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ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 ORWOODQ EWSQ Vol 34, No 5 • PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION • MARCH 4-17, 2021 NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 FREE NEW SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR OFFERS HOPE TO SECOND-CHANCE STUDENTS MMCC recounts past struggles with DoE By SÍLE MOLONEY Shanti Sledge was 24 when he took the CB7 Tackles Vaccine courageous step to return to education af- Concerns ter a seven-year absence, attempting, once more, to obtain his high school diploma, pg 2 having dropped out of public school in his mid-teens. “I feel like the first time around, I wasn’t as motivated or felt like I really paid attention,” he said. “I was just all over the place. I had dropped out of high school and I went to Job Corps to pursue my trade, my career. I kind of went through my struggles in Job Corps, so I didn’t finish.” Sledge is one of 21 students who, last year, signed up to complete the High School Equivalency (HSE) program, a free program offered by the nonprofit, Mosholu Montefiore Op-Ed: Child Abuse, Community Center (MMCC), in Norwood. “I A Public Health Crisis finally got into this program and I was just more serious with my life,” he said, adding pg 6 that the support structure helped him feel less alone. Sledge’s story is emblematic of a host of former Bronx public school students, for whom public school education has proven to be what one MMCC employee described as “absolute mayhem and chaos.” In order for students like Sledge to return to education and schedule a HSE test date, their Individ- ualized Education Plan or IEP records are needed by MMCC officials. However, trying to obtain these essen- Photo courtesy of Shanti Sledge. Elections 2021: Carl- tial records from the students’ former public SHANTI SLEDGE, 25, has completed Mosholu Monte ore Community Center’s second- ton Berkley Profi le schools has proven to be an extremely ardu- chance educational program. (continued on page 19) pg 12
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VIST OUR WEB SITE AND VIEW OUR TESTMONIALS WWW.212ANSWERS.COM 2 • March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News CB7 Tackles Vol. 34, No. 5 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. News 27, No.is published 10 bi-weekly on Thursdays by Vaccine MosholuNorwood Preservation News Corporationis published (MPC) Norwood3400 Reservoir News isOval published East bi-weekly on Thursdays by bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by MosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 4998Corporation Concerns Mosholu Preservation Corporation 3400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval2917 East By JOSÉ A. GIRALT E-mail: [email protected] Reservoir Oval East Bronx, New York 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 On the pandemic front, the good news is that COVID-19 infection, hos- Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 Phone: 718 324 4998 pitalization, and death rates are all Mosholu PreservationFax: 718 324 Corporation 2917 decreasing statewide. In addition, E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 2917 ExecutiveE-mail: [email protected] Director of MPC the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson JenniferWeb: Tausig www.norwoodnews.org Web: www.norwoodnews.org & Johnson has been approved by the Editor-In-Chief, Norwood News FDA, which now provides a third im- Síle Moloney [email protected] CEO, Mosholu munization option beyond Pfizer and Publisher CEO, Mosholu MosholuInterns Preservation 3UHVHUYDWLRQ Moderna, and one which requires just Mosholu Preservation CorporationDawn Clancy, Rachel DallooCorporation3UHVHUYDWLRQ one vaccination dose rather than two. Corporation Corporation Regular Contributors Roberto S. Garcia The bad news, however, is that Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia DavidEditor-in-Chief Cruz Greene, José A. Giralt, throughout the country and especially MiriamDavid Cruz Quiñones, Adi Talwar Photo courtesy of Hakan Nural on Unsplash within the boundaries of Bronx Com- Coronavirus Vaccine Contributors &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ munity Board 7 (CB7), vaccination Michael Horowitz, Renée Barrett Dawn&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ McEvoy rates are alarmingly low. tributed to a slower pace of mass vac- reaching out to school-age children Dawn McEvoy At the latest meeting of CB7’s cination. to have them inform their parents $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Dawn$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH McEvoy Health & Human Services Committee These ranged from skepticism on on the vaccines. “I think a lot of the Dawn McEvoy on Feb.22, committee members looked the part of the public regarding the older folks are afraid that, ‘The gov- Proofreader at the low rates, and discussed ways to safety of the vaccine, knowing how ernment’s trying to get us, and they’re JudyForProofreader Noy Display Advertising Judy Noy improve them. Michelle Avila, commit- quickly it was researched and pro- trying to poison us,’” Gonzalez said. 3URGXFWLRQCall Janet Geller at tee chair, shared a slide presentation duced, to an initial inadequate supply He was more hopeful that a younger Neil(646)3URGXFWLRQ deMause 581-0399 Neil deMause with localized data per zip code. of doses received from the federal gov- generation would propel older people 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV It revealed that zip codes like 10453, ernment by New York State, to confu- to get the shot. DavidSupport5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Greene, Your Adi Talwar CommunityDavid Greene, Adi Newspaper! Talwar which covers Morris Heights, Mount sion over how to schedule and secure “If the younger folk take it, and Interns Hope and University Heights, 10458, an appointment. they can see that they’re ok, then that TheInterns Norwood News is a not-for-profit Shaylapublication Love, and Paolo relies Mossetti, upon the Justin support McCallum, of which covers Belmont, Fordham Uni- For Avila, however, one factor would strongly motivate the older andShayla Chelsea Love, George Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, its advertisers and readers to produce a versity and Kingsbridge, 10463, which trumped all others. “The [issue] I’d folks,” Gonzalez added. He especially qualityand Chelsea community George newspaper. To support covers parts of Kingsbridge, Marble sees such a scenario playing out in im- Foryour display paper, advertising, become a member call (718) and 324-4998. receive a like for us to talk about tonight is how subscriptionFor display advertising, for one year. call (718) 324-4998. Hill, Riverdale and Spuyten Dyvil, and to get people who are very skeptical of migrant households, where parents 10467 which covers Norwood, Allerton, the vaccine thinking about why it’s im- may have limited, English-speaking SupportSimply mail Yourcheck or money order for $40 to: Support Your Pelham Parkway and Williamsbridge portant to do this, and on a pathway to abilities. CommunityNorwood News, 3400Newspaper! Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. had single-digit vaccination rates. being more open to receiving the vac- Fellow committee member, Untwain TheCommunity Norwood News Newspaper!LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE - The Norwood NewsLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE- By comparison, in the more afflu- cine,” she said. Fyffe, offered a different perspective licationNorwood and News relies is upon not responsible the support forof its lication and relies upon the support of its advertiserstypographical and errors. readers Opinions to produce expressed a quality in ent zip code 10471, which also includes As a group, the committee agreed on which group to target first with out- communitysignedadvertisers letters newspaper.and and readers bylined To to supportcolumnsproduce your arepresent quality paper, parts of Riverdale, North Riverdale to improve outreach efforts to help reach efforts. “I find that it’s the older community newspaper. To support your paper, becomethe sole aopinion member of andthe authorreceive and a subscription are not and Fieldston, 15 percent of adults had educate the public on the safety and folks that are not so hesitant to take the necessarilybecome a member those of and Mosholu receive Preservation a subscription for one year. been fully vaccinated by Feb. 23, as re- efficacy of vaccines. Almost all health vaccine,” he said. “From my perspec- Corporationfor one year. or Montefiore Medical Center. Editorials represent the views of the editor ported by the Norwood News, (20 per- officials are in agreement that a mass tive, that is because they are only get- Simply mail check or money order for $40 only. The newspaper reserves the right cent as of March 2). The FDA has not vaccination program is the best path ting their source of information from to:toSimply limitNorwood ormail refuse checkNews, advertising or3400 money Reservoir itorder deems forOval $40 East, yet approved a vaccination for kids. forward in order to return to a nor- healthcare providers or just the news.” Bronx,objectionable.to: Norwood NY 10467. News, Advertisements 3400 Reservoir appearing Oval East, inBronx, this paper NY 10467. cannot be used without Some of the delays with the vaccina- mal, pre-pandemic routine. However, By contrast, he said misinforma- the written permission of the Norwood Norwood News is not responsible for typo- tion roll-out can be attributed to sev- deciding on which age-group holds the tion was more rampant on social media News.Norwood Letters News to is the not editor responsible are subject for typo to - graphicalcondensation errors. and Opinions editing. expressed Writers should in signed eral weeks of severe winter weather greatest influence when it comes to platforms that are more popular among graphical errors. Opinions expressed in signed lettersinclude and their bylined affiliation columns or special represent interest the soleif which affected delivery of the medica- vaccination education was a point of young people. The committee hopes to letters and bylined columns represent the sole opinionany. Anonymous of the author letters and are are not not published necessarily tion from the Midwest states. However, contention for the committee. hear more feedback from the public on thosebutopinion your of ofMosholu name the author can Preservation be and withheld are not Corporations upon necessarily request. Norwood News has also reported on The approach committee member, the vaccine topic at the next committee RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSthose of Mosholu Preservation Corporations- other factors which may have also con- Hugo Gonzalez, preferred entailed meeting which will be held on March resentRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS the views of the editor and/or publisher- 16 at 6.30 p.m. only.resent The the newspaper views of the reserves editor and/or the right publisher to limit oronly. refuse The advertisingnewspaper it reserves deems objectionable. the right to limit For trustworthy information on Advertisementsor refuse advertising appearing it deems in this objectionable. paper cannot the vaccines and the research behind beMosholuAdvertisements used without Preservation theappearing written Corporation inpermission this paper is a of non-cannot Nor- Public Service Announcement them, go to: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ profitbe used support without corporation the written permissionof Montefiore of Nor- wood News. Letters to the editor are subject doh/covid/covid-19-vaccine-facts.page. Medicalwood News. Center. Letters to the editor are subject to condensation and editing. Writers should To schedule an appointment, go to: to condensation and editing. Writers should Daylight Saving Time 2021 in New York City LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ https://vax4nyc.nyc.gov/patient/s/. AnonymousLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ letters are not published but your begins Sunday, March 14, at 2 a.m. To find a vaccination site, go to: nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. Turn clocks forward by one hour. https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/loca- tions.
Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News • 3 4 • March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the recent bombing by U.S. forces of Iran-backed militias in Syria.
“The Biden administration’s recent “Who gives a (expletive) about Syria or “No matter who’s in offi ce, it’s the same “I think it’s terrible. I understand why it was “I would like to see the U.S. foreign policy decision to strike at targets in Syria by anyone else? The United States has old story. As a historian, I am gravely carried out. I just think we have so many move away from ‘forever wars,’ rather than all accounts seems like a measured and got to stop being in wars that have no concerned about America’s continuation domestic issues that need to be handled be involved in an endless cycle. I would proportional response to an attack on relationship to our domestic interest. All of its imperialist foreign policies, its unjust fi rst. In my opinion, our top priorityREGEIS issue is like to see us again rejoin the JCPOA U.S. forces in Iraq. What President Biden U.S. service people should come home wars, and its military interventions, such getting everyone vaccinated.” [commonly known as the Iran Nuclear is signaling is that while he prioritizes now.” as the latest one in Syria. War, imperialism Amelia Zaino CAREDeal] CENTER and be an honest broker in resolving diplomacy, he will not be a pushover. I Anthony Rivieccio and colonialism are baked into our Co-Op City A five starthe Israeli facility - Palestinian providing crisis. We must would have liked to see the administration Bedford Park national psyche, and both major parties use soft power and force should be a last consult more closely with Congress before work for the REGEISmilitary industrial complex excellentresort.” care in the Bronx taking such action. Congress has an and big-monied special interests instead and WestchesterShoshana Hershkowitz areas important oversight role in foreign policy of working for the common good of the South Setauket, N.Y. that I think has been overlooked the last people. The CAREresult is death, destruction, CENTER several administrations, which is why I misery, exploitation and oppression for think the new authorization for the use people abroad, for the environment, and of force (AUMF) being debated before for poor workingA people five here at home.”starPersonalized facility care - Skilled providing rehabilitation - Professional staff Congress should be passed sooner rather Matthew Heidtmann than later.” Long Island Andy Laub, excellent care in the Bronx Ardsley, N.Y. and Westchester areas
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PORFAVOR PRACTICA LA DISTANCIA SOCIAL PROTÉJASE USTED Y A LOS DEMÁS CONTRA LAS INFECCIONES 6 • March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News according to census data, was estimated help, but for every case that is reported, at $40,088.00 (2015-2019). It is likely much there are thousands that go unreported. lower since COVID-19 hit. Teachers, who are usually the first to Poverty, inadequate housing and edu- report cases of abuse, and only when they NEWS Opinion cation, food insecurity, access to quality notice bruises or signs of hunger or mal- healthcare, and simply trying to survive treatment at home, have not been physi- Child Abuse, A in the midst of it all can trigger abuse, cally present with the children, due to BRIEFS whether it’s spousal, or the abuse of chil- remote learning. According to a June 9, dren. While it can never be considered an 2020 article in the The New York Times, Public Health Crisis excuse or justification, the effects of a per- reports of child abuse were down 51 per- By SÍLE MOLONEY son’s socio-economic status are directly cent at the time, which was concerning to related to cases of child maltreatment and authorities. Biaggi Calls on Cuomo to Resign By RENÉE BARRETT neglect and are worth investigating. Because of the ongoing economic and On Feb. 28, State Sen. Alessan- Like many mothers, my heart broke Mental health is a public health cri- social hardships, and other COVID-re- dra Biaggi, who is a sexual abuse as I watched the footage of a grown man sis that not only affects children, but the lated stress placed on families, abuse in survivor, called on Gov. Andrew pummeling two young children at the parents and caregivers of children. Car- tense households is likely to increase. The Cuomo to resign following news Fordham Road train station in the Bronx ing for children requires supernatural abuse is also most likely to continue, or be- on January 22. The video footage is enrag- of a second sexual harassment al- patience. It’s hard not to react when our come more aggressive, since the usual in- ing and their screams continue to haunt legation brought against him by children test limits and push boundaries. tervention and follow-up is not happening me. a former, 25-year-old aide, Char- The fact is that children are children, be- as efficiently as it did pre-COVID-19, and, Child Abuse is a public health crisis. lotte Bennett. On Feb. 25, Lindsey having as children do. This is not to jus- if the child or children are being abused In addition, the Center for Disease Con- tify disobedience, but it’s important for during remote learning, such abuse can Boylan, another former top aide to trol (CDC) regards child abuse and mal- parents and caregivers to remember. I say be difficult to document. Cuomo, had accused the governor treatment as economic burdens to society this because I often forget that young chil- Child abuse and neglect, which can be of alleged intimidation and sexual due to the extremly high hospitalization dren are naturally selfish creatures, who tied to other types of violence, are public harassment, expanding on allega- and treatment costs they generate (esti- haven’t yet fully developed the skills that health problems that should be treated tions she first made in December mated at $585 million in 2008). According allow them to recognize their emotions like any other physical illness or disease to the CDC, at least one in seven children 2020. and deal with them appropriately. which can have adverse, long-term im- has experienced child abuse and/or ne- The governor denies the allega- Parents and caregivers suffering from pacts on the health and well-being of our glect, and this is likely an underestimate. tions and on the same day, asked emotional, physical or mental health is- most vulnerable population living in the In 2018, nearly 1,770 children died of abuse the state’s attorney general, Laeti- sues, who are tasked with the overwhelm- most vulnerable communities in this city. and neglect in the United States. Here are tia James, and its chief judge to ap- ing responsibility of child-care cannot Bronx families know the numbers. some more troubling statistics: point an independent investigator provide appropriate care for their chil- They have read the devastating statis- dren if their own physical, social, emo- tics that doom our children to lives of to examine them. James rejected • Approximately five children die from tional or mental health is compromised. poverty and inadequacy. Bronx fami- the governor’s proposal, saying the child abuse every day. High poverty districts, like the 15th lies do not need more dismal statis- state’s executive law gave her of- • 2.9 million cases of child abuse are re- congressional district in the South tics reporting what is already known fice the authority to investigate the ported every day. Bronx, represent the poorest neighbor- nationwide. They need advocacy and • In 2012, 82.2 percent of child abusers matter once the governor provided hoods in the nation and have been dispro- support, which starts with knowing were between the ages of 18 and 44. the necessary referral. She urged portionally impacted by COVID 19. Black where to look. Listed below are some • Boys and girls are victims of child abuse the governor to do so which would and Hispanic communities face barriers resources that can be accessed to help at almost the same rate. grant her subpoena power. The gov- when it comes to adequate health insur- support abused and neglected children • 3 out of 4 children who die from child ernor conceded the same evening, ance and accessing mental health care. in The Bronx. abuse or neglect are aged 3 or younger. and the investigation has since They often face racism and other biases, https://access.nyc.gov/programs/ and discrimination in treatment settings. health-insurance-assistance/ been launched. Citywide, the Bronx has the high- Within their communities, people of color https://www.vnsny.org/how-we- est number of abuse/neglect investiga- also face higher levels of stigma for men- can-help/community-programs/com- Friends of Mosholu Parkway tions. In 2019, ACS reported the number tal health challenges which prevents them munity-mental-health-services/ Organize Street Clean-Up of Bronx child abuse investigations at from seeking treatment. https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/ 15,926, compared to Brooklyn at 13,978, Elizabeth Quaranta, execu- Serendipitously, the recording of the downloads/pdf/dc/hunts-point-re- Queens at 11,057, Manhattan at 7,075 and tive director of Friends of Mosh- Fordham Road incident triggered commu- source-guide.pdf Staten Island at 4,023. It is no coincidence olu Parkway (FOMP), organized nity advocacy for the defenseless children, www.schools.nyc.gov that the Bronx has the highest neighbor- a solo volunteer, street clean-up who could not speak for themselves, and hood poverty rates in the nation accord- on Saturday, Feb. 27, to coincide drew public attention to a private crisis. Renée Barrett is a freelance writer ing to the latest 2010 Census data, at 26.2 Unfortunately, in most child abuse cases, and educator living in The Bronx. She with the gradual melting of the percent. Meanwhile, the borough’s me- there are no recordings or reliable wit- holds Master’s degrees in childhood edu- last remaining piles of snow in dian, pre-pandemic household income, Norwood and the surrounding nesses. The children in this case received cation and urban administration. communities. Trash pick-up by the City’s Department of Sanita- forum. According to its New Affordable Housing 40,508 square feet desig- Kingsbridge Heights has tion had been delayed in recent website, the Bronx-wide Fordham Heights nated for residential space. been relocated to Bronx weeks due to the same City work- Coalition articulates sys- On Saturday, Feb. 27, An average unit scope of 604 High School of Science in ers being reassigned to work on temic policy solutions at it was reported by YIMBY sq. ft. is anticipated, with a Jerome Park. He said this snow clearance. Quaranta urged the federal level, through that Michael Hunt of 2074 masonry-based structure, was done because middle residents to use the arrival of the the Bronx People’s Plat- Walton Realty LLC, the a cellar and a 30-foot-long schoolers had returned warmer weather as an occasion to form for NYC. The group owner of an eight-story rear yard. to in-school learning and clean-up the streets of remaining is in the process of co- residential building at 2074 Max Disla Architect is needed to reclaim the cam- trash wherever they lived, and to creating an economic Walton Avenue in Ford- listed as the architect of re- pus. keep the neighborhood hygienic. development plan for the ham Heights, filed and ap- cord. Demolition permits The school is located borough rooted in build- plication with the City to have not been filed yet, at 75 West 205th Street (at District 15 Debate Hosted construct a new 67-unit, by NWBCC ing shared wealth and and an estimated comple- Goulden Avenue) and street residential building at the The Northwest Bronx Commu- ownership over the as- tion date has not been an- parking may be available same address, comprised nity & Clergy Coalition, in con- sets and resources in lo- nounced. around the Jerome Park of most-likely rentals. junction with other Bronx entities cal communities, and the Reservoir. The school is The building is located Walton H.S. Vaccination which are part of the Bronx-wide capacity to govern and also accessible by Bx10, between East Burnside Av- Site Moves to Coalition, hosted a virtual City steward them democrati- Bx28, and Bx38 buses to enue and East 181st Street, Bronx H.S. of Scince Council District 15 Candidates cally for a shared pur- Paul Avenue/West 205th one block from the Burn- On Friday, Feb. 26, As- Forum on Feb. 24. Most of the par- pose. The forum can be Street, as well as by Bx1, side Avenue subway sta- semblyman Jeffrey Di- tipants are either on the ballot in viewed on Facebook by Bx2, Bx22, and Bx26 buses tion. The proposed 74-foot- nowitz announced that the the special election on March 23, going to https://www.fa- to nearby stops. It is also tall development will yield COVID-19 vaccination site or agreed to participate in the cebook.com/northwest- near the Mosholu Parkway bronx/. 45,083 square feet, with located at Walton H.S. in 4 subway. 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Two of the victims were re- her apartment which, at that point, ported to be in serious condition. was without heat or hot water. On Mon- The explosion occurred inside day, Feb. 22, Kathy recalled the gas ex- 1522 Paulding Avenue, in Westchester plosion incident, telling the Norwood Square, on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 3:20 News, “Yeah, it shook my house and p.m. At the scene, FDNY Deputy Chief, made me jump off my sofa.” She said The Finest Latin & Italian Cusine John Sarrocco, gave a brief statement, picture frames also fell off the walls of later released on Twitter. “We received her home. #ATERING &OR !LL /CCATIONS s 3ALON 0AR %VENTOS %SPECIALES a call for an explosion,” he said. “Units Asked if any residents had returned arrived on scene in three minutes and home yet, Kathy replied, “No, they’re found what appeared to be a gas explo- not going to be able to, as everything’s sion with heavy damage to the front of destroyed,” and referred to discussions the buildings.” she had with the landlord and other Sarrocco said several victims were officials. “They lost everything,” she inside the building at the time of the said. Asked about the installation of explosion. “Units entered the struc- the illegal laundry room at 1522, Kathy Bronx Yonkers New Rochelle ture, rescued approximately eight pa- said, “That was a laundry room when I Caridad & Louie’s Caridad & Louie’s Caridad & Louie’s tients, two of which were in critical moved in [to the housing complex], and Restaurant Restaurant Restaurant condition,” he said. EMS later reported I used to do my laundry there.” She 1660 E. Gun Hill Rd. 187 S. Broadway, 241 North Ave. transporting six children, one adult added that the landlord had installed it Bronx, NY. 10469 Yonkers, NY 10701 New Rochelle, NY, 10801 and one firefighter to area hospitals, for use by residents of all the adjacent Phone: 718-862-3939 Phone: 914-375-9777 Phone: 914-336-27763 and one adult was treated at the scene. buildings, but that she now has her City Department of Buildings (DOB) own laundry facilities. $ELIVERY !VAILABLE s &REE 0ARKING officials said on Feb. 18 the adjacent According to NYC Department of 1520 and 1524 buildings also suffered Finance records, Trackside Homes some damage but both were found to LLC is the holder of the building’s be structurally stable. mortgage. Several calls to Trackside On the same day, despite DOB also were not immediately returned. designating the foundation of 1522 Meanwhile, a gas leak was the Paulding Avenue “structurally sta- cause of a separate explosion inside a ble,” residents of all three buildings, Dekalb Avenue apartment in Norwood 1520, 1522 and 1524, were issued with on Jan. 23. No injuries were reported. “vacate” orders due to the risk of pos- On Jan. 24, Stanley Jones, who lives in sible falling debris. The landlord of the the apartment where the explosion oc- multi-building housing complex was curred, was standing outside his build- also ordered to build a fence around all ing and told the Norwood News, “My three buildings. kitchen exploded. They don’t know The following day, DOB provided what it was.” an update on their investigations, say- Following an investigation, and in ing in part, “DOB plumbing inspectors response to a follow-up inquiry from found that gas piping, fittings, valves, the Norwood News, DOB officials said water lines, and waste lines for the use on Feb. 22, “A licensed master plumber, of laundry washing machines, gas- hired by the owner, found a leak in the powered dryers, and a hot water heater cooking gas pipes in the apartment.” for the laundry had all been illegally They added that the gas meter bar installed in the ground floor garage and piping in the apartment were re- area of 1522 Paulding Avenue.” placed, and that the vacate order for The statement continued, “This Jones’ apartment remains in effect. work was performed without proper Officials previously confirmed that permits or approvals from the depart- Jones’ landlord had provided him with ment.” Officials added that the pre- a vacant apartment temporarily while cise cause of the blast had not yet been the repairs were being carried out. determined. However, investigators Back at Westchester Heights, Nor- continued to focus on what may have wood News asked Kathy if she felt safe caused or potentially contributed to in the building, knowing what had the explosion i.e. the illegal gas and happened. She replied, “No, I’m wor- plumbing work. ried about it. I told the landlord that According to records accessed by he’s got to let me know if I can stay Norwood News through the DOB web- here.” She said a Con Edison team was site, a DOB inspector wrote after the expected to come out that day [Feb. 22], incident, “Due to explosion at time of and added, “I know it’s not going to be inspection, 1st & 2nd floor suffered fixed today. It’s going to take a long damage from explosion, damaged dry- time.” March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News • 9
Affordable Housing for Rent 2885 MARION AVENUE AKA BRONXVIEW APARTMENTS 101 NEWLY CONSTRUCTED UNITS AT 2885 Marion Avenue, Bronx NY 10458 BEDFORD PARK Amenities: On-site laundry room; 24-hour Building Superintendent; Air-conditioning Transit: D/B/4 Bx26, Bx34, Bx41, Bx1; Metro North No fee to apply • No broker’s fee • Smoke-free building • More information: http://www.fordham-bedford.org This building is being constructed through the Mix and Match Program of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Who Should Individuals or households who meet the income A percentage of units is set aside for: Apply? and household size requirements listed in the o Mobility–disabled applicants (5%) table below may apply. Qualified applicants will be o Vision/Hearing–disabled applicants (2%) required to meet additional selection criteria. Preference for a percentage of units goes to: Applicants who live in New York City receive a o Residents of Bronx Community Board 7 (50%) general preference for apartments. o Municipal employees (5%) AVAILABLE UNITS AND INCOME REQUIREMENTS Annual Household Annual Household Monthly Units Household Monthly Units Household 3 Unit Size 1 2 Income Unit Size 1 2 Income Rent Available Size Rent Available Size Minimum – Maximum4 Minimum – Maximum4 1 person $49,612 - $71,640 1 $1,375 8 2 people $49,612 - $81,900 bedroom 3 people $49,612 - $92,160
2 people $39,018 - $45,500 2 people $60,103 - $81,900
3 people $39,018 - $51,200 2 3 people $60,103 - $92,160 2 $1,045 9 → $1,660 19 →
UNITS 4 people $39,018 - $56,850 UNITS bedrooms 4 people $60,103 - $102,330 bedrooms MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) (AMI) INCOME MEDIAN
5 people $39,018 - $61,400 5 people $60,103 - $110,520 3 people $45,086 - $51,200 3 people $69,463 - $92,160 4 people $45,086 - $56,850 4 people $69,463 - $102,330 3 3 $1,200 3 → 5 people $45,086 - $61,400 $1,911 7 → 5 people $69,463 - $110,520 bedrooms (AMI) INCOME MEDIAN %AREA bedrooms 0% AREA
6 people $45,086 - $65,950 90 6 people $69,463 - $118,710 5] 7 people $45,086 - $70,500 7 people $69,463 - $126,900 1 person $38,743 - $47,760 1 person $55,749 - $87,560 1 → 1 $1,058 1 2 people $38,743 - $54,600 $1,554 5 → 2 people $55,749 - $100,100 bedroom bedroom 3 people $38,743 - $61,440 3 people $55,749 - $112,640
2 people $47,075 = $54,600 2 people $67,440 - $100,100 2 3 people $47,075 - $61,400 2 3 people $67,440 - $112,640 $1,280 24 → $1,874 13 → bedrooms 4 people $47,075 - $68,220 bedrooms 4 people $67,440 - $125,070 5 people $47,075 - $74,680 5 people $67,440 - $135,080 3 people $54,412 - $61,440 3 people $77,966 - $112,640 (AMI) UNITS (AMI) UNITS (AMI) 4 people $54,412 - $68,220 4 people $77,966 - $125,070 3 3 $1,472 8 → 5 people $54,412 - $73,680 $2,159 4 → 5 people $77,966 - $135,080 bedroom INCOME MEDIAN % AREA bedrooms 6 people $54,412 - $79,140 6 people $77,966 - $144,090 60% AREA MEDIAN INCOME INCOME MEDIAN 60% AREA 7 people $54,412 - $81,900 110 7 people $77,966 - $155,100 1 Rent includes gas for cooking. 2 Household size includes everyone who will live with you, including parents and children. Subject to occupancy criteria. 3 Household earnings includes salary, hourly wages, tips, Social Security, child support, and other income. Income guidelines subject to change. 4 Minimum income listed may not apply to applicants with Section 8 or other qualifying rental subsidies. Asset limits also apply. How Do You Apply? Apply online or through mail. To apply online, please go to nyc.gov/housingconnect. To request an application by mail, send a self- addressed envelope to: Bronxview LLC c/o Fordham Bedford Housing Corp 2751 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10468. Only send one application per development. Do not submit duplicate applications. Do not apply online and also send in a paper application. Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified. When is the Deadline? Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than April 20, 2021. Late applications will not be considered. What Happens After You Submit an Application? After the deadline, applications are selected for review through a lottery process. If yours is selected and you appear to qualify, you will be invited to an appointment of eligibility to continue the process of determining your eligibility. Appointments are usually scheduled from 2 to 10 months after the application deadline. You will be asked to bring documents that verify your household size, identity of members of your household, and your household income. Español Presente una solicitud en línea en nyc.gov/housingconnect. Para recibir una traducción de español de este anuncio y la solicitud impresa, envíe un sobre con la dirección a: Bronxview LLC c/o Fordham Bedford Housing Corp 2751 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10468. En el reverso del sobre, escriba en inglés la palabra “SPANISH.” Las solicitudes se deben enviar en línea o con sello postal antes de 20 de abril 2021. 简体中文 访问 nyc.gov/housingconnect 在线申请。如要获取本广告及书面申请表的简体中文版，请将您的回邮信封寄送至： Bronxview LLC c/o Fordham Bedford Housing Corp 2751 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10468. 信封背面请用英语注明 “CHINESE”。必须在以下日期 之前在线提交申请或邮寄书面申请 2021年4月20日. Русский Чтобы подать заявление через интернет, зайдите на сайт: nyc.gov/housingconnect. Для получения данного объявления и заявления на русском языке отправьте конверт с обратным адресом по адресу Bronxview LLC c/o Fordham Bedford Housing Corp 2751 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10468. На задней стороне конверта напишите слово “RUSSIAN” на английском языке. Заявки должны быть поданы онлайн или отправлены по почте (согласно дате на почтовом штемпеле) не позднее 20 апреля 2021. 한국어 nyc.gov/housingconnect 에서 온라인으로 신청하십시오 . 이 광고문과 신청서에 대한 한국어 번역본을 받아보시려면 반송용 봉투를 Bronxview LLC c/o Fordham Bedford Housing Corp 2751 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10468. 으로 보내주십시오 . 봉투 뒷면에 “KOREAN” 이라고 영어로 적어주십시오 . 2021년4월20일까지 온라인 신청서를 제출하거나 소인이 찍힌 신청서를 보내야 합니다. Kreyòl Aplike sou entènèt sou sitwèb nyc.gov/housingconnect. Pou resevwa yon tradiksyon anons sa a nan lang Kreyòl Ayisyen ak aplikasyon an Ayisyien sou papye, voye anvlòp ki gen adrès pou retounen li nan: Bronxview LLC c/o Fordham Bedford Housing Corp 2751 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10468. Nan dèyè anvlòp la, ekri mo “HATIAN CREOLE” an Anglè. Ou dwe remèt aplikasyon yo sou entènèt oswa ou dwe tenbre yo anvan dat 20 avril 2021. ﺇﺭﺳﺎﻝ ﻁﻠﺏ ﻋﺑﺭ ﺍﻹﻧﺗﺭﻧﺕ ﻋﻠﻰ nyc.gov/housingconnect. ﻟﺗﻠﻘﻲ ﺗﺭﺟﻣﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ ﻟﻬﺫﺍ ﺍﻹﻋﻼﻥ ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻁﺑﻳﻖ ﺍﻟﻣﻁﺑﻭﻉ ، ﺃﺭﺳﻝ ًﻣﻅﺭﻭﻓﺎ ﺑﺎﻟﻌﻧﻭﺍﻥ ﺇﻟﻰ: Bronxview LLC c/o ﺍﻟﻌﺭﺑﻳﺔ Fordham Bedford Housing Corp 2751 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10468. ﻋﻠﻰ ﻅﻬﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﻅﺭﻭﻑ ، ﺍﻛﺗﺏ ﺑﺎﻟﻠﻐﺔ ﺍﻹﻧﺟﻠﻳﺯﻳﺔ ﻛﻠﻣﺔ "ARABIC". ﻳﺟﺏ ﺗﻘﺩﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﻁﻠﺑﺎﺕ ﻋﺑﺭ ﺍﻹﻧﺗﺭﻧﺕ ﺃﻭ ﻋﻥ ﻁﺭﻳﻖ ﺧﺗﻡ ﺑﺭﻳﺩﻱ ﻗﺑﻝ 20 ﺃﺑﺭﻳﻝ 2021.
Mayor Bill de Blasio • HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll 10 • March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News CRIME FILE BY SÍLE MOLONEY & DAVID GREENE
course (Marshalls department nounced deceased. He was later 28, of Mt. Hope Place in Mt Hope. eyes and black hair. He was store) in Fordham Manor, a 33- identified as Kevin Mason, 26, On Feb. 24, the NYPD sought the last seen wearing dark-colored year-old woman was standing of West 182nd Street in Univer- public’s assistance in identify- clothing. The second man is de- in line to pay for items when sity Heights. ing individuals wanted in con- scribed as male, in his 30s, dark- she was approached from be- On March 2, police reported nection with the murder inves- skinned, 6-feet tall and was also hind by the suspect who ejacu- that Jamel Jackson, 33, of David- tigation. A video of the suspects wearing dark clothing. lated on the victim’s outer gar- son Avenue in Morris Heights was released and is available at ment. was arrested on March 1, at 8.00 NYPD and on the Norwood News Child Assaulted on He then exited the location p.m. in the 52nd precinct. He website. on foot to parts unknown. He has been charged with murder, Mosholu Parkway is described as male, aged be- manslaughter, and criminal Man Assaulted and Robbed Police are looking for an assail- tween 20 and 30 years old. The possession of a loaded firearm. of e-Bike on Hull Avenue ant who threatened a child with a sharp instrument, before punch- photo is taken from the inci- An arrest is not proof that a per- Police are looking for two ing him and stealing his cellphone dent location, before the inci- son is guilty of a crime. men wanted in connection and air pods at around 3 p.m. on dent occurred. with an assault and robbery of Wednesday, Feb. 24. A 911 call was a young man that took place on placed from the corner of Briggs Man Arrested for University Fordham Heights: 28-Year- Hull Avenue in Norwood at 9:22 Avenue and Mosholu Parkway Heights Murder Old Man Murdered p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, near South. Police have arrested a man On Monday, Feb. 22, at the intersection of East 205th Police said an unidentified 12- on murder charges in connec- around 10.55 p.m., the NYPD Street and Hull Avenue. year-old victim was approached tion with a shooting that oc- responded to a 911 call regard- Police said a 33-year-old by an unidentified individual who curred in University Heights ing a man who had been shot in man was riding his e-bike on displayed a sharp object and de- on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. On front of 2078 Morris Avenue in Hull Avenue when he was ap- manded the boy’s property. The that date, at 8.50 p.m., police re- Fordham Heights, in the 46th proached by two unidentified suspect allegedly punched the vic- Fordham Manor: Man sponded to a 911 call regarding precinct. Upon arrival, officers individuals who punched him tim in the face when he attempted an assault in progress in the vi- observed a 28-year-old man ly- about the body, causing him to Ejaculates on Woman to flee the location, before he, him- cinity of West 184th Street and ing on the ground, unconscious fall to the ground. The suspects The NYPD is seeking the self, fled eastbound on East 204th Aqueduct Avenue, in the 52nd and unresponsive, with a gun- fled the scene with the victim’s public’s assistance identifying Street, along with the victim’s precinct. shot wound to the chest. bike, and the victim was taken the man seen in the attached cell phone and air pods. EMS was A 26-year-old man was found EMS also responded to the to Montefiore Hospital and was photo above who is wanted for called, and evaluated and treated lying on the ground with gun- location and transported the treated for bumps and bruises. questioning in connection to a the child at the scene. The assail- shot wounds to his chest and victim to St. Barnabas Hospi- The first man is described sexual abuse incident that oc- ant is described as male, 5 feet, 10 neck. EMS responded and trans- tal, where he was pronounced as male, has a slim build, is in curred in the 52nd precinct. On inches tall, Black and was last seen ported the man to St. Barnabas deceased. The victim was later his 30s, is dark-skinned, about 5 Monday, Jan. 25, at around 7.30 wearing dark-colored clothing. Hospital, where he was pro- identified as Anthony Castillo, feet, 7 inches tall, and has brown p.m., inside 2501 Grand Con-
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(718) 841-0059 GCCTransportation.org 12 • March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News Elections 2021: Carlton Berkley on Equality, Policing & Being the Underdog Candidate By MICHAEL HOROWITZ in his neighborhood as part of his civic ac- He said, if elected, he will fight to increase Carlton “Chucky” Berkley, a retired tivism. “The people who run the homeless the number of healthy food choices in the NYPD detective, who is seeking election in shelters have taken advantage of the rela- district’s neighborhoods. “I will seek to the 11th City Council District, is someone tive apathy in Wakefield to place homeless educate constituents on the advantages of who doesn’t accept that the status quo has shelters in our community,” Berkley said. eating more fruits and vegetables,” he said, to remain as it has always been. According to the NYPD veteran, Wake- adding that he would fight to curb obesity Photo courtesy of Carlton Berkley As a case in point, Berkley doesn’t accept field has more than its share of shelters, which he said was all too prevalent in Dis- Carlton Berkley that the winner of the district’s upcoming while communities like Riverdale and trict 11. special election has to be from Riverdale, Woodlawn do not. Berkley attributes this to On the subject of endorsements, not the race for a City Council seat in the just because District 11 councilmembers the people in the latter neighborhoods do- being part of the political establishment, special election,” said Berkley. “A spe- have hailed from that neighborhood for ing a better job at mobilizing. “In the case Berkley said he never expected to get the cial election makes it even harder for decades now. Berkley, who lives in Wake- of Wakefield, the shelters have brought official backing of the District’s political underdog candidates, who are outspent field with his wife, has a history of battling with them an added layer of crime in our leaders or the unions who he said repre- and are not part of the political estab- against the system, sometimes emerging community,” he said. sented a large portion of District 11’s con- lishment, to win.” victorious either for his own benefit or for Meanwhile, when it comes to educa- stituents. “In fact, I recently told someone Berkley is running for the seat that the benefit of his community. tion, the tell-it-like-it-is candidate said he with influence that his organization would has been vacated by former City Coun- “I know I am an underdog in the March opposes charter schools because they take not endorse me, even though the organiza- cilman Andrew Cohen, who Bronx 23 special election, but that doesn’t mean away resources that should be used to im- tion’s leader liked what I stood for and what Democrats nominated for a Bronx Su- that I am not determined,” said Berkley, the prove public schools. “The charter schools, I represent,” Berkley said. preme Court judgeship last August. father of three grown children, and grand- from my point of view, are like private “The groups that make up the estab- Cohen subsequently won the seat in the father to two grandchildren. schools,” Berkley said. “They are very elit- lishment invariably endorse candidates November general election. Berkley and his wife, who is also re- ist. From my experience, they have sepa- who represent the establishment’s inter- Fellow candidate, male district tired from the NYPD, own a private investi- rate entrances so that their students don’t ests. What I am about is leading the way leader and public schoolteacher, Eric gating and security firm. “We open up our have to come into contact with other stu- toward constructive changes in the way we Dinowitz, is the son of the assembly- business for people in the area to come in dents in the buildings in which they are do things, rather than supporting the inter- man for the 81st Assembly District, Jef- and discuss what is on their minds,” Berk- located.” ests of the political establishment.” frey Dinowitz, the latter representing ley told the Norwood News, adding that it He said the youngsters in his commu- When it comes to the New York City the majority of City Council District 11 was for people to discuss “hot-button is- nity, for the most part, are not getting the mayoral race, Berkley said he supports at state level. The younger Dinowitz is sues,” and that they’ve had some very lively education they deserve. “To make matters Brooklyn borough president, Eric Adams, widely viewed as the favorite in the race debates. worse, the remote learning that COVID has a founder of the organization, “100 Blacks to succeed Cohen, but shifting political Over the years, Berkley said he has caused, has meant that our children are in Law Enforcement Who Care,” of which winds in the Bronx and in the City may fought against racism in the NYPD, win- falling further behind,” he said. “The way Berkley said he is still a member. prove otherwise. ning $30,000 in a protracted lawsuit that I see it, it is premature for students to go “We continue to interact with one an- Recent elections have seen outliers focused on harassment and unequal treat- back to their classrooms. We need to have other,” he said of Adams. “Both of us have like U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cor- ment by white officers. We reached out to teachers, school administrators, and stu- waged often-lonely battles against racism tez and State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi the NYPD for comment on the case, and dents vaccinated before they go back.” in the NYPD. beat their respective opponents who did not receive an immediate response. Indeed, Berkley is a strong believer in In addition to fighting against rac- were seen as the favorites, and this has Some might assume that given his history the need to vaccinate Americans to over- ism within the agency, Berkley said “100 given underdog candidates in a number of fighting such racism within the depart- come the pandemic that has paralyzed so Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care” of other political races more confidence ment, he would support defunding the po- many aspects of American life and has also counsels Black youth on how to act than they might otherwise have had. In- lice, but that is not the case. killed more than half a million Americans. when they are confronted by police offi- deed, a record number of candidates are “I support redirecting funding for the “Long after the pandemic is over, we will cers, in order to avoid harassment. running in various Bronx races this police from the anti-crime units to some- still have a host of problems to deal with,” Berkley is also a member of both election season. thing like neighborhood-police teams,” Berkley stressed. the “Black Law Enforcement Alliance” For Berkley, who is 58 years old, run- Berkley said. “If I am elected to the City “We need to make our neighborhoods and the “Latino Officers Association.” ning for City Council is all about “giv- Council, I will fight to have cops on the safer, and we need to bring a halt to racism “I joined these organizations because I ing something back” to the community beat. Communities need to see police walk- in our communities. We need to tackle both felt that the Guardians, the traditional that has given his family a stable life ing beats in the community the way they of these issues at the same time.” He said to group that represents Black police of- for decades. “Our family is very close - used to. We need to take dramatic steps to accomplish this, police cannot be viewed as ficers, wasn’t adequately representing very close-knit,” he said. “We promote foster positive relations between the police the enemies in a neighborhood. us,” he said. “They (the Guardians) respect and healthy living among our- and the communities they serve.” “Neighborhood people need to be the had become part of the establishment selves. We are proud of ourselves, and Berkley said cops need to get out of cars eyes and ears of law-enforcement officers in much the same way that politicians we celebrate our accomplishments. I and start foot patrolling in communities if we are to successfully fight crime in our become part of the political establish- like to think that we can be viewed as where they can be seen, and where they can communities,” he said. ment.” a role model of what family life should interact with those people they have taken If elected, Berkley said he will fight for Berkley said that he paid a signifi- be.” an oath to protect. all the constituents who live in the district, cant price for butting heads against the Berkley first ran for City Coun- That said, he added, “It is just wrong which encompasses Norwood, Kingsbridge, NYPD’s hierarchy, giving one example cil in 2009. “I had not intended to run to be against all of the police, especially Riverdale, Wakefield, and Woodlawn. where the NYPD allegedly placed road- this year until the people in Wakefield since we need them to fight crime in our “Many issues in our district are com- blocks in his path when he sought to insisted that I run,” he said. “I am not communities. Ninety percent of the police mon from one neighborhood to another, retire, making it difficult for him to seeking the Council seat for personal are terrific, and I am proud of the job I did but there are clearly differences as well.” get retirement money that was owed to glory. My ego and my sense of who I during the 20 years I was with the NYPD. As an example, the NYPD veteran said he him. He also said that superior officers am don’t require that I be on the City A few very bad apples sometimes create the recognizes that residents of Riverdale and harassed him. Berkley retired from the Council. I am running out of a sense of impression that all of the police are bad. Kingsbridge have to cope with poor pub- NYPD in 2004. Norwood News reached obligation to the people in my neighbor- We have to go against what we call ‘the blue lic transportation and connectivity, while out to the NYPD for comment. We did hood. They have convinced me that I code of silence’ in order to weed out the bad Wakefield has generally good public trans- not receive an immediate response. can make a difference in the life of my apples in the police department.” portation. The candidate said he anticipates he community, and other communities in Turning to another matter of major con- Meanwhile, when it comes to food and will also “pay a price” for challenging the 11th Councilmanic District.” cern to Berkley, he said he has been fighting healthy food choices, Berkley said that the political establishment in District The special election will be held on against the placement of homeless shelters Wakefield has limited healthy food options. 11. “I know that I am facing an uphill in March 23. March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News • 13
International Leadership Charter High School
CAMBIANDO VIDAS Y TRANSFORMANDO COMUNIDADES, UN ESTUDIANTE A LA VEZ ATENCIÓN PADRES: Estamos Aceptando Solicitudes para estudiantes del noveno grado para el año escolar 2021-2022 Casa Abierta Virtual Thursday, February 4, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Friday, February 12, 2021 12:00 pm -1:00pm Thursday, February 25, 2021 5:00 pm - 6:00pm | Thursday, March 4, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm Friday, March 5, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Thursday, March 18, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm Friday, March 19, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Thursday, March 25, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm
*Nota: La Loteria se llevara a cabo Abril 15, 2021, para solicitudes favor de vistar la pagina web www.ilchs.org Puede enviar su solicitud via email a [email protected] Tambien Puede enviar por correo a: International Leadership Charter High School 3030 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY 10463 14 • March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News game with a different category/ www.eventbrite.com and search theme and provides book for “Stakes Short Film by Mott recommendations based on Haven Film Festival.” the categories. The theme for March will be “All Things Green.” Movement Advance registration is required at: https://www.nypl.org/events/ Every Monday night, the Bronx programs/2021/03/16/trivia- Nomads host an hour long run game-program. Compiled by RACHEL DALLOO & SÍLE MOLONEY / walk for anyone interested in joining the group. The event Art starts at Williamsbridge Oval Events This talk will examine the history Recreation Center at 6 p.m. of botanical expeditions to Cuba, Want to learn about Designing More information can be found From December 2020 to June beginning with the Spanish Migration? Join the Lehman on the group’s Instagram here: 2021, the Norwood Farmstand Imperial expeditions of the 1790s, College Art Gallery, for The Sara https://www.instagram.com/ will be open to the community on and ending with the first New York Little Turnbull: Visiting Designer bronxnomads/. Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Botanical Garden expeditions to Speaker Series, on March 4, from at E. Gun Hill Road and Dekalb the island in the first decades of 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The program will Join NYC Parks on March 6 Avenue, with fresh, affordable the 20th century. The paintings, cover serving Human Mobility from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at fruits and vegetables grown by photographs, and texts produced and Justice. Learn more at: 242nd Street and Van Cortlandt regional farmers, year-round. Be as part of these scientific http://events.lehman.edu/ Park East for their Hiking a part of GrowNYC’s Wholesale explorations reveal how these Calendar. program. Join the Urban Park program, designed to bring expeditions drove, and were Rangers on a journey along the the freshest, highest quality, driven by, geopolitical and racial Want to be a part of a free film only trail that crosses west-east regionally grown farm products struggles of their time. Register at screening? Then join the Mott in the park. NYCParks asks to the New York City community. https://www.nybg.org/event/, and Haven Film Festival on March participants to stay home if sick, To learn more about this program, search using the word “Cuba”. 20, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for their maintain six feet of physical visit https://www.grownyc.org/ screening of “Stakes the Short distance between households, farmstand/norwood. Boost your knowledge, meet Film,” a story about a young adult wear a face covering, keep other adults, and get to know from the hood who gets involved hands washed and carry hand On Friday, March 5, from 11 them with the fun, virtual “Trivia with the wrong people and makes sanitizer. To register, visit a.m. to 12 p.m., the New York Game: All Things Green,” hosted some bad decisions. The event https://www.nycgovparks. Botanical Garden will be hosting by Van Cortlandt Library staff will take place at the Bronx Art org/events/2021/03/06/van- “Botany, Race, and Power: The on Tuesday, March 16 at 3 p.m. Space. To purchase tickets or for cortlandt-super-hike or call History of Expeditions to Cuba.” Each month, the group plays a more information visit: https:// (718) 548-0912.
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Email [email protected] or VISIT www.wearedream.org/enroll March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News • 15 16 • March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News Veterans’ Health NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES Prioritized at CB7 Meeting COVID-19 Vaccinations medical condition if forced to move. http:// By DAWN CLANCY unit and plans to launch a dental mo- Appointments are required to receive www.courts.state.ny.us/eefpa/PDF/Evic- a vaccination. To determine your eligibil- tion_Hardship_Declaration-English.pdf Bronx County is home to 25,000 ci- bile health unit this summer. In ad- ity, access a list of nearby providers, and Housing courts will send the form to de- vilian veterans, according to the an- dition, there are plans to introduce schedule your vaccination appointment, fendants in pending cases, and the form can use New York State’s new ‘Am I Eligible’ be returned to NewYorkHardshipDeclara- nual American Community Survey on-site pharmacy services at select app. Prior to receiving your scheduled vac- [email protected]. All tenants, and own- (ACS) conducted by the U.S. Census UNION centers, but details have yet to cination, you must complete the New York ers of buildings that contain fewer than 10 Bureau. be released. State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. Please be units, who are behind in rent or mortgage patient and continue to monitor these links payments and are seeking to preemptively Though the U.S. Department of In addition to non-emergency ser- frequently for available vaccine appoint- head off evictions/foreclosures in March Veterans Affairs (V.A.) provides inte- vices at UNION centers, veterans also ments: and April can submit the hardship decla- New York City: https://vaccinefinder. ration form to their landlord/mortgage grated life-long healthcare services to have access to physical and occupa- nyc.gov/ or 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) lender. Make a copy or take a photo of the eligible military veterans at 1700 V.A. tional therapy, dental, urgent care, and New York State: https://am-i-eligible. completed form for your records. covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or 1-833- medical centers and outpatient clinics an audiology department. “We tend to NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829) New York State Small located across the country, in reality, forget how noisy war is,” Gonzalez VaccineTogetherNY: https://vaccine- Business Relief only some are covered. said, explaining that rifle and impro- togetherny.org/Pages/default.aspx or 646- New York State is offering grant and 6 9 7-VACC loan programs and other assistance for During the Bronx Community vised explosive device (IED) blasts can Your physician or local pharmacy may small businesses affected by COVID-19 at: Board 7 (CB7) Veterans’ Affairs Com- cause hearing loss which, in turn, can also have information on scheduling vac- https://esd.ny.gov/covid-19-business-re- cine appointments. If you need transporta- sources. mittee meeting on Feb. 17, a Union lead to both depression and heart dis- tion to get your vaccine, click this link for Community Health Center (UNION) ease. a list of options: https://forms.ny.gov/s3/ Access-A-Ride Updates vaccine. The MTA has resumed fare collec- representative provided an overview of “Many veterans suffer from hear- tion. Eligible Access-A-Ride customers are the variety of health services available ing loss, and they take it for granted. COVID-19 Testing Sites able to apply for the Fair Fares discount to Bronx veterans and their families, They think it’s normal,” he said. “But For a full list of COVID-19 testing sites, through ACCESS HRA. The MTA has re- text “COVID TEST” to 855-48 or go to: opened three of the six Access-A-Ride as- including help with health insurance. we can treat hearing loss and even pro- https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavi- sessment centers that have been closed While UNION, a hospital, provides vide veterans with hearing aids.” rus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page. since the start of the pandemic. The Bronx open MTA Paratransit Assessment Cen- primary and urgent care services, The COVID-19 vaccine is also Hotel Workers Now ter is Excellence Physical Therapy at 1811 across its six locations, to all Bronx available at some UNION centers and Eligible for Vaccine Hone Avenue. Given the overall increase to the State’s residents, the center’s veteran health distributed in accordance with City vaccine supply and the essential health Indoor Dining Resumes care liaison, Raul Gonzalez, who pre- guidelines. Norwood News also re- care service that hotel workers provide, of- Indoor dining in New York City has re- sented at the CB7 meeting, provides cently reported that the Bronx V.A. ficials are granting localities the flexibil- sumed at 35 percent capacity, with strict ity to add hotel workers to the 1B vaccine health guidelines in place. All restaurants tailored health care support to veter- Hospital, also known as the James J. prioritization group. Appointments can and bars licensed by the SLA must cease all ans and their families. Peters Department of Veterans Affairs be scheduled by calling the Vaccination indoor and outdoor dining activities by 11 Hotline at 1-833-697-4829 or through the pm daily. “The hospital has some limits,” Medical Center, has begun vaccinating State’s eligibility tool at: https://am-i-eligi- Bars Inside Establishments: All physi- said Gonzalez. “They have emergency veterans of all ages. ble.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/Public/ cal patron bars must be converted to ser- prescreener. vice bars only. That means no seats at bars, rooms that tend to be madhouses be- On the topic of insurance, CB7 com- and patrons cannot directly order a drink cause of the waiting times. So, if you mittee member, Helene Redd, asked Resources for Families of Students with at the bar or be served a drink at the bar. go in with something simple like a Gonzalez, “What if a veteran comes to Disabilities All service is at seated tables. Advocates for Children of New York Outdoor Dining Structures: If more sprained ankle or a rash, you end up you with their family and they’re not (AFC) has multiple back-to-school resources than two sides of an outdoor dining struc- waiting six or seven hours. But with insured?” Indeed, while the V.A. offers for NYC students with disabilities. You can ture are enclosed, it is considered “indoor call AFC’s Jill Chaifetz Education Helpline dining” and the 35% occupancy and related something simple that doesn’t need the health care coverage, veterans have to with questions about the NYC education requirements apply. emergency room, veterans with Veter- meet specific eligibility requirements system. The number is (866)-427-6033, and Table Spacing: Tables are to be spaced 6 is open from Monday-Thursday, 10:00AM to feet apart. However, when that is not feasi- ans Affairs benefits can go to one of our to qualify. 4:00PM. AFC offers guides and resources to ble, they can be closer if approved barriers V.A.-approved, urgent care centers.” However, Gonzalez said he will help you navigate NYC’s education system. are placed between the tables. As New York’s largest federally work with every veteran that walks Go to: https://www.advocatesforchil- No Face Mask, No Entry: Businesses dren.org/get_help/guides_and_resources cannot allow patrons to enter the establish- qualified health center (FQHC), also through his door. “If a veteran or a for materials. An updated Start of School ment, go to or from the bathroom, or stand a VA medical center, UNION operates member of their family comes in to get Year Q&A for Students with Disabilities is inside for takeout, if they are not wearing a available, in English and in Spanish at the face covering. a borough-wide medical mobile health (continued on page 19) following links: HVAC: Businesses must closely re- https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/ view air circulation and filtration require- sites/default/files/library/start_of_school_ ments. qa.pdf?pt=1 https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/ Join New York City’s Mental sites/default/files/library/start_of_school_ Health Workforce Madame P 's Beauty World qa_spanish.pdf?pt=1. The careers page of the ThriveNYC web- Find the Education During COVID-19 site now features opportunities from com- Specializing in Basic Haircare, Press n Curl, webinar series online at this link: munity partners alongside active searches https://www.youtube.com/ for the NYC Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC. Relaxer and Silk Press playlist?list=PL3a_EooC0xyd7YH8upy5jB- If you are an agency or community-based JYqeNyHF6aI organization partner and are recruiting s (AIRCUTTING for mental health positions that you would /&& COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and like to feature on the site, please email s 7AVE .OUVEAU Foreclosure Relief [email protected]. &/2 3%.)/23 The State has halted all eviction and s #AREFREE #URL 4UESDAY 7EDNESDAY 4HURSDAY foreclosure cases through February 28. To eCycleNYC Application halt evictions/foreclosures until at least The NYC Dept. of Sanitation is seeking s (AIR #OLORING /&& Saturday, May 1, all tenants, and owners of locations with indoor storage space that #/,,%'% 345$%.43 buildings that contain fewer than 10 units, can host eCycleNYC bins for electronics s !FROS 7ELCOME can submit a hardship declaration form, recycling. Interested building owners and -UST BRING AD attesting they have lost income, have had managers can fill out this form, and DSNY increased costs during the pandemic, or will get in touch: https://www1.nyc.gov/as- %AST &ORDHAM 2D would be at an increased risk for severe sets/dsny/site/services/electronics/ecycle- illness from COVID due to an underlying nyc "RONX . 9 s March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News • 17
International Leadership Charter High School
CHANGING LIVES AND TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES, ONE SCHOLAR AT A TIME ATTENTION PARENTS: Accepting applications now for 9th grade students for the 2021-2022 academic year Virtual Open House Thursday, February 4, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Friday, February 12, 2021 12:00 pm -1:00pm Thursday, February 25, 2021 5:00 pm - 6:00pm | Thursday, March 4, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm Friday, March 5, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Thursday, March 18, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm Friday, March 19, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Thursday, March 25, 2021 5:00pm - 6:00pm
*Note: e lottery will be held on April 15, 2021 For applications, please visit our website at www.ilchs.org You can email the application to [email protected] or by mail at International Leadership Charter High School 3030 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx NY 10463 Report: Quarter of the Bronx Still Food Insecure 18 • March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News Classifi eds Professional Directory
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Public and Community Meetings
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the 52nd PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL meetings have been held via ZOOM. Meetings are usually held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Call the 52nd Precinct Community Affairs office at 718-220- 5824 for further details.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD 7 meetings have been held via ZOOM. The next full Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 24, at 6.30 p.m. Zoom details will be circulated ahead of the meeting. Contact mirosario@ cb.nyc.gov to be added to the distribution list.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, BEDFORD MOSHOLU COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION meetings have been held via ZOOM. The meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. For further details, contact [email protected].
perfect pose Hair Design We Specialize In )BJSDBSFt)BJSXFBWJOHt3FMBYFS 6Q%PPTt'JOHFSXBWFt$PSO3PXT#SBJET %SFBE5XJTUt%SZ$VSMTt$PMPS Now Operating L.L.C. Open Monday to Sunday 930 AM Last person come at 6PM Mon.to Thurs CLOSE SATURDAY 323 E Gunhill Bronx N.Y 10467 718-515-1683 Instagram: perfectposehair March 4-17, 2021 • Norwood News • 19 New Schools Chancellor Offers Hope to Second-Chance Students (continued from page 1) of DOE being under-resourced due to Another free program offered is the education. We are willing to pay these ous, if not impossible, task for MMCC the pandemic or if it’s a case of inter- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). young people to invest in themselves.” staff. Often times, they are dealing with nal DOE mismanagement. She said “We found with the current workforce She added, “We get it. You’re living “alternative schools.” former “participants” of the alterna- trends, transportation, especially dur- life during a pandemic which this gen- According to newyorkschools.com, tive schools have spoken about them ing the time of COVID, has increased eration and my generation, no other these schools were created because not being run properly. “Another com- consistently,” she said. generation knows about.” poorer school districts didn’t have mon theme I’m getting with [student] Sullins said to get a CDL, 20 to 30 Meanwhile, Sledge awaits the nec- enough special education funding. The transcripts - if I do get them - Regents’ driving lessons are required, in ad- essary paperwork in order for his test NYC Alternative High School District is scores are not recorded, and that’s an dition to the necessary permit and li- date to be scheduled so that he too can designed, in theory, to help students who, issue,” she said. cense paperwork, all of which comes move forward into his preferred field of without having these services available, Regents’ exams measure student to a total of $8,600, a hefty amount in engineering. He said the daily contact would more than likely not earn a di- achievement in high school-level the borough with the lowest median with tutors was one of the things that ploma. courses in five areas. “If I call the household income and the lowest em- stood out in the program. However, MMCC officials describe school, I’ve been told, ‘Well, they didn’t ployment rate. “They helped me build my cour- an ongoing battle with the City’s De- sit for the Regents’,” Antonelli said, MMCC aims to improve overall age back up and made me realize that partment of Education (DOE) when adding that she then asks if there is family employment, family wealth and everything isn’t basically handed out attempts to obtain the required pa- not coding to designate when a student family education in the Bronx. Its pro- to you, and sometimes you got to take perwork from such schools fail, and has not sat the Regents. She said she’s grams also offer another advantage. some time to figure out what you want MMCC’s escalation to the DOE appears been told that there is, but it is not al- “These students are paid,” Sullins said. to do with yourself in life,” he said. to fall on deaf ears. ways provided on the transcripts she “For high school equivalency, those “What I would say is - don’t give up on Effective March 15, Meisha Porter, receives. students are able to make anywhere be- yourself even if you feel like you’re too will be the first Black woman to serve “So, coding on report cards is tween $150/week or $317/week.” old. Just get back up and do it.” in the role of City Schools Chancellor, amiss,” she said. “IEPs are being with- For the CDL, it’s between $200 and For more information on the HSE or replacing Richard A. Carranza, along- held for, I think, probably legal reasons $350 per week. Sullins continued, “We CDL programs, call Marlon Seymour side whom Porter has worked. MMCC at this point, or a personal vendetta understand that our youth need money, on (973) 556-7843 or email advancean- officials hope that this change at the against students, and their schools are but we also understand they need their [email protected]. helm may help bring an end to the being run like mayhem. There is no or- bureaucratic nightmare that has re- der. There’s no curriculum. There’s no quired them to redirect their time and teaching.” energy away from students. Norwood News reached out to the Veterans’ Health Prioritized at CB7 Meeting Sophia Antonelli is an academic su- DOE for comment on what MMCC told pervisor at MMCC and described her us and while our request was acknowl- (continued from page 16) the committee and the public. During experience with DOE. “We have gone edged, we did not receive further feed- services, and they don’t have insur- the next Veterans Affairs committee up the ladder of school officials in one back. ance, I will help them find whatever meeting on March 17, the committee case, and we have reached the chancel- Quanasia Sullins is the coordinator New York State coverage they’re eli- plans to provide updates on a planned lor at four attempts and have not gotten of workforce development at MMCC. gible for,” he said. veterans’ round-table discussion to be a response in order to get proper IEP “Our program is an alternative, adult “And if they don’t qualify for any- held in either April or May. records for one of our participants,” literacy workforce program, geared to- thing, or if money is limited, we have Committee and community mem- she said. “In many cases, these are wards assisting Bronx residents with a sliding scale that’s based on an in- bers suggested focusing the upcoming the things that are holding back their getting their high school diploma, and / dividual’s ability to pay, but they will event on veterans’ mental health, and test dates. It’s this record-keeping that or some type of certification to success- not be turned away. I will help them on COVID vaccine concerns. “A lot schools are giving us runarounds fully enter the workforce,” she said. get the insurance that they need,” he of people, because of COVID, are suf- about, not giving answers, blatantly ig- “The Bronx has the lowest literacy added. fering mental health issues because noring correspondence, pass-offs.” reading scores out of all five boroughs Gonzalez also confirmed that vet- we’re all locked up in place and can’t Antonelli continued, “This is really and that reading score, I kid you not, erans do not need to provide a DD get out to communicate with other a shame because these are supposed between the ages of 18 and 21, for Bronx Form 214 or discharge and separa- people,” said committee member, Jean to be our supporters. We kind of work residents, is reported at second grade tion documentation to receive help. Hill. “And veterans in particular, if simultaneously because we’re taking reading level.” Sullins said some stu- “If a person served anywhere in the they had any active service duties, students that have been through this dents just don’t do well in a typical edu- armed services, and is a veteran by they may have Post Traumatic Stress [public school/alternative] system, and cational structure. definition, we are open to help them,” Disorder (PTSD) which only makes it we’re relying on them [DOE] to give the She said aside from the pandemic Gonzalez said. “As long as you served, worse.” students what they need.” and the issues relating to remote learn- you’re one of us.” For more information on UNION She added, “It’s not even about us. ing, a lot of the students weren’t able to Before ending his presentation, center locations, hours of operations, It’s about the student. As a City system finish their high school diploma, “due Gonzalez called on the community to and services, visit www.uchcbronx. that serves students, DYCD (Depart- to teachers, family issues, community assist with veteran outreach. “They org. To reach UCHC Veteran Health ment of Youth & Community Develop- issues, sometimes substance abuse, a usually congregate at the American Care Liaison, Raul Gonzalez, call ment) and the DOE, you would think lot of times behavioral issues that the Legion or a VFW (Veterans of For- 718.618.8152 or email rgonzalez2@uch- that we would have a stronger partner- typical educational structure is not eign Wars) post, but COVID has made cbronx.org. ship. Unfortunately, the DOE has not meant to deal with.” it impossible for anyone just to be to- To assist with Bronx’s veteran serviced our students while they were For Sullins, the system has already gether,” he said. “So, it’s really hard to community outreach or to learn more in their schools, I guess. That’s why a failed these students, but MMCC’s 20- know where veterans are right now.” about Community Board 7’s Veter- lot of them are here.” week expedited program gives them a He was anxious for them to be ans’ Affairs events and meetings, Norwood News asked Antonelli if second shot to obtain their high school aware of what services were available email committee chair, Chad Royer, she believed it was simply a question diploma. and also welcomed suggestions from at [email protected]. 888"/48&34$0.Visit Our Website "OE8BUDI0VS$MJFOU5FTUJNPOJBMT
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