Talk Bronx New York

James Vacca Coy Over Possible Bronx Borough President Run

East Bronx City Councilman Jimmy Vacca isn’t totally denying he’s thinking about a run for borough president in the 2009 Democratic primary.

Though he’s up for one more Council term, he has yet to declare for any office with the city Campaign Finance Board.

And with three Hispanics - term-limited Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. and ex-State Sen. Pedro Espada - likely to dilute the Latino vote, and Councilwoman Helen Foster pulling a heavy black vote, Jimmy just might slide in with the help of the East Bronx/Riverdale white vote.

But we tend to think it could be a bargaining chip with Joel’s dad, Dem Jefe Jose Rivera, to back Jimmy for a council leadership role - from Speaker to chair of a powerful committee, such as land use or finance.

Competing for a Council plum: South Bronx Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo.

East Bronx/Queens Rep. Joe Crowley likes and respects Jimmy, but as Queens Democratic boss, he also has to deal with his homies.

Gettin’ his mojo workin’

Political circles are wondering just when Joel Rivera is gonna get out of the gate in that run for Bronx BP.

While Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. has been raising bucks and working the boro, Joel’s already spent half his money raised so far and barely been making the rounds.

“It’s like he’s campaigning in his apartment,” said a local political operative - not the only one talking about it.

But Joel’s camp says it’s ready to crank up his political mojo - when the time is right.

One thing for sure - the last thing Daddy Rivera wants is party arch-enemy Pedro Espada having a shot at winning - or being a spoiler. Read more..

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All-Out Effort For A Greener Bronx

All around the borough, Bronxites were thinking green and doing their part Tuesday for Earth Day.

In the South Bronx, more than 200 volunteers celebrated by planting trees, shrubs and perennials in five community areas.

The event was in support of PlaNYC’s goal of planting one million trees throughout the five boroughs by 2017, and officially kicked off the Timberland Company’s plan to “green” 300 communities worldwide.

The effort will help “create the first truly sustainable 21st century city - what we call a greener, greater New York,” said Liam Kavanagh of the city Department of Parks & Recreation.

At Middle School 391 in Tremont, the celebration will last all week long.

Together with the Bronx Overall Development Council, more than 30 students, parents and school officials showed up at the school at 2225 Webster Ave. to blanket the concrete rooftop with 20 pine trees and plants.

“We are the first in the community to do this,” said Middle School 391 teacher Vic Madho. “It’s very avant-garde.”

The school’s Eco-Green team will take care of the garden, and the project will be incorporated into science lessons.

Later this week, with the help of the nonprofit PHIPPS, students will paint the school foyer and redecorate selected bathrooms in the building. Read more..

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Capt. Bill Connolly of Engine 48 at his firehouse on Webster Ave. in Fordham; the firefighter is a three-time bone marrow donor.

Spotlight on Bronx People: Bill Connolly’s charity gets to the marrow

FDNY Captain Bill Connolly jokes that the New York Blood Center must have his number on speed dial.

Connolly, assigned to Engine 48 in the Bronx, is one of only 18 people in the world who have donated bone marrow three times to three different patients.

“I was surprised. Most people don’t get called ever,” he said.

Connolly was honored for his repeated readiness to donate at a New York Blood Center awards ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria last month.

Dr. Robert Jones, president of the center, said it is rare for a bone marrow donor to match patients three times and rare for a donor to agree to donate multiple times.

Donating bone marrow requires local anesthesia before the marrow is withdrawn through several points on the pelvic bone and a few days of recovery pain.

“He’s not only been called three times, but he’s also stepped forward and saved people’s lives. That’s quite a heroic attitude,” Jones said.

Connolly first registered as a donor in 1990 in response to the call of a fellow firefighter whose sister was ill.

“It’s an extension of being a firefighter,” Connolly said. “If you’re a firefighter, you want to help people. If someone needs help we’re there, off duty or on duty.”

Donors who are matched to a patient and undergo the procedure are taken off the registry for three years. Connolly, who has donated within the past three years, said he hopes to be called again when he’s back in rotation.

“I hope I match more people,” he said. “I’m more than willing to do it and hopefully some lives can be saved. It’s a great feeling.”

Vital Stats

Best part of donating: “The potential to save somebody’s life.”

Hardest part of job: “Losing friends.”

Hardest part of donating: “Not having it work out.”

Bio bits: 42, born and raised in Suffolk County. Was a New York City Transit police officer for four years before realizing fighting fires was a better fit for him. “I would rather fight fires than chase criminals. It’s more rewarding as far as I’m concerned.” Has been a military reservist for 25 years. Lives in Eastport, L.I., with his wife, Doris, son, Liam, 14, and daughter, Erin, 13.

Favorite food: Guinness

Favorite place in the Bronx: Engine Company 48

Favorite leisure activity: Fishing

Favorite vacation spot: Camping with my family

SOURCE: NY Daily News

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