Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights NORWOOD NEWS Vol. 25, No. 6 ■ PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION ■ March 22 –April 4, 2012

SALSA THE NIGHT AWAY ! DOE Plans to Close Middle School 80 By ALEX KRATZ eral “turnaround” program. The designation would allow the school Amid a backdrop of plummeting to again receive extra state funding test scores, gang problems and a bit - that was being withheld because the ter showdown between the teachers city and the United Federation of union and the Department of Educa - Teachers, the largest teachers union tion, Middle School 80 in Norwood is in the country, have not been able to facing closure and a complete over - come to an agreement over teacher haul of its staff and administration. evaluations. If the overhaul plan is approved, MS 80’s recent scores on state MS 80, and 32 other city public math and reading tests have dropped schools, will undergo a dramatic them into the lowest 5 percent of reorganization that will include state schools. Last year, in response replacing its administration, at least to its lagging test scores, the DOE 50 percent of its current staff and tagged MS 80 as a “re-start” school, undergoing a name change. Students which paired it with an outside edu - who have not graduated before the cation organization and gave it the start of the next school year will be injection of state funding. given a guaranteed seat in the new But two weeks ago, with an eye on Photo by Adi Talwar BESO LOUNGE, the new bar and club on East 204th Street in Norwood, offers free salsa school. keeping the increased state funding lessons on Friday nights and is revitalizing the area’s sleepy nightlife scene. The Panel for Education Policy in place — a total of $1.8 million over still needs to approve the reorganiza - the next two years was cut off in Jan - tion, but based on recent history, that uary — the DOE decided to scrap the appears to be a formality. The PEP re-start model and put MS 80 into the Beso Lounge Offers Rare rarely rejects a DOE-recommended turnaround program. reorganization plan. In addition to securing increased The DOE has designated MS 80, a funding, DOE officials say the turn - 650-seat school on Mosholu Parkway around program will allow failing Kiss of Norwood Nightlife that has been dogged by gang prob - schools like MS 80 to get a fresh start, lems and low state scores, for the fed - (continued on p. 4) By MARCOS SIERRA “A friend of mine once said to me, ‘If you want to open a business, look to see where you The nightlife in Norwood, long dormant spend most of your money,’” Garcia said. “I Lawmakers Strike since it once housed more than 20 Irish bars loved going to clubs, so I decided that’s what I in the 1980s and early 1990s, is getting a boost would do.” from ’s newest hotspot, Beso With its high ceilings, wooden floors, and Lounge. contemporary design, the space inside Beso Redistricting Deal Since it opened in late 2010, Beso Lounge appears much larger than it really is. has spiced up the after-hours party scene on “It took us a while to think about how we East 204th Street at Decatur Avenue with an wanted to set up the space,” said Garcia, who New Lines Spark intoxicating mix of music, drinks, décor and holds a BS in Sociology. “We wanted to make dance. Located in a spacious setting that used sure we could maximize every inch, but at the Controversy, Lawsuit to be The Sandbox bar and restaurant, co- same time, ensure our customers have owners Eli Garcia and Gino Pacheco say they enough room to dance.” By JEANMARIE EVELLY in the political arena and violating not only want to bring the party back to the The bar, which stretches almost the entire the federal Voting Rights Act, which Bronx, but help build up the local economy in length of the floor, offers enough room to After months of debate, state law - is designed to protect the voting the process. order drinks, flirt with the person next to you, makers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo power of minority communities. With backgrounds in real estate and the and even chair-dance to the upbeat music and approved a redistricting deal last “This plan violates federal law social sciences, Garcia and Pacheco didn’t pulsating colored lights. week that will re-set State Senate and that protects minority communities imagine themselves as nightclub owners. “It’s a cool place,” said a sweaty Martin Assembly lines for the next decade, from being split between several dis - “I think that if the market would not have Polanco, while sipping on a rum and coke and establish an independent com - tricts with the intention of diminish - collapsed back in 2008, Beso Lounge wouldn’t after dancing to a fast paced bachata song. mission to take over the process after ing the ability of minority communi - be here right now,” said Pacheco, who was “You can’t tell it’s this big from the outside.” the next Census in 2020—a plan that ties to elect a representative of their selling real estate when the housing bubble With a bevy of friends in tow on a recent many local leaders are unhappy choosing,” said Bronx State Sen. burst four years ago. “It was something that Friday night, Bronxite Leslie Ramos was with. Gustavo Rivera in an e-mail. was missing in the area and we capitalized on excited about her first time at Beso. “I’ve seen The new lines, many Bronx lead - “Despite large population growth in the opportunity.” it (Beso Lounge) on Facebook, and my friends ers and community groups argue, the Latino community in the Bronx, Although they weren’t experienced, the talk about it all the time,” said Ramos. “I’m split like-communities across leg - no additional Latino majority senate nightclub scene was familiar territory. (continued on p. 9) islative districts, diluting their voice (continued on p. 10 )

■ Partying at the Kingsbridge Armory, p. 2 ■ Fordham Rallies Against Racism, p. 3 ■ Bx Chess Prodigy Talks Strategy, p. 8 www.norwoodnews.org 2 ■ March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News In The Public Interest

Vol. 25, No. 6 An Entrepreneur Takes Advantage of Empty Kingsbridge Armory Norwood News is published By MARCOS SIERRA bi-weekly on Thursdays by Mosholu Preservation Corporation The future of the Kingsbridge Armory 3400 Reservoir Oval East is still undecided, though Mayor Bronx, 10467 Bloomberg’s new round of RFPs (Request for Proposals) for plans on redeveloping Phone: 718 324 4998 the site are due this week. In the mean - Fax: 718 324 2917 E-mail: [email protected] time, one Latin American entrepreneur Web: www.norwoodnews.org is taking advantage of the enormous space. Pedro Zamora, a music promoter and restaurant owner with Mexican roots, Publisher CEO, Mosholu had been hosting concerts and other Mosholu Preservation Preservation events at vacant armories in Brooklyn for Corporation Corporation years until 2010, when the city told him Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia the sites were no longer available for Alex Kratz rent. Searching for locations that were large Staff Writer Jeanmarie Evelly enough, Zamora found the 5-acre Kings - bridge Armory sitting dormant in a Classified Advertising largely Hispanic section of the Bronx, Dawn McEvoy perfect for his plans for the space, which Accounts Receivable include hosting a number of popular File Photo Dawn McEvoy Latin musicians and even a full-fledged SOME 3,500 PEOPLE showed up for a concert at the Armory in February. rodeo scheduled for March. Proofreader Judy Noy “[The Armory] hadn’t been used in playing soccer in St. James Park. “The always desired to reach out to the Latin quite some time and needed repairs to place was really big and the music was American community to provide these Production bring it up to code, so I did the repairs just like home.” types of services, and build strong, sus - Neil deMause myself,” he said. “In exchange for the “I can’t wait for the rodeo,” added his tainable relationships.” Regular Contributors repairs, I got a good deal on the rent and cousin Kelby. “I went to buy a new hat, so Although he hasn’t been able to secure David Greene, Adi Talwar, Ronald Chavez, the Department of Buildings helped I can look cool when I go.” a long-term commitment from the city, Lindsay Armstrong, Emily Piccone expedite the necessary permits.” “Everyone was uncertain in the begin - Zamora’s vision for the Armory is not Interns On Feb. 11, Zamora hosted his first ning, including me. It was extremely limited to music concerts. Bucking bulls, Marcos Sierra, Destiny DeJesus, concert at the Armory, featuring bachata hard, but it all paid off at the end of the live music, masked wrestlers grappling Catherine Pagano singer Hector “El Torito” Acosta and pop - night,” Zamora said. “We received a in a padded ring and vendors selling For display advertising, call ular norteño ensemble Los Tigres del tremendous amount of support from the tacos and other treats are all part of the (718) 324-4998. Norte. The show drew thousands, includ - city agencies, and I am sure the rest of upcoming events that Zamora has sched - ing representatives from the offices of the planned events will be just as suc - uled for the massive space. Support Your Bronx elected officials. cessful.” “This place is enormous,” he said. “I Community Newspaper! “I went to the concert with my cousin “If I can get more companies to join would like to set up a soccer league, and and brother, and we had a great time,” The Norwood News is a not-for-profit forces with me, we can better stimulate even bull riding in here. It’s definitely do- publication and relies upon the support of said Jose Zapata, taking a break from the local economy,” he said. “I have able.” its advertisers and readers to produce a quality community newspaper. To support Cabrera and housing activists rallied in your paper, become a member and Local Activists Push for front of Bronx Housing Court on Tues - More on norwoodnews.org receive a subscription for one year. ‘Sustainable’ Armory day, pushing for the passage of a City Simply mail check or money order for Two groups that were integral in lead - Council bill that seeks to protect tenants $40 to: Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir ing the City Council defeat of a shopping against landlord abuse by informing • News Updates Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. mall plan for the Kingsbridge Armory in them of their rights under the law. 2009 are continuing their efforts to see the The proposed legislation would • Crime Watch Norwood News is not responsible for space redeveloped responsibly, pushing require landlords and property owners typographical errors. Opinions expressed for a community use for the long-vacant to post an explicit “Tenants Bill of in signed letters and bylined columns rep - building. Rights” in the lobbies of buildings with • Be Healthy! resent the sole opinion of the author and The Northwest Bronx Community and three or more units, and distribute are not necessarily those of Mosholu Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) and the Wednesday Preservation Corporations or Montefiore copies to tenants when signing their Medical Center. Editorials represent the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment leases. The bill outlines laws regulating views of the editor and/or publisher only. Alliance (KARA) were scheduled to hold a heat and hot water, eviction, subletting • Bronx Sports The newspaper reserves the right to limit candlelight vigil outside the Armory on and other sources of tenant-landlord Report Thursday or refuse advertising it deems objection - Wednesday, March 21 — the day before the conflict. able. Advertisements appearing in this city’s deadline for developers to submit Bronx Housing Court handles more paper cannot be used without the written their proposals for revamping the site. eviction cases than those in any other • Bronx Breakdown permission of Norwood News . Letters to In a press release, the groups said they borough, according to a press release the editor are subject to condensation and Friday plan to pray and to publicly reveal their describing the rally. editing. Writers should include their hopes for the Armory’s future uses, affiliation or special interest if any. —JEANMARIE EVELLY Anonymous letters are not published but which they describe as a “vision of sus - your name can be withheld if requested. tainable development.” In the past, both Public and Community Meetings groups have advocated fiercely for new school space and living wage jobs at the • The 52ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL meets on Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a site. —JEANMARIE EVELLY at St. Philip Neri Parish, 3031 , in the school auditorium. For more not-profit support corporation of information, call (718) 220-5811. Montefiore Medical Center. Cabrera Rallies for • COMMUNITY BOARD 7 committee meetings (held at 229A E. 204th St. in Bedford Park at 6:30 p.m.): Education, Wednesday, March 28; and Land Use/Zoning, Thurs - Passage of Tenants’ day, March 29. For more information, call (718) 933-5650 or visit www.bronxcb7.info.

Rights Bill • The BEDFORD MOSHOLU COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION meets on Wednesday, April Bronx City Councilman Fernando 4, at 8 p.m. at 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy. So., Apt. B1 (lobby floor). March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 3 Fordham Students Demand Change After Bias Incidents

By DAVID GREENE Taking a page from the Occupy Wall reporting system.” whenever you’re having a rally, we will be Street movement, students used the “pub - Edwards, an African-American stu - here to show you the NAACP supports the students took to lic microphone,” where the crowd repeats dent, said she also sought racial-sensitiv - students of Fordham University.” the streets last week to demand change in what a speaker is saying, to demand ity training for security as well as an Students held their rally a day after how the northwest Bronx Jesuit school that the school’s administration re-exam - open dialogue among students, staff and meeting with Fr. Joseph McShane, the approaches multiculturalism and how it ine its current policies on investigating faculty regarding race, gender and sexual president of Fordham University. handles acts of racism and bias. and reporting bias incidents. orientation. Students also want addition - McShane has said the school has reached More than 150 students walked out of “We demand that the Fordham admin - al funding for the school’s Office of Multi- out to the NYPD’s bias crime unit. the Rose Hill campus on Thursday istration reexamine the inadequate pro - Cultural Affairs and a more diverse The rally was held in response to a evening, March 8, after a series of hate - tocol to address incidents of bias and sex - administration. handful of recent incidents. On February ful messages were reported at Rose Hill ual violence,” said student Patrice “They (Fordham University) need to 7, a senior reported a racist message was and the school’s Lincoln Center Campus. Edwards. “We want an anonymous bias put in place policies that deal with written on her dorm room’s front door. racism as hate crimes,” said Beverly On March 2, a similar hateful message Roberts of the Parkchester branch of the was scratched into a large piece of sheet NAACP. rock. Two weeks ago, an anti-gay message Roberts told the Fordham students, was found at the school’s Lincoln Center “We will continue to support you and campus.

Photo by David Greene STUDENTS AND ALUMNI walk out of Fordham University’s Bronx campus to rally and demand change after a series of hate messages were found on campus.

4/30/12 4/30/12 4 ■ March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News DOE Plans to Close Middle School 80

very fast,” she told Gorman. of English Language Learners, is one of Donovan said her daughter is doing the only schools in the Bronx that has a well at MS 80, but is now concerned about bilingual education program, which what’s going to happen to her principal allows students to learn in both English and teachers. and Spanish. Donovan said the timing of the turn - “If the bilingual program is working, around designation, as the city and teach - then it should be kept,” Gorman said. ers union remain deadlocked in con - Despite Gorman’s reassurances, skep - tentious negotiations, makes her and ticism about the turnaround plan was other parents skeptical about the DOE’s rampant at the meeting. motivations and whether they really have “We’ve had enough with the experi - the students’ best interests in mind. mentation,” said Monica Major, the bor - “The children are the greatest pawn in ough president’s education director. all of this,” she said. William Pagan, the borough president’s Donovan was one of only a handful of representative on the Panel for Education parents in attendance at the meeting at Morris High School in Morrisania, which Gorman said she volunteered to attend. “Everything is happening Gorman, a 43-year veteran of public school education in Maryland and New very, very, very fast.” York, was working in the DOE’s Office of Innovation before agreeing to take over —Cecilia Donovan, MS the turnaround program a month ago. She said her office will consist of her and 80 Parents Association a special assistant. She listened thought - President fully to Donovan and others express their frustration and tried to bring clarity to a confusing situation. She agreed to visit Policy, said closing and re-opening schools MS 80 and other schools coming under still isn’t getting to the root of the prob - her watch to better understand what’s lems schools like MS 80 face, including working and what isn’t. large class sizes and a lack of resources. “If you want me out again, I’ll be out “You’re putting a patch on a wound Photo by Alex Kratz again,” Gorman said. “I will come as that actually needs stitches,” Pagan told ELAINE GORMAN, the director of the city’s new turnaround program who spoke often as you want.” Gorman. with parents at a meeting last week, is overseeing the overhaul of 33 city schools, Under the turnaround model, MS 80 Councilwoman Maria del Carmen including MS 80. Principal Lovey Mazique-Rivera is likely Arroyo showed up long enough to blast to be replaced as is the entire administra - the DOE for only seeking parental and (continued from p. 1) dent’s Office organized a public meeting tion. Gorman said a hiring committee, community input after making decisions. while still retaining the teachers and pro - with Elaine Gorman, the new director of made up of the new administration, stu - “The way the DOE handles transitions grams that work. the city’s turnaround program. Gorman dents, parents and others in the school with our schools is horrible,” she said. Opponents of the turnaround pro - will be tasked with overseeing the community, will be created. Every “Parents are always the last to know what gram and the DOE’s handling of strug - rebuilding of 33 city schools, including 10 teacher at MS 80 who wants to stay at the happens with their school.” gling of schools in general, say students in the Bronx. new school will have to re-apply for their Ed. Note: A joint public hearing for will suffer because of the jarring shifts in Cecilia Donovan, the president of MS old jobs. A maximum of 50 percent of the this proposal is scheduled for April 16 at 6 faculty and programming and that the 80’s Parents Association, attended the old staff can be retained. Any programs p.m. at M.S. 80, 149 E. Mosholu Pkwy. Oral agency continues to ignore parental and meeting to express her frustration with that have proven effective would be kept, comments can be left at (212) 374-5149, and community input. the pace of all the changes. Gorman said. written comments can be sent to D10pro - Last week, the Bronx Borough Presi - “Everything is happening very, very, MS 80, a school with a high percentage [email protected]. Construction Begins on Low-Income Mosholu Gardens By DESTINY DEJESUS more than $34,860. Residents of Mosholu Gardens will have access to on-site services such as laundry facilities, Earlier this month, a groundbreaking ceremony was a 24-hour concierge, resident attendant services and a held for Mosholu Gardens, an eight-story housing devel - computer facility. Other services will include case man - opment with 63 low-income units located at 245 Mosholu agement and access to Acacia’s network of healthcare, Parkway North, in Norwood. housing, educational and social services. The building will be developed through a partnership “Mosholu Gardens will not only help transform the of Acacia Network, the Department of Health and Men - lives of a vulnerable population, it will enhance the tal Hygiene, the Department of Housing Preservation environment and the fabric of the surrounding commu - and Development (HPD) and other groups. nity,” said Acacia Network CEO Raul Russi. “This groundbreaking ceremony is a celebration of Thirty-nine of the units will house members of the the strong partnership among developers, advocates, special needs population and formerly homeless resi - financers, and the City,” said HPD Commissioner Math - dents. Each unit will include private kitchens and bath - ew M. Wambua. rooms and residents will have access to indoor and out - Acacia Network is the largest Latino based nonprofit door communal garden areas. organization in the northeast. The network offers health In total, the project cost roughly $15 million. Many and social services as well as housing. Acacia Network funds have been received from HPD, The National Equity works closely with the Bronx and East Harlem commu - Fund (NEF) and other organizations in order to help devel - nities. op the new housing. The construction of the Mosholu Gar - The units will be available to individuals earning no dens is expected to be completed by Aug. 1, 2013. www.norwoodnews.org A RENDERING of Mosholu Gardens, which is slated for completion by August 2013. March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 5 Police Report

Pedestrian Killed on man brandishing a firearm walked into Connie’s Laundromat and pushed the lone University employee to the back of the store. After Ghana Galley, a 24-year-old University forcefully taking the keys to cabinet filled Heights resident, was killed while cross - with money from the employee, he took off ing University Avenue last week. with $300 in quarters and an undisclosed Police say Galley was crossing Univer - amount of bills. —ALEX KRATZ sity Avenue early Wednesday evening, March 14, when she was struck by a 2003 Econoline van that was taking a left turn from West 190th Street onto University. The driver remained at the scene as police and emergency medical workers arrived. Galley was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. Inspector Joseph Dowling, the commander of the 52nd Precinct, said they are still investigating but it doesn’t appear to be a criminal act. Police did issue the driver two summonses for failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care (when navigating pedestrians). Arrest in Bedford Park

Robberies Photo by David Greene Police have arrested a suspect in the DOZENS OF ACTIVISTS, students, robberies of two Bedford Park businesses teachers and their supporters gathered earlier this year. Inspector Dowling in front of the Bronx County Courthouse praised the efforts of Detective Kevin Mur - on March 9, to demand an end to what phy who apprehended Michael Archilla, they call the over-policing of the New 19, who lives on Bedford Park Boulevard, York City school system by the NYPD. where the robberies took place. Police arrested or ticketed about 14 stu - On Jan. 5, a man walked up to the dents each day in city schools from counter at K & C Candy Store and, acting October through December, according to as if he were armed, said two words NYPD data. About 94 percent of stu - “open” and “money.” He grabbed money dents arrested were black or Latino; 75 from the register and left. On Jan. 22, a percent were male. 6 ■ March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News

We love, welcome and encourage letters to the editor and opinion articles from readers. Write to: Editor, Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. Fax: (718) 324-2917; or Opinion. e-mail: [email protected]. Letters Keep MS 80 Open and Give confusion and uncertainty that is created borhood, Leanna Mercedes, who lives in er our request. for our children, who are students at MS the community, has attended public Respectfully yours, Our Children Your Support 80; the elementary schools, that are feeder schools all her life within our community, Cecilia Donovan schools to the only free standing middle knows and has worked with our children The following letter was sent to Chan - school in this community; and to the com - and brings an experience base that will cellor Walcott last week. Cecilia Donovan Good Point munity residents and parents, many of make the new school a success. Please Re: Judy Noy’s Op-Ed: No Merit Pay had received no response as of press time whom graduated from MS 80 and live and don’t place someone here who has no on Tuesday night. for Teachers (2/23-3/7 issue): Ms. Noy’s work in this community, will not fade. We experience working in a high needs area point, that teachers should not receive request that you get involved and bring like this, who will not be able to commu - merit bonuses for doing their job correct - Dear Chancellor Walcott, some sanity to this process. Why can’t all nicate or relate to the community and My name is Cecilia Donovan and I am ly is justified. of these changes wait until June? Our who thinks that this school is but a step I want every school principal, assis - the current president of the parents asso - children must not become the collateral on their way to the chancellor’s position. ciation at MS 80X. I have been given the tant principal, teacher, and teacher-hir - damage of bureaucrats who have never We do not need a carpetbagger here — we ing commissioner drug-tested, and psy - authority by the Parents Association been to our community and have no need a leader who knows firsthand our Executive Board and parents of Middle chanically-tested (sic.). That’s from my regard for how our parents and children struggles and challenges and can address experience as a past Secondary English School 80 to reach out to you concerning feel about all that is being done to them — them. We need someone here who has a our children. Our school has been desig - teacher, and tutor. Yes, to them. At the end of the day, Chan - vision to make THIS school a place for What students do is test teachers for nated to close in June 2012. We know from cellor Walcott, not one person from developing the best citizens of the future. the federal guidelines that our principal, weaknesses. There used to be a chapter 13 Tweed understands how devastating it is Out of these halls have emerged such in the old, out-of-date Teachers Manual. It Mrs. Rivera, will be removed very shortly, to have our one and only middle school luminaries as Ralph Lauren, Calvin yet we still have not heard from anyone explained classroom demeanor for teach - destroyed right in front of us — and to Klein, Penny Marshall, and countless oth - ers. Someone, please re-issue this book from the NYC DOE about what is going to think that you are going to send a ers! Not to forgot a future aeronautic happen to our teachers, staff and chil - Cheryl L. Fistel stranger to our school as the new leader, designer/scientist/actress, my daughter, Norwood Resident dren. This is unacceptable. who has no idea of what we are like, our Ciara Donovan. Our school was an A I am writing to you to request that hopes, our dreams for our children, and school until two years ago and while we [during] this turmoil of closing MS 80, the challenges we face, to take over with - have struggled to meet AYP [Adequate Worship in Schools the NYC DOE consider and reflect on the out even consulting us about what we Yearly Progress], 50 percent of that blame Your lead story in the February 23 - chaos and confusion all of this change is want in a new school, is a crime and just lies squarely at the feet of the NYC March 7, 2012 issue reports that the creating and right before the state exam! wrong. DOE. The mandates and unfairness in Department of Education is objecting to Is this a deliberate attempt of the NYC We want you to consider, a candidate how students from outside of this com - religious worship in public schools dur - DOE to bring about chaos to justify their for the principalship from our own neig - munity are placed at MS 80, the lack of ing non-school hours on the grounds that agenda? The damage of all this emotional adequate funding and resources, has issues of church and state should be kept made the struggle greater for us and separate. The question to the DOE is who while we can understand that the RACE is this harming? to the Top money is all the NYC DOE The space that a school rents out to a thinks about, it is coming at the loss of a religious group when the building is offi - great school-that with another type of cially closed, classes are not in session, support and attention could have been a and no teachers or students are present, success. Our current principal took over should have absolutely no effect on any - a challenging school (over registration of one who is not even on the site. It’s not as special education students, and a large if worshipers are proselytizing around concentration of ELLs), and with little school property. support created a wonderful school for By renting available space to any legit - our children. Yet all her efforts and suc - imate group, everyone benefits. A congre - cesses, although not reflected in a test gation gathering to worship has a place to score, was not enough for any of the NYC pray in peace while the school receives DOE bureaucrats to consider, pay atten - payment for space that isn’t otherwise tion to and see the value added. Instead, being used at the time. This is a win-win without ever visiting or coming to see for situation. yourselves, they made judgments and With a struggling economy and decisions based on paper. How insulting schools being under-funded and often in is that! need of supplies, this is a way to garner Now we are pleading that you at least income. Perhaps if parents of the school - consider who the candidate to lead the children attending the schools involved new school will be and give us a voice — voiced support of using schools in this give a chance, give our children an oppor - manner, this could help turn the tide. tunity and give them hope. Select Leanna What a shame that the powers that be Mercedes, a graduate of MS 80 to lead the cannot see the overall picture. And isn’t it school. To this end, MS 80 Executive costly for a judge and court to spend time Board and Mr. Anthony Riviecco, Nor - debating the matter, going back and forth wood Community Activist are requesting between decisions and appeals? to meet with you and your deputy who is Can’t we all just get along? in charge of hiring as soon as possible. Judy Noy We pray and hope that you will consid - Norwood Resident

Follow the Norwood News on Facebook and @norwoodnews on Twitter March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 7

Inquiring Photographer By DAVID GREENE We asked readers about a proposed bill in the state senate that would ban food and drink from NYC subways and buses at the risk of being fined.

Well I think it’s a very If you clean up after I believe that some peo - I don’t think they should What about mothers good plan because a lot yourself it’s not a prob - ple have to do many do that because you who bring their babies of people just eat and lem. If you’re drinking a things in the morning can’t tell these dummies on the train? They need leave debris on the cup of coffee, I don’t see and they have to have when to eat or when not to eat. They can’t stop train, they don’t take it anything wrong with it. their nutritious morning to eat. Somebody could people from wanting to with them. So for the But if you’re drinking breakfast, on their way be just getting on the eat, it doesn’t even most part, I believe it’s a something and you’re to work with the MTA, train, let’s say, on make any sense. I can good plan. I think if peo - spilling it ... I (still) don’t which is a cup of coffee Thanksgiving, and they understand the garbage ple were a little bit more agree with a fine. and a donut, or a bagel, take the train to their issue. Maybe if they put careful with what they Benny Adorno something small. It mother’s house with all some more cans do in terms of maintain - could disturb some in a the food and they want around, if that’s what ing the cleanliness in way ... but to issue a to eat a little something they’re concerned the train, it would be fine is ludicrous. on the train... they can’t about. But to fine peo - better for everyone. Lisette Wigintton do that, it’s not a crime. ple is like criminalizing Don Lundy Ya Yah Jackson eating. Jeanette Lynn 8 ■ March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News Bronx Stars of Tomorrow: Chess Master Justus Williams

In his first year as a teenager, Bronx native Justus trouble. When I go to continental tournaments I bring Williams has already become the youngest African-Amer - my own chess set because I feel more comfortable with ican chess player to be awarded the title of Chess Master it. The pieces are wooden and are not too big, not too in the country, and he is the first to tell you about the hours small; I just like the way it feels. of studying and dedication that he is continuing to put towards his game. Williams sat down with the Norwood How did you prepare for a game? News at IS 318, the Brooklyn middle school he attends I look at my opponents’ past games, see what they’re which boasts a nationally ranked chess team, to talk good at and see what openings they had trouble with. I about his past tournament in Brazil, his favorite chess would build a database for them, and try to get the best piece, and his secrets to match preparation. position, so I felt that I had a good edge.

You were just in Brazil for the World Youth How did you begin playing chess? Photo by Emily Piccone Chess Championship, welcome back! How did it go It started at P.S. 70 (in the Bronx) with the Bronx down there? time limit per move. I played against a top rated player Bomber chess team. I didn’t really know how to play, but It was very good out there, very hot. I got 26th out of from Russia who was 14 and it was a draw (a tie). When my mom was just pushing me to do it. I moved to IS 318 (in probably 200 people. I was there for two weeks and I I went to Brazil, all my opponents were from different Brooklyn) in 2009, because it would be a good chess team, played one game a day and the games usually last some - countries. I prepared for each one so I wouldn’t be blind - and I felt that I should be challenged. I’m glad now that where between three and four hours with a 90-minute sided by their moves and so I wouldn’t get into opening there are more people into chess than just me. Now, play - ing [with my classmates] is a challenge. I will probably win, but it’s challenging. I used to not study a lot, but now I’ve gotten more serious about chess and I’m try - ing to study an hour a day, like reading books and look - ing at top games. I used to just play in tournaments and think that it was helping me but it really wasn’t.

What makes a challenging opponent? Strong offense or strong defense? I would probably say offense because a lot of the top grand masters have told me that I have a lot of good defensive skills, and usually an offensive type of player will push you hard.

Does the opening player have an advantage? Usually people would want to play first and usually they have an advantage. But the part of chess is learn - ing how to use your color to your advantage. I would - n’t really care what color I got. I would just let it be.

Who do you think is the most skilled opponent that you’ve beat? I beat my first GM (grand master), Michael Rohde, when I was 11 years old. I felt that that was a big accomplishment, and I was playing black.

Any GMs that you look up to? I was honored to meet Maurice Ashley. He’s the first black chess GM and we’ve talked a lot. He’s a good guy.

Are you friends with the other young chess masters from New York? Yea, James Black goes to this school. We kind of go back and forth a lot because we’re both good players, but I don’t know, I think I’m better than him. But we’re all friends. The other one lives in White Plains. When we see him at tournaments we always hang out.

If you had to be a chess piece which chess piece would you be? I really like knights because they can just jump all over the board, and sometimes knights are just annoy - ing pieces because generally they’re good at attacking. They could just jump towards the King, attack it and jump back out.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Bronx kids your age? I didn’t think I was going to be good at chess, so just try everything, and try the things you don’t think you’d be good at. If those don’t work out then try the things that you don’t think you’ll like.

Interview by Emily Piccone.

Ed. Note: Bronx Stars of Tomorrow is a periodic feature in the Norwood News highlighting young people who are excelling in different activities. To nominate someone, e-mail us at norwoodnews@ norwoodnews.org. March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 9 Beso Lounge Offers Rare Kiss of Norwood Nightlife (continued from p. 1) and women, but finding love was not the “We want to get involved in the com - done, but we had a good support system going to have my birthday party here primary reason for the nearly 100 atten - munity as much as we can by attending in the local community leaders like next week,” she added, pumping her dees at the event. It was actually a fund- community meetings, and keeping our deputy director of [Mosholu Preserva - arms in the air. raiser for Autism Awareness. doors open,” Pacheco added. “It’s about tion Corporation] Michael Lambert and Beso’s co-owners are also heavily As the newly elected president of the doing the right thing; that’s an important [Community Board 7] District Manager, involved in the community. For Christ - East 204th Street and Bainbridge Avenue value for me.” Fernando Tirado,” said Pacheco. mas 2010, they partnered with Leroy Merchants Association, Garcia said, “It’s a great place with great man - “Now that we are part of the mer - Pharmacy on Toys for Tots, a community “Our goal is to make the shopping experi - agers. They’re like family,” said N. Medi - chants association, we offer the same project that distributed gifts to more than ence along East 204th Street the best it na, who works at Leroy Pharmacy nearby. type of support to other businesses in the 500 kids. can be. There are new businesses in the “I’ve gone there a few times since it’s area — it’s transactional,” added Garcia. On Valentine’s Day 2011, an auction area that aren’t aware of the support sys - opened. It has a distinct and respectable “It’s always a good thing to welcome was held at Beso Lounge for single men tem that is the merchants association.” atmosphere. I wish I could go more another merchant into the area,” said often,” he added. Ben Alvarado, owner of Tropical Pets. Being the “new kid” on the block, Beso “Beso brings a different vibe and new Lounge had a slow start. people to the neighborhood, and allows “It wasn’t easy in the beginning. for a more diverse business environ - There was a lot of work that needed to be ment.”

Photo by Adi Talwar GINO PACHECO (left) and Eli Garcia opened Beso Lounge in late December 2010 and are looking to help other local businesses through a reinvigorated merchants association. 10 ■ March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News

Photo by Alex Kratz BRONX ASSEMBLYMAN Jeff Dinowitz points to a map of his new district lines at a town hall meeting last week. Lawmakers’ Redistricting Deal (continued from p. 1) Independent Democratic Caucus were the only Democ - districts were created.” rats to vote in favor of the redistricting package. The final maps were approved in a late night leg - In a phone interview, Klein said that while the islative session last Wednesday night and Thursday redistricting process was “far from perfect” he had morning that ended in Senate Democrats walking out opted to vote in favor of it because of the State Amend - in protest. Senate Republicans on the LATFOR panel, ment attached to the plan that would create a 10-mem - charged with coming up with the new maps, had added ber independent redistricting commission to take over an additional 63rd Senate seat, a move that Democrats the process in the next re-drawing after the 2020 Cen - say was a ploy to maintain the GOP’s slim majority in sus. the state, and which they’re challenging in court. The “It would have been much better to have had the Justice Department is currently reviewing the final independent redistricting commission take place this districts, and has 60 days after submission to accept or year, but that didn’t happen,” Klein said, adding that he reject them. didn’t agree with the decision of Senate Democrats to Locally, changes are in store for State Senate dis - walk out during the session. tricts encompassing the Norwood News ’ coverage area. “I think it was wrong,” he said. “A good part of our Ruth Hassel-Thompson’s 36th District will now include job is coming to Albany and voting on legislation. Leav - portions of Norwood and Bedford Park, previously rep - ing session and voting absent is not part of your work.” resented by Rivera. In the first draft of maps proposed Others, however, criticized the amendment as not by lawmakers last month, those areas were drawn in going far enough to take the redistricting process out of State Sen. Jeff Klein’s district. Many Bronx communi - the hands and away from the influence of lawmakers. ty groups had criticized the first maps as an attempt to “Since individuals would be appointed by the legis - pack the area’s mostly-white, more affluent neighbor - lature on this commission, it would not be an indepen - hoods into Klein’s coverage area. dent commission,” Rivera said in an e-mail, adding “[The fact] that they purposely tweaked Ruth Has - that, if the commission is gridlocked, then lawmakers sel-Thompson’s district demonstrates the fact that they will again take over the process. saw how racially gerrymandered it was,” said Lucia Cuomo had vowed to veto any maps produced by Gomez, executive director of La Fuente, which has lawmakers that looked gerrymandered, but consented been advocating for greater minority representation in to approve the lawmakers’ final lines in exchange for the redistricting process, and one of many groups that the passage of the amendment. pushed for the formation of a new, majority Hispanic “I think he did a bad trade,” Gomez said. district in the Bronx. Locally, lines for the Assembly districts encompass - Klein’s new 34th District will absorb all of wealthy ing the Norwood News ’ coverage area will remain rela - Riverdale, which had previously been split between his tively unchanged, namely because Assembly Democ - district, Rivera’s and that of Bronx State Sen. Adriano rats, who hold the majority in that chamber, get the Espaillat. Klein and the three fellow members of his final say in how the lines are drawn there. The north - west Bronx will remain under the representation of TO THE LEFT are the new maps for the state senate the 78th, 80th and 81st assembly districts, seats cur - districts that encompass the Norwood News coverage rently held by Jose Rivera, Naomi Rivera and Jeffrey area in the northwest Bronx. The districts were Dinowitz, respectively. Dinowitz’s district will gain sec - approved last week by the state legislature, but still tions of Kingsbridge Heights. face legal challenges. As they stand now, Ruth Meanwhile, maps for new state congressional dis - Hassell-Thompson (36th District) will be taking over tricts drafted by a judge were imposed by a federal Norwood and most of Bedford Park, while Jeff Klein’s court this week, merging Kingsbridge and Norwood in district (34th) will snake between Hassell-Thompson the Bronx with a district in northern cur - and Gustavo Rivera (33rd) in Bedford Park on its way rently represented by Charles Rangel, and which to Riverdale, where it will take over areas once con - Espaillat has expressed interest in running for. The trolled within Rivera’s district. Rivera will still repre - congressional lines were taken up by the courts after sent Fordham and University Heights and much of New York legislators failed to come to an agreement on Kingsbridge and Kingsbridge Heights. how to draw them in a way that would reduce the num - ber of seats from 29 to 27, as required by population Maps courtesy NYS Legislature changes in the Census. March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 11

Drop in the reported cases of salmonella infections since 2010, according the Department of Health, the lowest Vital rate in 20 years. Health officials attribute the decrease to the Stats Be Heal thy! 14% city’s implementation of the letter-grading system at restaurants. Proposed Medicaid Savings Could Mean Hardships

By JEANMARIE EVELLY They can divorce or move into separate households, so that the income of the Can a couple live in New York City on spouse in need of care is considered $1,159 a month? individually by the state. They could That’s the maximum combined income “spend down” their savings, forced to allowed for spouses to qualify for home health - put any money that exceeds the maxi - care coverage under the state’s Medicaid law. mum income towards the cost of care For years, those caring for an ill, disabled or until Medicaid kicks back in. Some elderly spouse at home through the public would be forced to turn to a nursing insurance program have been able to protect home or long-term care facility, since their savings through a provision known as income rules for that kind of care are spousal refusal — which allows someone to less strict under Medicaid than those for separate their income and assets from their homecare coverage. partner who needs care in order to meet the “When the spouses’ resources are strict income limits required by Medicaid. looked at by Medicaid, it puts the whole As part of a cost-savings measure pro - family in danger of poverty, of possible posed in his budget for the upcoming fis - eviction, if they have to spend down their cal year, Gov. Cuomo wants to eliminate bank account,” said Sharon Shapiro- spousal refusal, a move that advocates Lacks, executive director of Yad HaChaz - Photo courtesy Borough President’s Office and elder care lawyers say would deal a akah-JDEC, which advocates for people ON THURSDAY, March 15, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and the financial and emotional blow to many with disabilities. Borough President’s Disability Advisory Council held the borough’s first ever couples and families. Cuomo and others say eliminating “Medicaid Rights Forum and Disability Resource Fair.” “It will be devastating for people. It spousal refusal is one tactic to combat would force people to get divorced in Medicaid fraud, though elder law experts understandable clamoring for fiscal public benefits that families might need if order to pay for health care,” said argue that almost everyone who applies responsibility,” Shapiro-Lacks said. they were forced to relinquish their sav - Bernard A. Krooks, an elder care expert for it is investigated by the state, and if Proponents of cutting the measure ings. with the law firm Littman Krooks LLP, they are found to have excessive assets, estimate it would save the state millions “By protecting spousal refusal, they and former president of the National taken to court to pay for a reasonable of dollars a year, but advocates say that are being fiscally responsible because Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. “It’s share of the costs of care. projection doesn’t consider the costs that they’re protecting families from becom - bad public policy.” “There’s not much scamming of the the state would spend on Medicaid cover - ing impoverished, possibly separating Under current law, couples who live in system,” said attorney David Goldfarb, a age of nursing home care for people who and then drawing more from the public the same household can make no more member of the Executive Committee of had previously been at home, or in other assistance system,” Shapiro-Lacks said. than $1,159 a month between them and the Elder Law Section of the New York their collective assets must be less than State Bar Association. $20,850, to qualify for Medicaid coverage Spousal refusal has been on the budget for nursing care at home. chopping block before, though it has con - Without the option of spousal refusal, sistently been restored in the final budget couples who are over this threshold have deal by the State Legislature. The budget few appealing options if they can’t deadline is April 1. afford care without Medicaid benefits. “It’s scary this year — there’s an

CONTEST WINNERS DINE AT CARIBE

AS PART OF a Valentine’s Day promotion, the Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District held a raffle in participating stores. Any customer who spent more than $25 would be eligible to win a free meal at their choice of restaurant in the BID. The winning family included three generations of Bronxites: (left to right) Sherina Ali, Jolina Vanessa Rodriguez and Rodriguez’s daughter. They won a dinner at Caribe Restaurant, located at 2 E. Gun Hill Rd. 12 ■ March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News Neighborhood Notes

Mosholu Parkway Cleanup ing Program, is sponsoring free Federal ship Training Academy is taking applica - sents a free Community Open House at and State Income Tax Assistance to low- tions for its job training programs. Appli - The New York Botanical Garden’s new Community Board 7 invites the public income residents of the Bronx provided cants must be 18 to 40 years of age, have a parking garage located at 401 Bedford to its “Neighborhood Cleanup” event, Sat - by IRS certified tax preparers at Refuge high school diploma or GED, be physical - Pk. Blvd. from March 30 at 1 p.m. urday, March 24 from noon to 4 p.m. along House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave. (near East ly able to work, and be able to take part in through April 1 at 3 p.m. featuring an Mosholu Parkway. Volunteers will meet 196th Street), by appointment only. Ser - the training full time. Applications can be information session and self-guided at the intersection of East Mosholu Park - vices are provided on Wednesdays from 3 found online at www.ssbx.org. For more tours. Staff will be on hand to answer way South and Webster Avenue at 11:30 to 8 p.m. on March 28, April 4, and 11; and information, call (646) 400-5438 or e-mail questions. Free key chain giveaways a.m. For more information, call Fernando Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March [email protected]. while supplies last and short-term com - Tirado at (718) 933-5650. 24, 31, and April 14. For more information plimentary parking will be available for or to RSVP, call (718) 933-2539. Learn Business Marketing participants. Enter garage through Bed - Bronx Fathers Forum ford Park Boulevard or Webster Avenue Project Enterprise and the Small Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, entrances. For more information, call Job Fair Business Development Center are hold - Jr. invites the public to an interactive (212) 490-3460, ext 15 or e-mail The Manhattan Parking Group pre - ing a free event at CUNY, 2501 Grand panel discussion, “Bronx Fathers Taking [email protected]. sents a job fair, Thursday, March 22 from Concourse, 3rd floor, on March 28, from 6 Action,” about why a father’s involve - noon to 3 p.m. in the Community Board 7 to 8 p.m. Receive professional help in ment is important for their children’s office, 229-A E. 204th St. for positions at marketing your business and listen to a growth and education, Thursday, March Free Parenting Classes the New York Botanical Garden Parking guest speaker. Seating is limited. Please The Mercy Center, at 377 E. 145th St., is 29, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Bronx County Garage. Bring a photo ID, proof of register at (718) 960-8806 or e-mail offering free parenting classes to parents Courthouse Rotunda, 851 Grand Con - address, and a resume. For more infor - [email protected]. age 21 and under. Classes are held Thurs - course (at East 161st Street). Food and mation, call (718) 933-5650. days from 5 to 6:30 p.m. through April 26. refreshments will be provided. For more For more information or to schedule an information, call Sara Monserrat at (718) Home Health Care Program appointment, call (718) 993-2789. 590-3567 or to RSVP, e-mail Wilfredo Decatur Apt. Bldg. The New York State Department of Pagan at [email protected]. Accepting Applications Health has new openings for the Jewish Home Lifecare Bronx Home Care Pro - SUNY Workshops Edison Arms Apartments located at gram. This program is made available to The State University of New York’s Free Tax Prep Help 2828 Decatur Ave. is updating its waiting clients who are in need of nursing ser - North Bronx Career Counseling and Out - • LIFT-The Bronx, a non-profit organiza - list, including units that are handicap vices and are covered by Medicaid, and reach Center presents a workshop for tion serving the Bronx for the past 12 years, accessible to tenants over the age of 62. provides services in nursing, home academic and workforce development at offers numerous services for those in need, All qualifications will be based on Sec - health aide, social work, and nutrition. 2901 White Plains Rd., Wednesday, March including job searches, housing, childcare tion 8 Federal guidelines. Application For more information, call (800) 544-0304 28 at 3 p.m. about the pros and cons of and healthcare services, and legal services. deadline is April 10. For more informa - or e-mail [email protected]. obtaining a G.E.D. For more information The new office at 2381 Belmont Ave., will tion, call (718) 584-5101 or visit the man - or to RSVP, call (718) 547-1001. host several tax prep events to assist low- agement office at 2855 Southern Blvd. income individuals and families. For more NYBG Parking Garage information or to sign up, call (718) 733-3897 For more Neighborhood Notes or email [email protected]. Green Collar Job Training Open House The Bronx Environmental Steward - The Manhattan Parking Group pre - online, go to www.norwoodnews.org. • The University Neighborhood Hous - March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 13 Classifieds Professional Directory

Beautician Services Real Estate Pediatric Services Non-Denominational Tiga Pediatrics Services Come to Madame P’s Beauty 2-Family House for Sale – Fully 3510 Bainbridge Ave., Suite 5, World renovated. Includes 3 BR over 3 Bronx, NY 10467 Good News Christian Church The last old-fashioned hairdresser BR & master bedroom. Wood floors Ages 0 to 21 years 3061 Bainbridge Ave. in the Bronx. and tile. Full 1-bedroom basement. General Practice, Obesity, Asthma, (basement of the Church of the We specialize in haircutting, hair This property has 7 bedrooms and ADHD Holy Nativity) care, and provide consultations 4 full baths. Parking and back yard. Same-Day Appointment Every Day! Bronx, NY 10467 on hair care and weaving to stim - New kitchen. Wheelchair ramp. Great investment, it will pay for (718) 319-8999 (347) 329-0023 ulate hair growth. We do tinting Pastors James and Andrea Miller and use all manners of relaxers, itself. You will live for free! Location: Wakefield - Barnes, Sunday service at 2 p.m. including Mizani, Affirm, Lawyers Home fellowship bible studies on Fiberguard, and Vitale. We use between 228th and 229th streets. Minutes away from Montefiore Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Wave Nouveau Coiffure. We are James M. Visser, Esq. Friday night prayer service still doing carefree curls and Hospital. Please call owner: (917) 622-5810 – General Practice; Accidents, at 7 p.m. press and curl. 20% off for Commmercial; Wills & Estates; seniors Tuesdays, Wednesdays, PRICE: $445,000 (neg.) Lease with option to buy, $1,800 per month. Offices Bronx and Manhattan Visit us at and Thursdays. (646) 260-6326 www.goodnewscc.wordpress.com. 617 E. (between Co-op for Sale: Large bright one- Arthur and Hughes), Bronx, NY bedroom co-op for sale. Newly Architects 10458. (Fordham University remodeled. Steps to the park and Section). Call today for your close to all transportation. Asking Manhatta Architecture, P.C. appointment: (347) 284-3834. $135,000, price negotiable. Low 800 Grand Concourse, 1NN maintenance. Call (917) 972-5268. Bronx, New York 10451 http://www.manhatta.net tel: 917-443-0501

HELP WANTED [email protected]. Classifieds: $9 for the first 20 words and 25 cents for each additional Personal Assistant Needed: We are RELIGIOUS SERVICES word . Professional Directory: $144 for six months; $260 for one looking for an office assistant. Duties year. Business Cards: $360 for six months (12 issues); $625 for one include greeting clients, answering phones, Glad Tidings Assembly of God: 2 Van year (25 issues). Deadlines: Deadlines for classified ads are one week and routing mail, data entry and retrieve, Cortlandt Ave. E. and Jerome Avenue. scheduling and calendar maintenance. (718) 367-4040. Prayer Wednesdays at 11 prior to publication. To place an ad, call the Norwood News at (718) 324- Ideal candidates will have proven customer a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday School at 9:30 service skills in an administrative setting 4998 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday. a.m. and Sunday Service at 11 a.m. and experience with Microsoft Office appli - cations. If interested, email resumes to The Bedford Park Congregational [email protected] Church , located at 201st Street and POSITION WANTED Bainbridge Avenue, invites you to join us for our Easter Services: April 1, 2012 Palm Sunday, 11 a.m.; April 5, 2012 Maundy Nurse’s Aide with 25 years’ experience in Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; April 6, 2012 Good hospitals, nursing homes and private resi - Friday, 12 noon; April 8, 2012 Easter dences seeks employment. Will live in or Worship, 11 a.m. For further information, out. Call (718) 364-7771. please call Reverend Dr. Christopher SERVICES AVAILABLE Ponnuraj (718) 367-8996. All are welcome. MISCELLANEOUS Tutor: K-9 teacher NYS certified, ESL cer - tified, former NY Times cartographer/staff editor. (718) 644-1083. Worship Space Available: At the Bedford We’re Proud to Provide Park Congregational Church, corner 201st Yoga: Stretching, meditation, drumming or Street and Bainbridge Avenue. Please call dancing on Fridays and Sundays. $10 per Reverend Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj at Safe and Affordable session. RSVP (718) 644-1083 or email (718) 367-8996. Housing Throughout The Northwest Bronx.

Studios and 1 Bedroom Apartments Available

Pick up application at: Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation 2751 Grand Concourse, The Bronx 718-367-3200 14 ■ March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News

p.m. in Carman Hall B-04 (call (718) 960-6722); Lehman p.m. For more information or to RSVP, call (718) 585-1202. Onstage College Community Band, featuring classical music, March 25 at 2 p.m. in the Lovinger Theatre (call (718) 960-8247); ■ The Bronx Arts Ensemble presents Hansel and Gretel, ■ The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Billy Collins and Friends, featuring poetry, March 29 at featuring a slapstick version of the children’s tale, including Pk. Blvd. W., presents Sonoro Ponceña y Ocho y Más, fea - 12:30 p.m. in the Lovinger Theatre (call (718) 960-6722); singing, dancing, and juggling, March 25 at 1 and 3 p.m. at turing old school salsa, March 24 at 8 p.m. (tickets are $45 and Lehman Jazz Combos, April 1 at 2 p.m. in the Music the Knights of Columbus Hall, 3243 Ampere Ave. Tickets are to $60); and Lehmandance Spring Concert, featuring origi - Building Hearth Room (call (718) 960-8833). $6. For more information, call (718) 601-7399. nal choreography, March 28 to 31 (in the Studio Theatre; tickets are $5 to $10). For more information, call (718) 960- ■ The Pregones Theatre, 575 Walton Ave., presents Baile ■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off 8833. Cangrejero, featuring Afro-Latino poetry to rhythms of Fordham Road, presents Straight From the Heart, featuring bomba, plena, and bolero, March 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. (tick - popular music with jazz vocalist, March 31 at 2:30 p.m. For ■ , 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents free ets are $12 and up; discount for seniors and students). more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit events: FDNY Pipe and Drum Band, March 22 at 12:30 Meet the Artist Open Rehearsal, free, March 29 at 1:30 www.nypl.org. Events

■ Wave Hill, 675 W. 252nd St., presents a Winter Workspace Workshop: Open Studios, for artists to devel - op new work and offer opportunities for public interaction, free with grounds admission, March 25, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Grounds admission on Saturday is free until noon. For more information, call (718) 549-3200 ext. 305.

■ The public is invited to ride the April 4 free Bronx Culture Trolley, which transports visitors on the first Wednesday of every month (except January and September) to Bronx hot spots, all featuring a variety of entertainment options and ends at Sweetwater’s Bar & Grill for music, food and drink. Trolley night starts with a 5 p.m. reception at the Longwood Art Gallery at , 450 Grand Concourse (at 149th St.). From there, the trolley departs at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. New attractions are added monthly; admission to most venues is free. Riders can get on and off at any scheduled stop and spend as much time as they wish at any or all of the featured venues. For more information and a detailed schedule, call (718) 931-9500 ext. 33 or log on to www.bronxarts.org. Exhibits

■ The Lehman College Art Gallery, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents Under the Influence: The Comics and Contemporary Art, featuring works of both established and emerging artists; and Michael Ferris, Jr.: The Bronx Series and Other Work , (figurative sculpture), free, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through May 12. A Talk by David Saunders, author of “H. J. Ward,” will be held March 27 at 12:30 p.m. For more infor - mation, call (718) 960-8731.

■ The Bronx Museum of the Arts, at 1040 Grand Concourse (165th Street), South Wing Galleries presents Juan Downey: The Invisible Architect, on view through May 20. Admission is free on Fridays. For more informa - tion, call (718) 681-6000.

■ Bronx Artspace, 305 E. 140th St., 1B, presents Vital Signs, through March 30. For more information, call (718) 401-8144. Library Events

■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, presents programs for kids including Preschool Story Time at 11 a.m., March 22 and 29; March 22 –April 4, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 15

aEDITOR’S PICK Silence Is Golden

The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., invites the public to hearken back to yesteryear with a free screening of the silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, March 24 at 2 p.m. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

Tales for the Teeny Tiny at 11 a.m. (ages 3 mation, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit to 12), March 24 and 31; Rosie, story of the www.nypl.org. Riveter from WWII, (ages 5 to 12), March 24 at 2 p.m.; Global Partners, Jr. at 4 p.m. ■ The Mosholu Library, at 285 E. 205th St., (ages 5 to 12), students connect worldwide offers Knitting Circle, Thursdays at 3 p.m.; via the Internet, March 28 and April 4; and Wii Program, Tuesdays at 3 p.m.; and Science Demonstrations at 4 p.m. (ages 5 Introduction to Computers, April 4 at 10:30 to 12; registration required) , March 27: a.m., each for seniors and adults. Children SONORO PONCEÑA y Ocho y Más plays March 24 at Lehman Center. (See Watts Up, and April 3: Super Structures. For can attend Toddler Story Time at 10:30 Onstage.) teens and young adults, there is F-2-F: Say a.m., April 5; and Marvels of Motion, (ages It Smart, April 3 at 3:30 p.m. Adults can 5 to 12), March 27 at 4 p.m. For more infor - attend Effective Resume Writing: Part 1, mation, call (718) 882-8239. March 22 at 2 p.m.; Arts & Crafts Workshops at 2 p.m. in room 505: March ■ The Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames 23: Book Making, and March 30: Photo Place, offers Cooking at 4 p.m. (for teens Calendars; The Bronx: Then and Now, lec - and young adults), March 22, 29 and April ture, March 24 at 2:30 p.m.; Home Buyer 5; Computer Basics at noon (for adults), Workshop, March 27 at 10 a.m.; Free March 22, 27, 29, April 3 and 5; Robin Introductory Computer Class, March 28 at Hood, a play (ages 5 to 12), March 27 at 4 10 a.m.; Book Discussion, “The Good p.m.; and Arts & Crafts (ages 5 to 12), April Earth,” March 28 at 10:30 a.m.; Avoiding 2 at 4 p.m. For more information, call (718) Scams and Frauds, April 3 at 10 a.m.; and 549-5200. Drawing From Experience, a graphic mem - oir workshop series, April 5 at 10 a.m. For NOTE: Items for consideration may be immigrants, there is Immigration Law, to mailed to our office or sent to norwood - know your rights and obligations, March 24 [email protected], and should be at 5:30 p.m.; and ESL Classes (registration received by March 26 for the next publica - required), April 4 at 6 p.m. For more infor - tion date of April 5.