Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights norwoodnews.org NORWOOD NEWS Vol. 24, No. 23 ■ PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION ■ December 1 –14, 2011 CLINTON UP-E NDED BY LINCOLN Armory at Center of Living Wage Debate

By JEANMARIE EVELLY

Born out of an argument fought two years ago over a proposed shop - ping mall at the Kingsbridge Armory, a fierce battle over legislation set - ting wage requirements at some publicly subsidized developments has come to a head this month. In an exhaustive hearing last week, the council spent nearly five hours debating the details of the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, proposed last year by two Bronx Council members at the behest of Bronx Borough Pres - ident Ruben Diaz, Jr. Both opponents and supporters of the bill testified their cases to Council Speaker Christine Quinn — who largely controls the fate of the legislation — though the two sides, ultimately, found little grounds for an agreement. “Some of the concerns expressed by some of the so-called opponents were greatly exaggerated,” said Councilman Oliver Koppell, who spon - sored the bill with colleague Annabel Palma. “We have to review what we have, and perhaps make some small adjustments, but the overall bill is sound.” Photo by Francesca Andre The bill’s sponsors have already amended the legislation from its orig - THE DEWITT CLINTON Governors, in the PSAL football semifinals for the first time since inal version in response to criticism received during its first public hear - 1989, lost to top-ranked and undefeated Lincoln High School, 30-14, on Saturday afternoon. ing last spring. The revised bill narrows the criteria for the projects that See story, p. 7. would have to comply with the wage mandate ($10 an hour with health benefits or $11.50 without) to developments receiving city tax breaks of $1 million or more, up from the $100,000 proposed in the original version. The amended bill also exempts manufacturing companies, commercial tenants A Neighborhood Loses Its in affordable housing projects, and small businesses earning less than $5 million in revenue. It became clear during last week’s hearing, however, that the bill’s recent adjustments have done little to sway its opponents. Pizza Man, But Not His Pizza (continued on p. 8) By ALEX KRATZ says he won’t change a thing. Still, Sal’s without Sal will take some get - It’s a typical Monday night inside Sal’s ting used to. Small Turnout at Vigil Pizza and Restaurant, Norwood’s oldest and A woman lured Sal to in 1968. most popular Italian joint. Hurried locals The oldest of seven siblings, Alfonso “Sal” drop in for a quick slice. Friends pick up Calces was working on his family’s small Sign That Fear Reigns take-out. A family stops for a sit-down meal. farm in Sarno, Italy, a mid-sized town of And there’s Sal Calces, the gregarious, about 65,000 people close to Naples. His wife, By LINDSAY ARMSTRONG omnipresent owner of his namesake eatery (continued on p. 5) since 1980. A handful of community members gathered in front of Monroe College Always affectionate, Sal’s laying it on thick two weeks ago for a candlelit vigil in honor of Bimal Chanda. Eight flames tonight. He wants to give you a big smile and a honored the 59-year-old Fordham resident who died almost a month ago, hug and maybe a kiss on the cheek. After 31 the result of a brutal beating at the hands of two unidentified thugs. years of tomato sauce, sweat and tears, he’s The turnout for the vigil was much smaller than expected, but organiz - leaving, he tells you. But it’s going to be okay, ers said that was not because there wasn’t support for the victim. he reassures. That’s just how life works. He Mohammed Solaiman Ali, a friend of Chanda’s who organized the shrugs and says with a thick southern Italian event said it was not a lack of respect for Mr. Chanda that kept many mem - accent hardly dented after 43 years in the bers of the local Bangladeshi and Indian communities away from the vigil, Bronx: “Everything come to an end.” but rather fear. By the time you read this, Sal will be gone; “They are afraid. They don’t want people to see their faces,” Ali said. retired at age 62, spending time in the east “Even my wife said she wouldn’t come tonight. She said, ‘Don’t make your - Bronx with his ailing wife, two kids and four self a target.’” grandchildren. But his life’s work — the Ali understands this fear all too well. In the summer of 2007, he was the restaurant, his pizza, his spirit — will still be Photo by Alex Kratz victim of a series of crimes. A woman allegedly burglarized Ali’s Ford - on Bainbridge Avenue, between East 205th and SAL CALCES, former owner of Sal’s Pizza and ham-area home twice within a matter of weeks. When he confronted the 206th streets. Aside from adding a delivery Restaurant on Bainbridge Avenue, is retiring suspect about the burglary, Ali says she threatened him and later physi - option, the new owner, Musa Nesheiwat, a Jor - after 31 years, but the restaurant and its cally assaulted him with a male partner. danian man who grew up eating Sal’s pizza, employees will remain. (continued on p. 3)

■ Tales from the Occupy Protests PAGE 2 ■ Localized Crime Stats PAGE 4 ■ Pantries Struggle to Meet Hunger Needs PAGE 6 www.norwoodnews.org 2 ■ December 1 –14, 2011 ■ Norwood News In The Public Interest

Vol. 24, No. 23 Tales From the Bronx Occupy Protests More coverage on Norwood News is published Occupy Fordham Road Occupy Yankee Stadium norwoodnews.org bi-weekly on Thursdays by At the intersection of the Grand Con - For Bronx Occupy activists, Mosholu Preservation Corporation course and Fordham Road two weeks ago, perhaps no meet-up location was more apt 3400 Reservoir Oval East about two dozen people showing their than in the shadow of the new Yankee Sta - • Live Blogging from Occupy Bronx, New York 10467 support and affiliation with the Occupy dium. The dozen or so protesters that had Protests and Living Wage Wall Street movement were joined by assembled beside the McDonalds on 161st Hearing Phone: 718 324 4998 Bronx State Senator Gustavo Rivera. Street and River Avenue said that despite Fax: 718 324 2917 • Young Bronxites Excelling “Six months ago, we were not having city involvement in the project, the com - E-mail: [email protected] • Local Restaurant Gems Web: www.norwoodnews.org the conversations that we are having munity has yet to see the benefits of the today about economic inequality,” said new billion-dollar ballpark. Uncovered Rivera before protesters heading down - This was the Bronx leg of a 16-loca - • More on Sal’s Pizza Owner town to join thousands of others at Foley tion, citywide “Occupy the Subways” Retiring Square, the final gathering for the Occu - protest, which would culminate down - Publisher CEO, Mosholu • Shooting on E. 209th Street Mosholu Preservation Preservation py movement’s National Day of Action. town at . Corporation Corporation In a movement that began on the oppo - The activists were among thousands • The Bronx Breakdown site end of the city, protesters are sprout - taking up the battle against economic Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia (Fridays) Alex Kratz ing up in the Bronx, where residents rep - inequality on ’s resent a highly concentrated slice of the National Day of Action, a day to celebrate that her neighborhood had yet to reap the Staff Writer marginalized so-called “99 percent.” the two-month anniversary of activists benefits of the new Yankee Stadium. Jeanmarie Evelly “The 99 percent live in the Bronx,” first taking up residence in Zuccotti Park. “I didn’t have to join the movement, Classified Advertising said Rivera. “They are the people that I (Protesters were evicted two days before the movement joined me,” she said. Dawn McEvoy represent.” the mass protests.) In one train car, she was heckled by a The group was an even mix of men and The stadium protest stood in a sharp bald man who wore a green sweatshirt Accounts Receivable Dawn McEvoy women of different ages and ethnicities. contrast from the rest of the movement, and headphones. The train had come to a Handing out copies of the Occupied and even from events earlier that morning. stop, and the rest of the group, including Proofreader Wall Street Journal in Spanish, a publica - There were barely any cops and none in a Lens Blog photographer for the New Judy Noy tion produced by the movement, James riot gear. And there were no bushy-haired York Times, had rushed to the next car. Production Duarte is a student from the Bronx who youths clashing with charcoal suits. The group waited for her to appear from Neil deMause stressed the importance of bringing the Instead, there was longtime activist the shouting match with the man. When Regular Contributors movement north. and Highbridge resident Agnes Johnson, she emerged, she said, “I turned that David Greene, Adi Talwar, Jasmeet Sidhu, “I realized it was about outreach, and a Hispanic mom and her young boy, mem - whole car against him.” Francesca Andre. Lindsay Armstrong bringing the message out to the Bronx,” bers of the New York Civil Participation The 4 train group dissolved into the Interns Duarte said. “This is nothing new for us; Project and Living Wage NYC Campaign mass of bodies at Foley Square, where Ronald Chavez, Emily Piccone the African-American and Latino com - workers (see front page story). thousands of students, union workers munities have always had the glass ceil - Just a few blocks south stood the $500 and frustrated citizens gathered. By then For display advertising, call ing [over our heads].” million Gateway Center mall some had it was bitterly cold. The sun had set and (718) 324-4998. Duarte also sees the obstacles many hoped would deliver retail jobs to revitalize the events of the morning protests felt Support Your Bronxites have in participating in the the neighborhood. To protesters, that made like they happened a different day. movement, like subway fare and time. two major projects (along with the stadi - Community Newspaper! Someone kicked down a barricade that “It’s time that many families don’t um), opened within months of each other, protected the fountain that held Foley’s The Norwood News is a not-for-profit have,” he said. “If you’re employed you that were not benefiting local residents. So 50-f00t high obelisk-like sculpture, “Tri - publication and relies upon the support of probably have three jobs.” they took their message to the subway. umph of the Human Spirit.” Protesters its advertisers and readers to produce a quality community newspaper. To support The complications of joining a move - Johnson was one of the five-person moved in on the fountain, and many your paper, become a member and ment, however, should not impede your group on the 4 train intent on convincing climbed beside the sculpture itself. The receive a subscription for one year (25 right to protest, Rivera said. riders that changes had to be made. She crowd would spend the following hours issues) and benefits like the Bronx At a press conference on Wednesday, delivered improvised speeches that log-jammed into police barricades, inch - Cultural Card. Nov. 16 — the day before Thursday’s blamed Mayor Michael Bloomberg for clos - ing toward the Bridge. National Day of Action and one day after ing schools, and expressed disappointment —RONALD CHAVEZ Simply mail check or money order for police evicted protesters from their two- $40 to: Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir month residence at Zuccotti Park — Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. Rivera urged the Bronx community to Public and Community Meetings come out to their local gatherings at sev - Norwood News is not responsible for • The Bedford Mosholu CoMMuniTy AssoCiATion meets on Wednesday, dec. typographical errors. Opinions expressed eral subway stops. 7 at 8 p.m. at 400 e. Mosholu Pkwy., Apt. B1 (lobby floor). All are welcome. in signed letters and bylined columns rep - “The median income of the people I resent the sole opinion of the author and represent is $25,000 a year,” he said. • There will be a heAring on The PossiBle Closing of the Botanical garden are not necessarily those of Mosholu “Unemployment hovers around 13 per - Postal station on Webster Avenue on Monday, dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Bedford Park Preservation Corporations or Montefiore cent. They understand the most the senior Center, 243 e. 204th st. Medical Center. Editorials represent the impact that this has on their lives.” views of the editor and/or publisher only. Protester Carlos Rivera, a man in his • CoMMuniTy BoArd 7 committee meetings will be held at the office on 229A e. The newspaper reserves the right to limit mid 50s who spoke out on the people’s 204th st., beginning at 6:30 p.m.: education /libraries, dec 1; Traffic & Transporta - or refuse advertising it deems objection - mike, shared a personal story that lead to tion and environment & sanitation, dec. 8; youth services, dec. 12; housing and able. Advertisements appearing in this economic development, dec. 13; Public safety, dec. 14. paper cannot be used without the written him joining the movement. After he had permission of Norwood News . Letters to lost his job, he said his bank refused to • CoMMuniTy BoArd 7’ s Tree lighting Ceremony will be held on Thursday, dec. 15 the editor are subject to condensation and modify his loan payments. at 6 p.m. at Bainbridge Avenue and . editing. Writers should include their “I now join the 41,000 homeless people affiliation or special interest if any. living in this city,” he said. • CoMMuniTy BoArd 7’ s general board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Bronx letters are not published but The group corralled itself into one library Center, 310 e. Kingsbridge rd. for more information about CB7 meetings your name can be withheld if requested. subway car heading downtown to Foley and events, call (718) 933-5650. Square, and participants and passengers Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a on the train exchanged the personal sto - not-profit support corporation of ries that led to them joining the move - Follow the Norwood News Montefiore Medical Center. ment. One story that had heads nodding in on Facebook and agreement regarded the price of Yankees tickets in comparison to the minimum @norwoodnews on Twitter wage jobs that the stadium created. —EMILY PICCONE December 1 –14, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 3 Small Turnout at Vigil Is Sign That Fear Reigns (continued from p. 1) “I couldn’t live properly, do my job properly, or Oval Shooting Victim Charged in “The police took out bags and bags of pot,” said one even be on my block because I didn’t feel secure,” neighbor, recalling a raid at the apartment earlier this Ali says. Gun Hill Road Stickup year. “They had a plantation in there.” When Ali heard about the attack against Chanda A teen who was shot last week on Tyron Avenue near Repeated calls to the building’s landlord, E.N.M. Asso - he decided it was time to send a message to the com - Park was arrested for armed rob - ciates, were not returned by press time. munity: violence against innocent people must stop. bery of an East Gun Hill Road nail salon that same day, —DAVID GREENE “If you want to take the money, then fine, take the according to a police source. money,” Ali said, “But don’t kill innocent people.” Police were called to 3400 Tryon Ave. on Saturday, Nov. 19 around 6 p.m., where a 16-year-old male claimed he had been Father of Slain HS Athlete Indicted Another Fordham-area resident, who identified Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson announced shot on the street, and had bullet wounds to his arm and leg. himself as Mr. Tapin, attended the ceremony but did last week that Andre Muller has been indicted on charges He was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital for treatment. not wish to give his full name. He came to the vigil of assault and illegal possession of a weapon in connec - A ranking NYPD source, however, says the boy’s story to honor Chanda and to support Ali’s message. tion to a deadly altercation that occurred this June in Bed - was bogus from the start. “We are a peaceful people living in this country. ford Park that resulted in the death of the defendant’s son, “The victim lied from the very beginning,” said the We want to live in peace,” Tapin said. “This kind of Isayah Muller, a high school football star. source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The boy thing has to go away.” Muller was indicted on two felony counts of assault in told officers he was shot on the street by an unknown Tapin said he hoped to see increased police the 2nd degree, punishable by a maximum sentence of up assailant, and even provided them with a fake name. patrols and neighborhood watch associations devel - to seven years in prison if convicted, and one misde - According to the source, the shooting victim and two op as a result of Chanda’s tragic death. meanor count of criminal possession of a weapon. others allegedly robbed Jin Nails, at 65 E. Gun Hill Rd., at For their part, police and community officials The incident occurred after Muller and his son were gunpoint earlier that day before returning to the Tryon say they are committed to increasing safety in the returning from a dinner at City Island in celebration of Avenue apartment. 52nd Precinct, where three murders and a high-pro - the son’s graduation from Lehman College that day. “They go back to this address on Tryon Avenue and file shooting occurred during the first two weeks of Muller discovered that a bottle of expensive cologne was they’re hanging out,” the source said. “I don’t know what November. missing from his car, and drove back to the parking garage they’re doing — smoking weed, laughing up the robbery At the Community Board 7 meeting immediately on East 198th and Jerome Avenue to confront the atten - they just did — and one of them is playing with a gun,” following the vigil, Police Inspector Dowling provid - dants that were on duty. The confrontation quickly esca - when the victim was accidentally shot. ed an update on the Chanda case. lated into a brawl between the attendants and Muller. Police would eventually arrest the shooting victim, He said that the evidence points to robbery as the According to video surveillance, Muller struck the identified as Shakeem Brown, 16, and cohorts Marlon sole motive. Some community members had specu - attendant, identified as Ramon Hernandez, in his right Low and Bianca Brown, all of Brooklyn, and charge them lated that Chanda was targeted due to his ethnicity. arm with a shovel. At some point, Isayah charged into the in the armed robbery. Bianca Brown was also charged in Dowling also asked for the community’s help in fray to help his father and was stabbed in the heart by one Shakeem’s shooting. It is not known if the two Browns finding the perpetrators as officers from the 52nd of the attendants. He was pronounced dead a short time are related. Precinct passed out fliers with pictures and details later at St. Barnabas Hospital. Residents of the Tryon Avenue building claim that the about the two young, male suspects wanted in the Muller remains free on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to apartment in question often hosts parties with as many case. be arraigned on Jan. 12. as 100 guests crammed into the one bedroom apartment, “I guarantee you, we will solve this crime,” Dowl - The defendant’s attorney was not able to be reached and that police often visit the apartment several times in ing said. “But I need your assistance. If you see before press time. —EMILY PICCONE something, say something.” a single night.

12/31/11 12/31/11 4 ■ December 1 –14, 2011 ■ Norwood News

Inquiring Photographer By DAVID GREENE This week, we asked readers what they were grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday.

I’m thankful to spend it I’m thankful that I have a I’m thankful for my fami - I’m thankful for my mom I’m thankful to be home with my family. We have beautiful daughter who ly and thankful for know - and my grandma and with family, and that I’m a lot to be grateful for. is healthy. I’m thankful ing that God gave us grandpa. I’m thankful for working. We’re lucky that we can that I have a job and a food, because poor peo - all the food they gave Anthony Pappilon be here and eat. I have roof over my head. I’m ple don’t have food, so me and for everything a lot of friends and fami - thankful that my parents I’m thankful for that. that happened this year. ly that are there for me, are living and are nice eliott Arzuaga hector Calderon and I’m always grateful. and healthy. I wish that James Mejia everybody out there would realize that they are blessed to be breathing and living, because some people aren’t. Jacqueline sarpong

Crime Trends in Sector F (2006-2010)

In the attempt to give a broader picture of local crime trends in specific neighborhoods over the past five years, we have compiled crime statistics from each of the 52nd Precinct’s 15 individual sectors (obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request to the NYPD). Sectors A, B, C and D were featured in the Nov 3-16 edition. We’ll provide all of the graphs online at norwoodnews.org. This issue shows Sector F, a small area bordered by Valentine and Jerome avenues (west to east), and Kings - bridge Road and 198th Street (south to north). As the graphs depict, the numbers show a slight decline in crime within the area, with spikes in 2008 and 2009 across many of the fields. Burglary, rape, murder and auto larceny have declined by 2010, while grand larceny, robbery and felony assault have increased. December 1 –14, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 5 A Neighborhood Loses Its Pizza Man, But Not His Pizza (continued from p. 1) public assistance. “Money is not around Sal’s employment as evidence of the “He’s friendly, very, very nice,” she says. Lina, had moved to the Bronx earlier like what it used to be,” he says. man’s goodness. “If he’s bad, I wouldn’t “He caters to your every need. He treats that year to live with her sister and her But through it all, Sal’s has stayed stay here 12 days,” he says. you like family.” sister’s husband, an American citizen. popular and profitable. “We did well,” he Lissette Checo has been a Sal’s regu - That’s exactly how Sal sees his cus - On Christmas Eve, Sal arrived in the says. Well enough to allow Sal to retire at lar since she moved to the neighborhood tomers, like family. Ask him what he will United States. The plan wasn’t neces - 62. 10 years ago. She’s tried everything on miss most. Sal says: “My customers, my sarily to stay forever, but that’s how it In 1997, Sal’s relocated to Bainbridge the menu and says you can’t go wrong people. That’s my family. This neighbor - worked out. Avenue and tripled in size. He took on with any selection. And then, there’s Sal. hood, this is my home.” “It’s New York, you find what you can more employees and offered one of the find,” he says. only sit-down restaurants in the area. He first settled in the south Bronx In addition to providing the best Ital - and worked construction until the pizza ian food in the neighborhood, his restau - bug bit him. About 10 years into his time rant has served as a rock of stability. Sal in the States, his brother-in-law bought a made a point of fostering continuity. He pizza place in Dobbs Ferry and Sal start - rarely missed work and only took Sun - ed working with him, making pies. days off. Isaias Sandoval started working Soon, Sal decided to open his own at Sal’s 20 years ago at the age of 19. pizza shop on Central Avenue in Scars - Mike Mulaj, another constant presence dale. In 1980, he re-located the shop to at Sal’s front counter, has been with Sal Norwood in a small location on East for 12 years. 206th Street, just around the corner from And, of course, there’s the food. From the current Sal’s, right next to a “num - the beginning, Sal says he has only used bers joint and a bar,” he says. “top ingredients, the best tomatoes, the The neighborhood was about 75 per - best cheese, everything.” Another secret cent Irish at the time, Sal estimates: “5 to his success, Sal says, is that he never percent Italian, 5 percent Jewish, 5 per - adds sugar to his sauce as many New cent Albanian, hardly any Spanish peo - York pizza makers do. That also means, ple.” Over the years, the demographics he says, “that nobody goes home at night have changed dramatically. Most of the with a bellyache.” Irish, Italians and Jews have moved out Sal says his other secret is that “I and Hispanics, Bengalis, West Indians treat everyone with respect.” That’s why and African-Americans have moved in. he believes people keep coming back. “The neighborhood has changed from Ask anyone about Sal and they will day to night,” he says. “But for me, it’s smile and tell you how great he is. all good.” “He’s the best man,” says Sandoval, He sees that residents have less with a big smile. “He’s like my father. money these days, many of the working This man is incredible.” class people replaced by those living on Mulaj points to his dozen years under

DCA #1087738 6 ■ December 1 –14, 2011 ■ Norwood News

The number of Vital residents considered “food Stats Be Heal thy! 1.47m insecure,” according to USDA data. Amid Hunger and Budget Cuts, Food Pantries Struggle By JEANMARIE EVELLY demand for food this year; 70 percent said and for the federal Supplemental Nutri - they were forced to ration food by limiting tion Assistance Program (SNAP), or food Transplant Symposium The food pantry at Tolentine Zeiser portion size, reducing hours of operation, stamp program, came through stimulus Montefiore Medical Center will Community Life Center, on University or turning people away. funds approved in the American Recov - host its third annual Transplant Sym - Avenue and Fordham Road, doesn’t open The survey also pointed to federal data ery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. posium on Friday, Dec. 2, at the New until 9 a.m. But the line of people who indicating that one out of every six New Food stamp enrollment has soared in York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth queue up at the building for the bags of gro - York City residents is “food insecure,” or New York City over the last few years — Ave., from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discus - ceries the center hands out starts to form not always certain of where they will find nearly 1.8 million residents were receiving sions will be led by experts in health - some three hours earlier, around 6 a.m. their next meal. According to U.S. Depart - the benefits last year — and experts credit care, government, and economics. The “The line has gotten longer,” said Sister ment of Agriculture figures, one of every the program as vital to staving off hunger. event is targeted for transplant practi - Margaret McDermott, who runs the center. four New York City children lives in a “We try to identify people — anyone tioners, surgeons, physicians,coordi - “A lot more working families need food food insecure home, the survey said. who comes to our door who is not nators, registered nurses, social work - now. It’s either your rent, or your food.” “Child and adult hunger levels are enrolled, we get them enrolled,” said Jack ers and administrative leaders. To At Christ Eternal Refuge Church, in soaring, while our front line nonprofit Marth, of the Webster Avenue nonprofit register, visit www.mecme.org. Bedford Park, the weekly food pantry feeding agencies are being starved out of Part of the Solution. Marth said the num - opens at 1 p.m. on Fridays. Sometimes, business by government cuts,” said Joel ber of people served by the organization’s the line is so long that groceries will run Berg, executive director of the hunger food pantry program nearly doubled this Bronx World AIDS Day out within 20 minutes, said Jose coalition, in a statement. “How is it that year compared to last. On Friday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 Rodriguez, the senior pastor there. our leaders in Washington find Wall Last winter, Congress voted to cut p.m., at Fordham University’s Keating “It’s increasing, all the time increas - Street firms ‘too big to fail,’ but lose little some of the stimulus money intended for Hall, Bronx AIDS Services is hosting a ing,” he said. sleep allowing American children to go SNAP, and as part of the federal budget conference called, “HIV Prevention 30 As the recession trudges on, food ser - without food and allowing soup kitchens deal this year, the FEMA Emergency Years into the Epidemic: National vice programs in the Bronx and across and food pantries to close?” Food and Shelter Program, which funds Strategies and Local Realities.” There the city continue to struggle with increas - According to the coalition’s report, 47 kitchens and food pantries, saw its budget will be discussion of different HIV pre - ing demand, while contending with fewer feeding programs across the city closed cut by 40 percent. According to the Coali - vention modalities being proposed government dollars and resources. their doors over the last few years, 12 of tion Against Hunger, that’s translated against the backdrop of local realities The New York City Coalition Against which were in the Bronx. into a loss of $1.6 million for the city’s facing the Bronx (e.g. highly impover - Hunger, which annually surveys the city’s Despite these troubles, the city’s emergency feeding programs. ished neighborhoods, high incidence of food pantries and soup kitchens, found that pantries and food kitchens are actually in “It affects us. We can’t give the people HIV, multicultural communities, and 91 percent of the Bronx organizations that slightly better shape than they were a few as much food as we’d like to,” said Sister harsh stigmas). For more information, responded said they faced an increased years ago. A boost in funding for them, McDermott, of Tolentine Zeiser. call Sojourner McCauley at (718) 295- “But to be honest,” she said. “We’re 5605; or email: [email protected]. grateful for anything.”

Photo by David Greene PART OF THE SOLUTION (POTS) volunteers hustle to meet the demands of 800 hun - gry Bronxites at a Thanksgiving celebration last week at Our Lady of Refuge Church. Thanksgiving Volunteers Give Back Some 800 people turned up last week at large number of people who come to eat. Our Lady Of Refuge Church, on East Fordham Heights resident Steven 196th Street, where volunteers were kick - Clarke was there for the third year in a row. ing off the start of the holiday season by “Times are hard,” he said. “I’ve had to cut serving Thanksgiving meals to the back on certain things. I would have had a underprivileged. Thanksgiving, but not a meal like this.” For over two decades, the Webster At last week’s holiday meal, Robert Avenue nonprofit Part of the Solution Stringfield, a struggling father of three (POTS) and volunteers from the Church from South, had finished his of the Resurrection in Rye, N.Y., have turkey and was working on his two pieces teamed up to provide free hot meals on of pumpkin and pecan pie. Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our Lady “You get to eat well, and socialize with of Refuge Church offers space to the your neighbors,” he said. groups so they can accommodate the —DAVID GREENE December 1 –14, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 7

Photo by Francesca Andre CLINTON FELL to Lincoln in the playoffs for the second straight year. Clinton Falls Short in Playoffs By RONALD CHAVEZ to star player Ashton McKenzie in the first quarter after a player fell on his left So close and yet so far away. ankle. Ashton is the team’s kicker, line - For the second year in a row, the backer and fullback. He tried to return to DeWitt Clinton varsity football team’s the game at the start of the second half, season ended with a resounding loss to but couldn’t play through the injury. Brooklyn’s Lincoln High School. “Losing him that early really put us in Last year, the Governors lost to the a whole. It made it tough for us to come Railsplitters in the second round of the back. We tried though,” Coach Howard playoffs. This year Clinton came into their Langley told the Daily News. He called semifinal playoff matchup — the school’s the injury a high ankle sprain. first trip to the semis in more than two Lincoln played Quarterback Ryan decades — riding a five-game winning Camilo tough, sacking him seven times, streak. But the result, a resounding 30-14 according to the New York Post. loss, was similarly disappointing. Lincoln’s Railsplitters will move on to The loss was marked by an early injury face Erasmus at Yankee Stadium on Dec. 6. 8 ■ December 1 –14, 2011 ■ Norwood News Neighborhood Notes

Young Adult Internships to 6 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, fees, and a com - The Northern Improve - plete schedule of classes, call (718) 589- ment Corporation, 76 Wadsworth Ave. 5819 or visit www.bronxriverart.org. (between 176th and 177th streets), 2nd floor, classroom C, is offering informational ses - sions for its internship program for young Women Speaker Series adults between the ages of 16 and 24, week - The Bronx Women’s Business Center days at 2 p.m. The program includes job will host its annual Speaker Series, on readiness training, counseling, and assis - Friday, Dec. 9 at the Bronx Library Cen - tance in finding employment after comple - ter, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., from 11 a.m. tion. For more information, call (212) 453- to 1 p.m. The event showcases Bronx 5394 or visit nmic.org. women as role models in business sec - tors. For more information or to RSVP, City Hiring Snow Laborers call Marcia Cameron at (718) 933-7469 or email [email protected]. The NYC Department of Sanitation is registering emergency snow laborers to Photo by Jeanmarie Evelly remove snow at bus stops and crosswalks Business Plan Competition LIVING WAGE SUPPORTERS packed ’s for a rally last in the event of a heavy snowfall. Appli - The Science, Industry and Business week, the night before the City Council’s hearing on the bill. cants must be 18 years of age, eligible to Library (SIBL) with the support of the work in the US and capable of performing Citi Foundation have announced their heavy physical labor. Interested candi - third annual business plan competition, dates can register Monday to Friday at the Armory at Center of for entrepreneurs who live in Manhattan, following garages: District 12 (310 W. 215th the Bronx or and have a plan St.); District 10 (110 E. 131st St.); or District to start a business in one of these bor - 9 (125 E. 149th St.); between 7 a.m. and 3 oughs. Prizes range from $1,500 to $15,000, Living Wage Debate p.m. The hourly rate begins at $12 and along with having access to business sup - (continued from p. 1) wide movement for fair wages, and proof increases to $18 after completing the first port services made available to all partici - “Even with its modifications, this is of the Bloomberg administration’s strict 40 hours. For more information, call 311. pants. Interested parties are required to bad legislation,” said Nancy Ploeger, pro-business agenda. attend an orientation session at the Bronx president of the Manhattan Chamber of “We rescued our community from Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., on Fine Art & Digital Media Commerce. what would have become a poverty wage Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. For more infor - A coalition of the city’s business inter - center,” Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter, who Classes mation, visit nypl.org/bizplan. ests and trade unions launched a counter- heads the Kingsbridge Armory Redevel - The Bronx River Art Center, 2064 campaign against the bill this month, opment Alliance, said at a rally in Harlem Boston Rd., begins its winter quarter of For more Neighborhood Notes called Putting New Yorkers to Work, com - the night before the Council hearing. classes in Fine Art & Digital Media for all online, go to www.norwoodnews.org plete with a website and paid advertise - “Let’s be very clear: it was Bloomberg ages in January. Registration runs from and click on “Neighborhood Notes” ments. Their main argument, illuminated who killed those jobs.” Dec. 12 through Jan. 14, weekdays from 3 in the right-hand column. in the testimony of several speakers dur - As the argument between the two ing the Council hearing, is that a living sides continues to intensify, Quinn has wage mandate would kill new businesses remained neutral. As Speaker, she has and jobs and devastate the city’s economy the ability to kill a bill by refusing to — an argument held by Mayor Bloomberg. bring it to the floor for a vote. Through - The bill’s supporters, a coalition of out the hearing, she peppered both camps faith leaders, nonprofits and elected offi - with questions but did little to indicate cials who have been campaigning for over where she stands on the issue. A likely a year now under the name Living Wage mayoral candidate in 2013, she has been NYC, spent much of the hearing refuting cautious not to ostracize either side of those assertions. Experts from other the debate. cities that have wage mandates, like Los At the start of the hearing, she said Angeles and San Francisco, phoned in to she hoped the Council could find a way to testify to the success of the laws in their raise wages for New Yorkers “without respective cities. doing anything that would make New Both sides have repeatedly referenced York City a less desirable place to start or the Kingsbridge Armory to bolster their to relocate a business, or hurt our job-cre - arguments. In 2009, the City Council— ation efforts in any way.” pressed by a coalition of Bronx commu - “I’m hopeful,” Koppell said. “But as nity leaders and Borough President with everything else in the Council, it Diaz—killed plans for a shopping mall at comes down to the Speaker.” the long-vacant building because the Should Quinn decide to bring the bill developer of the project, Related Compa - up for a vote, its backers would still need nies, refused to agree to a living wage to win the support of a few more Council mandate, despite being poised to receive members: the legislation currently has 29 tens of millions of dollars from the city votes, but needs 34 to override the almost- in the form of tax breaks. certain veto it would get from Mayor Living wage opponents point to the Bloomberg. some 2,000 jobs lost when the Armory At the living wage rally last week, project was quelled as evidence that the hundreds of people packed into the pews bill would, indeed, stifle economic devel - of Harlem Riverside Church for a spirit - opment. ed, nearly two-hour service. Dozens of “The Kingsbridge Armory remains speakers took to the microphone in sup - vacant because of the living wage man - port of the legislation; several likened date. Those jobs were killed because of the campaign to other movements raging this wage mandate,” Jack Kittle, political across the country and elsewhere, reiter - director of District Council No. 9 of the ating a sentiment of disillusionment International Union of Painters and with those in charge and frustration over Allied Trades, testified at last week’s the widening wealth gap. hearing. “What is $10 an hour?” Koppell asked The bill’s supporters, however, paint the cheering crowd. “It’s barely enough the Armory as the birthplace of the city - to survive, and it’s all we’re asking.” December 1 –14, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 9 Classifieds

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at 3 p.m. (tickets are $10 to $25; $10 for ages 12 and ■ Woodlawn Cemetery will host a Christmas and Holiday Holiday Events under). For more information, call (718) 960-8833. Concert in its Woolworth Chapel, just inside the Jerome Avenue entrance, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. For more information ■ Holiday Lighting Event, Sparkling the Heart of Fordham, will ■ Fordham United Methodist Church, 2543 Marion Ave., including fees, call (718) 920-1470. take place at Bryan Park (East Fordham and East Kingsbridge presents Messiah, Part I, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. For more infor - roads), Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Featured will be Santa Claus, mation, call (718) 367-9347. ■ The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD), 841 free gifts for children, holiday music, raffles, prizes, giveaways, Barretto St., presents Los Nutcrackers: A Christmas Carajo, and a performance by the Fordham University Gospel Choir. ■ St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1891 McGraw a combination of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, per - Show your MetroCard and get 10 percent off at select stores. Ave., hosts a Holiday Concert, featuring the Bronx Concert formed as a Latino queer comedic play, Dec. 2, 3, 8-10, and 15- For more information, visit FordhamRoadBid.org. Singers performing a variety of holiday music, Dec. 11 at 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 on Thursdays and $25 on Fridays 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $20/two for $35; $15 for seniors and and Saturdays, with discounts for seniors, groups and Bronx ■ The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford students with valid ID; and $5 for children through high residents. For more information and to reserve, call (718) 842- Pk. Blvd. W., presents A Bronx Messiah featuring the school. For more information, call (800) 838-3006. 5223 or visit www.BronxAcademyOf ArtsAndDance.org. Bronx Opera Chorus and the Orchestra of the Bronx, Dec. 11 ■ The New York Botanical Garden presents Holiday Train Show, featuring replicas of NYC landmarks made of natural materials such as bark, twigs, fruits and seeds, and large- scale model trains running along nearly a quarter mile of track featuring bridges, tunnels and waterfalls, through Jan. 16. For more information, call (718) 817-8700.

■ A special Holly Jolly Trolley will run on Saturday, Dec. 10 with events that include festive music, giveaways, and a holiday craft sale. For more information, call (718) 931- 9500 ext. 23 or visit www.bronxarts.org. Onstage

■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, presents Slavic Soul Party, featuring Balkan music, Dec. 10 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org.

■ Lehman College, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents Winter Concert, featuring classical music performed by the Lehman College and Community Chorus, Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall (complimentary tickets will be available at the Box Office beginning at 1 p.m. on performance day), and Here’s That Rainy Day, celebrating music of the Big Band era, performed by the college’s Jazz Band, Dec. 7 at noon in the Hearth Room on the third floor of the Music Building (call (718) 960-8247 for both events); and a Concert, featuring two performers from the Metropolitan Opera, followed by a Q&A with the artists, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Music Building (call (718) 960-2416). All events are free.

■ The Bronx Arts Ensemble presents Peter and the Wolf, Dec. 4 at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Whitehall Club Ballroom, 3333 Henry Hudson Pkwy. Tickets are $6. For more information, call (718) 601-7399 or visit bronxartsensemble.org.

■ The Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education, 928 Simpson St., will host South Bronx Folk Festival ( free, although suggested donation is $5), Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. For more information, call (718) 589-2230 or visit [email protected].

■ Pregones Theatre, 571-575 Walton Ave., presents Baile Cangrejero, featuring music, dance, poetry and theatre, Dec. 1 through 11. For more information, call (718) 585-1202.

■ The Bronx County Historical Society presents an Edgar Allan Poe Fund-raiser, featuring Latin performer Bobby Sanabria and his quartet, Dec. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m., at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Pk. So. (tickets are $70); and a Walking Tour, Old village of Unionport, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. (meet at the Chase bank at Hugh Grant Circle in Parkchester; $10/members; $15/non-members). For more December 1 –14, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 11 information or to RSVP, call (718) 881-8900. culture and the arts. Opening reception is Dec. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m.; and roundtable presenta - tions, workshops and discussions will be held Events Dec. 11 from 3 to 6 p.m. Program ends Jan. 6. For more information, call (718) 589-5819. ■ JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Sedgwick Ave., presents Day Trip to Chinatown, Dec. 7; Fire Safety, educational Library Events presentation by FDNY, Dec. 8 at 11:15 a.m.; Dancing Crane Georgian Performing Arts ■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. Ensemble performing ethnic dance, Dec. 11 Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, presents at 1:15 p.m. ($2) preceded by lunch at programs for kids including Preschool Story 12:15 p.m. ($2) (RSVP by Dec. 7); and Time, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 at 11 a.m.; Tales of Entertainer Ari Leshans, performing at the Snow (ages 5 to 12), Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.; Mad November/ December birthday party, Dec. Science Workshops at 4 p.m. (ages 3 to 12; 15 at 1 p.m. ($1) preceded by lunch ($2). registration required): on gravity, Dec. 6, and For more information and to RSVP, call (718) on bugs, Dec. 13; Holiday Card Making 549-4700. (ages 5 to 12), Dec. 8 at 4 p.m.; Family Time, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m.; The Mad Science ■ The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Holiday Spectacular (ages 3 to 12), Dec. 10 Concourse (165th Street), presents free, First at 2 p.m.; Film Day (ages 3 to 12), Dec. 7 and Fridays, featuring a music workshop followed 14 at 4 p.m.; and Global Partners, Jr. (ages 5 by a music video screening, and concluding to 12), students connect worldwide via the with a performance by Maya Azucena and her Internet, Dec. 7 and 14 at 4 p.m. Teens and band, Dec. 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. For more infor - young adults can join On the Plate, about mation, call (718) 681-6000. NYC food, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. Adults can attend MOMA, artist De Koonnig: A Retrospective, ■ The Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center, Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m.; Charge It Right, facts 3450 DeKalb Ave., presents Travels With about credit, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.; Tax Tips for Bob, featuring the Center’s Assistant the Self Employed (registration required), Executive Director Bob Altman showing Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.; and Released With photos and discussing his trip to Cuba, Dec. Conviction (through Dec. 17), exhibition on 7 at 12:30 p.m.; Free Legal Clinic, offering prison release; film screening, Dec. 7 at 2 answers to legal questions by pre-arranged p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. For more informa - appointment with attorney, Dec. 12 at 12:30 tion, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit p.m. (call for appointment); and Winter www.nypl.org. Holiday Party, including special luncheon at 11:30 a.m. (reservations required: $4; $5 at ■ The Mosholu Library, at 285 E. 205th St., the door space permitting), Dec. 14. For offers Toddler Story Time (registration more information, call (718) 798-6601. required) , Dec. 1 and 8 at 10:30 a.m.; Knitting Circle at 3 p.m. (for adults), Dec. ■ The public is invited to ride the Dec. 7 1, 8 and 15; Tacky the Penguin and Other free Bronx Culture Trolley, which trans - Frosty Winter Tales (ages 3 to 12), Dec. 6 ports visitors to Bronx hot spots. Trolley at 4 p.m.; and Wii Program (for seniors and night starts with a 5 p.m. reception at the adults), Tuesdays at 3 p.m. For more infor - Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community mation, call (718) 882-8239. College, 450 Grand Concourse (at 149th St.). From there, the trolley departs at 5:30, ■ The Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. For more information Place, offers Film, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.; and and a detailed schedule, call (718) 931-9500 Toddler Story Time, Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. For ext. 33 or log on to www.bronxarts.org. more information, call (718) 549-5200.

NOTE: Items for consideration may be Exhibits mailed to our office or sent to norwood - We’re Proud to Provide [email protected], and should be ■ Bronx River Art Center, 305 E. 140th St., received by Dec. 5 for the next publication #1A, presents free: Shifting Communities, date of Dec. 15. Find more events at Safe and Affordable an exhibition highlighting dynamic initiatives in www.bronxnewsnetwork.org. Housing Throughout The Northwest Bronx.

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