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ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 Vol 31, No 16 • PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION • AUGUST 2-29, 2018 ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 FREE INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: WHY NEWSPAPERS MATTER | PG. 2 DAILY NEWS LAYOFFS | PG. 4 GETTING PRIMED FOR

Offi cial Reopening Of Whalen Park | pg 3 NorwoodTHE News BX runs down PRIMARY latest in September primary

De Blasio: More Tenant Protections Ahead | pg 6

Mental Health Impact at Bailey Houses pg 13

Photos respectively by Jose A. Giralt, the Campaign for Alessandra Biaggi, David Cruz, and the Campaign for Jeff Klein AND THE RACES ARE ON. (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT) Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez of the 80th Assembly District, 34th Sen- ate District candidate Alessandra Biaggi, Councilman Andrew Cohen of the 11th Council District, and state Senator Jeff Klein of the 34th Senate District face their political futures come September and November.

By MARTIKA ORNELLA and The theme of progressivism Crowley in the June 26 Demo- Cuomo and former presidential DAVID CRUZ has coursed through key races cratic primary in a race that candidate Hillary Clinton, and A sleepy political race and in the Bronx, thanks to politi- pitted an outsider against an Senator Jeff Klein, the influen- quiet political machinations cal histrionics coming out of insider. tial incumbent lawmaker. Vot- abut a closely-watched contest Washington, D.C. That theme has spilled onto ers will decide who is the favor- ahead of the Sept. 13 Demo- It began with Alexandria the race for the 34th Senate able candidate in the Sept. 13 cratic primary, which could Ocasio-Cortez, the socialist District between Alessandra Democratic Primary. With the see a dramatic shift in repre- Democrat beating established Biaggi, an attorney who once Bronx overwhelmingly com- pg 14 sentation across the borough. frontrunner Congressman Joe worked for Governor Andrew (continued on page 19) 2 • August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News EDITORIAL Vol. 31, No. 16 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. News 27, No.is published 10 bi-weekly on Thursdays by Why Newspapers Should Matter to You MosholuNorwood Preservation News Corporationis published (MPC) Norwood3400 Reservoir News isOval published East bi-weekly on Thursdays by For those who haven’t heard, the office, but usually they’re telling you News closed its Bronx bureau. We’ll get bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by MosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 4998Corporation one side of it. Can you remember a the occasional coverage from the big Mosholu Preservation Corporation New York Daily News saw some of the 3400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval2917 East E-mail: [email protected] Reservoir Oval East most brutal cuts to its reporting staff lawmaker ever openly admitting to media, though we argue it runs on the Bronx, New York 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 in recent memory. No one was safe, not wrongdoing unless a newspaper finds “if it bleeds it leads” track. The killing even the librarians who archive the pa- out first or prosecutors are ready to of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz is Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 Phone: 718 324 4998 per’s work. You may not notice it right indict? a prime example. There’s more to the Mosholu PreservationFax: 718 324 Corporation 2917 away—no sector is immune to layoffs- Without reporters poring through borough than murder and mayhem. E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 2917 ExecutiveE-mail: [email protected] Director of MPC -but the pain of the layoffs could easily documents, sitting in on government There’s rejuvenation in the works. Melissa Web:Cebollero www.norwoodnews.org Web: www.norwoodnews.org affect you. meetings, or even asking a question on What’s most important about the Director of MPC Follow us here: Without reporters what came out of the meeting, makes Daily News, which arguably sets it Jennifer Tausig you may not know what’s happening the prospect of getting the information apart from the other papers, including PublisherEditor-in-Chief, NorwoodCEO, News Mosholu Publisher CEO, Mosholu MosholuDavid Cruz, Preservation [email protected] 3UHVHUYDWLRQ down the street, how to best shame a to New Yorkers virtually impossible. the Norwood News, is numbers. Their Mosholu Preservation Corporation Corporation3UHVHUYDWLRQ bad landlord putting tenants in harm’s Without reporters, tracking malfea- circulation more than 200,000 newspa- AccountsCorporation Receivable Corporation Editor-in-ChiefDawn McEvoy Roberto S. Garcia way, and what the people you elected to sance becomes tougher. In this age pers a day, way more than the Norwood Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia DavidProofreader Cruz represent you in public office are up to. where yes, social media has prolifer- News’ 15,000 circulation reach. With JudyDavid Noy Cruz That’s plain and simple. ated and allowed users to inform or more newspapers out there, there are &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJInterns The last prong is maybe the most disinform their audiences, the craft more eyeballs, hence the Daily News’ DawnMartika&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ McEvoy Ornella, Jose A. Giralt, important since the whole point of of journalism is lost. Say hello to fake numerical impact. From a reporting ChristyDawn McEvoy Rae Ammons newspapers is to watch what elected news. standpoint, it’s not quantifiable. Bot- $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Fellows$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH officials are up to, a mandate that lies While many eyes are on Manhat- tom line—with so few bodies out there DawnSophia McEvoy Ebanks Dawn McEvoy in the heart of the First Amendment. tan, home to City Hall, there’s a pain- covering this complicated city, the Proofreader It’s true, lawmakers happily tell their ful neglect on the outer boroughs. This reader loses. JudyProofreader Noy ForJudy Noy Display Advertising constituents what’s happening in their started back in 2015 when the Daily 3URGXFWLRQCall Janet Geller at Neil3URGXFWLRQ deMause (646)Neil deMause 581-0399 We read the Norwood News to be 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV informed about local issues! Roxanne David5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Greene, Adi Talwar SupportDavid Greene, Your Adi Talwar Delgado’s letter regarding the Bronx InternsCommunity Newspaper! ,ETTERS4O4HE%DITOR animal shelter plans is far more rel- Interns ShaylaThe Norwood Love, Paolo News Mossetti, is a not-for-profi Justin McCallum, t evant. andpublicationShayla Chelsea Love, and George Paolo relies Mossetti, upon the Justin support McCallum, of Bill Cohen itsand advertisers Chelsea George and readers to produce a Implement School Speed Zone importance that the city implements a Van Cortlandt Village quality community newspaper. To support For display advertising, call (718) 324-4998. As a father and grandfather, the program of manual speed zone moni- your paper, become a member and receive a For display advertising, call (718) 324-4998. Warren’s Counter subscription for one year. New York State legislature’s failure to toring. Manual monitoring will allow Support Your renew and expand the New York City the city to continue to provide for the David Cruz’ editorial specifically SimplySupport mail checkYour or money order for $40 to: speed camera program is especially safety and security of our children. claimed we have an independent press CommunityNorwood News, 3400Newspaper! Reservoir Oval East, troubling. Since its inception, the prob- With the opening of school fast ap- and I disputed that. That’s why it qual- TheBronx,Community Norwood NY 10467. News Newspaper!LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE - The Norwood NewsLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE- lem which allows for the installation proaching, I urge the New York City ified for the Norwood News. The evi- lication and relies upon the support of its of speed cameras in 140 school zones Police Department and the Depart- dence is in the article and there’s nu- Norwoodlication and News relies is uponnot responsible the support for of its advertisers and readers to produce a quality across the city has been a tremendous ment of Transportation to develop and merous other facts and issues that are communitytypographicaladvertisers newspaper.and errors. readers Opinions To to supportproduce expressed your a quality paper, in signedcommunity letters newspaper. and bylined To columnssupport your represent paper, success. implement a plan for the Manual Moni- not covered by the mainstream media. become a member and receive a subscription According to the New York City toring of school-speed zones Or does Bill Cohen think that it is not thebecome sole opiniona member of theand author receive and a subscription are not fornecessarily one year. those of Mosholu Preservation Department of Transportation, school Fernando Cabrera on purpose, but just a coincidence that for one year. Corporation or Montefi ore Medical Center. zone speed cameras have reduced Councilman 14th District all these issues and facts are ignored SimplyEditorials mail represent check or the money views order of the for editor$40 speeding by 63 percent and resulted in by the mainstream press? A 400-word only.Simply The mail newspaper check or moneyreserves order the rightfor $40 to: Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir Oval East, a 22 percent drop in accidents. In addi- Mainstream Media Rebuttal letter does not leave room for a bibli- toto: limit Norwood or refuse News, advertising 3400 Reservoir it deems Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. tion to the safety benefits associated Regarding Richard Warren’s last ography. So if Cohen has any doubts objectionable.Bronx, NY 10467. Advertisements appearing in this paper cannot be used without with speed cameras, they have also letter to the editor published in the about these facts, he can check out in- Norwoodthe written News permission is not responsible of the Norwood for typo - proven to be revenue generators pro- June 7-20 edition of the Norwood News, dependent publications such as Coun- Norwood News is not responsible for typo- graphicalNews. Letters errors. to Opinions the editor expressed are subject in tosigned viding over $65.1 million dollars in ad- can Mr. Warren please provide docu- terPunch or Google these issues. I’ve graphical errors. Opinions expressed in signed letterscondensation and bylined and columnsediting. Writersrepresent should the sole ditional revenue to the city. mentation for any, or all, his charges done enough reading on this stuff, his includeletters and their bylined affi liation columns or special represent interest the ifsole opinion of the author and are not necessarily I remain hopeful that the legis- against various governments and lazy mind can do a little work. any.opinion Anonymous of the author letters and are are not not published necessarily those of Mosholu Preservation Corporations lature will reconvene and pass this press personnel? His rant against Richard Warren butthose your of Mosholuname can Preservation be withheld Corporations upon RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSrequest. - lifesaving legislation. However, until “mainstream media” is sorely lacking Van Cortlandt Village resentRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS the views of the editor and/or publisher- that happens, I believe it is of critical in evidence. 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 Advertisementsor refuse advertising appearing it deems in this objectionable. paper cannot Norwood News Takes a Break and Returns August 30 beMosholuAdvertisements used without Preservation theappearing written Corporation inpermission this paper is a of non-cannot Nor- profibe used t support without corporation the written permissionof Montefi oreof Nor- wood News. Letters to the editor are subject As has been the case for years, the Norwood News will be taking its summer hiatus, and this current Medicalwood News. Center. Letters to the editor are subject to condensation and editing. Writers should edition will cover virtually the entire month of August. This means readers won’t see another print edi- to condensation and editing. Writers should LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ tion until Aug. 30. AnonymousLQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ letters are not published but your We’ll be around, of course. You’ll find our bylines on the website, www.norwoodnews.org. You may nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. also continue to send tips, letters, and story ideas to Editor-in-Chief David Cruz at dcruz@norwoodnews. org or [email protected].

Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News • 3 Whalen Park’s Official Reopening Draws Namesake’s Family

By SOPHIA EBANKS of this. Never in our wildest benches, game tables, park After one year of recon- dreams did we imagine that lighting, and a water fountain struction, Norwood’s Whalen it would turn into this great are placed throughout the Park officially reopened to the park that it is today.” park as well. public with a ribbon-cutting The park, located on Perry “Today we have a park ceremony attended by local Avenue and 205th Street next that’s as good as any park in officials and family members to the Mosholu Library, has the city,” said Council Mem- of the patriarch behind the been revamped with the in- ber Andrew Cohen. “To see park’s name. stallation of new playground, the transformation of Whalen “I couldn’t stop cry- now equipped with climbing Park, it just restores my ing,” said Kate Armstrong, blocks and spray showers. A faith.” daughter of the late Henry A. “story time corner” has also T h e $ 1 . 8 m i l l i o n r e c o n s t r u c - Whalen, a Norwood resident been added to the park for li- tion project received funding and the park’s namesake. brary reading groups and from government agencies “Our father would be so proud other group gatherings. Park and representatives, includ-

Photo by José A. Giralt RELATIVES OF HENRY A. Whalen at a ribbon cutting ceremony after the reconstruction of the park named for him in the Norwood section of the Bronx on Tuesday, July 24. Whalen was a World War II veteran and a local activist.

emony along with their hus- bands, children, and grand- children. Whalen was a World War II veteran, a community advocate who worked to open the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Kingsbridge, and was an ac- tive church member. He and his daughters lived just a block away from the park, vis- iting regularly. At the reopening, children were already playing on the Photo by Jose A. Giralt CHILDREN PLAY IN Whalen playground and were wel- Park’s newly installed sprinkler comed to join the Mosholu Li- on the day it is dedicated after brary’s reading session in the reconstruction in the Norwood park. section of the Bronx on Tues- “We came here and saw day, July 24. Henry A. Whalen all these kids here and it’s so was a World War II veteran and moving,” said Armstrong. a local activist. “Because when we were kids there were kids all over the ing $820,000 from the New place, climbing the trees, and York City Council, $552,000 just having fun. It was just a from Mayor Bill de Blasio, and neighborhood full of kids and $425,000 from Bronx Borough even though we moved away, President Ruben Diaz Jr. The it’s still a neighborhood full Parks Department started de- of kids. So the tradition lives veloping plans to redesign the on.” park as early as 2013. The Parks Department also Henry Whalen’s three cut the ribbon on a brand new daughters – Eileen, Kate, and $500,00 skate park in Van Cor- Nancy – attended the cer- tlandt Village on July 24. 4 • August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts on the decision by the New York Daily News to cut its newsroom staff by nearly 50 percent and what effect, if any, would it have on coverage of our borough.

That’s discouraging for the simple fact People today are getting their news by I think some important stories are going to I sometimes buy the newspaper when I I think it will have a negative effect. A lot that those resources they’re letting go are phone and mobile devices on the Internet. get left out now, because the Daily News go to school or when I come home from of people losing jobs at the Daily News, the resources that scoop the information Will it affect people in the Bronx? Hell yes, was a good source for uncovering stories work. I don’t know if the layoffs will have they’ve been around so long. How are from this area that is valuable to us, and because we see a majority of the stories and I don’t know if any other paper can an effect on their coverage of the Bronx. they going to push half their staff out that I think it makes us vulnerable now with they cover are happening in Manhattan, pull that off like they did. Honestly, the I think all of the papers do a decent job fast and be able to stay on point and what’s going on around us. I get my news Harlem and Wall Street, but in my opinion, Daily News was my favorite newspaper covering the borough, but I’m not very up to date with all that’s going on in the from the Daily News and I’m disappointed they are going to miss the most important and the only newspaper I ever bought. concerned about it. world today? Yes, we need it bad. I watch about this decision. stories here in the Bronx where people are I don’t know how it’s going to affect Gleyni Martinez Eyewitness News every morning and I Alexander Vega struggling with poverty and income. Of the Bronx, but it will. I get a lot of my Mount Hope come out every Sunday morning and get Kingsbridge course, the Bronx has been overlooked for information from Channel 7 news. I don’t the Daily News to get the news and get years regarding news coverage. I get a lot really buy the newspaper anymore. It got the coupons for my wife inside the paper. of my news from word of mouth from the too expensive actually. I also get it through I also read the local papers or get it on my community and social media. social media as well. tablet and get what the Daily News doesn’t Chris Davis Frank Pimentel give us. I understand that because they’re Castle Hill Yankee Stadium online, but they don’t give you everything online, whereas the newspaper tells you exactly what happened. Garry Reynolds Belmont St. Patrick’s Home Rehabilitation & Health Care Center

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Carmelite Sisters Serving the Aged Since 1929 FACEBOOK.COM/STPATRICKSHOME August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News • 5 Twin Donut Closes Suddenly, With No Word on Reopening

By SOPHIA EBANKS restaurant, peering inside to Twin Donut Plus office in A long-standing donut shop spot tables and chairs left just Yonkers, NY. According to Liz in Norwood closed suddenly where they’re normally spot- Camcran, an employee of the towards the end of July with- ted. The store was usually company, the building is “un- out notice. open 24 hours a day, serving der renovation and they’re Twin Donut Plus, located at sandwiches, donuts, and other selling the franchise.” 3396 Jerome Ave. at the corner desserts. The owner closed the store of East 210th Street, has inex- “They might come back. before for renovations as well plicably shut down since July They closed for a while two with the expectation of selling 23. The eatery appears vacant, months ago,” said Chris it, but reopened shortly after. with a few tables left and doz- Cheong, a worker for Wok Representatives said that it is ens of handwritten “closed” Wok restaurant across from definitely expected to sell this signs taped to the windows. Twin Donut Plus. “It might be time. They expect to know the Photo by Sophia Ebanks Passersby have paused in because of the rent.” potential buyer within the TWIN DONUT AT 3396 Jerome Ave. in Norwood has been closed front of the fast food casual Norwood News called the next month. So far, no con- since July 23.

struction permits have been vacancies since June of this filed with the New York City year. Since April 2018, five Department of Buildings to new businesses have opened proceed with any alterations or are set to open soon in the to the restaurant. district, including a boutique The store had been there clothing store, frozen yogurt for more than 50 years, ac- shop, and a dine-in empanada cording to Camcran. restaurant. It rests within the borders Norwood News called and of the Jerome Gun Hill Busi- left a message with the office ness Improvement District, of Alice Kulick, the real estate the ad hoc city agency that property owner of the Twin offers private sanitation and Donut location and the former, marketing services to more long-serving chair of JGHBID, than 200 stores. There are but has not received a com- currently three businesses ment back as of press time. that have closed and 11 total 6 • August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News Bike Co. Puts Brakes on Bx. A Refuge for Vets and LGBTQ Expansion Plan Youth Opens in Univ. Hts. By JOSE A. GIRALT The original plan was part of an By SOPHIA EBANKS you have services on site,” said Tori Lyon, Five days after the bike-sharing expansion to bring a bike-sharing pro- Several homeless military veterans and CEO of Jericho Project. company dubbed ofo put the brakes on gram to the outer boroughs, several LGBTQ youth now have a place to call home Karen Wharton, a resident at Jericho a Bronx pilot program providing dock- years after Citi Bike debuted in parts with the opening of a new supportive hous- Project’s Kingsbridge Terrace residence, less bikes, Citi Bike and JUMP Bike of Manhattan and Brooklyn. In his an- ing residence in the University Heights sec- believes that the organization’s proper- have stepped up to double the num- nouncement, Daley did not offer spe- tion of the Bronx. A ribbon-cutting ceremony ties help “build up the community” for ber of bicycles in the borough. JUMP cifics on why the company withdrew was held to celebrate the opening on July 17. veterans, erasing the stigma around pedal-assisted electric bikes officially from the Bronx. In mid-July, the Chi- Walton House, located between Walton homeless veterans. Wharton served in became available on July 30. Citi Bikes nese-based company pulled out from Avenue and East Burnside Avenue, holds the military and was away on duty when will become available in mid-August, Chicago citing government-imposed 89 affordable housing apartments that have Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012. When she according to the city Department of restrictions it could not abide. Ofo been leased to 56 military veterans and 33 returned in 2014, she found her Coney Transportation (DOT). bike-sharing programs in Seattle is young adults, 40 percent of whom identify as Island home destroyed. By that time, Citi Bike and JUMP Bikes will now currently in limbo. LGBTQ. Wharton said she missed the relief pe- provide 200 bikes each. Ofo was origi- With the number of bikes doubled, It’s the third residence for veterans man- riod and could find little help from the nally chosen to make 200 pedal-assist JUMP founder and CEO Ryan Rzepecki aged by the Jericho Project, a non-profit that James J. Peters Veterans Administra- bikes available in the area of Fordham said in a statement, “JUMP bikes will provides housing and services for the home- tion Hospital. University. However, on July 19, DOT help reduce traffic congestion, connect less population. The $35.6 million project “I returned home to a civilian life and announced that ofo was ceasing most residents to public transportation, and overseen by the non-profit took four years to ruined home,” said Wharton at the rib- of its North American operations. make biking an even more viable and build. Its construction partner B&B Urban, bon-cutting for Walton House. Andrew Daley, head of ofo in North fun transit option in the borough.” and several financial investors like CitiBank But Wharton came across Kings- America, said, “As we continue to bring JUMP bikes are available for $2 for the and Wells Fargo, helped finance the project. bridge Terrace one day, deciding to apply bikeshare to communities across the first half hour and seven cents a min- The 10-story development features a for residence after seeing the building’s globe, ofo has begun to evaluate mar- ute for each additional hour. garden area, recreational space, communal mural which honors veterans and the kets that present obstacles.” kitchen, and library stacks. The building armed forces. Her application was ap- also has a basement area set aside for office proved within three months. space where tenants can meet with on-site “I didn’t believe it until it happened,” case managers, life coaches, peer mentors, said Wharton. “But Jericho devises that 12 Indicted for Lesandro and career counselors. safety net for those who fall through the Guzman-Feliz Killing “It’s very healing to have a home where cracks.” By JOSE A. GIRALT Sures were based in Brooklyn and had Twelve members of the Trinitarios infiltrated the Bronx. On the evening of De Blasio: More Tenant gang have been indicted in the brutal Junior’s murder, on June 20, Los Sures killing of 15-year-old Lesandro “Junior” planned to commit violence against an- Protections Ahead Guzman-Feliz that occurred last month other subgroup of Trinitarios called outside a bodega in Belmont. “Sunset.” The Times report also states By JOSE A. GIRALT “We will not tolerate violence, es- the group had originated from Brook- When Destiny Armstead moved into pecially by gangs, on our streets,” said lyn and was in conflict with Los Sures. 1561 Walton Ave. with her son Destin, 6, last Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, They came across Junior, mistaking December, they were both excited. flanked by prosecutors and NYPD him for another gang member, chasing “We couldn’t even sleep the first night Commissioner James O’Neill. “This in- him several blocks into the bodega in because everything was new and beauti- dictment is an early step in the crimi- Belmont before dragging him outside ful. It’s like a dream come true for me,” said nal justice process so I ask the commu- and stabbing him to death. Armstead. nity to be patient as the case takes its All of the 12 offenders were ar- Mayor Bill de Blasio came to Armstead’s course.” raigned this morning and have been re- building in Mt. Eden to see an example of Clark stated that all 12 men, rang- manded. They are due back in court on how his initiative to provide 300,000 afford- Mayor Bill de Blasio ing in ages 18 to 29, have been charged Oct. 25. If convicted of first-degree mur- able apartments by 2026 is progressing. with second-degree murder, first- der, the men can face up to life in prison After taking a tour of Armstead’s $509 per shortly after the tour. degree manslaughter, second-degree without the possibility of parole. month two-bedroom apartment, led mostly Investigations from the new unit will al- conspiracy, first- and second-degree O’Neill underscored the role that by Destin, the mayor announced that the low the city to bring civil charges against gang assault, and fourth-degree crimi- social media had played in garnering city financed more than 32,000 affordable landlords found harassing their tenants nal possession of a weapon. Five of the support for the investigation, which homes in the 2018 fiscal year ending June and forcing them to leave. The mayor also men have been charged with first-de- prompted in influx of calls to the tip 30. said that fines to landlords will range from gree murder, including torture, a rare line. The mayor also announced the creation “tens of thousands of dollars to start if they charge. Among those charged was Di- “In every single case, we need all of a Tenant Anti-Harassment Protection have done the wrong thing, easily going up ego Suero, 29, the reputed gang leader of New Yorkers’ help,” said O’Neill, “just Unit within the Department of Housing to hundreds of thousands of dollars in pen- the Trinitarios set in the Bronx, accord- like we saw how the good people of the Preservation and Development (HPD) of- alties.” ing to police. Bronx have helped bring about justice fice. The unit is a response to the increased Armstead works at Whole Foods and According to the police investiga- for Junior.” amount of harassment complaints against spent two years looking for an affordable tion, the offenders were part of the “Los Meantime, a street renaming is be- developers. “Most landlords follow the law apartment. “I wanted to stay in this neigh- Sures,” a subgroup of the Trinitarios. A ing planned to commemorate Junior’s but there’s an unscrupulous few who do a borhood,” she said. “I’m here to stay. I’m not report by The New York Times states Los life. huge amount of damage,” the mayor said going anywhere. I love my neighborhood.” August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News • 7 Campaign Champions Bronx Postal Banking System

By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS and would require congressional ac- Several proposals are under way tion so that the Postal Service could to provide banking services, such as provide lending services as well. ATMs, paycheck cashing, bill payment, According to statistics from New electronic money transfers and small- Economy Project, a citywide nonprofit dollar loans, at Bronx post offices in organization, the Bronx has more hopes of making residents less reliant check cashers and pawn shops than on alternative financial services. traditional bank branches, unlike New While the proposals are being York City as a whole. These alternative championed by the postal union and financial services often have high fees federal legislators representing the and interest rates, causing further ex- Bronx, Community Board 7’s district pense to low-income families who do manager, Ischia Bravo, worries about not have access to traditional bank- the Postal Service biting off more re- ing— the underbanked. sponsibility than it can chew. “Over- Government officials Congressman all, and my board agrees, we think José E. Serrano and Senator Kirsten it’s a good idea for a pilot program to Gillibrand are supporting the pro- begin; however, you know, given the posal. In a letter to the U.S. Postmaster underlying issues that the post office General, Serrano pointed out that 52.3 already has, like the long lines for the percent of Bronx households are un- services they currently provide, I don’t derbanked, double the national aver- think it would be conducive to now add age of 27.7 percent. these [banking] services without more Deyanira Del Rio, co-director of personnel,” she said. New Economy Project, is less con- Nora Taggart, a postal union worker cerned about congestion at the post and advocate for Campaign for Postal office, and more concerned about the Banking (a petition), spoke to Com- future of loans provided by the Postal munity Board 7 in early June. She ex- Service, and the unknown interest plained that the Postal Service already rates. “I think for one there’s a lot of does money orders and cashes checks talk about postal banks and how it for the Treasury, and the Campaign for can make loans that could kind of help Postal Banking wants to improve and shore up the financials of the postal expand those services. Taggart agreed banking system. We think that that’s that the Postal Service would have to kind of a dangerous path to go down,” hire more staff in order to put this pro- said Del Rio. posal into action, but that the Postmas- Bravo, aside from a lack of employ- ter needs to sign off on it first. ees, thinks postal banking is a good Taggart said the short term plan proposal. “We want more personnel. is to start a pilot program for postal We want to make sure that our com- banking in the Bronx by getting the munity is getting the right services at Postmaster to agree to have paycheck a speedy time,” she said. “The goal [of cashing, bill payment, and ATM ser- the postal banking initiative] is to of- vices at post offices which would only fer cheaper rates than other banks [or expand on the existing services. The services] and also to relieve some of the long term plan would be nationwide pressure that the Bronx already has.”

Image still courtesy BronxNet DEPUTY DISTRICT DIRECTOR for Congressman Jose Serrano, Ramon Cabral (cen- ter front, holding microphone), comes before the Bronx Borough Service Cabinet meeting on June 6 to support a campaign that would see a so-called postal banking system implemented at post offices across the Bronx. Alongside Cabral is Nora Tag- gart, a postal union worker and advocate for Campaign for Postal Banking. Stop Work Orders Issued at 2 of 4 New Norwood Projects 8 • August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News Above Putnam Place, an Urban Garden Grows

By CHRISTY RAE AMMONS Every day in the summer, Vic- tor Khan, 72, of Norwood hobbles to his kitchen window, and carefully climbs onto the roof of the Sing Fei Chinese Restaurant from his fire escape overlooking Putnam Place and East Gun Hill Road to tend to his garden. An automobile accident at age 15 partially disabled Khan, mak- ing him unable to move his hip and causing one of his legs to be an inch and a half shorter than the other. Using a chair to help boost himself out of the window makes it a little easier to get outside, but not much. The struggle leads to a burgeoning garden, a hobby he took up after retiring from Columbia-Presbyte- rian Hospital on West 168th Street, where he was a nursing attendant. On the right hand side of the roof facing the street, tomato and gourd plants grow tall. Next to them in containers and repurposed trash cans are four potato plants, while hot peppers grow from a pot nearby. Sitting on the ledge of the store roof, a fresh jasmine plant fills the air with a sweet scent. Photo by Christy Rae Ammons Khan’s hope is to relocate his VICTOR KHAN SHOWS off three of his plants growing from his rooftop garden along Putnam Place. Khan’s been growing his miniature farm to the roof of his plants for about three years. apartment building by next sum- mer, where his plants will get more space to continue growing fresh neighbors. He first needs permis- growing up, so I just had this inter- sunlight and he will have more vegetables for himself and his sion from the new landlord. est in farming,” he explained. “I’ve lived in this apartment The plants in the garden are since 2003,” Khan said. “Because of tended to carefully, and Khan is my age I don’t do much, just watch particular about what he uses to TV. And then one day I thought, grow them. He mixes his own soil, you know, since I’m interested in adding five types of organic fertil- growing vegetables, why don’t I izer, bone meal, blood meal and put [some] outside. I went to the old Epsom salt to store-bought dirt. landlord. His name is John. So I Some of the gourd seeds used are said, ‘I want to grow tomatoes.’ He purchased from India, and rodent said, ‘where?’ I said the rooftop on traps guard the vegetables from the top of your stores [outside my hungry intruders. Khan mostly window], and he said ‘Really? So gets help from his son and a neigh- give me some tomatoes,’ and that bor he recently met, Demetrius was it.” McCordian. While Khan has been living in While farming is simply a hobby the Bronx since 1981, his passion for Khan, McCordian believes for farming flourished when he Khan is doing important work that was a child in Pakistan. Though he the community could get involved was born and raised in the city of with. “For me, it kind of goes back Peshawar, his mother’s side of the to the roots of the Bronx as kind family resided in the farm village, of a farming environment,” Mc- Sahiwal. “Every year at Christ- Cordian said. “But even more so in mas time and summer vacation, neighborhoods like this, that are from school we would go to the vil- essentially a food desert and have lage. And we would participate in very limited healthy food options, them cutting the weeds because in creating your own produce and Photo by Christy Rae Ammons the summertime you cut the weeds being able to consume it is impor- VICTOR KHAN’S CORNUCOPIA of crops (pictured) include tomato, gourd, potato and harvest things. I was there tant.” and jasmine. August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News • 9 Tita Mini Market juices + smoothies + sandwiches + wraps + snacks + coffee + drinks

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10 • August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News Outrage in Edenwald Sparks Plan To Reveal Shelter Addresses Summer Ushers Open Fire By DAVID CRUZ “The city has purposely come Following acrimony by res- in and put them in our neighbor- hood,” said James, referring to Hydrants and Warnings idents over the sudden boom in homeless men roaming the the homeless. streets of the Wakefield and There are 379 buildings that By JOSÉ A. GIRALT Edenwald sections of the Bronx, are deemed shelters across the Growing up in the South Comptroller Scott Stringer plans Bronx, though it’s unclear how Bronx, Rafael Cartagena of many are located in the Eden- to share the locations of shelters Bedford Park has vivid mem- wald/Wakefield sections of the that have quietly opened across ories of cooling off with an the neighborhood. Bronx. DHS usually tells the Stringer, a critic of the may- community, through its commu- open fire hydrant in the 1970s. or’s handling of the homeless- nity board and elected represen- “Do you know what happened ness crisis that’s swept the city, tatives, that a traditional shelter when we’d step in front of one is coming one month before it of- promised residents that an in- of those fire hydrants? We’d go ficially opens. vestigation will be launched. He flying into the middle of the distinguished an investigation The Comptroller’s Office, with an audit, which the latter deemed the city’s chief accoun- street,” said Cartagena. can take a year and a half to tant when it comes to the pro- Today, even when kids complete. curement of services, registers aren’t playing in the streets, nonprofits contracted by the city “[Y]ou don’t want that,” some fire hydrants are left to perform services. That often Stringer told an audience at a open to the detriment of Bronx- town hall event his office hosted includes those nonprofits that on July 24. operate homeless shelters. In ites. Recently, Ken Small, a Councilman Andy King, most cases, nonprofits include longtime Norwood resident, representing the suburbanized the shelter address expected to felt the effects of a fire hydrant open in the community. Confi- neighborhoods, told Stringer running all night from July 4 dentiality laws exempt domestic that requesting addresses of to 5. “We had no water in our newly opened shelters from the violence shelters from having city Department of Homeless their addresses revealed. homes or apartments because Services (DHS) yields no re- But the Comptroller’s Office of insufficient pressure,” said sults. “When I ask, I can’t get an has found that even when a con- Small. The next day he took tract comes before registration, address,” said King. water from the hydrant to the shelter is already operating The request was made bathe. shortly after Carolina James, “a year or two before it comes to us for registration” as Dep- City officials are aware of an Edenwald resident, outlined Photo by José A. Giralt her experience in noticing a uty Comptroller Lisa Flores ex- the problems created by open AFTER RESPONDING TO a fire at 222 E. 202nd St. in the Bedford larger homeless population set- plained, creating a misaligned fire hydrants and, as has been process. Park section of the Bronx on July 20, a firefighter closes a fire hy- tle around her area of East 216th the case before, made the pub- “The Comptroller’s given drant. The fire was contained to a living room and no injuries were Street and Willet Avenue near lic aware of better options. Regent High School. us a charge in holding DHS ac- reported. “It’s like taking, say, two big countable for the safety of those On July 16, New York City air balloons, putting a whole shelters before we register them Department of Environmen- Before becoming President, gena said. “There was also a bunch of people in it and all of and there are many, many con- tal Protection (DEP) Commis- Police Commissioner Teddy real concern about buildings tracts for DHS that do not get a sudden, this year, in just a few sioner Vincent Sapienza and Roosevelt authorized New burning down because there registered until we have enough months, you see homeless people FDNY Commissioner Daniel Yorkers to open fire hydrants wouldn’t be enough water to all over the place. All over,” said documentation,” said Flores. as a way to cool off before air fight fires.” James, drawing support from Stringer suggested forming Nigro announced a joint effort the audience. a working group to get a sense to reduce wasteful water prac- conditioning or refrigeration Open fire hydrants aren’t Stringer initially answered of where possible shelters can tices, including illegally open- was available. just a problem from past de- be found. “[S]neaking around the question without directly re- ing fire hydrants. Fire hydrants still remain cades though. A review of 311 a community builds distrust, sponding to it, blaming “siloed” In a statement released to a popular way to stay cool, de- calls by the Norwood News city agencies like DHS and the hurts the people who are strug- spite pleas from NYC officials. for the zip codes 10458, 10467, city Department for Housing gling and doesn’t do justice for the public, Nigro welcomed Preservation and Development hard working community peo- the opportunity to work with But now, the FDNY promotes 10468, and 10470, found that for working exclusively of each ple who also want to feel safe in the DEP “to educate New a more environmentally safe complaints to 311 about open other. the community,” said Stringer. Yorkers about the risks associ- way to cool off. Any adult can uncapped fire hydrants has ated with illegally opened fire request a free sprinkler cap increased by nearly 25 percent hydrants.” Of special concern from their local firehouse and in 2018 over a similar period to FDNY is the decrease of wa- get it installed at their fire hy- last year. ter pressure firefighters face drant. The cap will reduce the As he’s traveled through when responding to a fire. An amount water released from the Bronx, Small has seen uncapped fire hydrant can re- 1,000 gallons per minute to 25 open fire hydrants in neigh- lease up to one million gallons gallons per minute. borhoods beyond Norwood in a 24-hour cycle. A properly installed sprin- like University Heights, Ford- People caught illegally kler cap reduces the dangers ham-Tremont, and Mount opening a fire hydrant can of allowing fire hydrants to Hope. face a fine of up to $1,000 or go run full blast. Cartagena re- “It is sad that some resi- to jail for up to 30 days. members tenants complaining dents of these communities The practice of cooling about low water pressure when don’t value water,” Small said. off with an open fire hydrant the hydrants were open. “But “We have people among us Photo by David Cruz dates back to the heat wave of it wasn’t just about water pres- who treat it like it has no im- COMPTROLLER SCOTT STRINGER, at podium, at a town hall he hosted on July 24 in Edenwald, takes questions from the audience. 1896. sure in the building,” Carta- portance.” August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News • 11

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Drinking in the Summer: When Is a Drink a Drink? By PAULETTE GIAMBALVO, erally: MPH, CHES The standard drink for a beer is 12 During the summer, many adult ounces, or a regular sized can Bronxites may find themselves drink- The standard drink of hard liquor is ing more fluids, including adult bev- 1.5 ounces, or a typical shot glass erages ranging from beer to specialty The standard drink of wine is 5 drinks at restaurants or at home. ounces, or one-half of a small cup of cof- The Centers for Disease Control and fee Prevention (CDC) notes certain groups Since craft beers and non-traditional should not drink at all, including those wines could have higher percentages under the legal drinking age of 21, of alcohol, smaller-sized beverages can women who are or may become preg- also vary greatly on their number of nant, people who are driving, planning standard drinks. For example, a tradi- to drive, or are participating in other tional mojito with 4.5 ounces of hard li- activities requiring skill, coordination, quor has three standard drinks, a Long and alertness. Also, people taking cer- Island Iced Tea can have up to five stan- tain prescription or over-the-counter dard drinks or 7.5 ounces of alcohol, and Photo courtesy New York City Health Department medications that can interact with al- illegal drinks sold throughout the sum- THIS MURAL DUBBED “Our Everyday Heroes: Using Our Hidden Strengths to cohol, people with certain medical con- mer, like a Nutcracker, can have un- known amounts of pure alcohol. When Overcome Adversity, Combat Mental Health Stigma and Help Our World,” found ditions and people who are recovering counting drinks, monitoring standard at the 176th Street corridor between Jerome and Davidson avenues, debuted from alcoholism or who are unable to control the amount they drink need to drinks and not beverages can help a this summer as part of the city Health Department’s awareness campaign for avoid consuming alcohol. person stay within the guidelines, and mental health. The mural was created by local muralist Jon Souza who said the For those who drink alcohol and are avoid excessive drinking over the long mural “is the result of a lot of hard work, dedication, and creativity.” of legal drinking age, the 2015–2020 Di- summer. etary Guidelines for Americans notes Excessive alcohol use is a known that drinking should always be done in problem in the United States and the moderation, meaning up to one drink third leading preventable cause of per day for women and up to two drinks death. If you or someone you know has per day for men. But what is a drink ac- a drinking problem, consult with your cording to the guidelines? personal health care provider or call 311 When referencing a drink, there is a or the National Drug and Alcohol Treat- standard based on how much pure alco- ment Referral Routing Service at (800) hol is included and how quickly it is pro- 662-HELP. cessed by the body. The standard size of To learn more, visit the CDC website each type of alcoholic beverage changes at: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/index. depending on the proof or volume. Gen- htm. Weiler ED Unveils Expansion Plan

Carry out Delivery Dine In (718) 798-4970 1818 E. Gun Hill Rd. Bronx, NY 10467 We appreciate all business Monday—Friday 10 am 11pm Photo courtesy Montefi ore Health System Saturday 11 am—11pm REPRESENTATIVES FROM JACK D. Weiler Hospital of the Albert Einstein from Norwood Sunday 12 pm—10pm College of Medicine Emergency Room presented their plans to expand the customers! HOURS emergency room before community members at a meeting on July 24. The ER’s square footage for its red, blue and yellow zones will increase from 11,364 square feet to 27,313 square feet, an 82 percent increase from its original space. New X-ray, CT scanners and more ultrasound and OB-GYN $10.00 rooms are expected. Minimum DELIVERY | Plus 1.50 Charge August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News • 13 At NYCHA’s Bailey Houses, Quality of Life Impacts Mental Health

By DAVID CRUZ out of her 10th-floor apartment after a ter. One center is available in the Mor- Though Tiesha Jones comes from steam pipe exploded in 2016, destroy- ris Park/Pelham Bay section of the a tight-knit family, hosting a holiday ing virtually everything inside. For Bronx, roughly an hour bus ride from gathering with her extended family six months Wilson lived with her son Bailey Houses. remains out of the question. Living for while repairs were made, only after While Jones has heard of the ser- the past four years in Bailey Houses, a she repeatedly complained and pushed vice, she and the tenants she knows in decrepit complex that’s home to some for them to be undertaken. the building haven’t utilized it. Wilson 900 tenants, Jones is embarrassed “I was living in here with mold and said this was the first time she’s heard over her living quarters. mildew and my apartment was 102 de- about it. From the first floor up to its last, a grees. I lost 15 pounds in here,” said “They never brought [the social list of fixes is required at the 20-story Wilson. workers] here,” said Wilson. “There’s property overlooking the Major Dee- a lot of people who can use one.” gan Expressway. A faulty plumbing ‘It needs to be spoken about’ In addition to employing the 13 so- system, sloppy patchwork and caved-in Depression had slowly set in. cial workers, the beleaguered agency ceilings characterize Bailey Houses, a “I thought I was going to have a trains other staffers to understand property belonging to the New York nervous breakdown,” said Wilson. “I and manage mentally ill tenants City Housing Authority (NYCHA) that had to take a leave of absence from through one-day trainings sponsored was built in 1972. Enduring years of my position [as Residents Council vice by ThriveNYC, the city’s initiative to disrepair, moreover, is causing undue president] so that I can focus on what I add greater understanding and com- stress to some residents. needed to focus on.” passion to the mentally ill. NYCHA Jones faced the same problem while Her waves of depression, and that staffers are trained to recognize the living at Fort Independence Houses, of other tenants, underscore the costs signs of anxiety and depression. Dr. Bailey Houses’ sister property. There, of poorly maintained public housing Gary Belkin, executive deputy com- a doctor diagnosed her as having clini- for some of the city’s most vulnerable. Photo by David Cruz missioner of mental hygiene for the cal depression partly caused by condi- Conditions like asthma and lead poi- TIESHA JONES AND her daughter, Da- city, told Gotham Gazette. that “people kota Taylor, in their apartment at Bailey tions in her apartment she described as soning may be widely recognized as residing in NYCHA housing or rental Houses. “horrifying,” including a bathtub that affecting NYCHA residents, but men- assisted housing, or either, are two to only ran cold water. Jones was forced tal health issues also loom large. three times more likely to have what to warm pots of water on the stove and “Mental illness is becoming a main A 2016 study of five NYCHA devel- we call ‘serious psychological dis- transport them to the bathtub for her factor for residents in public housing,” opments in East Harlem by New York tress.” kids to bathe in. She ultimately sought said Jones. “And it needs to be spoken University NYU Langone Department In a statement, Michael Giardina, a social worker for some talk therapy about.” of Population Health found 27 percent a spokesman for NYCHA, said the and avoided taking medications. At Fort Independence Houses, of the total 1,123 participating tenants agency offers “youth, senior and social For Jones, who serves as president Jones worried a lot for the safety of her rate their mental health as fair or poor. services to support household stabil- of the building’s Residents Council, it’s kids given the ongoing conditions. For In the summary brief, researchers at ity and empower all NYCHA residents clear that conditions are also threat- Jones, the children should have been NYU deemed the mental health find- with the services they need.” ening the mental health of her fellow worried about their upcoming test ing a “critical concern for this commu- Giardina added, “We strive to pro- tenants at Bailey Houses. Speaking they prepared to take. “I’m surprised nity,” blaming already existing poor vide all NYCHA families with safe, to the Norwood News from her living they passed,” she said. health and economic stressors for it. clean and connected communities.” room, where a large chalky patch of Substandard housing impacts chil- Though no question was asked explic- Julie Cuevas, a 30-year tenant who repaired drywall contrasts sharply dren the greatest, according to a study itly about the condition of the respon- works as a school bus matron, has bat- with her navy blue wall, Jones de- by How Housing Matters, a housing ad- dent’s apartment and its relationship tled bouts of depression on her own. scribes how poor housing affects men- vocacy group whose 2013 study of poor to mental health, Lorna Thorpe, PhD, An enormous hole inside her closet tal health. housing conditions and its impact on MPH, lead researcher for the study, has yet to be patched up, and there has “You come in your home – you got children was funded by the MacAr- said: “It makes very plausible sense been no remediation of the mold grow- toilet stoppages, leaks, and so forth, thur Foundation. The study surveyed that it’s a contributor.” ing in one of her closets. Her bedroom your elevator not working – and it 2,400 low-income children, teens and still awaits the paint job she requested makes you depressed, especially when young adults between the ages of 2 and Social workers in April. She may not see it until you have tickets that are put in and 21 living in neighborhoods of concen- NYCHA employs 13 social workers September. Outside her apartment, you have to wait such a long time to trated poverty in Boston, Chicago, and who largely serve as a liaison for full flickering lights need replacement. get repairs done. It takes a toll on you, San Antonio. service mental health clinics through Waiting worsens her mood, a mix of especially mentally,” said Jones, refer- “Children exposed to homes with direct referral and outreach. In the frustration and sadness. encing the NYCHA repair tickets ten- leaking roofs, broken windows, ro- Bronx, there are three social workers, “You shouldn’t have to feel stressed ants must submit to have repairs made dents, nonfunctioning heaters or including a supervisor, assigned to or depressed or feel in a bad mood in their apartment. Repairs can take stoves, peeling paint, exposed wiring, monitor the network of 574 buildings. when coming into your home,” Cue- months. or unsafe or unclean environments In certain circumstances, social vas, 37, said. “You should actually feel While at Fort Independence, Jones experienced greater emotional and be- workers step in during psychiatric happy when you come into where you spoke to a talk therapist to manage her havioral problems,” states the report’s emergencies, traumatic incidents, do- live.” depression. These days, Jones man- executive summary. “Housing quality mestic violence, child abuse/neglect This article was written as part of ages her depression by fighting for also was related to school performance and elder abuse. the 2018 Health Reporting Fellowship of tenants. for older children, with adolescents in With so few social workers on staff, the Center for Community and Ethnic Helene “Jake” Wilson, vice presi- poorer quality homes showing lower their job often involves providing re- Media at the Craig Newmark Gradu- dent of the Residents Council, feels the reading and math skills in standard- ferrals, or referring residents to a ate School of Journalism at CUNY and same way. In her case, she was forced ized achievement tests.” NYCHA-operated social services cen- funded by a grant from News Corp. 14 • August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News National Diabetes Prevention Program, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www. blood pressure, blood glucose testing, nypl.org. refreshments, Zumba class, and more. Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., The New York Botanical Garden’s offers for children to age 10: Summer Farmers Market is scheduled to be Dance Party (Summer Reading held Wednesdays through Oct. 31 Celebration): includes puppets and Compiled by JUDY NOY from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., just inside the Hawaiian leis (supplied), Aug. 14 at Mosholu entrance and across the street 2 p.m. Teens/young adults can enjoy from the Botanical Garden station of films at 1:30 p.m.: “A Wrinkle in the Metro North commuter railroad. Time,” Aug. 11; and “Peter Rabbit,” EDITOR’S PICK Also scheduled is Aloha Night, Aug. Aug. 25. Adults can attend Knitting 4 and 18 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Circle: Thursdays at 3 p.m. For more featuring interactive hula lessons, information, call (718) 882-8239. cocktails and Hawaiian fare available National Nights Out for purchase (ages 21 and over: $38/ Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Place non members; $28/ members; ages (near Kingsbridge Road, offers for children The public is invited to the following National 2 to 12: $18/non members; $13/ ages 3 to 12: Face and Hand Painting members). For more information, call (Summer Reading Celebration): All Nights Out Against Crime held by local police (718) 817-8700. supplies provided, Aug. 15 at 3 p.m. precincts on Aug. 7 as follows: Adults can attend: Computer Basics Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. at noon: Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 28 and 30. 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family The entire family can enjoy film: “The 52nd - At Poe Park, Grand Concourse and Art Projects: On Storytelling and Labyrinth,” Aug. 18 at 2 p.m. For more the Land, includes storytelling and information, call (718) 549-5200. Kingsbridge Road from 5 to 8 p.m. Events include WH history, Aug. 4 and 5; Be a Bee, Bingo, face makeovers, raffles, pony rides, includes wings, antennae, a pollen Public Service cup and a kazoo (join parade at 12:30 games, face painting, food, and drinks. p.m. and do a bee dance), Aug. 11 Announcement and 12; Fishy Fun, to make 3-D fish to swim through the air, Aug. 18 and 47th - At Grenada Place between Ely and 19; and Delicate Dragonfly Wings, to The Norwood News begins its traditional summer hiatus with this issue and will Laconia avenues (across the street from the 47th study the insects, then make wings, Aug. 25 and 26. all in the WH House resume publication on Aug. 30. We wish Precinct), from 4 to 8 p.m. Events include games, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also scheduled all our readers a happy and healthy summer. music, rides, ices, and entertainment. are Honey Weekend: Aug. 11 and 12 - Learn about bees, hives, honey, and candle-making, including a variety NOTE: Items for consideration may of activities 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and be mailed to our office or sent to Lorillard Place. For more information, Sunset Wednesdays: Live Music [email protected], and Onstage call (718) 590-6012. on the Great Lawn at 7 p.m.: Aug. should be received by Aug. 20 for the 8 - Aurora & Zon del Barrio, featuring next publication date of Aug. 30. Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Bronx Museum of the Arts presents Afro-Boricua, salsa, Kingsbridge Rd., presents Concert: Boogie on the Boulevard, Grand merengue, bomba and Songs Sinatra Sang: featuring singer Concourse from East 161st to East boogalu (rain location Bronx Night Market and musicians, Aug. 25 at 2:30 p.m. 170th streets, Aug. 26 from noon to 4 for both: indoors). For more information, call (718) 579- p.m. For more information, visit http:// Grounds admission is 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. www.bronxmuseum.org. free until noon Tuesdays Showcases Bronx Fare and Saturdays all year. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz COVE Youth Producers and Fashion For more information Jr. presents free Bronx Summer Designers presents Dream!, Aug. and a schedule of events Concert Series, Sundays through 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Metropolitan including tours and walks, Sept. 2, 1 to 5 p.m. on Orchard Beach’s College, 149th Street and Third call (718) 549-3200. main stage at Section 9. Music includes Avenue. Donations welcome. For more salsa, calypso, reggae, bachata, information, call (718) 405-1312. merengue, R&B, and pop. For more Library information, call (718) 590-3500. Montefiore Medical Center WIC Program presents Breastfeeding Events Events Health Fair, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Owen F. Dolan Park, Bronx Library Center, Williamsbridge Oval presents the 2551 Westchester Ave. Information 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., following events for ages 6 to 13: Art and resources include breastfeeding presents for children in the Park classes, Wednesdays in support and information, food stamps, ages 5 to 12: Maker August from 4 to 6 p.m., in front of the child care, and nutrition education For Monday at 2 p.m.: recreation center; and free sports, more information, call (718) 829-4401. Creative Pencils, Aug. 6; daily through Aug. 30. For more Pencil Holder, Aug. 11; information, call (718) 534-8672 or visit Housing and Health Clinic with Catholic Bookmarks, Aug. 20; and Locker Picture Frames, nyc.gov/parks or email sara.bishow@ Charities present Health Fair, Aug. parks.nyc.gov. 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Bay Eden Aug. 27; and The Life Community Center, 1220 E. 229th of Mozart (Summer Bronx South Division of Child St. Events include health screenings, Reading Celebration): Photo by José A. Giralt Protection holds Back-to-School Fair, Zumba, nutrition workshop, landlord Play about Mozart A CHEF FROM Beatstro Restaurant & Lounge in Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Poe and tenant rights, raffles, legal services, including music, Aug. Mott Haven cooks a batch of so-called Summer Park, Grand Concourse and East 192nd free karate class (2 to 2:30 p.m./kids; 3 25 at 2 p.m. Adults can Shrimp Dirty Rice at the Bronx Night Market in enjoy: Computer Basics: Street. For more information, contact to 3:30 p.m./adults). RSVP by Aug. 10. Fordham Plaza on July 28. The Bronx Night Plaza Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.; and [email protected]. For more information, call (718) 547- showcases food, culture, and entertainment mostly films at 2:30 p.m.: 8854 or (917) 946-3542. from the Bronx. The festival is held on the last Sat- NYC My Brother’s Keeper initiative “Dunkirk,” Aug. 4; “Kong: Skull Island,” Aug. 11; urday of every month from June through October. holds Back-to-School Health and Bethel Hamliri Inc. presents free Health and “Black Panther,” Aug. The next one is expected to take place on Aug. 25 Literacy Community Fair, Aug. 25 from Fair 2nd Edition, Aug. 12 from noon to from 4 to 10 p.m. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at M.S. 45, 2502 7 p.m. at Crotona Park. Events include 18. For more information, August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News • 15 Stringer Calls for Changes to Security Deposit Payments By DAVID CRUZ time fee for the company to insure the City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer is property from damages. These startups proposing new ways for New Yorkers to have virtually no requirements, such as pay for security deposits because of the a credit score. However, renters would alarming number of issues specifically not get the money back afterwards even faced by low-income tenants. if there was no damage to the apartment. A report released by Stringer’s office Despite being unable to receive the pay- shows that in the Bronx, tenants are pay- ments back, Stringer thinks using an ing on average more than 10 percent of insurance alternative would prevent their annual income to secure an apart- tenants from having to pay steep depos- ment. In Melrose, Longwood, and Hunts its when first moving in, helping low- Point, tenants are paying 15.8 percent of income renters from depleting their sav- their annual income, and in Claremont- ings. Bathgate they pay 25 percent. With money extremely tight for low- “Every day, New Yorkers are work- income renters, and stories of landlords ing harder and saving less – and right File photo not returning security deposits, Stringer now, huge proportions of their annual in- Comptroller Scott Stringer (pictured left). proposes the money instead be held by a comes are being held hostage in security third-party. deposits. These may just be considered ments to housing regulations and keep- curity deposits, pet deposits and move-in The initiatives Stringer is calling for the costs of being a renter in New York, ing people in their homes, the City hopes fees to be paid in installments instead of are supported by David R. Jones, CEO/ but it’s not right and it’s not necessary,” to save money. up-front. Rather than being forced to put President of the Community Service So- Stringer said in a statement. “For too Some recommendations by Stringer– out thousands of dollars upon moving in, ciety, an anti-poverty group. According long, the deck has been stacked against including a cap on security deposits, pre- tenants would be able to pay off their se- to their annual survey, two out of every New York’s working-class renters but venting landlords from charging more curity deposits over a period of months. three low-income households claim they we’re taking a step forward to reimag- than one month’s rent on a one-year Of course, tenants could opt to pay the are unable to afford moving within their ine how the housing system works in our lease–would have to go through the State entire cost up-front. borough. City.” Legislature, which regulates the hous- As an alternative to paying a security “[S]o a hefty security deposit could As New York City becomes increas- ing market. deposit, Stringer suggests tenants take leave them with nothing to fall back on ingly more unaffordable, homelessness Stringer also wants to make it easier advantage of new startup companies to if a medical emergency or another cri- spikes, and the ciity wants to avoid that for tenants without large savings to af- pay the entire deposit. Renters would sis hits, and more at risk of rent arrears, additional cost. By making improve- ford the cost of moving by allowing se- be able to pay a smaller monthly or one- eviction and homelessness,” Jones said. 16 • August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News Classifi eds Professional Directory

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Kancella’s Travel & Tours Book Your Vacation With Us!!! Saturday, July 14: One day tour to Lake Compounce Amusement Park & Waterpark; Departs from 940 Southern Blvd. at 10:30 a.m. and returns 8 p.m.; $95 per adult, $75 per child under 48 inches. Saturday, August 4: Resort Casino, Atlantic City. “Celebrating Eddie & Cancela’s” Birthday; Departs from Bronx at 9:30 a.m. $46 pp. Friday, August 10: Niagara Falls & Thousand Islands; departs from Bronx and Brooklyn at 6 a.m.; returns August 12. $429 pp. Sunday, September 16: One Day Lobster Feast & Seafood Buffet at Nordic Lodge Restaurant in Rhode Island and Foxwoods Casino; $179.00 per person. FOR RESERVATIONS, TICKETS & BROCHURES CALL: KANCELLA’S TRAVEL & TOURS (347) 405-2017 EDDIE ROSA (718) 757-5485 OR EMAIL [email protected] August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News • 17 PAID NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES Sprain Brook Manor Free Air Conditioner applying for a rent freeze through Free air conditioners are avail- the state SCRIE/DRIE programs. Rehabilitation: Getting You Back able to Bronx residents who either Eligible applicants must be at least receive Supplemental Nutrition As- 62 years old, have someone in their sistance Program (SNAP) benefits, house at least 62 years old, or dis- to Where You Want to Be Temporary Assistance (TA), Sup- abled (receiving SSI/SSD benefits). plemental Security Income (SSI), Sessions are available Tuesdays and did not receive an air condi- and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 tioner by the Home Energy Assis- p.m. at Refuge House, 2715 Bain- tance Program. Income-eligibility bridge Ave. (corner of East 196th requirements also apply. For more Street). For more information and information, call (212) 331-3126, or to RSVP, call (718) 933-2539. visit the Department of Human Re- sources Administration at 1932 Ar- Free Prep for H.S. Equivalency thur Ave., Monday through Friday SUNY Bronx Educational Op- from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. portunity Center, 1666 Bathgate Ave., offers tuition-free programs Free Legal Help for ages 18 and over preparing for Councilman Andy King hosts a the high school equivalency exam, mobile van offering free civil legal including instruction in writing, services on Saturday, Aug. 4, from grammar, math, science, and so- Whether you are looking for the nary & Nursing teams, rehab ses- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the Evander cial studies. In-person registration finest Skilled Nursing, Short-Term sions available seven days a week, Childs H.S. football field, 800 E. is on Mondays and Wednesdays at Gun Hill Rd. Legal assistance will 8:30 a.m. with required documents. Physical, Occupational & Speech and personalized service, you will include domestic violence/family For more information on required Therapy, or Cardiopulmonary Re- recover faster than you thought law, orders of protection, divorces, documents, call (718) 530-7000 or hab, look no further than Sprain possible. We know how important custody/visitation, child support, visit bronxeoc.org/register. Brook Manor Rehab. We are con- this decision is and your comfort is and immigration. For more infor- veniently located in Westchester our top priority. mation and required appointment, Free Tenant Help County, just minutes from the For more information, please call King’s office at (718) 684-5509. The city’s Tenant Support Unit hustle and bustle of New York City. contact our admissions team at will hold two free workshops from With our unmatched Rehab, Pulmo- (914) 358-2000. Commercial Lease Help 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for tenants at Northwest Bronx Community risk of displacement or experienc- & Clergy Coalition offers free legal ing harassment, Aug. 2 at 2175 Je- help to small businesses in negoti- rome Ave. in the office of Assembly ating commercial leases with their Member Victor M. Pichardo; and landlords. Businesses have to be in Aug. 2 and 16 at 910 Grand Con- New York City, must be non-fran- course in the office of Assembly chise, have a household income Member Latoya Joyner. The city’s below 500 percent of the federal Rent Freeze Team will hold a free poverty guideline, and have a new workshop at the office of Bronx or renewal lease. For more infor- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. mation, contact Evy Viruet at (718) at 851 Grand Concourse, room 915 584-0515 ext. 100. to help with any rent freeze assis- tance. For more information on Rent Freeze Programs these services, call 311 or go to nyc. University Neighborhood Hous- gov/tenantsupportunit and nyc. ing Program offers assistance in gov/rentfreeze. 18 • August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News GETTING PRIMED FOR (continued from page 1) trict, and carrying himself wholesome posed of Democratic voters, the winner and scandal-free. of the Democratic primary usually goes But despite his popularity among on to win the November General Elec- constituents, political rumblings origi- tion. nating in Riverdale indicate Cohen is But not all political intrigue has considering a judgeship nomination been chronicled in a blow-by-blow spec- that’s guaranteed, triggering a vacancy, tacle. The Norwood News brings you two according to several sources who spoke races and one inside-baseball political to the Norwood News. play that have an impact on the north- Cohen, a Democrat in his second west Bronx. term, was upfront about the rumors, telling the Norwood News he is mull- Fernandez: ing over the prospect of serving on the The Unopposed Candidate bench. “If it comes this year, I’m going On a recently humid and cloudy to be ready; if it comes next year that morning, clusters of community leaders would be good,” Cohen said. “I’d be shared remarks on the newly-minted thrilled to serve in that capacity.” Whalen Park in Norwood. Among them, Cohen is a trained attorney, having Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez served as a clerk for Bronx Supreme who briefly relayed the thrill in seeing Court Judge Edgar Walker before being

it open to the neighborhood. Photo by Jose A. Giralt elected councilman in 2013, succeeding “I really can’t be more happy that COUNCILMAN ANDREW COHEN and Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez appear his predecessor, Oliver Koppell. this park is how it is,” she said. “I’m at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Whalen Park in Norwood on July 24. It’s unclear what prompted Cohen shocked.” to consider leaving office. A total of As an elected official, ceremonial tant for her to attend. “I’m visible. I’m ing, getting these trailers removed,” nine vacancies for court judge across ribbon-cuttings are par for the course. letting the community know that I’m she said, “being more in tune with my the system—three Bronx Civil Court For Fernandez, a Democrat, it also func- here,” she said. The prior week, Fernan- superintendents and principals.” judgeships and six Supreme Court tions as a campaign stop. dez attended the unveiling of the “Nor- While not specifying which schools judgeships—are on the ballot for the Fernandez, technically the interim wood Column,” a public art installation in her district utilize trailers, Fernan- September primary, increasing Cohen’s Assemblywoman for the 80th Assem- on East Mosholu Parkway and Grand dez said they’re not a viable fix for over- chances of obtaining a seat. bly District, is running unopposed. The Concourse. crowding. “This is unacceptable by our Winding the gears would be the district covers parts of Norwood, Aller- Although just three months into city’s education system,” she said. “At- Bronx Democratic Party, which will ton, Pelham Gardens, and Morris Park. her tenure as an Assembly member, tempting to teach children in a trailer likely nominate Cohen to a judgeship In an April special election, Fernandez Fernandez knows her way around the is harmful to the students’ education through the Bronx judicial convention, won the seat vacated by current city block, having attended numerous com- experience.” where Bronx delegates nominate office Councilman Mark Gjonaj, her former munity meetings and helping out at It’s unclear what she plans to replace seekers to fill vacancies for Bronx court boss. Gjonaj, along with Governor An- events sponsored by Gjonaj. the trailers with, but Fernandez intends judges, according to several political drew Cuomo, also her former boss via “The only new part to me,” Fernan- to work with school officials to address observers across the Bronx who asked her stint as Bronx Regional Representa- dez said, referring to her nascent role the issue. not to be named. The Bronx Democratic tive, endorsed Fernandez for the seat. as Assemblywoman, is “the legislative Fernandez is part of a new genera- Party can convene a judicial convention Fernandez won over four percent of process and how much communication tion of Latina women reshaping New between Sept. 18 and 24 this year. the district’s eligible Democratic vote is needed on your part. But, I caught on York’s political scene, like newly-elected It’s a strategy the party took when in the special election, 1,500 more votes quick.” Queens Assemblywoman Ari Espinal securing a judgeship for former Bronx than her Republican challenger, Gene In June, she introduced her first and Queens-Bronx Democratic candi- District Attorney Robert Johnson, who DeF rancis, who managed to secure more piece of legislation: a bill to disclose the date for Congress, Alexandria Ocasio- resigned after his primary win in 2015 than six percent of his party’s vote. mental health records of incarcerated Cortez. And she believes more women to become a Bronx Supreme Court In a predominately blue district, Fer- individuals to the state’s Commission of in politics means more work gets done. judge. Johnson was appointed judge by nandez, 30, has no Democratic primary Correction. “Mental health,” Fernandez “Speaking bias-ly as a woman, I the judicial convention. The empty dis- opponent, and is poised to secure her said, “that’s definitely a growing crisis think we work incredibly hard,” Fer- trict attorney slot was filled by Darcel seat come November. in society.” She added, “My intention is nandez said. “Should the field be more Clark, a move largely criticized by good “Even though I’m running unop- to bring to light the issues and bring so- female? I think it can only lead to more government groups at the time for its posed, I’m trying to be out in the com- lutions as best I can.” productivity.” underhanded orchestration. munity every single day,” Fernandez Along with addressing what she Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, who told the Norwood News from the McDon- views as a mental health epidemic, Fer- Judge Andrew Cohen? doubles as the Bronx Democratic Party ald’s on East 204th Street and Perry Av- nandez said she’s also committed to im- For more than four years, Council- chair, was unavailable for comment. enue. proving the educational opportunities man Andrew Cohen has represented Should Cohen relinquish his seat, The ribbon-cutting ceremony to for people in her district, noting some Norwood at the ready, overseeing a ro- Mayor Bill de Blasio would have to call anoint Norwood’s revamped Whalen schools utilize trailers to work as class- bust constituent services department, a special election shortly afterward. The Park was one of the many community rooms. regularly appearing at community 11th Council District covers Norwood, events Fernandez believes was impor- “I’m really trying to fight for fund- meetings across the 11th Council Dis- Bedford Park, Kingsbridge, Riverdale, August 2-29, 2018 • Norwood News • 19 THE BRONX PRIMARY Van Cortlandt Village, Woodlawn, and mie any future U.S. Supreme Court rul- Fieldston. ing that would override Roe v. Wade. This would speed up plans for at Last month, Cuomo called on the state least one challenger who already filed Senate to reconvene and vote to protect papers to run for Cohen’s seat in 2021, women’s reproductive rights. Dan Padernacht. Padernacht, an attor- Championing reproductive rights ney who once served as chair of Com- stands as one of 13 issues Biaggi high- munity Board 8, has deep ties to the lights on her campaign website. She has Riverdale community, a stronghold for also called for the repeal of the Urstadt the 11th Council District. In 2010, he Law, which allows state control over the ran against former State Senator Pedro city’s rent laws. Espada of the 33rd Senate District, but Klein has held his current position withdrew from the race “for the good of as state senator since 2004. In 2016, he the Democratic party.” Gustavo Rivera was re-elected to the Senate with over 90 ultimately won the seat. percent of the vote. He began his career “For me, running for City Council in public office as an elected official is an opportunity to expand my role in covering Norwood in the 80th Assembly public service and to take the next step Photos courtesy Padernacht Law and Ben Franklin Reform Democratic Club District. in public service,” Padernacht said in POTENTIAL CANDIDATES IN a possible 11th Council District race include attorney Klein currently represents a Senate a recent telephone interview with the Dan Padernacht (l) and public school teacher and 81st Assembly District Leader Eric district that stretches across the Bronx Norwood News. “For 10 years I’ve been Dinowitz (r). from Riverdale to Hunt’s Point, and a member of Community Board 8 and cade, finishing out Cohen’s term and Democrats. reaches north to Pelham in Westchester I’ve had an opportunity to get engaged later completing two consecutive terms “[Klein’s] blocked progress in the County, where Biaggi was raised. Biag- in dozens—more than dozens—of local should they win election and re-elec- state Senate for his own personal bene- gi’s grandfather was 10-term Bronx issues where we’ve been able to inform tion. fit,” said Biaggi in a telephone interview Congressman Mario Biaggi, who repre- the community and help the commu- Political machinations aside, Pad- with the Norwood News. “He’s demon- sented Bedford Park. nity.” ernacht intends to give it all he’s got strated through his voting record and “Public service is something I grew Much of the pressing issues Pader- in vying for the seat. “I’ll be at subway through his lack of prioritizing bills up with in my blood,” Biaggi said. “It nacht would address as councilman stations, I’ll be at bus stops introducing that come to the floor, despite having was just a very important part of the would be the preservation of affordable myself to many residents in our area,” the power to do it, that he doesn’t really fabric of my identity. I also knew that it housing and decreasing overcrowding he said. care about that type of progress.” is one of the best vehicles to transform in schools. His Norwood connection is Klein, in a separate interview with people’s lives in a very positive way.” limited to personal experience, having Klein v. Biaggi the Norwood News, countered Biaggi’s Klein and Biaggi have lifelong ties friends who grew up in the neighbor- A sliver of Bedford Park serves as claims that he isn’t a ‘true blue’ Demo- to the 34th Senate District, a key talk- hood. Padernacht intends to door knock the lynchpin to the 34th Senate District, crat. ing point for both candidates. Presence in the neighborhood. where newcomer Alessandra Biaggi has “How someone should be judged and borough authenticity was indeed a But Padernacht is not the Bronx mounted a challenge against incumbent whether or not they’re a good Democrat theme that played in the race between Democratic Party’s main choice, ac- and longtime legislator, state Senator is whether they can deliver real Demo- Congressman Joe Crowley and primary cording to sources. For years, specula- Jeff Klein. cratic priorities,” said Klein. Describ- challenger Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. tion has abounded that Eric Dinowitz, Though the neighborhood tethers ing what being a Democrat means to Crowley’s loss was largely blamed on son of longtime Assemblyman Jeff Di- the east and west portions of the dis- him, Klein explained, “Well, I guess to his absence around his district, which nowitz and Cohen’s closest political ally, trict, it’s certainly not its battleground. pass important, progressive legislation. covers the Bronx and Queens. was positioning for the seat. Eric, a spe- That distinction belongs to Morris Park Not just stand on the sidelines and make Political observers have drawn par- cial education teacher at Walton High and Throggs Neck, strongholds that grand promises.” allels to the Biaggi/Klein and Ocasio- School and district leader in the 81st comprise a Democratic, though socially Emphasizing his record of passing Cortez/Crowley race, but Biaggi sees Assembly District who’s been groomed conservative, voting bloc. and supporting progressive legislation, little similarities. “The one similarity for public office, told the Norwood News For Biaggi, a progressive Demo- Klein referred to his sponsoring of bills [Ocasio-Cortez and I] have is that we are he has formed a campaign committee crat, being a registered Democrat isn’t related to paid family leave, universal young women who are running against to “be prepared for when Andy Cohen enough. Espousing its principles into pre-K, the banning of assault rifles in entrenched, incumbent men,” Biaggi steps down.” law is better. She’s used that premise New York State, and his work to secure said. “But, we are running in incredibly “Running for public office is some- to criticize Klein, who served as leader the state’s $15 minimum wage plan. different races.” thing I want to do,” said Eric in a tele- of the Independent Democratic Confer- “I think these are core legislative And unlike Crowley, Klein remains phone interview. Eric said he’s been ence (IDC), which dismantled in April. achievements,” Klein said. “And by the omnipresent, attending a variety of encouraged to run by community resi- Biaggi, along with numerous critics, has way, these are core progressive achieve- neighborhood events and regularly ap- dents. blasted the eight-member IDC over the ments.” pearing at civic meetings, a trait Biaggi Assemblyman Dinowitz’s seat in the years, claiming it only enabled Repub- But Biaggi, who served as an at- says she’ll adopt if elected. “I’m from the 81st Assembly District overlaps with the licans to block certain Democratically- torney in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Bronx,” Klein said. “Born and raised, 11th Council District. led initiatives. The IDC has caucused Counsel’s Office, has criticized Klein educated in Bronx public schools. And The winner of the seat could theo- solely with Republicans on legislative for not pushing for the Reproductive I am in touch with every portion of my retically be in office for at least a de- matters, drawing ire from progressive Health Act, which would officially sty- district.”