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ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 Vol 31, No 12 • Pu b l i s h e d By Mo s h o l u Preservation Co r p o r a t i o n • Ju n e 7-20, 2018 ORWOODQ EWSQ NVol. 27, No. 8 PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION N April 17–30, 2014 FREE INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER: SEE PICTURES: NAT’L ANTHEM CONTROVERSY | PG. 4 AMAZING BRONX FLOTILLA | PG. 9 BREAKING GROUND Another Norwood Killing ON SKATE PARK pg 3 Officials usher in construction of skate park at Oval Park, 15 years in the making

Remembering Veterans at Woodlawn pg 4

Mind to Mind, Heart to Heart pg 6

Photo by Jose A. Giralt BREAKING GROUND ON the new skate part on June 5 in Norwood’s Williamsbridge Oval Park include (l-r) skateboarder Eusebio Baez, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez, Friends of Williamsbridge Oval Vice President Doug Condit, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, Councilman Andrew Cohen, Community Board 7 District Manger Ischia Bravo, and skateboarder Awnimosa.

By MARTIKA ORNELLA struction on something we’ve breaking on June 5 to usher bringing the project’s total and JOSE A. GIRALT been waiting for for a very in construction of the long- cost at just under $1 million. “Today is a big day for long time: A skate park right awaited skate park. Queens-based LC Construc- the Norwood community,” here in Williamsbridge Oval Councilman Andrew Co- tion will build the skate park, said city Parks Department [Park].” hen, representing Norwood, which is set to open next Feb- Commissioner Mitchell Sil- Together, with a number funded $750,000 in capital ruary. ver, standing at a podium in of skateboarding enthusiasts money towards the construc- The construction rep- front of the future site of the in , local officials tion project back in 2014, with resents 15 years of appeals neighborhood’s first skate and community leaders gath- Mayor ear- by community stakehold- pg 11 park. “We’re starting con- ered at a ceremonial ground- marking another $227,000, (continued on page 15) 2 • June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News

Vol. 31, No. 12 Vol. 27, No. 10 NorwoodVol. News 27, No.is published 10 bi-weekly on Thursdays by ,ETTERS4O4HE%DITOR MosholuNorwood Preservation News Corporationis published (MPC) Norwood3400 Reservoir News isOval published East bi-weekly on Thursdays by bi-weeklyBronx, New on ThursdaysYork 10467 by MosholuPhone: Preservation 718 324 4998Corporation Mosholu Preservation Corporation 3400Fax: Reservoir 718 324 Oval2917 East E-mail: [email protected] Reservoir Oval East An Independent Press? showed that the bullets didn’t cost veterinary services and pro- Bronx, 10467 Web.:Bronx, www.norwoodnews.org New York 10467 Your last editorial says about come from Peltier’s gun grams to help owners avoid surren- coverage of Eric Schneiderman’s On Feb. 18, MSNBC “journal- dering their pets for reasons that Publisher Phone: 718 324 4998 Phone: 718 324 4998 abuse of women: “And we’re glad ist” Alex Witt interviewed 2016 can be resolved. In addition, both Mosholu PreservationFax: 718 324 Corporation 2917 an independent press was there to Green Party presidential candi- youth and seniors can benefit emo- E-mail: [email protected]: 718 324 2917 ExecutiveE-mail: [email protected] Director of MPC chronicle it all.” date Dr. . Witt attempted tionally and physically as animal Melissa Web:Cebollero www.norwoodnews.org Web: www.norwoodnews.org Actually, we’re glad reporting to blame Hillary Clinton’s loss shelter volunteers. Director of MPC Schneiderman’s abuses didn’t con- on one Russian-funded pro-Stein The need for this facility is evi- Jennifer Tausig flict with the mainstream media’s ad. Stein questioned how ONE ad dent in the long lines even in harsh PublisherEditor-in-Chief, NorwoodCEO, News Mosholu Publisher CEO, Mosholu MosholuDavid Cruz, Preservation [email protected] 3UHVHUYDWLRQ agenda. They often neglect to re- could cause Clinton’s loss and how, weather around Fordham Plaza Mosholu Preservation Corporation Corporation3UHVHUYDWLRQ port things that are left for smaller, out of thousands of ads on the in- for the low cost vet mobile that AccountsCorporation Receivable Corporation Editor-in-ChiefDawn McEvoy Roberto S. Garcia less read and truly independent ternet, she was supposed to know treats limited number of pets on a Editor-in-Chief Roberto S. Garcia DavidProofreader Cruz media to cover. who funded it. first come, first served basis. This JudyDavid Noy Cruz The claims to Stein would then mention that is not just a Community Board 10 &ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJInterns support democracy, but often un- corporate media gave Trump $6 issue but a borough-wide issue. DawnMartika&ODVVLÀHG$GYHUWLVLQJ McEvoy Ornella, Christy Rae Ammons, dermines and overthrows them billion in free advertising. Witt On May 20 at the Community JoseDawn A. McEvoy Giralt when their election results dis- responded, “But we’re not the Rus- Board 10 housing and zoning com- $FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH Contributors$FFRXQWV5HFHLYDEOH please our corporations. Sanctions sians.” So it’s okay for the U.S. me- mittee hearing, there were yelps DawnMiriam McEvoy Quinones Dawn McEvoy against Venezuela and Nicaragua dia to rig an election of anger that people take prior- Proofreader are examples. President Barack Going back a bit, to Oct. 16, 2014, ity over animals and that the city JudyProofreader Noy ForJudy Noy Display Advertising Obama absurdly declared Vene- CNN’s Wolf Blitzer responded to didn’t consult with them first. The 3URGXFWLRQ Call (718) 324-4998 zuela an “unusual and extraordi- Senator Rand Paul’s criticism of same sentiments were expressed Neil3URGXFWLRQ deMause Neil deMause nary threat” to national security. the U.S. sale of weapons that Saudi by Community Board 7 in 2008 Support Your 5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV They tell us about Palestinian Arabia was using to bomb civil- that voted against an animal shel- DavidCommunity5HJXODU&RQWULEXWRUV Greene, Adi Newspaper! Talwar David Greene, Adi Talwar violence and their leaders’ anti-Se- ians in Yemen, which is still going ter at the old library location. In The Norwood News is a not-for-profi t Interns on today. Blitzer said, “So for you publicationInterns and relies upon the support of mitic remarks. The wrongdoing of addition, real estate interests and Shaylaits advertisers Love, Paolo and readersMossetti, to Justin produce McCallum, a Israel is seldom mentioned. Israeli this is a moral issue. Because you a hired gun lobbyist are part of the andShayla Chelsea Love, George Paolo Mossetti, Justin McCallum, qualityand Chelsea community George newspaper. To support forces shooting 19 Palestinian doc- know, there’s a lot of jobs at stake. discussion to take the site away your paper, become a member and receive a tors, locking up reporters as part If President had from the proposed Bronx animal Forsubscription display advertising, for one year. call (718) 324-4998. For display advertising, call (718) 324-4998. of a policy of covering up wrong- said we should continue to sell shelter. Simply mail check or money order for $40 to: doing and destroying or damaging weapons that are used for war Without more community sup- SupportNorwood News, Your 3400 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx,Support NY 10467. Your three Palestinian schools that did crimes to save jobs, this would port at the next public hearing Community Newspaper! not have the proper permits? Not be another front page Daily News on June 15 and without the ac- TheCommunity Norwood News Newspaper!LVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE - Norwood News is not responsible for licationThe Norwood and relies News uponLVDQRWIRUSURÀWSXE the support of its - covered by The Daily News. headline. tions of elected officials who spoke typographicallication and relies errors. upon Opinions the support expressed of its in advertiserssigned letters and and readers bylined to producecolumns a represent quality We’re told about alleged Russian Richard Warren words of support in the past, the communitytheadvertisers sole opinion newspaper.and readersof the authorTo to supportproduce and yourare a quality not paper, meddling in U.S. elections. But 1996 Van Cortlandt Village Bronx will lose its animal shelter. community newspaper. To support your paper, becomenecessarily a member those of and Mosholu receive Preservation a subscription meddling by President An animal shelter is not a luxury Corporationbecome a member or Montefi and receiveore Medical a subscription Center. for one year. in Russia’s election that actually but a necessity in a civilized so- Editorialsfor one year. represent the views of the editor only. The newspaper reserves the right got Boris Yeltsin re-elected presi- Animal Shelter Plans ciety. As Mahatma Gandhi said, Simplyto limit mailor refuse check advertising or money orderit deems for $40 Simply mail check or money order for $40 dent has been ignored for 22 yea The Bronx has over 1.4 million “The greatness of a nation can be to:objectionable. Norwood News, Advertisements 3400 Reservoir appearing Oval East, American Indian Move- residents, yet does not have its judged by the way its animals are Bronx,into: this Norwood paperNY 10467. News,cannot 3400 be used Reservoir without Oval East, theBronx, written NY 10467.permission of the Norwood ment leader Leonard Peltier re- own animal shelter. Now, finally treated.” News. Letters to the editor are subject to mains in prison for the 1975 kill- the city proposed a state-of-the- Roxanne Delgado Norwoodcondensation News and is not editing. responsible Writers for should typo- graphicalNorwood errors.News isOpinions not responsible expressed for intypo signed- ing of two FBI agents. But an art facility located at 2050 Bartow Bronx Animal Rights Electors includegraphical their errors. affi liationOpinions or expressedspecial interest in signed if lettersany. Anonymous and bylined letters columns are representnot published the sole FBI ballistics expert’s test (that Ave., that will have 200 homeless https://bit.ly/2JeAre8 letters and bylined columns represent the sole opinionbut your of name the author can be and withheld are not upon necessarily was withheld from the trial) animals. Also it will provide low thoserequest.opinion of ofMosholu the author Preservation and are not Corporations necessarily RU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHSthose of Mosholu Preservation Corporations- resentRU0RQWHÀRUH0HGLFDO&HQWHU(GLWRULDOVUHS the views of the editor and/or publisher- 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 Public and Community Meetings 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 COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its General Community Board Meeting on June 19 at Ross Hall in the New York Medicalwood News. Center. Letters to the editor are subject to condensation and editing. Writers should Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at 6:30 p.m. CB7 committee meetings are held on the following dates at the LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\to condensation and editing. Writers should LQFOXGHWKHLUDIÀOLDWLRQRUVSHFLDOLQWHUHVWLIDQ\ board office, 229 E. 204th St., at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Traffic & Transportation Committee meets on Anonymous letters are not published but your June 7; Veterans Committee meets on June 7 at 7:30 p.m.; Housing, Land Use & Zoning Committee meets on June 12; nameAnonymous can be letters withheld are if not requested. published but your name can be withheld if requested. Senior Services Committee meets on June 13; Parks & Recreation Committee meets on June 13 at 7:30 p.m. Execu- tive Committee meets on June 14. For more information, call (718) 933-5650.

Mosholu Preservation Corporation is a QRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUHMosholu Preservation Corporation is a MedicalQRWSURÀWVXSSRUWFRUSRUDWLRQRI0RQWHÀRUH Center. Medical Center. June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News • 3 Another Killing in Norwood Cookout Turns Deadly on DeKalb Avenue

By DAVID GREENE For the third time in six weeks, a life was cut short in Norwood, leaving grief-stricken family to plan for a fu- neral as detectives at the 52nd Precinct hunt for a killer. It’s the precinct’s third homicide this year, surpassing last year’s total homicide rate at the Five-Two. According to police, more than a dozen teens were holding a pre-sum- mer barbecue at just after midnight on May 29, in the courtyard of a building along DeKalb Avenue and East 212th Street, when a fight broke out and a knife was plunged into the chest of 18- year-old Damion C. Gilbert, Jr. Gilbert staggered across the street and collapsed outside of 3572 DeKalb Ave. A half-dozen bystanders and friends, some of whom were crying, at- tempted to give aid until paramedics arrived. Photo by David Greene One police source said, “They dis- MOURNERS PAY THEIR respects to 18-year-old victim Damion C. Gilbert Jr. at a makeshift memorial at the corner of DeKalb covered an 18-year-old male laying Avenue and East 212th Street. face up suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was then transported when the summer comes about, we usu- aBronx Knights football team, based hattan on June 8 between 3 and 8 p.m. to Montefiore Hospital and was pro- ally get more officers on the street.” out of Williamsbridge Oval Park. He A funeral mass will be held on June nounced dead at 12:54 a.m.” Neighbor- The stabbing marks the third ho- also attended the Bronx Lab School at 9 at 10 a.m., at the Salem Methodist hood sources told the Norwood News micide the 52nd Precinct took this Evander Childs High School. Church, located at 2190 Clayton Pow- that the weapon was tossed year, and the third one in Norwood. “He was an awesome kid with ell Jr. Blvd., also in Manhattan. under a parked car and retrieved by Last year, a total of two homicides the greatest smile you could ever re- Meanwhile, police have identified police. were reported within the precinct member. He loved life and everything the victim shot inside an apartment On June 4, 52nd Precinct Com- covering Norwood, Bedford Park, about it,” said Davis. at 3152 Hull Ave. on April 23 as Rom- munity Affairs officer Stephen Eche- University Heights, Kingsbridge Davis’ sister Tikia Beckford re- mel Goode, 38, of Brooklyn. Officials varria reported, “There has been a Heights and parts of Fordham. called, “Even people that we don’t also announced the arrest of Derrick suspect identified in the stabbing on In a telephone interview, the vic- know, they’re just walking up to us Johnson, 31, also of Brooklyn. John- DeKalb, there is a suspect,” but later tim’s mother, Natasha Davis, 37, said saying how respectful he was and son was charged with murder, assault stated that the NYPD will not be re- Gilbert was born at Harlem Hospi- how he always had the biggest smile and possession of a weapon. leasing that name until the individual tal in Manhattan, before his fam- on his face. He was a lovable kid and Police continue to search for sus- is in custody. ily moved to Kossuth Avenue. He at- it’s just sad how his life was taken pects Tyrone Frank and accomplice Echevarria was asked if there were tended PS 280, and the Norwood News away so fast, snatched away from Tanisha Banks after Frank chased any special deployments of officers featured him and his graduating class him.” down and shot Dwayne Saunders, 37, planned. He replied, “Not sure, usu- in a 2005 front page photo. Gilbert “His mother is grieving and it’s a hitting him at least twice as he ran ally when these things kind of happen was an original member of the 2012 lot on his family. He has two siblings- for his life along East 209th Street on -one is 13 and the other is seven--and May 1. they’re really struggling to deal with At a recent 52nd Precinct Com- Burglary at Norwood Food Market this,” Beckford added. munity Council Precinct meeting, The family’s heartbreak contin- Commanding Officer Deputy Inspec- ued after the New York Post obtained tor Peter Fiorillo noted that most of a graphic video that shows the mor- the violent crimes he’s seeing in the Image still courtesy NYPD tally wounded Gilbert slipping off the area is violence being carried out by POLICE HAVE RELEASED a grainy surveil- lance video still showing a man breaking into gurney and falling, nearly hitting acquaintances. Fiorillo previously the El Jalapeño Food Market eatery at 264 the concrete floor. The Post reported told residents, “We can’t patrol your E. Gun Hill Rd. at 3:12 a.m. on May 23 and that the two unidentified paramedics homes and you don’t want us to.” stealing $350 from the cash register before have been taken off active duty, but Editor’s Note: The family of Da- taking off. Anyone who knows the suspect are not facing an investigation. mion C. Gilbert Jr. has set up a Go- is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (800) 577- A wake for Gilbert will be held at FundMe page to cover funeral costs. TIPS. All calls are kept confidential. the Unity Funeral Home located at Anyone can donate at http://bit. 2352 Fredrick Douglass Blvd. in Man- ly/2LqNjdR. 4 • June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News INQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHER By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers their thoughts on the NFL’s new policy of issuing fi nes to players who publicly kneel in protest during the singing of the National Anthem.

It’s the American anthem and any NFL, Personally, I have family members who It’s ridiculous, Trump needs to stop it. Unbelievable. I’m not in favor of this. Why? I defi nitely disagree. It defi nitely goes NBA or players of any sport should have have served in the military and I think that It makes no sense at all. I think he likes They have every right to do this, they pay against the First Amendment and I think the right to kneel. I don’t think it’s fair they themselves feel that it shouldn’t be many things that just aren’t right. This all their taxes. It’s their right as Americans. it’s kind of ridiculous to me. It’s peaceful that they’re now penalized and all they a policy when it comes to sports. I think needs to be dropped and they should just They have every right to their freedom of protesting and they’re not hurting anybody. are doing is respecting ordinary people- it’s completely different. I don’t think sports let them kneel. What does that have to speech. It’s a very complicated issue. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with -us. I think President [Donald] Trump is should be associated with something that’s do against him? How’s it harming him? Luis Nuñez that. It’s a protest that’s relevant today, partially responsible for taking away their associated with racial inequalities and Its petty. Norwood when it comes to everything that’s going right of free speech. I am a football fan, people not being treated equally. There Angel Colon on. I’ll probably still watch, but not be into shouldn’t be a rule on whether they can Bedford Park Bridgette Nuñez it as much as I was because it’s not the or cannot; they should be able to express Kingsbridge same now. themselves. And by not wanting to honor Essence Smith that fl ag, because it’s against their beliefs, West Farms Square then its a violation of their own civil rights and they should be allowed to express themselves. Meria Franqui Bedford Park 500 Vets ID’d During Memorial Day ‘Flagging’ at Woodlawn Cemetery By DAVID GREENE WWll. “So that’s how we Some 250 volunteers spent keep coming up with more the week before Memorial Day names. It’s really a challenge carefully locating the more for a private cemetery, be- than 7,000 members of the cause we only have so many U.S. military who are buried military markers, especially among the hundreds of thou- those buried in mausoleums. sands of individuals buried at Nobody would know they the sprawling 40-acre site at served and this is how we’re Woodlawn Cemetery. figuring it out.” Washington Greys Mili- The 150 members of the tary Cadets Major Fernando Woodlawn Conservancy are a Maria joined 35 youngsters dedicated group of volunteers to locate the veterans at the who continue research on the landmark cemetery. They Photo by David Greene architecture of the mausole- were given maps of the cem- MEMBERS OF THE Washington Greys Military Cadets, based at the Kingsbridge Armory, spent the ums, biographies of the indi- etery, identifying G.I.s with weekend fl agging the graves of U.S. military members. viduals buried at Woodlawn the placement of an American and identifying military vet- flag by their tombstone. kids a sense of respect for the during WWll and Sergeant death certificates and it will erans. “We’ve been here since people that served our country Abraham Lincoln Colon- give the profession as being Other groups that partici- about 10 in the morning,” said and gives them a little pride.” Perez, a Purple Heart recipi- in the military or else it will pated this year included Boy Maria. “We had four sheets, Notable military veter- ent who was killed in action in show they died while in the Scout Troop 25 from Yonkers, roughly about 500 graves. We ans at Woodlawn Cemetery South Vietnam. military,” Susan Olsen, the Girl Scout Troop 1185, the completed one whole section include newspaper publisher Scouring for deceased vet- historian at the Woodlawn New York Bank of Mellon and and my other three team lead- Joseph Pulitzer, who came to erans in a cemetery that’s the Conservancy, said. “Other workers from Jet.com. ers completed good portions of America in 1864 to serve with final home to 310,000 individ- volunteers have been reading Editor’s Note: For more their sections.” the Union Army during the uals has proven to be a chal- obituaries, so they will find it information on the Woodlawn Asked if it was time well American Civil War; Bronx lenge. in the obituaries.” Conservancy, visit their web- spent, Maria replied, “Abso- native Staff Sergeant Natale “…[O]ne of our volunteers Olsen noted that the web- site at www.thewoodlawncem- lutely. It’s a great way to spend A. Greco, whose B-24 plane has been going through mean- site Ancestry.com provides etery.org/woodlawn-conser- the weekend. It gives these was shot down over Germany ingful archives and looking at many service records from vancy/. June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News • 5 6 • June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News Diaz to de Blasio: Mind to Mind, Heart to Heart Speed Up Right to Counsel Teacher collaboration in the digital age By PS/MS 95 children. They also track student skill A law that offers free legal help for When contemporary teachers de- development through various techno- low-income residents fighting eviction cide to collaborate, they have a daunt- logical programs such as Google Docs, should be expanded faster, said Bor- ing task: to create and utilize curricula Mastery Connect and I Ready. ough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to make sure that each child has access Middle school students receive as- In late May, Diaz sent a letter to to, that is an “entry point” or “stepping signments, do assessments and proj- Mayor Bill de Blasio urging him to stone” into the learning, so that each ects and are marked on their work us- speed up the availability of the Right to child can be successful. ing technology. Middle school teacher Counsel Act, suggesting de Blasio move Under the leadership of school prin- David Horn poses the questions: “How the provision by 2020 instead. cipal Serge Marshall Davis, PS/MS 95, does the improvement of teaching hap- Right to Counsel is already in effect teachers at the Sheila Mencher School pen? How can we use face-to-face meet- ings, technology and other methods in some parts of the Bronx. It would be have taken up the challenge of col- laboration with a mission: to provide Photo courtesy PS/MS 95 to get to deeper learning? How can we in full effect by July 2022. But Diaz, an enhanced opportunities for student A FIFTH GRADER at PS/MS 95 gives meet the needs of the students who are early contender for mayor in 2021, finds learning. The challenge is motivated a computer lesson to this first grader struggling?” He and his colleagues the matter more pressing. from the heart: the teachers’ sincere (foreground). search for ways to meet the students’ “Our city’s tenants simply cannot desire to improve the students’ deeper needs and address them in each lesson tion is proud of teachers who connect, wait,” Diaz insisted in his letter to de learning and by the mind: the intellec- plan. Kevin McMahon brings strat- engage, share, collaborate with each Blasio. “We must work harder to keep tual quest to find ways to teach chil- egies across the curriculum to give other in moving learning forward. them in their homes and neighbor- dren, to enable them to experience cohesion to the lesson planning pro- Collaboration at this school has many being a reader, a writer, a scientist, cess, which he calls “an organic col- hoods, rather than deal with a crisis facets. Teachers collaborate through an artist, a learner. Coaches Dr. Des- laboration” with Mr. Horn and others. when they are evicted and forced into the mechanisms of peer observations, line Brown, Michelle DiRenzo, An- Melissa Perez, dance teacher of the the shelter system.” inter-visitations and meetings with drea Faulkner, Nadim Farooqi, Anna Elite Dance Team, finds cooperation Diaz’s urging comes amid a home- coaches, small and large group conver- Massaro and Brandi Nankivel work throughout the whole school with col- lessness crisis that’s ballooned under sations and scheduled formal meetings on many techniques such as blended leagues, administrators, parents and de Blasio’s tenure. Lack of affordable to discuss their collective students’ learning, promoting peer questioning, school groups and utilizes these con- progress, class tests, student account- housing is to blame, but also the uptick tech buddies, vertical planning and nections to solve problems and sup- ability, teacher professional readings in the number of landlords evicting “setting the frame” for sharing ideas, port the efforts of the dancers to put on methodology and their enjoyment their tenants out of their apartments. with systematic practice to assist the together their shows. of small and big moment successes By fulfilling Right to Counsel two years teachers in improving student skills. A stellar example or centerpiece of through individual conferencing with early, Diaz hopes to stop the homeless- The National Education Associa- (continued on page 11) ness crisis at its root. Diaz demands de Blasio to take re- sponsibility, writing, “…it is incum- bent upon your administration to show 3-K to Expand More in the Bronx the leadership and managerial zeal to take the necessary action at a rapid By MARTIKA ORNELLA Noting the uniqueness of the 3-K rate to provide indigent tenants with More kids are expected to start 3-K program, Carranza said, “This is not representation in Housing Court.” this fall as the city’s universal educa- happening at this scale anywhere in Since 2013, city funding for legal tion program expands to cover more America.” assistance in Housing Court has in- ground. Kisha Rivers understands all too creased from $6 million to $77 million, After a morning spent playing well the struggle of securing child and since 2014 eviction rates are down with three-year-olds at the Learning care. “The costs can be astronomical. 27 percent. The city plans to increase Through Play Pre-K Center in Long- It can be more than your rent,” Rivers funding to $93 million in 2019. wood on May 23, Mayor Bill de Blasio said about private daycare service. At A statement from de Blasio’s admin- announced further commitment to one point she paid more than $1,200 a istration emphasizes improvements growing the 3-K for All program. month for child care. Her daughter, already made, but does not mention “We believe in a city that is fair for Nyla Rivers, now attends the Long- moving up the deadline for Right to everyone. The goal of this administra- Photo by Martika Ornella wood Pre-K Center. Counsel. “We’ve already served over tion is to make this the fairest big city KENDACE BOWEN (R) READS the 3-K School districts scheduled for a 200,000 New Yorkers and as we work to in America,” de Blasio said. Flanked by acceptance letter offered to her daughter two-year 3-K expansion will offer se- fully implement universal access, we Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza Kayla Bowen by Mayor Bill de Blasio (l). lect applicants seats in the program in continue to work aggressively to level and Assemblyman Michael Blake, de the first year, then across-the-board the playing field for tenants…” said Blasio touted the 3-K program he be- year. A series of two-year expansions acceptance in the second year. Of the spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg. lieves is a springboard to creating a are set to grow 3-K to 12 community 31 school districts in the city, 12 will —Christy Rae Ammons more equitable city. school districts by fall 2021. receive full funding for 3-K for All by A continuation of the city’s ‘Pre-K The free, full-day school program 2021. Plans to expand the program TO REPORT A STORY TO for All’ initiative, the 3-K program is currently available to all eligible citywide will rely on additional state THE NORWOOD NEWS, extends early childhood education three-year-olds in the . and federal funding, said the mayor. to three-year-olds. As of May 23, over Next year, 3-K for All will widen to “If we succeed in our goal, we want CALL US AT 3,000 letters were sent out to parents applicants in , High- a where our children 718-324-4998 offering their child one of the cov- bridge, and Morrisania; expanding to are born into fairness,” de Blasio eted 3-K seats for the 2018-2019 school the Central Bronx in 2020. said. June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News • 7 Amazing Bronx Flotilla CANOERS STRAPPED ON their life vests, grabbed an oar, and hopped into a canoe for the annual Amazing Bronx River Flotilla hosted by the Bronx River Alliance. The May 26 event saw participants sail down the Bronx River from Shoelace Park to Riverside Park in Hunts Point. The event also calls attention to the progress made at the Bronx River, once used for major dumping. Photos by Adi Talwar

NEW YORK CITY Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver (l) addresses ON BOARD THE Mad River Canoe, this participant (foreground) is all participants of the Bronx River Flotilla at Shoelace Park. smiles as she begins her trek down the Bronx River with her rowing mate. Other participants wait to cast off.

WHAT A SIGHT. Paddlers canoe down a largely leafy section of the Bronx FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR of the Bronx River Alliance, Linda Cox, River. drags a canoe through a shallow section of the Bronx River cutting through the Bronx Zoo.

PADDLER JOHN ROBINSON steers a canoe in rapid Bronx River water A VIEW OF Concrete Plant Park from the Bronx River during the fl otilla just south of the Bronx Zoo. event. Stop Work Orders Issued at 2 of 4 New Norwood Projects 8 • June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News Classifi eds Professional Directory

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FOLLOW US ONLINE WWW.NORWOODNEWS.ORG June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News • 9

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES

Reimagining through July 23. For more informa- MONEY MATTERS Mosholu Parkland tion, and to apply, go to https://www. Residents are invited to a brain- hesc.ny.gov/excelsior/. storming session on improving sec- tions of Mosholu Parkland on June Bird Walks WORKSHOP 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sister An- Free bird walk tours with guides nunciata Bethell Senior Center, 243 provided by the New York City Audu- E. 204th St. The event is hosted by bon Society and Citizens Committee in conjunction Conservancy, are scheduled for ev- with Friends of Mosholu Parkland. ery Saturday through July 21 from For more information, contact Eliza- 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Van Cortlandt beth Quaranta at mosholuparkland@ Park Conservancy. Meet at the VC gmail.com. Nature Center. For more informa- tion, contact Joseph McManus at mc- Bronx Career Fair [email protected]. A career fair will be held at Hos- tos Community College, C Building/ Commercial Lease Help East Academic Complex, 3rd floor Northwest Bronx Community gym, 450 Grand Concourse on June & Clergy Coalition offers free legal 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more informa- help to small businesses in negoti- tion, email Lisanette Rosario, direc- ating commercial leases with their tor of career services, at Lrosario@ landlords. Businesses have to be in hostos.cuny.edu. New York City, must be non-fran- chise, have a household income New Social Security Cards below 500 percent of the federal New replacement Social SecurityTRIP poverty guideline, and have a new cards can be now obtained by going or renewal lease. For more infor- to www.socialsecurity.gov/myac- mation, contact Evy Viruet at (718) count. The new cards will no longer 584-0515 ext. 100. include the Social Security number to further protect privacy. For more Rent Freeze Programs detailed information, visit www.so- University Neighborhood Hous- cialsecurity.gov/ssnumber_. ing Program offers assistance in applying for a rent freeze through June 13th | 5:30-7:00 p.m. Free Immigration Service the state SCRIE/DRIE programs. Housing, 220 E. 204th Eligible applicants must be at least St., provides free basic immigration 62 years old, have someone in their Learn how to save and manage your services. They offer application as- house at least 62 years old, or dis- PRQH\EHWWHU'LVFRYHUWKHEHQHÀWV sistance for citizenship, permanent abled (receiving SSI/SSD benefits). residence Green Card applications, Sessions are available Tuesdays of using bank savings and checking renewals, and other basic services. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 services at our FREEÀQDQFLDO Clients can bring an interpreter, if p.m. at Refuge House, 2715 Bain- necessary. For more information, bridge Ave. (corner of East 196th education seminar. call (718) 798-0929 to make an appoint- Street). For more information and ment and to answer your immigra- to RSVP, call (718) 933-2539. JEROME AVENUE BRANCH tion questions. Naloxone Availability 3445 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10467 Excelsior Scholarship Individuals with prescription 5:30-7:00 p.m. | RSVP: (718) 240-4792 Applications for the Excelsior health insurance coverage, includ- Scholarship are now open for new ap- ing Medicaid and Medicare, can re- plicants pursuing a college degree at ceive up to $40 in co-payment cov- city- or state-funded colleges/univer- erage for naloxone. This medicine sities for the 2018-19 academic year. is used to reverse opioid overdoses. Eligible candidates must be New Uninsured New Yorkers and those York State residents, take 30 credits with no prescription coverage can per year (including summer and win- get naloxone for free through New ter sessions), a family whose annual York’s network of registered opioid household income is below $110,000, overdose prevent programs. A list- and be on track to graduate on time ing of pharmacies accepting the with an associate’s degree in two new health insurance coverage can © 2018 Ridgewood Savings Bank years or a bachelor’s degree in four be found at https://a816-healthpsi. years. Applications will be accepted nyc.gov/NYCHealthMap. 10 • June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News

Compiled by JUDY NOY EDITOR’S PICK

Family Fitness Festival The public is invited to a free Family Fitness Festival at Williamsbridge Oval Park on June 16 from noon to 3 p.m. Events include zumba exercise, healthy cooking demonstrations, face painting, relay races and health workshops.

File photo (BAAD), 2474 Westchester Ave., presents KIDS CAN GET a chance to hop on an NYPD two-wheeler at the 52nd Precinct’s Onstage its 18th annual Out Like That Festival, Open House event set for June 15 just like this one did at last year’s Open House June 8 through 26, celebrating gay pride The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. (see under Events for more information). in the Bronx. Events include dance, fi lm, Kingsbridge Rd., presents Sonido theater and performances. For more weather. Grounds admission is free until Costeño Trio in Concert, June 9 at information and a detailed schedule, call noon Tuesdays and Saturdays all year. Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Place 2:30 p.m. featuring Latin and other world (718) 918-2110. For more information and a schedule of (near Kingsbridge Road, offers Summer music. For more information, call (718) events including tours and walks, call Reading Kickoff Celebration: (ages to 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. Bronx County Historical Society presents (718) 549-3200. 12 years), featuring pizza, arts and crafts, Bronx Brewery Legacy Trolley Tour, games, and more. For more information, Riverdale Choral Society presents June 9 from noon to 5 p.m., leaving from call (718) 549-5200. Summer Sing featuring two Requiems, Exhibits Woodlawn Cemetery’s Jerome Avenue June 13 at 7:30 p.m. ($15), at Christ entrance ($40). For more information, call Church Riverdale, 5030 Henry Hudson The Museum of Bronx History, 3266 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL OUR (718) 881-8900. Pkwy. (252nd Street). Singers can bring Bainbridge Ave. (208th Street), presents DAD READERS! their own scores if they have them Bronx Expo - The Starlight Park The Montefi ore Moses Community or scores will be provided. For more Story, through Sept. 30; and Women’s NOTE: Items for consideration may Advisory Board (CAB) presents a Walk information, call (718) 543-2219. Suffrage and New York City: A be mailed to our offi ce or sent to at the Williamsbridge Oval, June 9 from Centennial Celebration, through April [email protected], Events 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Events include physical 11, 2019. For more information, call (718) and should be received by June 11 activity, health information, raffl e prizes 881-8900. for the next publication date of June and giveaways. Warmup stretches begin 21. Williamsbridge Oval offers free events at 10 a.m. during June. For more information and a Library Events detailed schedule, call (718) 543-8672. The New York Botanical Garden’s The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Farmers Market is scheduled to be held Kingsbridge Rd., presents for children: Celebrating Bedford Park Congregational Church, Wednesdays from June 13 through Oct. 309 E. 201st St. (Bainbridge Avenue), is Hands-on Projects: (ages 5 to 12; 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., just inside the preregistration required), Paper Popsicle Dominican holding a Lawn Party (cookout/picnic), Mosholu entrance and across the street June 24 at 1 p.m. Food offered includes Making, June 7; Father’s Day Card from the Botanical Garden station of the Making, June 14; and Bookmark Making, hamburgers and hot dogs from the grill Metro North commuter railroad. Also Pride and a variety of salads and desserts; June 21, all at 4 p.m.; and Paper Plate scheduled is the dedication and ribbon- Watermelon, June 10 and Paper Tie $10/adults; $5/children. For more cutting ceremony for the NYBG’s information, call (718) 733-3199. Making, June 17, both at 3:30 p.m. state-of-the-art Edible Academy on Adults can enjoy Microsoft Word 2010 June 14 and public opening weekend The 52nd Precinct, 3016 Webster Ave., for Beginners: June 12, and Computer celebration with hands-on family June 14, both at 2 p.m.; and holds its 4th annual Open House, June Basics: activities on June 16 and 17 including fi lm: “Selma,” June 16 at 2:30 p.m. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m., to meet your local touring and hands-on craft-making offi cers. Events include games, food, and For more information, call (718) 579- and planting for children. For more 4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. music. information, call (718) 817-8700. The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., Unity in the Community street fair will Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. take place June 16 from noon to 6 p.m. offers for children: Crafty Fridays at 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family 3 p.m.: (ages 5 to 12), crafts, June 8 Photo by Miriam Quinones on Reservoir Avenue between West Art Projects: Paper Sky Lanterns, to AHEAD OF THE 2018 Bronx Domini- Kingsbridge Road and 195th Street. and 15; Summer Reading Kickoff sketch clouds and cut colorful tissue DJ Dance Party 2: (kids of all ages), can Day Parade, the Dominican Parade Events include giveaways, activities, and paper into sky scenes, then make food. The public is invited to join the fun. games and prizes, June 8 at 3 p.m.; Board hosted a recognition event hon- lanterns using paper mache, June 9 and Toddler Bilingual Storytime: (ages 18 oring several accomplished Domini- 10; and Pollinator Bats and Nocturnal The Westchester Square Business to 36 months), librarian will read, sing, can-born recipients. Guests, including Flowers, to paint nocturnal fl owers in and play songs in English and Spanish, Improvement District celebrates its 10th elected offi cials, Dominican Day Parade fl uorescent colors, then make a furry June 11 at 11 a.m.; and annual free Fair @ The Square, June STEM: Kids paper puppet bat, June 16 and 17; both Science at 3 p.m.: (ages 5 to 12), June Scholarship recipients, and others were 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. along East in the WH House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on hand for the May 29 event that took Tremont Avenue between Westchester 12 and 19. Teens/young adults can enjoy: Also scheduled is Sunset Wednesdays: place at Bronx Borough Hall. Stanley Avenue and Silver Street. Events include Teen Summer Reading Kickoff Party: Live Music on the Great Lawn, music, games and fun, June 7 at 3:30 Schlein, a non-Dominican lobbyist and an all-day concert series featuring western swing band, The Brain Cloud musicians, dancers and singers. For p.m. Adults can attend: Knitting Circle: lawyer for the Bronx Democratic County performs everything from ragtime jazz Thursdays at 3 p.m.; and Adult Summer more information, call (718) 597-4629. File Photo Committee (center, wearing sash), was to Appalachian old-time fi ddling, June Reading Kickoff Party: music, games AN ASSORTMENT OF activities and events20 at await7 p.m. you (rain at or the shine). Mosholu Concerts Library honored with the so-called “Adopted The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance and fun, June 7 at 3 p.m. For more (more information can be found under “Librarywill move Events”). indoors in case of inclement information, call (718) 882-8239. Dominican” award. Bronx DA to Investigate NYPD Shooting Death of Unarmed Senior June 7-20, 2018 • Norwood News • 11 Breaking Ground on Skate Park (continued from page 1) of our projects, that’s just what we do. park.” “When they had money from ers who’ve lobbied the city to get the We want authentic feedback to under- The skate park will not just be a the [Croton Water] Filtration Plant skate park built in what’s considered stand exactly how everything will fit new recreational outlet for the neigh- [fund], they asked different parks Norwood’s leafy jewel. in,” Silver said. borhood, it’s also a way to give skat- what they wanted done,” Condit re- “I’ve been to a bunch of skating According to Silver, skateboard- ers a safe haven. “A lot of skateboard- called, referring to a now-expired parks and there are some nice ones ers like Baez understand what makes ing takes place at night, off-hours, $200 million fund set aside for park out there, but I haven’t seen one in the a good skate park more than anyone and this sort of brings it into the day- improvements in exchange for con- Bronx,” says Eusebio Baez, 28, who is else. Of the skateboarders, Silver light,” Cohen said. “You are welcome struction of the plant underneath thrilled to see the city respond to the said, “They know the challenges and here. You have a designated space.” Van Cortlandt Park. A skate park at community’s request for a separate what they need to have fun experi- Creating a safe space for park visi- the Oval was on the list of needs, but space within the Oval. ences.” tors was also on the mind of Lorita was soon put on the backburner in fa- One thing Baez thinks the Bronx Before plans for the skate park Watson, a Community Board 7 mem- vor of a dog run. had lacked was a modern skate park were drafted, skateboarders repur- ber. “I think [the skate park] will at- The project, once funded, fell be- designed for skateboarders; a place posed empty spaces in the Oval to tract more people and give them a hind schedule after the first contrac- where they can safely ride and per- create some challenging skating safer environment. And for those tor picked for the project turned it form their tricks. courses. A skateboarder who only who actually skate, it will raise their down. Work on a skate park in Van When Baez attended the first vi- went by Awnimosa, 28, remembers a game.” Cortlandt Park has also been delayed sioning session to assess interest for time in the 1990s when BMX bikers But the new skate park isn’t following its own groundbreaking a skate park in the Bronx, he was built a halfpipe in Oval Park so they meant to alienate seasoned patrons ceremony last year. skeptical that his recommendations could practice of their tricks. of the Oval, but intended to draw new When the park opens, skaters would be heard. By the second meet- “It was just around this same crowds to Norwood, Silver said. “Not can expect ramps, quarter pipes, ele- ing, Baez was asked to sketch an idea space [where the new skate park will everyone skates, and so we don’t have vated curbs, mounds, rails, and other for the park, and by the third meet- be built] that I saw the bikers and then them in every park, but where we do boarding options. ing he was surprised to see a profes- some skaters do their own thing,” have them people from other neigh- The Bronx already has four pub- sional rendering for a skate park that said Awnimosa. “I’ve been skating borhoods go and check them out,” Sil- lic skate parks, including the 10,000- incorporated his suggestions. “That’s since 2007 and I’m seeing a new gen- ver explained. “This is now adding to square-foot River Avenue Skate Park when I knew this thing could really eration of kids that are going to love the portfolio of all of our skate parks near Yankee Stadium. happen,” Baez said. “They were seri- this skate park.” in New York City.” “We’ve had generations of skaters ous.” For Cohen, the presence of skate- The skate park has been in the come and go,” Watson said, reflecting Incorporating locals into the de- boarders at an area where there was making since 2003, said Doug Con- on how far Oval Park has come. “A sign process of any park is always the no official place to skate showed “evi- dit of the volunteer group, Friends of few years ago we didn’t have all this. goal, said Silver. dence that there really is a constitu- Williamsbridge Oval. Financing the We have so many people coming here. “We involve the community in all ency here that would like a skate project stood among the difficulties. It has become a destination park.”

Mind to Mind, Heart to Heart (continued from page 6) like. (Get ready for some angry birds, EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA! collaboration at PS/MS 95 is the Com- naughty pigs, zombies and other ani- puter Coding Project which introduces mated characters!) young children to basic computer pro- The collaborating teachers, includ- Our readers can be gramming skills. According to Steve ing the computer teacher Amanda Jobs, “programming a computer Barelli and the fifth and first grade your customers teaches you how to think.” This project teachers, as well as the grade level involves teacher collaboration, fifth administrators, have a vision of how grade-to-first grade student collabora- the students should be working, and ADVERTISE in the... tion, computer teacher to classroom facilitate the activity on a weekly ba- teacher collaboration and teacher to sis. They see an improvement in the administrator collaboration, where students’ abilities to make strategic administrators facilitate access to the choices, to think and to collaborate Reach nearly 40,000 readers in the Bronx equipment, materials, logistics and ed- with fellow students. The experi- ucational evaluation. ence fosters leadership skills of the Take advantage of LOW rates This computer curriculum puts fifth graders and develops a passion the children through the paces of for the subject. A first grader said, “I One price has your ad in paper steering characters through a maze. like it because at first I felt nervous for two weeks Students need to concentrate on se- but when I got into the game I knew I quencing, direction and other math could learn it.” Rates NEGOTIABLE skills. Students participate in the el- The new schools chancellor is ements of Science, Technology, En- quoted as saying that, among other gineering and Math (STEM) in this things, school must pay attention to mental activity. The project involves “leadership, teaching, curriculum the presence of older children (fifth and joyful learning.” graders), to assist younger children School Leadership Team Chair (first graders), on a one-to-one partner Francheska Ceballos sums it up by basis. The partners sit side-by-side at living the creed that the mission is a shared computer and, step by guided “to be there for the students and their step, first graders build a program, families, with a clear vision and unity CALL (718) 324-4998 mentored by fifth graders. Parents across the board.” can check out the website code.org At PS/MS 95, teacher collaboration Or emal [email protected] for a sense of what the program looks is celebrated – and has it all.