Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights Buy Local! Your Holiday Gift Guide NORWOOD NEWS p. 10 Vol. 24, No. 24 ■ PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION ■ December 15 –28, 2011

FORDHAM FESTIVITIES Rebuffed by Supreme Court, Church Finds Hope in Legislation By ALEX KRATZ

When the Supreme Court declined this month to review a court case pitting Bronx Household of Faith, a tiny evangelical Christian congre - gation based in University Heights, against the Department of Educa - tion, dozens of New York City churches that use public schools for wor - ship services suddenly stood on the brink of homelessness. But out of the depths of despair came hope in the form of legislative recourse and a white knight in Bronx Councilman Fernando Cabrera, a deeply devout Christian politician and a pastor himself. If the courts couldn’t change the law, Cabrera said on the steps of City Hall during a Photo by Adi Talwar KIDS DIVE into the holiday season at an arts and crafts station during the Fordham Road rally last week, he would do everything in his power to reverse it leg - Business Improvement District’s “Sparkle the Heart of Fordham” celebration earlier this month islatively. at Bryan Park. Find out where to focus your holiday shopping this year with our annual gift guide, “Churches all across the city who contribute to their communities starting on p. 10. and pay rent like every other community organization deserve the same treatment as other groups that do the same,” said Cabrera, referring to the thousands of groups that pay monthly fees to use school buildings. “Discriminating against a particular group because of their religious Diverse Crew Steps In to viewpoint is unacceptable, and my bill calls for a change in the law that won’t allow it.” Support Toy Drive and Church (continued on p. 6) By EMILY PICCONE owns a painting contracting business. They approached Rainis also looking to help con - A Year After Split, With help from an eclectic group of local tribute gifts. supporters that includes painters, students, a Due to their good reputation in the neigh - bike gang and Gothic tattoo artists, the Luther - borhood and community connections, Rainis Klein’s Independence an Church of the is bringing the hol - said the McNallys’ involvement generated “a iday spirit to families in need despite its own real ground swelling” of support. financial burdens. The Coven tattoo shop, owned and operated Holds Weight Together, this motley crew is spending the by a couple of local vampires on Bainbridge next couple of weeks gathering toys for local Avenue, just around the corner from Epiphany, By JEANMARIE EVELLY kids whose families may not be able to afford is another backer of the church’s mission. gifts this holiday season. They are proudly displaying a drop box for gifts Last year, State Senator Jeff Klein, representing the Bronx and The Ching-a-Ling Nomads, a Bronx-based in the front window of their shop. Westchester, announced that he and three other Democrats would be bike gang with a storied rep (that includes spit - Other supporters include Fordham Univer - breaking off from the party to form their own group. It caused a schism ting on their fallen members’ tombstones out of (continued on p. 3) in the Senate chambers, for sure, but with less malfeasance and dra - respect), came on board following a conversa - matics than the notorious 2009 coup. tion between one of its members and Pastor The move was met with criticism from some Democrats who deemed Bob Rainis, the vicar at Epiphany Lutheran. it political pandering, a way for Klein and his breakaway colleagues to “He was telling me about how the motorcy - cle club was trying to get into doing good things in the community,” said Rainis. “It’s a remark - “I fought harder than anybody to take the able thing these men and woman are doing in majority [in 2009], but unfortunately, it was a the club to rally a large number of people.” At a private party this coming weekend, The complete letdown.” —State Sen. Jeff Klein Ching-a-Lings, a grizzled group of veteran Bronx bikers who were recently featured in the New York Times and have a headquarters in win favor with the Republicans, who had just regained a slim 32-30 Tremont, will solicit gifts from guests and then majority in the Senate. transport them up to the church on East 206th “What’s the difference between what they’re doing and what the ami - Street in Norwood. Photo by Emily Piccone gos did?” said Bronx Sen. Ruben Diaz, Sr., referring to the 2009 Senate Rallying the community is something the THE COVEN, a tattoo shop on Bainbridge coup, when former Bronx State Sen. Pedro Espada, Jr. (Diaz’s pal) and Ching-A-Lings have in common with the Avenue, set up drop box for Epiphany Queens Democrat Hiram Monserrate defected to the Republican party McNally brothers, a well- respected pair that Lutheran’s toy drive. (continued on p. 6)

■ Fighting Post Office Closures PAGE 2 ■ 5 Bronx Schools to Close PAGE 2 ■ The DOE’s Worship Policy Is Wrong PAGE 8 www.norwoodnews.org 2 ■ December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News In The Public Interest

Vol. 24, No. 24 Neighborhood Rallies To work creating the great new schools that these communities deserve,” Schools More coverage on Norwood News is published Save Its Post Office Chancellor Dennis Walcott said in a state - bi-weekly on Thursdays by Bedford Park and Norwood residents ment. norwoodnews.org Mosholu Preservation Corporation are fighting the possible closure of a local Marvin Shelton, the president of the 3400 Reservoir Oval East post office, saying it would leave the Community Education for District 10, Bronx, New York 10467 neighborhood with a lack of access to which includes Grace Dodge, said the • LGBT Group most mail services. DOE didn’t give the technical school a Phone: 718 324 4998 The so-called Botanical Station on real chance to improve after putting it on Moves into Enemy Fax: 718 324 2917 Webster Avenue is one of 17 post offices a watch list last year and replacing its E-mail: [email protected] in the Bronx alone that could be closed as principal this fall. Now, just three months Territory Web: www.norwoodnews.org the struggling Postal Ser - into the school year, Shelton says the vice looks to cut $20 million from its bud - DOE pulled the plug on Grace Dodge too • Cat Colonies get over the next three years. early to see any improvement. The roughly 40, mostly older, residents The city will hold public hearings on Replace Shelters Publisher CEO, Mosholu who gathered at a discontinuance hear - the proposed closures this winter, and the Mosholu Preservation Preservation ing Monday night at the Bedford Park final decision will be made Feb. 9 by the Corporation Corporation Senior Center, said other locations listed Panel for Education Policy, a board of • The Bronx Stars of Roberto S. Garcia Editor-in-Chief by the USPS were too far away or in dan - members appointed by the mayor and Alex Kratz gerous neighborhoods. Most residents each of the borough presidents. The Tomorrow Staff Writer would have to travel to the station at East panel has, historically, voted in approval Jeanmarie Evelly 188th Street station, nearly a mile away of the DOE’s recommendations. • The Bronx from the Botanical location. Others said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Classified Advertising it would be too hard for them to traverse Jr., sent out a press release following the Breakdown Dawn McEvoy the hilly neighborhood. DOE’s announcement. Accounts Receivable State Senator Gustavo Rivera threw “These closings have a considerable (Fridays) Dawn McEvoy his weight behind the community’s effort effect on parents, educators and stu - Proofreader to save the station. dents,” he said. “The factors that have led Judy Noy “This is a station that we cannot afford to these proposed closings did not occur • Weekly Sports Production to close,” he said at the hearing. “There overnight. The DOE has not provided Neil deMause is, unfortunately, a national conversation these schools and others with the appro - Updates that attacks the post office as something Regular Contributors priate resources to succeed, and that David Greene, Adi Talwar, Jasmeet Sidhu, that is not necessary.” must change.” —JEANMARIE EVELLY brought in about $4 million for the state Francesca Andre. Lindsay Armstrong Members of the USPS at the hearing each year, though the governor had said plans to close any post offices have refused to do so. Interns Cuomo’s Tax Reform Will Ronald Chavez, Emily Piccone not been finalized. But the Bronx is tak - Local elected officials hailed Cuomo’s ing the brunt of the post office losses. The Increase Rates for new tax deal as a successful compro - For display advertising, call 17 at risk in the Bronx is half of a total of mise—while the surcharge will expire at (718) 324-4998. 34 in the city. Wealthy, Cut Taxes for the end of this year, the new plan will net Connie Chirichello, a spokesperson Middle Class the state an additional $1.9 billion in rev - Support Your for the Postal Service, said there was no Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced earli - enue. Community Newspaper! borough bias when determining which er this month that he and legislators in “I applaud Governor Cuomo for his The Norwood News is a not-for-profit post offices to close.“Our headquarters Albany had agreed on a plan to overhaul leadership in taking on tax reform and publication and relies upon the support of did an evaluation and determined, not by the state’s existing tax code, one that for acknowledging that New York State its advertisers and readers to produce a location, but they looked at other crite - would increase the tax rate for the high - can address economic development at the quality community newspaper. To support ria.” she said. “They didn’t look at juris - est income earners while providing a cut same time that we address economic your paper, become a member and diction at all. They looked at numbers.” for middle-class residents. inequality,” State Sen. Gustavo Rivera receive a subscription for one year (25 —RONALD CHAVEZ The move came just a month before said in a statement. issues) and benefits like the Bronx the state’s so-called Millionaire’s tax, a “After being asked to continuously Cultural Card. 5 Bronx Schools on DOE temporary surcharge for New Yorkers sacrifice during tough economic times, Simply mail check or money order for earning more than $200,000 a year, was middle class and working families in the $40 to: Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir Chopping Block set to expire. Activists and many Democ - 33rd Senate District in the Bronx will be Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. The Department of Education ratic lawmakers had been pushing for receiving a tax cut to help them get back announced last week that it plans to close Cuomo to renew the surcharge, which on track.” —JEANMARIE EVELLY Norwood News is not responsible for five poor-performing Bronx schools, part typographical errors. Opinions expressed of a larger list of 19 schools citywide that in signed letters and bylined columns rep - the department wants to phase out start - Public and Community Meetings resent the sole opinion of the author and ing this year. are not necessarily those of Mosholu The Bronx locations slated for closure • The 52 PrecincT communiTy council will meet this Thursday, Dec. 15 from 7 to Preservation Corporations or Montefiore 9 p.m. at the new york Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. opposite Fordham Medical Center. Editorials represent the are the Gateway School for Environmen - university. For more information, call (718) 220-5824. views of the editor and/or publisher only. tal Research and Technology, Jane Addams High School for Academic The newspaper reserves the right to limit • communiTy BoarD 7 committee meetings will be held at the office on 229a e. Careers, Samuel Gompers Career and or refuse advertising it deems objection - 204th St., beginning at 6:30 p.m.: Public Safety, Dec. 14.; long Term Planning, Dec. able. Advertisements appearing in this Technical Education High School, Grace 20; health and hospitals, Dec. 21; land use and Zoning, Dec. 22. paper cannot be used without the written Dodge Career and Technical High School permission of Norwood News . Letters to and Aspire Preparatory Middle School. • communiTy BoarD 7’ s Tree lighting ceremony will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15 the editor are subject to condensation and All five schools have been deemed at 6 p.m. at Bainbridge avenue and mosholu Parkway. editing. Writers should include their “failing” by the DOE, which for the last affiliation or special interest if any. • communiTy BoarD 7 ’s general board meeting will be held on monday, Dec. 19 several years under Mayor Bloomberg Anonymous letters are not published but from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Bronx library center, 310 e. Kingsbridge rd. For has closed dozens of schools across the your name can be withheld if requested. more information about cB7 meetings and events, call (718) 933-5650. city, many of them larger high schools, citing poor test scores and low gradua - Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a tion rates. not-profit support corporation of “These are never easy decisions, but Follow the Norwood News Montefiore Medical Center. when a school has failed to serve its stu - dents well year after year — even after on Facebook and receiving additional supports — we have a responsibility to provide students with @norwoodnews on better options. We are already hard at December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 3 Diverse Crew Supports Toy Drive and Church

(continued from p. 1) A Ching-A-Lings member named sity, which runs a tutoring program at Willie said his reasons for supporting the the church, and a local DJ who will be drive were two-fold. “One being that it’s mixing at the holiday party where the about the kids,” he said. “And two is that presents will be distributed. it’s a shame to see such a beautiful build - Rainis asked that the time and date be ing fall to such hardships.” left undisclosed due to the popularity of Rainis speaks with confidence when the event and out of fears that there will he says the church’s fiscal shortcomings not be enough gifts to go around. That’s will be ameliorated because, he says, what happened last year when more than when there is a community behind you, 75 children and their parents showed up either lending its support or relying on to the annual party. your services, burdens become lifted. “We just barely had enough food,” Rai - “We had people that came to the nis said. church last year on Eve that Epiphany can empathize with needy said if it hadn’t been for the one or two families’ financial woes. For the first gifts donated, they wouldn’t have had time in 25 years, the church wasn’t able to anything under the tree,” he said. “We provide a free Thanksgiving dinner for will continue to be here.” locals and its three-day-a-week hot meal Editor’s Note: New, unwrapped toys program has been suspended due to a for infants to teenagers can be dropped off lack of funding. The traditional hot meal at Epiphany Lutheran at 302 E. 206th St. the church provides the day after Christ - on Fridays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to mas, to everyone and anyone “in all 2 p.m. and Sundays before 11 a.m., or at stages of sobriety,” Rainis says, has also The Coven Tattoo Shop, 3154 Bainbridge been cancelled. Ave., from 1 to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday. www.norwoodnews.org 4 ■ December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News

Nationwide, the estimated value of the ser - vices provided by family caregivers for Vital “free” each year, according to the National Stats Be Heal thy! $375b Alliance for Caregiving For Family Caregivers, Lessons on Avoiding Burnout

On a recent weekday morning, dozens of people sat help out and battling Medicaid over coverage. Over on folding chairs in the recreation room of the Andrew the last few months, the disease has escalated to the Jackson Senior Center in Melrose, listening to Minerva point where her mother has lost even her ability to Velazquez-Munoz, a registered nurse, give tips on get - speak. ting a reluctant patient to take their medication. You can “It’s rough,” Fredericks said. “My thing is, I’m just cut the pills in half, she said; you can mix some of them tired. Sixteen years is a long time.” with orange juice. One key to avoiding caregiver burnout, Velazquez- Next was a lesson in properly changing the dressings Munoz said, is finding others who can help soften the on a wound, and how to lift a patient from a bed without load and take on some of the responsibilities. “Care - straining your back. Afterwards, those in attendance givers have to learn to delegate,” she said. chatted over free coffee and bagels. For those who don’t have an outside circle to rely on, This wasn’t a medical conference, however, and none joining a support group — many senior centers and hos - of the attendees were healthcare professionals. They pitals offer them — can help a caregiver feel less isolat - were regular people with regular jobs, who, for any num - ed. ber of reasons and circumstances, have taken on the role “Very often, we feel lost, and like we have no help,” of primary caregiver for an ill or disabled loved one. Photo by Janet Charles said City Councilwoman Aurelia Greene, who attended They’ve been charged with cooking meals, drawing HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS from VNSNY the health workshop and told the crowd about her own baths, doling out medication and dealing with health CHOICE and Presbyterian Senior Services with Deputy experiences caring for her 96-year-old mother. “It’s real - insurance claims. Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene at a health ly about learning ways to cope.” “Many people don’t even think of themselves as care - workshop last week on preventing caregiver burnout. Caregivers should make sure they take care of their givers,” said Judy Santamaria, director of the caregiv - own health, Santamaria said — get enough sleep, eat er support program at VNSNY CHOICE, a health plan vulnerable to health conditions like obesity, stroke, right, exercise, and keep their own doctor’s appoint - affiliate of the nonprofit Visiting Nurse Service of New depression or fatigue. ments. They should not hesitate to ask questions and York. “They say, ‘Oh, that’s my mother,’ or ‘That’s my “It’s just as important to take care of your own health communicate with their loved one’s physicians, particu - husband, I’m just taking care of him.’” as it is to take care of your family member,” Santamaria larly if they’re feeling overwhelmed or confused about VNSNY CHOICE and Bronx Borough President said. any aspects of the care they’re providing. Ruben Diaz, Jr., organized the event, a workshop on pre - Denise Fredericks has been taking care of her 79- Most importantly, Santamaria said, caregivers venting caregiver “burnout.” According to Santamaria, year-old mother for over a decade, after she developed should make sure to set aside time for themselves, even about a million residents in New York City take care of early onset Alzheimer’s in her early 60s. For years, the if it’s in small and seemingly insignificant ways. “You an ill or disabled person at home. Many of them simul - two women lived in the same apartment building, so don’t need to climb Mount Everest,” she said. “But if taneously hold full-time jobs, and few have any official Fredericks took on the role of caregiver almost entire - you can just find the time to take a bath, that might be medical training. The stress can make caregivers more ly on her own, searching for the right home aide to all you need.” December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 5 Crime Trends in Sector M (2006-2010)

In an attempt to give a broader picture of local crime trends in specific neighborhoods over the past five years (2006-2010), we have compiled crime statistics from each of the 52nd Precinct’s 15 individual sectors (obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request to the NYPD. In past issues, we’ve highlighted Sectors A, B, C, D and F, which are all areas in the southern end of the district. This issue shows Sector M, which makes up the east - ern half of the Norwood community. It’s bordered by Bainbridge Avenue and East 204th Street to the south, Williamsbridge Oval Park to the west, Webster Avenue to the east and Woodlawn Cemetery to the north. As you’ll see in the graphs, many crime statistics hit high points in 2007 and 2008 before easing down over the last couple of years, although felony assaults and rapes have both been on the rise over the past two years. 6 ■ December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News Rebuffed by Court, Church Finds Hope in Legislation

(continued from p. 1) United States. But after mulling the case, the court spoke at the rally at City Hall last week, called Cabrera’s For 17 years, Bronx Household and its lawyers with decided against officially reviewing it, which, essential - support and leadership, “totally unexpected and won - the Alliance Defense Fund fought a Department of Edu - ly, upheld the lower court’s decision. derfully appreciated.” cation policy that precludes churches and other reli - Originally, the city wanted churches out by the first of Hall and Cabrera said the state’s policy disallowing gious organizations from holding worship services in the year, but it granted an extension and they now have worship in public schools is rare and needs to be public school buildings. They enjoyed several successful until Feb. 12 to find new homes. changed. “I sat down to worship in a public school in rulings, which allowed them to worship inside PS/MS 15 In the meantime, Cabrera is pushing for passage of Massachusetts,” Hall said, adding that only a few dis - on Andrews Avenue in University Heights for the past legislation on the state level, which is the only place the tricts in the entire country have similarly exclusive poli - decade. city’s education laws, including the policy preventing cies. “That’s not exactly a Bible Belt state.” But in June, an appeals court ruled, 2-1, to uphold religious worship, can be amended. That legislation, bill Unlike many of the 60 or so churches meeting regu - the city’s policy. City attorneys lauded the decision. A8800, was recently introduced by Assemblyman Nel - larly in city school buildings, Bronx Household, which “The Department [of Education] is quite properly con - son Castro who also represents Bronx Household and has about 50 members, is poised to open its own building cerned about having any school in this diverse city University Heights. At the beginning of the year, it will this summer, across the street from PS/MS 15, if the identified with one particular religious belief or prac - be reviewed at the committee level and Cabrera says he Buildings Department cooperates. tice,” said Jane Gordon, who argued the city’s case. will encourage legislators to swiftly pass the bill before If legislation doesn’t allow them to continue worship - “The decision is a victory for the city’s schoolchildren Feb. 12. ing at PS/MS 15, Hall says they will find a way to make and their families.” “Shame on any legislator that doesn’t support this do, possibly even using tents in his own backyard on Bronx Household appealed the decision, taking the because they will be responsible for allowing these Andrews Avenue. case to the country’s highest court. religious institutions to become homeless,” Cabrera “We’re not wringing our hands, we’re not despon - If the Supreme Court heard the case, it could have set said. dent,” he said. “We’re disappointed, but we’re not foam - a policy precedent that reverberated throughout the Bob Hall, the head pastor at Bronx Household who ing at the mouth.” A Year After Split, Klein’s Independence Holds Weight

(continued from p. 1) in 2004. Born and raised in the northeast his predecessor, Pedro Espada, primarily in exchange for leadership roles. “There’s Bronx, Klein lives in Morris Park, a tradi - because of his disgust over the 2009 coup, nothing different. They are a copycat.” tionally wealthier Bronx neighborhood, said he was disappointed by Klein’s break But as the one-year anniversary of and large parts of his district include the from the party. “It weakens our hand,” he Klein’s Independent Democratic Confer - more suburban Westchester. said. “We should stand as Democrats, not ence approaches in January, the senator His political stance often reflects the as individuals all over the place.” defends his caucus with pride, calling it a interest of these areas, but not other IDC members did vote with Republi - productive division from the Democrats’ parts of the Bronx. He’s a vocal support - cans on a few issues last year: Klein and dysfunctional leadership, and from the er of increased protections for homeown - Valesky were the only two Democrats to partisan gridlock that characterized the ers, for example, and made passing a vote in favor of a bill that ended the prac - tumultuous two years the party was in statewide property tax cap one of his tice of seniority-based layoffs for New power after spending more than 40 years biggest priorities last session, despite York City teachers, the so-called “last in, in the minority. concerns by some of his Bronx col - first out” policy; all four voted with “I fought harder than anybody to take leagues that such a cap would devastate Republicans last spring to reform Senate the majority [in 2009], but unfortunately, schools in low-income areas, which rely rules stripping Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy of it was a complete letdown,” Klein said in on the taxes for funding revenues. his role of tie-breaker should the vote in a recent interview. “All the things that we Last year, Klein and his IDC colleagues the chamber be deadlocked. wanted to do, like ethics reform, we never STATE SEN. JEFF KLEIN supported a controversial bill that would “They demonstrated the power of a seemed to be able to get the votes for.” successful passage of a number of high- allow check cashers to issue short-term small minority to effect a closely divided To be sure, the IDC had a productive profile bills, like marriage equality and loans at an interest rate higher than New house,” said Douglas Muzzio, a political year. The four-person caucus—its other the long-awaited ethics reform. York State currently allows, legislation analyst and professor at CUNY Baruch. members are Rockland County Senator “I have a very simple rule: I wanted to David Carlucci, David Valesky of Syra - accomplish things,” Klein said. “In elec - cuse, and Klein’s girlfriend, Diane Savino, tion time, I want to elect Democrats, but “It weakens our hand. We should stand as of Staten Island—managed to, collectively, when the dust settles, we want to get pass 68 bills during the 2010 session. The things done.” Democrats, not as individuals all over the place.” 26-member Senate Democrats passed 103. Klein, a moderate Democrat, sits in the —State Sen. Gustavo Rivera IDC members introduced and passed center of the political spectrum when com - legislation dealing with crackdowns on pared to many of his more liberal Bronx car insurance fraud, efforts to boost the colleagues. A lawyer by trade, he served in consumer advocates criticized as taking “It allowed them to leverage stuff they state’s organ donor pool and banning caf - the State Assembly for 10 years, in the seat advantage of residents in poor neighbor - wouldn’t be able to leverage otherwise.” feinated malt liquors like Four Loko from currently held by Assemblywoman Naomi hoods, who are less likely to have good All four IDC members were given com - stores. The group also advocated for the Rivera, before being elected to the Senate credit or use traditional banks. mittee chair positions by Senate Majority Tenant advocates have also long-criti - Leader Dean Skelos, the only Democrats cized Klein for his inaction on pro-renter to get the posts, which come with a legislation, specifically efforts to protect $12,500 pay bonus attached to them. rent-regulated apartment buildings, of More importantly, Muzzio said, is the which he has 24,600 in his district. position of power that Klein is now in as (Michael McKee, of the Tenants Political leader of the IDC, holding more clout than Action Committee, has called Klein “an he did when he was still with the Democ - operative of the real estate lobby.”) The rats — though he held the number two posi - senator ultimately voted in favor of a rent tion in the party since 2009, he was consis - reform bill, but one that was significantly tently passed over for the leadership spot. watered-down and dubbed a disappoint - Now, he’s won the favor of Republicans ment by advocates and other Democrats. and still seems to have the ear of fellow Klein insists that he and his IDC col - Democrats: a study released this summer leagues remain Democrats by principle, by the New York Public Interest Group even if they no longer caucus with the found that Democratic senators voted party. “I’m a Democrat, and I think I’ve with Klein more often than they did with proved my Democratic worth time and John Sampson, the current party leader. time again,” he said. “Power is the currency of the realm,” Bronx State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Muzzio said. “We tend to focus on cash, who says he was prompted to run against but cachet, that’s worth a lot more.” December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 7 8 ■ December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News

We love, welcome and encourage letters to the editor and opinion articles from readers. Write to: Editor, Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. Fax: (718) 324-2917; or Opinion. e-mail: [email protected]. Editorial Op-Ed

school into a state-sponsored church (as an Protecting Our Kids appeals court judge argued in upholding the A Re-Invigorated Merchants Association From What? city’s policy). The new leaders of the 204th Street 204th Street and Bainbridge Avenue Let’s not overthink this. The Department What we found is that on a Sunday morn - and Bainbridge Avenue Merchants Merchants Association, Freilich as of Education’s policy precluding churches ing, there was no sign of church or anything Association would like to share with the vice president, Curran as treasur - and other religious organizations from wor - else going on inside the building. you some exciting developments for er, and Hamlet Aquino, from Metro shiping in city schools is discriminatory and When you do manage to find your way the East 204th Street and Bainbridge PCS, located at 326 E. 204th St., as sec - impractical. into the building, you’ll find a security guard Avenue business community. retary. Like tens of thousands of groups, from or custodian, not a preacher or an evangelist. Since 1958, the Merchants Associa - As a first project, the leadership Alcoholics Anonymous to the Boy Scouts, Nobody will tell you you’re going to hell if tion of 204th Street and Bainbridge worked hard to obtain holiday light - churches like Bronx Household of Faith in you don’t accept Jesus Christ as your savior. Avenue has provided leadership and ing for as many parts of the shopping University Heights pay rent and use school They will give you directions to the auditori - support for all businesses along 204th district as possible to promote - facilities for a few hours every week during um where you’ll find a few dozen people lis - Street and Bainbridge Avenue, from day shopping. You’ll find that light - off-hours when no students are present. tening to a man talk about God or the Bible. Van Cortlandt Avenue East south to ing on display throughout the rest of The city’s main argument in arguing to People will sing songs. After an hour or so, Webster Avenue. this holiday season. We hope you keep the policy in place (despite vigorous they will invite you to drink coffee and eat Allan Freilich of Freilich Jewelers enjoy it and your experience shop - opposition from Bronx Household’s lawyers cookies with them. But remember, you didn’t located at 312 E. 204th St. and William ping at our many and diverse busi - with the Alliance Defense Fund, which took have to be there in the first place, unless, of Curran of the McKeon Funeral Home nesses. up the case in the name of religious free - course, you are a reporter or extremely curi - located at 3129 Perry Ave. have provid - We want to make the shopping dom), is that students who attend schools ous about the inner workings of a school. ed leadership of the association over experience along East 204th Street where there is religious worship during off- But we didn’t stop there. We went to the recent years as president and vice and Bainbridge Avenue the best it can hours will get confused. They might feel the PS/MS 15 on a school day to ask parents president respectively. be. Thank you for your support and all government, which controls the schools, what they thought about churches worship - During a meeting of the associa - the best for the holiday season. favors a certain religion. ing in the buildings where their children tion that took place on Thursday, Nov. Eli Garcia, Beso Lounge, Even if this notion didn’t appear conde - received their education. Not one parent we 17 at 6 p.m. at the Beso Lounge, locat - President scending to students, who see religion every - spoke with knew that a church used the ed at 320 E. 204th St., elections were Allan Freilich, Freilich Jewelers, where in our society, we would argue that the building on Sundays. And when they learned held and some changes were made in Vice President premise is faulty to begin with. that was indeed the case, we found no objec - the leadership of the association. We William Curran, McKeon and Son We went to PS/MS 15 back in June to find tions. would like to announce that Eli Gar - Funeral Home, Treasurer out how Bronx Household used the school In fact, some parents thought it was a cia of the Beso Lounge has been elect - Hamlet Aquino, Metro PCS, and to see if it, in fact, “transformed” the great idea. ed as the new president of the East Secretary December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 9

Inquiring Photographer By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts on the U.S. Postal Service’s plans to cut services and close 17 Bronx post office locations.

I don’t think it would be I’m very upset already It makes me angry I use the post office all I write letters to my a very good idea. I have because my mail— because old and dis - the time to get stamps cousin every other week a grandmother, and it’s sometimes it comes to abled people, they can’t and mail letters and in Georgia. Forty-four tough for people who me and sometime it go great distances to get send packages. The cents a letter, the don’t have transporta - don’t. With this econom - their mail. It’s wrong, it’s other one is all the way money is obviously not tion, especially the ic crisis and the budget freaking wrong. up on Gun Hill Road, so going to the post office. elderly. I think they cuts and stuff, personal - Phyllis Buher I think it’s a very bad I think something should keep it open, ly I can’t comprehend it, thing, especially for should be done quickly. honestly. Maybe the why we don’t have seniors who really can’t It’s not fair that every - government has some enough money and why travel that far. I don’t one has to travel when extra funds we don’t are we closing post think it’s mismanage - there’s a post office know about. offices. It’s a bunch of ment, I guess it’s people right here. rolando cruz crap. not sending letters. I’m eileen Deleon Sakiner Britton old fashioned, I don’t have a computer. Neighborhood Notes andrew lamb Homeowner Resource Fair p.m. The hourly rate begins at $12 and increases to $18 after completing the first University Neighborhood Housing 40 hours. For more information, call 311. Program and the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center will host a Homeowner Resource Fair on Dec. 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Young Adult Internships at the Mary Mitchell Center, 2007 Mapes The Northern Manhattan Improve - Ave. (corner of East 178th Street). Meet ment Corporation, 76 Wadsworth Ave. with a certified foreclosure prevention (between 176th and 177th streets), 2nd floor, counselor and talk to a weatherization classroom C, is offering informational ses - specialist, to ultimately reduce cost and sions for its internship program for young stay in your home if you’re struggling to adults between the ages of 16 and 24, week - pay mortgage or energy bills. Support days at 2 p.m. Eligible candidates must be and tools for the new and current small unemployed, not currently enrolled in business owner will also be available. For school and have not received an Associ - more information or to RSVP, call (718) ate’s or Bachelor’s degree. The program 933-2539. Se habla español. includes job readiness training, counsel - ing, and assistance in finding employment Computer, GED Programs after completion. For more information, call (212) 453-5394 or visit nmic.org. SUNY North Bronx Career Counseling and Outreach Center, 2901 White Plains Rd., is accepting applications for all of its Free Business Workshop programs, including free Computer Liter - The Bronx Women’s Business acy and GED classes, which begin on Feb. Resource Center will hold two free entre - 6. Seats are limited. For more informa - preneurship workshops at the Bronx tion, call (718) 547-1001. Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. City Hiring Snow Laborers and Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Find out how to make your business The NYC Department of Sanitation is ideas into a reality. Workshop is a pre-req - registering emergency snow laborers to uisite for an expanded Entrepreneurship remove snow at bus stops and crosswalks Assistance Program, which starts Tues - in the event of a heavy snowfall. Appli - day, Jan. 17. For more information or to cants must be 18 years of age, eligible to RSVP, call (718) 933-7469. work in the US and capable of performing heavy physical labor. Interested candi - dates can register Monday to Friday at the For more Neighborhood Notes following garages: District 12 (310 W. 215th online, go to www.norwoodnews.org St.); District 10 (110 E. 131st St.); or District and click on “Neighborhood Notes” 9 (125 E. 149th St.); between 7 a.m. and 3 in the right-hand column. 10 ■ December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News NORWOOD NEWS Holiday Gift Guide

Original Stocking Stuffers bridge Rd., and is open 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., If you’re not one that sneezes or gets Monday to Saturday. Call (718) 367-8161. quick headaches from too many fra - grances at once, make a visit to Original Smoked to Perfection Products, an incense and spiritual candle You might be asking yourself if the megastore on Webster Avenue which has hype of Korean BBQ is really merited, or aisles of small (and magical) goods that if it’s just a lot of smoke. Walk into KBBQ would be a welcome addition to any stock - on Kingsbridge Road and your nose will ing. Looking for a gift to say ‘I like you’? do the deciding. The family-owned Try the Attraction oil, the Compelling oil, restaurant and bar uses oak wood to fire or the Come to Me oil (all available in up the grills, making the slow roasted three sizes). Or, help your most unfortu - pork juicy and tender to perfection. If you nate of friends with the ‘Fast Lucky’ fra - go for lunch, order the Bulgogi sandwich, grance, or the New Year Incense - to bring served on a hero with thinly sliced spicy health, money, and love (for $2.95). Many beef, with sweet chili oil and sautéed of the products are made in-house, and at onions and peppers. KBBQ offers gift cer - affordable prices. It is an emporium to tificates, and makes for a dining experi - satisfy your spiritual (or kitschy) needs. ence that would impress any date. Original Products is located at 2486 Web - KBBQ is located at 119 W. Kingsbridge ster Ave., and is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Rd., and is open Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (718) 601-5510. Photo by Adi Talwar Monday to Saturday. Call (718) 367-9589. THE FORDHAM ROAD Business Improvement District kicked off the holiday shop - ping season with a tree lighting ceremony at Bryan Park. Buy Honey, Be Healthy Malcolm, Martin and Obama To aid circulation, to curb a cigarette Mementos addiction, to clear your sinuses — all can Have an urge to wrap yourself in our Dear Norwood News Readers, for two reasons: (1) We know you could be aided with a spoonful of honey. The med - President’s face? Have you been search - ‘Tis getting a little late in the holiday use the help, and (2) We believe in sup - icinal and culinary uses of this sweet and ing for natural clay soap, raw organic gift buying season, which is why we porting our local merchants right here in ancient nectar are endless, but one thing is shea butter, or maybe just a warm wool pounded the trails of the local shopping the Bronx. So take this newspaper (it may for certain — it has loads more health ben - scarf for $12? All of these can be yours at districts in the Norwood News’ coverage even help you get a better deal at some efits than sugar cane or, heaven forbid, Sunkofa on Southern Boulevard. The area — from Fordham to Kingsbridge to places), hit the local shopping circuit, high fructose corn syrup. In the winter store is a mecca of African products, Gun Hill Road, from Bainbridge to contribute to your neighborhood econo - months when blood circulation is lower ranging from hard to find books, to Jerome Avenue and East 204th Street to my and reap the benefits of a job well and hot beverages consumed on the daily, masks, beaded jewelry and blown up Southern Boulevard — to find the best done. Your welcome. the gift of honey is an especially warm ges - prints of historical figures such as Mar - deals, merchandise and innovative ideas Sincerely, ture and you can find it at Forever Young. tin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Also for presents in 2011. We do this every year The Norwood News Elves Forever Young is located at 12 W. Kings - (continued on p. 12 ) December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 11 12 ■ December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News Norwood News Holiday Gift Guide

The Coven is located at 3154 Bainbridge Ave. and is open Monday to Saturday, 1 to Cool Glasses at Cool 9 p.m. Call (718) 231-0111. Prices Toys and Deals Who doesn’t need a new pair of glasses from a trusted and affordable The selection of traditional children’s local optometrist? Mosholu Optical toys like train sets or baby dolls makes has been serving the community’s eye - Kids Outlet on Jerome Avenue a reliable wear needs since 1968. From bold and source of classic Christmas morning trendy, to smart and sophisticated, cheer at reasonable prices. That train set Mosholu Optical has the style that will is a bargain at $19.99. Even better, owner fit your special someone. Plus you can Sam Khalil is throwing in 20 percent off walk in off the street and pick up your toys to anyone who brings in this holiday new glasses in an hour. gift guide. Mosholu Optical is located at 3490 Kids Outlet is located at 3485 Jerome Jerome Ave., near the corner of Gun Ave. Call (646) 204-4639 for store hours. Hill Road. Call (718) 654-5860 for store Sneaks for the Sneakerhead hours. Bronx Sneakerheads, if you don’t tions, including 3449 Jerome Ave. Call already have your Nike Shox R4s or Grif - (718) 231-4736 for store hours. A Girl’s Best Friend fey Air Max II’s, Sneakerbox on Fordham Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and they might make her want to be your best Road has them for less than the retail The Gift of Fitness friend this holiday season if you do her the honor of stopping in Freilich Jewelers, price, at $130. And for those anticipating Think your loved one might be turn - which has a beautiful selection of diamond earrings, ranging from the ghastly (at the release of the Jordan 11s, sales repre - ing into a holiday cookie this holiday sea - $8,100) to the bearable ($169.95). Or, gift her with the Swarovski Crystal sterling ear - sentative Jose Valette says he expects 30 son? Gift them with a Planet Fitness pass rings and 24K gold encrusted Christmas rose, a package deal that can be yours (or to 40 people to line up outside the store for for 2012 — the gift that will give back to hers) for $99. their release on . Valette you! As the clock turns on the New Year, Freilich Jewelers is located at 312 E. 204th St. and is open Tuesday to Friday, 10 says the store may only get up to 50 pairs, gym memberships across the country a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (718) 798-1063. so if you want to honor number 23 on spike for a reason. Planet Fitness has two your feet, you’ll have to be one of the first locations close to each other, one on Ford - (continued from p. 10 ) the arm of a sailor or the neck of a prison - at the store. ham Road and another a few blocks away for sale are large throw rugs sporting er, but nowadays shop owner Willie at The Sneakerbox is located at 136 E. Ford - on the Concourse. Monday through Fri - President Obama’s smiling face. Coven has inked pretty much every type of ham Rd. Call (718) 220-0007 for store hours. day PF offers 5-person fitness training Sunkofa is located at 1789 Southern person, he says, even a mother and daugh - classes that are free with a membership. Blvd., and is open Monday to Saturday, 10 ter who came in to get matching tattoos. This Suits Your Man Membership passes start at $10/month a.m. to 8 p.m. The Coven is a friendly and clean local tat - Porta Bella has now been providing after $20 down, not including a $20 annu - too shop, that is offering 20 percent off any menswear in the neighborhood for a al fee, and each location is open seven Tattoos for Everyone tattoo over $50, if you bring in a new gift decade, according to manager Marcos days a week/24 hours a day (perfect for Tattoos were once only acceptable on for a child in support of a local gift drive. Jiddou. The store has an expansive selec - accommodating any work schedule). tion of suits, sweaters and shoes for rela - Planet Fitness locations: 2480 Grand Con - tively inexpensive prices. They carry two- course (718) 637- 6485; and 309 E. Fordham piece suits for $48.50 and jackets that start Rd. (718) 933-0900. at $19.99. Porta Bella has several Bronx loca - (continued on p. 14 )

We’re Proud to Provide Safe and Affordable Housing Throughout The Northwest Bronx. Toy Deals and Givebacks at Leroy After moving into an old Blockbuster on East 204th Street, Leroy Pharmacy has Studios and 1 Bedroom had the space to stretch out and add a few programs to benefit its customers. Now in a 4,500-square-foot store, they were one of a handful of Bronx pharmacies picked Apartments Available to participate in a pilot program by Medicaid called Medication Therapeutic Man - agement, or MTM, that seeks to build better communication among patients, providers and pharmacies. Pick up application at: This holiday season, Leroy donated over 65 turkeys to families in need and is also working in conjunction with Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera’s annual Holiday Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation Toy Event, sponsored by both Montefiore Medical Center and Leroy Pharmacy. On Saturday, Dec.17, over 500 children will be receiving toys in Leroy, and in addition, 2751 Grand Concourse, The Bronx a huge selection of their toys and holiday gift items are on sale up to 15 percent off 718-367-3200 regular prices. Leroy Pharmacy is located at 314 E. 204th St., between Hull and Perry avenues. December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 13 14 ■ December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News Norwood News Holiday Gift Guide

The Perfect Post-op Gifts Give the Gift of Wound Care The Women’s Center is the first stop many women Dr. Jian Zhang who heads the Bronx Foot Surgeons make after mastectomy surgery. Why? It has every - is a board certified foot surgeon, and has been prac - thing covered for all surgical and breast care needs, ticing for over a decade. Besides all spectrums of including selection and privacy. The relaxed, friendly podiatric and surgical services, he also specializes in showroom has a wide selection of attractive and com - wound care, diabetic foot infection and limb salvage. fortable recovery items offering custom-fitted post- Zhang treats those diabetic patients who have chron - mastectomy bras and forms to fit any body type, skin ic open wounds that never heal at the hyperbaric oxy - color and surgery. If the Women’s Center doesn’t have gen chamber center located at the Montefiore North what you want, don’t worry. They will order it. Cus - Division. The hyperbaric oxygen will stimulate the tom forms and bras aren’t all that’s on display at the body to generate more arterial blood flow to the area Center. They also offer wigs, scarves, designer hats, where the circulation is lacking. As a result, those bathing suits and other accessories. patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers can heal Give the Gift of Meat Located at 262 E. Gun Hill Rd., the Women’s Center without risking more infection or even amputations. The Hillside Meat Market is a one stop shop for all is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more There are several offices associated with the Bronx of your Christmas roasting needs. Hillside has a information, call (718) 654-1882 or (800) 648-4466. Foot Surgeons Corporation. Visit Dr. Zhang at their large selection of pork cuts, including pork shoulders new location at 3112 Webster Ave. or the other doctors at and pork thighs that, if pre-ordered, Hillside will de- 405-5775 for store hours. 1619 Pelham Pkwy. No. Please feel free to check the web - bone and season for you. An 8- to 10-pound shoulder site at www.bronxfootsurgeons.com, and call (718) 655- (which feeds about a dozen people) will cost between Get Your Games On 3410 for an appointment. $15 and $20. Hillside can also help with your specialty There’s no better Christmas morning feeling than meats orders, such as a rack of lamb or duck. opening up a new game console. This year at DVD Video hundreds, but that he has fish and other birds at more Hillside Meat Market is located at 3117 Bainbridge on East Gun Hill Road, you can get a Nintendo 3DS for affordable prices, like parakeets at about $15. Ave. and is open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 $169.99. Other popular releases include “Gears of War 3” Pet Paradise is located at 289 E. Gun Hill Rd. Call (718) p.m. and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and “Batman: Arkham City,” the sequel to the critically- 881-2870 for store hours. (continued from p. 12 ) acclaimed Arkham Asylum, and is now garnering Game of the Year buzz. The store also boasts a robust collec - Cigars, Rolled to Unwind When All Else Fails, Buy Booze tion of DVDs and Blu-ray discs, along with pre-paid A neighborhood stalwart, Rosario’s Cigars is famous for its top-notch Dominican hand-rolled cigars. We Whether your Christmas dinner is on the day itself, or Boost Mobile phones. recently profiled the store and found people were drawn on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve), you’re going to need DVD Video is located on East Gun Hill Road. to its ability to suspend the city’s torrid pace, instead holiday drinks. K & S Liquor’s Shelly Ali recommends opting for slow appreciation. Like having a cigar. Or Black Cork, a sweet red dessert wine for some post-din - Pets Make for Gift Paradise lounging on an island in the Caribbean. ner holiday sipping. The store also carries traditional Upon entering Pet Paradise on Gun Hill Road, owner Rosario’s Cigars is located at 325 E. Gun Hill Rd. Call holiday gift boxes. A Grey Goose gift box costs $35.99, and Augie Santana jumps at the chance to tell you about his (718) 798-6769 for store hours. there’s also a Remy Martin Cognac gift box for $49.99. animals’ powers of therapy. Santana brings tropical K&S Liquor is located at 3394 Jerome Ave. Call (718) birds and fish to nursing homes or schools for disabled children. Santana says a parrot will run you into the —Compiled by RONALD CHAVEZ and EMILY PICCONE December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 15 Classifieds

Professional Directory

10458. (Fordham University Beautician Services Section). Call today for your Pediatric Services Non-Denominational appointment: (347) 284-3834. Services come to madame P’s Beauty Tiga Pediatrics 3510 Bainbridge Ave., Suite 5, World Good news christian church The last old-fashioned hairdresser Real Estate Bronx, NY 10467 Ages 0 to 21 years 3061 Bainbridge Ave. in the Bronx. (basement of the Church of the We specialize in haircutting, hair 2-Family house for Sale – Fully General Practice, Obesity, Asthma, ADHD Holy Nativity) care, and provide consultations renovated. Includes 3 BR over 3 Bronx, NY 10467 on hair care and weaving to stim - BR & master bedroom. Wood floors Same-Day Appointment Every Day! (718) 319-8999 (347) 329-0023 ulate hair growth. We do tinting and tile. Full 1-bedroom basement. Pastors James and Andrea Miller and use all manners of relaxers, This property has 7 bedrooms and Sunday service at 2 p.m. including Mizani, Affirm, 4 full baths. Parking and back yard. Home fellowship bible studies on Fiberguard, and Vitale. We use New kitchen. Wheelchair ramp. Lawyers Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Wave Nouveau Coiffure. We are Great investment, it will pay for Friday night prayer service still doing carefree curls and itself. You will live for free! at 7 p.m. press and curl. 20% off for Location: Wakefield - Barnes, James m. Visser, esq. seniors Tuesdays, Wednesdays, between 228th and 229th streets. General Practice; Accidents, Commmercial; Wills & Estates; Visit us at and Thursdays. Minutes away from Montefiore www.goodnewscc.wordpress.com. Hospital. Offices Bronx and Manhattan 617 E. Fordham Road (between Please call owner: (917) 622-5810 (646) 260-6326 Arthur and Hughes), Bronx, NY – PRICE: $475,000 (neg.)

POSITION WANTED repaired, relined, inpainted prints cleaned Tutor: K-9 teacher NYS certified, ESL (718) 367-4040. Prayer Wednesdays at 11 and repaired. certified, former NY Times cartograph - a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday Service at 11 er/staff editor. (718) 644-1083. Nurse’s Aide with 25 years’ experience Photo Restoration : Photographs a.m. in hospitals, nursing homes and private restored and enlarged without negatives!! residences seeks employment. Will live in Discount Custom Framing - Pick-up Yoga: Stretching, meditation, drumming or out. Call (718) 364-7771. and Delivery Service: Over 40 years’ or dancing on Fridays and Sundays. $10 MISCELLANEOUS experience. Est. 1968 per session. RSVP (718) 644-1083 or email [email protected]. SERVICES AVAILABLE Artists’ Oasis Studios, 2121 Haight THANK YOU ST. JUDE . Ave., Bronx, NY (914) 620-5665. J.D. Custom Picture Framing: Abrams RELIGIOUS SERVICES Siberian Husky Puppies (AKC reg. male Art Restoration : Paintings cleaned, FAST DELIVERY – 1 FRAME TO 1000 Glad Tidings Assembly of God: 2 Van and female): Free to good home. E-mail: How to Advertise Cortlandt Ave. E. and Jerome Avenue. [email protected] for more info. 1. Classifieds: All classified ads (like those on this page) are $9 for the first 20 words and 25 cents for each additional word . The phone number counts as one word. CO-OPS 2. Professional Directory: Our professional directory is designed to be an inexpensive way to tell our more than 40,000 FOR SALE readers about your professional services on a regular basis. (See above.) Rates are: $144 for six months; $260 for one year. BRONX LOCATIONS: KINGSBRIDGE/NORWOOD 3. Business Cards: Share your business card with more than GRAND CONCOURSE/WOODLAWN 40,000 readers! Rates are as low as: $360 for six months (12 issues); $625 for one year (25 issues). 3520 TRYON AVENUE Deadlines: Deadlines for classified ads are one week prior to publication. Perfectly located co-op. Walk to Montefiore and Subway. To place an ad, call the Norwood News at (718) 324-4998 between “Handyman Special” the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday. 1 BR $97,000 Maint: $548.45

4380 VIREO AVENUE 2 BR-JR $169,000.00 Maint: $543.69 Studios for rent @ $900, No Fee TO VIEW AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL: Sherry and Sons, Inc. (914) 793-1793 ext.16 www.sherryandsons.com 16 ■ December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 17 Business Beat New Building Home to Tender Child Care By EMILY PICCONE

A new nursery school and daycare provider in Norwood will be open by the New Year, and the space is already set up and ready for the children to stream in. Occupying the first floor of a new apartment building on Decatur Avenue just north of East Gun Hill Road, Tender Tots Childcare Center is available to chil - dren from 6-weeks to 5-years-old. The children are divided into four age groups and in class sizes of 10, with two teachers each. School officials say the ratio for the infant room is slightly smaller at 4:1. The colorful new carpets displaying the alphabet, painter’s easels, mini- kitchens, puppet theaters and arts and Photo by Emily Piccone crafts stations all stand ready for the chil - playtime. dren’s use starting in January. The center is open for both full day The center’s Educational Director and part day, and rates start at $200 a Michelle D’Avanzo says she is using a cre - week for full day (7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.), for ative curriculum, which leaves a lot of children ages 3 to 6. the lesson planning up to the teachers, Included in the price is both breakfast but wants the focus of Tender Tots to be and lunch, which will be catered in daily, around play, and there’s ample space to including pancakes, bagels and waffles grant it. One large empty classroom with for breakfast, and pasta, chicken, fish bay windows is being left empty for exer - sticks and pizza for lunch. cise and games, D’Avanzo says. Plus, they Ed. Note: For more information or to have placed soft playground flooring on register, visit tendertotsny.com or call (718) the outside courtyard for safety during 324-1052. 18 ■ December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News

Holiday Strings Concert, performed by ■ Lehman College, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. ArtsAndDance.org. Holiday Events members of the Bronx Symphony Orchestra, W., presents a broadcast of the ballet, The Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, Nutcracker, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. in the ■ The New York Botanical Garden presents ■ Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit Speech and Theatre Building’s Studio Holiday Train Show, featuring replicas of invites the public to a free Bronx Annual www.nypl.org. Theatre and Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. in the NYC landmarks made of natural materials Chanukah Celebration, Dec. 22 at noon at Lovinger Theatre. Tickets are $12. For more such as bark, twigs, fruits and seeds, and the Bronx County Building Veterans ■ The Lehman Center for the Performing information, call (718) 960-7963 or visit large-scale model trains running along near - Memorial Hall, 851 Grand Concourse. Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents a www.lehmanstages.org/ballet-in-cinema. ly a quarter mile of track featuring bridges, Included will be a musical performance and Christmas celebration with Parranda tunnels and waterfalls, through Jan. 16. refreshments. For more information and to Navideña featuring jíbaro music from the ■ The Bronx River Art Center, 305 E. 140th Included will be a glimpse at the making of RSVP, call (718) 590-3989 or email mountains of Puerto Rico, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. St., #1A, presents its Holiday Party, Dec. the exhibition at the Artist’s Studio. Adults [email protected]. (tickets are $25 to $45; $10 for ages 12 and 16 from 6 to 9 p.m., including a holiday can enjoy a sip of one complimentary cock - under). For more information, call (718) 960- dance-off and food and drink. BRAC stu - tail, December 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. (advance ■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. 8833. dents are invited to a Student Potluck tickets are recommended). For more infor - Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, presents Holiday Party, Dec. 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. at mation, tickets, and details of holiday events Burke Plaza, 871 E. 179th St. For more infor - and rates, call (718) 817-8700. aEDITOR’S PICK mation and to RSVP, call (718) 589-5819 or visit [email protected] and include name, email address, number of people Events attending, and what dish you are bringing. Norwood News Photographer ■ The Bronx County Historical Society pre - ■ The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance sents a Walking Tour, Old village of Showcase (BAAD), 841 Barretto St., presents Los Unionport, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. (meet at the Nutcrackers: A Christmas Carajo, a com - Chase bank at Hugh Grant Circle in Adi Talwar, a local photographer whose work has graced the cover of this newspaper bination of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Parkchester; $10/members; $15/non-mem - countless times over the past few years, is exhibiting a selection of his photos at Carol, performed as a Latino queer comedic bers). For more information or to RSVP, call Illuminated Metropolis Gallery in Chelsea, 547 W. 27th St., Suite 529 (between 10th play, Dec. 15 ($20) and Dec. 16 and 17 (718) 881-8900. and 11th avenues). Talwar’s work will be on display, along with photos from other New ($25/each), all at 8 p.m., with discounts for York artists, until the end of December. The gallery is open on Fridays (1 to 5 p.m.) and seniors, groups and Bronx residents. For ■ JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Saturdays (noon to 6 p.m.), but if you would like to arrange a viewing at another time, more information and to reserve, call (718) Sedgwick Ave., presents Entertainer Ari e-mail Talwar at [email protected]. 842-5223 or visit www.BronxAcademyOf Leshans, performing at the December 15 –28, 2011 ■ Norwood News ■ 19

November/December birthday party, Dec. 15 for the Teeny Tiny (ages 3 to 5), Dec. 17 at adults), Dec. 15, 22 and 29; Holiday Arts at 1 p.m. ($1) preceded by lunch ($2); a Exhibits 11 a.m.; A Christmas Carol (ages 3 to 12), & Crafts (ages 5 to 12), Dec. 20 at 4 p.m.; Gingerbread House Party, Dec. 20 at 1 Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.; Mad Science Holiday Cheer, Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. and ■ The Pregones Theatre, 571-575 Walton p.m. preceded by lunch at 12:15 p.m., spon - Workshops at 4 p.m. (ages 3 to 12; regis - Board Game Bonanza, Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. Ave. (149th Street) presents Breathing sored by Hudson Pointe at Riverdale; tration required): on earthworks, Dec. 20; (both for teens and young adults); and Wii History, through Feb. 4. For more informa - Klezmer violinist Yale Strom, Dec. 22 at Film Day (ages 3 to 12), Dec. 21 and 28 at 4 Program (for seniors and adults), Tuesdays tion and a schedule, call (718) 585-1202. 1:15 p.m. preceded by a holiday meal at p.m.; Global Partners, Jr. (ages 5 to 12), at 3 p.m. For more information, call (718) 12:15 p.m. (suggested contribution is $2 for students connect worldwide via the Internet, 882-8239. ■ The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 each); and a trip to Rockefeller Center, Dec. 21 and 28 at 4 p.m.; Tree Ornament Grand Concourse at 165th St., presents Dec. 21. For more information and to RSVP, Making, (ages 5 to 12), Dec. 22 at 4 p.m.; MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS Muntadas: Information, Space, Control, call (718) 549-4700. and Tacky the Penguin and Other Frosty AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY CHANUKAH through Jan. 16; and Urban Archives: Winter Tales (ages 3 to 12), Dec. 29 at 2 TO ALL OUR JEWISH READERS! Emilio Sanchez in the Bronx, through Jan. ■ The Bronx Council on the Arts and the p.m. Adults can attend Released With 2. Admission is free on Fridays. For more Huntington Free Library present Holiday Conviction (through Dec. 17), exhibition on NOTE: Items for consideration may be information, call (718) 681-6000. Bling With Ortiz, a free craft workshop to prison release. For more information, call mailed to our office or sent to norwood - create original and personalized jewelry (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. [email protected], and should be ■ Lehman College’s Art Gallery, located at (supplies will be provided, but bring beads received by Dec. 19 for the next publication 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents free to recycle), Dec. 17 from 12:30 to 3 p.m., at ■ The Mosholu Library, at 285 E. 205th date of Dec. 29. Find more events at Sticks and Stones ; and El Museo’s Bienal: the library, 9 Westchester Square. For more St., offers Knitting Circle at 3 p.m. (for www.bronxnewsnetwork.org. The (S) Files 2011; both through Jan. 6, free, information and to confirm time, call (718) Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 931-9500 ext. 33 or (718) 829-7770. p.m.; and Family Focus, a guided look at the exhibitions, and a hands-on studio activity, ■ The Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center, will be held Dec. 17 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. 3450 DeKalb Ave., presents “A Twisted For more information, call (718) 960-8731. Carol,” an original holiday comedy per - formed by the Senior Center Players, Dec. ■ Bronx River Art Center, 305 E. 140th St., 19 at 12:30 p.m.; Shopping Trip to Bay #1A, presents free: Shifting Communities, Plaza, Dec. 21 at 9 a.m. and return to an exhibition highlighting dynamic initiatives Center for late lunch at 1:30 p.m. ($1.50 in culture and the arts, through Jan. 6. For in advance); Latke Luncheon, Dec. 22 at more information, call (718) 589-5819. 11:30 a.m., to celebrate Chanukah, fol - lowed by a lesson in playing “dreidel;” and Wii Bowling Tournament, Dec. 29 at 12:30 p.m., for regular Wii bowlers only, Library Events or those who have participated in at least ■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. three prior sessions (spectators wel - Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, presents come). For more information, call (718) programs for kids including Preschool Story 798-6601. Time, Dec. 15, 22 and 29 at 11 a.m.; Tales

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