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What’s Really Going On In Albany?

In hopes of gaining a little understanding about what’s happening on the final days of the state legislature’s 2013 session, we took a field trip yesterday from the Bronx to Albany with our colleagues at the Riverdale Press. It was an enlightening experience, which we will flesh out in a piece for next week’s print edition. But for now, here are few news items and observations.

Bronx Notes: Boricua College Open House

The admissions department at Boricua College, 890 Washington Ave., is hosting an open house on June 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to provide information and guidance on the admissions process, financial aid and admission prerequisites. Boricua offers bachelors and masters degrees in the areas of Business Administration, Childhood Education, Human Services and Liberal Arts. For more information or to RSVP, contact Abraham Cruz at (347) 964-8600 or email acruz@boricuacollege.edu.

Bronx Crime Report: Child Wounded, Teen Held in KIngsbridge Shooting

Last Friday, a lovely spring evening in Kingsbridge turned into a scene of chaotic violence, when, according to police, a young man riding a bike rolled down Bailey Avenue, pulled out a gun and fired off a half dozen shots into a crowd of people, mostly children, hanging out in an apartment building parking lot.

Bronx Notes: Montefiore Hosts Sickle Cell Awareness Event

This Wednesday, June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day, and Montefiore Medical Center will host its first annual Sickle Cell Awareness Day to educate the community about this inherited disease. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 19 and will feature a guest appearance by rising boxing star Eddie Gomez. Sickle cell specialists from Montefiore and Albert Einstein College of Medicine will be on hand to discuss managing sickle cell disease and will provide free oxygen saturation testing. Call (718) 430-2186 for more information. Click here to see Eddie Gomez in action.

Locals Skeptical About New Bronx Inn on Webster Ave.

At the end of May, a Rodeway Inn quietly opened its doors for business on Webster Avenue, offering free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. Built despite enormous community opposition, the new hotel’s opening has put skeptical local residents on guard.

Bronx Notes: Medicare Session for Seniors

Jewish Home Lifecare is hosting two talks, “Article 81 Guardianships and Special Needs Trusts” and “Changes in Medicare and How It Relates to the Elder Community” on June 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Kittay House garden level, 2550 Webb Ave. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to RSVP, call (718) 410-1441.

Video: Gjonaj Talks Bronx Day/Night in Albany

Bronx Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj wants to give the Bronx more access to Albany legislators and insiders and he’s busing Bronxites up to upstate today to make it happen. In conjunction with the Bronx Borough President’s office and Montefiore Medical Center, Gjonaj’s office is hosting Bronx Day at “The Egg” convention center. They’ll be showcasing some of the best the Bronx has to offer and allowing borough leaders, stakeholders and residents to meet with some of the state’s most powerful committees. In an interview on Bronxnet (above), Gjonaj talks about today’s events and why he’s doing it.

Activists Drop Banners, Urge Klein to Support Campaign Finance Reform

A recent banner-dropping campaign that led to the arrest of three activists, was the most visible show of pressure on Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein, who is also feeling the heat to pass a package of campaign finance reform bills from fellow Democrats, Governor Andrew Cuomo and political action committee led by a billionaire’s son. Reform advocates say the reforms are needed to lessen the influence of big money on politics and allow better candidates to run for office.