3URXGO\6HUYLQJ%URQ[&RPPXQLWLHV6LQFH Proudly Serving Bronx Communities Since 1988FREE FREE
Vol 27,ORWOOD No 16Q • Pu b l i s h e d By Mo s h o l u Preservation Co r p o r a t i o n • AuEWSQ g . 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014
PRIMARY RACE UPDATES INVESTMENTS ROLL IN A LOOK AT NORTHWEST BRONX RACES | PAGE 2 FOR KNIC | PAGE 7 NORWOOD SHELTER Crime File: Trio of Thieves EVICTS HOMELESS Wanted | Pg 5
Business Beat: Bay Plaza Mall Opens | Pg 8
Norwood News Web Exclusives | Pg 9
Photo by Adi Talwar NYDIA VARGAS (pictured) sits unsure where she and her husband Emilio will be relocated to after receiving a notice to leave the cluster site shelter operated by Aguila, Inc. By IMANI HALL two weeks ago, a total of The memo mentions get along anywhere and I Homeless families at a 13 homeless families re- that transfer informa- don’t bother with people, cluster site homeless shel- ceived a memo from Agu- tion for the shelter resi- but I am worried about ter in Norwood will have ila Inc., the nonprofit that dents will be provided my children,” she said, a Be Healthy: been slapped with reloca- found housing for home- in the “coming weeks or mother of a 9, 10 and 12- Once Conjoined tion notices, terminating less tenants, stating that months.” year-old. “Just thinking a controversial approach they “will be provided ResidentsWorry about it is rough because Twins Celebrate to housing tenants. transfer information for Cynthia Rosa, a cluster I don’t know when we are Decade Apart | Pg 11 The building at 15-19 placement in a new shel- site tenant, has been liv- going or where we are go- E. Mosholu Parkway ter location.” It’s unclear ing in the building since ing.” North has been a clus- whether the building will January. “I don’t care Shelter resident Nydia remain a cluster site. about myself because I can ter site since 2009. About (continued on page 14) 2 • Aug. 21Vol. - Sept. 27, No. 3, 201410 • Norwood News
Norwood News is published bi-weekly on Thursdays by Mosholu Preservation Corporation IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST 3400 Reservoir Oval East Bronx, New York 10467 Vol.Vol. 27,27, No.No. 1016 Phone: 718 324 4998 PRIMARY RACE - 78TH A.D. AND 33RD S.D. NorwoodFax: 718News 324 is 2917 published E-mail:bi-weeklyNorwood [email protected] Newson Thursdays is published by In a pair of separate local debates, MosholuWeb:bi-weekly Preservationwww.norwoodnews.org on Thursdays Corporation by one Rivera showed, while another Ri- Mosholu3400 PreservationReservoir Oval Corporation East Bronx, New York 10467 vera skipped out. 3400 Reservoir Oval East So has been the case at BronxTalk Publisher Bronx,Phone: New 718 YorkCEO,324 499810467Mosholu with Gary Axelbank, BronxNet’s ac- Mosholu PreservationFax: 718 324 2917E-mail:3UHVHUYDWLRQ [email protected] cess program that’s moderated a num- Corporation Phone: 718Corporation 324 4998 Web: www.norwoodnews.orgRoberto S. Garcia ber of local debates. Editor-in-ChiefFax: 718 324 2917 On Aug. 18, host Gary Axelbank PublisherDavidE-mail: Cruz [email protected] MosholuWeb: Preservation www.norwoodnews.org Corporation told viewers that in the race of the 78th CEO,&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ Mosholu Preservation Assembly District, incumbent Assem- CorporationDawn McEvoy blyman Jose Rivera declined an invi- Roberto S. Garcia Publisher$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH CEO, Mosholu tation by Axelbank, leaving challenger Editor-in-ChiefDawn McEvoy Fernando Tirado to outline his quali- MosholuDavid Cruz Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ CorporationProofreader Corporation fications. The district covers Bedford ClassifiJudy Noy ed Advertising Editor-in-ChiefDawn McEvoy Roberto S. Garcia Park, Kingsbridge, Fordham, Belmont 3URGXFWLRQ DavidAccounts Cruz Receivable and a portion of Pelham Parkway. Ri- Neil deMause Photo by David Cruz Dawn McEvoy vera, the patriarch of a once influen- 78TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT challenger Fernando Tirado appears on BronxTalk for a 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJProofreader tial Bronx political dynasty, told Axel- debate against incumbent Assemblyman Jose Rivera, who was a no-show. Rivera was JudyDavid NoyGreene, Adi Talwar Dawn McEvoy bank through an email he had another represented by an empty seat. Interns Regular Contributors engagement to attend. In a tongue-in- $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOHDavidShayla Greene,Love, Paolo Adi Mossetti, Talwar Justin McCallum, Dawnand Chelsea McEvoy George cheek display, Rivera was represented Appearing on BronxTalk on Aug. schools, programming for tenant by an empty seat. 11, the bespectacled Sen. Rivera sat organizing, and more surveillance Proofreader For display advertising, call (718) 324-4998. Judy Noy Rivera’s presence has arguably re- hands folded calling Cabrera’s with- cameras to high-crime areas in his mained spotty in the district communi- drawal from the debate “disrespect- district. He made legislative strides 3URGXFWLRQFor display advertising, Support Your ties, something Tirado looks to change ful.” Cabrera, an ordained pastor, by passing a Crime Mapping Bill, Neil deMausecall (718) 324-4998. Community Newspaper! should he be elected in the Democratic offered no explanation over why he an online map that shows where The Norwood NewsLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE- 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Primary on Sept. 9. skipped the debate, leaving no one to crimes are happening in portions of Davidlication Greene, and relies Adi upon Talwar the support of its Supportadvertisers and Your readers to produce a quality “I want to be able to tackle [the con- defend him. Like Assemblyman Ri- a precinct. InternsCommunitycommunity newspaper. Newspaper! To support your paper, stituents’] needs and look at the bigger vera, Cabrera was symbolically repre- “I look forward to matching my ShaylaThebecome Norwood Love, a member PaoloNews and isMossetti, receivea not-for-profi aJustin subscription McCallum, t picture,” said Tirado, the former dis- sented by an empty office chair. record of accomplishment against andpublicationfor one Chelsea year. and George relies upon the support of its advertisers and readers to produce a trict manager of Community Board Sen. Rivera represents the 33rd Sen- Mr. Rivera’s record of failure,” ForqualitySimply display mailcommunity checkadvertising, or moneynewspaper. call order (718) for To324-4998. $40 support 7 whose background is largely eco- ate District, which covers Kingsbridge said Cabrera, in a statement. yourto: Norwood paper, News, become 3400 a Reservoirmember Oval and East, receive nomic development. The sector is quite Heights, East Tremont, Bedford Park, But despite appearing the vic- aBronx, subscription NY 10467. for one year. Support Your strong in the 78th A.D., with the Ford- Crotona Park, Fordham, Belmont, Van tor, Rivera lost his suit against ham Road BID and the Kingsbridge Nest, Morris Park, Claremont, High Cabrera, challenging the authen- CommunitySimplyNorwood mail News check is notNewspaper! orresponsible money order for typo for- $40 commercial corridor seeing plenty of Bridge and a sliver of Parkchester. ticity of signatures found in Ca- Theto:graphical Norwood Norwood errors. News,News OpinionsLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE 3400 expressed Reservoir in signed Oval- licationEast,letters Bronx,and and bylined relies NY 10467.columnsupon the represent support the of itssole activity. Rivera won the seat in 2010 over then- brera’s petitions needed to get on opinion of the author and are not necessarily advertisers and readers to produce a quality But the 78th A.D. lags in primary State Senator Pedro Espada, a now the ballot. A Bronx judge ruled those of Mosholu Preservation Corporations Norwood News is not responsible for voter turnout, the second worst in the convicted legislator who pocketed Cabrera can remain on the bal- communityRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS newspaper. To support your -paper, becometypo-graphical a member errors. and receiveOpinions a subscriptionexpressed Bronx, a sign that “people don’t feel nearly a half million dollars from his lot on a technicality, though evi- inresent signed the viewsletters of andthe editor bylined and/or columns publisher foronly. one The year. newspaper reserves the right to limit represent the sole opinion of the author there’s any hope,” according to Tirado. healthcare network in Soundview. The dence showed several signatures or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. and are not necessarily those of Mosholu “There hasn’t been anyone to step up senate boundaries greatly outmatch had indeed belonged to those who SimplyAdvertisements mail check appearing or money in this order paper for cannot $40 Preservation Corporations -resent the to the plate,” he said. Cabrera’s 14th Council District, giv- have passed away. be used without the written permission of Nor- to:views Norwood of the News,editor 3400and/or Reservoir publisher Oval East, wood News. Letters to the editor are subject Tirado is running a grassroots ing the incumbent better constituent Still, Cabrera was thrilled to Bronx,only. The NY newspaper 10467. reserves the right to condensation and editing. Writers should campaign, with little support from the familiarity than Cabrera. have been placed on the ballot to limit or refuse advertising it deems NorwoodLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ News is not responsible for typo- Bronx Democratic County Committee. Rivera’s progressive political and an outraged Sen. Rivera went objectionable.Anonymous letters Advertisements are not published appearing but your graphical errors. Opinions expressed in signed His campaign apparatus thus far has stances run counter to Cabrera’s through with a lawsuit. inname this can paper be withheld cannot if be requested. used without lettersthe written and bylined permission columns of Nor-wood represent the sole been the Northwest Bronx Democrats, beliefs. Cabrera has publicly stood “Mr. Rivera invested huge opinionNews. Lettersof the author to the and editor are are not subjectnecessarily to which has helped spread his name against gay marriage, given his more sums of money hiring lawyers, thosecondensation of Mosholu and Preservation editing. Writers Corporations should throughout the district. conservative background. Cabrera, a staff hours, and taxpayer dollars RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSAnonymousMosholu Preservation letters areCorporation not published is a but - Cabrera vs. Rivera registered Democrat, was at one point in his failed attempt to remove me resentyourQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH name the views can beof thewithheld editor ifand/or requested. publisher Meantime, Sen. Gustavo Rivera (no only.Medical The Center. newspaper reserves the right to limit a registered Republican, according to from the ballot,” said Cabrera. or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. relation to the Assemblyman) of the Sen. Rivera. But on the political front, --David Cruz AdvertisementsMosholu Preservation appearing Corporation in this paper is cannot 33rd Senate District was left to debate Cabrera prides himself on earmarking a non-profi t support corporation of be used without the written permission of Nor- against an empty chair reserved for roughly $46 million for projects in his Editor’s Note: An expanded ver- Montefi ore Medical Center. wood News. Letters to the editor are subject his challenger, Councilman Fernando district that included funding for com- sion of this story can be found on www. to condensation and editing. Writers should Cabrera. puters and after school programs in norwoodnews.org. LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ Anonymous letters are not published but your name can be withheld if requested. SAME NORWOOD NEWS, NEW LOOK.
Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Medical Center. Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News • 3 Starting Saturday, September 27 And Every Other Saturday
Come Wine And Dine With Friends Live Band At Escape From 6pm to 10pm
3489 Jerome Avenue 347.899.8300 restaurant & lounge Bronx, NY 10467 escapeinbronx.com Fax - 347.697.7918 4 • Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE With the Norwood News having undergone a makeover, we asked readers if any type of change is a good thing.
It depends on what kind of change Change is always good and I think change is a great thing, Change is good when it affects Change is always a good thing you’re talking about. Change knowledge is infi nite. So I think especially for a popular community society as a whole in a positive because when you go through is good when it’s positive, but change is essential to the growth newspaper. Good luck, we’ll be direction, and all can benefi t. As diffi culties in life, either you’re some change is negative and not and development of any society. watching. far as changing your newspaper, going to encounter the same good for us. We need change, By changing a newspaper, you Elizabeth Rodriguez it’s great as long as you continue diffi culties you encounter with the to get different perspectives of a negative or you’re going to change especially for the youth. I think it’s can get information from different Norwood a beautiful thing that the paper is perspectives, so I think that’s story and offer different views. it to become positive. Change changing. It will be wonderful and great. Marques Payne brings improvement to life. it will attract more readers. Tislam Jones Bedford Park Jesse Ortiz Jesus Santana Bedford Park Bedford Park Parkchester
Editor’s Note: Thoughts on changes? Send comments to David Cruz, editor-in-chief, at [email protected]. Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News • 5 CRIME FILE TRIO OF THIEVES ON THE LOOSE
By DAVID CRUZ was paid for by using the The 52nd Precinct victim’s credit card, said is still on the hunt for a police. trio of sticky fingered The illegal shopping pickpockets who ripped spree continued at an- Video stills courtesy NYPD off an elderly woman at a other Rite Aid roughly a VIDEO SURVEILLANCE STILLS show the thieves at work, using an alleged stolen credit card to purchase roughly nearby supermarket, and mile away at 3480 Jerome $600 worth of gift cards in two separate Rite Aid stores. later ran up her credit. Ave., where the two sus- The grand larceny pects rendezvoused with T-shirt, black shorts, variety of reasons, with with the 44th Precinct cial crimes unit. More theft happened on July the third suspect. Store black sneakers and a credit card theft falling holding the top spot with common grand larceny 11 at the Met supermar- surveillance released by black baseball cap. within the classifica- 423 incidents so far this infractions include Ap- ket at 277 E. 198th St. the NYPD shows the trio A female Hispanic in tion. The Five-Two has year, up from 398 cases ple iPhone thefts. It’s there where two of purchased a number of her late 20’s, approx. 5’4” seen the number of cases the same time a year be- Anyone with infor- the suspects, a man and gift cards with the sto- in height, 150 pounds. remain steady, with fore. mation on the crime woman, lifted a purse off len card. Police reported Wearing a white shirt CrimeStat figures show- Crime has indeed is encouraged to call a 79-year-old woman as the purchase to be nearly and blue jeans. ing 415 reported grand mushroomed through- Crime Stoppers at 1-800- she waited on the check- $300. A male black in his larceny theft cases so out the city in recent 577-TIPS (8477). Tips can out aisle, according to Police identified the mid-40’s, approx. 6’1” in far this year, down from years, prompting One also be submitted on police. The pair then fled three suspects as fol- height, 230 pounds. Wear- 419 cases the same time Police Plaza to form a www.nypdcrimestop- up the block to a Rite Aid lows: ing a pink button down last year. The number of 300-member grand lar- pers.com or via text to pharmacy at 239 E. 198th A male Hispanic in shirt, tan cargo shorts grand larceny incidents ceny unit in May this 274637 (CRIMES). Call- St., loading up a blue bas- his mid/late 20’s, ap- and black slippers. in the Five-Two is the year. Before, grand lar- ers should enter TIP577. ket full of items valued at prox. 6’1” in height, 190 Grand larceny thefts second highest through- ceny crimes fell into the All calls are kept confi- $300. The merchandise pounds. Wearing a black are deemed such under a out Bronx precincts, jurisdiction of the finan- dential. C YOUYOUR FOFOOD SCRAPS
at GREENMARKET
Drop off household fruit and vegetable scraps at Poe Park Greenmarket Tuesdays, 8am-1:30pm Grand Concourse & 192nd St
www.GrowNYC.org/compost | 212.788.7964
GrowNYC and DSNY Food Scrap Compost Program
A program partnership between the City of New York, the NYC Department of Sanitation, GrowNYC, and community partners. 6 • Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News • 7 Investments Roll In for Kingsbridge Ice Center
By DAVID CRUZ Despite lawsuits that have slowed development of the Kingsbridge Na- tional Ice Center (KNIC), the finan- cial side for the massive project ap- pears to have warmed up, though barely. Still, investments have begun to pour in for the project with Bauer Hockey, a manufacturer of ice equipment, slated to invest $4 mil- lion to the burgeoning project. The venture, a transaction executed by New York-based Sagent Advisors, would be earmarked for the over- all development of KNIC. Bauer has also agreed to create after school programming for hockey students. File Photo The deal will also incorporate THE IMPENDING KNIC project received a $30 million boost, thanks to a philanthropic foundation. Bauer Hockey’s initiative called Grow the Game, a lofty goal that lives of so many kids in the area.” cial investment” strategy that looks The investments come amid a intends to introduce 1 million new The news comes days after a power- to prop up poor communities such pair of lawsuits between lead devel- hockey players by 2022. The plan house philanthropist group agreed as Kingsbridge. Still, even with $34 oper Kevin Parker, and three princi- bolsters KNIC’s more attractive to a financial investment deal for million slated, it still doesn’t cover pals who each claim to have created amenity for the Kingsbridge com- KNIC, an allocation that serves as a the overall costs of the project, esti- the ice skating complex idea. So far, munity--the creation of a free after validation the project is not on “thin mated at $350 million. “The Kings- the cases have gone through the le- school program that teaches local ice” despite a lawsuit endangering bridge project advances both our gal channels with no outcome. The kids the fundamentals of the ice it. endowment and our mission,” said city Economic Development Corpo- sport, a perk the Northwest Bronx The Kresge Foundation, a De- Robert Manilla, Kresge’s vice presi- ration maintains the project will Community and Clergy Coalition troit-based institutional equity in- dent and chief investment officer. proceed as planned. fought for when drafting the Com- vestment firm, serves as the lead in- munity Benefits Agreement with vestor in a $30 million equity raise developers. for KNIC, according to sources close The ultimate programming to the deal. “[The Kresge Foun- would create activities that are “ap- dation’s] decision to invest in the proachable, accessible, affordable, Kingsbridge National Ice Center and, most of all, fun,” said Kevin represents a ringing endorsement of Davis, CEO and president of Per- the contributions made to this proj- formance Sports Group, the parent ect by civic leaders and the commu- company behind Bauer Group. nity,” said Messier in a statement. In a statement, NHL legend Mark The move downplays calls by Messier, serving as KNIC’s CEO, naysayers who long suspect KNIC said the team-up with Bauer would to have little to no financial support create a “significant impact on not in place. The money by the Kresge only the sport of hockey, but also the Foundation is part of the group’s “so- 8 • Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News BUSINESS BEAT BUSINESS BEAT - BAY PLAZA MALL OPENS TO BIG CROWDS
By DAVID CRUZ The highly anticipated Bay Plaza Mall in Co-Op City opened with plenty of verve, a tsunami of crowds, and bor- ough pride. “We arrived,” declared Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., shortly after cutting the ceremonial ribbon of the new mall on Aug. 14 alongside develop- ers and elected officials. The indoor, suburban-style mall is akin to those seen at the Galleria and Westchester shopping malls in Westchester County. It also marks the first indoor mall in nearly 40 years for New York City, with a crop of high-end stores not seen in the borough, an indication of new investments to the borough. The open- Photo by David Cruz ing comes on the heels of a Target mall A HIVE OF CUSTOMERS swarm the H&M clothing store at the new Bay Plaza Mall in Co-Op City, the city’s fi rst indoor mall in opening in Throggs Neck, continuing four decades. the borough’s current trend of major economic development. and U.S. Polo. Eateries such as The Ol- area in the city. You needed city, federal and state coop- Anchored by Macy’s department ive Garden and Joe’s Crab Shack are “It’s humbling to know that we eration,” said Peter Vallone Sr., former store, the new mall boasts some never- also open for business. The mall com- have brought a number of new stores Queens Borough President and consul- before-seen stores in the Bronx includ- plements the existing Bay Plaza Shop- and jobs to the borough,” said Sam tant to Prestige Properties. ing Swarovski, Bath & Body Works ping Center, making it largest retail Shalem, Chairman and CEO of Pres- Another 1,800 retail jobs have been tige Properties & Development Co., created, thanks to the new mall, with Inc., overseeing the massive piece of a majority going towards long-term Haveyourcivilrightsbeenviolated? land. Doors opened to customers at 10 unemployed Bronxites. The numbers a.m., with many first-time shoppers can further put a dent on the borough’s Wecanhelp hailing from nearby Co-Op City, home staggering double-digit unemployment to some 25,000 residents who regularly rate, one of the worst in the state that shop elsewhere. hasn’t let up in years. FalseArrest “We don’t have to go to Cross Diaz Jr. anecdotally approached MaliciousProsecution County Mall now,” said Hyacinth Bur- Bay Plaza Mall employees wondering ExcessiveForce rel, a Co-Op City resident who refer- where they were from. Many hailed PoliceBrutality enced the mall in Yonkers. “The Bronx from the borough. “The closer to the PrisonConditions people have to travel way out.” mall the better,” said Diaz Jr. of the DenialofMedicalCare Viola Phillips has lived in Co-Op new hires. InmateonInmateAssault City for 44 years and she was equally But with a new mall, and its nearly PersonalInjury impressed by the mall, relieved to have 100 stores, comes an influx of thou- andothermatters an option aside from traveling to the sands of new shoppers bringing in a Macy’s in Manhattan’s Herald Square. swell of traffic. Local residents have Giveusacall “This is convenient for me,” she said. long expressed concern over the new Some stores opened at 11 o’clock, traffic, though local legislators have though a swell of lines had already been addressing them with a series of formed at the new H&M clothing store. brainstorming meetings. Rolando Veras Jr. waited patiently out- Councilman Andy King, whose side the store, one of hundreds chant- district covers the mall, said one mea- Paulose PLLC AttorneysatLaw ing a 10-second countdown at the sure would be to create an exit ramp stroke of 11 o’clock. by the Hutchinson River Parkway. In JohnMontoute,Esq. Crews for Prestige Properties be- the meantime, King assured that traf- 5676RiverdaleAvenue gan building the $300 million, 780,000 fic agents will be on hand “managing Bronx,NY10471 square foot mall two years ago. Sev- traffic to get a handle on everyone.” eral hundred construction employees, Traffic could also be eased should Phone 3478436641 mainly from the Bronx, helped design the state Legislature agree to the the beige-colored, art-deco style mall MTA’s expansion of its Metro-North Email and two-story parking lot. service to several east Bronx neighbor- A small firm with a sizeable impact [email protected] “You can’t believe the obstacles in hoods that include Co-Op City. order to do this, it’s almost impossible. Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News • 9 norwood news online Here are news items you’ll only find at www.norwoodnews.org
National Night Out at 52nd Precinct: The 31st Annual National Night Out Against Cohen Allocates $750K for Oval Skate Park: Chalk this up to the power of the peo- Crime was held with the 52nd Precinct putting its best foot forward. Read about what ple. Councilman Andy Cohen earmarked $750,000 for a long sought after skateboard some locals have to say about proper community policing. area at the Williamsbridge Oval Park. Details online. Photo by Imani Hall Photo by David Cruz
On 25th Anniversary, The COVE Thanks Community: A celebrated after school Rolling Our Health Bucks at Poe Park :An initiative by Councilman Ritchie Torres programming thanks the community for being there after 25 years. Read all about the looks to stretch out government assistance. Read all about Health Bucks by reporter block party courtesy of the COVE. Photo by David Greene Richard Bucey. Photo by David Cruz
Summer Streets 2014 Boasts Norwood Economy and Community: Music, food Graffiti Eliminated and Logged to Database:Officers from the 52nd Precinct rolled and merchants headlined the Summer Streets 2014, hosted by the E. 204th Street and up their sleeves to erase graffiti scrawls. Find out what they do with graffiti tags before Bainbridge Merchants Association, headed by Eli Garcia. Read all about what folks they’re erased, in this story by Richard Bucey and David Greene. have to say about the festival and stores. Photo by David Greene Photo by David Cruz 10 • Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News
CLOTHING & TEXTILES at GREENMARKET
Recycle Clothing & Other Textiles at: Poe Park Greenmarket Tuesdays, 8am-1:30pm E 192 St & Grand Concourse
We accept clean and dry textiles like clothing, paired shoes, coats, linens, scarves, hats, bags and belts. Materials will be sorted for reuse or recycling.
www.GrowNYC.org/clothing 212.788.7964
GrowNYC’s Office of Recycling Outreach and Education is a NYC Department of Sanitation funded program Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News • 11
Number of craniopagus cases Howreported much inof 2.5 a million person’s births a lifeyear. Vital (Source: Montefiore Medical Stats Be Healthy 33%1 is dedicated toCenter) sleep. Once Conjoined Twins Celebrate Decade Apart
breakdown over how to execute the with Blythedale Children’s Hospital surgery. Dr. James Goodrich, CHAM’s where she tended to the boys’ care be- director of pediatric neurosurgery fore and after the surgeries, sat along- and the procedure’s lead surgeon, de- side Arlene when she heard the news. cided the surgery should work piece- “To be a part of that was a gift,” said meal, applying a “staged separation” Gosin. which divides one marathon surgery Post Surgery down to several. This would allow the The procedure has now become twins to regain their strength for the the national and international stan- next round. For each surgery, one of dard for craniopagus surgeries, with four quadrants was separated. Goodrich having performed several Safyer was sold on the idea, believ- of these types of surgeries around the ing “it was logical, it was sensible.” world since. The procedure also brought to- These days, the twins have devel- gether teams of anesthesiologists, ra- oped distinct personalities. Clarence, diologists, nurses, and other medical the more outgoing twin, has learned Photo courtesy Montefiore Medical Center staff members to provide input in the how to dance, swim and assume the MEET THE MMC TEAM behind the craniopagus procedure. (l-r): David Staffenberg, procedure, something that was rarely big brother role to Carl, who largely M.D., former chief of Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery; Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and CEO; twins Clarence and Carl Aguirre with their mother Arlene; James Goodrich, done. Nine months and four surgeries bears the brunt of limitations with sei- M.D., Ph.D., director, Pediatric Neurosurgery; Robert Marion, M.D., chief, Division of had passed before Goodrich’s fellow zures and an inability to walk. Genetics, Department of Pediatrics; Philip Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice presi- plastic surgeon, Dr. David Staffenberg, Visits to CHAM are yearly. The dent, chief operating officer. would tell Arlene that she “has now boys still regularly stop by Safyer’s two separated boys.” office. “They come by and say hello to By DAVID CRUZ the procedure’s success rate is poor, of- Meredith Gosin, a social worker me,” Safyer said. In the decade that’s passed, 12- ten leading to death given the compli- year-old twin Clarence Aguirre has cations linked to the operation. “This picked up some serious dance moves. is something that had never been done In a video presentation, he is seen successfully,” said Dr. Steven Safyer, showing off the robot dance, which president and Chief Executive Officer slowly morphed to an electronic hip- of Montefiore Medical Center, who was hop routine to the tune of will.i.am’s the hospital’s chief medical officer at “I’m Alive.” the time. “What made us so happy was It’s a fitting song given the celebra- we succeeded.” tion of Clarence and his twin brother Taking On the Case Carl, siblings once vertically con- The Aguirre case stretches back to joined at the skull and partially the 2002 in the Philippines where doctors brain, a condition known as craniopa- told Arlene, a single mother, that the gus. Their lives would’ve been differ- boys were attached by the skull and ent and perhaps cut short if not for a brain. “I knew this was a trial that God series of complex surgeries that ulti- gave to me,” said Arlene of her boys’ mately separated them. condition. “I told myself that I would This year marks a decade since the do everything I can to help and save groundbreaking operation that’s been my boys.” etched in medical textbooks, serving The unusual attachment left the as a great leap forward for craniopa- boys bedridden, unable to properly di- gus operations and a major hallmark gest or see each other. to the Children’s Hospital at Mon- “They would always have formula tefiore (CHAM), where the procedure in their mouth so their teeth kind of was performed. rotted,” said Dr. Robert Marion, the “I was scared,” said Arlene, the boys’ pediatrician. “[T]here was no boys’ mother, a native of the Philip- way these two would survive if they pines, attending an event that paid were left the way they were without tribute to the surgery and recovery. “I separation.” was in a different country, but I put my Arlene sought help from Children’s faith and trust in the doctors.” Chances, a Connecticut-based non- The Aguirres met with medical profit that linked them to Montefiore staffers on Aug. 4, 10 years to the day of Medical Center. the final, risky surgery. In many cases, What followed was a logistical 12 • Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News
6FKRRORI &RQWLQXLQJDQG3URIHVVLRQDO6WXGLHV ZZZOHKPDQHGXFH Invest in Yourself &Your Career or Business
Cisco Certi¿ ed Technician Business Bookkeeping Home Health Aide Certi¿ ed Nursing Assistant Patient Care Techncian Pharmacy Techncian Child Care and Family Child Care Graphics and Web Design Medical Coding & Billing Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counseling Financial Planning, Entrepreneurship and more... Scholarships & ¿ nancial aid available Saturday, August 23, 10:30 am and Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 pm at Lehman campus, Music Building., 1st À oor Attend an Info Seminar Friday, Oct. 3, 10:30 am* Save $10 tuition when you register for classes at seminar. at CUNY on Concourse, 3rd À oor 2501 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10468
*Allied Health: CNA, EKG, Phlebotomy and Nurse Technician ONLY date.
Give Your Child the Edge
Lehman’ s Popular SATURDAY CHILD/TEEN PROGRAM Information Session on Saturday, September 27, 10:30 am at Lehman campus, Carman Hall 128, Bronx, NY 10468 www.lehman.edu/ce 718-960-8512 Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News • 13 Classifi eds Professional Directory
PEDIATRIC RELIGIOUS SERVICES LAW OFFICES SERVICES James M. Visser, Esq. Good News Christian Church Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. General Practice Tiga Pediatrics Accidents, Commercial 3510 Bainbridge Avenue, Suite 5, 3061 Bainbridge Ave. Sunday Service at 11 a.m. Wills & Estates Offices Bronx and Manhattan Bronx, NY 10467 (basement of the Church of the Holy (646) 260-6326 Ages 0 to 21 years Nativity) Epiphany Lutheran Church Judith A. Simms, Esq. General Practice, Obesity, Asthma, Bronx, NY 10467 A PLACE OF GRACE IN NOR- Immigration Law Practice ADHD (347) 329-0023 WOOD Green Cards, Citizenship, etc. 3612 White Plains Road Same-Day Appointment Every Day! Pastors James and Andrea Miller 3061 Bainbridge Ave., Bronx, NY Bronx, NY 10467 (718) 881-8999 (347) 460-0765 Sunday service at 2 p.m. Phone: (718) 652-6839 Home fellowship bible studies on Web Site: www.epiphanybx.org Wednesdays at 7 p.m. WORSHIP BEAUTICIAN SERVICES Friday night prayer service at 7 p.m. Sundays at noon Come to Madame P’s Beauty World Visit us at www.goodnewscc.word- BIBLE STUDY The last old-fashioned hairdresser in the Bronx. press.com. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. We specialize in haircutting, hair care, and provide consultations on hair care and THRIFT SHOP weaving to stimulate hair growth. We do tinting and use all manners of relaxers, in- Glad Tidings Assembly of God Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. cluding Mizani, Affirm, Fiberguard, and Vitale. 2 Van Cortlandt Ave. E. and Jerome to 3 p.m. We use Wave Nouveau Coiffure. We are still doing carefree curls and press and curl. Avenue Member of the Evangelical Lu- We also offer (718) 367-4040 theran Church in America flat-ironing. 20% off for seniors Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Prayer Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and God’s work -- our hands 617 E. Fordham Road (between Arthur and Hughes), Bronx, NY 10458. (Fordham Uni- 7:30 p.m. versity section).Call today for your appointment: (347) 284-3834
SERVICES TRIPS
Computer Repair: Trip to Dorney Park: Upgrade, troubleshooting: Laptop Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014. Leave at 8 overheats, cracked screen, broken a.m. from East 163rd Street and Hunts power jack, virus removal, data re- Point Avenue. For more information, covery. Call James (646) 281-4475, (718) contact Eddie at (718) 757-5485. 324-4332. Trip to Philadelphia: Special Ed Setvices Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Aug. BeingSpecialNYC.com Parent Advo- 30, 2014 “Spirit of Philadelphia.” In cacy Services. Independent- Afford- Pennsylvania, buffet lunch and ca- able - Confidential. Parent Advocacy sino $129.00. From Brooklyn, Queens Services for NYC public school par- and Bronx. Purchase tickets in ad- ents. Are you the parent of a child vance at 343 E. Gun Hill Rd. or call with special needs? Do you need help (347) 405-2017. with the NYC public school middle or high school choice process? Is your child preparing to go to college next CLASSIFIEDS year? If you answered “Yes” to any $12 for the fi rst 20 words of these questions, then you should contact us!! Email: info@BeingSpe- and 25 cents for each cialNYC.com. Website: BeingSpe- additional word. cialNYC.com. Hazel Adams-Shango, Founder & CEO, Former NYC DOE Enrollment Officer, Parent Engage- Professional ment Officer and Education Analyst. Directory $144 for six months; $260 for one year. 14 • Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News AGUILA SHUTS OUT NORWOOD HOMELESS TENANTS
(continued from page 1) Comptroller’s Office. Vargas also expressed concern But in July, DHS cut Aguila’s about moving out with her three subsidies by an undisclosed per- children. “Now I have to start centage, according to DHS spokes- worrying about school with my man Christopher Miller. “Aguila kids,” she said. “I was going to did not accept that rate cut,” said register my kids in school but I Miller, who assured the agency’s don’t know now because I don’t first priority is to find new hous- know how long we have.” ing for itinerant Bronxites. “We But paying tenant Crystal San- are working with them on a close- tos expressed relief over news of out plan to ensure that our clients the closing cite. are safely transferred, hopefully “Before the shelter it was within the Bronx,” he said. calm, peaceful and quiet,” she A similar situation has played said, having filed numerous com- out for tenants at 941 Intervale plaints since the shelter moved in. Ave., another cluster site build- “People hang out after midnight, ing managed by Aguila. Tenants shouting, drinking. I mean, come were also given notices informing on.” them they are being relocated. Some tenants were taken by What’s Next? surprise when the shelter came Perry still worried over the to the building and in fact were Photo by Adi Talwar building’s future. “I’m worried not at all thrilled about it. Henry HOMELESS FAMILIES AT this cluster site in Norwood will be relocated elsewhere about what comes next,” he said. Perry, another paying tenant liv- since subsidies for Aguila, Inc. were reduced. “I did have a worker come here ing in the building for over 30 and tell me that if anyone comes years, expressed some of the same thing.” (DHS), adhering to its policy in here and tells us he have to leave relief. Why the change? housing the homeless within the that we don’t necessarily have “Before the shelter came here In many ways, the financial “borough of origin,” set up clus- to leave,” said Rosa, adding a it was like Trump Towers on Mo- well for Aguila ran dry. During ter sites within the Bronx, home DHS rep said she’d would receive sholu Parkway,” Perry said, an- the Bloomberg years, Aguila Inc. to the most shelters. DHS would transfer papers before she leaves. gry that building management thrived after the city was feder- pay Aguila subsidies that equated “It gave me a little comfort be- gave no notice to paying tenants. ally mandated to provide hous- to market rate rents. So far, the cause as per the memo we could “One day it wasn’t there, the next ing for the homeless. The city De- nonprofit received $56.1 million leave today, we could leave tomor- day it was and nobody told us any- partment of Homeless Services in city subsidies, according to the row.”
IncreaseIncreaseIncrease your your your strength, strength, strength, focus focus focus and and and flexibility flexibility flexibility with with with AbadaAbadáAbada Capoeira Capoeira Capoeira NYC NYC NYC BrazilianBrazilianBrazilian Martial Martial Martial Arts Arts Arts
th Free Brazilian Martial Arts at our ClaCssleass steasr ts Steaprte Smebpetre 1m5b,e 2r0 1154t he,v e2r0y 1M4o nedvaeyr yan Md Woneddaneys daanyd f oWr 2e dmnoenstdhsa y for 2 months ABADÁ Capoeira NYC NEW CLASSES OFFERED OPEN HOUSE Pre-K 4:00pm-4:30pm (4 yrs old) $80 $110 Monday September 8th, 2014 K-2nd 4:30pm-5:30pm & Wednesday September 10th, 2014 (Level 1 ) $85 $115
K-2nd 4:30pm-5:30pm (Level 2 ) $85 $115 ALL ARE WELCOME!
3rd-5th 5:30pm-6:30pm 90 (Level 1) $ $120 Pre-K 4:00pm-4:30pm nd 3rd-5th 5:30pm-6:30pm K-2 4:30pm-5:30pm (Level 2) 90 120 $ $ 3rd-5th 5:30pm-6:30pm th th 6 -12 7:00pm-8:30-pm th th $105 $150 6 -12 7:00pm-8:30pm Adults 19+ 7:00pm-8:30pm Adults 7:00pm-8:30pm $115 $160 SPACE IS LIMITED NEW SETTLEMENT COMMUNITY CENTER 1501 JEROME AVENUE (NEAR CORNER OF 172nd STREET) Like our Facebook page Check out our videos! BRONX, NY 10452 www.Facebook.com/ (718) 758-5901 NewSettlementCommunityCtr
Aug. 21 - Sept. 3, 2014 • Norwood News • 15 out About 3200. City of Bones,” Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.; and EDITOR’S& PICK Library Events World Beat and Percussion: Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. For more information, call (718) 882-8239. Free Concert at the Oval • The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., presents programs • The Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames for children including Seashell Fan Free salsa concert performed by Orquesta SCC at the Williamsbridge Oval Place (near Kingsbridge Road), offers Making: Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.; and fi lm: on Aug. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call (718) 931-9500 ext. for kids: African Dance: (ages 5 to Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. For more information, 33. 12), Aug. 22 at 2 p.m.; and Dinosaurs call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit and Dragons: (ages 18 months to 12 . www.nypl.org years), Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. For adults: Computer Basics Open Lab at • The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th noon: Aug. 21, 26 and 28. For teens/ information and to register, call (718) St., offers for adults: Computer Onstage young adults: Hands-on Science- 601-1553 or visit www.vctc.org. Basics Open Lab: Aug. 27 at 10:30 Based Workshop: Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.; • The Bronx Library Center, 310 a.m. (phone or in-person registration World Beat and Percussion: Aug. 22 E. Kingsbridge Rd., presents the • A Community Health and required). Children can enjoy at 1:30 p.m.; and Teen Science: Aug. NY Opera Forum performing Resource Fair will be held on Aug. 23 Abracadabra: (magician performs; 28 at 2 p.m. For more information, Semiramide, Aug. 23 at 2:30 p.m. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 940 E. Gun ages 3 to 12), Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.; and call (718) 549-5200. For more information, call (718) 579- Hill Rd. Events include mobile health Bionic Bodies: (ages 5 to 12), free 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. and legal vans, health screenings, hands-on science-based workshop, NOTE: Items for consideration may free giveaways, and more. For more Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. (preregistration be mailed to our offi ce or sent to information, call (718) 684-5509. required). Teens/young adults can [email protected], and Events attend fi lm:“The Mortal Instruments: should be received by Aug. 25 for the next • A Back-to-School Health Fair will publication date of Sept. 4. • The public is invited to the Allerton be held at St. James Park, Jerome Avenue Festival and International Avenue at East 192nd Street, on Food Show Aug. 24 from noon to 5 Aug. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. Events p.m. at Allerton Avenue and Boston include health screenings, services, Road. For more info call (718) 828- 500 free backpacks, and more. One NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES 2880. backpack per child ages 5 to 13 will be distributed. Child must be present • To the International Hip Hop to receive backpack. Rain date: Aug. Find a job easier to apply. For more information, Parade, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 28. For more information and other Workforce1 Career Center offers call (718) 882-4000 ext. 304. p.m., on Bathgate Avenue between locations, call (718) 933-2034. daily job listings for Bronxites. Four the Cross Bronx Expressway and locations can be found in the Bronx-- NCBH Seeks Volunteers Claremont Avenue. This event is to • Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 University Heights, Fordham, Hunts North Central Bronx Hospital seeks celebrate the Bronx as the birthplace Grand Concourse (165th Street), Point and Melrose. To find a career volunteers to join its Auxiliary unit of hip-hop and will include all the presents free First Friday, Sept. pioneers of this genre. Also featured 5, 6 to 10 p.m., featuring fi lm, art center near you, visit www.labor. that helps plan special projects and will be fl oats, performances and performances, music and other ny.gov, or call the Fordham Road loca- group events. To apply, call (718) 519- music. For more information, call special events. For more information, tion at (718) 960-2458. 4746. To volunteer to help with patients (347) 820-8764. call (718) 681-6000. or elsewhere in the hospital, call (718) Free Summer Meals 519-4840. • St. Ann’s Church, 3519 Bainbridge • Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 Free summer breakfast and lunch Ave., holds a summer fl ea market, W. 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers is available for students ages 18 and Homebuying Assistance through Aug. 23, Fridays and Family Arts Projects: T’s of younger at local public schools until The Northwest Bronx Resource Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer, to decorate a T-shirt with Aug. 29. For more information, call 311 Center hosts a homebuying counsel- Vendors are wanted. For more fabric markers on WH shirt or bring information, call (718) 547-9350. your own, Aug. 23 and 24; and or text NYCmeals to 877-877. ing workshop on Friday, Aug. 22 from Fishy Fun, to make 3-D fi sh from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to prepare residents in • The Police Athletic League (PAL) colorful paper bags that can swim Recycle Clothes and Food purchasing a home. Appointments can offers its free Playstreets Program, through the air, Aug. 30 and 31, Recycle old clothes, food scraps be made for the first or third Friday of weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., both in WH House from 10 a.m. to for compost, and other textiles at every month. For more information or through Aug. 22. Locations include 1 p.m. Also scheduled is Stories GrowNYC’s Poe Park Greenmarket, to RSVP to meet with a HUD counselor, 182nd Street between Valentine in the Garden at 2 p.m., featuring 192nd Street and the Grand Concourse, call (718) 933-3101. and Ryer avenues and 196th Street interactive readings, sing-alongs, Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., between Briggs and Bainbridge and puppets for ages 3 to 6: Animal through Nov. 25. For more informa- Community Meeting avenues. For more information, call Antics, Aug. 21; and Animal (212) 353-9585. Family Matters, Aug. 28. Grounds tion, call (212) 788-7964. Bedford-Mosholu Community As- admission is free Saturdays until sociation will meet Wednesday, Sept. 3 • Friends of Van Cortlandt Park noon all year, and free Tuesdays SNAP Food Stamp Program at 8 p.m. at 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy. So., invites the public to its Run for the all day in August and until noon in Sign up for food stamps at the Mo- apt. #B1 (lobby floor). For more infor- Trail Series: 1st Race, Sept. 1 at September. For more information sholu Montefiore Community Center, mation, email bedfordmosholu@veri- 10 a.m. This 5K run/walk with a 10K and a schedule of events including 3450 DeKalb Ave. New changes make it zon.net. option will benefi t the park. For more tours and walks, call (718) 549- Come, Shop, & Save BIG All Year Round Over 200 Stores on Jerome Avenue from Mosholu Parkway to Gun Hill Road and on Gun Hill Road to Webster Avenue Discover the Stores, Quality Service and Savings at the Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District. Where Good Neighbors Deserve Great Shopping! All in a Safe, Clean & Friendly Environment Visit us at www.jeromegunhillbid.org Call the BID Hotline at 718.324.4946 for more information. Like us on Facebook /JGHBID