Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights NORWOOD NEWS Vol. 25, No. 14 ■ PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION ■ July 12 –25, 2012

DANCING IN THE HEAT Espaillat Cries Foul, Clouding Election Result By ALEX KRATZ

On primary election night two weeks ago, Adriano Espail - lat, a state senator looking to become the first Dominican-born member of Congress, thanked his supporters and acknowl - edged that they had fallen just short of defeating longtime incumbent Charlie Rangel for the new 13th Congressional Dis - trict seat, which now includes a piece of the northwest Bronx. As the Board of Election continued to tally votes the next day, however, Rangel’s lead narrowed significantly. It eventual - ly dropped to 802 votes or about 2 percent of the total vote. On top of the new numbers, Espaillat’s camp says it began hear - ing reports of voter suppression and irregularities in the vote count. Last week, seven days after conceding, Espaillat filed a law - suit against the Board of Elections calling on an outside mon - itor to oversee the final vote count and secure the ballots in case a recount was needed. A judge ultimately ordered the BOE to retain copies of all the ballots and said the court would Photo by Adi Talwar have to certify election results before they were sent to the KIDS TAKE ADVANTAGE of a fire hydrant shower outside of Williamsbridge Oval Park last week during state Board of Elections. That certification would not take a scorching heat wave around the Independence Day holiday. place until at least Wednesday, July 11, after the Norwood News went to press. For the time being, we don’t have an official winner. Exploring Our Parks According to an unofficial tally on primary night, the Board Through New Visitors Center, (continued on p. 10 ) Poe Park Expands Programs Church Wins Legal By CHLOE RICKERT ing events arranged for the summer, including a Battle With DOE women’s empowerment workshop and a puppet show Ed. Note: This is the first in a series of stories and puppet-making workshop. By ALEX KRATZ exploring what’s going on in our local parks. (continued on p. 6) This time, the Bronx Household of Faith prevailed. After months of construction, renovations, wait - In the latest round of a drawn-out legal fight between the ing and uncertainty, the transformation at Edgar University Heights-based church and the city’s Department of Allan Poe Park is now complete. The result is a Kings - Education, a judge ruled that Bronx Household of Faith — and bridge Heights-area space transformed into a some 60 other churches and religious groups citywide — can bustling, kid-friendly destination spot with a busy continue worshiping inside public school buildings during off playground, a refurbished historical landmark and hours. an open visitors center. The Alliance Defense Fund, which has represented Bronx Run by two paid staff members, a community Household in its fight with the DOE since 1995, hailed the rul - associate and a playground associate, the visitors ing as a victory for churches and the communities they serve. center is a recent addition, but the small yet enthusi - “Churches that have been helping communities for years astic team is not wasting any time. can continue to offer the hope that empty buildings can’t,” The “Raven”-themed building already holds Tues - said Jordan Lorence, the ADF lawyer who argued the case, day morning story time at 10 a.m. and daycare at 11 after the ruling. a.m. It will soon have yoga for beginners on Thursday Photo by Chloe Rickert City lawyers representing the DOE said it would appeal the and Friday mornings. Community Associate Lucy LUCIA APONTE, a community associate at the new ruling and that it was a blow to the city’s efforts to avoid the Aponte said they are still planning for more pro - Poe Park Visitors Center, says the center is offering appearance of endorsing a certain religion. gramming at the center, but already had many excit - lots of new programming this summer. (continued on p. 2)

■ Displaced Tenants File Lawsuit, p. 2 ■ Youth Struggle to Find Summer Jobs, p. 3 ■ Tips for Smart Exercise, p. 8 www.norwoodnews.org 2 ■ July 12 –25, 2012 ■ Norwood News In The Public Interest

Vol. 25, No. 14

Norwood News is published Church Wins Legal Battle With DOE bi-weekly on Thursdays by (continued from p. 1) Mosholu Preservation Corporation “The Department of Education 3400 Reservoir Oval East intends to appeal to the Second Circuit Bronx, New York 10467 Court of Appeals immediately given the Department’s legitimate concerns about Phone: 718 324 4998 appearing to endorse religion by permit - Fax: 718 324 2917 ting religious worship in school build - E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.norwoodnews.org ings,” said Jonathan Pines, the deputy chief of the city law department’s litiga - tion division, in a statement. Since Bronx Household first chal - lenged the DOE’s policy against allowing Publisher CEO, Mosholu Mosholu Preservation Preservation churches to worship inside school build - Corporation Corporation ings after hours, the two sides have trad - ed victories. Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia Alex Kratz Since 1995, lawyers for Bronx House - hold have fought a city rule that excludes Staff Writer churches and other religious groups from Jeanmarie Evelly Photo by Alex Kratz worshiping inside schools, saying they MEMBERS OF Bronx Household of Faith have held worship services inside PS 15 in Classified Advertising should be treated like any other organiza - University Heights for the past 10 years. Dawn McEvoy tion that rents space from the Depart - ment of Education. Defense Fund, found a sympathetic listen - significant ways?” Accounts Receivable Dawn McEvoy In 2002, after a judge issued a perma - er in U.S. District Court Judge Loretta The DOE’s lawyers disagreed strongly nent injunction against the DOE’s regu - Preska, who issued a temporary restrain - with Preska’s decision. Proofreader lation against worshiping, Bronx House - ing order on the city’s policy earlier this Pines said Preska “virtually ignores a Judy Noy hold began using Public School 15 on year. On Friday, Preska issued a perma - Second Circuit appeals court decision, Production Andrews Avenue for services. Last sum - nent injunction of the policy, meaning issued one year ago, rejecting the plain - Neil deMause mer, however, in a split decision, an Bronx Household and some 60 other reli - tiffs’ Free Speech claims.” Regular Contributors appeals court lifted the injunction, saying gious groups and churches, will be allowed He added that last summer’s decision David Greene, Adi Talwar, Ronald Chavez the DOE’s regulation rightfully protected to continue worshiping in city schools. “found that religious organizations had Interns the separation of church and state. Preska ruled that the DOE’s policy vio - come to ‘dominate’ the public schools Marcos Sierra, Destiny DeJesus, An appeal of that decision by Bronx lated the Free Exercise Clause and Estab - where they worshipped, and that the Catherine Pagano, Chloe Rickert, Sarah Household went all the way to the U.S. lishment Clause in the Constitution. Department of Education had a substan - Ramirez, Jaleesa Baulkman Supreme Court, but it declined to hear the “There is no reason to exclude wor - tial interest in avoiding the appearance of case in December, essentially upholding ship services from these empty school governmental endorsement of religion.” For display advertising, call (718) 324-4998. the lower courts ruling in favor of the DOE. buildings, especially when school allows Bronx Household is in the processing It left Bronx Household and other churches all other community groups to meet,” of constructing its own church across the Support Your scrambling to find new places to worship. Lorence said. “Why exclude chuches that street from PS 15, but has vowed to con - Community Newspaper! But another appeal by the Alliance are helping their neighbors in so many tinue the fight on principle. The Norwood News is a not-for-profit publication and relies upon the support of Displaced Tenants File record. its advertisers and readers to produce a “We want something down on record More on quality community newspaper. To support Lawsuit that the tenants are taking action,” Sta - norwoodnews.org your paper, become a member and The displaced tenants of a University ton said. “Up until this time the tenants receive a subscription for one year. Heights building are taking legal action haven’t filed anything.” against their landlord, saying the proper - Simply mail check or money order for Tenant Toni-Renee Johnson said that $40 to: Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir ty’s owners should be held responsible she’s hoping this will speed up the • News Updates Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. for the illegal removal of the building’s process and that families can return to fire escapes. their home soon. “We’re actually filing • Crime Watch Norwood News is not responsible for Five tenants from 2400 Webb Ave. this order [so that] we can make sure the typographical errors. Opinions expressed appeared at Bronx Housing Court on management doesn’t drag their feet,” she in signed letters and bylined columns rep - June 27 to file a Housing Part (HP) action said. • Be Healthy! resent the sole opinion of the author and against their landlord Phillip Goldfarb The evening before their appearance are not necessarily those of Mosholu Properties. in court, Staton said the Fire Department Wednesday Preservation Corporations or Montefiore “I filed the initial HP action which Medical Center. Editorials represent the partially rescinded the vacate order to views of the editor and/or publisher only. calls for Goldfarb Properties to address allow all of the first floor tenants as well • Bronx Sports The newspaper reserves the right to limit the violations in the building and his as apartment 2G and 2H to return. or refuse advertising it deems objection - response to those violations,” said Staton said he received a call from the Report Thursday able. Advertisements appearing in this Michael Staton, a first-floor tenant who management office of Webb Avenue Com - paper cannot be used without the written helped organize the legal action. pany LLC on Tuesday evening saying that permission of Norwood News . Letters to Tenants began organizing shortly he could reoccupy his apartment on the • Bronx the editor are subject to condensation and after they were evacuated from their following day. editing. Writers should include their apartments on June 5 after it was discov - Tenants were scheduled to appear in Breakdown affiliation or special interest if any. ered that the fire escapes were removed Anonymous letters are not published but court again in July. your name can be withheld if requested. from the building without a permit a few Goldfarb Properties declined to com - Friday days earlier. ment. —JALEESA BAULKMAN Staton appeared in court with a peti - Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a tion he collected from most of the 70 fam - not-profit support corporation of ilies that were evacuated to go along with Montefiore Medical Center. the HP action. He told the judge that Follow the Norwood News Goldfarb Properties should correct the apartment building’s conditions and on Facebook and make repairs immediately. Even if it doesn’t spur any immediate @norwoodnews on Twitter action, he wants their complaints on bronx youth heard | SUmmeR 2012 ■ 3

VOL. 5, NO . 1 ■ A PUBLICATION OF THE BRONX YOUTH JOURNALISM INITIATIVE ■ SUMMtERr e2m0o1n2t tribune | JUne 2011 ■ 3

City Teens Struggle to Find Summer Inquiring Jobs Photographer: BY BRITTNEY WILLIAMS School, got a job at his local grocery store. “It wasn’t really hard to find my job because my mom knew Ivette Guirachocha, a 16-year-old at DeWitt Clinton High the owner, and she only had to talk to him,” he said. Teens on the Job School, has been working for the past few months at a store sell - Although most high school students struggle with finding a ing uniforms for private and Catholic schools. She is the job during the school year, Summer Youth Employment — a youngest in her family and along with her five siblings, she city-run program that sets kids up with jobs during the summer Hunt works to help her mom pay the bills. Despite being a teenager in — can be helpful. That‘s how Glen Franklin, a 17-year-old high school, Ivette likes working because it gives her a chance to from DeWitt Clinton, got a job as a teacher’s assistant last sum - BY PATIENCE COURNOO be independent. mer. He said he loved his job because it helped him be more Many teenagers in high school like Ivette are interested in productive during the summer and taught him how to “com - We asked teens in the Bronx if they had summer job plans working during summer vacation or the school year to gain a municate with children, care for them and monitor them.” this year. Here’s what a few of them had to say. sense of independence, and to feel more experienced when they “I am looking for a summer job, “It’s honestly unfair because parents but I have academic programs to ful - fill. However, if I had a summer job, I BRITTNEY want kids out of the house and try - would save money for a car and some WILLIAMS for myself.” ing to take responsibility for what’s Elissa Reeves, high school junior theirs, but jobs just don’t even call “I will be working as a camp go off to college. Others want to get out of the house and make back.” counselor this summer. It will be a money to buy the things that their parents won’t. But teenagers —High school student John Ferrante great experience, and I love the out - are finding it challenging to find a good job, and many say they doors.” end up doing things that they don’t enjoy just for the money. Kristina Colon, high school junior “It’s honestly unfair because parents want kids out of the “The process was easy,” he said. “I had to apply online and house and trying to take responsibility for what’s theirs, but jobs that’s it.” just don’t even call back,” said high school student John Ferrante. Namizata Kamagate, a student at the Walton High School “Last year I got a summer job Like most high school students, John didn’t have many con - campus, also got a job through Summer Youth Employment at through Summer Youth nections. After hopelessly looking for a job, he gave up, and a daycare. Employment, and I made a lot of refuses to look for a job until after high school, when he thinks She is grateful to the program because she wants to be a pedi - money. I put some in a bank for col - his chances of getting hired will be better since he thinks atrician in the future and working with children last summer lege. This year with the money I employers want someone with a high school degree. gave her the much-needed experience that she was looking for. make I will help my mother pay For some, enjoying the job is not their main focus, as they see “It really wasn’t bad pay considering the work was minimal,” some bills.” the money and experience as the best part. Jonathan Cohen, a she said. Bryan Andrade, high school junior 17-year-old from Riverdale, worked as a lifeguard last summer. But Summer Youth Employment budget cuts have made it “I made good money, and that’s what counts,” he said. harder for high school students to rely on the program to get While many high school students would love the opportunity jobs. From 2008 to 2012, the program’s funding decreased from Studies at Lehman College, has applied to the Summer Youth to work during the school year, after searching for jobs and being $56.5 million to $43.5 million, decreasing the number of stu - Employment for the past two years but has not been chosen. shut down so many times, a lot of them simply give up. Although dents enrolled by 11,176 people. Because of budget cuts, the program is only able to accept 23.2 Ivette has a job, she agrees that finding work as a teen is hard. “It’s a lottery and only a small percent of students get cho - percent of applicants. “It’s only easy to find a job if you know the right people,” she sen,” said Elizabeth Wilson, who directs the College Now pro - “It’s frustrating that the applicants are so randomly chosen said. gram at Hostos Community College. because no other job wants to hire such a young person, and Raumel Santiago, a 14-year-old from John F. Kennedy High Ralphy Sanchez, a student at the High School of American Summer Youth isn’t helping me either,” Ralphy said. Bronx Youth Feel the Effects of Teen Violence

BY TATYANA TURNER been fatally shot. 2005, two teens decided to play a traditional The perpetrators, Jeffery Ivey, who was 17 Joseph is one of the many teens who have lost Halloween prank, to egg cars around the at the time, and Erik Fuller, who was 15, were The night before Halloween in 2005, Joseph a loved one in the Bronx due to gun violence. neighborhood. When the mess landed on both charged as adults and convicted of sec - Padro was preparing for a party at his grand - Even though the city heralds a historic decline in Joseph’s father’s car, he asked the teens to clean ond degree murder. They were sentenced to crime since the late 1990s and the early 2000s, the Bronx still remains the most violent bor - ough when it comes to murders, according to “I met five of my best friends in high school and all of TATYANA New York Police Department statistics. TURNER Many teens like Joseph are living with the them have lost their fathers [to violence].” consequences. —Bronx teenager Joseph Padro “I met five of my best friends in high school and all of them have lost their fathers [to vio - mother’s house in the Mott Haven section of lence],” he said. up the damage. An argument broke out after five years to life and both are imprisoned the Bronx. He knew something was wrong In the Bronx, violent crime has become the the teens refused to clean the car. Minutes later, upstate. when his grandmother sat him down on the norm, especially for teenagers, he said. one of them pulled out a gun and fatally shot “Personally I don’t believe that people real - couch and told him the news: his father had During the late evening hours on Oct. 30, Joseph’s father. (continued on p. 5) 4 ■ SUmmeR 2012 | bronx youth heard Kingsbridge Armory Rink Iced by Teens BY BRANDON ALLEYNE

Vol. 5, No. 1 Basketball courts. A shopping center. A c/o 3400 Reservoir Oval East gym. Bronx, NY 10467 While there have been many proposals Phone: (718) 324-4998 over the past 20 years for ways to make use of E-mail: the vacant Kingsbridge Armory, the one con - cept that seems to be sticking is also the one [email protected] that is most foreign to Bronx residents: a Bronx Youth Heard is a hockey rink. Ex-Ranger Mark Messier and Olympic publication of the Bronx Youth skater Sarah Hughes are the big names Journalism Initiative, published attached to a well-funded effort to open an twice a year in the Norwood News. ice skating and competitive hockey complex in the Bronx, to be called the Kingsbridge Reporters National Ice Center. But local teens say it is Brandon Alleyne not a good idea. Camryn Clarke “I think the rink idea is dumb,” said Patience Cournoo Stephanie Melendez, 19, a Washington Tatyana Turner Heights resident. “The only people who would use it live in Manhattan.” Terrance Washington There is currently no ice rink in the FILE PHOTO BY ADI TALWAR Brittney Williams Bronx, though there are plans to open one in With the city set to pick a developer for the Kingsbridge Armory, teens say one of the options, Nayeh Yisrael Van Cortlandt Park. an enormous center for ice sports, would not fit the neighborhood. The hockey complex has backers in high Program Director places and would require minimal public So far, local groups and residents have voiced Alex Kratz funds – two elements that make it an attrac - their concerns for many of the other previ - tive option for the Economic Development ous and current proposals, which have Program Coordinators Corporation, the city agency that will make BRANDON included a mall, school, rock-climbing facili - ALLEYNE Jeanmarie Evelly, Katina Paron the final decision. ty and mega-church. Because of fierce oppo - The hockey rink undoubtedly brings sition from KARA and Bronx political lead - The Bronx Youth Journalism something new to the Bronx, but opponents ers, the City Council killed a proposal to turn Initiative is a free journalism pro - and residents are concerned a rink wouldn’t the Armory into a mall in 2009. ice hockey proposal and says he wants what - The EDC is deciding between the ice gram for Bronx high school stu - service the local community. “They should put something that people ever becomes of the Armory to benefit the center proposal and another proposal by dents, run by the Norwood News from the Bronx would use,” said Luis Carpio, community. Young Woo & Associates, which wants to with support from the North Star 16, who lives in Riverdale. Recently, officials from the ice center transform the Armory into a mixed-use Fund, the Johnson Family The hockey rink proposal serves the com - group have stepped up their outreach efforts “creative” market that would also include a Foundation Fund, and City munity by providing jobs with steady wages, to Cabrera and Community Board 7, saying movie theater, event space and recreational Councilman Fernando Cabrera, its proponents say. But Bronx teens say they they are committed to providing community programming. and in collaboration with CUNY’s wouldn’t be likely to go there. benefits by building educational program - Both groups say they will pay living wage College Now program at Hostos “Most people in the Bronx play basketball ming into their project. ($10 an hour plus benefits or $11.50 an hour or baseball, so nobody would use it,” said The Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment without) to their employees and will not need Community College. Jonpaul Ramirez, 16, from the South Bronx. Alliance (KARA), a local coalition of com - taxpayer subsidies to fund their projects. Fernando Cabrera, the local city council - munity groups, union supporters and clergy, As of publication, the EDC has not yet man who represents the area around the has been advocating for the building to hold announced its selected proposal to fill the Armory, has also voiced concerns about the something that will benefit Bronx residents. building. When it Comes to Religion and Youth, Room for Debate BY TERRANCE WASHINGTON go to church often ends in a fight. where,” said Bronx resident Rosanna Marte, who was raised “It’s just like arguments about, ‘You have to go, blah blah Catholic. With her head down and eyes closed during the temple blah,’” said Ian, regarding the debates between him and his Some say that the decision is best to be left to the teens them - prayers, Sally Dhanai looks like the model Hindu. But, really, parents. “When the priest comes out and asks for money, you selves. what the 17-year-old Norwood resident is thinking during the feel pressured to give,” he said. “You feel pressured to do any - “Ultimately it has to be your decision,” said Greg Faulkner, evening service is: “This is long and boring.” thing.” “Honestly, I’m not as religious as my parents,” said Sally, a Pressure remains a large factor for some teens. Other people reject religion because they find it hypocritical. “Honestly, I’m not as religious as my “Sometimes people, who are the most religious, are the most judgmental and contradicting,” said Shana Marie, 26, a Bronx parents. When they tell me to do TERRANCE resident. things related to my religion, I just WASHINGTON But some who say they didn’t find value in religion as a teen, grow up to appreciate it as an adult. do it.” When Joanna Quirindongo was a teen she didn’t under - stand why she had to attend church. “It’s more of an obligation —Sally Dhanai, Bronx Leadership senior at Bronx Leadership Academy. “When they tell me to do when you’re young,” she said. Although now, as a 25-year-old Academy senior things related to my religion, I just do it.” teacher, she said she learned a lot from the spiritual aspects of Like many teens, Sally differs from her parents when it comes her youth. to the religion she was raised in. While some teens decide to fol - To some, religion can act as a pathway to a better overall atti - chief of staff for Bronx City Councilman Fernando Cabrera. low the beliefs of their families, for others, it can be a source of tude and value system. A few adults insisted the current teen “There’s a point where you need to be making your own deci - conflict. generation lacks discipline. sions. For a lot of parents it’s a fear. They are looking for a safe Bronx high school student Ian Pechecko says being forced to “I feel we’re losing our values, not only in religion but every - haven for you.”

www.norwoodnews.org bronx youth heard | SUmmeR 2012 ■ 5 Mexican Students Fighting Against High Dropout Rates

BY NAYEH YISRAEL Cabrera said that language barriers allow people to have limits to actually provide educational support to children. Jessenia Mendez, a junior at High School for Teaching and the Citizenship is also a factor in dropout rates for immi - Professions in the Bronx, finds it really hard to stay in school. She grants. According to a 2011 study from the University of finds her classes boring and says they are making her lazy. Washington, Mexican immigrant teenagers have the highest “Now I have to go to bum-ass gym,” she said to a friend dropout rates among all immigrant groups nationally, with while standing in the hallway, on a school day this spring. 28 percent of those aged 15 to 17 not enrolled in high school. Like Jessenia, many Mexican-American students in the The same study found that more than a quarter of all immi - Bronx struggle in school for different reasons. Mexican stu - grants to the United States come from Mexico. dents currently represent the highest percentage of youth not Greg Faulkner, chief of staff for Bronx City Councilman graduating high school in the city, according to the Mexican Fernando Cabrera, says that Mexicans are the fastest-rising American Student Alliance, or MASA, a community-based ethnic population in the Bronx, and that many teens are organization in the Bronx. hampered in their education effort by worries over their And the numbers for Mexican teens are bleaker than other immigration status. One Mexican teenager came to the coun - ethnic or racial groups. According to MASA, 47 percent of the cilman’s office, Faulkner recalled, asking, “Am I going to be city’s Mexican youth between the ages of deported or in trouble?” 16 and 19 either have not graduated or “This kid lived in fear,” Faulkner said. have dropped out of school, compared But immigrant students were granted with 22 percent of Puerto Ricans of the NAYEH relief this month, when President Barack same age, 18 percent of African-Americans YISRAEL Obama passed an executive order that and seven percent of white students. would allow undocumented students who Experts say reasons for these dropout came to the U.S. before the age of 16 to rates vary, but cite issues like language bar - apply for work permits, and would protect riers and a lack of parental support. them from deportation for two years. Some people think the high dropout rates start at home. The policy is in line with the federal DREAM Act, a piece Victoria Valdez, another Mexican-American student from of legislation that immigration advocates have been trying to High School for Teaching and the Professions, says that many pass that would offer a pathway to citizenship for many of her friends say their parents don’t push them when it immigrant students. comes to schoolwork. Faulkner said the bill would make a huge difference in fix - “‘I don’t know what to do with you anymore, do what you ing some of the educational issues that immigrants face. want,’” Valdez said their parents say. “So, they do [whatever “They should be fast-tracked to citizenship and get all the they want],” she said. opportunities,” he said. PHOTO BY NAYEH YISRAEL “One of the biggest factors is lack of role models,” said According to a 2011 study by the Immigration Policy Jessenia Mendez, 18, says she and many of her Mexican- Angelo Cabrera, president of MASA. Center, because of the barriers to education and the exclusion American peers have trouble staying in school. He said that parents should be more involved and ask from the legal workforce, many undocumented students are questions about their children’s education. There should be a discouraged from applying to college. The effects are evident to start Mexican and Mexican-American children on a good working relationship between parents, students, and educa - in the city’s Mexican community, Cabrera said educational path while they are very young, and support tors—what he calls the “Triangle of Teaching.” “If you look at the Mexican community, it is the largest them so that it can help decrease the dropout rates in the next But even parents who try to stay involved in their chil - [group] of underclass citizens that are not well educated and generation. Progress is being made, he said. dren’s education can be limited in their support if they don’t not competing for professional jobs,” he said. “We believe that in [the future], we will have access to speak the same language as their child’s teacher, Cabrera said. Cabrera says that one of the reasons he started MASA was many [more] resources,” he said. What’s Behind the Bronx’s Bronx Youth Feel the Low Graduation Rate? Effects of Teen Violence BY CAMRYN CLARKE School, will be attending Columbia University in the (continued from p. 3) The city has tried other methods to stem youth violence. fall. Growing up in an apartment in Washington ize the seriousness of the situation Bronx Borough President Ruben New York City’s high school graduation rate Heights with her brother and her mother, she was [when it comes to committing violent Diaz, Jr., has pushed a gun buyback pro - reached an all-time high in 2011, but the Bronx still able to push through the adversity and attend crime],” Joseph said. “People think it’s gram, which allows Bronxites to trade in trails as the borough with the lowest amount of high Riverdale Country School, a prestigious independent just everyday life.” illegal guns and firearms, no questions school students graduating. school in the Bronx, and get accepted to Columbia. In the Bronx’s 40th Precinct, which asked, in exchange for $200. Mayor Bloomberg and other city officials hailed “If the parents are wealthy, they can send their covers the Mott Haven neighborhood Joseph, now 18, thinks that the solu - the latest graduation numbers, showing that 65.5 child to a private school for a more prestigious edu - where Joseph’s father was killed, petty tion is to have people change their sur - percent of students who enrolled in 2007 graduated cation,” Julia said. “But also the mindset is affected, larceny, misdemeanor assault and rob - roundings to a more positive environ - by August 2011, as proof that public schools are because of the prestige that comes with being bery remain the three highest crime ment that will enable a person to strive wealthy and the advantages in the college admissions complaints. for more. process.” “We need to restrict laws, and send out “There is more to it than staying with Many children who aren’t wealthy or don’t have a teams like the operation SNUG programs, the wrong crowd,” he said. CAMRYN lot of money being put towards their education don’t to deal with crisis and create peace,” said Since that Halloween eve in 2005, CLARKE think they have this “prestige” and think they can’t Greg Faulkner, chief of staff for Bronx City Joseph has had to wear the permanent succeed, Julia said. Many also don’t want to put an Councilman Fernando Cabrera. mask of manhood. economic burden on their families, she said. Operation SNUG is a program locat - “I think this happened for me to According to City-data.com, in 2000, the median ed in northern Harlem which strives to become who I am now,” he said. “It improving. Meanwhile, Bronx graduation rates con - household income in the Bronx was $32,893. increase public awareness about the helped me realize that my father would tinue to lag — only 57.5 percent of Bronx students Some people, like Greg Faulkner, chief-of-staff to dangers and consequences of both gun not want me to give up.” graduated (during the same time period) by August Bronx City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, believe violence and gang violence. 2011. that the problem starts with the Department of So, what’s the problem? Education, and say that the city should do more to The Bronx is the poorest county of New York, help children who are struggling instead of expecting with its poverty rate being 30 percent, significantly them to fail. higher than the state’s poverty rate as a whole — a “The people in charge project low graduation statistic that many experts have connected to the rates on [children],” he said. The expectation of fail - Advertise borough’s low graduation numbers. ure leads to failure, he said, and children must be But some Bronx students from low-income reached early in order to get them on the path to in the Norwood News homes fight against the odds, and have their heart set graduating. “Kids [need to] start having conversa - on graduating and going to college. tions about whether or not to continue in school in Call (718) 324-4998 Julia Bardales, a senior at Riverdale Country sixth grade.” 6 ■ July 12 –25, 2012 ■ Norwood News Through Visitors Center, Poe Park Expands Programs

the famous author Edgar Allan Poe. York Botanical Garden, the cottage is Poe Cottage is not the same place it managed by the Bronx County Historical was when an impoverished Poe moved Society. They work with Fordham Bed - there from Manhattan even after achiev - ford Housing Corporations and the ing literary success with “The Raven.” Ravens, Friends of Poe Park, a volunteer You can no longer hear the bells of the group, to keep the park safe and drug- University Church from its location in free. With recent renovations costing a Old Fordham Village, whether they be the total of $480,000, the cottage received a silver tinkling kind, golden wedding type, fresh coat of paint and repairs were made brazen alarm bells or iron tolling chimes to the stairs, walls, and beams. of which Poe wrote. The din of the city — The park is small, but a great commu - people, cars, commerce — that now sur - nity hangout spot for north Fordham area rounds the small house and 100,000- residents. Between the late 1910s and square-foot park at the Grand Concourse early ‘70s, the park was a popular location between 192nd Street and Kingsbridge for outdoor concerts, dance contests and Road drowns out any other noise. other social events. The circular band - Edgar Allan Poe relocated to the white stand was erected in 1925 giving artists a farmhouse, now known as Poe Cottage, in place to perform. Past performers includ - 1844, hoping that the Bronx country air ed big names such as Jimmy Dorsey, would cure his wife Virginia’s tuberculo - Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller. Photo by Chloe Rickert sis. It originally stood on Kingsbridge Crime at Poe Park is very little to POE PARK is sunny and filled with kids and teens hanging out after school on a Road to the east of its intersection with nonexistent. Vandalism was frequent in weekday afternoon. Valentine Avenue, across the street from the 1970s, but became less common in the (continued from p. 1) ter. This even gets nostalgic adults up and its current location, the public park that next few decades with the use of live-in Other activities at the center include joining in on the fun. Aponte, who has used to be an apple orchard. caretakers at Poe Cottage. board games, creative writing, knitting worked as a tutor, has also been teaching A glimpse into the Bronx’s rural past, Residents say police are good about and crocheting, and arts and crafts. The a woman who comes in once a week how the cottage symbolizes Bronx history. keeping the park safe and efforts are cur - week before Father’s Day, children made to read and write in Spanish. Although While living there, Poe wrote many of rently being made to take care of a single cards for their dads using art supplies at Spanish is the woman’s first language, his most popular poems including “The homeless person who occasionally stays the tables in the visitors center. she never attended school. Bells,” “Eureka,” and “Annabel Lee.” there. Otherwise the recreational area is In addition to the playground, game Also inside the park, is the recently After Virginia passed away in 1847, he mostly frequented by kids and parents in tables are set up outside the visitors cen - renovated former home of its namesake, continued to reside there until he died the mornings and after school. during a trip to Baltimore two years Ed. Note: Poe Cottage is open Satur - later. days 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 SUMMER SALVATION One of the biggest tourist attractions p.m. and groups may visit by appointment. in the Bronx after the Bronx Zoo and New For group tours, call (718) 881-8900.

Photo by Adi Talwar FOR MORE local photos this summer, visit norwoodnews.org. Send us your own summer photos and we will publish them in print or online. Just e-mail images to us at [email protected] and include your contact information.

Photo by Chloe Rickert POE COTTAGE, one of the borough’s top tourist destinations, recently re-opened to the public after undergoing a massive renovation. July 12 –25, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 7 Passages

Friday, Jun. 1, students, teachers and administrators welcomed Megan Murphy of the LLS to celebrate the school’s achievement. Students were also treated to a pizza party and participated in a crazy hat day along with teachers and administrators. This is the sixth year PS 94 has participated in Pennies for Patients, coordi - nated by school guidance counselor Angela Marinez. Each year, PS 94 holds an assembly to kick off the three- week-long fund-raising period, when students collect spare change that is donated to the LLS. —SARAH RAMIREZ Fordham Pastor Celebrates 25th Anniversary On June 24, Rev. Leo W. Curry celebrated his 25th anniversary as pastor of Fordham United Methodist Photo by Sarah Ramirez Church. This year also marks the church’s 160th Photo courtesy St. nicholas Tolentine School FROM LEFT to right, Chalange Francois, Felix Lugo anniversary as a parish. Pictured, left to right: Rev. Leo and Shayan Uddin mohammed, the spelling bee W. Curry, Mrs. Gwendolyn Carrington Simpson (mother Neri’s Young Yogis champions from PS 94. of guest preacher Robert O. Simpson), and Rev. Robert O. Students at Saint Nicholas Tolentine School show off Simpson, pastor of Jane’s United Methodist Church in their completion certificates from the KundaKali Arts Brooklyn (guest preacher for Rev. Curry’s 25th anniver - PS 94 5th Annual Spelling Bee Yoga and Martial Arts program. At center, seated, is sary service). instructor Alvaro Passaro. On Wednesday, May 23, PS 94 held its fifth annual spelling bee. Fifth grader Felix Lugo was declared the first-place winner after successfully spelling “ambidex - Send Us Your Passages! trous.” Shayan Uddin Mohammed, a fourth grader, secured second place after spelling “aerosol.” The win - The Norwood News loves to publish the passages ning word for Chalange Francois, the fourth grader who in your life. Send us information and photos from won third place, was “wisdom,” the same word printed your anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, award on the three winners’ trophies. The winners each also ceremonies, birth announcements and more and we received a medal and a dictionary. —SARAH RAMIREZ will include them in an upcoming issue of the Nor - wood News. You can send us your passages via e-mail to [email protected] (include high Pennies for Patients at PS 94 resolution image files, jpeg or tiff) or by regular mail at 3400 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. Include PS 94 raised $3,698.86 for the Leukemia and Lym - all relevant names and information as well as some phoma Society in this year’s Pennies for Patients fund- contact information in case we have questions. raiser, the most out of any Bronx school this year. On Photo courtesy Fordham United methodist 8 ■ July 12 –25, 2012 ■ Norwood News

Percentage of Bronx adults who had partici - Vital pated in leisure time physical activity in the Stats Be Heal thy! 69.2 previous 30 days, according to a 2008 report. Exercise Tips for Aging ‘Weekend Warriors’ By VISITING NURSE Cool Down After Working Out Watch Your Diet SERVICES OF NEW YORK “After the activity, it is very important to cool down – Your metabolism slows as you get older. Meisel advis - do not just go collapse in your car,” continues Meisel. es his athletes to be vigilant about what they eat when Baby boomers may be getting older, but many are still “Post-activity stretching helps relieve the muscles just they’re not training but fuel up properly immediately dedicated exercisers who want to stay that way. That’s worked. Also, in the summer especially, drink lots of before, during, and after a tough workout. an admirable goal, but it’s important to do it smartly. In water. Recovery is key. Older athletes may need 15 or 20 the United States, these gym or sports injuries have minutes in between hard sets, compared with 10 minutes If Injured, Rehab the Right Way become the number two reason for people visiting the for younger folks. You may also consider building in an Money spent on recovering from an injury is hard to doctor’s office just behind the common cold, according extra rest day during the week. generalize, as it greatly depends on the degree of the to a 2003 report by the National Ambulatory Medical injury, whether or not you need surgery and if you are Care Survey. Be Realistic and Comfortable insured or not. Meisel says, “In terms of energy and With that in mind, here are some tips from Seth Face it: You can’t do exactly what you did when you time, immediately following the injury, you will suffer Meisel, a physical therapist who oversees patients were 25. Explains Meisel, “It doesn’t make sense to think for a few days, probably think it is “fine,” then realize enrolled in the Orthopedic Intensive Home Rehabilita - you are invincible and can do anything.” He adds, you caused some serious damage.” Be careful as you tion Program from The Visiting Nurse Service of New “Always invest and use proper equipment, whether it is recover from any injury so you don’t make the mistake York, on how so-called weekend warriors can stay active proper shoes, clothing or accessories – make sure you of exercising before you are ready. Consult a physician well into retirement and beyond. are comfortable using the items to ensure safety and pre - before beginning to exercise again. vent injury.” Warm Up Properly Be Cautious of Braces or Orthotics When you are young, your muscles react differently Strive for Your Best Meisel cautions, “Let’s say a weekend warrior goes to than when you are older. “The number one mistake With the right precautions, your performance can the doctor for an injury and they give the patient a brace. made by weekend warriors is that they do not warm up even improve well into middle age. “If you want to run a It is not covered by insurance. I think braces are good up before they exercise,” said Meisel. “If they do warm up, few miles at eight or nine minutes a mile, most of the to a point. It’s there to protect and assist with joints, but they do it incorrectly. Everyone knows they should population has the potential to do that into their 60s,” it can become a crutch and the patient can become too stretch, but stretching a cold muscle can cause more says Meisel. Also, if you aren’t lifting weights, Meisel dependent on it, not allowing the joint/knee to get harm than good and result in increased pain post-activi - advises you start. “Around 40 or 45, we can see a stronger on its own.” ty. So warm up first – do some light jogging or biking to decrease of as much as a pound of muscle per year,” he Ed. Note: For more information about the VNSNY, warm up the muscles, then start your activity.” says. Moreover, bone density drops. Weights can help. visit www.VNSNY.org.

Inquiring Photographer By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers about the state of local parks going into the dog days of summer.

Other parks are good, but Living on Van Cortlandt I was stuck in the [Van They did a good job with The parks are good, I come over here [to Van Park South, there are no Cortlandt Park] last night the [Van Cortlandt Park] they’re nice and clean Cortlandt Park]. Up to problems whatsoever. In because there was basketball courts, but it and they don’t allow now I don’t see any prob - fact, they just renovated a coyote in the park. I seems like they could smoking or drinking or lems they need to fix. the basketball courts was scared to come out have done it differently drunk guys or anything, Sometimes I go to anoth - beautifully. Now, further of the park because I and made it even better. so everything is fine. er park near Yankee up by the East 242nd didn’t know what the But it was nice they did Everything is nice, so Stadium or another park Street subway station, coyote would do to me. it, the parks are beauti - there is nothing to com - at Jerome and Gun Hill. it’s filthy at the end of He kept coming in and ful. You go to St. James plain about. When I go over there in the weekend and also going out. I knew it was Park, you would never Leon Flores the summer time, 90 per - on Jerome, north of a coyote because his believe that you’d see cent of the park is clean. East Gun Hill, it’s filthy nose was pointy. In the kids playing there. It’s Some parks don’t have at the end of the week - daytime, the park is gorgeous, it’s like a the toilet open and in the end. good. That’s the first whole new city we live summertime they should Steve Bornemann time I’ve ever seen that. in. be open. Tisha Reid Steve Bobker Rafael Urena July 12 –25, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 9 Classifieds Professional Directory

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HELP WANTED Personal Assistant Needed: Office tified, former NY Times cartographer/staff a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday School at 9:30 Assistant sought. Duties include greeting editor. (718) 644-1083. a.m. and Sunday Service at 11 a.m. Dynamic Customer Service Oriented clients, answering phones, and routing mail, data entry and retrieve, scheduling Yoga: Stretching, meditation, drumming or Individuals Sought: With great communi - MISCELLANEOUS cations and typing skills, needed to work and calendar maintenance. Ideal candi - dancing on Fridays and Sundays. $10 per on behalf of our company. Any job experi - dates will have proven customer service session. RSVP (718) 644-1083 or email ence needed. This service representative skills in an administrative setting and expe - [email protected]. Cash Paid: For antiques, old items, col - rience with Microsoft Office applications. will earn up to $2,950 monthly. If interest - lectibles, artwork, jewelry, books, records, ed, e-mail [email protected]. If interested, email resumes to kenstew - RELIGIOUS SERVICES [email protected]. coins, stamps, sports cards, bric-a-brac. Moving sales, estates, contents of homes. Admin/Personal Assistant Needed: Glad Tidings Assembly of God: 2 Van Someone who is dependable, hard work - Account Manager Representative Cortlandt Ave. E. and Jerome Avenue. (718) 882-0598 (home), or (347) 734-9261 ing, self motivating and also good in orga - Needed: Must be 18 years and above, and (718) 367-4040. Prayer Wednesdays at 11 (cell). nizational management. Inquiring appli - skilled in typing and computer generally. cants are to reply to Earn $300 per duty. If interested, email me [email protected]. at [email protected].

Personal Assistant Needed: I’m looking SITUATION WANTED for a full time personal assistant; $700 weekly. If interested, email me: Nurse’s Aide: With 25 years’ experience in [email protected]. hospitals, nursing homes and private resi - dences, seeks employment. Will live in or Customer Service Rep: Needed for our out. Please call (718) 364-7771. dear company. Applicant must speak English or French fluently. Must have good REAL ESTATE typing skills. Will earn $3200 monthly plus wages and allowances. If interested, email One-bedroom Condo for Rent: me at [email protected]. In Parkchester. Working and Section 8 OK. Part-Time Payment Collection Near all. $1,100 rent, gas included. For Representative Sought: A great opportu - more information, please contact (718) nity has come which will take little out of 757-5485. your time and can pay $2800 a month plus benefits. Please send email to SERVICES AVAILABLE [email protected]. Tutor: K-9 teacher NYS certified, ESL cer - 10 ■ July 12 –25, 2012 ■ Norwood News

more. For more information and a detailed the Garden’s Mosholu Gate entrance, and to reserve, call (718) 881-8900. Onstage schedule, visit www.summerstage.org. Wednesdays, through Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors may purchase affordable, local - ■ The New York Botanical Garden presents ■ Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd ly grown produce and fresh, nutritious baked the Avalon Jazz Band, concert on July 19, Library Events St. in Riverdale, offers tours through Aug. goods. For more information, call (718) 817- 6 to 9 p.m. For more information or to pur - 18: at the Glyndor Gallery, Tuesdays and 8658. ■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. chase tickets, call (718) 817-8700 or visit Saturdays at 2 p.m.; and Tuesdays at 11 Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, presents www.nybg.org. a.m. from the Perkins Visitor Center. Also programs for kids including Bilingual offered is Mow-Down Garden Hoedown Exhibits Birdies: Spanish Language at 11 a.m.: Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 14 (ages through 5 years), live music program Events and 15, to pay homage to grass, with music ■ The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 including puppetry and games, ending with (live, at noon and 1:30 p.m.), art, tours and Grand Concourse at 165th Street, will open a bubble dance party, July 12, 19 and 26; ■ The JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, games throughout the weekend. Some two exhibitions on July 19, featuring mod - Tales for the Teeny Tiny at 11 a.m.: (ages 3880 Sedgwick Ave., hosts the following foods come from grass, like corn, oats, ern and contemporary art from Latin 2 to 5), July 14 and 21; Global Partners events: Converse in Yiddish, July 17 at 11 wheat, etc. Baskets, brooms, homes and America. Revolution Not Televised Junior Summer Program at noon: (ages 5 a.m.; Art History Talk on Renoir, July 13 at instruments are made from grasses. Call for (through Oct. 7) features contemporary to 12), July 13, 16, 18, 20, 23 and 25; and 1 p.m.; Dancercize Class, July 25 at 3:30 a detailed schedule of events. GROUNDS Cuban art and takes the pulse of contempo - Up, Up and Away: (ages 3 to 12), science p.m. ($2/seniors; $3/guests); Patriotic Sing- ADMISSION AND EVENTS ARE FREE ALL rary artistic practice in Cuba; and Rituals of project, July 14 at 2 p.m. For teens and along, July 12 at 1 p.m.; and Multi- WEEKEND. In addition, there are Family Art Chaos (through Jan. 6, 2013) highlights the young adults, there is Biophilia Project: to Woodwind Concert, including klezmer, Projects: Hats, Mats and Baskets, to mix work of Mexican photojournalist Enrique experience science, technology and music Brazilian, pop, and classical music, July 18 ornamental, multi-colored grasses and other Metinides and 11 contemporary artists who (all materials provided), July 18 and 25 at at 1 p.m. ($2/seniors; RSVP by July 16). For natural materials to make a hat, mat, or bas - similarly take the human experience in the 3:30 p.m. Adults can enjoy Single more information, call (718) 549-4700. ket (free), July 14 and 15; and Water, Water city as their subject matter. For more infor - Stop/Government Benefits at 9 a.m.: July Everywhere, to create watery images and mation, call (718) 681-6000. 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26; and Radiance of ■ As part of its lecture series, the Bronx liquid landscapes, (free), July 21 and 22, China: Chinese Enamels: workshop, July County Historical Society presents “Edgar both from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ecology ■ The New York Botanical Garden presents 18, 10 a.m. to noon (online registration Allan Poe and His Cottage.” Historian and Building. Also presented is BxIndie Music Claude Monet’s Garden, featuring his required). For more information, call (718) publisher Dr. G. Hermalyn will speak at The at Sunset, featuring jazz and blues trio, July paintings, palette, and photographs, in the 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. Bronx County Archives, 3313 Bainbridge 18; and jazz quartet, July 25; both at 7 p.m. Rondina Gallery, through Oct. 21. Additional Ave., on Saturday, July 21, at 2 p.m., on the (bring folding chair). Grounds admission is events include concerts, poetry, tours, film ■ The Mosholu Library, at 285 E. 205th St., writer’s experience living in the Bronx. For free Saturdays until noon and all day screenings, and family activities. For more offers for seniors and adults: Knitting more information, call (718) 881-8900. Tuesdays. For more information, call (718) information, call (718) 817-8658/8512. Circle: Thursdays at 3 p.m.; and Wii 549-3200. Program: Tuesdays at 3 p.m. Children can ■ SummerStage Kids presents free per - ■ The Bronx County Historical Society, attend Global Partners Junior Summer forming arts events through Aug. 22, in a ■ The New York Botanical Garden presents 3309 Bainbridge Ave., presents In Style, Program: (ages 5 to 12), July 13, 16, 17, number of Bronx parks, featuring a variety of Greenmarket, the popular farmers market of Bronx Architecture, through Oct. 7, includ - 20, 23 and 24 at 2:30 p.m.; Toddler Story music, theatre, puppetry, entertainment, and GrowNYC, at the base of Library Allee inside ing Bronx landmarks. For more information Time: (ages 18 to 36 months), July 12 and Espaillat Cries Foul, Clouding Election Result

(continued from p. 1) provide sufficient Spanish language inter - er. ing “serious allegations of fraud for of Elections reported that Rangel had won preters or replaced bilingual election “If the [New York Board of Elections] which there is no basis.” by a margin of about 5 percent, or a little inspectors with inspectors who spoke only had not been ignorant with the voters, we Both sides were scheduled to meet more than 2,300 of the 41,000 votes cast in English, and/or falsely claimed voters’ wouldn’t have to be here,” Manhattan res - again before Carter on Wednesday, July the district. But at the time Espaillat made names were not in the poll books. ident Luisa Ruiz said. “We’re doing a ser - 11. The timing for Espaillat is tricky. As a his concession speech, the lead appeared The petition said these instances rep - vice for each party.” sitting state senator, he must file a peti - much larger and the challenger’s resented voter intimidation and an effort Preliminary counting showed that tion for a spot on the September ballot for prospects for an upset appeared lost. to suppress Espaillat’s supporters, specif - Rangel would most likely retain his slim re-election by the following day. “We went to bed thinking we had a 20 ically, and called for a completely new margin over Espaillat. Kenneth Sherrill, a professor of politi - percent deficit,” Espaillat told reporters a election. After hearing from Espaillat’s lawyers, cal science at Hunter College, says this few days later as he and his supporters A day later, on Independence Day, and representatives from Rangel and the type of controversey isn’t completely began openly questioning the validity of Rangel held a press conference in Harlem BOE, Judge John Carter, who went out of abnormal. the results. to defend the BOE and criticize Espaillat his way to remind those present that he is He recalled a recent state senate race Over the following weekend, Espaillat for slowing the vote counting process and both a resident and a voter in the district, in Brooklyn that resulted in a recount announced that he had hired Martin Con - throwing around unfounded accusations. agreed to require the BOE to preserve the and legal proceedings that went on for nor, an election lawyer and former state “You cannot do this by knocking the ballots (by making copies) during the months, with an eventual victory for senator, to make his case against the system,” Rangel said. “You can’t just call count. He also ruled that the court would David Storobin by an unofficial margin of BOE. people crooks and say that they are com - need to certify the results before the BOE 14 votes. Also in Brooklyn, Assemblyman On Tuesday, after filing the lawsuit in mitting illegal acts.” sends them to state. Jim Brennan won a redo vote in 1984 Bronx County Supreme Court, Espaillat On Thursday, Espaillat’s lawyers were Carter did not make a decision on the when the original two-vote margin was continued to criticize the BOE, saying due in Bronx County Court at the same other voting irregularities Espaillat’s too close to call. our democracy “has to rely on an election time the BOE was set to begin counting petition alleged. In this case, Sherrill said, there may be system that is verifiable, that is transpar - the 2,000 or so remaining absentee and Lawyers for the BOE and Rangel said pressure to resolve the matter quickly, so ent and that brings about confidence in affidavit ballots. the court proceedings only served to slow it won’t conflict with the upcoming state everybody. We cannot have a Florida type On Varick Street, at the BOE’s Man - down the counting process. primaries in September. If cases of fraud situation.” hattan headquarters, 15 ballot counters “Congressman Rangel wants every and irregularities are found, Espaillat In a broad critique of how the BOE began combing through the absentee and legitimate vote to be counted,” said could successfully get a do-over under handled the election process, Espaillat and affidavits votes while constituents from Arthur Greig, a lawyer for Rangel. “We state election law. his lawyers filed a petition alleging that the district, supporters of both candi - want the Board of Elections to do their —With reporting by SARAH polling sites turned away enrolled Democ - dates, crowded behind the blue job without being hindered.” RAMIREZ, JALEESA BAULKMAN and rats, denied them affidavit ballots, did not retractable belt of a crowd control barri - Greig also criticized Espaillat for mak - CHLOE RICKERT July 12 –25, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 11

19 at 10:30 a.m.; Big Jeff Music: (ages 3 Natural History of Owls: (ages 3 to 12), to 12), July 13 at 3:30 p.m.; “Peter Pan”: see live owls; July 17 at 2 p.m.; Toddler aEDITOR’S PICK (ages 3 to 12), live performance, July 20 at Story Time: (ages 18 to 36 months), July 3 p.m.; and “Little Red Riding Hood”: (ages 18 at 11 a.m.; and “Little Red Riding 3 to 12), puppet show, July 21 at 3 p.m. Hood”: (ages 3 to 12), puppet show, July 24 Free Films in the Bronx Teens and young adults can enjoy Fashion at 2 p.m. For more information, call (718) Club: July 17 and 24 at 4 p.m. For more 549-5200. The public is invited to enjoy these upcoming no-cost films which are scheduled to be information, call (718) 882-8239. shown in the Bronx: NOTE: Items for consideration may be ■ The Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames mailed to our office or sent to norwood - ■ At the Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, (718) 579- Place, offers Manga Drawing Workshop: [email protected], and should be 4244/46/57: July 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. for teens and received by July 16 for the next publication “An American in Paris” - July 14 at 2:30 p.m. young adults (all materials provided); date of July 26. “Sugar Cane Alley” - July 21 at 2:30 p.m.

■ At the Bronx Terminal Market’s Level 6 Rooftop Deck, 610 Exterior St., (718) 243-1414: “Ratatouille” - July 24 at 8:30 p.m. Neighborhood Notes Pre-film activities begin at 7:30 p.m. Bring beach chair or towel.

Sarcoma Walk is illegal, wasteful and dangerous. Illegal - ly opened hydrants can lower water pres - The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore sure and put lives at risk if there is a fire. and the Liddy Shriver Foundation will Children can also be at serious risk, host their annual Sarcoma Walk, July 14, because the powerful force of an open at Van Corlandt Park, at the 240th Street hydrant without a spray cap can knock a entrance at Broadway near the fox statue. child down, causing serious injury. Open - Registration starts at 10 a.m., the walk ing a hydrant illegally can result in fines begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 30 11:30 a.m. Please bring a folding chair or days, or both. New Yorkers should call 311 blanket. Sarcoma is a type of cancer, and to report open fire hydrants. proceeds will fund Sarcoma research. In the event of rain, the walk will be held at the hospital at 3415 Bainbridge Ave. (near Youth Fitness Day Camp Gun Hill Road). For more information or The B’N’ Fit Urban Fitters Day Camp to RSVP or donate, call May Thompson at for teens shows them how to maintain a (718) 741-2342. healthy lifestyle, and offers activities that include swimming, basketball, football, Free Health Training for dancing, and daily trips. Campers can choose from a full summer session or one Teens of two, three-week sessions. The first ses - The Youth Advisory Board of the sion runs from July 9 to 27, and the sec - Bronx District Public Health Office, 1826 ond session runs from July 30 to Aug. 17. Arthur Ave., is offering free public health For more information, call Camp Direc - training for teens on Fridays in July and tor Michelle at (718) 920-5818. August from noon to 4 p.m., including sexual health, physical activity, and nutrition. For more information, contact Traffic Changes on Candida A. Bido at [email protected] Goulden Ave. or call (718) 299-7376. Goulden Avenue will be closed from Sedgwick Avenue to 205th Street in both Adopt a Shop Workshops directions for underground water main repairs, through Aug. 31, Mondays The NYC Department of Health and through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sat - Mental Hygiene is hosting Adopt a Shop urdays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Motorists will workshops at the Bronx Library Center, detour to Paul Avenue. For more informa - room C-21, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., July 13, tion, call the NYC Department of Environ - 27, and Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon., that mental Protection at (718) 231-8470 or 311. would give New Yorkers the tools to suc - cessfully demand healthier food options at their food store. For more information Water-on-the-Go App or to RSVP (required), call (347) 396-4245 The Department of Environmental or e-mail [email protected]. Protection (DEP) and the Department of Health launched the 2012 Water-on-the- Tuition Free Services Go season, an initiative that will make NYC water at portable drinking foun - SUNY North Bronx Career Counseling tains, which would be an alternative to and Outreach Center offers daily tuition bottled water and sugar-sweetened bever - free services including career counsel - ages, easily available at more than 20 ing, college, financial aid and resume and alternating outdoor locations throughout cover letter assistance, as well as job the five boroughs this summer. The DEP readiness training at 2901 White Plains has also developed a free iPhone/iPad Rd. Computer literacy and GED pro - mobile app available for download at the grams are available during the day and iTunes store, to help New Yorkers access evening. Seats are limited. For more the daily Water-on-the-Go schedule. For information, call (718) 547-1001. more information, call 3-1-1 or Chris Gilbride at (718) 595-6600. Open Fire Hydrants Safety Alert For more Neighborhood Notes The Department of Environmental online, go to www.norwoodnews.org Protection reminds New Yorkers that and click on “Neighborhood Notes” opening fire hydrants without spray caps in the right-hand column. 7/31/12 7/31/12