes on location/timing for the events we advise you to look at the online version of this media advisory, which we will update regularly.

Media Launch of Gender Snapshot 2024

When: Monday, 16 September 2024, 12.30 pm

Where: UN headquarters’ press room, New York, and UN Web TV

UN Women and UN DESA will launch the 2024 edition of Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot to the media. This year’s report points out the latest trends and challenges on the achievement of gender equality across all the Sustainable Development Goals. It also points out the urgency of accelerating progress on gender equality to achieve the SDGs. UN accredited media are welcome to attend the briefing in person, or online, and the video will also be available post-launch on UN Web TV. The official launch event for Members States and other stakeholders will take place on September 21 at 6 pm, by invitation only.

Inclusion = Income: The Business Case for Progressive Advertising

When: Tuesday, 17 September 2024, 8.30 am to 10 am

The Business Case for Inclusive Advertising is an industry-first, global study which proves that inclusive advertising content drives both shot and long-term sales. The study, to be launched at this event, was conducted by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School academics Dr Felipe Thomaz and Prof Andrew Stephen and is based on data from Unstereotype Alliance members Bayer Consumer Healthcare, Diageo, Geena Davis Institute, Kantar, Mars, Mondelez International, and Unilever. Please visit Unstereotype Alliance’s website to see the report findings.

Pay of the Future: Achieving Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value

When: Wednesday, 18 September 2024, 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

To celebrate International Equal Pay Day, this high-level event and reception seeks to energize and accelerate collective action around policies, initiatives and tools that are reducing the gender pay gap. The event will highlight multi-stakeholder and whole-of-society approaches that are effecting change, in line with the reinvigoration of multilateralism seen at the Summit of the Future. The reception will provide an open, inclusive and informal space to engage and encourage discussion, giving participants the opportunity to strengthen avenues of exchange, collaboration and mutual support and action around achieving equal pay for work of equal value.

Beijing+30:  Towards a Gender Equal World

When: Saturday, 21 September 2024, 2.30 pm to 3.45 pm

As we come closer to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, UN Women is taking stock on the implementation so far of this blueprint on women’s rights. The event will bring together governments, civil society organisations and youth groups, the UN system, the private sector, philanthropy and all other multi-stakeholder actors, to share, inspire commit, and act. It will be co-hosted by Mexico, Kenya, and Denmark and others. Registration for in-person attendance: For those who do not have a valid UN ground pass to enter the UN premises, registration for a special event pass is open until 6 September 2024 through this link. The event will take place in Conference Room 2, UN Headquarters, New York.

Advocacy, Coalition Building and Transformative Feminist Action (ACT) to End Violence Against Women Programme Launch

When: Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, 24 September 2024

The EU and UN Women will launch the Advocacy, Coalition Building and Transformative Feminist Action (ACT) to End Violence Against Women Programme, a new groundbreaking initiative designed to strengthen global and regional advocacy, coalition building, and transformative feminist action to end violence against women and girls. The launch event will emphasize the critical role of women’s rights movements in ending violence against women and girls, call for increased and sustainable funding for these efforts, address the rising challenges posed by anti-rights movements, and discuss strategies to combat technology-facilitated violence against women human rights defenders. Find out more about ACT here.

Annual meeting of the UNGA Platform of Women Leaders

When: Tuesday, 24 September 2024, 1.15 pm to 2.30 pm

More than ever, women’s leadership is critical to addressing existing and emerging crises. It has been proven that women’s participation and leadership in political processes fosters inclusive decision-making and amplifies diverse voices ultimately leading to a more sustainable and resilient world for us and future generations to come. The Platform of Women Leaders event will explore the importance of women’s equal participation in decision-making in ensuring peace, socio-economic opportunities, sustainable development and human dignity. The meeting will also offer an opportunity for women leaders to amplify their messages on issues of global concern.

Generation Equality during the Summit of the Future: mobilizing, catalyzing and accelerating multi-stakeholder partnerships

Three years into implementation and following the 2023 Midpoint, Generation Equality’s engagement will center on the launch of the 2024 Accountability Report on 19 September and substantive dialogues – held in-person and online between 22 September and 3 October 2024 – leveraging the latest evidence and data to chart a way forward for Generation Equality by connecting and amplifying voices from across the Generation Equality stakeholders across the globe. Please see the report findings here.

10th Anniversary of the HeForShe Initiative

When: Tuesday, 24 September 2024, 7 pm to 9 pm

The HeForShe Summit will take place in conjunction with the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) which will centralize the discussions around multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow, namely the Summit of the Future. The HeForShe Summit will aim to contribute to this context through positive role modeling for masculinities supporting gender equality across all SDGs as a key accelerator for the achievement of a shared vision by 2030. The Summit will also serve as a pivotal moment leading up to the global review of gender equality progress, culminating in the Beijing+30 review in 2025. The event will be a private, in-person Gala Dinner, featuring speakers like Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway, President of Spain H.E. Mr. Pedro Sanchez, CEO and Founder of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans as well as prominent private sector leaders. A public event video will be released afterward. By invitation only. Find out more about the HeForShe Initiative here.

Further to the flagship side events, UN Women will also co-organize 12-15 side events that align with the Beijing Platform’s critical areas and mobilize constituencies looking ahead to Beijing+30.

 

• Recognizes, honors, and thanks police officers from Glen Cove, Nassau County, and New York City Police Departments;
• Since first elected to public office, Suozzi has vigorously worked to support and honor local police departments and our men and women in blue.

GLEN COVE, NY  (TIP): On Tuesday, September 3, outside the Glen Cove Police Department, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – Long Island, Queens) hosted his annual “Hometown Heroes” event, where he honored and thanked 10 law enforcement officers from across New York’s 3rd Congressional District who displayed exemplary heroism in the line of duty in service to our communities. During the ceremony, Suozzi shared how the exceptional work of each officer saved the lives of New Yorkers.

“Every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, members of our local police departments are protecting us, and serving us. Police have some of the hardest jobs in the country. These are tough times for them. We must support them and understand they are protecting our communities. We cannot allow the ‘defund the police’ or any anti-police rhetoric to discourage them,” said Suozzi. “Today, we are highlighting just a few police officers who represent the good work done by members of our local police departments every day, and we say, ‘thank you.’”

The officers Suozzi honored were from the Nassau County Police Department, Glen Cove Police Department, and three precincts in the New York City Police Department (105th, 109th, and 111th). Each officer was presented with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol, as well as a Congressional citation.

The following officers were honored by Suozzi at Tuesday’s ceremony:

Police Officer Joseph T. Ragolia

Second Precinct

Nassau County Police Department

On May 26, 2024, Police Officer Joseph Ragolia was on his way to work when he came upon an auto accident involving two cars overturned on the side of the road. PO Ragolia stopped and checked everyone for injuries. One male had severe lacerations to his arm and was bleeding excessively. PO Ragolia retrieved a tourniquet and applied it to the injured person’s arm, tightening it until the bleeding stopped. He remained with the injured parties until the Nassau County Police Ambulance arrived.

PO Ragolia then continued on his way to work, calling the desk officer to let him know he would be a few minutes late, but not telling him why. Later that day, one of the Police Medic Supervisors called the precinct to leave a message letting PO Ragolia know that his quick action saved the injured person’s life – that he would have bled out in a few minutes. PO Ragolia was not looking for praise or acknowledgement for going above and beyond on the morning of May 26, but his actions saved a life.

Police Officers Quincy Caton and Joseph Tomlinson

105th Precinct

New York City Police Department

On January 5, 2024, Police Officers Quincy Caton and Joseph Tomlinson were assigned to Field Unit Training. While conducting a routine patrol at 7:15 pm, they were approached by a female holding an infant who was suffering seizures. PO Caton immediately began rendering aid to the infant, noting that the pulse was weak and becoming fainter until it could no longer be detected. PO Canton immediately began CPR and was able to get the infant’s heart rate back. At the same time, PO Tomlinson contacted the authorities over the radio to request EMS assistance. He also set up a route to get the infant to the hospital as quickly as possible.

Due to the police officers training and composure under pressure, the infant made a full recovery.

Police Officer Kasey Koerner and Detective Anthony Cutaia

109th Precinct

New York City Police Department

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at approximately 1:30 am, Detective Anthony Cutaia and Police Officer Kasey Koerner began pursuing two subjects on an unregistered moped. The subjects were masked and driving in a reckless manner. The officers attempted to conduct a lawful stop but the moped operator fled. The officers followed and saw the moped operator discard a fanny pack onto a pedestrian bridge. The officers kept in touch with the precinct via central radio. A coordinated effort involving several Crime Reduction posts and the 109th Public Safety Team resulted in reduced traffic flow and congestion at the intersection of 126th Street and Roosevelt Avenue where the two subjects were apprehended. The police recovered the discarded bag. It contained a loaded HR .22 caliber revolver with a defaced serial number.

The coordinated action and keen observation of Detective Cutaia and Police Officer Koerner resulted in the apprehension of two suspects in possession of a loaded firearm.

Police Officers Christopher Padro and Brian Gallart

111th Precinct

New York City Police Department

Police Officers Padro and Gallart were working the overnight shift when they got a call at 4:20 am that a 3-day old baby was unconscious and not breathing. They were the first on the scene and found the father performing CPR on the newborn with the aid of a 911 operator. Officer Padro took over performing CPR until the FDNY and EMS arrived. The police officers then rushed to Flushing Hospital to alert them that the infant was on his way. When the officers checked back with the family a month later, they learned that the infant did not suffer brain damage or any other infirmity due to lack of oxygen. Due to the officers quick thinking and CPR skills, the life of this infant was saved.

Police Officers Owen Valance and Peter Michaleas, Detective Gregory Denk

Glen Cove Police Department

On February 27, 2024, the Glen Cove Police Department received a call that smoke was billowing from the second floor of a home and that there was a man inside. GCPD Chief Whitton, Deputy Chief Ortiz, Detective Gregory Denk, Police Officers Owen Valance and Peter Michaleas arrived at the home at about the same time. Chief Whitton knocked on the door and could see a man and dog inside the house. After the man repeatedly refused to open the door, the police broke it down. The officers were confronted with thick clouds of smoke and could see flames. The man was in distress, acting erratically and screaming at the officers. He grabbed a large piece of wood containing nails and started swinging and stabbing it toward the officers. The man lunged at the officers and Officer Valance deployed his taser. The man fell to the floor and the officers were able to control him, handcuff him, and remove him from the burning home. The scene was then rendered safe for the fire department to extinguish the fire. It was later determined that the man suffered from dementia and had set the fire  himself.

NEW YORK (TIP): The Debashish Bhattacharya Legacy Trio: Debashish Bhattacharya (Chaturangui, Pushpa Veena), Anandi Bhattacharya (Vocals, Swarmandal), and Subashis Bhattacharya (Tabla) presents a unique tribute to the pioneering Indian recording artists of the early 1900s. In those days, small shellac discs captured succinct renditions of Hindustani classical ragas and popular songs, creating a sensation among the wider populace. This golden era saw the rise of the first celebrity musicians; household names of the time.

The Trio will recreate the spirit and character of these early recordings. Dressed in the fashion of the period, they will transport us to those early days, where a family might have huddled around a radio to hear their favorite stars in, say, 1915.

With lilting, elegant vocal lines, labyrinthine slide guitar, driving complex rhythms of tabla, and the luminous sparkle of the Swarmandal (small harp), the evening will feature various combinations of members and instruments: the full ensemble, duets, and solo pieces. On full display in each work will be the combination of virtuosity, finely filigreed ornamentation, and emotional expression that makes Hindustani music so appealing.

Another major highlight will be the ornate stringed instruments of Debashish’s own design. These include the Chaturangui (Chat = 4, ang = color,“gui” from guitar), a 26-string slide guitar; Pushpa Veena (Pushpa = “flower” Veena = “stringed instrument”), a 25-string hybrid of the sarod and slide guitar; and the delicate Anandi, a 4-string slide ukulele.

Rounding out the Ensemble are Debashish’s daughter Anandi, a gifted vocalist and a rising star in her own right, and Debashish’s younger brother Subhasish, recognized as one of the greatest Indian classical percussionists of his generation.

About Debashish Bhattacharya:

Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya is arguably the greatest slide guitarist in the world. He is an undisputed master of the demanding technique and discipline of both Hindustani classical music and modern world fusion. A “virtuoso’s virtuoso,” he has revolutionized a number of technical aspects of performance on the instrument.

He also has designed and patented four types of guitar for performing raga music, which he has named Chaturangui, Ghandharvi, Anandi, and Pushpa Veena. These guitars are played lap style, with a small steel bar and finger picks.

Debashish has played extensively around the globe, logging in over 3000 live performances and 27 albums. He has performed both live and on recordings with musical icons such as Ustad Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, Jerry Douglas, Derek Trucks, and many other world-renowned musicians. In India, he has performed for Pandit Ravi Shankar and also appeared in countless Indian music festivals.

His large body of work has garnered extensive recognition, including two Grammy nominations, the Billboard top 10, Songlines Magazine top 10, Central Asia and Asia pacific world music top 10, Amazon top 100 albums, 2016 Songlines Music Award, 2007 BBC Planet Award, 2005 Asiatic society Gold medal, the 1984 President of India Gold Medal, 2022 World Music Hall of Fame, and is an Empaneled Artist of the Indian government’s Indian Council of Cultural Relations.

NYC dates:

Sunday, October 20 4:00pm

Ragas Live

Pioneer Works

159 Pioneer St. Brooklyn

$59.00– $200.00

https://ragaslive.com/2024

Subashish Bhattacharya (Tabla) will also be featured in a tribute to Badal Roy at 1:00PM

Thursday, October 24 7:00pm

Joe’s Pub

425 Lafayette St. NYC

https://publictheater.org/productions/joes-pub/2024/d/the-debashish-bhattacharya-trio

$30.00

In addition to the above, the Debashish Bhattacharya Trio will appear on WNYC Soundcheck on Tuesday, October 22.

For more information please contact:

Mark Gorney

Worldisc

(510) 665-4211

worldisc@gmail.com

www.worldisc.net

 

HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP):  The American Punjabi Society (APS) Women’s Forum, in collaboration with New York Cancer and Blood Specialists and the New York Blood Center, organized a highly successful Blood Donation Camp today at the Pearl Banquet Hall in Hicksville, New York. The event, led by Navneet Sondhi from the APS Women’s Forum and Dr. Tarun Wasil from New York Cancer and Blood Specialists, exceeded all expectations with an overwhelming response from the community.

Initially, the camp anticipated 25 donations. However, due to the tremendous community turnout, 47 successful donations were made. The event, originally scheduled from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, had to extend its hours until 2:00 PM. Despite the extension, the high volume of donors resulted in some being turned away due to time constraints.

Dr. Tarun Wasil, an eminent hematologist-oncologist, played a pivotal role in the camp’s success, ensuring that all aspects of the blood donation process were handled with the utmost care and efficiency. His leadership and dedication to community health were instrumental in the camp’s achievements.

Navneet Sondhi, Chairperson of the APS Women’s Forum, expressed her gratitude, stating, “The incredible turnout is a testament to our community’s generosity and dedication to helping others. We are deeply thankful to everyone who participated and supported this event.”

Dr. Tarun Wasil added, “Blood donation is a critical need, and the success of today’s camp will make a significant difference in many lives. We are proud to have partnered with the APS Women’s Forum and the New York Blood Center in this vital effort.”

American Punjabi Society President Gary S. Sikka also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tarun Wasil and Navneet Sondhi for their exceptional leadership in organizing the camp. He extended his thanks to all supporting organizations, emphasizing that “together, we can make a difference.”

Key support for the Blood Donation Camp came from AAPI-QLI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin – QLI), represented by its President, Dr. Inderpal Chhabra, and Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Raj Bhayani, as well as IALI (India Association of Long Island), represented by its President, Pradeep Tandon. Their leadership and participation were instrumental in ensuring the event’s success. Additional support was provided by Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), Vaisakhi 5K Run, New York Telangana Telugu Association (NYTTA), Indo American Chamber of Commerce NY, and Long Island Indo American Lions Club.

The APS Women’s Forum is committed to organizing more such initiatives in the future, focusing on community welfare and humanitarian causes. This successful event demonstrates the power of collaboration in making a meaningful impact.

About APS, American Punjabi Society:
The American Punjabi Society is a community-driven organization dedicated to promoting social, cultural, and humanitarian initiatives.

About New York Cancer and Blood Specialists:
New York Cancer and Blood Specialists is a leading provider of cancer and blood disorder treatments, offering comprehensive care and support to patients throughout New York.

About New York Blood Center:
New York Blood Center is one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the United States, providing lifesaving blood and stem cell products to hospitals across the country.

For more information, please contact:
Gary S. Sikka
President, American Punjabi Society
Email: info@americanpunjabisociety.com
Cell: 917-208-4027

SEAFORD, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) is joining forces with Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF) Northeast Board Chairman John Carrion in support of the fourth annual Team DRI Walk/Run/Ride Event on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Starting at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, participants select their own pace and distance – whether by biking, walking, or running – on a route spanning the distance between the park and Jones Beach (or further or shorter – the participant chooses the distance) to raise funds and awareness for DRIF’s pursuit of a cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. Last year’s event drew more than 125 participants and raised over $100,000, Carrion said. Since its inception in 2019, the Walk/Run/Ride has garnered over $250,000.

“I’m a big bike rider and I wanted to figure out how we could promote the cause,” he said of the “homegrown, organic” event. “We wanted to make it fun and not a black-tie dinner, not a golf outing – something where we can be outside and the kids can come. That’s how it started.” In subsequent years, the walkathon – and then the run – were added, creating the current form of this multifaceted philanthropic event.

Carrion first became involved in the fight to cure juvenile diabetes 22 years ago when his son was diagnosed at age 4. His first exposure was through events with Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and the community of families and advocates he met there sparked his passion for advocacy.

“When my son got out of the hospital, there were thousands of people at this walk who were in the same boat as I was,” Carrion said. “That was the first time I didn’t feel alone.”

In subsequent years, his involvement with DRIF increased, and he later met Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton. Together, they later served on the Long Island and Northeast Regional boards, the latter of which Carrion has chaired since 2018.

“I have had the privilege of knowing John for more than two decades, as our children were diagnosed around the same time,” Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton said. “As parents of young children with diabetes, we have both been intently focused on finding a cure and conquering this disease once and for all. I am so proud of all that John has done and I encourage everyone to join us at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford for what promises to be an amazing event in support of a cause that is near and dear to all of us.”

Visit http://www.DiabetesResearch.org/WalkRunRide2024 for information about how to register for the bike/walk/run and information on becoming a sponsor of the event.

( Photos courtesy of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF)

WILLISTON PARK, NY (TIP): Varli Indian Street Kitchen opened its doors on August 21, 2024, in Williston Park, NY. This vibrant new restaurant is a celebration of the rich flavors and traditions of India, featuring a carefully curated menu of Indian-inspired dishes and innovative cocktails.

Restaurateur Varli Singh, a passionate advocate for Indian culture and cuisine, has crafted a menu that highlights the diverse and flavorful dishes of India, using recipes passed down through generations. A special focus of the restaurant is its unique Indian-inspired alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, infused with traditional spices like Tamarind, Kokum, Mango Pickle, and Chaat Masala, offering a modern twist on classic flavors.

“My goal with Varli Indian Street Kitchen is to create a space where people can savor the exquisite flavors of Indian food while also immersing themselves in the culture and traditions that make it so special,” says Singh. “I want to bring the community together through food, and what better way to do that than by sharing the cuisine that has been such a big part of my life.”

Beyond her work in the restaurant, Singh has made significant contributions to the global culinary community. She is renowned for bringing together top Indian chefs and hosting premier Indian culinary events and food festivals. Singh has also presented awards to some of the highest-rated Indian chefs, recognizing their excellence in the culinary arts.

Singh is also the founder of the Varli Foundation, a charity dedicated to feeding hungry children around the world. A portion of the restaurant’s proceeds will support this cause, furthering Singh’s mission to make a positive impact both locally and globally.

Singh’s strong presence in the entertainment industry extends to her social media platforms, where she has produced various short films and music videos. Her 15-year-old daughter, Aira Singh, is actively involved in the restaurant, contributing to the ambiance, aesthetics, and menu tasting. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Aira is already making her mark in the worlds of entertainment and philanthropy. She was present at the opening to greet guests and shared her vision for the future of the restaurant.

Diya Singh, Varli’s 18-year-old daughter, also attended the event. Diya has played a significant role in shaping Varli’s social media presence and content creation journey. Her creativity and influence have been key to how Varli expresses herself online. “Diya has been instrumental in helping me connect with a broader audience and in building my confidence,” says Singh.

In addition to her acting career and restaurant venture, Singh is the publisher of Varli Magazine, a publication dedicated to Indian cuisine and culture. Through the magazine, she has created a platform that showcases the richness of Indian culinary traditions, featuring top chefs, innovative recipes, and the latest trends in Indian cuisine. Singh also heads VarliWare, a company specializing in kitchen equipment and serveware, further expanding her influence in the culinary world.

The soft opening on August 21 featured a special tasting menu, live music, and the opportunity to meet Varli Singh and her daughters. Guests who joined in the celebration experienced the warm hospitality that is the hallmark of Indian culture.

For more information about Varli Indian Street Kitchen, visit https://www.instagram.com/varlikitchen/
https://www.instagram.com/varlikitchen/

 

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-38) officially announced she is running to become the 46th Comptroller of New York City in 2025. If elected, the Assemblywoman will become the first woman of color elected to the post in the 225-year history of the post’s existence.

Upon announcing her campaign, Rajkumar said: “Every win I have ever had has been against all odds. I live for this; public service is my passion.” Watch Jenifer’s Announcement Video https://youtu.be/-b8MGT_tmmY

Jenifer’s mom was born in a mud hut in India. Her parents immigrated to the United States with just $300 and a suitcase. To honor the promise of a country that gave her family so much opportunity, Jenifer decided to dedicate her life to public service. An ivy league educated attorney, she graduated from Stanford Law School and the University of Pennsylvania. She later spent evenings teaching as a Professor at CUNY’s Lehman College in the Bronx to help sculpt the young minds of the City. Speaking of the Comptroller role, Rajkumar said: “Traditionally, the Comptroller is a man in an office crunching numbers, but I will make it so much more. I am on the ground with the people in every corner of this City hearing firsthand how government is and isn’t working for them. Together, we will implement ‘the people’s audits’ of City government. Government inefficiency costs lives, and we will fix it. Ours is the largest municipal budget in the world, and I have the experience, passion, and energy to make sure that every New Yorker is getting what they pay for.”

Speaking of the Comptroller’s role as a fiduciary to New York City’s 5 public pension funds, totaling nearly $270 billion in assets, Rajkumar said: “As Comptroller, I will first and foremost be the guardian of the hard-earned retirement money of our city workers, firefighters, teachers and police officers. I will be laser focused on maximizing pension returns and performance. New Yorkers who worked hard their whole lives deserve a healthy pension and a Comptroller with the passion, dedication, and experience to guard their money.”

A record-breaking State Legislator, Rajkumar made history as the first South Asian American woman ever elected to a New York State public office in 2020, ousting an 11-year incumbent and winning by the largest margin of any insurgent that year. In less than 4 years, she passed landmark legislation– including the SMOKEOUT Act enabling New York City to close down over 800 illegal smokeshops already, the historic bill establishing Diwali as a School Holiday in New York City after a 20-year struggle by the community, and a nationally recognized bill giving domestic workers the full protections of New York State’s Human Rights Law.

Her other legislative wins include several pieces of legislation to make government work faster and better– including passing her bill to speed up the City’s procurement process to build capital projects more quickly, legislation making our Courts work more efficiently, and a bill to support crime victims.

A Stanford Law educated attorney who studied accounting, law and economics, Rajkumar has a record of taking on multinational corporations. She has already saved millions of taxpayer dollars in her career. Collaborating with the U.S. Department of Justice, she held multinational corporations accountable for defrauding and overcharging the federal government. Her resulting wins saved millions in taxpayer dollars and preserved the integrity of our medicare and medicaid programs. She was also notably part of the legal team of Velez v. Novartis, a class action on behalf of 5,000 women workers labeled by the U.N. as one of the top 10 cases advancing women’s rights.

Rajkumar said, “My experience as a lawyer equips me well to be the Chief Auditor of the City of New York who will dig into the performance of our city agencies. As a former labor attorney, I know how to effectively execute the Comptroller’s role of protecting workers by enforcing wage violations on public works projects. As a lawyer I know how to settle legal claims against the City and oversee City contracts, two other critical functions of the Comptroller.”

The Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo appointed Jenifer as the Director of Immigration Affairs & Special Counsel for New York State in 2017. In this role, Jenifer built and led the Liberty Defense Project, a historic, first-in-the-nation $31 million dollar state-led project. In this capacity, she created a successful governmental program from scratch, oversaw government contracts with nonprofits, and allocated taxpayer dollars for maximum impact.

The Assemblywoman has been known as “ominpresent” throughout the 5 boroughs, often appearing by the side of her ally Mayor Eric Adams who has described her as “a beast” and “a close friend.” Showing up across the City in her signature red dresses, she is a fixture of public service known as the Lady in Red.

About her strong partnership with the Mayor, Assemblywoman Rajkumar stated: “True change happens by collaboration. The way to make historic change that will outlive us for generations to come is through partnerships across government. It is a joy working with my colleagues at all levels of government from the Mayor to the Governor to the state legislature to the city council. The greatest moments in government- the historic moments that we live for- happen by working together. Together, we will take our City to the next level.”

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Four Decade Old Annual celebration of New York City – the 42nd Annual India Day Parade NYC has been targeted with Hate-Filled Bigotry for including Ram Mandir (Hindu Religion’s place of worship) miniature float, says Ankur Vaidya, Chairman of Federation of Indian Organizations NYNJCTNE (FIA).
Mr. Vaidya expressed his anguish in a statement released to the media that as a five-decade-old, 100% volunteer-run non-profit, we find ourselves under heavy scrutiny for organizing a peaceful community celebration that our dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to prepare. This malicious and hate-filled scrutiny, spread on social media, has resulted in the loss of sponsorships—the lifeblood of our event—and in fear-mongering, causing law-abiding citizens to worry about potential unruly conduct due to the hateful messages circulating online.
Ironically, the theme for this year, set long before the inclusion of the Ram Mandir float was decided, was “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which translates to “the world is one family”, the note said. For over four decades, the parade has been a celebration of community, growing due to its display of inclusion and diversity, allowing participants to display their expressions respectfully and peacefully without diminishing or disrespecting others. Despite our longstanding tradition of celebrating diversity, we are now the target of communal hate and bigotry.
Efforts are being made to dissuade the Mayor’s and Governor’s offices from attending or supporting the celebration, and harmful rhetoric is being spread on social media platforms. Our inclusion of a float that celebrates inauguration of a sacred landmark, significant to hundreds of millions of Hindus has been insulted by derogatory name calling and the officials and the mainstream is radio silent. I respectfully ask, would such name-calling be tolerated if directed at any other community’s place of worship? The answer is unequivocally no.
Mr. Vaidya urged the entire Hindu community to peacefully yet resolutely oppose the bigotry displayed by distorting facts, misleading the public, and creating a hateful distraction for reasons unknown. As we celebrate what we consider a vital aspect of our faith through the celebration of this landmark, we unequivocally reject violence and hate in any form, including any damage to any religion’s place of worship. We stand for peaceful coexistence and encourage everyone to embrace this value.
Let us avail ourselves of the opportunities this great nation, the United States of America, has generously provided—cherish the freedom to peacefully express ourselves, practice our religion, and uphold the value of mutual respect. We invite you to join us in a celebration that fosters peaceful harmony and coexistence among diverse cultures, religions, genders, and more. Let us embody the values championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and be recognized by the content of our character, not by the color of our skin or the faith we follow.
A proud American from the proud origins of my native motherland of India who proudly practices the Hindu faith while loving, caring and being respectful towards all religions and faith.
The Indian Panorama spoke with a number of Indian Americans following different faiths about the situation and all invariably condemned the false narrative being floated on the social media.

NEW YORK CITY (TIP): A new NYC Comptroller audit claims that the City overpaid for a firm’s services during the midst of the migrant crisis. Comptroller Brad Lander in the audit says about $11 million paid to DocGo by the Adams administration should be recouped.

Eighty percent of the $13.8 million payment shouldn’t have been paid for the first two months of the firm’s contract in May and June 2023, Lander argues. DocGo was awarded a $432 million no-bid contract by Mayor Eric Adams to help migrants in the city last year.

The audit reviewed payments used to provide hotel rooms, food and other services to migrants.

10,000 hotel rooms in New York City and Upstate New York that the city paid for were never used, according to the audit. 3,500 unused rooms at the Crowne Plaza JFK Hotel reserved for ten days racked up a $570,000 bill in June 2023.

According to the audit, $833,000 was spent for 4,902 unused rooms at the Armoni Inn in Upstate Orangeburg for 61 nights in May and June 2023.

The city Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) was tasked with overseeing the contract and services provided by DocGo.

According to the audit, HPD did not hold DocGo to contract terms and conditions and did not require DocGo to provide appropriate documentation. The audit also found a $2 million overpayment by DocGo used for security subcontractors, 80 percent of the 189 hotel rooms paid for had no microwaves and refrigerators and some had roaches, bed bugs and rats.

Also, DocGo overspent thousands on meals for migrants in hotels, among other charges.

QUEENS, NY (TIP): Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz petitioned the court on Thursday, August 8, to vacate the convictions of 46 defendants whose cases involved NYPD Detective James Donovan, who was convicted of perjury last year. The disgraced detective, who was assigned to the Warrant Squad at the 103rd Precinct in Jamaica, pleaded guilty in 2023 to falsely testifying before a Queens grand jury, and an extensive review was conducted of his previous cases by the District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU).

“Today, I am asking the Court to vacate and dismiss 46 criminal cases where former Detective James Donovan was the primary witness,” Katz said. “We cannot stand behind a conviction where the essential witness was a law enforcement officer convicted of a crime that irreparably impaired his credibility.”

After identifying the 46 affected convictions, the CIU contacted the Wrongful Conviction Unit at The Legal Aid Society and filed joint motions in each case seeking to vacate the convictions.

“We applaud District Attorney Melinda Katz for taking further action to vacate convictions involving a discredited detective who was convicted of perjury after he testified falsely in the grand jury in a separate case,” said Elizabeth Felber, supervising attorney of the Wrongful Conviction Unit at The Legal Aid Society. “While we hope this moment delivers justice and closure to the New Yorkers impacted by these tactics, the sad reality is that many were forced to suffer incarceration, hefty legal fees, loss of employment, housing instability, severed access to critical benefits and other collateral consequences resulting from criminal convictions.”

Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Joanne Watters granted the motions and dismissed the charges. According to the motions, Donovan pleaded guilty to perjury in the third degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Anthony Battisti in May 2023. On Aug. 11, 2021, Donovan testified under oath to a Queens grand jury that he arrested a wanted individual in November 2020. Donovan claimed that he found the individual sleeping in a car and discovered a loaded firearm in the car. He later admitted his testimony about the arrest was false when interviewed by a prosecutor preparing the case for a hearing.

Subsequent interviews confirmed that, although Donovan was present at the address, a different detective actually made the arrest outside of Donovan’s presence. Because of Donovan’s perjury, the District Attorney’s Office was required to dismiss the gun charges brought against the individual. Donovan’s perjury conviction led to the review by the DA’s CIU of all cases in which he was the arresting officer. The CIU identified the 46 cases which required dismissal.

“After an unflinching review proactively conducted by my Conviction Integrity Unit, I believe it is necessary to take this step to protect the public’s confidence in the justice system,” Katz said.

Including the motions granted on Thursday, the CIU has vacated 148 convictions since the office was launched by Katz in May 2020. The unit has dismissed 132 convictions based on the unreliable police work of former detectives later convicted of crimes committed on the job that undermined their credibility. Another 16 convictions have been vacated for a variety of other reasons, including newly discovered evidence.

“The Legal Aid Society urges DA Katz and other local prosecutors to continue to conduct these reviews on a rolling basis with full transparency,” Felber said. “The same lens used on our clients charged with criminal conduct must be applied to those in law enforcement. Anything less will erode the public’s trust in the criminal legal system to hold those accountable for egregious acts of misconduct.”

FREEPORT, N.Y. (TIP): Nassau County Legislator Seth I. Koslow (D – Freeport) joined the community at Freeport Day on Saturday, July 27. The annual daylong event, which is presented by Freeport’s Family and Friends, Inc., AMT Children of Hope, and an array of community sponsors, the event was brimming with music, food, music, live entertainment, and other family-friendly attractions.

“Every year, this event shines a bright spotlight on the diversity and pride that makes Freeport so vibrant and unique,” Legislator Koslow said. “Congratulations to the organizers and supporters of Freeport Day 2024 for making this such a tremendous success!”

PHOTO CREDIT – Office of Legislator Seth I. Koslow

FLUSHING, NY (TIP): Sriniketan Foundation celebrated Guru Purnima in fashion with scintillating performances of dance and music at Ganesha Mandir in Flushing on July 28.
The artists excelled in their performances to the joy of the gathered audience who all were lovers of Indian classical music.

The artists who performed included Pranab Kumar Biswas – an internationally renowned vocalist , a disciple of Ustad Rashid Khan, Pandit Rajan & Sajan Mishra. He has sung in 18 Bollywood movies. He was accompanied on Tabla by a renowned tabla player Aditya Narayan Banerjee and on harmonium by Sri Rohan Prabhu Desai.

Thakur Chakrapani Singh, an excellent slide guitarist from India, gave a spellbinding performance. He was accompanied on Tabla by Rabi Sankar Bhattacharya.

Narsinha Kamath played Flute. Raj Dhingra sang bhajans Suresh Ketwaroe sang devotional songs which were superb. Smt. Purnimaji sang two devotional songs and spoke about the importance of Music as one of the greatest therapies and the supreme form of Yoga.

The finale was a mesmerizing and greatly appreciated Manipuri dance by Sanjib Bhattacharya ji. The dance performance was dedicated to all Gurus in the universe. The dance was based on “Guru Ashtakam” and “Kabir Vani” and presented “Guru Tattva” to celebrate Guru Purnima in the most befitting manner. The Sriniketan Foundation arranged mouth-watering. refreshments and dinner (Prasad) after the performances.

The Guests of Honor were Professor Indrajit Saluja, Chief Editor of The Indian Panorama, Minesh Chimanbhai Patel of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan USA & Baldev Grewal, publisher of Shere-e- Punjab.

Smt. Purnima A. Desai, Founder/ President of Sriniketan Foundation, who is also a Vidushi and a Reiki Grand Master Thanked the artists and guests for their presence and participation.

Hold Roundtable in DC with over 100 Advocates Representing Broad National Coalition of “Business, Badges and The Bible”

WASHINGTON (TIP): Last week, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Texas Republican Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) brought together a broad, national coalition of stakeholders to a roundtable at the U.S. Capitol to focus on Bipartisan Common-Sense Solutions for Border Security and Immigration. Over 50 people attended in person, with over 70 more joined by Zoom to kick off a coalition of “Business, Badges, and the Bible” to join with immigration advocates.

Suozzi sought out conservative Texas Republican Luttrell, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who survived a deadly helicopter crash during his service, to join the effort. Luttrell, who serves on Homeland Security, stated, “We are working together to find the best way forward for our country on these important border security and immigration issues.”

Suozzi was recently appointed to the Homeland Security Committee, where he met Luttrell, and serves as Chair of the Democrats for Border Security Task Force. “The U.S. faces an immigration crisis because too many politicians have spent too many years ‘weaponizing’ immigration policy-fighting across the aisle—but haven’t done a thing to fix it,” Suozzi declared.

“The goal of our new coalition is to introduce bipartisan legislation that will 1) secure the border, 2) fix the broken asylum system, and 3) modernize legal immigration,” he stated.

Suozzi and Luttrell face a daunting challenge: finding common ground with Democrats and Republicans in a bitterly divided Congress in an election year.

“Business, Badges, and The Bible”- is a unique coalition to push Congress for solutions.

Suozzi explained this unique partnership by saying:
“‘Businesses’ have a huge stake in immigration reform. Farmers, hospitals, construction, hospitality, and manufacturers all need an immigration fix to better plan the future of our nation’s economic health. Immigrant workers have become essential to the U.S. workforce, contributing across sectors and playing a noteworthy role in our country’s economy.”

“‘Badges’ represent our country’s law enforcement community and must focus on community policing, not immigration law. They need ‘order at the border’ to better protect our communities.”

“By using ‘The Bible,’ I refer to those fundamental values, both religious and secular, that Americans have embraced –that all men and women are created equal and are entitled to human respect and dignity. Spiritual and secular leaders of all kinds can join hands to practice what they preach: the golden rule, human dignity, and the worth of all people.”

As a Member of Congress, Suozzi has visited the southern border three times, meeting with border patrol agents, local law enforcement officials, mayors, businesses, and nonprofits. “It’s clearly not working,” he stated.

“The present immigration system is hopelessly outdated. The original asylum process was created during the ‘Cold War.’ In the United States Refugee Act of 1980, America was happy to provide a safe haven to individuals fleeing persecution in the Soviet Union, Cuba, and other communist and authoritarian regimes,” he explained.

“But today, organized crime ‘coyotes’ and cartels are mercilessly scamming the system by instructing migrants on the language necessary to access the asylum process and coaching them to give falsified stories claiming ‘credible fear” in their own countries. These migrants automatically gain access to our country until a hearing can take place, sometimes as long as six years later,” Suozzi added.

Recent statistics show that just 18% of those ‘credible fear’ claims are eventually accepted. Immigration courts have a backlog of more than 3.5 million cases.

When Suozzi realized that Congress would not pass the Senate bipartisan immigration reform bill earlier this year, he joined with Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and, on May 8, 2024, called on President Biden to use his Executive Authority to “help bring order to the border and expand our tax-paying labor force by extending legal work permits to the 1.1 million immigrant spouses married to U.S. citizens.”

A month later, Suozzi stood at the White House when the President announced his executive actions to bar migrants who cross our southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum.

Suozzi, who won February’s congressional special election by “leaning into” the immigration issue during the campaign,” gave Democrats a much-needed dose of election-year optimism and a model for navigating one of their most significant political liabilities: the migrant influx overwhelming the southern border.

The New York Times said, “Mr. Suozzi may have just helped write a playbook” for his party by forcefully taking on the immigration issue.

Suozzi is a first-generation American whose father came to America as a young boy and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Clusters during WWII. He attended Harvard Law School on the G.I. bill and became a Judge, rising to the courts of the New York State Appellate Division. “My father’s immigrant story is a big part of who I am. For my family, it was the classic American Dream. It saddens me now to see how the very word -immigration- has taken on such a negative connotation,” Suozzi revealed. “Only bipartisan, common-sense solutions will fix what’s broken,” Suozzi said. “Democrats and Republicans in Washington must work together to pass bipartisan immigration reform legislation to firmly secure our borders and establish clear, legal paths to citizenship,” Suozzi asserted.

• Patients of the program will receive six home deliveries of seasonal, fresh produce
• The program provides patients with the tools to make healthy lifestyle changes, including access to plant-based diet resources and one-on-one counseling

NEW YORK (TIP): NYC Health + Hospitals announced on August 31 the launch of free produce boxes to patients enrolled in its nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Program. Patients of the program will receive six free monthly deliveries of seasonal, fresh produce delivered to their home. Patients will work with dietitians to learn about incorporating fruits and vegetables into their diet across culinary traditions and skill levels. Delicious and healthy recipes developed by the team’s dietitians will accompany each produce box. A recent produce box included broccoli, bok choy, tomatoes, potatoes, peaches, and fennel. The majority of the produce is sourced from local or regional farms, and the boxes are packaged and delivered by Farm to People.

The Lifestyle Medicine Program at NYC Health + Hospitals is a nine-month program to support patients in making evidence-based lifestyle changes, including a healthful plant-based diet, increased physical activity, improved sleep habits, stress reduction, avoidance of substance use, and stronger social connections. Adults living with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or health concerns related to excess weight are eligible to enroll. The program is now available at seven sites and can serve approximately 4,000 patients each year. The care team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, a certified nurse midwife (Woodhull location), a dietitian, a health coach, a program coordinator, a psychologist, community health workers, and an exercise trainer. Current patients of NYC Health + Hospitals can get a referral to the program from their provider, and people who are not yet patients of NYC Health + Hospitals can see if they qualify to enroll in the program by contacting 347-507-3695.

“I know first-hand how important a good, affordable diet is for long-term health,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “By delivering free, healthy, monthly produce boxes to patients in our city’s Lifestyle Medicine Program, we will be able to help even more New Yorkers access fresh fruits and vegetables, combat chronic disease, and lead happier, healthier lives.”

“Treating and preventing chronic disease starts with putting fresh, nutritious foods on our plates,” said Kate MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy. “By partnering with Farm to People to provide patients enrolled in lifestyle medicine programs with fresh produce boxes, we aim to remove some of the barriers these patients face in sourcing nutritious foods. Thanks to this partnership, patients will be able to fully take advantage of the program’s benefits, including incorporating nutritionist-recommended meals into their diets.”

“We want to inspire our patients to add more produce to their plates in ways that are flavorful, nourishing, and culturally relevant,” said Michelle McMacken, MD, FACP, DipABLM, Executive Director of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals. “The patients in our Lifestyle Medicine Program can now receive free boxes of produce delivered to their homes, making it easier to access high-quality fruits and vegetables and apply the lessons learned during the program’s nutrition education and counseling.”

“We’re thrilled to work with NYC Health + Hospitals on such a transformative program,” said Farm to People Chief Operating Officer Felix Dechant. “Our mission at Farm to People has always been to conveniently provide the highest quality food to our community. This program couldn’t be more aligned with our core values. Our entire team is laser-focused on providing exceptional service to every patient: from our sourcing team working with sustainable farms on offering the freshest nutrient-dense produce, to our warehouse team packing each box with recipes tailored to the box contents and language of the participants, to our fleet of drivers delivering across all five boroughs just a few hours after the boxes have been packed. Everyone at Farm to People understands the importance of this work, and plays a key role in exceeding expectations with every delivery. We hope that our work will make this program convenient, healthy, and delicious for every patient.”

The nine-month lifestyle medicine program provides every patient with the following resources:

Six to nine one-on-one counseling sessions: Patients will have two to three visits each with a physician, nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife, a dietitian, and a health coach to develop and implement a personalized care plan.

14 weekly group classes: Topics will include reading nutrition labels, grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation, and sleep and stress management techniques.

Eight weekly exercise classes: Patients will work with an exercise trainer and take home a resistance band for strength training. Six free, monthly deliveries of seasonal fresh produce: Patients will work with dietitians to learn about incorporating fruits and vegetables into their diet across culinary traditions and skill levels. Delicious and healthy recipes developed by the team’s dietitians will accompany each produce box.

Health Bucks. Patients will have access to Health Bucks, which are $2 coupons that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at NYC farmers markets. Five of the seven program sites have farmers’ markets on their campus.

Culinary skills videos. Patients can learn cooking skills through short videos developed by the Lifestyle Medicine team in partnership with an online culinary school, Rouxbe. The videos will feature healthy cooking across various culinary traditions, including Caribbean, South American, Central American, and South Asian, and will be translated into Spanish, Mandarin, Bengali, and Haitian Creole.

A plant-based cookbook: Each patient receives a cookbook on plant-based eating for overall health or specifically for type 2 diabetes.

Support accessing benefits: Community health workers and food navigator referrals help patients access free or low-cost nutrition resources and, for those eligible, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

The Lifestyle Medicine Program is now available at the following sites:

Bronx

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi

NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln

Brooklyn

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County

NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull

Manhattan

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue

Queens

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst

Staten Island

NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Vanderbilt

Particular attention has been placed on ensuring that the program’s group visit curriculum is relevant for patients from diverse backgrounds and experiences. For example, the Spanish-language curriculum reflects cultural adaptations, not simply a translation of the English-language version. Moreover, individual visits with the medical providers, dietitian, and health coach allow for tailored behavior change recommendations based on each patient’s social, financial, cultural, and family context.

Formal evaluations of the Bellevue pilot program revealed a successful implementation process, extremely high demand for services (more than 850 patients requested to enroll in the first few months), and positive health outcomes including clinically and statistically significant improvements in weight, glycemic control, and diastolic blood pressure.

NEW YORK (TIP): At an animated gathering of over seventy Congress Party leaders and supporters, in East Brunswick, New Jersey, Mr. Jaswinder Singh Kang was appointed as a Secretary of the Indian Overseas Congress, USA. He is assigned to cover the adjoining states to recruit members.

Upon handing him his letter of appointment President Mohinder Singh Gilzian congratulated Mr. Jaswinder Singh Kang, a prominent member of the Indian community and extended him his best wishes. In his speech, President Mohinder Singh Gilzian welcomed the audience and explained how rapidly Shri Rahul Gandhi ji has become a favorite candidate of millions upon million people and now stands head and shoulder above all the leaders who poses a big threat to Prime Minister Modi. He encouraged everyone to stand united and work hard and prepare for the good days ahead in India under the Congress Party.

Secretary General Harbachan Singh explained that the Congress Party does not merely criticize Modi ji and his government for broken promises and innumerous failures, but also the Congress Party has a solid plan – its comprehensive manifesto – a development strategy based upon its long history of experience and professional literacy. It addresses all areas of essential needs and aspirations of the people requiring attention, priority national development and making India a great sovereign country once again. Sri Rahul Gandhi has the best pulse of the people gathered from the two gigantic “Yatras” that he undertook and today stands tall as the boldest and the most dynamic leader in India.

Vice President John Joseph thanked the people for their interest in joining the party and encouraged each person to recruit more members and establish teams to work in unison. Vice President Baldev Singh Randhawa in his speech noted that Jaswinder Singh Kang brings new ideas and vision which will enrich IOC USA and lend his shoulder to uplift its role in Indian politics. He welcomed Mr. Kang to the Organization.

New Jersey Chapter President Peter Kothari felicitated Mr. Kang ji and spoke at length and traced the glory of the Congress Party and explained the need for unity, hard-work, consistency and the need to work in harmony with the guidelines of the Party and following the law – a recipe for success.

Several other leaders including Gurjinder Singh, Jagpal Singh, Nirmal Singh, Mukesh Maidh, Balhar Sindhar, Mahesh Patel, and Ms.Pamposh Shaikh also addressed the gathering. They manifested their commitment to work as a team and dedicate the requisite support and resources such as time, social media involvement, and physical presence back home during the elections time. They acknowledged the recent successes of the INDIA alliance which has sharply motivated and regenerated their enthusiasm, resolve and trust.

Jaswinder Singh thanked Mohinder Singh Gilzian ji and Harbachan Singh ji and other IOC.USA leaders present and appreciated the guests for their energy and commitment to work tirelessly to strengthen the Party.

(Based on a Press Release issued by Harbachan Singh)

NEW YORK (TIP): This Saturday night, July 27th, 2024 at 7:30 pm, the Catskill Mountain Railroad will be hosting a Twilight Limited Special train ride with live onboard music provided by local entertainers for your listening pleasure as you enjoy the evening sky.

As dusk turns into night, enjoy a train ride to watch the beautiful moonlit sky full of stars. The train will cross the Esopus Creek on the restored C9 Bridge and go through the Hurley Flat farmlands, and then climbing up into the Hurley Mountain forest before returning to Kingston. All trains are round trip from the Westbrook Lane Station located in the Kingston Plaza adjacent Uptown Kingston’s Stockade District.

Ticket Prices are: $23.00 Adult, $21.00 Discount (Senior, Military, Veteran) $17.00 Children ( Ages 2 – 12 ) $0.00 Toddler ( Under 2 on Lap ) with a paid Adult fare

Trains depart Westbrook station at 7:30 pm and the train ride is approximately 90 minutes long. Join us for a wonderful evening of live music on the Twilight Limited Special.

More information about the Catskill Mountain Railroad is available by visiting www.catskillmountainrailroad.com.