5 minute read
Community Engagement
from OnTheOval
by Mike Kurov
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOCUSES ON FORDHAM HILL VOTING DURING ELECTION SEASON
By Rachel MillerBradshaw
Advertisement
In New York City there are many legislative positions that are open for incumbency this election season. All voters in the city will be going to the polls to elect a new Mayor, City Comptroller, and Public Advocate. On a borough level, residents in the Bronx will be choosing a new Borough President and Civil Court Judges. Residents in District 14 will also decide a new City Council member. With so many candidates vying for these local positions, it can become overwhelming to research candidates and differentiate between them.
Spanning across EDs 47/78, 48/78, and 49/79, Fordham Hill Owners Corporation boasts over 3200 eligible voters in its 9-building-1118 units, gated Cooperative.
As FHOC continues to engage Legislators, and positively influence progress and revitalization in the surrounding community, the Community Engagement Committee (CEC) has committed this season to ensure that Fordham Hill residents hit the polls in June and November. On Tuesday, April 13, the Coop held its first ever-virtual town hall meeting, because of the pandemic, to meet and engage District 14 City Council Candidates. The town hall meeting focused on questions with topics ranging from public safety, campaign financing, Devoe Park, and the Kingsbridge Armory. The Committee and Board of Directors honored requests to meet the candidates in-person and on June 18, hosted the candidates presenting their platforms and participating in a Q & A session in Building 1 Patio.
Part of the responsibilities of the Borough President is to advise the Mayor of New York City, comment on land-use items in their borough, advocate borough needs in the annual municipal budget process, and appoint various officials and Community Board members.
The (CEC) is also doing its due diligence in researching
and engaging the candidates.
FHOC voting numbers are strong! They average up to 50% according to election day turnout during the 2020 General Election that was held on November 3, 2020.
In addition to working with the 52nd Precinct to host the next Build A Block meeting, the focus of the Community Engagement Committee for the upcoming season, will be the continued increase in voting numbers, of residents of Fordham Hill.
The committee’s final push with a complex-wide get out and vote memorandum should have ensured FHOC presented strong voting numbers in the June 22 Primary Election that is crucial this election season. Efforts will continue to make sure voting is even stronger in the General Election on November 2nd.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATES
(Famous American leader)
Congratulations to the Graduates of our Fordham Hill Community on your well deserved success…
To our young and gifted students who bravely persevered through this challenging year….we give you honor…
We are happy to share in the excitement of your graduation. We are very proud of you and would like to recognize your achievements.
Wishing you best wishes as you continue to bravely face the future…
KIRA HELPER
Graduate of Boston Conservatory at Berklee – Masters Degree in Fine Arts in Musical Theater
JOLAUN URSAL HUNTER
Graduate of Spelman College – Bachelor of Arts Graduated as a member of Phi Beta Kappa with Summa Cum Laude Latin Honors Continuing her post-graduate education at Princeton University
JULISSA MARTINEZ
Graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice – Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society
JAMES CASTILLO
Cardinal Hayes High School
ALYANNA J. MARTINEZ
P.S.171 Patrick Henry Preparatory Middle School
Our children are our future… and we should do all we can to encourage and uphold them in their endeavors
EASTER - 2021
HALLOWEEN - 2020
The sun is not up yet, but the birds are awake. They are singing a bit louder than I wish. I hear a new chirping song and fall back to sleep. Before I know it the sun is shining through my window and the leaf blowers are growling “Time to get up”. I look down upon the Oval as I drink my morning coffee. Perhaps today I will see that family of Blue Jays or that majestic Hawk soaring high above. I rush out the door and I as I wait for the elevator I hear the sweet voices of m y neighbors children. On the elevator are two young school kids with their dad. He looks a bit overwhelmed but squeezes out a smile. The little boy hides behind his daddy but waves “Hi”. In the lobby the porter greets me, as she finishes up. As I walk out the smell of fresh cut grass puts a smile on my face. I see a group of ladies who walk the Oval on a regular basis. And I remind myself that one of these days I’m getting up early to walk several laps. Several security guards wave at me, while they observe their surroundings. A visiting nurse arrives to check on my neighbor. One of the seniors and long time residents is on her way to a doctor’s visit. As always she stops to ask me how my family is doing. She looks a bit frail but still has a beautiful smile. I walk down the steps to the garage and I see a middle aged man. He is coming home from work and looks a bit tired. Our eyes make contact and we both know what’s on our minds. I run across the street to the garage. Whether I’m early or late the garage attendant has my car up. I’m not good with names, but I always remember all the faces that make the start of my day a joy.
Anonymous
