• Home
• News
• Health
• Politics
• Schools
• Crime
• Business
• Opinion
• Sports
• Culture

 RSS

Out & About

By Judy Noy

Onstage
 

•  The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts presents Doo Wop Night, featuring leading singers and musical groups, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. (tickets are $20 to $45); and Break: The Urban Funk Spectacular, featuring a variety of hip-hop dance, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m., (tickets are $20 to $35; $10 for children 12 and under); both in the Concert Hall at 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W. For more information, call (718) 960-8833.

 

• n The Bronx Library Center, located at 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, will host several events, including: African Dance, for children, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.; and events for adults, all at 2:30 p.m., including Doo Wop, performed by The Valentinos, Jan. 24; and A Musical Tribute to Sam Cooke, performed by NYC jazz/pop vocalist Cody Childs, Feb. 7. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46 or visit www.nypl.org.

Events

•  The JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. will host James Cannings, performing reggae music on Jan. 23 at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12:15 p.m. The suggested contribution is $3. For more information, call (718) 549-4700.

 

•  English Conversation Program for Speakers of Other Languages, Intermediate Level, is offered free for adults 16 and older, on a first come, first served basis, at the Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., led by volunteers from New York Cares. The program will be held Tuesdays through March 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, call Library’s Office of Community Outreach Services (212) 340-0918.

 

•  The Wave Hill House offers two family art projects: Shaping the Land, to sculpt a mini-landscape with rock, clay and other natural materials, Jan. 24 and 25; and Tropical Patterns a la Henri Matisse, to make collages patterned from shapes and colors of blooms and foliage, Jan. 31; both from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Kerlin Learning Center. Wave Hill is located at West 249th Street and Independence Avenue. For more information, call (718) 54903200 or visit www.wavehill.org.

 

•  The Bronx Culture Trolley, a replica of a 20th-century trolley, transports visitors on the first Wednesday of every month (except January and September), to Bronx hot spots, ending at Sweetwaters Bar & Grill with jazz, and food and drink. A reception is held at the Hostos Art Gallery, 450 Grand Concourse (at 149th St.) at 5 p.m., followed by three trolley departures at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. New attractions are added monthly. Trolley ride is free. Riders can get on and off at any scheduled stop and spend as much time as they wish at any or all of the featured venues. Venues and activities vary each month. The next trip is on Feb. 4. For more information or to confirm, call (718) 931-9500 ext. 33 or log on to www.bronxarts.org.

Exhibits

•  The Bronx Council on the Arts presents Graffiti: Spirit of an Age @ 40 x 10, highlighting works by artists who began their careers as teens creating graffiti art, having now expanded to drawing, painting and sculpture. This free exhibit is on view through Feb. 7, at the Longwood Gallery at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street. For more information, call (718) 518-6728 or (718) 931-9500, ext. 33.

 

•  Street Art, Street Life: From the 1950s to Now, a collection of photography, is a documentation of performances, events, and artwork, on view through Jan. 25, at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street. During January, the museum offers a Family Admission Pass which consists of a one-time free admission coupon for up to four guests to view this display, in honor of being named The Culture Spot for January by NYC & Company. To receive this pass, visitors must present a special coupon to the museum upon arrival or at the time of ticket purchase which will be available Jan. 1 to 31 at several Manhattan locations. For more information, call (718) 681-6000, or visit nycvisit.com/culturespot.

 

•  The Wave Hill House, located at West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, will feature Naturally Inspired, a selection of art produced in workshops for adults and at the weekly Family Art Project; and Flora & Fauna, an installation of a vine that winds along the wall of the staircase, through Feb. 22. For more information, call (718) 549-3200 or visit www.wavehill.org.

 

•  The Neuberger Museum of Art, at 735 Anderson Hill Rd., in Purchase, NY, will exhibit Great Women Artists, featuring two sculptures by Barbara Korman, of Norwood. The show runs from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, through Feb. 22. For more information, visit www.bkormanstudio.com.

Learning
 

 The Bronx Library Center has events for all ages:

• For children and preschoolers, there is Preschool Romp, Jan. 22, 29, and Feb. 5 at 11 a.m.; Toddler Two-Step, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m.; and Pajama Party, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m.
• Also, for school-aged children, there is The Thespian’s Gym, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 at 4 p.m.; Arts & Crafts (Create an Envelope), Jan. 22 at 4 p.m.; and The Remix, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m.
• Young adults can attend Royal Flush Tournament, Jan. 26 at 4 p.m.; Super Smash-A-Thon, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m.; Beating the Winter Blues Podcast, Jan. 28 at 4 p.m.; Kawaii Club, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m.; Halo 3 Tournament, Feb. 2 at 4 p.m.; Connect NYC Love & Relationships, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m.; and Music Discovery, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.

The Center is located at 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road. For a detailed schedule, call (718) 579-4244/46 or visit www.nypl.org.

• The Mosholu Library, located at 285 E. 205th St., presents Poetry Day, poems read by Stephen Gold, creative writing instructor at the Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center, Jan. 29 at 4 p.m.; and Toddler Story Time, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

 

•  The Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames Place, hosts Knit-Wit, Jan. 22 and 29 at 4 p.m., for young adults; and Toddler Story Time, Jan. 23 at 10:30 p.m.; and Circus Tales, Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m., both for children. For more information, call (718) 549-5200.

NOTE: Items for consideration should be received in our office by Jan. 26 for the next publication date of Feb. 5.

Neighborhood Notes

By Norwood News

Learn Microsoft Word
The Mosholu Library is offering a free introduction to Microsoft Word on Feb. 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn to create, edit, print, and save documents. Register in person at 285 E. 205th St. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

Social Security Assistance
Representatives of the Social Security Administration will be available to address questions and/or issues concerning Social Security on Jan. 28 at Congressman Eliot Engel’s Bronx office, located at 3655 Johnson Ave. The service is available by appointment only. Call Richard Fedderman at (718) 796-9700 to make an appointment.

Join Local Community Board
The Bronx Borough President’s Office is accepting applications for all 12 Community Boards. Applicants should live or have professional or other significant interests in the Bronx. Applications are available at your local Community Board office or online at bronxboropres.nyc.gov. Applicants can call the B.P.’s office at (718) 590-3914 or Community Board 7’s office, (718) 933-5650. Submission deadline is Feb. 2. 

Learn Computer Skills
St. James Recreation Center at 2530 Jerome Ave. offers free classes in Microsoft Office, Resume/Cover Letter Writing, Computer Basics, and much more. For more information, call Justin Young at (718) 367-3659.

Charter School Accepting Applications
The Bronx Community Charter School, located at 2348 Webster Ave., is now accepting kindergarten applications for fall 2009 (spaces for 1st and 2nd graders may also be available). Meet the co-directors, see students and teachers in action and take a tour at 9 a.m. on Jan. 29; Feb. 12 and 24; March 5 and 19. For more information, call (718) 584-1400 or visit www.bronxcommunity.org.

Join Local Education Council
The Bronx Borough President’s Office is interviewing candidates to fill its vacancy on Community Education Council District 10. Members are unpaid volunteers and serve for two years. The right candidates will have experience in business, trade or education. E-mail resume and cover letter to the Borough President’s Director of Education Policy, Mr. Jesse Mojica, at jmojica@bronxbp.nyc.gov or fax documents to (718) 590-4690.

Free 2009 Parking Calendars
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is offering free New York City Parking Calendars to community residents. To receive one, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to his office at 3107 Kingsbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, or stop by the office in person.

MetroCard Buses and Vans
The MTA’s MetroCard buses and vans will make scheduled stops at Fordham Plaza (Fordham Road and Third Avenue), from 2:30 to 4 p.m.; at Van Cortlandt Village, 3880 Sedgewick Ave., from 9:30 to 11 a.m.; and at the Fordham Road and Grand Concourse intersection, from noon to 2 p.m., all on Jan. 23. Vans and buses will also be available on Jan. 26 at Scott Towers, 3400 Paul Ave., from 1 to 3 p.m. Reduced MetroCards will be available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. For more information, call (212) METROCARD.

After School Care
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., provides after school care for children in elementary school. Children are transported from their schools in Norwood, Bedford Park, Williamsbridge and Van Cortlandt Village. The center provides a snack, help with homework, and an array of activities to keep children busy. Financial aid is available. For more information, call Ruth Moore, Program Registrar, at (718) 882-4000.

Job Opportunities
On Dec. 1, Mayor Bloomberg announced the expansion of free job placement services through New York City’s Workforce1 Career Centers. The centers provide personalized career counseling, interview training, resume/cover letter assistance, workshops and ESL classes. For more information, call the Bronx Workforce1 Center, 358 E. 149th St., (718) 960-7099.

Free Workshops for Children With Special Needs
Resources for Children With Special Needs, Inc. is offering a series of free community workshops for families of children, youth and young adults with disabilities. The next workshop is “Transition From School to Adult Life” on Jan. 23 at the Bronx Family Center of the Children’s Aid Society, 1515 Southern Blvd., followed by “Turning 5: Transition to School Age” on Feb. 4 at the Jewish Child Care Association, 555 Bergen Ave. Both workshops are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call Gary Shulman at (212) 677-4650 or e-mail gshulman@resourcesnyc.org.

Free Career Seminars
Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W., is offering a free Career Information Seminar for its non-credit career training certificate programs. The Office of Continuing Education will hold the seminar on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, including room locations and careers that will be covered, call (718) 960-8512.

Continuing Education Open House
The Office of Continuing Education, at Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W., will host an open house for the children’s spring program on Jan. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Courses are for ages 4 to 16 and include reading, writing, math, Spanish, computers, and Regents exam and SAT preparation. Classes in art, moviemaking, chess, music, theater, dance, swimming and sports are also offered. For more information, call (718) 960-8512 or visit www.lehman.edu/ce.

Capoeira Dance Classes
The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, 841 Barretto St., is offering capoeira classes every Saturday in January, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Cost is $7 per class. For more information, call (718) 842-5223 or visit www.bronxacademyofartsanddance.org.

Computer and English Classes
Fordham University, 557 E. Fordham Rd., is currently holding free computer and English Language classes for parents on Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays. Classes can either stand alone or as an 8- to 12-week series. For more information or to register, call (718) 817-3503.

Wii Games for Adults and Seniors
On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m., adults and seniors can enjoy free Wii video games at the Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St. To sign up, go to the Adult Information Desk. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

Place for Teens With Issues
The Power Project is a free program for teens ages 12 to 18 who are dealing with substance abuse and other problems. Located at 3464 Webster Ave., Power Project provides case management, individual and group counseling, trips, and is just a place to get away from it all. For more information, call (718) 515-7971.

Adult ESL and Computer Classes
PS 94 on Kings College Place will offer ESL levels 1 and 2 and Computer Skills classes through summer 2009. Both classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Computer classes will be taught in English and will include lessons on keyboarding, Microsoft Word and other programs. Registration is first-come, first-served. For more information, call Ms. Seminario, the parent coordinator, at (347) 563-4772 or (718) 405-6345.

Seeking Artists for Aging Project
The Bronx Council on the Arts is seeking artists who are interested in exploring the link between creative expression and the quality of life of older people. BCA is offering unique opportunities in the field of Creative Aging. Send resume and letter of interest to Ed Friedman, Bronx Council on the Arts, 1738 Hone Ave., Bronx, NY 10461 or email: info@bronxarts.org.

Quality of Life Screening
The Psychosocial Oncology Program of the Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center is conducting a survey study in order to learn about the physical and emotional stresses faced by cancer survivors. Participants will have to fill out questionnaires and have the opportunity to participate in free/low-cost programs and support services within the program. For more information, call (718) 430-2380.

Breast Oncology Program
The Breast Oncology Living Daily Program also known as BOLD living offers a variety of free educational, support, and mind-body workshops. They are designed to empower and nurture breast cancer patients, survivors, and loved ones, but are open to all. For more information or to register, call (718) 430-3613 or visit outreach@aecom.yu.edu.

After School Child Care
Registration is now taking place for the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center’s after-school childcare programs at 3450 DeKalb Ave., for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. The Discovery Club is offering staff escort from PS 94, PS 280, St. Ann’s, MS 80 and van service from PS 8, PS 94 Annex, PS 56 and 56 Annex, St. Brendan’s, St. Philip Neri, PS 41, Visitation, and PS 95. For complete information or to register, call Ruth Moore weekdays at (718) 944-3207.

Alzheimer’s Support Group
The Alzheimer’s Association’s New York City chapter provides a support group in Norwood for Spanish and English speaking caregivers who have relatives with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. The support group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 5 to 6:15 p.m. For the location or more information, call Mark Goodwin at (718) 920-7377.

Free Respite Program
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) is offering free after-school services to families with mentally retarded or developmentally disabled children ages 5 to 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. KHCC is also offering a Saturday Respite Program for ages 15 to 25, and on Sundays another Respite Program is provided for ages 18 to 65. Weekend Respite Program hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are held at the KHCC, 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace (near Sedgwick Avenue) at West 230th Street. To register or for more information, call Hanna Gabris at (718) 884-0700 ext. 202.

Teen Center
The Boys and Girls Club of Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at the Fort Independence Houses announced that memberships are being accepted for the Teen Center program for boys and girls ages 12 to 16. The center is open Monday through Friday nights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and offers a variety of teen activities. For more information and/or registration, call Israel Rosario at (646) 358-6096.

Free After-School Program
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is accepting applications for its free Fort Independence after-school program, which serves kids in kindergarten through sixth grade, Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. The program offers a variety of activities. For more information, call Israel Rosario, (646) 358-6096.  

Foster Parents Needed
The Foster Care Network is asking families to open their hearts and homes to foster children this holiday season. For more information, call (800) 454-3727.

Speech Program at Ursula 
The Mt. St. Ursula Speech Center, 2885 Marion Ave., is now accepting applications for its fall program. The center has openings for children ages 2 to 5 who are in need of speech and language services. Medicaid and other insurances accepted. For more information, call (718) 584-7679.

Karate Classes at MMCC
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, located on Gun Hill Road and DeKalb Avenue, will be offering a wide selection of Karate classes for elementary school students, teens, and adults starting in the next few weeks. The classes are offered for all levels on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Classes are affordable and discounts are available. To register or for more information, call Luis Morales weekdays at (718) 944-3290 or MMCC at (718) 882-4000 ext. 0.

Free GED and Business Courses
The State University of New York’s North Bronx Career Center located at 3950 Laconia Ave., at East 224th Street, is now accepting applications for the fall semester. Classes offered are GED Prep and basic to advanced MOS Certification Computer classes, free training in Business Office Technology (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Job Readiness (Resume, Cover Letter, Interview Skills) and Pre-Certification Training in various careers (Child Care, Security and more). All students wishing to apply must meet state income and academic guidelines. This is an HRA-approved program. Classes began in September. To begin the application process or for more information, call (718) 547-1001.

Aphasia Clinic Accepting Clients
The Lehman College Speech and Hearing Center, which provides therapy on a sliding scale payment schedule, is now accepting new clients in its recently expanded aphasia clinic. The clinic will provide individual and group therapy sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.; group therapy sessions also take place on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Diagnostic and therapeutic sessions will be supervised by faculty members who are licensed by the NYS Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and certified by ASHA (American Speech Language Hearing Association). For more information, call Wanda Adams at (718) 960-8138.

 

Board Stalwarts Presented With New Award

By Alex Kratz

At the final 2008 meeting of Community Board 7, board members introduced a new annual award and, at the same time, took time to honor two board stalwarts: Don Bluestone and Barbara Stronczer.

Both were presented with the board’s new Everyday Heroes Award for their outstanding service in the community over the years.

“It’s about recognizing those who, day in and day out, perform valuable services, but don’t often get the recognition they deserve for all they do in the community,” said CB7 District Manager Fernando Tirado.

Bluestone, the executive director of the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center and head of the board’s Youth Committee for most of his time with the board, resigned from the community board in October, after 15 years of service.

Stronczer, head of the board’s Parks Committee and also a leader with the Bedford Mosholu Community Association, has also been on the board for 15 years and is extremely active in the community. She will continue with her work at the board.  

Obama and Bronx Politics

By Editorial

Barack Obama, now the 44th president of the United States, is a global phenomenon.

But keep in mind that he was a state legislator in Illinois a little more than four years ago.

That’s something Bronx lawmakers can relate to, which is good, because there are lessons in the Obama brand of politics that we hope our elected officials will emulate.

Obama is not thin-skinned, not resentful, not paranoid, not vengeful. He has an ego but it is powered by confident self-assurance, not paranoid self-doubt.

He surrounds himself with super-smart, highly competent staff and advisers. This is made possible by the personality traits listed above.

To Obama, political competition is not war, but competition, like basketball. He plays hard, breaks a sweat, and afterward treats everyone with respect regardless of what side they were on.  Just ask Hillary Clinton about that.

Here in the Bronx, we can learn from Barack Obama, the campaign he waged and the person he is. It’s good timing, too, considering Bronx politics is also brimming with change.

The new chairman of the Bronx Democratic Party, Carl Heastie, is already emulating Obama in a key area.

“No door is closed,” he said in a recent interview, referring to his willingness to work with any Bronx leader, regardless of what side they were on in the bruising battle over the party’s leadership last fall. “I have no emotion. I’m not holding any grudges.”

If he wanted to, Heastie could exercise his power and take revenge on opponents by anointing his good friend Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr.  as the heir apparent to Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, who appears to be heading for a job working for Obama in D.C. 

Instead, he’s seeking input from Bronx elected officials and district leaders. It’s smart politics not just because inclusiveness will lead to a stronger party, but also because Diaz won’t benefit from sailing to victory.

Learning to make his case to borough politicians, many of whom may be inclined to support Joel Rivera, son of deposed Democratic chief Jose Rivera, will make him a better candidate and a better borough president if he wins.

Politicians who don’t face serious opposition tend to lack accountability once they assume office.

(If Obama had won New Hampshire, and wrapped up the nomination last January, he may have not beaten John McCain. He gained strength, skill and support with every contested primary.)

Another way Heastie and Bronx Democrats can learn from the new president is by emulating the Obama campaign’s embrace of the Internet and grassroots organizing, creating a party organization that communicates both ways, rather than just from the top down.

They’ll do that if they want to bring more people into borough politics.

Politicians who trust their constituents and see them as partners in campaigning and governing will succeed. Just ask Barack Obama about that.

Reservoir Facelift Plan Gets Mixed Reviews

By Ivonne Salazar

At a special meeting of Community Board 8 on Jan. 8, the Parks Department unveiled its preliminary design plans for a $4.5 million renovation to green areas and parts around the Jerome Park Reservoir.

Though the Parks Department presented a complete design, the $4.5 million will only cover the costs for improvements to the northern and western areas of the park — to restore green spaces, plant new trees and create a jogging path outside the 8-foot high security fence that encloses the reservoir.

The renovation funds are part of the $200 million that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) provided for Bronx park projects in exchange for building a water filtration plant at Van Cortlandt Park.

The plans have received mixed reviews from the community. 
Bob Bender, chair of Community Board 8’s Parks Committee was pleased with the results. “I think that [the design] got a good reception [from the community],” he said.

But the plan does not sit well with the Jerome Park Conservancy, which has pushed for nearly 15 years, with support from community leaders, residents and politicians, to transform the reservoir into a 125-acre public park with a path at the water’s edge.

“You can’t build a pathway outside of the fence because there is no room and there’s no place for it,” said Anne Marie Garti, president of the conservancy.

The Conservancy would like to see the Parks Department remove the jogging path from the design proposal and spend the $4.5 million more equitably throughout all areas of the reservoir.

For years, the DEP has prevented public access to the reservoir, citing safety concerns, but the DEP is now reconsidering this option. If access is granted, Garti would love to see the path back in the fold.

Bender believes that the partial pathway is a positive compromise between Community District 8 and the Parks Department, but wants to make sure it gets completed.

“We want to see [the jogging path completed], and we hope that it won’t be put off,” said Bender. “It makes no sense to have a path around the reservoir that goes halfway.”

The DEP is convening a task force regarding public access to the reservoir and will announce its conclusion by the end of the year.

The Parks Department plans to integrate comments and suggestions from the community as it revises its design. Construction may begin as soon as fall 2009.

Channeling a Bronx Literary Giant

By None

Actor Tristan Laurence Perez (above) played the role of Edgar Allan Poe for a celebration of the author’s 200th birthday on Jan. 18. The Bronx Historical Society put on the event to commemorate Poe’s final years, which he spent writing in his small Bronx home. Poe Cottage has since been restored and moved to what is now Poe Park on Kingsbridge Road and the Grand Concourse. Perez played Poe for the day, answering questions from the audience as if he were the author himself.

Public and Community Meetings

By None

•    The Community District 10 Education Council will meet Feb. 12 at 6:15 p.m. at MS 45, 2502 Lorillard Place, in the auditorium. For more information, call (718) 741-5836.
•    The Community Board 7’s Housing Committee will meet on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Board office, 229A E 204th St. For more information, call (718) 933-5650.
•    The 52nd Precinct Community Council will meet on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Station House, 3016 Webster Ave. For more information, call (718) 220-5824.
•    Bedford Mosholu Community Association will meet Feb. 4 at 8 p.m., 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy, Apt B1 (Lobby Floor).

Espada Sworn In to State Senate

By Alex Kratz

Pedro Espada, Jr., was sworn in as the new State Senator of the 33nd District during a ceremony at Lehman College, on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Espada defeated incumbent Efrain Gonzalez in a contentious Democratic primary battle this past September as Democrats gained a majority in the New York Senate for the first time in decades. After his victory, Espada formed an alliance with two other senators, Ruben Diaz, Sr. (Bronx) and Carl Kruger (Brooklyn).

The self-proclaimed “Three Amigos” refused to support Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith (Queens) in his bid for Majority Leader of the Senate. After months of negotiations, Espada and the other Amigos voted for Smith in exchange for plum committee assignments.

As a result, Espada will begin his second senate tenure (several years ago he represented the 31st Senate District, which Diaz now represents) as chairman of the Housing Committee.

Diaz and Kruger both attended the ceremony at Lehman College. 

During his acceptance speech, Espada touched on a wide range of issues. “I owe everything that I know about love, hope and compassion to my mother,” Espada said. “My father taught me that, even though I was scared, I should always be ashamed if I didn’t fight back.”

On the country’s current economic crisis, Espada said, “We understand economic crisis all too well, because what America systemically is experiencing, is a condition that has defined our daily lives.”

Espada, who also runs the Soundview Health Center in the south Bronx, said as part of his new role in the Senate, he would be head of a new Bronx economic development task force to coordinate federal, state and city aid to the borough. He added that he wanted “to once and for all, lift the label from the Bronx as the poorest community in the state, in America.”

Teachers Discover Homeless Shelter Moving In

By Alex Kratz

When they started bringing bunk beds into a small apartment building across from their school, teachers at a Bedford Park elementary school knew something was amiss.

Sure enough, the owners of 3001 Briggs Ave., a 25-unit, five-story apartment building directly across the street from PS 8, are in the process of transforming the building into a transitional housing shelter for homeless families.

PS 8 teachers and other community members have already begun to organize against the shelter plan because they don’t feel it’s an appropriate use of the space, especially considering its location across from an elementary school. They are also upset that the owners didn’t publicly vet their plans with the community.

There is also a strong belief that the owners of the building, Howard and Yaakov Miller of Briggs Realty, LLC (which is based in Brooklyn), are completing the renovations under false pretenses.

In Briggs Realty’s work permit application, which the Buildings Department approved on April 8 of last year, it says there will no change in occupancy or use once the renovations are completed, according to agency documents. The building is currently classified as a walk-up apartment building.

Briggs Realty could not be reached for comment by press time, but representatives from Aguila, Inc., a nonprofit homeless services organization run by Peter Rivera (the son of Bronx Assemblyman Peter Rivera), agreed to discuss plans for the new shelter at Community Board 7’s Land Use Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22, according to the board’s district manager, Fernando Tirado. (Aguila also did not return calls seeking comment for this article.)

For the past couple of weeks, PS 8 teachers have bombarded Tirado’s office with calls. “A lot of people are upset about it and rightly so,” Tirado said. 

Tirado’s hoping Aguila officials answer some burning questions, including whether ownership pushed out previous tenants to make way for the homeless shelter, something Tirado said would be unacceptable. According to Tirado, there are still tenants occupying four units in the building. Do they know they might soon be living with homeless families? Also, if homeless families with elementary school kids are moving in, will the Department of Education send them to PS 8, an extremely overcrowded school to begin with?

Tirado said Aguila has a $3.3 million contract with the city’s Department of Homeless Services to manage and operate a shelter out of 3001 Briggs Ave. and another one nearby at 2903 Valentine Ave.

John Reilly, the executive director of Fordham Bedford Housing Services, said the biggest problem is that the city is taking away permanent housing to introduce temporary housing. “It’s counterproductive,” he said. “The city’s done this before. They get the best bang for their buck in the Bronx.”

A Saving Grace for Unemployed Women Comes to the Bronx

By Ivonne Salazar

On a cloudy and chilly day in North Fordham, the women sitting in a classroom at Refuge House got a glimpse of sunshine.

Grace Institute, a nonprofit organization that provides free job training and employment assistance to underserved women in New York City, converted a classroom at Refuge House, on Bainbridge Avenue and East 196th Street, into a recruitment center for its upcoming daytime training program.

The institute usually holds information sessions at its headquarters in Manhattan, but, for the first time in its long history, the organization is conducting face-to-face outreach in the Bronx.

“The challenge is getting the word out,” said Mary Mulvihill, Grace Institute’s executive director. “Because we offer a tuition-free program, we don’t have enough money [for high-cost advertising]. So that’s our biggest challenge.”

On the first day of outreach, Bedford Park resident, Mary Arreaga, 41, showed up with her 11-year-old son, Edison, and her 19-year-old niece. Arreaga, who has a college degree in education from her native Ecuador, previously worked as a teacher, but has been unable to find work since she came to the United States in 2003.

“I was always asking about jobs,” she said. “I’ve applied in the past and didn’t find anything. I thought I could be a teacher here, but the doors are not so easily opened,” she said. “It is a great lie that life is easy in this country.”

Recently, Arreaga’s brother showed her a newspaper ad for Grace Institute’s Bronx information session. “It said that after the training, I would get a diploma from this country,” she said.  “That’s what caught my attention.”

For over 100 years, Grace Institute has provided women like Arreaga with job training skills and helped them find gainful employment. Founded in 1897 by William Russell Grace, twice mayor of New York City, the organization began by teaching Irish immigrant women domestic and secretarial skills.

Currently, the Institute trains women in computer software, office procedures, business writing and math. Graduates of Grace are often able to leave minimum wage jobs, or leave the unemployment ranks, for positions that pay, on average, $32,000 per year plus benefits, Mulvihill said.

“Not only do women learn job skills, they learn community building,” Mulvihill said. “The women create their own communities with each other. They create the sense of family.”

Michele McEvoy, the institute’s admissions manager, said the family atmosphere is what makes the program work. “The women support each other and if someone doesn’t make class, they call each other and ask, ‘Where are you? Why aren’t you here?’” she said.

Despite the economic recession, 62 percent of the institute’s June graduates have found jobs. Though job opportunities remain scarce, there are encouraging signs. Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, which often hires people Grace refers, recently announced it was expanding employment opportunities as they open a new facility. 

Irlem Adames, a 2004 graduate, remembers how it felt to enter the program. “I was nervous, but I knew something positive was going to come out [of the program],” she said. Adames now works at Grace Institute. “It was definitely a turning point in my life,” she said.

The program, which is a full-time four-month-long commitment, may also prove to be the turning point that Arreaga is looking for. “People think that I might be lazy because I’m older,” she said. “But I can do the work, if someone gives me the opportunity.” 

Ed. note: Grace Institute is holding information sessions through January, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 11a.m. to 2 p.m., at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., 2nd floor. For more information, call (212) 500-5953.

Bronx Marine Laid to Rest

By David Greene

The body of Fordham-area-born Marine Lance Cpl. Alberto Francesconi, Jr., 21, was returned to his old neighborhood for a moving memorial service attended by New York Cardinal Edward Egan.

Friends and family members packed into Our Lady of Mercy Church on Marion Avenue, just a few short blocks from Francesconi’s childhood home, on Friday, Jan. 9.

“He was an exceptional young man who died while accomplishing his duty and serving his country,” Cardinal Egan told mourners.
As the flag-draped coffin was carried out of the church, the young soldier’s father, Alberto, Sr., mother Minerva, and his 23-year-old widow Cynthia followed close behind.

Francesconi, who was laid to rest at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in Throgs Neck, was killed on New Year’s Day, as he and members of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment were engaged in a firefight in Helmand province in Afghanistan.

Francesconi, an aspiring pilot who worked at the Bank of America before enlisting, was singled out by Governor David Paterson in his State of the State address on Jan. 7. “This is a terrible tragedy, but it just shows how much these individuals give of themselves, to protect all of us back here in New York,” Paterson said.

Mourner Sereenah Bernard recalled Francesconi as an avid pool player and lover of rap music who introduced her to her current boyfriend. “He was always taking life day by day and having fun,” she said.

Gruesome Marion Ave. Murder Remains Unsolved

By David Greene

Two weeks after they discovered the brutal murder of a missing 28-year-old woman on Marion Avenue, police have not arrested anyone for the crime.  

The day after Paulemont Manuella’s dismembered and burned body was found two weeks ago, however, her ex-boyfriend (and the father of her child), Shandron Rambert, 27, was arrested on apparently unrelated charges and questioned about the murder.

Manuella’s family reported her missing on Monday, Jan. 5. Two days later, on Jan. 7, officers from the 52nd Precinct searched Manuella’s third floor apartment at 2640 Marion Ave., and found blood on the bathroom floor.

After further searching, police found the body of Manuella, 28, on the roof of the apartment building. Her arms and legs had been cut off and her torso burned.

An autopsy by the city’s Medical Examiner later revealed that Manuella died after her throat was slashed and before being set on fire.

On Jan. 8, police arrested Rambert and charged him with violating an order of protection, burglary, and criminal contempt, and questioned him about the murder. As of press time, Rambert had not been charged with murder.

Rambert has eight prior arrests, including a July 2008 arrest for assaulting Manuella. Rambert’s other arrests include robbery, reckless endangerment and two charges of weapons possession, most recently in November 2008.

Lehman Filled With Pride During Inauguration

By Ivonne Salazar

It was an emotional scene on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Lehman College, as students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Music Building on the Bedford Park campus to witness the historic inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama.

The Center for Urban Male Leadership, a student organization at Lehman that works to provide mentoring and educational resources to mainly male students of color, organized the event.

Red, blue and white balloons filled the air, as patriotic décor covered the tables. A shared excitement was palpable, as the audience patiently waited for the festivities to begin. The audience at Lehman cheered and gave President Obama a standing ovation after he was sworn in.

As soon as Obama began his inaugural address, however, the mood quickly changed. The audience sat in silence for the next 15 minutes, their attention focused solely on the new president’s speech.

As the event came to a close, audience members reflected on the importance of Obama’s inauguration, revealing their optimism despite the challenges the new administration will face.

“The younger generation will get to see a smart, young black person as President,” said Suzette Ramsudar, a graduate student who also works for Lehman. “I think [Obama] will inspire change.”

Iasia Bailey, a payroll assistant at the college, also reflected on what the inauguration means to future generations. “It’s important for my daughter’s future,” she said. “It’s a blessing for me and everyone in this country.”

Abel Sertsewold, a junior at Lehman, has high expectations for Obama. “There was a lot promised and a lot is expected,” he said. But Sertsewold also understands the immense challenges the new President faces. “[Obama] is a human being just like all of us,” he said. “I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt. We have to give him a chance.”

Offering some words of wisdom, Ralph William Boone, an adjunct lecturer for the English Department at Lehman thought for a few moments before he said, “[Obama’s inauguration] means that sometimes a man’s reach can indeed exceed his grasp.”

Residents Grill Commander on Missing Reports

By Alex Kratz

Statistics indicate crime in the 52nd Precinct is down. But the residents of a troubled neighborhood say they experience a different reality.

At a forum hosted by local church leaders and community groups at Our Lady of Refuge Church, residents told Deputy Inspector James Alles, the commanding officer of the 52nd Precinct, that not only did they feel like crime was worsening around them, but also that crime reports weren’t being filed.

Local groups organized the forum at Our Lady of Refuge Church on Briggs Avenue and East 196th Street following a string of murders and a fatal police shooting in November, all within a concentrated area surrounding the church. Just two weeks ago, a woman was found dead, her body burned and dismembered, on the roof of a nearby apartment building. (See story on page 8.)

For years, the area has been besieged by robberies and blatant drug dealing.
“It’s no mystery why we’re here today,” said John Garcia, a longtime resident who heads Fordham Bedford Children’s Services, housed in the church’s former convent.

Garcia facilitated the forum, first outlining the history of problems in the area and then translating as a half dozen residents (mostly Spanish speakers) testified about their experiences as crime victims in the area. Two people said the precinct couldn’t produce the documents for the crimes they had reported.

Alles called the missing reports “disturbing” and said he would look into them. “That’s not the way we do things in the Five-Two,” he said.

Others said they were discouraged when attempting to file reports at the precinct. Alles responded by giving out the phone numbers for his two “right-hand men,” lieutenants Steve Phalen and Thomas Hammer, who attended the meeting.

Hammer encouraged residents to act promptly if they felt discouraged during any part of the filing process. “If you feel like an officer is brushing you off when you’re trying to make a report, ask to speak with a supervisor,” Hammer said. “Don’t wait until four months later at a forum.”

Local resident Jesus Cortes, 34, speaking in Spanish at the meeting, attended by about 90 people, said he was attacked by a trio of teenagers in November. They stole his bookbag and wallet, threw him to the ground and beat him. When police arrived, they interviewed him and apparently wrote up a report.

Cortes said that when he went to the precinct soon after and asked for the report, the precinct couldn’t produce it and even discouraged him from filing a new one. Friends who spoke better English asked for it, too, but had no success after at least 10 tries, Cortes said.

Another man, Carlos Tomoyo, said that after his son was assaulted, the police interviewed him and took a report. But when he asked for a copy, officers at the precinct couldn’t produce it and wouldn’t let him file another one.

Alles repeatedly said he would look into the missing reports, but also said there is going to be human error given the volume of reports his precinct deals with — some 20,000 every year, he said.

Garcia and others weren’t convinced, saying the missing reports were more trend than anomaly. In addition to the two people who spoke at the meeting, church leaders say several others have had similar experiences.

“When you have that many people saying they couldn’t get their reports, the question that begs to be answered is: Is this thing endemic? Is it systemic?” Garcia said.

“I believe they aren’t filing the reports,” said Guillermo Zepeda, a catechist and leader at Our Lady of Refuge who helped moderate the meeting. “[Alles] is making it seem like unfortunate incidents. But that’s too many [incidents].”

Alles announced the area would not be designated an Impact Zone, which would have flooded the streets with rookie cops on foot patrol. But he did say they would beef up patrols within the next three weeks. He also agreed to attend — or send one of his lieutenants to — regular meetings at the church three or four times a year.

“On a personal note,” Alles said, “it’s my sincere hope and promise that we will do our best to make this neighborhood safer for you to live in. But we can’t do this alone. We need you to be our eyes and ears out there.”

After the meeting, attendees were cautiously optimistic, having gone through this before, including a similar meeting in November 2007.

“We’ll see if it makes a difference,” said Garcia, who’s lived in the neighborhood since 1979. “We’ve done this before and nothing’s really changed. The important thing is that [Alles] came out. We’ve been trying to get him out here since late November.”

By Judy Noy

Onstage
 

•  The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts presents Doo Wop Night, featuring leading singers and musical groups, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. (tickets are $20 to $45); and Break: The Urban Funk Spectacular, featuring a variety of hip-hop dance, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m., (tickets are $20 to $35; $10 for children 12 and under); both in the Concert Hall at 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W. For more information, call (718) 960-8833.

 

• n The Bronx Library Center, located at 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, will host several events, including: African Dance, for children, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.; and events for adults, all at 2:30 p.m., including Doo Wop, performed by The Valentinos, Jan. 24; and A Musical Tribute to Sam Cooke, performed by NYC jazz/pop vocalist Cody Childs, Feb. 7. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46 or visit www.nypl.org.

Events

•  The JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center at 3880 Sedgwick Ave. will host James Cannings, performing reggae music on Jan. 23 at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12:15 p.m. The suggested contribution is $3. For more information, call (718) 549-4700.

 

•  English Conversation Program for Speakers of Other Languages, Intermediate Level, is offered free for adults 16 and older, on a first come, first served basis, at the Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., led by volunteers from New York Cares. The program will be held Tuesdays through March 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, call Library’s Office of Community Outreach Services (212) 340-0918.

 

•  The Wave Hill House offers two family art projects: Shaping the Land, to sculpt a mini-landscape with rock, clay and other natural materials, Jan. 24 and 25; and Tropical Patterns a la Henri Matisse, to make collages patterned from shapes and colors of blooms and foliage, Jan. 31; both from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Kerlin Learning Center. Wave Hill is located at West 249th Street and Independence Avenue. For more information, call (718) 54903200 or visit www.wavehill.org.

 

•  The Bronx Culture Trolley, a replica of a 20th-century trolley, transports visitors on the first Wednesday of every month (except January and September), to Bronx hot spots, ending at Sweetwaters Bar & Grill with jazz, and food and drink. A reception is held at the Hostos Art Gallery, 450 Grand Concourse (at 149th St.) at 5 p.m., followed by three trolley departures at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. New attractions are added monthly. Trolley ride is free. Riders can get on and off at any scheduled stop and spend as much time as they wish at any or all of the featured venues. Venues and activities vary each month. The next trip is on Feb. 4. For more information or to confirm, call (718) 931-9500 ext. 33 or log on to www.bronxarts.org.

Exhibits

•  The Bronx Council on the Arts presents Graffiti: Spirit of an Age @ 40 x 10, highlighting works by artists who began their careers as teens creating graffiti art, having now expanded to drawing, painting and sculpture. This free exhibit is on view through Feb. 7, at the Longwood Gallery at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street. For more information, call (718) 518-6728 or (718) 931-9500, ext. 33.

 

•  Street Art, Street Life: From the 1950s to Now, a collection of photography, is a documentation of performances, events, and artwork, on view through Jan. 25, at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street. During January, the museum offers a Family Admission Pass which consists of a one-time free admission coupon for up to four guests to view this display, in honor of being named The Culture Spot for January by NYC & Company. To receive this pass, visitors must present a special coupon to the museum upon arrival or at the time of ticket purchase which will be available Jan. 1 to 31 at several Manhattan locations. For more information, call (718) 681-6000, or visit nycvisit.com/culturespot.

 

•  The Wave Hill House, located at West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, will feature Naturally Inspired, a selection of art produced in workshops for adults and at the weekly Family Art Project; and Flora & Fauna, an installation of a vine that winds along the wall of the staircase, through Feb. 22. For more information, call (718) 549-3200 or visit www.wavehill.org.

 

•  The Neuberger Museum of Art, at 735 Anderson Hill Rd., in Purchase, NY, will exhibit Great Women Artists, featuring two sculptures by Barbara Korman, of Norwood. The show runs from noon to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, through Feb. 22. For more information, visit www.bkormanstudio.com.

Learning
 

 The Bronx Library Center has events for all ages:

• For children and preschoolers, there is Preschool Romp, Jan. 22, 29, and Feb. 5 at 11 a.m.; Toddler Two-Step, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m.; and Pajama Party, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m.
• Also, for school-aged children, there is The Thespian’s Gym, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 at 4 p.m.; Arts & Crafts (Create an Envelope), Jan. 22 at 4 p.m.; and The Remix, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m.
• Young adults can attend Royal Flush Tournament, Jan. 26 at 4 p.m.; Super Smash-A-Thon, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m.; Beating the Winter Blues Podcast, Jan. 28 at 4 p.m.; Kawaii Club, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m.; Halo 3 Tournament, Feb. 2 at 4 p.m.; Connect NYC Love & Relationships, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m.; and Music Discovery, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m.

The Center is located at 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road. For a detailed schedule, call (718) 579-4244/46 or visit www.nypl.org.

• The Mosholu Library, located at 285 E. 205th St., presents Poetry Day, poems read by Stephen Gold, creative writing instructor at the Mosholu Montefiore Senior Center, Jan. 29 at 4 p.m.; and Toddler Story Time, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

 

•  The Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames Place, hosts Knit-Wit, Jan. 22 and 29 at 4 p.m., for young adults; and Toddler Story Time, Jan. 23 at 10:30 p.m.; and Circus Tales, Jan. 23 at 3:30 p.m., both for children. For more information, call (718) 549-5200.

NOTE: Items for consideration should be received in our office by Jan. 26 for the next publication date of Feb. 5.

By Norwood News

Learn Microsoft Word
The Mosholu Library is offering a free introduction to Microsoft Word on Feb. 11 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn to create, edit, print, and save documents. Register in person at 285 E. 205th St. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

Social Security Assistance
Representatives of the Social Security Administration will be available to address questions and/or issues concerning Social Security on Jan. 28 at Congressman Eliot Engel’s Bronx office, located at 3655 Johnson Ave. The service is available by appointment only. Call Richard Fedderman at (718) 796-9700 to make an appointment.

Join Local Community Board
The Bronx Borough President’s Office is accepting applications for all 12 Community Boards. Applicants should live or have professional or other significant interests in the Bronx. Applications are available at your local Community Board office or online at bronxboropres.nyc.gov. Applicants can call the B.P.’s office at (718) 590-3914 or Community Board 7’s office, (718) 933-5650. Submission deadline is Feb. 2. 

Learn Computer Skills
St. James Recreation Center at 2530 Jerome Ave. offers free classes in Microsoft Office, Resume/Cover Letter Writing, Computer Basics, and much more. For more information, call Justin Young at (718) 367-3659.

Charter School Accepting Applications
The Bronx Community Charter School, located at 2348 Webster Ave., is now accepting kindergarten applications for fall 2009 (spaces for 1st and 2nd graders may also be available). Meet the co-directors, see students and teachers in action and take a tour at 9 a.m. on Jan. 29; Feb. 12 and 24; March 5 and 19. For more information, call (718) 584-1400 or visit www.bronxcommunity.org.

Join Local Education Council
The Bronx Borough President’s Office is interviewing candidates to fill its vacancy on Community Education Council District 10. Members are unpaid volunteers and serve for two years. The right candidates will have experience in business, trade or education. E-mail resume and cover letter to the Borough President’s Director of Education Policy, Mr. Jesse Mojica, at jmojica@bronxbp.nyc.gov or fax documents to (718) 590-4690.

Free 2009 Parking Calendars
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is offering free New York City Parking Calendars to community residents. To receive one, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to his office at 3107 Kingsbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, or stop by the office in person.

MetroCard Buses and Vans
The MTA’s MetroCard buses and vans will make scheduled stops at Fordham Plaza (Fordham Road and Third Avenue), from 2:30 to 4 p.m.; at Van Cortlandt Village, 3880 Sedgewick Ave., from 9:30 to 11 a.m.; and at the Fordham Road and Grand Concourse intersection, from noon to 2 p.m., all on Jan. 23. Vans and buses will also be available on Jan. 26 at Scott Towers, 3400 Paul Ave., from 1 to 3 p.m. Reduced MetroCards will be available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. For more information, call (212) METROCARD.

After School Care
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., provides after school care for children in elementary school. Children are transported from their schools in Norwood, Bedford Park, Williamsbridge and Van Cortlandt Village. The center provides a snack, help with homework, and an array of activities to keep children busy. Financial aid is available. For more information, call Ruth Moore, Program Registrar, at (718) 882-4000.

Job Opportunities
On Dec. 1, Mayor Bloomberg announced the expansion of free job placement services through New York City’s Workforce1 Career Centers. The centers provide personalized career counseling, interview training, resume/cover letter assistance, workshops and ESL classes. For more information, call the Bronx Workforce1 Center, 358 E. 149th St., (718) 960-7099.

Free Workshops for Children With Special Needs
Resources for Children With Special Needs, Inc. is offering a series of free community workshops for families of children, youth and young adults with disabilities. The next workshop is “Transition From School to Adult Life” on Jan. 23 at the Bronx Family Center of the Children’s Aid Society, 1515 Southern Blvd., followed by “Turning 5: Transition to School Age” on Feb. 4 at the Jewish Child Care Association, 555 Bergen Ave. Both workshops are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call Gary Shulman at (212) 677-4650 or e-mail gshulman@resourcesnyc.org.

Free Career Seminars
Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W., is offering a free Career Information Seminar for its non-credit career training certificate programs. The Office of Continuing Education will hold the seminar on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, including room locations and careers that will be covered, call (718) 960-8512.

Continuing Education Open House
The Office of Continuing Education, at Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W., will host an open house for the children’s spring program on Jan. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Courses are for ages 4 to 16 and include reading, writing, math, Spanish, computers, and Regents exam and SAT preparation. Classes in art, moviemaking, chess, music, theater, dance, swimming and sports are also offered. For more information, call (718) 960-8512 or visit www.lehman.edu/ce.

Capoeira Dance Classes
The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, 841 Barretto St., is offering capoeira classes every Saturday in January, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Cost is $7 per class. For more information, call (718) 842-5223 or visit www.bronxacademyofartsanddance.org.

Computer and English Classes
Fordham University, 557 E. Fordham Rd., is currently holding free computer and English Language classes for parents on Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays. Classes can either stand alone or as an 8- to 12-week series. For more information or to register, call (718) 817-3503.

Wii Games for Adults and Seniors
On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m., adults and seniors can enjoy free Wii video games at the Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St. To sign up, go to the Adult Information Desk. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

Place for Teens With Issues
The Power Project is a free program for teens ages 12 to 18 who are dealing with substance abuse and other problems. Located at 3464 Webster Ave., Power Project provides case management, individual and group counseling, trips, and is just a place to get away from it all. For more information, call (718) 515-7971.

Adult ESL and Computer Classes
PS 94 on Kings College Place will offer ESL levels 1 and 2 and Computer Skills classes through summer 2009. Both classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Computer classes will be taught in English and will include lessons on keyboarding, Microsoft Word and other programs. Registration is first-come, first-served. For more information, call Ms. Seminario, the parent coordinator, at (347) 563-4772 or (718) 405-6345.

Seeking Artists for Aging Project
The Bronx Council on the Arts is seeking artists who are interested in exploring the link between creative expression and the quality of life of older people. BCA is offering unique opportunities in the field of Creative Aging. Send resume and letter of interest to Ed Friedman, Bronx Council on the Arts, 1738 Hone Ave., Bronx, NY 10461 or email: info@bronxarts.org.

Quality of Life Screening
The Psychosocial Oncology Program of the Montefiore-Einstein Cancer Center is conducting a survey study in order to learn about the physical and emotional stresses faced by cancer survivors. Participants will have to fill out questionnaires and have the opportunity to participate in free/low-cost programs and support services within the program. For more information, call (718) 430-2380.

Breast Oncology Program
The Breast Oncology Living Daily Program also known as BOLD living offers a variety of free educational, support, and mind-body workshops. They are designed to empower and nurture breast cancer patients, survivors, and loved ones, but are open to all. For more information or to register, call (718) 430-3613 or visit outreach@aecom.yu.edu.

After School Child Care
Registration is now taking place for the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center’s after-school childcare programs at 3450 DeKalb Ave., for children in kindergarten through 6th grade. The Discovery Club is offering staff escort from PS 94, PS 280, St. Ann’s, MS 80 and van service from PS 8, PS 94 Annex, PS 56 and 56 Annex, St. Brendan’s, St. Philip Neri, PS 41, Visitation, and PS 95. For complete information or to register, call Ruth Moore weekdays at (718) 944-3207.

Alzheimer’s Support Group
The Alzheimer’s Association’s New York City chapter provides a support group in Norwood for Spanish and English speaking caregivers who have relatives with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. The support group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 5 to 6:15 p.m. For the location or more information, call Mark Goodwin at (718) 920-7377.

Free Respite Program
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) is offering free after-school services to families with mentally retarded or developmentally disabled children ages 5 to 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. KHCC is also offering a Saturday Respite Program for ages 15 to 25, and on Sundays another Respite Program is provided for ages 18 to 65. Weekend Respite Program hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They are held at the KHCC, 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace (near Sedgwick Avenue) at West 230th Street. To register or for more information, call Hanna Gabris at (718) 884-0700 ext. 202.

Teen Center
The Boys and Girls Club of Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at the Fort Independence Houses announced that memberships are being accepted for the Teen Center program for boys and girls ages 12 to 16. The center is open Monday through Friday nights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and offers a variety of teen activities. For more information and/or registration, call Israel Rosario at (646) 358-6096.

Free After-School Program
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is accepting applications for its free Fort Independence after-school program, which serves kids in kindergarten through sixth grade, Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. The program offers a variety of activities. For more information, call Israel Rosario, (646) 358-6096.  

Foster Parents Needed
The Foster Care Network is asking families to open their hearts and homes to foster children this holiday season. For more information, call (800) 454-3727.

Speech Program at Ursula 
The Mt. St. Ursula Speech Center, 2885 Marion Ave., is now accepting applications for its fall program. The center has openings for children ages 2 to 5 who are in need of speech and language services. Medicaid and other insurances accepted. For more information, call (718) 584-7679.

Karate Classes at MMCC
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, located on Gun Hill Road and DeKalb Avenue, will be offering a wide selection of Karate classes for elementary school students, teens, and adults starting in the next few weeks. The classes are offered for all levels on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Classes are affordable and discounts are available. To register or for more information, call Luis Morales weekdays at (718) 944-3290 or MMCC at (718) 882-4000 ext. 0.

Free GED and Business Courses
The State University of New York’s North Bronx Career Center located at 3950 Laconia Ave., at East 224th Street, is now accepting applications for the fall semester. Classes offered are GED Prep and basic to advanced MOS Certification Computer classes, free training in Business Office Technology (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Job Readiness (Resume, Cover Letter, Interview Skills) and Pre-Certification Training in various careers (Child Care, Security and more). All students wishing to apply must meet state income and academic guidelines. This is an HRA-approved program. Classes began in September. To begin the application process or for more information, call (718) 547-1001.

Aphasia Clinic Accepting Clients
The Lehman College Speech and Hearing Center, which provides therapy on a sliding scale payment schedule, is now accepting new clients in its recently expanded aphasia clinic. The clinic will provide individual and group therapy sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.; group therapy sessions also take place on Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Diagnostic and therapeutic sessions will be supervised by faculty members who are licensed by the NYS Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and certified by ASHA (American Speech Language Hearing Association). For more information, call Wanda Adams at (718) 960-8138.

 

By Alex Kratz

At the final 2008 meeting of Community Board 7, board members introduced a new annual award and, at the same time, took time to honor two board stalwarts: Don Bluestone and Barbara Stronczer.

Both were presented with the board’s new Everyday Heroes Award for their outstanding service in the community over the years.

“It’s about recognizing those who, day in and day out, perform valuable services, but don’t often get the recognition they deserve for all they do in the community,” said CB7 District Manager Fernando Tirado.

Bluestone, the executive director of the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center and head of the board’s Youth Committee for most of his time with the board, resigned from the community board in October, after 15 years of service.

Stronczer, head of the board’s Parks Committee and also a leader with the Bedford Mosholu Community Association, has also been on the board for 15 years and is extremely active in the community. She will continue with her work at the board.  

By Editorial

Barack Obama, now the 44th president of the United States, is a global phenomenon.

But keep in mind that he was a state legislator in Illinois a little more than four years ago.

That’s something Bronx lawmakers can relate to, which is good, because there are lessons in the Obama brand of politics that we hope our elected officials will emulate.

Obama is not thin-skinned, not resentful, not paranoid, not vengeful. He has an ego but it is powered by confident self-assurance, not paranoid self-doubt.

He surrounds himself with super-smart, highly competent staff and advisers. This is made possible by the personality traits listed above.

To Obama, political competition is not war, but competition, like basketball. He plays hard, breaks a sweat, and afterward treats everyone with respect regardless of what side they were on.  Just ask Hillary Clinton about that.

Here in the Bronx, we can learn from Barack Obama, the campaign he waged and the person he is. It’s good timing, too, considering Bronx politics is also brimming with change.

The new chairman of the Bronx Democratic Party, Carl Heastie, is already emulating Obama in a key area.

“No door is closed,” he said in a recent interview, referring to his willingness to work with any Bronx leader, regardless of what side they were on in the bruising battle over the party’s leadership last fall. “I have no emotion. I’m not holding any grudges.”

If he wanted to, Heastie could exercise his power and take revenge on opponents by anointing his good friend Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr.  as the heir apparent to Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, who appears to be heading for a job working for Obama in D.C. 

Instead, he’s seeking input from Bronx elected officials and district leaders. It’s smart politics not just because inclusiveness will lead to a stronger party, but also because Diaz won’t benefit from sailing to victory.

Learning to make his case to borough politicians, many of whom may be inclined to support Joel Rivera, son of deposed Democratic chief Jose Rivera, will make him a better candidate and a better borough president if he wins.

Politicians who don’t face serious opposition tend to lack accountability once they assume office.

(If Obama had won New Hampshire, and wrapped up the nomination last January, he may have not beaten John McCain. He gained strength, skill and support with every contested primary.)

Another way Heastie and Bronx Democrats can learn from the new president is by emulating the Obama campaign’s embrace of the Internet and grassroots organizing, creating a party organization that communicates both ways, rather than just from the top down.

They’ll do that if they want to bring more people into borough politics.

Politicians who trust their constituents and see them as partners in campaigning and governing will succeed. Just ask Barack Obama about that.

By Ivonne Salazar

At a special meeting of Community Board 8 on Jan. 8, the Parks Department unveiled its preliminary design plans for a $4.5 million renovation to green areas and parts around the Jerome Park Reservoir.

Though the Parks Department presented a complete design, the $4.5 million will only cover the costs for improvements to the northern and western areas of the park — to restore green spaces, plant new trees and create a jogging path outside the 8-foot high security fence that encloses the reservoir.

The renovation funds are part of the $200 million that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) provided for Bronx park projects in exchange for building a water filtration plant at Van Cortlandt Park.

The plans have received mixed reviews from the community. 
Bob Bender, chair of Community Board 8’s Parks Committee was pleased with the results. “I think that [the design] got a good reception [from the community],” he said.

But the plan does not sit well with the Jerome Park Conservancy, which has pushed for nearly 15 years, with support from community leaders, residents and politicians, to transform the reservoir into a 125-acre public park with a path at the water’s edge.

“You can’t build a pathway outside of the fence because there is no room and there’s no place for it,” said Anne Marie Garti, president of the conservancy.

The Conservancy would like to see the Parks Department remove the jogging path from the design proposal and spend the $4.5 million more equitably throughout all areas of the reservoir.

For years, the DEP has prevented public access to the reservoir, citing safety concerns, but the DEP is now reconsidering this option. If access is granted, Garti would love to see the path back in the fold.

Bender believes that the partial pathway is a positive compromise between Community District 8 and the Parks Department, but wants to make sure it gets completed.

“We want to see [the jogging path completed], and we hope that it won’t be put off,” said Bender. “It makes no sense to have a path around the reservoir that goes halfway.”

The DEP is convening a task force regarding public access to the reservoir and will announce its conclusion by the end of the year.

The Parks Department plans to integrate comments and suggestions from the community as it revises its design. Construction may begin as soon as fall 2009.

By None

Actor Tristan Laurence Perez (above) played the role of Edgar Allan Poe for a celebration of the author’s 200th birthday on Jan. 18. The Bronx Historical Society put on the event to commemorate Poe’s final years, which he spent writing in his small Bronx home. Poe Cottage has since been restored and moved to what is now Poe Park on Kingsbridge Road and the Grand Concourse. Perez played Poe for the day, answering questions from the audience as if he were the author himself.

By None

•    The Community District 10 Education Council will meet Feb. 12 at 6:15 p.m. at MS 45, 2502 Lorillard Place, in the auditorium. For more information, call (718) 741-5836.
•    The Community Board 7’s Housing Committee will meet on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Board office, 229A E 204th St. For more information, call (718) 933-5650.
•    The 52nd Precinct Community Council will meet on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Station House, 3016 Webster Ave. For more information, call (718) 220-5824.
•    Bedford Mosholu Community Association will meet Feb. 4 at 8 p.m., 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy, Apt B1 (Lobby Floor).

By Alex Kratz

Pedro Espada, Jr., was sworn in as the new State Senator of the 33nd District during a ceremony at Lehman College, on Thursday, Jan. 8.

Espada defeated incumbent Efrain Gonzalez in a contentious Democratic primary battle this past September as Democrats gained a majority in the New York Senate for the first time in decades. After his victory, Espada formed an alliance with two other senators, Ruben Diaz, Sr. (Bronx) and Carl Kruger (Brooklyn).

The self-proclaimed “Three Amigos” refused to support Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith (Queens) in his bid for Majority Leader of the Senate. After months of negotiations, Espada and the other Amigos voted for Smith in exchange for plum committee assignments.

As a result, Espada will begin his second senate tenure (several years ago he represented the 31st Senate District, which Diaz now represents) as chairman of the Housing Committee.

Diaz and Kruger both attended the ceremony at Lehman College. 

During his acceptance speech, Espada touched on a wide range of issues. “I owe everything that I know about love, hope and compassion to my mother,” Espada said. “My father taught me that, even though I was scared, I should always be ashamed if I didn’t fight back.”

On the country’s current economic crisis, Espada said, “We understand economic crisis all too well, because what America systemically is experiencing, is a condition that has defined our daily lives.”

Espada, who also runs the Soundview Health Center in the south Bronx, said as part of his new role in the Senate, he would be head of a new Bronx economic development task force to coordinate federal, state and city aid to the borough. He added that he wanted “to once and for all, lift the label from the Bronx as the poorest community in the state, in America.”

By Alex Kratz

When they started bringing bunk beds into a small apartment building across from their school, teachers at a Bedford Park elementary school knew something was amiss.

Sure enough, the owners of 3001 Briggs Ave., a 25-unit, five-story apartment building directly across the street from PS 8, are in the process of transforming the building into a transitional housing shelter for homeless families.

PS 8 teachers and other community members have already begun to organize against the shelter plan because they don’t feel it’s an appropriate use of the space, especially considering its location across from an elementary school. They are also upset that the owners didn’t publicly vet their plans with the community.

There is also a strong belief that the owners of the building, Howard and Yaakov Miller of Briggs Realty, LLC (which is based in Brooklyn), are completing the renovations under false pretenses.

In Briggs Realty’s work permit application, which the Buildings Department approved on April 8 of last year, it says there will no change in occupancy or use once the renovations are completed, according to agency documents. The building is currently classified as a walk-up apartment building.

Briggs Realty could not be reached for comment by press time, but representatives from Aguila, Inc., a nonprofit homeless services organization run by Peter Rivera (the son of Bronx Assemblyman Peter Rivera), agreed to discuss plans for the new shelter at Community Board 7’s Land Use Committee meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22, according to the board’s district manager, Fernando Tirado. (Aguila also did not return calls seeking comment for this article.)

For the past couple of weeks, PS 8 teachers have bombarded Tirado’s office with calls. “A lot of people are upset about it and rightly so,” Tirado said. 

Tirado’s hoping Aguila officials answer some burning questions, including whether ownership pushed out previous tenants to make way for the homeless shelter, something Tirado said would be unacceptable. According to Tirado, there are still tenants occupying four units in the building. Do they know they might soon be living with homeless families? Also, if homeless families with elementary school kids are moving in, will the Department of Education send them to PS 8, an extremely overcrowded school to begin with?

Tirado said Aguila has a $3.3 million contract with the city’s Department of Homeless Services to manage and operate a shelter out of 3001 Briggs Ave. and another one nearby at 2903 Valentine Ave.

John Reilly, the executive director of Fordham Bedford Housing Services, said the biggest problem is that the city is taking away permanent housing to introduce temporary housing. “It’s counterproductive,” he said. “The city’s done this before. They get the best bang for their buck in the Bronx.”

By Ivonne Salazar

On a cloudy and chilly day in North Fordham, the women sitting in a classroom at Refuge House got a glimpse of sunshine.

Grace Institute, a nonprofit organization that provides free job training and employment assistance to underserved women in New York City, converted a classroom at Refuge House, on Bainbridge Avenue and East 196th Street, into a recruitment center for its upcoming daytime training program.

The institute usually holds information sessions at its headquarters in Manhattan, but, for the first time in its long history, the organization is conducting face-to-face outreach in the Bronx.

“The challenge is getting the word out,” said Mary Mulvihill, Grace Institute’s executive director. “Because we offer a tuition-free program, we don’t have enough money [for high-cost advertising]. So that’s our biggest challenge.”

On the first day of outreach, Bedford Park resident, Mary Arreaga, 41, showed up with her 11-year-old son, Edison, and her 19-year-old niece. Arreaga, who has a college degree in education from her native Ecuador, previously worked as a teacher, but has been unable to find work since she came to the United States in 2003.

“I was always asking about jobs,” she said. “I’ve applied in the past and didn’t find anything. I thought I could be a teacher here, but the doors are not so easily opened,” she said. “It is a great lie that life is easy in this country.”

Recently, Arreaga’s brother showed her a newspaper ad for Grace Institute’s Bronx information session. “It said that after the training, I would get a diploma from this country,” she said.  “That’s what caught my attention.”

For over 100 years, Grace Institute has provided women like Arreaga with job training skills and helped them find gainful employment. Founded in 1897 by William Russell Grace, twice mayor of New York City, the organization began by teaching Irish immigrant women domestic and secretarial skills.

Currently, the Institute trains women in computer software, office procedures, business writing and math. Graduates of Grace are often able to leave minimum wage jobs, or leave the unemployment ranks, for positions that pay, on average, $32,000 per year plus benefits, Mulvihill said.

“Not only do women learn job skills, they learn community building,” Mulvihill said. “The women create their own communities with each other. They create the sense of family.”

Michele McEvoy, the institute’s admissions manager, said the family atmosphere is what makes the program work. “The women support each other and if someone doesn’t make class, they call each other and ask, ‘Where are you? Why aren’t you here?’” she said.

Despite the economic recession, 62 percent of the institute’s June graduates have found jobs. Though job opportunities remain scarce, there are encouraging signs. Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, which often hires people Grace refers, recently announced it was expanding employment opportunities as they open a new facility. 

Irlem Adames, a 2004 graduate, remembers how it felt to enter the program. “I was nervous, but I knew something positive was going to come out [of the program],” she said. Adames now works at Grace Institute. “It was definitely a turning point in my life,” she said.

The program, which is a full-time four-month-long commitment, may also prove to be the turning point that Arreaga is looking for. “People think that I might be lazy because I’m older,” she said. “But I can do the work, if someone gives me the opportunity.” 

Ed. note: Grace Institute is holding information sessions through January, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 11a.m. to 2 p.m., at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., 2nd floor. For more information, call (212) 500-5953.

By David Greene

The body of Fordham-area-born Marine Lance Cpl. Alberto Francesconi, Jr., 21, was returned to his old neighborhood for a moving memorial service attended by New York Cardinal Edward Egan.

Friends and family members packed into Our Lady of Mercy Church on Marion Avenue, just a few short blocks from Francesconi’s childhood home, on Friday, Jan. 9.

“He was an exceptional young man who died while accomplishing his duty and serving his country,” Cardinal Egan told mourners.
As the flag-draped coffin was carried out of the church, the young soldier’s father, Alberto, Sr., mother Minerva, and his 23-year-old widow Cynthia followed close behind.

Francesconi, who was laid to rest at St. Raymond’s Cemetery in Throgs Neck, was killed on New Year’s Day, as he and members of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment were engaged in a firefight in Helmand province in Afghanistan.

Francesconi, an aspiring pilot who worked at the Bank of America before enlisting, was singled out by Governor David Paterson in his State of the State address on Jan. 7. “This is a terrible tragedy, but it just shows how much these individuals give of themselves, to protect all of us back here in New York,” Paterson said.

Mourner Sereenah Bernard recalled Francesconi as an avid pool player and lover of rap music who introduced her to her current boyfriend. “He was always taking life day by day and having fun,” she said.

By David Greene

Two weeks after they discovered the brutal murder of a missing 28-year-old woman on Marion Avenue, police have not arrested anyone for the crime.  

The day after Paulemont Manuella’s dismembered and burned body was found two weeks ago, however, her ex-boyfriend (and the father of her child), Shandron Rambert, 27, was arrested on apparently unrelated charges and questioned about the murder.

Manuella’s family reported her missing on Monday, Jan. 5. Two days later, on Jan. 7, officers from the 52nd Precinct searched Manuella’s third floor apartment at 2640 Marion Ave., and found blood on the bathroom floor.

After further searching, police found the body of Manuella, 28, on the roof of the apartment building. Her arms and legs had been cut off and her torso burned.

An autopsy by the city’s Medical Examiner later revealed that Manuella died after her throat was slashed and before being set on fire.

On Jan. 8, police arrested Rambert and charged him with violating an order of protection, burglary, and criminal contempt, and questioned him about the murder. As of press time, Rambert had not been charged with murder.

Rambert has eight prior arrests, including a July 2008 arrest for assaulting Manuella. Rambert’s other arrests include robbery, reckless endangerment and two charges of weapons possession, most recently in November 2008.

By Ivonne Salazar

It was an emotional scene on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Lehman College, as students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Music Building on the Bedford Park campus to witness the historic inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama.

The Center for Urban Male Leadership, a student organization at Lehman that works to provide mentoring and educational resources to mainly male students of color, organized the event.

Red, blue and white balloons filled the air, as patriotic décor covered the tables. A shared excitement was palpable, as the audience patiently waited for the festivities to begin. The audience at Lehman cheered and gave President Obama a standing ovation after he was sworn in.

As soon as Obama began his inaugural address, however, the mood quickly changed. The audience sat in silence for the next 15 minutes, their attention focused solely on the new president’s speech.

As the event came to a close, audience members reflected on the importance of Obama’s inauguration, revealing their optimism despite the challenges the new administration will face.

“The younger generation will get to see a smart, young black person as President,” said Suzette Ramsudar, a graduate student who also works for Lehman. “I think [Obama] will inspire change.”

Iasia Bailey, a payroll assistant at the college, also reflected on what the inauguration means to future generations. “It’s important for my daughter’s future,” she said. “It’s a blessing for me and everyone in this country.”

Abel Sertsewold, a junior at Lehman, has high expectations for Obama. “There was a lot promised and a lot is expected,” he said. But Sertsewold also understands the immense challenges the new President faces. “[Obama] is a human being just like all of us,” he said. “I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt. We have to give him a chance.”

Offering some words of wisdom, Ralph William Boone, an adjunct lecturer for the English Department at Lehman thought for a few moments before he said, “[Obama’s inauguration] means that sometimes a man’s reach can indeed exceed his grasp.”

By Alex Kratz

Statistics indicate crime in the 52nd Precinct is down. But the residents of a troubled neighborhood say they experience a different reality.

At a forum hosted by local church leaders and community groups at Our Lady of Refuge Church, residents told Deputy Inspector James Alles, the commanding officer of the 52nd Precinct, that not only did they feel like crime was worsening around them, but also that crime reports weren’t being filed.

Local groups organized the forum at Our Lady of Refuge Church on Briggs Avenue and East 196th Street following a string of murders and a fatal police shooting in November, all within a concentrated area surrounding the church. Just two weeks ago, a woman was found dead, her body burned and dismembered, on the roof of a nearby apartment building. (See story on page 8.)

For years, the area has been besieged by robberies and blatant drug dealing.
“It’s no mystery why we’re here today,” said John Garcia, a longtime resident who heads Fordham Bedford Children’s Services, housed in the church’s former convent.

Garcia facilitated the forum, first outlining the history of problems in the area and then translating as a half dozen residents (mostly Spanish speakers) testified about their experiences as crime victims in the area. Two people said the precinct couldn’t produce the documents for the crimes they had reported.

Alles called the missing reports “disturbing” and said he would look into them. “That’s not the way we do things in the Five-Two,” he said.

Others said they were discouraged when attempting to file reports at the precinct. Alles responded by giving out the phone numbers for his two “right-hand men,” lieutenants Steve Phalen and Thomas Hammer, who attended the meeting.

Hammer encouraged residents to act promptly if they felt discouraged during any part of the filing process. “If you feel like an officer is brushing you off when you’re trying to make a report, ask to speak with a supervisor,” Hammer said. “Don’t wait until four months later at a forum.”

Local resident Jesus Cortes, 34, speaking in Spanish at the meeting, attended by about 90 people, said he was attacked by a trio of teenagers in November. They stole his bookbag and wallet, threw him to the ground and beat him. When police arrived, they interviewed him and apparently wrote up a report.

Cortes said that when he went to the precinct soon after and asked for the report, the precinct couldn’t produce it and even discouraged him from filing a new one. Friends who spoke better English asked for it, too, but had no success after at least 10 tries, Cortes said.

Another man, Carlos Tomoyo, said that after his son was assaulted, the police interviewed him and took a report. But when he asked for a copy, officers at the precinct couldn’t produce it and wouldn’t let him file another one.

Alles repeatedly said he would look into the missing reports, but also said there is going to be human error given the volume of reports his precinct deals with — some 20,000 every year, he said.

Garcia and others weren’t convinced, saying the missing reports were more trend than anomaly. In addition to the two people who spoke at the meeting, church leaders say several others have had similar experiences.

“When you have that many people saying they couldn’t get their reports, the question that begs to be answered is: Is this thing endemic? Is it systemic?” Garcia said.

“I believe they aren’t filing the reports,” said Guillermo Zepeda, a catechist and leader at Our Lady of Refuge who helped moderate the meeting. “[Alles] is making it seem like unfortunate incidents. But that’s too many [incidents].”

Alles announced the area would not be designated an Impact Zone, which would have flooded the streets with rookie cops on foot patrol. But he did say they would beef up patrols within the next three weeks. He also agreed to attend — or send one of his lieutenants to — regular meetings at the church three or four times a year.

“On a personal note,” Alles said, “it’s my sincere hope and promise that we will do our best to make this neighborhood safer for you to live in. But we can’t do this alone. We need you to be our eyes and ears out there.”

After the meeting, attendees were cautiously optimistic, having gone through this before, including a similar meeting in November 2007.

“We’ll see if it makes a difference,” said Garcia, who’s lived in the neighborhood since 1979. “We’ve done this before and nothing’s really changed. The important thing is that [Alles] came out. We’ve been trying to get him out here since late November.”

By Alex Kratz

From the beginning, the city Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) federally-mandated Croton Water Filtration Plant has been unpopular and poorly executed.
But in 2008, three years into what could turn out to be a seven-year construction slog, things took another turn for the worse. The ever-swelling cost of the project broke the $3 billion mark, nearly tripling the DEP’s original cost estimate. Agency officials continue to say it’s due to skyrocketing construction costs.
But an analysis this fall by the city’s Independent Budget Office found that nearly half of the cost overruns couldn’t be accounted for by a rise in construction costs. Watchdogs believe (and the IBO suggested indirectly) much of the overruns are due to significant design changes and logistical challenges with doing the project in an eight-story hole in the ground. The DEP maintains its stance that the overruns couldn’t be avoided by building the plant somewhere else,

By Alex Kratz

From the beginning, the city Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) federally-mandated Croton Water Filtration Plant has been unpopular and poorly executed.
But in 2008, three years into what could turn out to be a seven-year construction slog, things took another turn for the worse. The ever-swelling cost of the project broke the $3 billion mark, nearly tripling the DEP’s original cost estimate. Agency officials continue to say it’s due to skyrocketing construction costs.
But an analysis this fall by the city’s Independent Budget Office found that nearly half of the cost overruns couldn’t be accounted for by a rise in construction costs. Watchdogs believe (and the IBO suggested indirectly) much of the overruns are due to significant design changes and logistical challenges with doing the project in an eight-story hole in the ground. The DEP maintains its stance that the overruns couldn’t be avoided by building the plant somewhere else,

Current Print Edition

Click here for PDF downloads of recent editions. Click here for all recent print edition stories.

Latest from Breaking Bronx

• Tomorrow: Live Coverage From The Bronx BP’s State of Borough Speech Wed, Feb 22 at 5:27pm
• Bronx Nabe Note: Become Your Own Boss Workshop, Thursday Night Wed, Feb 22 at 4:35pm
• Wednesday’s Bronx News Links Wed, Feb 22 at 3:17pm
• Local Initiative Puts Focus on Teens’ Reproductive Health Wed, Feb 22 at 12:33pm
• Bicycles and Basketballs Could be in the Armory’s Future Wed, Feb 22 at 5:58am

Archives

Copyright © 2007 Norwood News · Log in