Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights NORWOOD NEWS Vol. 25, No. 4 ■ PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION ■ February 23 –March 7, 2012

Locked Out of Schools, CHASING DOWN HOOP DREAMS Religious Groups Seek Alternatives By JEANMARIE EVELLY

An ongoing tug of war over a city policy banning worship in public school buildings during non-school hours caused confusion this week - end, sending many churches that rent space from local schools scram - bling to find sites to hold their Sunday services. The ban, which went into effect Sunday, Feb. 12, following a federal court’s decision last spring that the Department of Education could legally evict the religious groups on the grounds of separation of church and state, was put on hold last week after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order. But on Friday afternoon, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the order would apply only to Bronx Household of Faith, the Uni - versity Heights parish that has been waging a lawsuit against the city for 17 years for the right to keep holding services at PS/MS 15 on Andrews Avenue. So while Bronx Household of Faith is allowed to remain — at least until Feb. 27, when federal Judge Loretta Preska is due to issue another Photo by Adi Talwar decision in the case — other parishes had to find last minute alternatives. PLAYERS FROM John F. Kennedy and DeWitt Clinton battle for a loose ball in JFK’s 78-60 vic - Heavenly Vision Christian Center, which has been renting the audi - tory in Bronx borough playoffs. The Knights went on to win Bronx title. Both northwest Bronx teams will compete in the PSAL citywide tournament, which kicks into high gear next week. For (continued on p. 11 ) a tournament preview, see page 9. NYPD ‘One Step Closer’ to Hit-and- Fordham’s One-Stop Santeria Run Driver Shopping Destination By DAVID GREENE By MARCOS SIERRA

After releasing a building’s surveillance video that they say shows Stepping into Original Products Botanica on the driver of a stolen car who struck and killed a Norwood man on the the corner of East 189th Street and Webster morning after Christmas, police say they are one step closer to catching Avenue, visitors are welcomed with the aroma of the suspect. fresh herbs, smiling employees and Spanish- Josbel Rivera, 24, a Radio Shack employee, was struck and killed as Caribbean music playing from overhead speak - he crossed Mosholu Parkway at Paul Avenue, at 4:24 a.m., on Monday, ers. It’s an expansive 15,000-square-foot store Dec. 26. At the time, police would only say that the vehicle was traveling housing a vast collection of items — from altar westbound and the driver fled the scene. tools and supplies, to ritual and saint candles, On Feb. 9, the NYPD released a building’s surveillance video showing tarot cards and everything else in between. a man parking a stolen 1999 Suzuki Vitara at the corner of Review Place Original Products Botanica’s services to its and West 238th Street in Kingsbridge, in the early morning hours of customers go back a generation, to the early Dec. 28. Moments after the man exits the vehicle, the car burst into 1930s and Spanish Harlem, when waves of flames. Caribbean citizens began to immigrate to the “There was one person seen exiting the vehicle, which was recov - United States. ered at Review Place and West 238 Street,” said a police source who “At that time, there weren’t any companies declined to be identified because they were not authorized to speak to that understood the demand for these types of the press. “The video came from a building in the area and it shows a products, and it created a niche for us,” said sec - male leaving the area and a few moments later, the vehicle goes up in ond generation co-owner, Jason Mizrahi. “It all began with my uncle and dad.” flames.” Photo by Marcos Sierra Despite the car being completely destroyed in the fire, investigators IN ITS enormous store just below Fordham Albert Amateau opened his store, M&A remain upbeat. “With this video, I believe we are one step closer to iden - Road, Original Products Botanica sells all kinds Amateau, on East 115th Street, between Park and (continued on p. 10 ) of religious and occult practice paraphernalia. (continued on p. 7)

■ FreshDirect Deal Stirs Controversy, p. 2 ■ Celebrating Dominican Heritage, p. 6 ■ A Bike/Hoops Armory Plan, p. 10 www.norwoodnews.org 2 ■ February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News

In The Public Interest BY JEANMARIE EVELLY

Vol. 25, No. 4 BP Diaz, Bronx Business Leaders Defend FreshDirect Funding Norwood News is published bi-weekly on Thursdays by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, the city could give 4,385 students full, with other provisions . Mosholu Preservation Corporation Jr., is looking to appease critics of online four-year scholarships to CUNY or hire “FreshDirect’s decision to stay in New 3400 Reservoir Oval East grocer FreshDirect, which was granted 1,458 new teachers or pay for 350,000 GED York City, right here in , is a Bronx, 10467 $127.8 million from the city earlier this test-prep programs or launch a micro- win-win for everyone,” Diaz said in a month in exchange for staying in New lending program for minority and statement. “FreshDirect is a real home- Phone: 718 324 4998 York. The company had been considering women entrepreneurs,” City Comptroller grown success that will now continue to Fax: 718 324 2917 another lucrative offer to relocate to New John Liu said in a statement. “The EDC grow, creating almost a thousand new jobs E-mail: [email protected] Jersey, prompting the Bloomberg admin - has not clearly justified why this much in our borough, which is not only a victo - Web: www.norwoodnews.org istration to counter with an even big - money should be used to subsidize this ry for the Bronx but also the entire City.” ger package of tax breaks and subsidies company.” The agreement with the borough pres - to convince it to move its headquarters to Diaz, who is allocating $1 million in ident’s office also calls for FreshDirect to the Bronx’s Harlem River Yards instead. capitol grant funds under his control make its fleet of delivery trucks more Publisher CEO, Mosholu FreshDirect is currently based in Long toward the project, sent out a press energy efficient. Mosholu Preservation Preservation Island City, Queens. release last week announcing a “Memo - In the living wage bill compromise Corporation Corporation Some have lashed out against the deal randum of Understanding” between his struck last month between City Council Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia as too generous to a company that pays 38 office and FreshDirect, saying the compa - Speaker Christine Quinn and supporters Alex Kratz percent of its workers less than $25,000 a ny will make an effort to see that at least of the Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act, Staff Writer year, and doesn’t offer services to most 30 percent of its new hires are Bronx res - including Diaz, FreshDirect would be Jeanmarie Evelly neighborhoods in the Bronx. Some are also idents, that it meet with Diaz by the end exempt from the mandate required of concerned about the increased truck traf - of June to discuss expanding its delivery other publicly-subsidized companies, Classified Advertising fic pollution the delivery service will bring services to more areas of the Bronx and should the bill get passed, that direct Dawn McEvoy to a borough with sky-high asthma rates. continue efforts to get approval from the workers get paid $10 an hour with bene - Accounts Receivable “For the cost of this benefits package state to accept food stamp benefits, along fits, or $11.50 an hour without. Dawn McEvoy Proofreader Pols Launch Minimum Judy Noy More on norwoodnews.org Production Wage Hike Website Neil deMause Lawmakers hoping to pass a bill that would raise the state’s minimum wage • News Updates Regular Contributors from $7.25 an hour to $8.50 launched a David Greene, Adi Talwar, Ronald Chavez, • Crime Watch Lindsay Armstrong, Emily Piccone website this month to build support for the legislation, which was introduced Interns • Be Healthy! Wednesday by Democrats in the Assembly last Marcos Sierra month. Photo courtesy Koppell’s office • Bronx Sports Report The site, www.raisethewageNY.com, COUNCIL MEMBER KOPPELL brings For display advertising, call anti-bullying message to students at PS Thursday (718) 324-4998. contains videos, statistics and a petition in support of the bill, which is likely to 56 during “Respect for All Week” with PS 56 Principal Priscilla Sheeran. • Bronx Breakdown Support Your pass in the majority-Democrat Assembly Friday Community Newspaper! but could face an uphill battle against Koppell Promotes Anti- Republicans in the State Senate. Most of The Norwood News is a not-for-profit publication and relies upon the support of the state’s business interests oppose it, Bullying Message harmony and cooperation and discour - its advertisers and readers to produce a while both Gov. Cuomo and Mayor Local Councilman Oliver Koppell vis - age bullying and harassment. quality community newspaper. To support Bloomberg have expressed their support ited a number of schools last week, “We have all heard about the tragic your paper, become a member and in raising the minimum wage. including Norwood’s PS 56, to discuss the effects of bullying and the steps schools receive a subscription for one year. According to a press release, 18 other harmful effects of bullying and to rein - might have taken to prevent such states currently have higher minimum force the importance of appreciating tragedies,” Koppell said. “I am pleased to Simply mail check or money order for wages than New York, including Con - diversity and respecting one another. participate in the joint effort of the DOE $40 to: Norwood News, 3400 Reservoir necticut, Vermont and Massachusetts. The Department of Education desig - and the Council to raise awareness of Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. “New York isn’t typically a state that nated last week, “Respect For All Week,” this issue and to help schools create an Norwood News is not responsible for lags behind, but rather one that leads by in an effort to encourage schools to pro - environment where all students feel safe typographical errors. Opinions expressed example,” Bronx Assemblyman Jeffrey vide activities for students that promote and respected.” in signed letters and bylined columns rep - Dinowitz said in a statement announcing resent the sole opinion of the author and the new website. “Providing hardworking are not necessarily those of Mosholu families with a fair wage for full-time Public and Community Meetings Preservation Corporations or Montefiore work is vital to our economic rebound. • COMMUNITY BOARD 7 ’s committee meetings will be held at the Community Board Medical Center. Editorials represent the It’s time we restore the spirit of shared office, 229A E. 204th St., at 6: 30 p.m. on the following dates: Thursday, Feb. 23— views of the editor and/or publisher only. prosperity and fairness by rewarding Land Use & Zoning; Wednesday, Feb. 29—Education & Libraries; Thursday, March 1— The newspaper reserves the right to limit those who work.” or refuse advertising it deems objection - Parks & Recreation. able. Advertisements appearing in this • COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold a public hearing on its preliminary capital and paper cannot be used without the written LGBT Biz Group Opens expense budget on Wednesday, March 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. permission of Norwood News . Letters to the editor are subject to condensation and Bedford Park Office • THE 16TH ANNUAL BRONX PARK SPEAK UP will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 at editing. Writers should include their The NYC LGBT Chamber of Com - ’s faculty dining room from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, affiliation or special interest if any. merce, a nonprofit group that works to or to RSVP, e-mail [email protected] visit BronxSpeakUp.org. Anonymous letters are not published but foster economic development opportuni - your name can be withheld if requested. • THE 52ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL will meet Thursday, Feb. 23 from 7 to ties for businesses in the lesbian, gay, 9 p.m. at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave. For more bisexual and transgender communities information, call (718) 220-5824. Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a will official open its first office in the not-profit support corporation of Bronx with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Montefiore Medical Center. this Friday, Feb. 24. The group is partnering with Bedford Follow the Norwood News Park Tax, Inc., to open the office, which will be located at 394 Bedford Park Boule - on Facebook and vard. For more information about the NYC LGBT Chamber of Commerce, call @norwoodnews on Twitter (347) 547-6300. February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 3 Bronx Stars of Tomorrow: Q&A With Beauty Queen

Claudine Williams fell just short of her goal of becom - aged us to start working out, and lay off the sugar once ing Miss New York 2012. But before the January pageant, we got into the pageant. They do not require it, but they the certified math teacher and Norwood resident sat down encouraged us because they want to promote a healthy with the Norwood News to talk about her upbringing in body, and during orientation, they had different people Jamaica, her views on the education system in this coun - come in like nutritionists and personal trainers, try, and the stigma attached to beauty pageant contes - but they warned us over and over ‘do not starve your - tants. selves’.

You are originally from Jamaica. How was the Math teacher and beauty pageant winner, how move to the Bronx? are they connected? I’m from Clarendon, Jamaica. It was amazing to grow Students want a person to idolize. They are looking up there. It’s nothing like here. We weren’t sitting in for someone on TV- they’re looking for this person to front of the TV, and we were so active in school. When I idolize, and if I could become Miss NY, I feel like I will came here I wanted to go back, but I became a citizen grab their attention more. I think it would be a great over the summer, and now I live in Norwood. experience for them to have a teacher that has won a pageant. Coming from Jamaica to the Bronx, how do the schools compare? Other than holding the title within your own It’s different. In Jamaica we are way more advanced. classroom, what are your goals in winning this They teach you college work in high school and it’s not pageant? easy to get a 100. When I came here they wanted me to My cause is to promote better math scores among our repeat a grade, and when they gave me my schedule, the youth, not only in the Bronx but in the city as a whole, math was something that I had done in primary school. because math scores are so low. Right now, I’m repre - I complained about it, but I had to complete the senting the Garvis school in Co-op City, where I volun - Regents. teer tutor, and it doesn’t have to be math. I just want to I graduated in May of last year. I went to Farleigh have some program for families that have students Dickenson for undergrad and graduate school in a five- struggling in school. year program. I did my bachelor’s in math and my mas - Another huge problem in the borough is people not ter’s in education. Now I’m a certified teacher, and I just taking care of dog waste. That’s a huge thing I would got a job. [She started working at a Bronx charter school want to change. in January.] CLAUDINE WILLIAMS Big plans for the future? So what made you want to enter a beauty con - Well, I do want to go for my doctorate and I want to test? model. Even if I don’t win the pageant, my main focus I just want to let girls know, you can do whatever you Do you think that stigma still exists? will still be teaching and finding a program to help some want to accomplish. There’s a stigma with pageants and I think the stigma is still there, but what the pageant kids. —Interview by EMILY PICCONE slim girls. I want girls in the Bronx to know that it does - is promoting is fitness. It’s not a certain weight that n’t matter — if you set your goals, whatever your heart they’re promoting, but it’s for everybody to look fit and Editor’s Note: You can follow Claudine on twitter at desires you can accomplish. be the right proportions in certain areas. They encour - SuzzyW2 or check out her Facebook page. 4 ■ February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ 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]. Op-Eds A Dim Future for English Language Learners

By LIMER BATISTA (the other 70 percent were in all-English another language. tists, doctors and engineers of tomorrow. programs), bilingual education was Our legislators must engage in an hon - To compete against China, India and Rus - The College Board reported in Septem - identified as the cause of academic fail - est conversation about providing the sup - sia, America needs to adopt aggressive ber that the average SAT score fell across ure on the part of Latino students and port needed by the millions of students policies that target the education issues the nation this year. The reading score for the public voted to prohibit bilingual who are graduating high school with sub - that are pulling it behind. The lack of leg - the high school class of 2011 fell three education. Instead, English Language optimal skills. If we continue with the islation and of effective education for points to 497, the lowest on record, writ - Learners (ELL) were to be educated in present trend of record low scores, ELLs English Language Learners is one of ing fell two points to 489, and math one English immersion programs for no are at an incredible disadvantage com - them. The country cannot wait. point to 514. The College Board attributes more than a year. Three years after its pared to native English speakers. We can - Limer Batista is Bronx resident and the decline to the increased diversity of implementation the scores of ELLs in not expect them to be the leading scien - Baruch College student. the students taking the test. For example, state tests are declining rather than about 27 percent of the nearly 1.65 million increasing. test-takers last year came from a home Advocates for the movement known as No Merit Pay: A No-Brainer where English was not the only language, Official English have long pressed for leg - up from 19 percent a decade ago. islation mandating English as the official The elephant in the room is the issue language of government, arguing that a By JUDY NOY so-excellent instructors who, by chance, of bilingual education. common language is essential for the could have extremely bright students in There is a national debate about the country’s cohesion and for immigrant The Inquiring Photographer question their classes who may do well on their effects of ineffective policies like No assimilation and success. This movement in your January 26 - February 8, 2012 exams. Child Left Behind. There have been dis - overlooks the great diversity that has issue asked about paying teachers based Should the excellent teachers, there - cussions about standardized testing, shaped the success of this country. on merit and performance. fore, receive no merit pay when, through innovative methods to encourage stu - As a former high school tutor, I experi - This subject has been in the news for no direct fault of their own, their strug - dents, and ways to improve performance enced the alarming situation of ELLs in quite some time and it would seem to be gling students may do poorly on exams, in the classrooms. But policies to help the schools right now. The lack of a program totally unfair to base teacher salaries on and should the less-than-excellent teach - 20.3 percent of children ages 5 to 17 who targeted to help the students master Eng - student performance. ers receive merit pay based on test results speak a language other than English at lish and stay on track with other subjects, There may be excellent teachers who of their brighter students who would home are hardly ever considered. What frustrated them. But students never gave have students struggling in a variety of probably do well on exams whatever their needs to happen for policymakers to wake up. With bilingual education programs in subjects, which students, who for one rea - teachers’ abilities? up and commit to real education reform? place it would be easier for students to son or another, cannot grasp the subject Student performance can be due to an Parents are alienated from their chil - understand new concepts, and at the matter enough to do well on final exams. abundance, or a lack of, a combination of dren’s education by the lack of transla - same time learn English. An analysis It’s possible that even Einstein himself factors, including individual abilities, tors and school information in the lan - conducted by the National Literacy Panel might be unable to get through to these home environment and encouragement, guage they speak, and the students face (NLP) concluded that teaching ELLs to students. and academic help outside of school, and the stigma of failing in a system that is read in their first language and then in In schools where the ratio of teachers not merely through in-class instruction. not addressing their needs. their second language, or in their first to students is too great, classes become Ideally, those entering the teaching In spite of the obvious need, Arizona, and second languages simultaneously, overcrowded, it’s harder for students to profession should teach to the best of California, Massachusetts and Georgia compared with teaching them to read in receive individualized attention, and the their ability and not just do so because have moved to ban dual-language pro - their second language only, boosts their struggling students may fall further they think they may receive merit pay. grams in the classroom, a measure of reading achievement in the second lan - behind. In some of these cases, these stu - Approving merit pay may cause good the impact of public opinion in educa - guage. Moreover, these programs allow dents could be encouraged to select voca - teachers to stop teaching in the less than tion policy. Although only 30 percent of the students to remain proficient in their tional courses that would interest them, desirable neighborhoods where they may students in California were enrolled in first language, and for the rest of the stu - in order to be able to earn a living one day, be most needed or leave the profession bilingual education programs in 1998 dent body, it is an opportunity to learn before they decide to drop out of school entirely if they feel under appreciated. entirely, which, many times, ends up The concept of offering teachers merit being the case. Not everyone is academi - pay should be a no-brainer inasmuch as it cally inclined or college material and to shouldn’t be approved, but rather be done www.norwoodnews.org tell them they are is a disservice to them. away with. On the other hand, there may be not- Judy Noy is a Norwood resident.

Letters Cigarette Ads in Bodegas my awareness of the dangers coming from a direction I had not really thought This is in response to an article in of before: all the ads strategically placed Bronx Youth Heard ’s January 2012 issue in neighborhood stores, bodegas, delis, by Michaela Ritz. etc. which bombard our children daily. I am very much in favor of policies As a parent, counselor and educator, I that would regulate and/or limit the abil - spend a lot of time discussing the dan - ity of the tobacco companies to reach out gers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and target our youth in this way. with my own children and the children I counsel. Like most parents, I worry pri - Jill Fife, LMSW marily about peer pressure and how my ADAPP children will stand up to the influence of Bronx their friends to experiment with sub - stances. But reading the students’ com - The writer is a school counselor with ments and reactions to the tobacco ads in the Archdiocese Drug Abuse Prevention their neighborhoods really heightened Program. February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 5

Inquiring Photographer By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers about the sudden emergence of New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin and the Linsanity he’s creating.

I think he’s doing pretty I love the Knicks, they Lin has definitely I think he’s awesome I think that they are defi - good. He got an oppor - are my favorite basket - stepped up. He needs a and I think he’s going to nitely going to make it tunity to play and he’s ball team. little more help with han - take them to the cham - to the championship proving that he’s a good Andy Sanchez dling the ball, but other pionship. because they have a lot player. I think they will than that, he’s saved us Emelisa Ruiz of new people, like Lin only improve when so far. I’m about to and Chandler. Now Carmelo Anthony comes watch the game tonight everyone’s loving Lin. At back, and if they let Lin too, so I hope they pull the beginning he was continue to play, I think out the win. I think Lin not doing very good, they will do good this could take the team all and then he was just year and will win the the way. We have a amazing. championship. strong, powerhouse Elias Hadzovic Wilder Sanchez team, we just have to keep it together. Adrian Walker 6 ■ February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News

THE BRONX ’S DOMINICAN FIESTA

Photos by Adi Talwar ON THURSDAY, Feb. 9, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. hosted a cele - bration in honor of Dominican Heritage Month. Norwood News photographer, Adi Talwar, was there to shoot all the action, including music and dance perfor - mances, speeches, awards and, of course, Dominican food! For more photos, visit norwoodnews.org and search: “Dominican heritage.” February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 7 Business Beat Fordham’s One-Stop Santeria Shopping Destination

(continued from p. 1) mier distributor of top quality spiritual, guy who’s just starting out, and I’m sad his store provides for, but said, “The Madison avenues, in an area that would religious and mystical supplies. about the general direction in which power of faith, and the spiritual religion be later established as La Marketa, an His first successful step came in 2002, things are working in this country,” he resides in each person’s daily life. If you important social and economic venue for when Jason decided to merge his mainly added. go to church every Sunday or to Syna - Hispanic New York at that time. retail operation with the mainly whole - Jason credits the Busi - gogue, or you don’t, it’s what it means to Armed with an unassuming smile and sale operation of his cousin, Steve ness Improvement District (BID), of you.” a Judeo-Spanish language known as “Ori - Amateau (Albert’s son who took over in which he is a member, with getting more Original Products Botanica is located at ental” Ladino, a 14th- and 15th-century 1983), to create a veritable mega-store; the businesses involved in the neighborhood 2486-88 Webster Ave. (on the corner of 189th Spanish dialect spoken in Turkey and first and only of its size on Fordham and giving the area a different feel. “It’s Street and Webster Avenue). Store hours Rhodes, Amateau was able to seamlessly Road. the big-box feel without all the puff and are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to blend into his surroundings and tap into “Due to our size, we are able to offer a fluff.” 5:40 p.m. Visit www.originalbotanica.com a severely underserved market. With the much larger variety of products. It’s one- Jason doesn’t follow any of the faiths for more information. help of his cousin, Jack Mizrahi, the com - stop shopping that a smaller retailer can’t pany mushroomed into one of the largest keep up with,” said Jason. religious and occult practice product Steve added, “I had a small wholesale Seeking Ways to Assist Bronx Entrepreneurs wholesalers in the area. After a quarter operation and Jason had a small retail Immigrants and minorities who are fundamental to the growth of immi - century of profitability, Jack decided to operation, so we decided to merge, and want to start and expand businesses in grant and minority small business own - branch out into another underserved the rest is profitable history.” the Bronx face many obstacles, but most ers: the lack of using technology and, marketplace — the Bronx. “Another big part of our success is entrepreneurs are not aware of the pro - even more importantly, a lack of financ - Jack Mizrahi, known as “Jacko” to our employees,” Jason said. “We have a grams out there that can help them ing. his customers and vendors, opened his great staff that has been with us for a overcome those obstacles. “Since 2008, the credit market has first retail store in 1959 on Bathgate long time, between 10 to 15 years. It’s a A recent survey by the Federal severely tightened making it even more Avenue. He remained there until 1975, close knit group who care for each other, Reserve Bank of New York, showed a difficult for small business owners to when he had the opportunity to move and our customers.” staggering 92 percent of current busi - get the capital they need,” said Kramer. into the site of a former A & P super - Despite their success, Jason has con - ness owners aren’t even aware of pro - “Our policies with regard to small market; a cavernous space just off Ford - cerns. “I want to expand, which would grams that are designed to help entre - business are (years and years) outdat - ham Road. require capital investment for equipment preneurs like them. That was the theme ed,” Public Advocate Bill de Blasio said. In 1998, Jacko’s son, Jason Mizrahi, and employees that would create more jobs, at a recent forum held at Hostos Commu - “It’s programs and discussions like who grew up on 171st Street and the but I couldn’t get the financing,” he said. nity College. these that show our commitment to and was a recent grad - “When you have been successful for the The survey, presented by Claire making it easier for immigrant and uate of the Robins School of Business at past 50 years, and have a product that a guy Kramer, Community Outreach Manager minority entrepreneurs, not only in the the University of Richmond, assumed the in a suit can’t understand, it makes bor - at the Federal Reserve Bank of New Bronx, but in all five boroughs.” reins of the company and began imple - rowing extremely difficult. It’s just ‘no!’” York, highlighted two key issues which —MARCOS SIERRA menting his vision of becoming the pre - “It’s getting harder and harder for the 8 ■ February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News

Percentage of teens who are Vital uninsured, according to the city’s Stats Be Heal thy! 10% Department of Health. Initiative Puts Focus on Teens’ Reproductive Health By JEANMARIE EVELLY rates in the Bronx, where it is higher poverty line. In New York City overall, vices to reach teens in foster care. than in any other borough. one out of every 10 teenagers is unin - “We want to help young people reach As federal lawmakers in Congress con - The program, called Bronx Teens Con - sured, according to the Department of their full potential and make better choic - tinue to debate over whether health nections, will offer affordable reproduc - Health (DOH). es in life,” said Bronx Borough President insurers should be required to cover the tive health services to the borough’s “Teens in the Bronx face many chal - Ruben Diaz Jr., who is a partner in the costs of birth control, a recent city initia - teenagers, as many here lack health lenges as they approach adulthood,” said program. “I believe that this community tive is looking to curb teen pregnancy insurance coverage and live below the Dr. Jane Bedell, assistant commissioner effort will help our youth improve their at the Health Department’s Bronx Dis - knowledge and understanding about sex - trict Public Health Office. “A community- ual health, making them more confident wide effort will allow us to work together to make the choices that are right for to invest in the well-being of our them.” teenagers by providing access to services Additionally, the program will partner and making sure that teens are knowl - with high schools, youth-serving organi - edgeable about sexual health and empow - zations, and teen-friendly community- ered to act on this knowledge.” based health centers, to help young peo - The new program will team the DOH ple easily gain access to birth control and up with the Department of Education to testing for sexually transmitted diseases. implement a new sexual education cur - The city’s Human Resources Administra - riculum to be taught in ninth and 10th tion will work to enroll Bronx teens in the grade classrooms at 20 different Bronx Family Planning Benefits Program, an high schools. Called “Reducing the Risk,” insurance program that covers reproduc - the lesson plans will stress the impor - tive health care services. tance of using birth control and con - The pregnancy rate for 15- to 19-year- doms, the risks involved in sexual activi - olds living in the south Bronx dropped by ty and the benefits of waiting until more than 23 percent between 2002 and Photo by Adi Talwar they’re ready to have sex. A similar cur - 2009, though more teens get pregnant in FOR THE 10TH year, children who have had heart surgery at The Children’s riculum will be introduced through the the Bronx each year than in the other Hospital at Montefiore ran, jumped, danced and played on Feb. 15, showing that city’s Administration for Children’s Ser - four boroughs. heart surgery had enabled them to have fun just like other kids. From infants to teenagers, dozens of boys and girls enjoyed the music, games and refreshments in this annual event, part of Montefiore’s celebration of American Heart Month.

Photo courtesy Montefiore STUDENTS FROM the Montefiore School Health Program at PS 95 joined other Bronx schools to board buses to Albany for School-Based Health Programs Advocacy Day on Feb. 14. Bx Students, Health Advocates Advance on Albany A group of Bronx students, parents school-based centers reduced hospital - and teachers affiliated with Montefiore izations by half for asthmatic students, Medical Center traveled to the state capi - and estimated that they saved the state $3 tol on Feb. 14 to take part in an advocacy million in hospital in-patient costs alone day event, looking to drum up political for children with asthma. support for school-based health cen - Montefiore’s School Health Program ters–full service health clinics, situated was launched 25 years ago, and now in schools, which provide care for stu - includes 19 sites at elementary, middle, dents there, which advocates say are and high schools throughout the Bronx, integral to improving health outcomes providing primary health care, mental for young people in low-income and health care and counseling, and repro - minority communities. ductive health services for high school Over 200 people from across the state students. attended the Albany event, and students Montefiore CEO Dr. Steven Safyer participated in open mic sessions to dis - was recently awarded the Coalition for cuss the impact school health centers School-Based Health Centers’ “Vision - have on their lives, with the goal of cre - ary for School Health Award.” ating awareness and demanding contin - “Montefiore’s school-based health ued financial support from the state gov - programs provide comprehensive and ernment for the program. integrated medical, mental, dental and Studies conducted by Montefiore have community health care to more than shown that School-Based Health Centers 25,000 children in the Bronx,” he said in (SBHCs) ultimately save money by a statement. “The award truly recog - stressing the importance of primary and nizes the dedication and commitment of preventative care for youths, reducing Montefiore’s health care professionals the annual number of expensive emer - who keep our children healthy, active gency room and hospital visits. A 2005 and engaged in school.” study conducted found that Montefiore’s —JEANMARIE EVELLY February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 9 A Bronx Guide to the PSAL Basketball Tournaments

By ALEX KRATZ Childs (5), Clinton (11). Mott Haven, which is moving up to the AA Division The Public School Athletic League next year, has been the best A Division playoffs kicked off last week with a slew team all year. If they don’t take the title, of early round matchups. But now the it will be an upset. Evander enjoyed an tournaments hit the pause button as the exceptional season, finishing 16-3, city’s schools take the week of Presidents including two close losses to Mott Haven. Day off. After a four-game mid-season losing Here’s a breakdown of all the Bronx streak, Clinton reeled off six straight contenders and Cinderellas in division A wins before falling to JFK in the borough and AA. playoffs. They play Stuyvesant at home on Feb. 29. Boys AA Division Cinderellas: Adlai Stevenson (17). Overview: The PSAL is broken up Stevenson is another interesting team into divisions based mostly on competi - that may make some noise. They were tiveness, not size. The AA Division is the trounced by Evander early in the sea - best of the best. There are seven Bronx son, then came back to beat them later teams in AA and all but the worst team Photo by Adi Talwar on. didn’t make the Big Dance. BOTH CLINTON (Division A) and JFK (Division AA) have a chance to make deep runs Contenders: Wings (4 seed), JFK (10). in the city PSAL tournaments, which resume next week. Girls A Division Wings finished the season undefeated (16- Overview: The girls A Division is off 0) in league play before falling to JFK in second round. Eagle plays Wings in a isn’t concerned about the long layoff. “I to an early start, having already complet - the borough title game. They are led by tough second round matchup. don’t think it matters,” Glenn told the ed most of the first two rounds by the superstar guard Justin Jenkins, one of New York Post. “It gives the girls a chance break. Out of the Sweet 16 still remaining the city’s best players, who can score Girls AA Division to refresh their legs. I like it. We have in the field, three Bronx Schools remain: from anywhere on the court and has Overview: The girls AA division is time to work on things.” Mott Haven, Lehman and Wings Acade - proven clutch when the game is on the even smaller than the boys. There’s a my. line. JFK just barely missed a first round Bronx/Queens/ division, two Boys A Division Contenders: At this point in the girls bye (the top nine seeds automatically Brooklyn AA divisions and A Division Overview: In the A Division, the road A Division, everyone is a contender. advanced to the second round), but the team (McKee) from Staten Island that is to the Big Dance is simple. If your team Third-seeded Wings Academy takes on Knights appear to be peaking at the right included in the AA playoffs. Murry wins as many games as it loses, you’re in. Mott Haven (14), while Lehman (15) time. Bergtraum has won 13 city champi - That means there are 45 teams in the A awaits the winner of Curtis (2) and West Cinderellas: Gompers (15), Eagle onships in a row. Division tournament, eight from the 50th Street Campus (31). Academy (20). If not for two extra wins Early Action: The AA playoffs don’t Bronx. Last season, DeWitt Clinton, seed - forfeited to them by Eagle, Gompers start until after this week’s break. JFK ed 29th, came out of nowhere to crash the Ed. Note: Check out the Bronx Sports would have finished the season at .500, 8- and Harry Truman both have legitimate Final Four. Report every Thursday on the Norwood 8. They play at 2-seed Boys & Girls in the shots at the title. JFK Coach O’Neil Glenn Contenders: Mott Haven (1), Evander News ’ blog, Breaking Bronx. 10 ■ February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News Bicycles, Basketballs Could Be in Armory’s Future

By JEANMARIE EVELLY pure retail plans, which were not a good proposals to the Economic Development the group’s vision includes a 5,000-seat fit for the community.” Corporation. sports arena, professional basketball There’s less than a month left for It’s been two years since a previous The current Request for Proposals courts, rock climbing walls, a skate park, those vying to take over the Kingsbridge plan to turn the building into a giant does not rule out the possibility of anoth - a “hostel-style” hotel for visiting sports Armory to submit their proposals to the shopping mall was killed by the City er mall project, though local activists and teams, sports medicine clinic and well - city, and a number of organizations have Council after a tense political battle politicians have long advocated for a ness center, Bucano said. come forward with ideas for filling the between the developer and local activists more community-based use for the build - “This is all community focused,” he long-vacant, 600,000-square-foot build - over wages. During his State of the City ing. said. “We would offer low-cost youth pro - ing. speech in the Bronx in January, Mayor Since last fall, the National Cycling grams where the kids could get training. Recently, a group of cycling enthusi - We would have a recreation center open asts who have been campaigning to turn to the community, where they could get the Armory into a giant bicycling center “This is all community focused. We would offer low- fitness work. The community programs have teamed up with New York Gauchos, cost youth programs where the kids could get train - are essential to what we’re doing.” a Bronx-based youth basketball program, The coalition is in talks with a number as well as several other sports-oriented ing. We would have a recreation center open to the of developers to finance the project, groups, with the intent of converting the Bucano said, and is conducting a feasibil - structure into an enormous sports, recre - community.” —Rocky Bucano, Teamwork Foundation ity study to determine the plan’s econom - ation and wellness center. ic viability. “There’s a lot of enthusiasm for our The New York Gauchos has been oper - vision,” said Rocky Bucano, vice presi - Bloomberg announced that the city Association (NCA) has been trying to ating since 1967, offering a competitive dent for Teamwork Foundation, Inc., the would once again be seeking pitches from raise money to build a velodrome inside basketball program to hundreds of chil - nonprofit that runs Gauchos. “They developers interested in the Armory, with the Armory — an angled, oval bicycle rac - dren and teens each year, with a focus on know the previous roadblocks were the a deadline of March 22 for submitting ing track — in the hopes of turning the getting the students into college. The space into the site of a 6-day professional group has been working out of a gym in bike racing event the group wants to host the south Bronx for the last several this spring. decades, Bucano said, but has long since Police Report That original plan was met with some outgrown the space. skepticism from local activists. Desiree “We’re kind of stretching at the seams Pilgrim-Hunter, a member of the Kings - over here,” he said. bridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance Other sports groups have expressed Police Looking for Home (KARA), a coalition of residents, clergy their interest in setting up shop at the and community groups advocating for Amory. As the Norwood News reported responsible development of the Armory, last month, a group of investors — told the Norwood News in November that including New York Rangers star Mark Burglary Suspect the NCA’s plan seemed to offer little ben - Messier — want to turn the space into an efit to the community. ice rink and the region’s biggest hockey This past fall, police say a single sus - “This is a temporary idea for next complex. World Changers Church Inter - pect was responsible for seven home bur - spring that does nothing for the sur - national, an Atlanta-based, nondenomi - glaries in Norwood and Bedford Park. In rounding community,” Pilgirm-Hunter national parish led by television evangel - almost all of the cases, the suspect said at the time. “They will make money, ical preacher Creflo Dollar, has also been entered through the front door during the community will not.” eyeing the space, and sent several repre - daylight hours and left with as much cash Now, NCA is teaming up with New sentative to a walk-through of the site and jewelry as they could carry. York Gauchos, indoor rock-climbing gym earlier this month, according to Crain’s Police say Luis Gonzalez is responsi - Brooklyn Boulders, and a BMX skate New York. ble for the burglaries and they are seek - group from Staten Island — under the But to Bucano, basketball is a natural ing the public’s assistance in locating umbrella name the Armory Sports and fit for the Bronx. him. (See photo) Entertainment Group — to submit a pro - “I’m not against hockey but I don’t The first burglary occurred in late posal for a massive recreational center know anyone in that neighborhood who August at a home on Parkside Place. He that would offer a variety of sports pro - plays hockey. It’s like putting a round peg struck five more homes on Decatur and grams for neighborhood residents, in a square hole,” he said. “Basketball is a Perry avenues during September and according to Bucano. very cheap game to play. It’s the sport of then burglarized another home East In addition to the proposed velodrome, New York City. But I’m biased.” 196th Street on Oct. 7. Police say Gonzalez is 40 years old, 5- feet-9-inches tall and weighs between 150 and 190 pounds. NYPD ‘One Step Closer’ to Ed. Note: Anyone with information is at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577- by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES), TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly Hit-and-Run Driver by logging on to the Crime Stoppers website confidential. (continued from p. 1) tifying and apprehending this individ - ual,” said the police source. Regina Hall, a resident of Review Place for nearly 30 years, said she could not forget the night the vehicle was torched as she still has nightmares about Advertise it. The car was parked by her window when it burned and later exploded. “My apartment was orange,” Hall said. in the “I felt the heat and then an explosion and a lot of noise. It was a bad fire.” Hall Norwood News added that the flames became so intense that Hall, her daughter and the family dog Photo courtesy NYPD had to evacuate the apartment. POLICE SAY that the man getting out of Call (718) 324-4998 The police ask anyone with any knowl - the car in this grainy still photo taken edge on this case to call CrimeStoppers at from a surveillance video is responsible 1 (800) 577-TIPS. All calls remain confi - for the hit-and-run death of Norwood dential. resident Josbel Rivera. February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 11 Locked Out Religious Groups Seek Alternatives

(continued from p. 1) services at Saint Catherine’s Academy, a to dominate the schools on the day they concerned about the overlap between torium at the Walton High School Cam - Catholic school a few miles away. use them, and some use the school churches and schools, he added, then pub - pus, was forced to split its service into The city’s religious leaders and a num - address on their letterhead and website, lic schools would have to also stop renting three separate sessions on Sunday in ber of local politicians are looking to while others blanket the neighborhood space from buildings affiliated with reli - order to fit everyone into the small chapel have the issue resolved legislatively, cam - with postcards listing the school as the gious organizations — like the Bronx space they own on Jerome Avenue. paigning in support of a state bill that church’s address,” said Donna Lieber - New School (PS 51), which this fall moved “It was chaos here,” said Pastor Sal - would reverse the DOE’s ban. The legisla - man, executive director at the New York to a building in Crotona owned by St. vador Sabino. “We have grown so much, tion was passed by the State Senate earli - Civil Liberties Union. Martin of Tours Parish. we have over a thousand people in the er this month, but has not been approved But opponents of the ban argue that “It’s unfortunate that the churches Bronx alone, which is why we had to start by the Assembly, where it was introduced the religious services are only taking that don’t have a building in their com - renting from schools in the first place.” by Bronx Assemblyman Nelson Castro. place during non-school hours, and that munities to go to are the poor communi - The parish also holds services at IS 52 Speaker Sheldon Silver, who decides the city’s policy is unfairly discriminat - ties,” Gregori said. “I never thought I in northern Manhattan, and congregants what bills come up on the Assembly floor ing against religious groups, since other would see the day where I would see min - there were locked out of the school on for a vote, is looking for a narrower ver - community organizations are permitted isters being arrested, and people being Sunday. So the church held its service on sion of the bill than the one that’s been to rent school space. displaced from a meaningful facility the sidewalk outside, Sabino said. proposed, according to a spokeswoman. “When we’re there on a Sunday, no where they’re being ministered to, and “It was out there in the winter, but God “He feels that the Senate bill is very one’s around and we don’t have access to cared for, and where their needs are being blessed us with 42 degree [weather],” he broad, and would allow any organization to classrooms,” Gregori said. If the city’s met.” said. “We have become a semi-nomad come into the school,” said Sheldon staffer church.” Kerri Biche. “He’s glad it’s being addressed Another parish, Cross Way Church in the court since it’s a constitutional issue. and Christian Center, which has held ser - He looks forward to the court’s decision as vices in the auditorium of MS 101 on a guide for any legislation.” Lafayette Avenue for the last year and a The Assembly is on legislative break half, found out late Friday that they until Feb. 28. would not be able to get into the school on Earlier this month, the City Council Sunday. held a public hearing to discuss whether “We didn’t have a place to go,” said Pas - to pass a resolution in support of the bill. tor Mark Gregori. So the 100 or so of the Opponents argued that allowing religious church’s congregants got creative, he said, groups to operate in schools breaches the and instead visited one another’s homes required separation of church and state, or called each other over the phone to pray. and gave preferential treatment to Chris - “We had a very meaningful time real - tian groups. izing we’re still who we are, whether we “They are overwhelmingly Christian have a building or don’t have a building,” churches as the vast majority of schools he said. “The church is the people.” are only regularly available on Sundays, If the city’s ban is not overturned, they pay below market rents (as little as Gregori said, they plan to start holding $2 an hour to use a classroom), they tend 12 ■ February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News Neighborhood Notes

Become Your Own Boss through April 26. For more information Interest invites passengers using Access- ness courses for entrepreneurs and new or to schedule an appointment, call (718) A-Ride service who require language and established small business owners Project Enterprise and the University 993-2789. interpreters, to contact them for assis - starting in the spring. Courses include Neighborhood Housing Program are con - tance. Access-A-Ride is a van service for Starting Your Own Business, Manage - ducting a free self-employment session at people with disabilities in New York. For ment, and Marketing and Advertising. the Concourse House, 2751 Grand Con - Charter School Open House more information, call Jenny Veloz or For more information or to register, call course on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 6 to 8 Tech International Charter School Aditi Shah at (212) 244-4664. (718) 960-8512. p.m. Learn how to start or expand your invites students in the 5th grade interest - own business. For more information or to ed in becoming part of its middle school, RSVP, call (212) 678-6734 ext. 17 or visit and their parents, to its open house at the Healthy Body Images at Free Tax Prep Help [email protected]. Kingsbridge Library, 291 W. 231st St., The Y • LIFT-The Bronx, a non-profit organi - Thursday, March 1, from 5 to 6 p.m. and zation serving the Bronx for the past 12 The Riverdale Y, 5625 Arlington Ave., is Wednesday March 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. The years, offers numerous services for those Bronx Mentors Sought hosting a free body-image workshop on school is scheduled to open in August in need, including job searches, housing, The Abbot House, a multi-faceted Saturday, Feb. 25 from 8 to 9:30 p.m., to 2012. For more information, contact Steve childcare and healthcare services, and agency that serves families and youth in help mothers and teens. The discussion, Bergen at [email protected] or call legal services. The new office at 2381 Bel - the Bronx and NYC, is looking for men - led by Aviva Braun, LCSW, will concen - (781) 953-9699. mont Ave., will host several tax prep tors in the Bronx area. If you are looking trate on the importance of mothers mod - events to assist low-income individuals to make a positive impact on a child’s life, eling a healthy image for their daughters. and families. For more information or to call mentoring coordinator at (718) 329- Community Workshops For more information, call Lisa Bruskin sign up, call (718) 733-3897 or email 4968 ext. 3454. The Department of City Planning will at (718) 548-8200 ext. 241. [email protected]. hold interactive community workshops • The University Neighborhood Hous - in University Heights, Saturday, March 3, Flea Market Donations Bronx Parks Speak Up ing Program, is sponsoring free Federal from 1 to 4 p.m. in ’s gym - The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park and State Income Tax Assistance to low- Needed nasium, Uston Hall, at the corner of will conduct its annual Bronx Park income residents of the Bronx provided Donations are needed for the Bedford- Jerome Avenue and 190th Street, and in Speak Up which will include presenta - by IRS certified tax preparers at Refuge Mosholu Community Association’s Melrose, Saturday, March 10, from 1 to 4 tions and hands-on workshops, Saturday, House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave. (near East March 10 flea market. Bring new and p.m. in ’s 4th floor confer - Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Lehman 196th Street), by appointment only. Ser - used items (except clothing) to the BMCA ence room, 890 Washington Ave., to College’s Faculty Dining Room. This vices are provided on Wednesdays from 3 office, 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy. So., apt. B1 encourage participation in exercises that year’s theme is “Green Space for All Gen - to 8 p.m. on Feb. 29, March 7, 28, April 4, (lobby floor), on Wednesday, Feb. 29 and address important community issues. erations.” For more information, visit and 11; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 Saturday, March 3 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. or For more information or to RSVP, call BronxSpeakUp.org or e-mail bronxs - p.m. on Feb. 25, March 24, 31, and April 14. Wednesday, March 7, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Shawn Brede at (718) 220-8505 or email [email protected]. For more information or to RSVP, call [email protected]. (718) 933-2539. Free Parenting Classes Small Business Courses The Mercy Center, at 377 E. 145th St., is ESL Assistance for For more Neighborhood Notes offering free parenting classes to parents Access-A-Ride At Lehman online, go to www.norwoodnews.org age 21 and under. Classes are held Thurs - Lehman College School of Continuing and click on “Neighborhood Notes” The New York Lawyers for the Public days from 5 to 6:30 p.m. from Feb. 23 and Professional Studies, is offering busi - in the right-hand column. February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 13 Classifieds

Professional Directory

Beautician Services Real Estate Pediatric Services Non-Denominational Tiga Pediatrics Services Come to Madame P’s Beauty 2-Family House for Sale – Fully 3510 Bainbridge Ave., Suite 5, World renovated. Includes 3 BR over 3 Bronx, NY 10467 Good News Christian Church The last old-fashioned hairdresser BR & master bedroom. Wood floors Ages 0 to 21 years 3061 Bainbridge Ave. in the Bronx. and tile. Full 1-bedroom basement. General Practice, Obesity, Asthma, (basement of the Church of the We specialize in haircutting, hair This property has 7 bedrooms and ADHD Holy Nativity) care, and provide consultations 4 full baths. Parking and back yard. Same-Day Appointment Every Day! Bronx, NY 10467 on hair care and weaving to stim - New kitchen. Wheelchair ramp. Great investment, it will pay for (718) 319-8999 (347) 329-0023 ulate hair growth. We do tinting Pastors James and Andrea Miller and use all manners of relaxers, itself. You will live for free! Location: Wakefield - Barnes, Sunday service at 2 p.m. including Mizani, Affirm, Lawyers Home fellowship bible studies on Fiberguard, and Vitale. We use between 228th and 229th streets. Minutes away from Montefiore Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Wave Nouveau Coiffure. We are James M. Visser, Esq. Friday night prayer service still doing carefree curls and Hospital. Please call owner: (917) 622-5810 – General Practice; Accidents, at 7 p.m. press and curl. 20% off for Commmercial; Wills & Estates; seniors Tuesdays, Wednesdays, PRICE: $445,000 (neg.) Lease with option to buy, $1,800 per month. Offices Bronx and Manhattan Visit us at and Thursdays. (646) 260-6326 www.goodnewscc.wordpress.com. 617 E. Fordham Road (between Co-op for Sale: Large bright one- Arthur and Hughes), Bronx, NY bedroom co-op for sale. Newly Architects 10458. ( remodeled. Steps to the park and Section). Call today for your close to all transportation. Asking Manhatta Architecture, P.C. appointment: (347) 284-3834. $135,000, price negotiable. Low 800 Grand Concourse, 1NN maintenance. Call (917) 972-5268. Bronx, New York 10451 http://www.manhatta.net tel: 917-443-0501

HELP WANTED dences seeks employment. Will live in or RELIGIOUS SERVICES MISCELLANEOUS out. Call (718) 364-7771. Personal Assistant Needed: We are look - THANK YOU ST. JUDE. Glad Tidings Assembly of God: 2 Van ing for an office assistant. Duties include Trip to Atlantic City: Showboat Casino greeting clients, answering phones, and rout - SERVICES AVAILABLE Cortlandt Ave. E. and Jerome Avenue. on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. ing mail, data entry and retrieve, scheduling (718) 367-4040. Prayer Wednesdays at 11 from East 163rd Street and Hunts Point and calendar maintenance. Ideal candidates Tutor: K-9 teacher NYS certified, ESL cer - Avenue, Bronx. For more info, please con - will have proven customer service skills in a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday School at 9:30 tified, former NY Times cartographer/staff tact Eddie at (718) 757-5485 or email: an administrative setting and experience a.m. and Sunday Service at 11 a.m. [email protected]. with Microsoft Office applications. Email editor. (718) 644-1083. resumes to [email protected]. Yoga: Stretching, meditation, drumming or POSITION WANTED dancing on Fridays and Sundays. $10 per session. RSVP (718) 644-1083 or email Nurse’s Aide with 25 years’ experience in hospitals, nursing homes and private resi - [email protected].

Classifieds: $9 for the first 20 words and 25 cents for each additional word . Professional Directory: $144 for six months; $260 for one year. Business Cards: $360 for six months (12 issues); $625 for one year (25 issues). Deadlines: Deadlines for classified ads are one week prior to publication. To place an ad, call the Norwood News at We’re Proud to Provide (718) 324-4998 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Safe and Affordable Housing Throughout The Northwest Bronx.

Studios and 1 Bedroom Apartments Available

Pick up application at: Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation 2751 Grand Concourse, The Bronx 718-367-3200 14 ■ February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News

$40; $10/12 and under). For more informa - ■ The Bronx Arts Ensemble presents Three public to submit up to five historical or con - Onstage tion, call (718) 960-8833. Little Pigs, a spoof of the children’s story, temporary photographs of anyone playing where they meet Charlie’s Angels, preceded baseball, from amateurs to pros, of any age ■ The Lehman Center for the Performing ■ The Pregones Theatre, 575 Walton Ave., by musical selections, at Lehman College’s or gender, in neighborhoods, parks, schools, Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents presents Line C3, free concert performed Lovinger Theatre, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., etc., for its Baseball in the Bronx exhibi - The Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers, by group of percussionists, March 7 at 7 March 11 at 2 p.m. For more information, tion, to be held April 13 to May 13. featuring songs from TV and movies, Feb. p.m.; and Sabrina Lastman Quartet, fea - call (718) 601-7399. Submission deadline is March 16. Photos will 25 at 8 p.m. (tickets are $25 to $40); turing jazz, South American rhythms, and be returned only if they are submitted with a Forever Freestyle 6, featuring a variety of new music, March 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets are self-addressed stamped envelope with proper performers, March 3 at 8 p.m. (tickets are $12 and up; discount for seniors and stu - postage. For more information of submission $45 to $60); and Ballet Folklórico de Events dents. For more information, call (718) 585- rules and details, call (718) 681-6000 or write Antioquia Colombia, featuring music and 1202. ■ The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 [email protected]. dance, March 4 at 6 p.m. (tickets are $25 to Grand Ave., presents its First Friday on March 2 from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring film, ■ The Department of Languages and art performances, music and other special Literatures at Lehman College’s Music events. For more information, call (718) 681- Building, room 330, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. 6000. W., presents Short Story in Irish Language Literature, a symposium including Irish- and ■ The Bronx Council on the Arts presents An English-language sessions, Feb. 24 from 1 to Evening of Fun, Food, and Entertainment, 4:30 p.m., followed by a book launch at 5 featuring a talk and video of work of choreog - p.m., and concluding with a dinner at the rapher George Faison, performances by two Rambling House (register at 11:30 a.m.); dance groups of young dancers, and a perfor - and Feb. 25, beginning with breakfast and mance of “The Wiz,” free, at the Owen Dolen registration at 8:30 a.m., with activities Recreation Center of NYC Parks & Recreation, throughout the afternoon. Admission is $35; 2551 Westchester Ave. (at East Tremont $25 for students and seniors. Daily rates are Avenue), on Feb. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. For $15; $10 on Friday and $25, $20 on more information, call (718) 931-9500 ext. 33. Saturday. For more information, call (718) 960-1345. ■ The Bronx Museum of the Arts, at 1040 Grand Concourse (165th Street), invites the ■ In celebration of Black History Month, February 23 –March 7, 2012 ■ Norwood News ■ 15

the Underground Railroad, Stories in Making; Family Resource Day aEDITOR’S PICK Quilts and Canvas, featuring quilts that (parents/caregivers), March 3 at 10 a.m.; detail the methods slaves used to communi - and Budgeting for the Family, March 6 at cate with one another while on their quest 10 a.m. Teens and young adults can join Tour the Bronx for freedom, free, through Feb. 29. For more College and Career Fair, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. information, call (718) 960-7963. For more information, call (718) 579- The public is invited to ride the March 7 free Bronx Culture Trolley, which transports 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. visitors on the first Wednesday of every month (except January and September) to ■ The Bronx Museum of the Arts, at 1040 Bronx hot spots, all featuring a variety of entertainment options and ends at Grand Concourse (165th Street), South ■ The Mosholu Library, at 285 E. 205th St., Sweetwater’s Bar & Grill for music, food and drink. Trolley night starts with a 5 p.m. Wing Galleries presents Juan Downey: The offers Knitting Circle, Thursdays at 3 p.m.; reception at the Longwood Art Gallery at , 450 Grand Invisible Architect, on view through May and Wii Program, Tuesdays at 3 p.m., each Concourse (at 149th St.). From there, the trolley departs at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. 20. Admission is free on Fridays. For more for seniors and adults. For children, there’s New attractions are added monthly; admission to most venues is free. Riders can get information, call (718) 681-6000. Be Tobacco Free (ages 3 to 12), Feb. 28 at on and off at any scheduled stop and spend as much time as they wish at any or all of 4 p.m.; Toddler Story Time, March 1 and 8 the featured venues. For more information and a detailed schedule, call (718) 931-9500 at 10:30 a.m.; Dr. Seuss Stories (ages 3 to ext. 33 or log on to www.bronxarts.org. Library Events 12), March 2 at 3:30 p.m.; and Shakespeare, the Bard (ages 5 to 12), Woodlawn Cemetery’s Memorial Chapel will break, both free with grounds admission, in ■ The Bronx Library Center, at 310 E. March 6 at 4 p.m. For teens and young host author A’Lelia Bundles , Feb. 26 at 1 the Glyndor Gallery. Grounds admission on Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, presents adults: movie, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. Speakers of p.m. to discuss her upcoming book, “Joy Saturday is free until noon. For more infor - programs for kids including Preschool Story other languages (ages 16+) may attend free Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem mation, call (718) 549-3200 ext. 305. Time, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m.; Baby Story Time, English Conversation Program (intermedi - Renaissance.” Walker is the daughter of the Feb. 25 at 11 a.m.; Toddler Tales for the ate level), Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. first African-American millionaire Madam C.J. Teeny Tiny (ages 3 to 5), March 3 at 11 through March 13. For more information, Walker and hosted many famous people of Exhibits a.m.; Mad Science Workshops at 4 p.m. call (718) 882-8239 or (212) 340-0918. her era at soirees at her salon, The Dark (ages 5 to 12; registration required): Nature, Tower. Tickets are $15; $10/students/seniors. ■ The Lehman College Art Gallery, 250 Feb. 28; Global Partners, Jr. (ages 5 to 12), ■ The Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames Woodlawn Cemetery includes the final resting Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents Under the students connect worldwide via the Internet, Place, offers Cooking, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. and place of many prominent African-Americans. Influence: The Comics and Contemporary Feb. 29 and March 7 at 4 p.m.; and Light, Dance, Feb. 24 at 3:30 p.m. (both for teens For more information, call (718) 920-1470. Art, featuring works of both established and Color, Action! (ages 5 to 12), March 6 at 4 and young adults); and Arts & Crafts (ages emerging artists; and Michael Ferris, Jr.: p.m. Adults can attend Single 5 to 12), March 5 at 4 p.m. For more infor - ■ Wave Hill, 675 W. 252nd St., presents The Bronx Series and Other Work , (figura - Stop/Government Benefits, Feb. 23 and 28 mation, call (718) 549-5200. two Winter Workspace Workshops: tive sculpture), free, Tuesdays through at 9 a.m.; Black History Month Movie Conceptual Seeing - for visitors to explore Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through May Screening, (“Daughters of the Dust”), Feb. NOTE: Items for consideration may be the art of collecting, photographing as they 12. Reception is on March 19 from 6 to 8 25 at 2:30 p.m.; Understanding Money & mailed to our office or sent to norwood - walk (bring a digital camera), Feb. 26 from 1 p.m. For more information, call (718) 960- Credit, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m.; International [email protected], and should be to 4 p.m.; and Mapping the Gardens – to 8731. Women’s Month Series of Craft received by Feb. 27 for the next publication draw and collect materials found during an Workshops at 2 p.m. (room 505), March 2: date of March 8. Find more events at exploration of the winter landscape, March ■ Lehman College’s Leonard Lief Library, Photo Collaging; and March 9: Scrapbook www.bronxnewsnetwork.org. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a lunch 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents Above

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