Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights NORWOOD NEWS Vol. 25, No. 17 ■ PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION ■ September 6 –19, 2012

SLIDING INTO NEW SCHOOL YEAR Bronx’s Hottest Political Race Takes Tabloid Detour By ALEX KRATZ Despite her lateness — attendance problems in Albany have plagued Rivera In early August, the Bronx’s most throughout her eight years in office — intense primary race made a stop outside the incumbent wasn’t quite ready to give of Tracey Towers, the high-rise apart - up her seat. In her remarks, she laid into ment complex on Mosholu Parkway unscrupulous landlords and took a swipe where tenants are fighting to stave off an at her opponent. (Gjonaj is well-connect - enormous rent hike. ed in the Bronx real estate world. He says Tracey lies within the 80th Assembly he’s only a property manager who owns District, which, following redistricting, some vacant land, but his family owns winds through Norwood on its way to several Bronx apartment buildings. Gjon - Morris Park and Pelham Bay. On this par - aj wouldn’t say how much of his cam - ticular Saturday, tenants held a rally to paign is funded by real estate money, but protest the rent increase and invited any - several real estate companies are listed one who would listen and support them. as contributors, according to campaign Representatives from several elected offi - finance records.) cials showed up and sat at a table in front The scene fit the narrative of the race of the crowd. up until it took a tabloid turn the very Half an hour into the rally, however, next day. 80th Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera was In its Sunday edition, the New York Photo by Adi Talwar nowhere to be found. That’s when Mark Post unveiled an “exclusive” story about STUDENTS FROM PS/MS 20 on Webster Avenue in Norwood celebrate the arrival Gjonaj, the well-heeled realtor who has a Facebook page Rivera used to post pic - of a completely revamped playground area on Friday, Aug. 31, just a week before launched a relentless campaign to unseat tures of her getting cozy with a political school starts on Sept. 6. The playground was dedicated to the school’s longtime and Rivera, was asked to sit at the front table. hopeful from Brooklyn, Tommy Torres, beloved parent coordinator, Haydee Criscenti, who passed away last October. More He obliged. Then 15 minutes later, he got who she hired to be a part-time commu - photos from the dedication ceremony can be found online at norwoodnews.org. up as Rivera made her way to the table. (continued on p. 5) Diaz Says Ice Center Is Best for Kingsbridge Armory By ALEX KRATZ ty space. It would also feature an affordable The other group in the running is youth program based on a successful Young Woo & Associates, which wants to Two weeks ago, in front of the Armory model implemented in Philadelphia. turn the Armory into a creative market on Kingsbridge Road, Bronx Borough Diaz said the group assembled — for local artisans and entrepreneurs. The President Ruben Diaz Jr., flanked by a including State Senator Gustavo Rivera project would also include recreational hockey team worth of political support - (who can see the Armory from his apart - facilities, some mid-sized retail, a gym, the ers, said he was throwing his weight ment, he likes to say), Councilman Oliver world’s largest indoor climbing rock and behind a plan that would make better use Koppell (who reminded everyone it was the country’s first 4-D movie theater. of the Armory by turning it into the his dream to have ice sports at the According to the Daily News, Young Woo world’s largest ice sports center. Armory 15 years ago), and Assemblyman responded, saying it was “very surprised The project, known as the Kingsbridge Nelson Castro — was speaking as a uni - and obviously disappointed” by the bor - National Ice Center, is backed by a group fied voice to the mayor’s office and the ough president’s endorsement and defend - of Long Island businessmen, and sup - city’s Economic Development Corpora - ed their plan, called Mercado Mirabo, as ported by two big names stars of the ice tion, which will decide on a developer for the option that would “offer the most sig - — New York Rangers hockey legend the Armory sometime in September. nificant benefits to the surrounding com - Mark Messier and Olympic gold medal- (Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz also munity and all the residents of the winning figure skater Sarah Hughes. At a came out in support of the ice center.) Bronx.” (Young Woo announced last week cost of $275 million, the final product Notably not present, however, was that the National Hip Hop Museum will be would create nearly 1,000 temporary con - Bronx Councilman Fernando Cabrera, part of the overall development plan for struction jobs and 270 permanent so- whose district includes the Armory. Mercado Mirabo.) called “living wage jobs” ($11.50 an hour). Although Cabrera wasn’t available to Diaz said the ice project would pump “Given the developer’s commitment to attend the press conference due to a con - more money into the local economy and ‘living wage’ jobs, local hiring and com - flicting meeting with the police commis - wouldn’t compete with the area’s small Photo by David Greene munity programming, it is clear that the sioner, his chief of staff, Greg Faulkner, businesses. AT A PRESS conference in front of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center project is said Cabrera has not taken a public posi - Asked by BronxTalk host Gary Axel - Kingsbridge Armory, (left to right) the right fit for our borough,” Diaz said. tion on which developer he prefers. A few bank if Bronxites would actually use the Rangers legend Mark Messier, State The center would feature nine Olympic- months ago, Cabrera was said to be down ice rinks, Diaz said: “There’s an old Senator Gustavo Rivera, figure skater sized ice rinks, including a 5,000-seat on the ice center plan because it didn’t adage, Gary. If you build it, they will Sarah Hughes and Borough President arena, and 50,000 square-feet of communi - offer enough community benefits. come.” Ruben Diaz Jr. hold up a Bronx quilt.

■ Meet the 80th AD Underdogs, p. 2 ■ SUVs Go Window Shopping, p. 7 ■ Retail for Bainbridge Fire Lot, p. 12 www.norwoodnews.org 2 ■ September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News In The Public Interest

Vol. 25, No. 17 The 80th Assembly cal history with Rivera – Estrada-Rukaj times are young adults and their par - has been removed from the ballot twice ents, who are saddled with helping their Norwood News is published District Underdogs before, including in 2004, when Rivera adult children,” said Bermudez. bi-weekly on Thursdays by would go on to be elected to the Assem - Prior to announcing his candidacy, Mosholu Preservation Corporation Irene Estrada-Rukaj bly. She, however, continues to pursue Bermudez was working with another her political aspirations. campaign. He is now unemployed, and 3400 Reservoir Oval East Irene E strada-Rukaj, an ordained “We’re taking the district back,” said says he has a history of being underem - Bronx, New York 10467 minister and community activist, is Estrada-Rukaj. “It would be a privilege ployed. He cited Jose Rivera – his oppo - challenging incumbent Naomi Rivera to to be in the Assembly.” nent’s father and the patriarch of the Phone: 718 324 4998 represent the 80th Assembly District in Bronx political clan – as inspiration Fax: 718 324 2917 Albany. Estrada-Rukaj is one of four can - E-mail: [email protected] since he ran for State Assembly while didates whose names are appearing on Adam Bermudez Web: www.norwoodnews.org collecting unemployment in the early the ballot on Primary Day, Sept. 13. The youngest candidate in a crowded 1980s. Originally from Midland, Texas, field for the 80th Assembly District pri - Having only recently crossed the Estrada-Rukaj mary, Adam Bermudez, 29, worked as a $1,000 mark in fund-raising, Bermudez is came to the reporter for the Bronx Times and as a Publisher CEO, Mosholu running his cam - Bronx as a 20- freelance public affairs consultant for Mosholu Preservation Preservation paign on a small year-old with other campaigns before deciding to run Corporation Corporation scale, especially her two young for office himself. Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia compared to daughters in A self-described “progressive Democ - Alex Kratz Rivera and fellow 1982 to get rat,” Bermudez decided to get involved challenger Mark involved with in the race because he was not pleased Gjonaj. Classified Advertising ministry work. with the current state of the district. “Bottom line Dawn McEvoy Since then, the “I realized that I was unsatisfied with is I had not start - Mexican-Ameri - the current incumbent [Assembly - Accounts Receivable ed fund-raising can has become woman Naomi Rivera],” Bermudez said. Dawn McEvoy IRENE ESTRADA- early on,” said a New York State “I choose to run because I feel I could Proofreader RUKAJ Bermudez. “I chaplain and is offer our community what we deserve.” ADAM BERMUDEZ Judy Noy wanted this to be heavily involved in community work. Bermudez was born and raised in the Production a real grassroots campaign. I’m hoping “This is my district,” Estrada-Rukaj Pelham Gardens neighborhood of the Neil deMause to raise a few thousands of dollars to said. “I’ve been living here for 30 years Bronx, and attended Regis High School have a serious race.” Regular Contributors and have been very active for the last 30 on the Upper East Side before earning a David Greene, Adi Talwar, Ronald Chavez Besides promoting job training to years.” bachelor’s degree at Wesleyan Universi - curb unemployment, Bermudez also Interns Now 52 years old and a grandmother of ty in Connecticut. wants to push education reform. (He Chloe Rickert, Sarah Ramirez, Jaleesa two, she lives alone on Wallace Avenue “I’ve lived here all of my life,” said Baulkman spent a year studying for a msaster’s (she separated from her husband in 2003) Bermudez. “I really know this communi - degree in elementary education at the and currently serves as the parent coor - ty and understand this community.” For display advertising, call University of Pennsylvania before dinator at Aspire Preparatory Middle Bermudez also has deep roots here, as (718) 324-4998. returning to the Bronx to pursue a School and is a member of Community both of his parents were born in New career in politics.) Board 11. She has responded to 9/11 and York City. His mom, who is of Irish Support Your “What I really care about is education Hurricane Katrina. According to Estra - descent, was born and raised in the Community Newspaper! reform that considers the needs of the da-Rukaj, her specialties are education, Bronx and works as a part-time assistant The Norwood News is a not-for-profit teachers,” said Bermudez. housing and emergency services. in Manhattan. His paternal grandpar - publication and relies upon the support of The candidate also believes his youth, Estrada-Rukaj lacks the strong finan - ents emmigrated from Puerto Rico, and its advertisers and readers to produce a coupled with his professional experi - cial standing that Assemblywoman his father is a former mortgage broker. quality community newspaper. To support ence, is an asset rather than a detriment. your paper, become a member and Rivera and fellow challenger Mark Gjon - (Bermudez himself also dabbled in real “People keep telling me I’m ‘fresh receive a subscription for one year. aj have, but remains hopeful. estate.) blood,’” said Bermudez. “I feel many “The 80th district is not for sale,” said “I’m very much of a family hit by the people are excited to see a fresh, young Simply mail check or money order for Estrada-Rukaj. “Not to a landlord, not to financial crisis,” said Bermudez. Unem - candidate who’s not beholden to any spe - $40 to: Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir a politician whose family is being inves - ployment is one of the issues he is most Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. cial interests or allegiances. When a tigated.” passionate about. voter is voting for Adam Bermudez, Estrada-Rukaj also pointed fingers at “As far as joblessness, as a young Norwood News is not responsible for they’re voting for Adam Bermudez.” the press for making the primary look twentysomething, some of those most typographical errors. Opinions expressed —SARAH RAMIREZ in signed letters and bylined columns rep - like a two-way race. vulnerable in these tough economic resent the sole opinion of the author and “That’s not equal representation on are not necessarily those of Mosholu their behalf,” she said. Preservation Corporations or Montefiore She also is confident her connections Public and Community Meetings Medical Center. Editorials represent the with the clergy, community board and • Primary Day is Thursday, Sept. 13. See page 6 for details on how and where to vote. views of the editor and/or publisher only. children’s organizations will make a dif - The newspaper reserves the right to limit ference in the polls. • COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its general board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 18 at or refuse advertising it deems objection - “We’re working hard getting the job 6:30 p.m. at the Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Road. For more informa - able. Advertisements appearing in this tion, call (718) 933-5650. paper cannot be used without the written done,” said Estrada-Rukaj. “People are permission of Norwood News . Letters to excited, people who have never voted • COMMUNITY BOARD 7 committee meetings will be held on the following dates at the editor are subject to condensation and before, because they know I’ve been the board office, 229A E. 204th St. at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Parks & Rec, editing. Writers should include their working and running for so long.” Thursday, Sept. 6; Economic Development, Tuesday, Sept. 11; Traffic & Transporta - affiliation or special interest if any. The community activist also believes tion, Thursday, Sept. 13; Health & Hospitals, Monday, Sept. 17; Housing, Wednesday, Anonymous letters are not published but her experiences speak for themselves. Sept. 19. your name can be withheld if requested. “I’m more concerned about the condi - tions of the community,” said Estrada- • The 52ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL will meet on Thursday, Sept. 27, from Rukaj. “I don’t believe in disparity.” 7 to 9 p.m. at Cosmopolitan AME Church, 39 W. 190th St. For more information, call Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a (718) 220-5824. not-profit support corporation of She says many of the issues that Montefiore Medical Center. apply to residents of the district also apply to her life, mentioning that she is in court with her landlord over the high rent. Follow the Norwood News “I’m a tenant, not a landlord,” Estra - da-Rukaj said, another dig at realtor on Facebook and Gjonaj. @norwoodnews on Twitter Estrada-Rukaj also has a long politi - September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 3 4 ■ September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 5 Bronx’s Hottest Political Race Takes Tabloid Detour

(continued from p. 1) well as his real estate ties and his lack of Democratic nity liaison for $18,123 over a four-month period ending credentials. (Gjonaj has a home on City Island, but is in December 2010. The story raised questions about how planning on moving into the district. He only recently Torres could do that job, which amounted to about $54 an became a registered Democrat and says he has identified hour, and still hold down full-time employment as a gym as an Independent in the past. ) teacher with the Department of Education. But Rivera hasn’t talked to the media about the inves - Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver quickly sent out a tigations since they became public. She declined to be statement, saying the hiring was completely above interviewed for this article. board. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Meanwhile, Gjonaj is sparing no expense to take other supporters defended Rivera, saying she was the Rivera down and paint himself as a defender of tenants. victim of a smear campaign. But questions remained Last week, he helped re-open a shuttered community about exactly what Torres did to warrant such a high room at the Allerton Co-ops and hired a lawyer to file an rate of pay. injunction on behalf of tenants against the rent hike at The next week, the Post dropped another bombshell Photo by David Greene Tracey Towers. (A hearing was scheduled for Wednes - report based on information provided by Vincent Pinela, MARK GJONAJ rallies with tenants from Tracey Towers day morning, Sept. 5. Rivera said she would work toward a former personal trainer who Rivera had helped get a at Borough Hall after hiring a lawyer to file an injunc - stopping the rent increase, but it’s unclear what she’s job as the executive director of the Bronx Council for tion on their behalf to prevent a rent hike. Incumbent done on behalf of Tracey tenants since the early August Economic Development, a nonprofit started by former Naomi Rivera has counted on Tracey residents for rally.) Bronx Democratic boss Roberto Ramirez. votes over the past eight years. Gjonaj has also sent out his Gjonaj CARES crew — Pinela said he was unqualified for the job, but are baseless accusations. I will not let myself be dis - stands for his mantra in acronym form: Community, Rivera, who has pumped hundreds of thousands of dol - tracted from the work that needs to be done in my dis - Accountability, Respect, Encouragement, Service — an lars in discretionary funds into the council over the trict.” army of workers clad in yellow T-shirts who clean up years, gave it to him anyway. During his tenure at the But since the story broke, the Bronx District Attor - various parts of the district. council, which ended in 2010, Pinela said Rivera direct - ney, the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of “That’s what I do,” he says. “I see a problem and I do ed him to use council funds for extravagant personal Education and the State Joint Commission on Public something about it.” meals, campaign expenses and to hire her brother for Ethics have launched investigations into the dealings The other two challengers in the race, however, say outside work. with Torres and Pinela. neither is worthy of representing the district. When Pinela broke up with Rivera, he said the assem - Joseph McManus, the district leader in the 80th “The 80th District is not for sale – not to a landlord, blywoman replaced his staff with her relatives and Assembly District initially brushed off the allegations. not to a politician whose family is being investigated,” made it difficult for him to continue working there. “If it’s not in all three papers [ Post, Daily News and New said Irene Estrada-Rukaj. When he was fired, Pinela filed a sexual harassment York Times ], then it’s not a story,” he said. “It’s clear by the misappropriation of funds that the complaint against Rivera, but lost because she wasn’t But now, all of the papers have written about the incumbent has no respect for most workers,” Adam his direct employer. scandal, lumping Rivera in with an infamous list of Bermudez said about Rivera. To the Post , Rivera again denied the allegations, say - elected officials who have been buried by corruption He added about Gjonaj: “I think Mark is a nice man. ing “The allegations made by Mr. Pinela against me are scandals, including ex-state senators from the Bronx like However, he is an independent, not a Democrat. I have no untrue and are made intentionally and maliciously to Pedro Espada, Efrain Gonzalez and Guy Velella. idea if Mark will pursue progressive Democrat legisla - defame my character, and to question my integrity. Rivera has since made appearances at recent commu - tion [if elected].” Friends, and constituents who know me, know that these nity events, attacking Gjonaj for being an outsider, as The primary is Thursday, Sept. 13.

9/30/12 9/30/12 6 ■ September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News Primary Election FAQs When do I vote? Primary Day is Thursday, September 13.

Where do I vote? The Board of Elections notified registered voters about their polling sites via mail. Find out your polling site is by visiting vote.nyc.ny.us, Click on “poll site locator and sample ballot” Type in your house number, street address and borough Click “Search” Contact the Bronx County Board of Elections at (718) 299-9017 Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 13

Can I still register to vote? No. To be eligible to vote in the Sept. 13 primary, you needed to register by Aug. 19. But don’t let that stop you. You can register for the general election held on Nov. 6 until Oct. 12.

How do I register? You can register in person at Bronx County Board of Elections located at 1780 Grand Concourse - 5th floor. Register to vote at any New York State Agency-based voter registration center, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and Social Services. Call Board of Election’s hotline to request a voter application at 1-800-FOR- VOTE. OR download a PDF version of the New York State Voter Registration Form, or complete a PDF form online at elections.ny.gov/VotingRegister.html. —Information courtesy of Board of Elections www.norwoodnews.org September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 7 Fire Escapes Reinstalled, Police Report Tenants Return to U-Heights Building

By JALEESA BAULKMAN Bronx Housing Court to address the per - mit violations and to discuss when ten - Residents of a Bronx building in Uni - ants could move back in. The judge con - versity Heights have returned to their cluded that if the fire escapes aren’t apartments after being displaced for a reinstalled and tenants aren’t allowed month and a half when city inspectors dis - back into the building by July 31 then covered that contractors doing repair work penalties would be imposed on Goldfarb. had inexplicably removed all of the build - At the hearing, Goldfarb Properties’ ing’s fire escapes without a permit. Now attorney said the building management Photo by David Greene tenants are organizing in hopes of prevent - could have the fire escapes up by the end FIREFIGHTERS SECURE the scene after two SUVs crashed into a Jerome Avenue ing similar problems down the road. of July or the first week of August. shoe store. The Buildings Department, which But the job was completed earlier than issued the vacate order for 2400 Webb ownership anticipated, and following the Ave. upon discovering the missing fire inspection, the vacate order was lifted 12 Injured as SUVs Crash escapes, inspected the newly installed completely. Other tenants who didn’t fire escapes and lifted the vacated order need fire escape access, like those on the on July 19. Since then, the building’s 200 first floor, were allowed to return earlier. Into Jerome Shoe Store or so tenants have been returning to their Staton said that all tenants were allowed homes and normalcy. to move back into the building on July 20. By DAVID GREENE Employees at Payless were busy clean - “Folks are trying to reorganize them - Tenant Karen Butler is glad to be back ing up debris the following day. The store selves, everything appears to be in order,” in the building after having to move her A dozen people were injured when two was still not answering its phone last week. tenant Michael Staton said. “I can’t say family to Yonkers to stay at a Residence out-of-control SUVs jumped a busy side - While no one was killed in the much about the quality of [the fire Inn by Marriott Hotels for the past sever - walk and plunged into a Norwood shoe crash, the area around Jerome escapes].” al weeks. She said the move made it diffi - store. Avenue, from Mosholu Parkway to East In July, Staton and other tenants took cult for her to get to work and get her Rescue crews were dispatched to the Gun Hill Road, is quickly becoming one their landlord, Goldfarb Properties, to daughter off to school in the morning. Payless ShoeSource, located at 3457 of the most deadly roads in the city. Butler said she is not worried about Jerome Ave., at just after 7 p.m., on Fri - On Feb. 19, two men were seriously the quality of the fire escapes after the day, Aug. 24 to a harrowing scene. injured when their Chevy Impala struck building management expedited the “There was a worker who was pinned a subway pillar on Jerome Avenue at Van process of reinstalling them. “I’m happy under one of the vehicles and a bunch of Cortlandt Avenue. The two men in this to be back at home and have normality in us went in there and we got her out,” said crash were critically injured but are said my life,” she said. one young man with fresh blood on his to be recovering. In an effort to prevent this from hap - pants leg. On Feb. 29, Norwood cab driver Kwame pening again, tenants of the University A second witness claimed one driver Awtwi, 51, suffered a heart attack and Heights building are organizing to create was making a broken U-turn when the crashed into a pole at the corner of East a tenants association to improve commu - driver of a Ford Expedition crashed into Gun Hill Road and Jerome. Awtwi died a nication between the tenants and Gold - it at a high rate of speed. short time later at Montefiore Medical farb Properties. But police said the second vehicle was Center. Staton said the purpose of this associ - parked, when the driver swerved, hitting On March 28, 28-year-old Justin Bravo, ation is to address individual concerns the parked car and forcing both SUVs to a teacher at MS 244 in Kingsbridge was and to look at ongoing work going on the be catapulted into the store. killed when he lost control of his motor - building. Most of the injuries were described as cycle and slammed into the wall of an Tenants intend for their representa - victims minor and all are expected to sur - overpass on Mosholu Parkway at Jerome tives in the tenants association to inter - vive. Avenue. act with Goldfarb Properties directly. Police say the driver and three passen - Detectives continue to hunt for the hit- “[We want] to keep a watchful eye on gers were injured in the Expedition and and-run driver who mowed down 23-year- Photo by Chloe Rickert things,” Staton said. “We’re looking to one victim was injured in the parked car. old Josbel Rivera, 23, who was killed on THE FIRE ESCAPES at 2400 Webb Ave. put that in place right away.” The seven additional victims were either Dec. 26, as he crossed Mosholu Parkway have been reinstalled, but tenants are Staton is hoping to elect officers for the walking along Jerome Avenue at the time at Paul Avenue. Days later the car was set organizing to prevent future problems. tenants association during September. of impact or inside the shoe store. ablaze in Kingsbridge. New Manager of Local Parks Worked Her Way Up By SARAH RAMIREZ reach coordinator working with volun - out to clean and maintain park areas. This summer, APSW and CPW crews teer groups. Later on as a requirements “I would say I’m pretty easy-going, I have been cleaning the Aqueduct Walk – a After seven years with the New York contract coordinator, Palmer helped man - don’t micromanage my staff,” said park consistently rated unacceptable in City Department of Parks and Recre - age the Parks budget and made sure Palmer. “I know the work will get done, its overall condition – cutting overgrown ation, Brooklyn resident Tannise Palmer money was being distributed to work on and so far we’ve been on the same page.” grass and weeds. has been named the Parks manager for safety issues. Palmer also steps out of the office to Palmer also is working on establishing Districts 7 and 8. The 7th district includes Palmer started in her new role in early personally visit the sites. a partnership for the parks with a larger the Norwood News’ coverage area and June, at the start of the parks’ busy season. “Throughout the week I go to a num - corporation, and having more coopera - parks such as Williamsbridge Oval, St. “My responsibility is to make sure ber of parks to make sure everything is tion between the parks and schools, James and Poe Park. everyone is doing their job correctly,” ok, and that any issues get corrected,” including the schools around Harris “I started as an intern and worked my said Palmer. “The supervisor makes sure said Palmer. “Right now our focus is on Field. way up,” Palmer said in an interview with the crews are going out and cleaning the cleanliness, especially in the summer Some parks present more of a chal - the Norwood News. Palmer graduated with parks to make sure the parks are clean months when the parks are getting the lenge than others depending on usage a degree in psychology from Northeastern and safe for the public.” most use.” and visitors’ behavior. University in Boston, before beginning her Palmer works with two Level 1 park “So far my strategy is focusing on the “[Parks] may be challenged because internship with the Parks Department. supervisors and one Level 2 park supervi - parks that are highly used and have high we have a lot of people going there, who After her internship, Palmer also sor, as well as Associate Park Service Work visibility,” Palmer added. “And the more don’t always follow park rules,” said gained experience as an assistant to the (APSW) and City Park Worker (CPW) involved the community gets, the more Palmer. “It’s always a challenge, but we director of capital projects and as an out - crews. The park supervisors take the crews vibrant the park becomes.” always do our best.” 8 ■ September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News

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Inquiring Photographer By DAVID GREENE With the Sept. 13 primary coming up, we asked readers why they thought the Bronx traditionally has a low voter turnout.

That is a good question. Because most young The Bronx is a large I think it’s either they Maybe they don’t under - For one, I don’t think the people do not come out immigrant community don’t care or they don’t stand politics. Maybe candidates are always and vote. They were not and many people from think their vote counts, I it’s too confusing and visible and I think they taught about the power their home countries really don’t know. I’m a they don’t understand need to make them - of turning the lever. may have been fearful voter. I haven’t seen any how much change they selves more visible, so Paloma Archilla of voting and that may rallies or anything — can make in their own we know who they are have carried over into only when it’s a mayoral community by voting. I and what they stand for. their new lives, which is race. vote, absolutely. I think If they did that, I think unfortunate. But that’s Julianna Crespo more people would vote more people would the beauty of America, if the politicians focused come out and vote. freedom. on the younger people. Nicole Hill Ed Taylor They are the future. Jennifer Dragonetti 10 ■ September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News

We love, welcome and encourage letters to the editor and opinion articles from readers. Write to: Editor, Norwood Opinion News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. Fax: (718) 324-2917; or e-mail: [email protected]. Op-Ed For Our Nation, Ignorance Would Not Be Bliss By GREGORY JOST vides a nuanced picture of what our very well spent. There is still hope that it edness. We should not trust them to invest nation (not to mention states, counties will be saved by the Senate or in budget properly in our nation’s future. Imagine a nation that does not know and neighborhoods) looks like, lives like, negotiations, but its defunding by House Jost is deputy director of University where its residents were born, how much and how much we earn, how we commute, Republicans is a testament to short-sight - Neighborhood Housing Program. they make, what type of housing they are whom we live with, and a host of other living in, where they work or how they get data points that are not part of the regu - to their jobs. This nation would not even lar census form. In fact, without the ACS, Letters know what percent of its population had all we would have is an every-ten-year and about since anyone can be stopped at finished high school or college, what type population count that includes age, race, Stop “Stop and Frisk” any time without warning? This amounts of heating fuel households are using, how and household composition. Nothing else. With respect to the front page story in to public humiliation, and even if an many are going without health insurance, Not only would we not have informa - your March 8 - 21 issue regarding “stop innocent victim subsequently complains what the divorce rate is, or where its vet - tion on place of birth, income, type of and frisk,” it seems that for a police offi - to the Civilian Complaint Review Board erans are living. housing, languages spoken or percent of cer to use his authority to stop and search and receives an apology, the victim is still This would be a nation without a sense people living in poverty, we would not have anyone at random and without cause is left with the memory of a traumatic expe - of self, without data to plan for the future. any sense of trends — no idea if these truly reprehensible. No one should be rience which cannot be undone. No road map. No GPS. This would be a numbers were going up or down in one subjected to random frisking at the whim It’s bad enough that some airline pas - nation that would not know how to allo - state, county or neighborhood, or another. of a policeman merely because he can. sengers at an airport may be required to cate resources or spend its money effec - We would be unable to evaluate the effec - Ditto for detaining anyone for question - undergo a body search in the name of tively. tiveness of social, economic or immigra - ing without any good cause. public safety, but on a public street? The United States of America could tion policies. In other words, we would be There have already been numerous That’s a bit much. soon become this nation. a nation lost and without directions. stories in the dailies about police over - While there are the few who may actu - House Republicans have recently voted The American Community Survey is stepping their authority and this issue is ally be caught with something illegal dur - to cut funding for a myriad of programs, too valuable to our planners, activists, no different. ing this procedure, it doesn’t warrant including something known as the Amer - advocates, businesses (of all sizes), There are those who may call this pursuing the stop and frisk at random. ican Community Survey. If you’ve never researchers, municipal agencies, trans - racial profiling, but what will this be Those who would carry a gun or who heard of it before, the American Commu - portation authorities, and our nation called if white individuals are stopped, have planned to commit a crime will nity Survey, or ACS, is administered by itself to be on the chopping block in the even if their numbers may be fewer than probably not be deterred. the Census Department and has, in effect, name of our so-called budget crisis (that minorities? And heaven forbid if anyone The time of police could be better replaced the “long form” that a sample of is really a revenue crisis). It currently should try to resist, since by doing so spent elsewhere. residents would get every 10 years. costs taxpayers about $242 million annu - they might risk outright arrest. The offi - Begun in 2005, the ACS collects ally (or about 77 cents per capita — less cers involved should be out looking for an Judy Noy detailed information from a random sam - than the cost of one day of war in actual crime in progress instead. Norwood resident pling of Americans each year and pro - Afghanistan), which I would say is money Should the public now fear being out September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 11 12 ■ September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News Business Beat Neighborhood Notes Free Personal Finance Mentoring Program for Bainbridge Ave. Fire Lot Course Students The Concourse House, 2751 Grand Con - The Young Scholars Immersion Pro - course (entrance on East 196th Street), gram, a program coordinated by Kings - To Become Retail presents The Getting Ahead Program, a bridge Heights Community Center and free 5-week personal finance course offer - Manhattan College, provides year-round If you’ve walked by the empty lot on According to plans on the website of ing workshops in money management, mentoring and enrichment opportunities Bainbridge Avenue and 204th Street the brokerage firm RKF, the lot will be credit building, debt reduction, budget for disadvantaged students in the Bronx. recently, you may have noticed a differ - turned into a one-story building that is creation and long term saving and plan - The program is currently seeking more ence: construction crews working to turn already open for commercial lease. ning (such as retirement, homeowner - high school applicants. Students get the it into something other than the rubble- RKF did not respond to inquiries for ship). In addition to new financial tools, chance to visit college campuses, partici - strewn lot that it has been since Hal - more information by press time, but con - graduates receive free credit report and pate in writing and study workshops and loween of 2009 when the building stand - struction is obviously still in beginning analysis and completion certificate, which get constant support from tutors at the ing there was burned down by a fire. stages. —ALEX KRATZ can be used at local credit unions for inno - College’s Center for Academic Success. vate products. Next course starts Sept. 13 For more information, contact Neil from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information or to Bogan at [email protected] or call register, call Jumelia at (718) 933-2539. (718) 884-0700 ext. 116. Flag Football Program MMCC Discovery Club The New York City Christian Athletic Mosholu Montefiore Community Cen - League, based in the northwest Bronx, is ter, 3450 DeKalb Ave., seeks students from accepting registration forms for the kindergarten to 6th grade to register for upcoming fall season for those ages 12 to the After School Discovery Club. Activi - 18. The league starts Sept. 15 and will run ties include homework help, sports, arts for 10 weeks. All games will be played on and crafts, dance, and more. Children are Saturday mornings at Harris Field. The picked up from area schools and the pro - fee for all players is $25. For more infor - gram lasts until 6 or 6:30 p.m., when par - mation or to fill out a registration form, ents pick up the students. For more infor - visit nyccl.org or e-mail [email protected]. mation and to register, call Ruth Moore at (718) 944-3207 or visit www.mmcc.org. CreativeMoney Workshops The Bronx Council on the Arts and After School Program for ArtHome are offering a series of work - Middle School Students shops for artists and independent work - Photo by Alex Kratz Riverdale Neighborhood House (RNH) ers on Wednesdays, Sept. 19 (Creative - A LOOK INSIDE the construction zone at the corner of Bainbridge Avenue and is offering free Out of School Time (OST) Money Homeownership Basics; free) and 204th Street, which will be turned into a retail building. programming for middle school students Sept. 26 (CreativeMoney Balance Basics; in the IN-Tech Academy at 2975 Tibbett $20), each from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. at Poe Ave. (off 230th Street). The program will Park Visitors Center, 2640 Grand Con - feature academic support, sports, and lead - course. Doors open at 6 p.m. Workshops ership development. For more information will cover financial literacy, personal contact [email protected], call (718) financial stability, credit access, small 549-8100, or visit www.riverdaleonline.org. business success and more. Advance pay - ment and registration are required. For more information or to RSVP, visit Literacy Connection bronxarts.org or call (718) 931-9500. Improve your reading, writing and math skills and work toward your GED Women’s Support Group with the Literacy Connection, a free edu - cation and employment program for The First Step Women’s Support young adults ages 16 to 24. The program Group will gather at the Jewish Home & is offered at the Mott Haven, West Farms, Hospital for the Aged, 100 W. Kingsbridge and Bronx Library Center branches of Rd. (small gallery), every third Thursday the NYPL. For more information or to of the month, to discuss women’s issues RSVP, call (718) 401-7453. and concerns, including housing, child - care, education, domestic violence, For more Neighborhood Notes health and more. For more information, online, go to www.norwoodnews.org call Pat Woods, (718) 877-5790. and click on “Neighborhood Notes.” September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 13 Classifieds Professional Directory

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

HELP WANTED cants are to reply to SITUATION WANTED RELIGIOUS SERVICES [email protected]. Experienced p/t Development Director: Nurse’s Aide: With 25 years’ experience in Glad Tidings Assembly of God: 2 Van Sought by small, NW Bronx media arts pro - Personal Assistant Needed: I’m looking hospitals, nursing homes and private resi - Cortlandt Ave. E. and Jerome Avenue. gram for teens, to research and cultivate for a full time personal assistant; $700 dences, seeks employment. Will live in or (718) 367-4040. Prayer Wednesdays at 11 funding sources; write proposals and reports; weekly. If interested, email me: out. Please call (718) 364-7771. a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday School at 9:30 liaison with staff. Strong organizational and [email protected]. a.m. and Sunday Service at 11 a.m. writing skills, and not-for-profit experience REAL ESTATE required (6 hours a week - salary DOE). Fax Customer Service Rep: Needed for our The Bedford Park Congregational resume (including phone #) to (718) 882-2454 dear company. Applicant must speak Church, located at the corner of 201st Street English or French fluently. Must have good For Sale: One-bedroom HDFC Co-op: or e-mail [email protected]. Completely gut renovated, Built-in cabinets and Bainbridge Avenue, is celebrating its typing skills. Will earn $3200 monthly plus 123rd anniversary with a concert and dinner wages and allowances. If interested, email and storage throughout. View photos at Special Projects Administrator p/t: www.3281coop.blogspot.com. $75k, $458 on Sunday, September 30, 2012. This classi - me at [email protected]. cal music concert will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Sought by Mass Transit Street Theater - monthly maint. Income guidelines apply. the church, followed by a delicious catered Special Projects, for facilitators training Less than 38k to qualify. Call Mike at (646) Part-Time Payment Collection dinner in our hall at 5 p.m. Tickets, which Bronx young people, their teachers, and 284-3794. parents in conflict resolution skills, peer- Representative Sought: A great opportu - benefit the Roof Repair Fund, are $30 per nity has come which will take little out of person and can be obtained by calling James mediation, and use of restorative practice One-bedroom Condo for Sale: In your time and can pay $2800 a month plus Moloney Jr. at (718) 882-0407. For further (peace circles) in the classroom. Parkchester. By owner, low maintenance, benefits. Please send email to information, please contact Reverend Dr. Requirements: related BA and 2 years’ near all, good condition. Price: $120K. For [email protected]. Christopher Ponnuraj at (718) 367- administrative experience, successful grant more information, please contact Eddie at 8996. Please join us in celebrating our 123rd writer, self-starter. Experience and Spanish (718) 757-5485. language a plus (8 hours a week). Fax Personal Assistant Needed: Office anniversary and help our community church. Assistant sought. Duties include greeting resume (including phone #) to (718) 882- For Sale: Very Large 3-bedroom Co-op clients, answering phones, and routing 2454 or e-mail [email protected]. in Norwood: Completely renovated and MISCELLANEOUS mail, data entry and retrieve, scheduling move-in ready. Low maintenance includes and calendar maintenance. Ideal candi - Dynamic Customer Service Oriented all utilities. Immediate indoor parking Cash Paid: For antiques, old items, col - Individuals Sought: dates will have proven customer service With great communi - available. Tons of storage (8 closets lectibles, artwork, jewelry, books, records, skills in an administrative setting and expe - cations and typing skills, needed to work total). Free bicycle room, private park/play - coins, stamps, sports cards, bric-a-brac. rience with Microsoft Office applications. on behalf of our company. Any job experi - ground and laundry room. Quiet tree lined Moving sales, estates, contents of homes. ence needed. This service representative If interested, email resumes to kenstew - street, 3 blocks to Montefiore - East 211th (718) 882-0598 (home), or (347) 734-9261 will earn up to $2,950 monthly. If interest - [email protected]. and Kings College Place. Pictures available (cell). ed, e-mail [email protected]. at www.forsalebyownerhomes.com/ Account Manager Representative 5230. Call me at (917) 862-0973. Broker Parking Space Available: East 196th Admin/Personal Assistant Needed: Needed: Must be 18 years and above, and 2.5% commission paid also. Motivated Street and Briggs Avenue. For more details, Someone who is dependable, hard work - skilled in typing and computer generally. seller! call (718) 365-8959. ing, self motivating and also good in orga - Earn $300 per duty. If interested, email me nizational management. Inquiring appli - at [email protected].

Classifieds: $9 for the first 20 words and 25 cents for each additional word . Professional Directory: $144 for six months; $260 for one year. Business Cards: $360 for six months (12 issues); $625 for one year (25 issues). Deadlines: Deadlines for classified ads are one week prior to publication. To place an ad, call the Norwood News at (718) 324-4998 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday. 14 ■ September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News September 6 –19, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 15

made landscape using paper pulp, sticks, two exhibitions featuring modern and con - Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, pre - Onstage and leaves, Sept. 15 and 16; both from 10 temporary art from Latin America: sents programs for adults including a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ecology Building. In Revolution Not Televised (through Oct. 7) History of the Latino in the Bronx: ■ Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, addition, there is a Birding Walk, Sept. 9 features contemporary Cuban art and takes talk/discussion, Sept. 15 at 2:30 p.m.; 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents Latino at 9:30 a.m., from the Perkins Visitor Center the pulse of contemporary artistic practice in Free Introductory Computer Classes at Concert Series, beginning on Sept. 15 at 8 (call for required registration or online at Cuba; and Rituals of Chaos (through Jan. 6, 10 a.m.: Sept. 12; and Marketing p.m., featuring Latin jazz and salsa, per - www.wavehill.org; severe weather cancels; 2013) highlights the work of Mexican photo - Yourself With Confidence: lecture on formed by the Michel Camilo Trio and call ext. 245 by 8 a.m. day of walk to con - journalist Enrique Metinides and 11 contem - how to prepare for a job interview, Sept. Tipica ’73 , respectively, including numer - firm); and Honey Weekend, Sept. 8 and 9, porary artists who similarly take the human 18 at 10 a.m. For more information, call ous special guest performers. Tickets are which includes learning about honeybees experience in the city as their subject matter. (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit $45 to $55. For more information, call as well as honey extraction and tasting For more information, call (718) 681-6000. www.nypl.org. (718) 960-8833. demonstrations (call for detailed schedule). Grounds admission is free Saturdays until ■ The New York Botanical Garden pre - ■ The Mosholu Library, at 285 E. 205th noon and all day Tuesdays. Glyndor Gallery sents Claude Monet’s Garden, featuring St., offers for seniors and adults: Knitting Events tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at his paintings, palette, and photographs, in Circle: Thursdays at 3 p.m.; Wii 2 p.m.; garden walks are held Tuesdays and the Rondina Gallery, through Oct. 21. Program: Tuesdays at 3 p.m.; and Open ■ The Bronx Zoo presents Avenue Zoo, a Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 2 Additional events include concerts, poetry, Lab: to get basic computer questions musical featuring Avenue Q puppet star p.m., from the Perkins Visitor Center. For tours, film screenings, and family activi - answered (advance, in-person registration Kate Monster, Thursdays to Sundays, to more information, call (718) 549-3200. ties. For more information, call (718) 817- required), Sept. 19 at 10:30 a.m. Children Sept 9. For more information and a sched - 8658/8512. can attend Bilingual Birdies: Spanish ule, call (718) 367-1010 or visit ■ The New York Botanical Garden pre - Language: (ages to 5 years), live music www.bronxzoo.com. sents Greenmarket, the popular farmers ■ The Bronx County Historical Society, program including puppetry and games, market of GrowNYC, at the base of Library 3309 Bainbridge Ave., presents In Style, ending with a bubble dance party, Sept. ■ The Fordham Road B.I.D. presents Allee inside the Garden’s Mosholu Gate Bronx Architecture, through Oct. 7, 18 at 11 a.m. For more information, call Fordham Fever Fridays, taking place the entrance, Wednesdays, through Nov. 21, 9 including Bronx landmarks. For more infor - (718) 882-8239. first Friday of the month from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors may purchase mation and to reserve, call (718) 881-8900. p.m. at Muller Park’s Pedestrian Plaza on affordable, locally grown produce and NOTE: Items for consideration may be East Fordham Road and Creston Avenue: fresh, nutritious baked goods. For more mailed to our office or sent to norwood - Sept. 7 and Oct. 5. The series features free information, call (718) 817-8658. [email protected], and should be Native-American storytelling, sports and fit - Library Events received by Sept. 10 for the next publica - ness boot camp demos, artists displaying ■ Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. ■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. tion date of Sept. 20. their artwork, live musical performances, invites the public to board the Bronx Trolley and more. For more information, call (718) on Sept. 8 to celebrate Italian food and cul - 562-2104 or visit www.fordhamroadbid.org. ture on The Italian Culinary Tour. This 2nd annual urban farm tour series is a narrated ■ New York Road Runners will hold a Bronx group tour of some of the Bronx’s most 10-mile race , Sunday, Sept. 9 starting at 7 amazing working farms and community a.m., followed by post-race entertainment gardens. Bring seeds to swap with garden - for runners and supporters. For more infor - ers at River Garden. Additional stops will mation, fees, and race location, call (212) be at the NY Botanical Garden’s Ruth Rea 423-2287 or visit www.nyrr.org to register. Howell Family Garden and cheese-making mini workshop at Mike’s Deli and lunch on ■ The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 your own. Tours will depart at 10 a.m. and Grand Concourse (165th Street), presents return at 3 p.m. at 810 Seventh Avenue, its free First Friday on Sept. 7 from 6 to corner of 52nd Street in Manhattan. 10 p.m., featuring film, art performances, Bronxites may board at the trolley’s first music and other special events. For more stop at 10:30 a.m. at River Garden, 180th information, call (718) 681-6000. Street and Devoe Avenue (near Boston Road). Tickets are $20, RSVP required. For ■ Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. more information, call (718) 817-8026. 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family Art Projects: Be a Bee, to wear wings, anten - nae, a pollen cup, and a kazoo to buzz with; then join a bee parade and dance in a card - Exhibits board hive (weather permitting), Sept. 8 ■ The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 and 9; and Paperscapes, to make a hand - Grand Concourse at 165th Street, presents

aEDITOR’S PICK Remembering 9-11

The community is invited to join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Supreme Court of Bronx County to pay homage to families, friends, and neighbors who perished on Sept. 11, 2001, at A Day of Remembrance, Sept. 14 from noon to 2 p.m. at Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse on the steps of the main entrance. For more information and to confirm your attendance, call (718) 590-3522.