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Neighborhood Notes

By Norwood News

Public Hearings on School Changes
The Department of Education released statements on proposals for two important school changes in the Bronx area. PS 246 Poe Center will alleviate overcrowding by undergoing grade configuration to become a K-5th grade-only school. PS 56 Norwood Heights will be split-sited to move some classes to the new location of PS 94 Kings College School, also reducing overcrowding, as well as increasing the number of zoned students. Public hearings will be held on Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at 2641 Grand Concourse, and at 341 E. 207th St. on Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (212) 374-5049.

Free Health Fair
The Montefiore Department of Family and Social Medicine is sponsoring a free health clinic on Sunday, Nov. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The fair will be held at St. Ann’s Church, 3519 Bainbridge Ave., and will include health screenings, flu shots, BMI calculators, as well as several other services. For more information, call (718) 920-6396.

Free ESL and GED Classes
Middle School 80 at 149 E. Mosholu Pkwy. N. offers free ESL and GED classes. Applicants must be 21 years or older. For more information or to register, call (718) 405-6300.

Free GED Classes
Bronx Community College at 2155 University Ave. (West 181st Street) offers free GED classes from Jan. 7 through March. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call (718) 289-5834.

Sponsor a Young Boxer
Do you know someone between the ages of 11 and 17 who wants to try boxing but can’t afford training? By making a donation to the World Class Boxing Gym’s Adopt-a-Boxer Program, you can provide someone with a free weekly personal trainer and individual workout sessions. To become a sponsor, please contact waleska@worldclassboxinggym.com.

LIFT Providing Free Services
LIFT’s NYC chapter, located at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., is giving free one-on-one assistance in employment areas, such as housing support, resume creating, education/job training, referral services, and much more. There are no eligibility requirements. For more information, call (718) 733-3897.

Holding Soccer Tryouts
Be part of the Bronx Bombers. The Girls Riverdale Soccer Club Travel Team is holding competitive tryouts for the spring 2010 season. Eligible players must be girls born after Aug. 1, 1998 (birth certificate required). Tryouts will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m. sharp at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center located at 246th Street and Broadway. Bring birth certificate and drinking water. Also encouraged are shin guards, cleats and a soccer ball. For more information and fees, call (917) 854-5494.

Apply for a Bronx Artist Award
The Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) Awards, hosted through the Bronx Council on the Arts, awards local artists for their work each year in dozens of fields. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 22, 2010. Applications can be found online or at any Bronx public library, the BCA Writers Center or BCA’s Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College. Applicants are urged to attend one of several free workshops offered before the deadline. For submission guidelines and application assistance, please visit www.bronxarts.org or call (718) 931-9500. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older.

Free Classes at State University
The North Bronx Career Center of The State University of New York, located at 2901 White Plains Rd., offers free basic to advanced daytime and evening classes, including computer courses, college prep courses, and more. Some restrictions may apply. For more information and to register, please call (718) 547-1001.

Visitation School’s Holiday Bazaar
Visitation School’s first annual bazaar, showcasing jewelry, toys, and gift baskets, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in its Stanford Auditorium at 160 Van Cortlandt Park South. Food and refreshments will be sold all day. For more information, call (718) 543-2250.

Openings at After School Discovery Club
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, at 3450 DeKalb Ave., is registering children in kindergarten through 6th grade to enroll in its after school program. Children are escorted or picked up by vans from area schools and brought to the center. Students get homework help, participate in activities and receive a snack. For information on fees and financial aid eligibility, call Ruth Moore at (718) 944-3207.

Rally Against Sexual Violence
Join the ENVISION Coalition, an alliance in conjunction with NYC’s rape crisis programs, outside the Bronx Museum of the Arts at 1040 Grand Concourse (165th Street) on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. to rally toward a world free of sexual violence. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact ENVISION at envision@svfreenyc.com.

Register for MMCC Classes
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., offers a variety of classes for all ages from infants to seniors, including daycare, after school programs and senior center activities. Fees vary. For more information, call (718) 882-4000 or visit www.mmcc.org.

Free Personal Finance Course
The University Neighborhood Housing Program is offering a free course in finance at the Concourse House, 2751 Grand Concourse, Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 18 to Dec. 16. It will cover banking, goal setting, budgeting, debt management, credit, and more. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate that can be used at any credit union to open a savings account. RSVP by calling (718) 933-2539.

Police Officers Honored
Forty Auxiliary Police Officers in the NYPD 52nd Precinct Auxiliary Department received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, honors individuals demonstrating exemplary citizenship through volunteering. The officers will be honored with the award Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at 1500 Pelham Pkwy. S. (Eastchester entrance).

NMCIR Immigration Assistance
The Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights is offering immigration assistance to Bronxites. There is assistance with U.S. citizenship, family petitions, and travel permits. It is offered at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (718) 484-8294 or email info@NMCIR.org.

Scouting for Girl Scouts
Girls from 5 to 17 years old looking to serve the Bronx community, make friends and learn life skills are encouraged to join the Girl Scouts of the Bronx. For more information about joining a Girl Scout troop, visit www.girlscoutsnyc.org or email webbx@girlscoutsnyc.org.

School Salon Reopened
The School for Professional Beauty Care at Grace Dodge Career and Technical High School, located at 2474 Crotona Ave., has reopened its after-school beauty parlor, The New Image Salon, for the fall semester. The salon, whose services are reasonably priced, is open every Thursday from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m. and is staffed by graduating seniors of the school’s cosmetology program. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 584-2700.

PS/MS 20 School Shirts on Sale
PS/MS 20 requires that all students wear the appropriate uniform shirt. If parents wish, they may buy the shirts directly from PS/MS 20. Parents can call Rosa Rosado at (718) 515-9370 ext. 2154, to request an order form. Shirts for Pre-K to 5th graders are $10, and $12 for 6th to 8th graders.

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.

Fall Into Fitness at MMCC
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 3450 DeKalb Ave. has begun its fall fitness schedule. Classes range from step aerobics and zumba classes to belly dancing. For details and/or to register, call (718) 882-4000 ext. 256 or 280.

Volunteer at North Bronx Healthcare
The North Bronx Healthcare Network is seeking volunteers for the Sexual Assault Treatment Program run at North Central Bronx Hospital, Jacobi Medical Center, and Lincoln Medical Center. Those interested should be willing to volunteer twice a month and commit to serving the program for one year. For more information, call (718) 519-4788.

Free Medicine Programs for Cancer Patients
The Complimentary Medicine Program at Albert Einstein Cancer Center is offering two free research programs for patients with cancer. The Yoga-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Program includes 12 weeks of yoga to see if yoga can help patients with breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. A certified yoga instructor teaches classes in both English and Spanish. The Mind-Body Cancer Program includes 8 weeks of Mind-Body groups (The Stress Management Education Group and the Spiritual Support Group) for patients with most types of cancer. Some restrictions apply to these groups, which have been specifically designed by a psychologist and an oncologist. For more information and to find out eligibility, call (718) 430-2380.

Foster Parents Needed
The Foster Care Network is reaching out to potential foster parents in the Bronx. Hundreds of foster children in the area need loving and caring families to make a difference in their lives. Foster parents receive tax-free financial assistance for the expenses of each child, free training, and Foster Parent certification. For more information, call (800) 454-3727 or visit www.fostercarenetwork.org.

Workshops: Children With Disabilities
The Jewish Child Care Association at 555 Bergen Ave. will host monthly workshops from November through June of next year for families and professionals requiring services for children with disabilities. For detailed information and to register, call (212) 677-4650 ext. 20 or visit jccany.org.

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 email outreach@aecom.yu.edu.

Donate Backpacks to Homeless Kids
Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr. is encouraging Bronx residents to donate backpacks and school supplies to “Operation Backpack.” “Operation Backpack” provides homeless children and students in New York City with backpacks and school supplies to help them succeed in school. To contribute, drop off a new backpack at the Bronx BP office at 851 Grand Concourse, Room 209. To find out more information about Operation Backpack or to make a donation, visit www.OperationBackpackNYC.org.

Self-Defense and Boxing at MMCC
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 3450 DeKalb Ave. is offering self-defense classes on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 5:30 p.m. Its boxing program meets on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for ages 7 and up. For more information, visit www.mmcc.org or call (718) 882-4000 ext. 0 or ext. 256.

Aid for Veterans and Their Families
The Warriors Family Assistance Program, launched by the American Legion Auxiliary, comes to the direct aid of veterans and their families in New York State. Veterans and their families can apply for up to $1,500 in aid in maintenance grants, medical grants and employment opportunities. Any veteran who has served honorably within the last four years, or is currently serving in one of the Armed Forces, and is a NYS resident, is eligible to apply. All grants are non-repayable. For an application or more information, call (800) 421-6348.

Free Career Information Seminars
Lehman College Office of Continuing Education is holding free career information seminars for its non-credit certificate programs. For dates, times and locations of seminars, please call (718) 960-8512 or visit www.lehman.edu.ce.

Computer Classes at Williamsbridge Oval
The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval E., is holding computer classes on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn how to use the internet and MS Office software. For more information, contact Albert Davis or Tuwanda Ruffin at (718) 654-1851.

Free Prescription $aver Card
The NY State Health Department is accepting applications for the free New York Prescription $aver Card. The program offers discounts on thousands of prescription medications. It will serve low-income New Yorkers who are disabled or between the ages of 50 and 64. To be eligible, income for single individuals must be $35,000 or less, and $50,000 or less for married individuals. Medicaid and EPIC recipients are not eligible for the Prescription $aver Card. To learn more or apply, visit www.nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com or call (800) 788-6917. (TTY users should call (800) 290-9138.) Applications are also available at pharmacies.

Couples Needed for Research Study
Doctors at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center are looking for healthy couples between the ages of 22 and 50, and in a monogamous relationship for at least six months, to participate in a research study. The study will test a vaginal gel and the couple will be screened for sexually transmitted infections. Females will have a gynecologic exam and vaginal fluid collected and males will have a genital exam. Female volunteers will have four visits and be reimbursed $60 per visit, and males volunteers will have three visits and will be reimbursed $40 per visit. Females must be using hormonal contraception. All visits will take place at the Albert Einstein General Clinical Research Center. For more information, call Julie at (718) 430-3253 or email microbicide@aecom.yu.edu.

English, Citizenship and Computer Classes
-MS 80 at 149 E. Mosholu Pkwy N., is offering English as a Second Language (ESL) and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) classes. For those interested, or if you have any questions, call Mrs. Alejandro at (718) 405-6300 ext. 1131.

-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.

-Fordham University, 557 E. Fordham Rd., is currently holding free computer and English Language classes for parents, 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.

Senior Employment
The American Association of Retired Person (AARP) and the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) are assisting low-income Bronx residents, 55 and older, to receive employment through their outreach, training, and internship programs. For more information, call AARP located at 384 E. 149th St., Ste. 608 at (718) 585-2500.

MS 80 Needs Love
MS 80 is asking parents and community members to show some love and volunteer for just an hour each week. The school needs mentors, math and reading tutors, part-time coaches and volunteers to help with cafeteria duty. For more information, call Ms. Alejandro (718) 405-6300 ext. 111.

MMCC Grade School & Teen Programs at Tracey Towers
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is accepting registration for their free after school program at Tracey Towers, 40 W. Mosholu Pkwy. The program meets Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and is open to children in the third through sixth grades. From 6:30 to 9 p.m., the free Teen Center is open for youth ages 12 to 18. Programs include homework help, computers, arts and crafts, sports, acting, and quiet games. To register, stop by the Youth Community Room on the second floor of Tracey Towers and speak to Antoine Fields, or call him at (917) 482-5039.

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.

Free Career Workshops
The State University of New York, located at 3950 Laconia Ave., is offering free career workshops, including job readiness training, resume and cover letter preparation, help with job searches and computer skills, job placement assistance, an Office Skills Certificate Program, college prep and more. For more information, call (718) 547-1001 or visit www.NBX.SUNYEOC.org.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adult ESL Level 1and 2 Classes
Beginning September 2009 through June 2010, P.S. 94x will be offering Level 1 and 2 ESL classes on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. For more information, contact Ms. Seminario, at (347) 563-4772 or (718) 405- 6345. You can also come to room 201 for more information and for sign up.

 

Out & About

By Judy Noy

Onstage

The Bronx Library Center, located at 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, hosts Traditional Music and Dance From West Africa, Nov. 21 at 2:30 p.m.; and Papo Pepin y Su Orchestra, Nov. 28 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46.

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents Street Beat featuring urban rhythm, hip hop and break dance performed by musicians and dancers, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. ($10 to $25; $10/children 12 and under); The Nutcracker performed by the Moscow Classical Ballet, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. ($25 to $35; $10/children 12 and under); and Navidad Para El Pueblo choreographed by Danza Fiesta, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. ($30 to $45). For more information, call (718) 960-8833.

Bronx Council on the Arts BRIO (Bronx Recognizes Its Own) award winners, BxIndie musicians pianist Maxim Pakhomov and cellist Teresa Kubiak, will perform a free concert of classical music at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium, across from Josie Robertson Plaza and the Revson Fountain on Broadway between West 62nd and 63rd streets, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. For more information, call (718) 931-9500 ext. 33.

“You Can’t Take It With You,” will be performed by the Drama Club at the Ursuline School, 1354 North Ave., New Rochelle, in the Frank J. Auriana Theatre, Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10/adults; $8/seniors/children and can be purchased at the door. For more information or to reserve, call Dakota at (914) 708-9312.

Events

The JASA Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, located at 3880 Sedgwick Ave., presents a Mexican Thanksgiving Celebration, Nov. 24, which will include lunch at 12:15 p.m. followed by the Acapulco-90 Mariachi Band at 1 p.m. Suggested contribution is $4. For more information or RSVP, call (718) 549-4700.

The Harlem River Ecology Center, located at the southern end of Roberto Clemente State Park, presents its 4th annual Giving Thanks “Native American Circle,” Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Events include a turkey give-away, cultural performances, and more. For more information, call (347) 224-5687/5828.

Wave Hill, located at West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, offers two family art projects: Cornhusk Creations, to learn how cornhusk dolls came to be and to make a cornhusk doll family, Nov. 21 and 22 at 1 and 2:30 p.m.; and Papermaking Party, to use paper, fibers, dried leaves and other natural materials to make your own creation, Nov. 28 and 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.; both in the Kerlin Learning Center. For more information, call (718) 549-3200 or visit www.wavehill.org.

The New York Botanical Garden presents several events this fall: The Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden offers Gardens ‘Round the World featuring Caribbean Garden, a pinwheel-shaped plot garden featuring Caribbean crops. The Holiday Train Show will take place from Nov. 21 through Jan. 10 and features a display of New York landmark replicas created out of plant materials, as well as model trains. For more information and a detailed schedule, call (718) 817-8700 or visit nybg.org.

The Bronx River Art Center, together with the NYC Department of Transportation, present an abstract wooden art sculpture, Aurora, 14 feet tall, 11 feet wide and 11 feet deep, to be on view for 11 months at the center of West Farms Square Plaza located at the base of the West Farms Square/East Tremont Avenue subway station on the corner of East Tremont Avenue and Boston Road, one block away from BRAC which is located at 1087 E. Tremont Ave. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/urbanart.

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. The next trip is Dec. 2. For more information, call (718) 931-9500 ext. 33 or log on to www.bronxarts.org.

Exhibits

The New York Botanical Garden presents Ex Libris: Treasures From the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, highlighting some rarely seen items demonstrating botany and horticulture from the 12th century to the present, through Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and The Presence of Trees, photographs of trees in all seasons, by Larry Lederman, in the Ross Gallery (ongoing exhibit). For more information, call (718) 817-8700 or visit nybg.org.

The Museum of Bronx History, located at 3266 Bainbridge Ave. (at 208th Street), presents The Bronx: Then and Now, a comparison of the Bronx of today with that of the 19th century, via prints and photographs; and Edgar Allan Poe – A Bicentennial Celebration,.to learn about Poe, his life and his time spent in the Bronx; both through April 15. For more information, call the Bronx County Historical Society at (718) 881-8900.

Beyond Appearances, an exhibition bringing together a group of approximately 40 artists, includes painting, drawing, sculpture, video, and installation, will be on display Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Dec. 11 at the Lehman College Art Gallery, Fine Arts Building, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W. For more information, call (718) 960-8731.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street, presents an exhibition series commemorating the Grand Concourse’s centennial, featuring The Grand Concourse Commissions, through Jan. 4. Originally called the Grand Boulevard, the Grand Concourse celebrates its 100th year in 2009. For more information, call (718) 681-6000 ext. 120, or visit www.bronxmuseum.org.

Library Events

The Bronx Library Center has events for all ages:
For children and preschoolers, there is Preschool Romp, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.;.films, Nov. 25 at 4 p.m.; and Toddler Story Time, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m.

Also, for school-aged children, there is Make a Handprint Turkey, Nov. 19 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., hosts Toddler Story Time, Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m.; and Reading Aloud, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.; both for children. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

The Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames Place, presents Make Jewelry With Jailin Acevedo, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m., for young adults; and Toddler Story Time, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m.; and Reading Aloud, Fridays at 4 p.m.; both for children. For more information, call (718) 549-5200.
 
NOTE: Items for consideration should be received in our office by Nov. 23 for the next publication date of Dec. 3.

Wheelchair Olympics

By Molly Ryan

Earlier this fall, Williamsbridge Oval Park played host to the third annual “Challengers at Montefiore Sports Day”—a physical activity event for wheelchair bound spinal cord injury and disorder patients. 

Dr. Maya Therattil, the head of the “Challengers at Montefiore” spinal cord injury support group and the director of the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Service at Montefiore Medical Center, organized Sports Day with the help of the “Challengers.” Popular activities included bowling, an obstacle course and bag tossing.

According to Therattil, the sporting event provided a “fun, active, competitive and safe” activity for 30 of her patients.

 “I look forward to this every year,” said David Mereno, a spinal cord patient.

Another patient and a group leader for the “Challengers at Montefiore,” Cecilia Lugo, said that all of the different games are her favorite part of Sports Day. “A lot of [spinal cord patients] don’t go out because of the wheelchairs and because of fear,” Lugo said. 

 “We needed a sporting event,” said Therattil. “Many patients don’t get to go to gyms.”

“About four or five years ago we started going to Dr. Therattil and it was the best thing that happened to us,” said Stephanie Petrizzini, a mother of a son with a rare spinal cord disease.

“Dr. Therattil has been a godsend,” said Moreno. “She is very compassionate and I look forward to seeing her.”

Clinton Falls Two Games Short of Championship

By Alex Gibbons

On Saturday morning, under an overcast sky at the Adlai Stevenson High School in the south Bronx, the DeWitt Clinton Governors football team played their last game of the season. The Governors lost to the fifth-seeded Curtis Warriors of Staten Island in the city quarterfinals, 20-8.

The game started with a bang when Clinton senior running back Anthony Smith returned the game’s opening kick for a 69-yard touchdown. Senior Kwaku Duah earned the Governors two more points off the conversion and the Governors maintained an 8-6 lead the end of the first half.

The Curtis defense effectively shut down Clinton’s offense in the second half. A successful nine-yard run by senior James Gardner gave the Warriors a third-quarter lead of 14-8. In the fourth quarter, after a light mist had descended on the field, Gardner returned again, running in a 26-yard touchdown to seal Curtis’ lead at 20-8.

Clinton Coach Howard Langley was saddened by the loss, as the Clinton boys worked hard all season, running past the competition with a 9-1 record.

“They’re a great group of kids, but [Curtis] had a little more than we did,” Langley said. “That we took a lot of these kids from scratch and have gotten this far is testament to the awesome teamwork and effort of this team.”

“What counts is not the result,” said Langley to his team in a post-game huddle, “but the effort, the battle.”

Clinton played an outstanding season, losing only once before Curtis. During the course of the season, Clinton beat their Bronx rivals, the John F. Kennedy Knights for the first time in 11 years in an Oct. 16 game. On Nov. 8, the Governors beat the Flushing Red Devils of Queens to advance to the quarterfinals. This was their second consecutive quarterfinals appearance. Clinton will graduate 17 members from this team.

Curtis will play the undefeated Fort Hamilton Tigers in the semifinals this Saturday.

Actually, Residents Are the Problem

By None

While I do agree with Sally Dunford (“Don’t Blame Residents for Norwood’s Woes,” Oct. 22 issue) that you need to follow the money to get to the root of the problem, ultimately it lies in the individual and family. The reason why Norwood is heading downhill is because of the bad-quality, non-working tenants with issues moving in which forces working middle-class families to flee because it is no longer a nice place to raise a family.

Forget being “politically correct” for a minute and let’s not sugarcoat anything. The overall tenant transplants currently moving into Norwood are people from the street with a lifestyle that is poisonous to our community. And that needs to stop if you care about the future of Norwood. The way they conduct themselves reflects on the community. It deters nice working middle-class families from moving in and goes against preserving the working middle-class in Norwood. Bad tenants make bad neighborhoods. Is every low-income person a bad person? No, but you can’t deny the presence of the “bad apple” low-income people who create nuisances in our lovely Norwood community.

When you see young people outside hanging out, sitting on parked cars, acting loud, selling drugs, smoking weed and writing graffiti, do you blame the “policymakers” for their disorderly conduct or the teens’ parents for allowing that type of behavior to occur (because they’re too busy doing something else) that’s apparently more important than raising well mannered, educated and respectable kids? Using the “I’m poor” excuse does not justify that type of “ghetto” behavior which brings down the quality of life in Norwood.

You can be raised in a poor household and become the next president of the United States if you really want to. That’s the beauty of living in America.

There’s no denying that the overall market rents in the Bronx are the most affordable rents in all five boroughs. That’s a good thing.

The problem is Section 8 has now made it so financially attractive for Bronx landlords to take in Section 8 tenants because the maximum Section 8 will pay for any apartment is about $200 higher than what a Bronx landlord can rent the apartment for to a middle-class tenant. This means a once middle-class community like Norwood can easily be transformed into a subsidized, public assistance oasis for low-income people with issues. Bronx landlords are also to blame due to their incompetent and lax screening process (if any) and lack of building rules enforcement,

The real goal here is to preserve the hardworking, family-friendly, middle-class in Norwood because they are the engine of our economy. You have middle-class, working families who struggled, got off their rear ends, paid their dues, went to school, got a degree and did whatever it took to earn enough money to support their families. These are the same people that are willing to pay a little more in rent as long as the neighborhood provides a clean and safe place to raise their children. Take that away from them and they’ll move elsewhere. The rent may be a bit higher elsewhere but the neighborhood will be cleaner, safer and a much nicer place to raise a family. After all, you get what you pay for.

You can’t have both.

Robert Lopez
Norwood

The writer is responding to a letter in a previous issue of the Norwood News which was a response to his initial letter in the Sept. 24 issue. –Ed.

Harris Field Fiasco

By Editorial

The Parks Department has not acted in the public interest in the case of Harris Field.

If Norwood News reporter Megan Taylor hadn’t stopped by Harris in October and talked with construction workers, who told her that heavy metals were found at the site, we probably still wouldn’t know anything about it.

Two weeks ago, Parks did tell the Croton Facilities Monitoring Committee (CFMC) that a consultant is assessing the problem. In the meantime, Parks will only say the contamination is from “urban fill,” and their legal department told us it will be at least another month before they answer our Freedom of Information Law Request for documents pertaining to the discovery of the metals.

Maybe this isn’t a big problem and the contamination will be easily remediated.

But that’s not the point.

Harris Field is heavily used, particularly by youth baseball leagues that need to plan their seasons months in advance. Last year, Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, which relies heavily on Harris, fielded its teams there but permits were revoked two weeks later to make way for construction. As a result, hundreds of children were unable to participate in the league.

This time, no one told MMCC about the contamination problem, likely throwing their upcoming season into disarray yet again.

At the CFMC meeting, Parks said the fields will be ready by spring, but couldn’t commit to a date.

Parks officials should have picked up the phone and called MMCC when they discovered the problem and its possible effects on the baseball leagues and other programs that use the park.

Also on that list should have been Lehman College and the Bronx High School of Science, whose campuses surround Harris. It’s both common courtesy and a matter of public safety.

The Parks Department should understand this: residents are not as upset with the contaminations and the delays it has caused as they are with the communication blackout and the lack of respect shown the community that this city agency exists to serve.

Tuition Fund for Fire Victim

By Alex Kratz

Palestinian Mahmoud Zaghari is part owner of 205 Grocery, which was destroyed in the Bainbridge Avenue fire. He poured his family’s savings into the grocery store, which he and the other owners were planning on converting into a deli.

He’s also living in this country on a student visa while he completes his business degree at DeVry University. Without income from his business to pay for tuition, Zaghari says he will have to leave the country without finishing his degree.

To help him pay for his classes and stay in the country, Sally Dunford, of the nonprofit West Bronx Housing, which is also located on Bainbridge, is soliciting donations.

If you want to help out, send checks to West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center, 3176 Bainbridge Ave., Bronx, NY 10467. (Write fire fund in the memo line.)

Cops Search for Looter

By Alex Kratz

On Monday morning, Bainbridge Bakery owner John Mirdita looked down on the wreckage of his store from the roof of a nearby apartment building.

He pointed out the remnants of the $40,000 stove that his family had just bought for the bakery’s re-opening, which never happened.

He also saw a man wearing all black and a Yankees cap rifling through the wreckage of what was once Dunkin’ Donuts, located just a few doors down from where his bakery used to be. He was cutting up piping and digging for other salvageable materials. Mirdita called the police, but they couldn’t find him anywhere.

“He could be compromising the investigation,” Mirdita said, fully aware that the Fire Department had yet to announce the cause of the fire.

Earlier in the day, the Buildings Department slapped a violation on the site, wedged between particle boards, because the landlord failed to secure the burned-out buildings from public access.

2009 Local and Citwide Election Results

By Norwood News

2009 Election Results

Mayor
Michael Bloomberg: 557,059 votes, 51.61%
William Thompson: 506,717 votes, 46.04%

Comptroller
John Liu: 696,330 votes, 75.98%
Joseph Mendola: 176,847 votes, 19.30%

Public Advocate
Bill de Blasio: 672,383 votes, 73.86%
Alex Zablocki: 156,882 votes, 17.93%

Bronx Boro President
Ruben Diaz, Jr.: 87,436 votes, 86.87%
Allison Oldak: 13,216 votes, 13.13%

City Council District 11
Oliver Koppell: 13,426 votes, 79.09%
Stylo Sapaskis: 2,808 votes, 16.54%

City Council District 14
Fernando Cabrera: 6,669 votes, 87.11%
Yessenia Duran: 818 votes, 10.68%

City Council District 15
Joel Rivera: 6,938 votes, 96.64%
Steven Stern: 241 votes, 3.36%

Public and Community Meetings

By Norwood News

•    The Community District 10 Education Council meets on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at MS 306, 40 W. Tremont Ave. Topics will include: a presentation on new schools and the Educational Impact Statement. For more information, call (718) 741-5836 or e-mail CEC10@schools.nyc.gov.
•    The Bedford-Mosholu Community Organization will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. at 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy. S., Apt. B1 (lobby floor). All are welcome.

Faulkner Takes Post With New Councilman

By Alex Kratz

On Tuesday night, Greg Faulkner announced he would be stepping down from his position as chairman of Community Board 7 to become 14th District Councilman-elect Fernando Cabrera’s chief of staff.

Faulkner was one of the key figures behind Cabrera’s upset victory over incumbent Maria Baez in September’s Democratic primary.

Since taking over as chairman in 2005, Faulkner has increased membership and forged a more activist role for the board, which is made up of volunteer residents.

Vice Chairman Paul Foster will step in as interim chairman until the board votes in a new chairman in a special election sometime early next year. Faulkner will also be stepping down from his job as director of student life at La Guardia Community College.

Senate Passes Bill to Curb Home Foreclosures

By Katie Riordan

There may be a sign of relief in the distance for homeowners crippled by what many have called New York’s foreclosure crisis.

A bill sponsored by State Senator Jeffrey Klein, that offers more protection and resources to those on the brink of foreclosure and toughens regulations on lending institutions, passed the Senate on Monday.

“Since I first saw signs of the foreclosure crisis crippling my community two years ago, I have made homeowner and tenant protection a top priority,” said Klein, who represents Westchester and parts of the Bronx.   

The bill, which was already approved by the Assembly, includes five different measures, two of which were already passed this year, but are being strengthened and incorporated into this piece of legislation.   

The first requires lending institutions to maintain foreclosed property, a component of that bill that according to Klein’s office would “protect neighboring property values and prevent health hazards that surround an unkempt foreclosed home.”  The second piece mandates that tenants be notified at least 90 days in advance before legal action is taken on foreclosed property.

The bill also seeks to improve the efficiency of court-based settlement conferences that allow lenders and homeowners to negotiate loan modifications to keep their homes.

Another provision of the proposal that Klein’s office says will prevent foreclosures “helps identify distressed homeowners as soon as possible so they can receive effective counseling.”  Finally, the bill prohibits all distressed property consultants from accepting fees upfront and requires them to disclose all fees. 

The bill is awaiting the governor’s signature.  

Note to Mayor Bloomberg: Bronx Still Looking for a Change

By Molly Ryan

Two weeks ago, Mayor Bloomberg narrowly secured his third term in office, no thanks to Bronx voters. 

Unofficial election results show the majority of Bronx electoral districts voted overwhelmingly in favor of Bloomberg’s Democratic challenger, Bill Thompson. Now, as Bloomberg begins his third term as mayor, he faces a divided city and a discontented Bronx.

“If any borough were going to go for Thompson, it would have been the Bronx. The ratio of Democrats to Republicans is greatest in the Bronx,” said Bruce Berg, a Fordham University Political Science professor who specializes in New York City politics. “There was generally an anti-incumbent view [in this year’s elections], and maybe that was why Bloomberg’s victory was not as projected.”

“African-Americans broke strongly for Thompson, and the Hispanic vote went slightly for Thompson,” Berg said.

The Norwood News interviewed dozens of Bronx voters to find out why they voted for one candidate or the other.

“We wanted someone new,” said one Norwood resident, whose electoral district defeated Bloomberg 122 to 61. “Thompson is more for the people’s needs. We are looking for someone who is for the working class.”

Others believe that Bloomberg angered a number of Bronx voters.

“Voters clearly were reacting to his handling of the term limits issue and the amount of money he is spending on his campaign,” said Dick Dadey, the executive director of Citizens Union, an organization that supported Bloomberg’s reelection campaign.

Many Bronx voters agreed with this analysis. “He has money and money can buy anything,” said Dorothy, a Norwood resident who supported Thompson.

As for why some residents chose to vote for Bloomberg, multiple voters said they did not have enough information about Thompson’s campaign. “People know Bloomberg. They don’t know Thompson,” said Deneice Allen, a Tremont resident.

Other Bronx Bloomberg supporters cited the mayor’s positive record. A Bedford Park resident said, “I think generally he has done a great job keeping crime low and developing abandoned properties.”

“We know what to expect from Bloomberg,” said Joanna Soto, a Fordham resident.

Bronx voters were split mostly along class lines. Thompson enjoyed exceptional support in low-income areas such as Wakefield, Morris Heights and University Heights. In several Wakefield and Morris Heights electoral districts, Thompson defeated Bloomberg with over 70 percent of the vote. On the other hand, Bloomberg won just as easily in traditionally wealthier areas of the Bronx, including Riverdale and Morris Park.

Supporters from both camps expect the mayor to change the borough for the better.

“Now, the challenge is to create jobs,” said one Bedford Park resident, pointing out the borough’s 13.3 percent unemployment rate, one of the state’s highest.

Other residents said they are looking for the mayor to improve education, affordable housing, reduce potholes and crime and monitoring the city’s police.

Kimley Jones, a Fordham resident, said, “If he’s going to be there another four years, he needs to do something.”

Armory Angel Leaves Legacy of Involvement

By Alex Kratz

Phyllis Reed, a longtime Bronx activist with grand ambitions and a matching work ethic, always appeared to be in a hurry. For the last 13 years of her life, she was working under the toughest of deadlines. Doctors called it cancer. She treated it as motivation.

“I always felt that she was trying to beat a clock,” said Pat Woods, one of her closest friends. “Like there’s never enough time in the day. She was always going.”

Reed, 66, passed away quietly on Aug. 31 at the Jewish Home and Hospital on Kingsbridge Road, just blocks from the Kingsbridge Armory, the vacant palace Reed believed could transform the community. In recent years, Reed worked tirelessly to beautify the green spaces surrounding the facility.

Because Reed rarely talked about her health problems, it took weeks for the news of her death to circulate among friends.

Born in New York City on Feb. 18, 1943, Reed spent her early childhood in Ocilia, Georgia, where she was raised by her aunt and uncle. Reed’s daughter, Allison Richardson, says it was under their guardianship that her mother “developed a solid spiritual foundation and recognized the power that nurturing others with love and compassion could provide in building one’s character and confidence.”

Reed eventually moved back to New York in the 1970s. She raised a daughter and created one of the first black-owned advertising agencies that catered to minority-owned businesses. Her firm, Dalmatian Enterprises, Inc., provided up-and-coming minority businesses with media exposure. One of her efforts, dubbed “Dalmatian 100s — Making It in New York,” canvassed the city’s buses and trains with images of successful black entrepreneurs.

Later in life, Reed, a voracious reader and researcher, attended Fordham University, where she founded the National Forum for the Applied Media Arts and Sciences (NFAMAS), a nonprofit group dedicated to helping college students in their artistic endeavors.

The group provided internships and grants, as well as after-school and summer programs.

Doctors gave her just a few years after her diagnosis. She stretched it to 13. “It was through her drive and determination that she was able to battle this disease for so long,” Richardson said.
Reed, who lived in Mount Hope near Burnside Avenue, adopted the Kingsbridge area as the place where she would direct much of her energy. She joined the Kingsbridge Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association and the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition. Last year, she became a member of Community Board 7. (When her sickness kept her in bed, CB7 Chair Greg Faulkner said Reed would call him all the time to ask about what she had missed at meetings and how she could help.)

Reed became enamored with what she considered the magnificent beauty of the Kingsbridge Armory, an enormous castle-like structure in the middle of a bustling and diverse neighborhood.

She believed the Armory, which has remained vacant since the National Guard left in 1994 (there is a proposal to turn the structure into a shopping mall), could be turned into a transformative community resource.

“She thought big,” Richardson said. “And she was a fire starter. She could ignite people.”

The Armory, Reed believed, could be a great agent of change. “She used to get so excited,” Richardson said. “She thought, ‘this could be the hub of the community.’”

Reed’s contribution was to beautify the exterior grounds, which has long been a magnet for trash. Richardson said her mother’s thinking was: “I’m going to plant this garden and they’re going to pay attention.”

For the past few years, starting in the fall of 2005, passersby may have seen Reed or any number of volunteers, working in what would become known as Kingsbridge Armory International Village Garden — planting flowers, herbs and vegetables, weeding, fertilizing, creating paths or installing benches.

The garden “consumed her,” Woods said. “It was also a peace of mind for her.”

“She was all about making things prettier and better,” said fellow Kingsbridge activist Liz Thompson.

The garden has hosted events like barbecues and Christmas tree giveaways.

As her health worsened, Reed continued to think about the garden and the Armory. “Anytime she could get somebody to take her out [to the garden], she would, even though she knew it wasn’t good for her [physically],” Woods said.

The fate of the Armory garden is still very much up in the air, but for now, in Reed’s absence, a host of community volunteers maintain its appearance.

“She believed that if she could just get enough people together,” Richardson said, “she could get them to focus not on what they don’t have, but what they can become.”

Council Grills Armory Developer on Living Wage

By Jordan Moss and Molly Ryan

Requiring developers of city property to guarantee a living wage for retail employees may have seemed far-fetched to some observers six months ago.

Not anymore.

At the City Council’s hearing on the Related Companies’ proposal to turn the Kingsbridge Armory into a giant shopping mall, virtually the entire Zoning and Franchising Subcommittee, (which will be the only Council committee to hold a hearing on the project) grilled company representatives on the living wage issue.

Council Member Larry Seabrook, who sits on the committee and represents the northeast Bronx, said that overall unemployment figures don’t reflect the vast numbers of jobless in the borough’s African American and Latino communities — a figure he cited as 55 percent. He said he believed the project would not be harmed by a living wage requirement. “I don’t think providing living wages will destroy the project,” he said.

Another member of the committee, Eric Gioia of Queens, said the only way that workers will survive on a minimum wage is if “the government subsidizes workers through food stamps.” He added that without a community benefits agreement (CBA), Related will “keep the neighborhood poor.”

Meanwhile, the Bloomberg administration, which presented a united front with Related, held to their position that the proposed deal with Related (which includes millions in tax breaks and bargain-basement price tag of $5 million for the facility) is the best that can be achieved.

“We have the best project we can possibly get,” said Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber. “We want to make sure we don’t miss this opportunity to begin construction.”

And Related spokesman Jesse Masyr told the committee that requiring living wage jobs ($10 an hour with benefits) was not realistic. The retailers “can go anywhere else in the Bronx,” he said, adding later, “We wouldn’t be doing any justice promising something we can’t guarantee.

Other members pressing Related on the living wage were Robert Jackson, Albert Vann, Helen Sears and Joel Rivera, who has taken a leadership role among the Council delegation in opposing the project without a negotiated CBA.

“In my book, this is an economic exploitation project,” Rivera said. Later he said, “We need to change the conversation with the administration.”

Even Council Member Oliver Koppell, who has been the least enthusiastic about a living wage requirement among the Bronx Council delegation, put the heat on Related. Citing a New York Times story from that morning about other cities that have had living wage agreements, Koppell, who doesn’t sit on Zoning and Franchises, told the company, “I would like to see a presentation that shows me why [living wages] cannot be financed.” He also suggested that the Council might want to pass a living wage law.

The hearing room was packed with members of the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance (KARA), which includes union members as well as local residents and activists. Members of construction unions, however, spoke in favor of supporting Related’s plans even without a CBA.

Because the committee felt it needed more time to question city officials, they have scheduled a public meeting on Nov. 23, but the public will not be able to testify.

The nine members of Zoning and Franchises, which is chaired by KARA supporter Tony Avella of Queens, as well as the full Land Use Committee, must vote on the project by Dec. 9.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who has taken a firm stance on the living wage requirement, summed up his argument, which seems to be gaining traction just as Mayor Bloomberg, whose mayoralty has been defined by its partnership with developers, suits up for a third term.

“I do want to see new jobs created in my borough,” Diaz testified. “But these jobs must be created in the right way. The old model, that any job is better than no job, is no longer acceptable.”

Ed. Note: For daily updates on the Kingsbridge Armory project, visit bronxnewsnetwork.org.

Landlord Uncertain of Plans

By Alex Kratz

While tenants scramble to relocate and survive, the landlord of the fire-gutted commercial building on Bainbridge Avenue is taking her time deciding what to do with the property. 

“We’re planning to rebuild, of course,” said Evylin Jacobson on Tuesday morning. But, she said she hadn’t decided on what the renovated building would look like or whether it would be commercial or residential. “We really don’t have any plans,” she said.

Although she wished her tenants luck, she would not commit to leaving space open for them to return.  “I’m hoping that everyone will have a decent life,” Jacobson said.  “I really wish the best for them. They were the best tenants you could ever have.”   

13-Year-Old Commits Suicide

By Alex Kratz

Family, friends and local residents continue to search for reasons why 13-year-old Judah Agyemang jumped to his death from his family’s apartment on the 21st floor of Tracey Towers, a high-rise residential complex on Mosholu Parkway.

Police have not officially classified the case as a suicide, but from talking with family and acquaintances, it is clear Judah took his own life. But why? Details of the events leading up to his death offer only partial clues. 

On Monday, Nov. 9, at around 4:30 in the afternoon, Judah was sent home early from an after-school program at his school, Our Lady of Angels, which is run by a group called Camp Interactive.
Instructors said the youngster was exhibiting unusual behavior. “He wasn’t making much sense in what he was saying,” Jesus Galvez told the Daily News, the day after his death. “He was engaged and then disengaged.” He added, “It wasn’t his normal behavior.”

Judah’s mother, Augustina Agyemang, met her son in front of Tracey Towers and the two went up to their apartment on the 21st floor. According to friends of the family who have spoken with the mother, Judah wanted to go play basketball, his favorite sport. But his mother told him he needed to eat something before he could play and began cooking some rice and soup in the kitchen.

While cooking, Augustina Agyemang heard the door to the balcony slam and immediately rushed over to the balcony. She told family members that she saw Judah tumbling to the ground. In her rush to get down the stairs (the elevator wasn’t coming quickly enough), she fractured her foot, said Judah’s aunt, Mary Boakye.

He landed just 20 feet away from the entrance to the building. When paramedics arrived soon after, they pronounced Judah dead at the scene.

The family and his school community have been mourning ever since. On Tuesday, grief counselors talked with Judah’s classmates and teachers at Our Lady of Angels. On Friday night, residents at Tracey broke into groups to discuss the tragedy with counselors from Montefiore Medical Center and Bronx Lebanon Hospital.

Our Lady of Angels principal Sister Mary Cleary said Judah was a good kid and an average student. She said “he had an absolutely beautiful smile” and “was very friendly, he had a lot of friends.”
The family is holding a wake on Friday afternoon at Ortiz Funeral Home on Fordham Road and the Grand Concourse.

What Now? Fire Victims Face Uncertain Future

By Alex Kratz

The Mirdita family, owners of the Bainbridge Bakery, a popular local establishment that burned down along with nine other businesses in a horrific Halloween morning fire, is upset and angry.

Their business, which they’ve operated in the Bronx for 30 years and on Bainbridge Avenue for the past 18, went up in smoke for the second time in six months.

Following a mysterious fire in April, the family spent months and hundreds of thousands of dollars putting their bakery back together. Just two days before they were to re-open (and start being insured again), another fire of unknown origin is forcing them to start over yet again. This time, there is no insurance money and, for the foreseeable future, no place to rebuild.

On Monday morning, outside the remnants of the bakery, matriarch Anna Mirdita was inconsolable. She felt “terrible,” she said. “The city is no help. No one is helping us. No one.”

A week after the fire, local Community Board 7 and other local groups got all the fire victims, including Mirdita, into a room with representatives from banks, small business groups and various city and state agencies.

The agency representatives said they would work hard to get the victims back up and running. There were banks in attendance to talk about securing loans for rebuilding. The state insurance agency worked with merchants in a private room. Dina Minz, of the city’s Department of Small Business Services, said her agency would help business owners apply for loans, get temporary work and find other tax abatement and incentive programs.

The somber merchants tried to be appreciative of the efforts, but many were skeptical that things would turn in their favor.

Mir Mansur, who has owned and operated Neighborhood Gift and Wireless for the past three years, said he had no insurance and wasn’t sure anyone could help him or what he would do next. “Ask yourself how you would feel,” he said. “My money, everything, is in that store.”

The owners of Latin restaurant El Diamante did have insurance, but “not enough,” said Francisco Diaz. He had recently just put in new booths and seating as well as a $20,000 air conditioner. Diaz and his partners own two other restaurants, one on Webster Avenue and another on Jerome, which will keep them afloat while they look for a new location.

But finding space is another thing. There are few vacant locations on Bainbridge and 204th Street, but last week, Diaz said they were looking at possibly renting the space on Bainbridge and Van Cortlandt, near Williamsbridge Oval Park, that was most recently home to the nightclub El Noche.

Sun Yun, whose family had owned and operated the fish market that has existed on Bainbridge for more than a decade, said the representatives had been helpful and that she was hoping to secure a loan. But like the rest of the merchants, she didn’t know where they would relocate.

Nabil Naser, part owner of 205 Grocery sounded a more upbeat tone, despite the fact that he and his business partners had no insurance. “It’s devastating, but, as they say, stuff happens for a reason, hopefully not a bad reason,” he said. “You stick around, good things might happen.”

Since the meeting, Mirdita and her son, John, who is part owner of the bakery, say they have received little help from any of the agencies or business groups that they spoke with at the meeting.

“You talk to one person, they tell you to talk to someone else or call a different agency,” Mirdita said.

John Mirdita said Small Business Services offered to give them a $1,000 loan. “What can you do with $1,000?” he said. “You can’t even get a one-room apartment with $1,000.”

They said they would be forced to sell their house just to survive.

With no answers in sight, the Mirdita family was left with only questions.

“What are we going to do?” John Mirdita said. “Where are we going to go?”

By Norwood News

Public Hearings on School Changes
The Department of Education released statements on proposals for two important school changes in the Bronx area. PS 246 Poe Center will alleviate overcrowding by undergoing grade configuration to become a K-5th grade-only school. PS 56 Norwood Heights will be split-sited to move some classes to the new location of PS 94 Kings College School, also reducing overcrowding, as well as increasing the number of zoned students. Public hearings will be held on Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at 2641 Grand Concourse, and at 341 E. 207th St. on Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call (212) 374-5049.

Free Health Fair
The Montefiore Department of Family and Social Medicine is sponsoring a free health clinic on Sunday, Nov. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The fair will be held at St. Ann’s Church, 3519 Bainbridge Ave., and will include health screenings, flu shots, BMI calculators, as well as several other services. For more information, call (718) 920-6396.

Free ESL and GED Classes
Middle School 80 at 149 E. Mosholu Pkwy. N. offers free ESL and GED classes. Applicants must be 21 years or older. For more information or to register, call (718) 405-6300.

Free GED Classes
Bronx Community College at 2155 University Ave. (West 181st Street) offers free GED classes from Jan. 7 through March. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call (718) 289-5834.

Sponsor a Young Boxer
Do you know someone between the ages of 11 and 17 who wants to try boxing but can’t afford training? By making a donation to the World Class Boxing Gym’s Adopt-a-Boxer Program, you can provide someone with a free weekly personal trainer and individual workout sessions. To become a sponsor, please contact waleska@worldclassboxinggym.com.

LIFT Providing Free Services
LIFT’s NYC chapter, located at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., is giving free one-on-one assistance in employment areas, such as housing support, resume creating, education/job training, referral services, and much more. There are no eligibility requirements. For more information, call (718) 733-3897.

Holding Soccer Tryouts
Be part of the Bronx Bombers. The Girls Riverdale Soccer Club Travel Team is holding competitive tryouts for the spring 2010 season. Eligible players must be girls born after Aug. 1, 1998 (birth certificate required). Tryouts will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m. sharp at the Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center located at 246th Street and Broadway. Bring birth certificate and drinking water. Also encouraged are shin guards, cleats and a soccer ball. For more information and fees, call (917) 854-5494.

Apply for a Bronx Artist Award
The Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) Awards, hosted through the Bronx Council on the Arts, awards local artists for their work each year in dozens of fields. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 22, 2010. Applications can be found online or at any Bronx public library, the BCA Writers Center or BCA’s Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College. Applicants are urged to attend one of several free workshops offered before the deadline. For submission guidelines and application assistance, please visit www.bronxarts.org or call (718) 931-9500. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older.

Free Classes at State University
The North Bronx Career Center of The State University of New York, located at 2901 White Plains Rd., offers free basic to advanced daytime and evening classes, including computer courses, college prep courses, and more. Some restrictions may apply. For more information and to register, please call (718) 547-1001.

Visitation School’s Holiday Bazaar
Visitation School’s first annual bazaar, showcasing jewelry, toys, and gift baskets, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in its Stanford Auditorium at 160 Van Cortlandt Park South. Food and refreshments will be sold all day. For more information, call (718) 543-2250.

Openings at After School Discovery Club
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, at 3450 DeKalb Ave., is registering children in kindergarten through 6th grade to enroll in its after school program. Children are escorted or picked up by vans from area schools and brought to the center. Students get homework help, participate in activities and receive a snack. For information on fees and financial aid eligibility, call Ruth Moore at (718) 944-3207.

Rally Against Sexual Violence
Join the ENVISION Coalition, an alliance in conjunction with NYC’s rape crisis programs, outside the Bronx Museum of the Arts at 1040 Grand Concourse (165th Street) on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. to rally toward a world free of sexual violence. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact ENVISION at envision@svfreenyc.com.

Register for MMCC Classes
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave., offers a variety of classes for all ages from infants to seniors, including daycare, after school programs and senior center activities. Fees vary. For more information, call (718) 882-4000 or visit www.mmcc.org.

Free Personal Finance Course
The University Neighborhood Housing Program is offering a free course in finance at the Concourse House, 2751 Grand Concourse, Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 18 to Dec. 16. It will cover banking, goal setting, budgeting, debt management, credit, and more. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate that can be used at any credit union to open a savings account. RSVP by calling (718) 933-2539.

Police Officers Honored
Forty Auxiliary Police Officers in the NYPD 52nd Precinct Auxiliary Department received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, honors individuals demonstrating exemplary citizenship through volunteering. The officers will be honored with the award Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at 1500 Pelham Pkwy. S. (Eastchester entrance).

NMCIR Immigration Assistance
The Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights is offering immigration assistance to Bronxites. There is assistance with U.S. citizenship, family petitions, and travel permits. It is offered at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (718) 484-8294 or email info@NMCIR.org.

Scouting for Girl Scouts
Girls from 5 to 17 years old looking to serve the Bronx community, make friends and learn life skills are encouraged to join the Girl Scouts of the Bronx. For more information about joining a Girl Scout troop, visit www.girlscoutsnyc.org or email webbx@girlscoutsnyc.org.

School Salon Reopened
The School for Professional Beauty Care at Grace Dodge Career and Technical High School, located at 2474 Crotona Ave., has reopened its after-school beauty parlor, The New Image Salon, for the fall semester. The salon, whose services are reasonably priced, is open every Thursday from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m. and is staffed by graduating seniors of the school’s cosmetology program. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 584-2700.

PS/MS 20 School Shirts on Sale
PS/MS 20 requires that all students wear the appropriate uniform shirt. If parents wish, they may buy the shirts directly from PS/MS 20. Parents can call Rosa Rosado at (718) 515-9370 ext. 2154, to request an order form. Shirts for Pre-K to 5th graders are $10, and $12 for 6th to 8th graders.

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.

Fall Into Fitness at MMCC
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 3450 DeKalb Ave. has begun its fall fitness schedule. Classes range from step aerobics and zumba classes to belly dancing. For details and/or to register, call (718) 882-4000 ext. 256 or 280.

Volunteer at North Bronx Healthcare
The North Bronx Healthcare Network is seeking volunteers for the Sexual Assault Treatment Program run at North Central Bronx Hospital, Jacobi Medical Center, and Lincoln Medical Center. Those interested should be willing to volunteer twice a month and commit to serving the program for one year. For more information, call (718) 519-4788.

Free Medicine Programs for Cancer Patients
The Complimentary Medicine Program at Albert Einstein Cancer Center is offering two free research programs for patients with cancer. The Yoga-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Program includes 12 weeks of yoga to see if yoga can help patients with breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. A certified yoga instructor teaches classes in both English and Spanish. The Mind-Body Cancer Program includes 8 weeks of Mind-Body groups (The Stress Management Education Group and the Spiritual Support Group) for patients with most types of cancer. Some restrictions apply to these groups, which have been specifically designed by a psychologist and an oncologist. For more information and to find out eligibility, call (718) 430-2380.

Foster Parents Needed
The Foster Care Network is reaching out to potential foster parents in the Bronx. Hundreds of foster children in the area need loving and caring families to make a difference in their lives. Foster parents receive tax-free financial assistance for the expenses of each child, free training, and Foster Parent certification. For more information, call (800) 454-3727 or visit www.fostercarenetwork.org.

Workshops: Children With Disabilities
The Jewish Child Care Association at 555 Bergen Ave. will host monthly workshops from November through June of next year for families and professionals requiring services for children with disabilities. For detailed information and to register, call (212) 677-4650 ext. 20 or visit jccany.org.

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 email outreach@aecom.yu.edu.

Donate Backpacks to Homeless Kids
Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr. is encouraging Bronx residents to donate backpacks and school supplies to “Operation Backpack.” “Operation Backpack” provides homeless children and students in New York City with backpacks and school supplies to help them succeed in school. To contribute, drop off a new backpack at the Bronx BP office at 851 Grand Concourse, Room 209. To find out more information about Operation Backpack or to make a donation, visit www.OperationBackpackNYC.org.

Self-Defense and Boxing at MMCC
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 3450 DeKalb Ave. is offering self-defense classes on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 5:30 p.m. Its boxing program meets on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for ages 7 and up. For more information, visit www.mmcc.org or call (718) 882-4000 ext. 0 or ext. 256.

Aid for Veterans and Their Families
The Warriors Family Assistance Program, launched by the American Legion Auxiliary, comes to the direct aid of veterans and their families in New York State. Veterans and their families can apply for up to $1,500 in aid in maintenance grants, medical grants and employment opportunities. Any veteran who has served honorably within the last four years, or is currently serving in one of the Armed Forces, and is a NYS resident, is eligible to apply. All grants are non-repayable. For an application or more information, call (800) 421-6348.

Free Career Information Seminars
Lehman College Office of Continuing Education is holding free career information seminars for its non-credit certificate programs. For dates, times and locations of seminars, please call (718) 960-8512 or visit www.lehman.edu.ce.

Computer Classes at Williamsbridge Oval
The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, 3225 Reservoir Oval E., is holding computer classes on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn how to use the internet and MS Office software. For more information, contact Albert Davis or Tuwanda Ruffin at (718) 654-1851.

Free Prescription $aver Card
The NY State Health Department is accepting applications for the free New York Prescription $aver Card. The program offers discounts on thousands of prescription medications. It will serve low-income New Yorkers who are disabled or between the ages of 50 and 64. To be eligible, income for single individuals must be $35,000 or less, and $50,000 or less for married individuals. Medicaid and EPIC recipients are not eligible for the Prescription $aver Card. To learn more or apply, visit www.nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com or call (800) 788-6917. (TTY users should call (800) 290-9138.) Applications are also available at pharmacies.

Couples Needed for Research Study
Doctors at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center are looking for healthy couples between the ages of 22 and 50, and in a monogamous relationship for at least six months, to participate in a research study. The study will test a vaginal gel and the couple will be screened for sexually transmitted infections. Females will have a gynecologic exam and vaginal fluid collected and males will have a genital exam. Female volunteers will have four visits and be reimbursed $60 per visit, and males volunteers will have three visits and will be reimbursed $40 per visit. Females must be using hormonal contraception. All visits will take place at the Albert Einstein General Clinical Research Center. For more information, call Julie at (718) 430-3253 or email microbicide@aecom.yu.edu.

English, Citizenship and Computer Classes
-MS 80 at 149 E. Mosholu Pkwy N., is offering English as a Second Language (ESL) and General Equivalency Diploma (GED) classes. For those interested, or if you have any questions, call Mrs. Alejandro at (718) 405-6300 ext. 1131.

-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.

-Fordham University, 557 E. Fordham Rd., is currently holding free computer and English Language classes for parents, 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.

Senior Employment
The American Association of Retired Person (AARP) and the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) are assisting low-income Bronx residents, 55 and older, to receive employment through their outreach, training, and internship programs. For more information, call AARP located at 384 E. 149th St., Ste. 608 at (718) 585-2500.

MS 80 Needs Love
MS 80 is asking parents and community members to show some love and volunteer for just an hour each week. The school needs mentors, math and reading tutors, part-time coaches and volunteers to help with cafeteria duty. For more information, call Ms. Alejandro (718) 405-6300 ext. 111.

MMCC Grade School & Teen Programs at Tracey Towers
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center is accepting registration for their free after school program at Tracey Towers, 40 W. Mosholu Pkwy. The program meets Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. and is open to children in the third through sixth grades. From 6:30 to 9 p.m., the free Teen Center is open for youth ages 12 to 18. Programs include homework help, computers, arts and crafts, sports, acting, and quiet games. To register, stop by the Youth Community Room on the second floor of Tracey Towers and speak to Antoine Fields, or call him at (917) 482-5039.

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.

Free Career Workshops
The State University of New York, located at 3950 Laconia Ave., is offering free career workshops, including job readiness training, resume and cover letter preparation, help with job searches and computer skills, job placement assistance, an Office Skills Certificate Program, college prep and more. For more information, call (718) 547-1001 or visit www.NBX.SUNYEOC.org.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adult ESL Level 1and 2 Classes
Beginning September 2009 through June 2010, P.S. 94x will be offering Level 1 and 2 ESL classes on Tuesday and Thursdays from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. For more information, contact Ms. Seminario, at (347) 563-4772 or (718) 405- 6345. You can also come to room 201 for more information and for sign up.

 

By Judy Noy

Onstage

The Bronx Library Center, located at 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. off Fordham Road, hosts Traditional Music and Dance From West Africa, Nov. 21 at 2:30 p.m.; and Papo Pepin y Su Orchestra, Nov. 28 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46.

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents Street Beat featuring urban rhythm, hip hop and break dance performed by musicians and dancers, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. ($10 to $25; $10/children 12 and under); The Nutcracker performed by the Moscow Classical Ballet, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. ($25 to $35; $10/children 12 and under); and Navidad Para El Pueblo choreographed by Danza Fiesta, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. ($30 to $45). For more information, call (718) 960-8833.

Bronx Council on the Arts BRIO (Bronx Recognizes Its Own) award winners, BxIndie musicians pianist Maxim Pakhomov and cellist Teresa Kubiak, will perform a free concert of classical music at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium, across from Josie Robertson Plaza and the Revson Fountain on Broadway between West 62nd and 63rd streets, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. For more information, call (718) 931-9500 ext. 33.

“You Can’t Take It With You,” will be performed by the Drama Club at the Ursuline School, 1354 North Ave., New Rochelle, in the Frank J. Auriana Theatre, Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10/adults; $8/seniors/children and can be purchased at the door. For more information or to reserve, call Dakota at (914) 708-9312.

Events

The JASA Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, located at 3880 Sedgwick Ave., presents a Mexican Thanksgiving Celebration, Nov. 24, which will include lunch at 12:15 p.m. followed by the Acapulco-90 Mariachi Band at 1 p.m. Suggested contribution is $4. For more information or RSVP, call (718) 549-4700.

The Harlem River Ecology Center, located at the southern end of Roberto Clemente State Park, presents its 4th annual Giving Thanks “Native American Circle,” Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Events include a turkey give-away, cultural performances, and more. For more information, call (347) 224-5687/5828.

Wave Hill, located at West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, offers two family art projects: Cornhusk Creations, to learn how cornhusk dolls came to be and to make a cornhusk doll family, Nov. 21 and 22 at 1 and 2:30 p.m.; and Papermaking Party, to use paper, fibers, dried leaves and other natural materials to make your own creation, Nov. 28 and 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.; both in the Kerlin Learning Center. For more information, call (718) 549-3200 or visit www.wavehill.org.

The New York Botanical Garden presents several events this fall: The Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden offers Gardens ‘Round the World featuring Caribbean Garden, a pinwheel-shaped plot garden featuring Caribbean crops. The Holiday Train Show will take place from Nov. 21 through Jan. 10 and features a display of New York landmark replicas created out of plant materials, as well as model trains. For more information and a detailed schedule, call (718) 817-8700 or visit nybg.org.

The Bronx River Art Center, together with the NYC Department of Transportation, present an abstract wooden art sculpture, Aurora, 14 feet tall, 11 feet wide and 11 feet deep, to be on view for 11 months at the center of West Farms Square Plaza located at the base of the West Farms Square/East Tremont Avenue subway station on the corner of East Tremont Avenue and Boston Road, one block away from BRAC which is located at 1087 E. Tremont Ave. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/urbanart.

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. The next trip is Dec. 2. For more information, call (718) 931-9500 ext. 33 or log on to www.bronxarts.org.

Exhibits

The New York Botanical Garden presents Ex Libris: Treasures From the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, highlighting some rarely seen items demonstrating botany and horticulture from the 12th century to the present, through Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and The Presence of Trees, photographs of trees in all seasons, by Larry Lederman, in the Ross Gallery (ongoing exhibit). For more information, call (718) 817-8700 or visit nybg.org.

The Museum of Bronx History, located at 3266 Bainbridge Ave. (at 208th Street), presents The Bronx: Then and Now, a comparison of the Bronx of today with that of the 19th century, via prints and photographs; and Edgar Allan Poe – A Bicentennial Celebration,.to learn about Poe, his life and his time spent in the Bronx; both through April 15. For more information, call the Bronx County Historical Society at (718) 881-8900.

Beyond Appearances, an exhibition bringing together a group of approximately 40 artists, includes painting, drawing, sculpture, video, and installation, will be on display Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Dec. 11 at the Lehman College Art Gallery, Fine Arts Building, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W. For more information, call (718) 960-8731.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street, presents an exhibition series commemorating the Grand Concourse’s centennial, featuring The Grand Concourse Commissions, through Jan. 4. Originally called the Grand Boulevard, the Grand Concourse celebrates its 100th year in 2009. For more information, call (718) 681-6000 ext. 120, or visit www.bronxmuseum.org.

Library Events

The Bronx Library Center has events for all ages:
For children and preschoolers, there is Preschool Romp, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.;.films, Nov. 25 at 4 p.m.; and Toddler Story Time, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m.

Also, for school-aged children, there is Make a Handprint Turkey, Nov. 19 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., hosts Toddler Story Time, Dec. 3 at 10:30 a.m.; and Reading Aloud, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.; both for children. For more information, call (718) 882-8239.

The Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames Place, presents Make Jewelry With Jailin Acevedo, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m., for young adults; and Toddler Story Time, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m.; and Reading Aloud, Fridays at 4 p.m.; both for children. For more information, call (718) 549-5200.
 
NOTE: Items for consideration should be received in our office by Nov. 23 for the next publication date of Dec. 3.

By Molly Ryan

Earlier this fall, Williamsbridge Oval Park played host to the third annual “Challengers at Montefiore Sports Day”—a physical activity event for wheelchair bound spinal cord injury and disorder patients. 

Dr. Maya Therattil, the head of the “Challengers at Montefiore” spinal cord injury support group and the director of the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Service at Montefiore Medical Center, organized Sports Day with the help of the “Challengers.” Popular activities included bowling, an obstacle course and bag tossing.

According to Therattil, the sporting event provided a “fun, active, competitive and safe” activity for 30 of her patients.

 “I look forward to this every year,” said David Mereno, a spinal cord patient.

Another patient and a group leader for the “Challengers at Montefiore,” Cecilia Lugo, said that all of the different games are her favorite part of Sports Day. “A lot of [spinal cord patients] don’t go out because of the wheelchairs and because of fear,” Lugo said. 

 “We needed a sporting event,” said Therattil. “Many patients don’t get to go to gyms.”

“About four or five years ago we started going to Dr. Therattil and it was the best thing that happened to us,” said Stephanie Petrizzini, a mother of a son with a rare spinal cord disease.

“Dr. Therattil has been a godsend,” said Moreno. “She is very compassionate and I look forward to seeing her.”

By Alex Gibbons

On Saturday morning, under an overcast sky at the Adlai Stevenson High School in the south Bronx, the DeWitt Clinton Governors football team played their last game of the season. The Governors lost to the fifth-seeded Curtis Warriors of Staten Island in the city quarterfinals, 20-8.

The game started with a bang when Clinton senior running back Anthony Smith returned the game’s opening kick for a 69-yard touchdown. Senior Kwaku Duah earned the Governors two more points off the conversion and the Governors maintained an 8-6 lead the end of the first half.

The Curtis defense effectively shut down Clinton’s offense in the second half. A successful nine-yard run by senior James Gardner gave the Warriors a third-quarter lead of 14-8. In the fourth quarter, after a light mist had descended on the field, Gardner returned again, running in a 26-yard touchdown to seal Curtis’ lead at 20-8.

Clinton Coach Howard Langley was saddened by the loss, as the Clinton boys worked hard all season, running past the competition with a 9-1 record.

“They’re a great group of kids, but [Curtis] had a little more than we did,” Langley said. “That we took a lot of these kids from scratch and have gotten this far is testament to the awesome teamwork and effort of this team.”

“What counts is not the result,” said Langley to his team in a post-game huddle, “but the effort, the battle.”

Clinton played an outstanding season, losing only once before Curtis. During the course of the season, Clinton beat their Bronx rivals, the John F. Kennedy Knights for the first time in 11 years in an Oct. 16 game. On Nov. 8, the Governors beat the Flushing Red Devils of Queens to advance to the quarterfinals. This was their second consecutive quarterfinals appearance. Clinton will graduate 17 members from this team.

Curtis will play the undefeated Fort Hamilton Tigers in the semifinals this Saturday.

By None

While I do agree with Sally Dunford (“Don’t Blame Residents for Norwood’s Woes,” Oct. 22 issue) that you need to follow the money to get to the root of the problem, ultimately it lies in the individual and family. The reason why Norwood is heading downhill is because of the bad-quality, non-working tenants with issues moving in which forces working middle-class families to flee because it is no longer a nice place to raise a family.

Forget being “politically correct” for a minute and let’s not sugarcoat anything. The overall tenant transplants currently moving into Norwood are people from the street with a lifestyle that is poisonous to our community. And that needs to stop if you care about the future of Norwood. The way they conduct themselves reflects on the community. It deters nice working middle-class families from moving in and goes against preserving the working middle-class in Norwood. Bad tenants make bad neighborhoods. Is every low-income person a bad person? No, but you can’t deny the presence of the “bad apple” low-income people who create nuisances in our lovely Norwood community.

When you see young people outside hanging out, sitting on parked cars, acting loud, selling drugs, smoking weed and writing graffiti, do you blame the “policymakers” for their disorderly conduct or the teens’ parents for allowing that type of behavior to occur (because they’re too busy doing something else) that’s apparently more important than raising well mannered, educated and respectable kids? Using the “I’m poor” excuse does not justify that type of “ghetto” behavior which brings down the quality of life in Norwood.

You can be raised in a poor household and become the next president of the United States if you really want to. That’s the beauty of living in America.

There’s no denying that the overall market rents in the Bronx are the most affordable rents in all five boroughs. That’s a good thing.

The problem is Section 8 has now made it so financially attractive for Bronx landlords to take in Section 8 tenants because the maximum Section 8 will pay for any apartment is about $200 higher than what a Bronx landlord can rent the apartment for to a middle-class tenant. This means a once middle-class community like Norwood can easily be transformed into a subsidized, public assistance oasis for low-income people with issues. Bronx landlords are also to blame due to their incompetent and lax screening process (if any) and lack of building rules enforcement,

The real goal here is to preserve the hardworking, family-friendly, middle-class in Norwood because they are the engine of our economy. You have middle-class, working families who struggled, got off their rear ends, paid their dues, went to school, got a degree and did whatever it took to earn enough money to support their families. These are the same people that are willing to pay a little more in rent as long as the neighborhood provides a clean and safe place to raise their children. Take that away from them and they’ll move elsewhere. The rent may be a bit higher elsewhere but the neighborhood will be cleaner, safer and a much nicer place to raise a family. After all, you get what you pay for.

You can’t have both.

Robert Lopez
Norwood

The writer is responding to a letter in a previous issue of the Norwood News which was a response to his initial letter in the Sept. 24 issue. –Ed.

By Editorial

The Parks Department has not acted in the public interest in the case of Harris Field.

If Norwood News reporter Megan Taylor hadn’t stopped by Harris in October and talked with construction workers, who told her that heavy metals were found at the site, we probably still wouldn’t know anything about it.

Two weeks ago, Parks did tell the Croton Facilities Monitoring Committee (CFMC) that a consultant is assessing the problem. In the meantime, Parks will only say the contamination is from “urban fill,” and their legal department told us it will be at least another month before they answer our Freedom of Information Law Request for documents pertaining to the discovery of the metals.

Maybe this isn’t a big problem and the contamination will be easily remediated.

But that’s not the point.

Harris Field is heavily used, particularly by youth baseball leagues that need to plan their seasons months in advance. Last year, Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, which relies heavily on Harris, fielded its teams there but permits were revoked two weeks later to make way for construction. As a result, hundreds of children were unable to participate in the league.

This time, no one told MMCC about the contamination problem, likely throwing their upcoming season into disarray yet again.

At the CFMC meeting, Parks said the fields will be ready by spring, but couldn’t commit to a date.

Parks officials should have picked up the phone and called MMCC when they discovered the problem and its possible effects on the baseball leagues and other programs that use the park.

Also on that list should have been Lehman College and the Bronx High School of Science, whose campuses surround Harris. It’s both common courtesy and a matter of public safety.

The Parks Department should understand this: residents are not as upset with the contaminations and the delays it has caused as they are with the communication blackout and the lack of respect shown the community that this city agency exists to serve.

By Alex Kratz

Palestinian Mahmoud Zaghari is part owner of 205 Grocery, which was destroyed in the Bainbridge Avenue fire. He poured his family’s savings into the grocery store, which he and the other owners were planning on converting into a deli.

He’s also living in this country on a student visa while he completes his business degree at DeVry University. Without income from his business to pay for tuition, Zaghari says he will have to leave the country without finishing his degree.

To help him pay for his classes and stay in the country, Sally Dunford, of the nonprofit West Bronx Housing, which is also located on Bainbridge, is soliciting donations.

If you want to help out, send checks to West Bronx Housing and Neighborhood Resource Center, 3176 Bainbridge Ave., Bronx, NY 10467. (Write fire fund in the memo line.)

By Alex Kratz

On Monday morning, Bainbridge Bakery owner John Mirdita looked down on the wreckage of his store from the roof of a nearby apartment building.

He pointed out the remnants of the $40,000 stove that his family had just bought for the bakery’s re-opening, which never happened.

He also saw a man wearing all black and a Yankees cap rifling through the wreckage of what was once Dunkin’ Donuts, located just a few doors down from where his bakery used to be. He was cutting up piping and digging for other salvageable materials. Mirdita called the police, but they couldn’t find him anywhere.

“He could be compromising the investigation,” Mirdita said, fully aware that the Fire Department had yet to announce the cause of the fire.

Earlier in the day, the Buildings Department slapped a violation on the site, wedged between particle boards, because the landlord failed to secure the burned-out buildings from public access.

By Norwood News

2009 Election Results

Mayor
Michael Bloomberg: 557,059 votes, 51.61%
William Thompson: 506,717 votes, 46.04%

Comptroller
John Liu: 696,330 votes, 75.98%
Joseph Mendola: 176,847 votes, 19.30%

Public Advocate
Bill de Blasio: 672,383 votes, 73.86%
Alex Zablocki: 156,882 votes, 17.93%

Bronx Boro President
Ruben Diaz, Jr.: 87,436 votes, 86.87%
Allison Oldak: 13,216 votes, 13.13%

City Council District 11
Oliver Koppell: 13,426 votes, 79.09%
Stylo Sapaskis: 2,808 votes, 16.54%

City Council District 14
Fernando Cabrera: 6,669 votes, 87.11%
Yessenia Duran: 818 votes, 10.68%

City Council District 15
Joel Rivera: 6,938 votes, 96.64%
Steven Stern: 241 votes, 3.36%

By Norwood News

•    The Community District 10 Education Council meets on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at MS 306, 40 W. Tremont Ave. Topics will include: a presentation on new schools and the Educational Impact Statement. For more information, call (718) 741-5836 or e-mail CEC10@schools.nyc.gov.
•    The Bedford-Mosholu Community Organization will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. at 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy. S., Apt. B1 (lobby floor). All are welcome.

By Alex Kratz

On Tuesday night, Greg Faulkner announced he would be stepping down from his position as chairman of Community Board 7 to become 14th District Councilman-elect Fernando Cabrera’s chief of staff.

Faulkner was one of the key figures behind Cabrera’s upset victory over incumbent Maria Baez in September’s Democratic primary.

Since taking over as chairman in 2005, Faulkner has increased membership and forged a more activist role for the board, which is made up of volunteer residents.

Vice Chairman Paul Foster will step in as interim chairman until the board votes in a new chairman in a special election sometime early next year. Faulkner will also be stepping down from his job as director of student life at La Guardia Community College.

By Katie Riordan

There may be a sign of relief in the distance for homeowners crippled by what many have called New York’s foreclosure crisis.

A bill sponsored by State Senator Jeffrey Klein, that offers more protection and resources to those on the brink of foreclosure and toughens regulations on lending institutions, passed the Senate on Monday.

“Since I first saw signs of the foreclosure crisis crippling my community two years ago, I have made homeowner and tenant protection a top priority,” said Klein, who represents Westchester and parts of the Bronx.   

The bill, which was already approved by the Assembly, includes five different measures, two of which were already passed this year, but are being strengthened and incorporated into this piece of legislation.   

The first requires lending institutions to maintain foreclosed property, a component of that bill that according to Klein’s office would “protect neighboring property values and prevent health hazards that surround an unkempt foreclosed home.”  The second piece mandates that tenants be notified at least 90 days in advance before legal action is taken on foreclosed property.

The bill also seeks to improve the efficiency of court-based settlement conferences that allow lenders and homeowners to negotiate loan modifications to keep their homes.

Another provision of the proposal that Klein’s office says will prevent foreclosures “helps identify distressed homeowners as soon as possible so they can receive effective counseling.”  Finally, the bill prohibits all distressed property consultants from accepting fees upfront and requires them to disclose all fees. 

The bill is awaiting the governor’s signature.  

By Molly Ryan

Two weeks ago, Mayor Bloomberg narrowly secured his third term in office, no thanks to Bronx voters. 

Unofficial election results show the majority of Bronx electoral districts voted overwhelmingly in favor of Bloomberg’s Democratic challenger, Bill Thompson. Now, as Bloomberg begins his third term as mayor, he faces a divided city and a discontented Bronx.

“If any borough were going to go for Thompson, it would have been the Bronx. The ratio of Democrats to Republicans is greatest in the Bronx,” said Bruce Berg, a Fordham University Political Science professor who specializes in New York City politics. “There was generally an anti-incumbent view [in this year’s elections], and maybe that was why Bloomberg’s victory was not as projected.”

“African-Americans broke strongly for Thompson, and the Hispanic vote went slightly for Thompson,” Berg said.

The Norwood News interviewed dozens of Bronx voters to find out why they voted for one candidate or the other.

“We wanted someone new,” said one Norwood resident, whose electoral district defeated Bloomberg 122 to 61. “Thompson is more for the people’s needs. We are looking for someone who is for the working class.”

Others believe that Bloomberg angered a number of Bronx voters.

“Voters clearly were reacting to his handling of the term limits issue and the amount of money he is spending on his campaign,” said Dick Dadey, the executive director of Citizens Union, an organization that supported Bloomberg’s reelection campaign.

Many Bronx voters agreed with this analysis. “He has money and money can buy anything,” said Dorothy, a Norwood resident who supported Thompson.

As for why some residents chose to vote for Bloomberg, multiple voters said they did not have enough information about Thompson’s campaign. “People know Bloomberg. They don’t know Thompson,” said Deneice Allen, a Tremont resident.

Other Bronx Bloomberg supporters cited the mayor’s positive record. A Bedford Park resident said, “I think generally he has done a great job keeping crime low and developing abandoned properties.”

“We know what to expect from Bloomberg,” said Joanna Soto, a Fordham resident.

Bronx voters were split mostly along class lines. Thompson enjoyed exceptional support in low-income areas such as Wakefield, Morris Heights and University Heights. In several Wakefield and Morris Heights electoral districts, Thompson defeated Bloomberg with over 70 percent of the vote. On the other hand, Bloomberg won just as easily in traditionally wealthier areas of the Bronx, including Riverdale and Morris Park.

Supporters from both camps expect the mayor to change the borough for the better.

“Now, the challenge is to create jobs,” said one Bedford Park resident, pointing out the borough’s 13.3 percent unemployment rate, one of the state’s highest.

Other residents said they are looking for the mayor to improve education, affordable housing, reduce potholes and crime and monitoring the city’s police.

Kimley Jones, a Fordham resident, said, “If he’s going to be there another four years, he needs to do something.”

By Alex Kratz

Phyllis Reed, a longtime Bronx activist with grand ambitions and a matching work ethic, always appeared to be in a hurry. For the last 13 years of her life, she was working under the toughest of deadlines. Doctors called it cancer. She treated it as motivation.

“I always felt that she was trying to beat a clock,” said Pat Woods, one of her closest friends. “Like there’s never enough time in the day. She was always going.”

Reed, 66, passed away quietly on Aug. 31 at the Jewish Home and Hospital on Kingsbridge Road, just blocks from the Kingsbridge Armory, the vacant palace Reed believed could transform the community. In recent years, Reed worked tirelessly to beautify the green spaces surrounding the facility.

Because Reed rarely talked about her health problems, it took weeks for the news of her death to circulate among friends.

Born in New York City on Feb. 18, 1943, Reed spent her early childhood in Ocilia, Georgia, where she was raised by her aunt and uncle. Reed’s daughter, Allison Richardson, says it was under their guardianship that her mother “developed a solid spiritual foundation and recognized the power that nurturing others with love and compassion could provide in building one’s character and confidence.”

Reed eventually moved back to New York in the 1970s. She raised a daughter and created one of the first black-owned advertising agencies that catered to minority-owned businesses. Her firm, Dalmatian Enterprises, Inc., provided up-and-coming minority businesses with media exposure. One of her efforts, dubbed “Dalmatian 100s — Making It in New York,” canvassed the city’s buses and trains with images of successful black entrepreneurs.

Later in life, Reed, a voracious reader and researcher, attended Fordham University, where she founded the National Forum for the Applied Media Arts and Sciences (NFAMAS), a nonprofit group dedicated to helping college students in their artistic endeavors.

The group provided internships and grants, as well as after-school and summer programs.

Doctors gave her just a few years after her diagnosis. She stretched it to 13. “It was through her drive and determination that she was able to battle this disease for so long,” Richardson said.
Reed, who lived in Mount Hope near Burnside Avenue, adopted the Kingsbridge area as the place where she would direct much of her energy. She joined the Kingsbridge Heights Neighborhood Improvement Association and the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition. Last year, she became a member of Community Board 7. (When her sickness kept her in bed, CB7 Chair Greg Faulkner said Reed would call him all the time to ask about what she had missed at meetings and how she could help.)

Reed became enamored with what she considered the magnificent beauty of the Kingsbridge Armory, an enormous castle-like structure in the middle of a bustling and diverse neighborhood.

She believed the Armory, which has remained vacant since the National Guard left in 1994 (there is a proposal to turn the structure into a shopping mall), could be turned into a transformative community resource.

“She thought big,” Richardson said. “And she was a fire starter. She could ignite people.”

The Armory, Reed believed, could be a great agent of change. “She used to get so excited,” Richardson said. “She thought, ‘this could be the hub of the community.’”

Reed’s contribution was to beautify the exterior grounds, which has long been a magnet for trash. Richardson said her mother’s thinking was: “I’m going to plant this garden and they’re going to pay attention.”

For the past few years, starting in the fall of 2005, passersby may have seen Reed or any number of volunteers, working in what would become known as Kingsbridge Armory International Village Garden — planting flowers, herbs and vegetables, weeding, fertilizing, creating paths or installing benches.

The garden “consumed her,” Woods said. “It was also a peace of mind for her.”

“She was all about making things prettier and better,” said fellow Kingsbridge activist Liz Thompson.

The garden has hosted events like barbecues and Christmas tree giveaways.

As her health worsened, Reed continued to think about the garden and the Armory. “Anytime she could get somebody to take her out [to the garden], she would, even though she knew it wasn’t good for her [physically],” Woods said.

The fate of the Armory garden is still very much up in the air, but for now, in Reed’s absence, a host of community volunteers maintain its appearance.

“She believed that if she could just get enough people together,” Richardson said, “she could get them to focus not on what they don’t have, but what they can become.”

By Jordan Moss and Molly Ryan

Requiring developers of city property to guarantee a living wage for retail employees may have seemed far-fetched to some observers six months ago.

Not anymore.

At the City Council’s hearing on the Related Companies’ proposal to turn the Kingsbridge Armory into a giant shopping mall, virtually the entire Zoning and Franchising Subcommittee, (which will be the only Council committee to hold a hearing on the project) grilled company representatives on the living wage issue.

Council Member Larry Seabrook, who sits on the committee and represents the northeast Bronx, said that overall unemployment figures don’t reflect the vast numbers of jobless in the borough’s African American and Latino communities — a figure he cited as 55 percent. He said he believed the project would not be harmed by a living wage requirement. “I don’t think providing living wages will destroy the project,” he said.

Another member of the committee, Eric Gioia of Queens, said the only way that workers will survive on a minimum wage is if “the government subsidizes workers through food stamps.” He added that without a community benefits agreement (CBA), Related will “keep the neighborhood poor.”

Meanwhile, the Bloomberg administration, which presented a united front with Related, held to their position that the proposed deal with Related (which includes millions in tax breaks and bargain-basement price tag of $5 million for the facility) is the best that can be achieved.

“We have the best project we can possibly get,” said Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber. “We want to make sure we don’t miss this opportunity to begin construction.”

And Related spokesman Jesse Masyr told the committee that requiring living wage jobs ($10 an hour with benefits) was not realistic. The retailers “can go anywhere else in the Bronx,” he said, adding later, “We wouldn’t be doing any justice promising something we can’t guarantee.

Other members pressing Related on the living wage were Robert Jackson, Albert Vann, Helen Sears and Joel Rivera, who has taken a leadership role among the Council delegation in opposing the project without a negotiated CBA.

“In my book, this is an economic exploitation project,” Rivera said. Later he said, “We need to change the conversation with the administration.”

Even Council Member Oliver Koppell, who has been the least enthusiastic about a living wage requirement among the Bronx Council delegation, put the heat on Related. Citing a New York Times story from that morning about other cities that have had living wage agreements, Koppell, who doesn’t sit on Zoning and Franchises, told the company, “I would like to see a presentation that shows me why [living wages] cannot be financed.” He also suggested that the Council might want to pass a living wage law.

The hearing room was packed with members of the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance (KARA), which includes union members as well as local residents and activists. Members of construction unions, however, spoke in favor of supporting Related’s plans even without a CBA.

Because the committee felt it needed more time to question city officials, they have scheduled a public meeting on Nov. 23, but the public will not be able to testify.

The nine members of Zoning and Franchises, which is chaired by KARA supporter Tony Avella of Queens, as well as the full Land Use Committee, must vote on the project by Dec. 9.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who has taken a firm stance on the living wage requirement, summed up his argument, which seems to be gaining traction just as Mayor Bloomberg, whose mayoralty has been defined by its partnership with developers, suits up for a third term.

“I do want to see new jobs created in my borough,” Diaz testified. “But these jobs must be created in the right way. The old model, that any job is better than no job, is no longer acceptable.”

Ed. Note: For daily updates on the Kingsbridge Armory project, visit bronxnewsnetwork.org.

By Alex Kratz

While tenants scramble to relocate and survive, the landlord of the fire-gutted commercial building on Bainbridge Avenue is taking her time deciding what to do with the property. 

“We’re planning to rebuild, of course,” said Evylin Jacobson on Tuesday morning. But, she said she hadn’t decided on what the renovated building would look like or whether it would be commercial or residential. “We really don’t have any plans,” she said.

Although she wished her tenants luck, she would not commit to leaving space open for them to return.  “I’m hoping that everyone will have a decent life,” Jacobson said.  “I really wish the best for them. They were the best tenants you could ever have.”   

By Alex Kratz

Family, friends and local residents continue to search for reasons why 13-year-old Judah Agyemang jumped to his death from his family’s apartment on the 21st floor of Tracey Towers, a high-rise residential complex on Mosholu Parkway.

Police have not officially classified the case as a suicide, but from talking with family and acquaintances, it is clear Judah took his own life. But why? Details of the events leading up to his death offer only partial clues. 

On Monday, Nov. 9, at around 4:30 in the afternoon, Judah was sent home early from an after-school program at his school, Our Lady of Angels, which is run by a group called Camp Interactive.
Instructors said the youngster was exhibiting unusual behavior. “He wasn’t making much sense in what he was saying,” Jesus Galvez told the Daily News, the day after his death. “He was engaged and then disengaged.” He added, “It wasn’t his normal behavior.”

Judah’s mother, Augustina Agyemang, met her son in front of Tracey Towers and the two went up to their apartment on the 21st floor. According to friends of the family who have spoken with the mother, Judah wanted to go play basketball, his favorite sport. But his mother told him he needed to eat something before he could play and began cooking some rice and soup in the kitchen.

While cooking, Augustina Agyemang heard the door to the balcony slam and immediately rushed over to the balcony. She told family members that she saw Judah tumbling to the ground. In her rush to get down the stairs (the elevator wasn’t coming quickly enough), she fractured her foot, said Judah’s aunt, Mary Boakye.

He landed just 20 feet away from the entrance to the building. When paramedics arrived soon after, they pronounced Judah dead at the scene.

The family and his school community have been mourning ever since. On Tuesday, grief counselors talked with Judah’s classmates and teachers at Our Lady of Angels. On Friday night, residents at Tracey broke into groups to discuss the tragedy with counselors from Montefiore Medical Center and Bronx Lebanon Hospital.

Our Lady of Angels principal Sister Mary Cleary said Judah was a good kid and an average student. She said “he had an absolutely beautiful smile” and “was very friendly, he had a lot of friends.”
The family is holding a wake on Friday afternoon at Ortiz Funeral Home on Fordham Road and the Grand Concourse.

By Alex Kratz

The Mirdita family, owners of the Bainbridge Bakery, a popular local establishment that burned down along with nine other businesses in a horrific Halloween morning fire, is upset and angry.

Their business, which they’ve operated in the Bronx for 30 years and on Bainbridge Avenue for the past 18, went up in smoke for the second time in six months.

Following a mysterious fire in April, the family spent months and hundreds of thousands of dollars putting their bakery back together. Just two days before they were to re-open (and start being insured again), another fire of unknown origin is forcing them to start over yet again. This time, there is no insurance money and, for the foreseeable future, no place to rebuild.

On Monday morning, outside the remnants of the bakery, matriarch Anna Mirdita was inconsolable. She felt “terrible,” she said. “The city is no help. No one is helping us. No one.”

A week after the fire, local Community Board 7 and other local groups got all the fire victims, including Mirdita, into a room with representatives from banks, small business groups and various city and state agencies.

The agency representatives said they would work hard to get the victims back up and running. There were banks in attendance to talk about securing loans for rebuilding. The state insurance agency worked with merchants in a private room. Dina Minz, of the city’s Department of Small Business Services, said her agency would help business owners apply for loans, get temporary work and find other tax abatement and incentive programs.

The somber merchants tried to be appreciative of the efforts, but many were skeptical that things would turn in their favor.

Mir Mansur, who has owned and operated Neighborhood Gift and Wireless for the past three years, said he had no insurance and wasn’t sure anyone could help him or what he would do next. “Ask yourself how you would feel,” he said. “My money, everything, is in that store.”

The owners of Latin restaurant El Diamante did have insurance, but “not enough,” said Francisco Diaz. He had recently just put in new booths and seating as well as a $20,000 air conditioner. Diaz and his partners own two other restaurants, one on Webster Avenue and another on Jerome, which will keep them afloat while they look for a new location.

But finding space is another thing. There are few vacant locations on Bainbridge and 204th Street, but last week, Diaz said they were looking at possibly renting the space on Bainbridge and Van Cortlandt, near Williamsbridge Oval Park, that was most recently home to the nightclub El Noche.

Sun Yun, whose family had owned and operated the fish market that has existed on Bainbridge for more than a decade, said the representatives had been helpful and that she was hoping to secure a loan. But like the rest of the merchants, she didn’t know where they would relocate.

Nabil Naser, part owner of 205 Grocery sounded a more upbeat tone, despite the fact that he and his business partners had no insurance. “It’s devastating, but, as they say, stuff happens for a reason, hopefully not a bad reason,” he said. “You stick around, good things might happen.”

Since the meeting, Mirdita and her son, John, who is part owner of the bakery, say they have received little help from any of the agencies or business groups that they spoke with at the meeting.

“You talk to one person, they tell you to talk to someone else or call a different agency,” Mirdita said.

John Mirdita said Small Business Services offered to give them a $1,000 loan. “What can you do with $1,000?” he said. “You can’t even get a one-room apartment with $1,000.”

They said they would be forced to sell their house just to survive.

With no answers in sight, the Mirdita family was left with only questions.

“What are we going to do?” John Mirdita said. “Where are we going to go?”

Out & About

By Judy Noy

Onstage

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. ($45 to $60); and Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. ($25 to $35; $10/ages 12 and under); For more information, call (718) 960-8833.

The Four Seasons Symphony Orchestra will perform its inaugural concert featuring classical music and a medley of American favorites at Lehman College’s Lovinger Theatre, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W. on Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15/general admission; $10/seniors; $5/students. For more information, call (718) 548-1444 or (212) 724-4476.

The Bronx Arts Ensemble presents pianist Irina Morozova performing at 5020 Goodridge Ave., Nov. 15. For details, call (718) 601-7399 or visit www.bronxartsensemble.org.

The Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance (BAAD), located at 841 Barretto St. presents its BlakTino Performance Series including All the Ladies Say, featuring a hip-hop duo performing music, jamming, art, and a sneak peek screening of “All the Ladies Say,” a documentary highlighting female street dancers, all followed by an after party with an open jam, Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. ($5 to $25 suggested donations). For more details and additional programs, call (718) 842-5223.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts, located at 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street, presents Latin Soundscapes, as part of its First Fridays program, featuring Ibrahim Gonzalez and his Latin Jazz Quintet, Nov. 6, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the lower gallery of the South Building. For more information, call (718) 681-6000 ext. 120.

Events

The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, located at 3880 Sedgwick Ave., hosts an indoor bazaar and carnival, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Events will include a live auction, raffles, children’s prizes, door prizes, carnival games, and vendors. For more information, call (718) 884-6105.

Part of the Solution (POTS), a multi-service center for low-income people in the Bronx, will hold a POTS Night at the Bronx Alehouse, the new craft beer bar at 216 W. 238th St., on Nov. 12 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. There will be free hors d’oeuvres, special drink prices and fun. A portion of the proceeds will go to POTS. For more information, call (718) 562-3527 ext. 18.

The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park presents Eastern John Muir Volunteer Day, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. Volunteers are sought to help remove vines from trees, and to plant trees, shrubs, and flowers to minimize the amount of weeds and to beautify the trails. Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground; enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park East and Kepler Avenue. For more information, call (718) 601-1553.

Wave Hill, located at West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, offers two family art projects, Dances With Leaves, to make a crown or costume from leaves and a leaf collage to take home, Nov. 7 and 8; and Harvest Time Hangings, to gather leaves, cones, pods and seed heads to weave them into a wall hanging, Nov. 14 and 15; both in the Kerlin Learning Center from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call (718) 549-3200 or visit www.wavehill.org.

The New York Botanical Garden presents several events this fall: The Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden offers Gardens ‘Round the World featuring Caribbean Garden, a pinwheel-shaped plot garden featuring Caribbean crops. Other programs through Nov. 15 include Kiku in the Japanese Autumn Garden featuring flower displays; Japanese Autumn Adventures featuring educational children’s programming; Taiko Drumming featuring folk music, weekends from 1 to 3 p.m., and Bonsai featuring dwarf trees on display. For more information and a detailed schedule, call (718) 817-8700 or visit nybg.org.

The Bronx County Historical Society invites the community to see the many sights of St. Mary’s Park on a two-hour tour, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. The park has 17th century roots, once having been part of the Jonas Bronck farm settled in 1639. Meet in front of Optical City Xpress, corner of Melrose Avenue and East 149th Street. $10/members; $15/non members. Call for reservations, (718) 881-8900.

Exhibits

The New York Botanical Garden presents Ex Libris: Treasures From the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, highlighting some rarely seen items demonstrating botany and horticulture from the 12th Century to the present, through Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and The Presence of Trees, photographs of trees in all seasons, by Larry Lederman, in the Ross Gallery (ongoing exhibit). For more information, call (718) 817-8700 or visit nybg.org.

The Museum of Bronx History, located at 3266 Bainbridge Ave. (at 208th Street), presents The Bronx: Then and Now, a comparison of the Bronx of today with that of the 19th century, via prints and photographs; and Edgar Allan Poe – A Bicentennial Celebration,.to learn about Poe, his life and his time spent in the Bronx; both through April 15. For more information, call the Bronx County Historical Society at (718) 881-8900.

Beyond Appearances, an exhibition bringing together a group of approximately 40 artists, includes painting, drawing, sculpture, video, and installation, will be on display Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Dec. 11 at the Lehman College Art Gallery, Fine Arts Building, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W. For more information, call (718) 960-8731.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street, presents an exhibition series commemorating the Grand Concourse’s centennial, featuring The Grand Concourse Commissions, through Jan. 4. Originally called the Grand Boulevard, the Grand Concourse celebrates its 100th year in 2009. For more information, call (718) 681-6000 ext. 120, or visit www.bronxmuseum.org.

Library Events

The Bronx Library Center has events for all ages:
For children and preschoolers, there is Preschool Romp, Nov. 5, 7, 12 and 19 at 11 a.m.; Family Time, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m.; and films, Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.
Also, for school-aged children, there is Make a Bookmark, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m.; Icky Sticky Stuff, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m.; Mama From Mars, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.; and Dry Ice Capades, Nov. 14 at 2 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 Jerome Park Library, at 118 Eames Place, presents Storytelling, Nov. 6 at 3:30 p.m.; and Arts and Crafts, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m.; both for school aged children.

NOTE: Items for consideration should be received in our office by Nov. 9 for the next publication date of Nov. 19.

Neighborhood Notes

By Norwood News

Free Personal Finance Course
The University Neighborhood Housing Program is offering a free course in finance at the Concourse House, 2751 Grand Concourse, Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 18 to Dec. 16. It will cover banking, goal setting, budgeting, debt management, credit, and more. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate that can be used at any credit union to open a savings account. RSVP by calling (718) 933-2539.

Bronx Economic Summit
Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr. is hosting the Bronx Economic Summit: A Blueprint for Success, Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New York Botanical Garden. At the summit, Bronx merchants and businesses will join together to discuss future business plans, job training, cultural organizations, forming a green economy and unemployment. Register for the event at http://events.boedc.com/registration-form.

Public Hearing on State Gas Drilling
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is holding a public hearing on their Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement regarding gas drilling across New York State. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan at 345 Chambers St. Doors open at 6 p.m. for individual questions and speaker sign up. Public comments will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.dec.ny/gov/energy/58440.html.

Adult Degree Program
Lehman College, located at 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., is hosting an open house in Carman Hall, basement 08 for its Adult Degree Program on Saturday, Nov. 7 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Information will be provided about financial aid, professional studies and class schedules. For more information, call (718) 960-8666 or visit www.lehman.edu/adultdegree.

Police Officers Honored
Forty Auxiliary Police Officers in the NYPD 52nd Precinct Auxiliary Department received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, honors individuals demonstrating exemplary citizenship through volunteering. The officers will be honored with the award Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. at 1500 Pelham Pkwy. S. (Eastchester entrance).

NMCIR Immigration Assistance
The Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights is offering immigration assistance to Bronxites. There is assistance with U.S. citizenship, family petitions, and travel permits. It is offered at Refuge House, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (718) 484-8294 or email info@NMCIR.org.

Scouting for Girl Scouts
Girls from 5 to 17 years old looking to serve the Bronx community, make friends and learn life skills are encouraged to join the Girl Scouts of the Bronx. For more information about joining a Girl Scout troop, visit www.girlscoutsnyc.org or email webbx@girlscoutsnyc.org.

School Salon Reopened
The School for Professional Beauty Care at Grace Dodge Career and Technical High School, located at 2474 Crotona Ave., has reopened its after-school beauty parlor, The New Image Salon, for the fall semester. The salon, whose services are reasonably priced, is open every Thursday from 2:45 to 5:30 p.m. and is staffed by graduating seniors of the school’s cosmetology program. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 584-2700.

PS/MS 20 School Shirts on Sale
PS/MS 20 requires that all students wear the appropriate uniform shirt. If parents wish, they may buy the shirts directly from PS/MS 20. Parents can call Rosa Rosado at (718) 515-9370 ext. 2154, to request an order form. Shirts for Pre-K to 5th graders are $10, and $12 for 6th to 8th graders.
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.

Fall Into Fitness at MMCC
The Mosholu Montefiore Community Center at 3450 DeKalb Ave. has begun its fall fitness schedule. Classes range from step aerobics and zumba classes to belly dancing. For details and/or to register, call (718) 882-4000 ext. 256 or 280. 

Volunteer at North Bronx Healthcare
The North Bronx Healthcare Network is seeking volunteers for the Sexual Assault Treatment Program run at North Central Bronx Hospital, Jacobi Medical Center, and Lincoln Medical Center. Those interested should be willing to volunteer twice a month and commit to serving the program for one year. For more information, call (718) 519-4788. 
 

Neighborhood’s Great Loss

By Alex Gibbons

Norwood mourns the loss of its neighborhood small businesses due to last Saturday’s fire on Bainbridge Avenue. All of the businesses that have been affected by the fire are neighborhood fixtures. The Fish Market, the Bakery and Sal’s Hillside Meat Market are among the unique businesses in Norwood. Hundreds of Norwood residents have come to rely on these stores for the quality of products and services that they have consistently provided throughout the years. The personal relationship that we have all cultivated with the owners and employees of these establishments are not replaceable. My hope is that these businesses will receive all the support the community and our corresponding elected officials can offer so that they can remain in our neighborhood and not be replaced by some mega-store franchise or overpriced condo. This neighborhood owes its friendly atmosphere in good part to these businesses as well as the folks who shop in the neighborhood because they support local business and believe in promoting what works in our little corner of the Bronx.

Ibrahim González
Norwood

Calling Councilman Koppell

By Alex Gibbons

I experienced several firsts today: It was my first time speaking directly to an elected official (rather than e-mailing, sending a letter, or speaking with an assistant) about an issue of concern to me; it was my first time being yelled at by an elected official; it was my first time telling an elected official to stop yelling at me.

This morning I called Councilman Oliver Koppell’s office to express my desire to see a provision for living-wage jobs in the Community Benefit Agreement being negotiated for the Kingsbridge Armory development. A woman answered the phone and I stated that I was a Norwood resident and would like to speak to Koppell or his deputy chief of staff. She asked me what I wished to speak with him about, and when I told her, she asked me if I was a resident or an advocate. While I replied “resident,” I wondered to myself, what sort of question is that? Aren’t we all advocates when we call our councilperson? Isn’t that what advocacy is – pressing our representatives in government to represent our interests as constituents? Anyway, she took down my name and number and said she would have him call me back.

About 10 minutes later the phone rang and Councilman Koppell was on the other end, explaining that he only had a few minutes, but that we could talk about the issue briefly. I was very impressed to receive a call from Koppell himself within 10 minutes of leaving a message, and I think he should certainly be commended for this.

I explained my concern – that I thought it was really important that provisions be included in the Armory CBA that would require retailers to pay a living wage. He assured me he was doing his best in the negotiations about the CBA and that there were many other provisions they were trying to negotiate. He then shared with me the challenge they are experiencing with the failed development of a small shopping center on 230th near Broadway, which is currently a parking lot. He asked if I knew of it, and when I replied I did not, he recounted for me the proceedings with the developer who was originally going to pay $12 million for the space, but, since the economic decline, now wants the city to hand over the property for nothing. He continued to refer to this as illustrative of what might happen with the Armory.

I replied that I felt the Armory was a project of an entirely different scale, and that I did not feel that the development of the Armory was in jeopardy based on certain provisions being requested in the Community Benefit Agreement.  It is too big and valuable. He disagreed and then proceeded to tell me that he doubted any of my acquaintances were the ones who were out of a job, and instructed me to go talk to a person without a job and ask them whether they wanted to get a minimum wage job or no job at all. While I wonder how Koppell knows anything about my acquaintances, I let the issue slide.  I simply repeated again that I didn’t feel like the negotiations were at the point where the issue of a living wage would jeopardize the entire redevelopment of the Armory.

At that point Councilman Koppell began to speak in a rather raised voice saying “You’re not listening to me.” As I tried to reply he continued to repeat, with increasing levels of volume, his points about the failure of the development on 230th and that I was not listening to his reasoning. I assured him that I understood that there are many things he needs to take into consideration, and that I am not an economist or a policymaker, but I am a constituent. And as a politician his job is to listen to his constituents. He continued.

Finally I interrupted him saying something to the effect of, “Councilman Koppell, I don’t pretend to understand all the aspects of this issue. But I am your constituent and I am expressing that my concern is that there be a living wage provision included in the Armory redevelopment.  Your job is to say ‘Thank you for expressing your concern. I have heard you and I will take it into consideration with all the other things we need to be concerned about in these negotiations.’”  I then made it very clear that I did not appreciate how unprofessional he was being and that he should not be yelling at one of his constituents.

I never imagined when I woke up this morning that I would have so many firsts. Oh, I have another one to add to the list: It was my first time counseling an elected representative how to do (or not do) his job.

Michelle Born
Norwood

Drive Hard Bargain on Armory

By Editorial

Bronx politicians have a choice. They can keep making the same mistake over and over again by letting developers walk all over them (and us).

Or they can send a message that taxpayer subsidies like the tens of millions about to be handed over to the Related Companies to build a mall at the Kingsbridge Armory comes with significant responsibilities.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who has been a breath of fresh air following Adolfo Carrion’s development-at-any-cost tenure, said it best at a recent rally at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church.

“I want to do business in the Bronx,” he said. “But it is not radical to simply say a) we should protect surrounding businesses and b) we should have jobs and living wages. You want to do business, we can do business. But business has to be good for everybody.”

The signs are good that Diaz’s stance and the organizing power of the Kingsbridge Development Alliance will result in an enforceable Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that includes a living wage requirement. Yes, this hasn’t been done anywhere else in this city, but strong CBAs elsewhere in the U.S. are common. Some agreements have guaranteed a living wage for projects similar to the Armory mall.

 We urge the Bronx Council delegation to stick together, back the borough president and present a united front. Councilman Oliver Koppell says he wants a CBA, but he’s been telling constituents he’s not wed to a living wage requirement. He also feels that we can’t put too many restrictions on developers in this economy. We disagree.  Besides, why give away a bargaining chip before serious negotiations on a CBA?

 This is a historic moment. The Bronx can be at the forefront of a movement for economic justice in city neighborhoods. It will soon be up to our elected representatives. We urge them to vote “no” unless Related signs an enforceable benefits document agreed to by all stakeholders.

We Will Recover

By Editorial

The Bainbridge merchants who lost their businesses overnight last weekend were part of all of our lives, whether you picked up salmon at Bainbridge Fish Market, dined on enchiladas at Diamante Poblano, bought your favorite snacks at the European Market, or had your hair done at Betty’s.  Our hearts go out to all the merchants and their employees.

It will be a difficult road to recovery, but we hope that as many of the businesses as possible can reopen or relocate soon.  Elected officials, community leaders and concerned residents have their work cut out for them, and many have already risen to the occasion. The key is follow-up and we pledge to keep you posted in the paper and on our blog (www.bronxnewsnetwork.org) about the latest developments. 

The disappearance of at least 10 stores could mean less foot traffic on the rest of the strip. That would compound this tragedy.  Each of us can make sure that doesn’t happen by shopping in the district whenever possible.

We are heartened by all the good wishes expressed on the blog, in conversations with readers, and just generally the words of concern expressed on the street in the hours and days following the fire.
If we all keep paying attention and helping wherever we can, Norwood will rebound. Let’s get to work.

Flu Vaccine Push At Local Schools

By Katie Riordan

The city began protecting one of its most vulnerable populations, school-aged children, against the H1N1 flu virus last Wednesday with no reported issues by the Health Department. 

About 40 students were vaccinated at PS 51, the Bronx New School in Bedford Park, according to Principal Paul Smith. 

“It went really well,” Smith said.

PS 51, along with 125 other elementary schools citywide (25 of which are in the Bronx), was part of the first phase of the city’s plan to offer free vaccines to all school-aged children. Public elementary schools with populations of less than 400 students are all a part of Phase One. The second phase of the strategy was scheduled to begin Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the majority of schools with a population of 600 or larger. The final phase will be implemented in all remaining schools on Nov. 9. 

The program will last approximately eight weeks and require signed parental consent forms, according to the Health Department. 

The Health Department’s goal is to vaccinate between 30 and 50 percent of elementary school students. The rest, they hope, will look to their primary care physician for inoculation.

A little less than 15 percent of the News School’s 283 students returned the required consent forms for vaccination. But Smith doesn’t credit that to a lack of parent concern or knowledge. 

“Parents have been listening to the news,” he said. “They’re pretty savvy. It’s up to their discretion.”

 Smith said parents are more relaxed and knowledgeable since last spring’s city-wide outbreak. “People are doing the prerequisites like washing their hands,” he said.

Middle and high school students have the option of being vaccinated at weekend clinics in all five boroughs. The locations as well as consent forms in 10 languages can be found on the of Health Department’s Web site, nyc.gov/flu.

Public and Community Meetings

By None

 •    The Community District 10 Education Council will meet at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19. For location and more information, call (718) 741-5836 or e-mail, CEC10@schools.nyc.gov.
•    There is no 52nd Precinct Council meeting in November.
•    Community Board 7 Committee Meetings: The Land Use/Zoning Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Traffic and Transportation Committee meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Parks and Recreation Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All committees meet at the Community Board Office, 229A E. 204th St. For more information, call (718) 933-5650 or visit www.bronxcb7.info.

Council Will Decide Armory Fate Soon

By Jordan Moss

The Related Companies’ proposal to turn the Kingsbridge Armory into a massive shopping mall is near the end of the city’s land use review process and is now in the hands of the City Council.

The Council rarely rejects projects that make it this far, but community activists and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. have insisted that the Council do just that if Related does not sign an enforceable community benefits agreement (CBA), specifically one that requires incoming retailers to pay workers a living wage ($10 with benefits, $11.50 without). 

Key to the decision of Council members in other boroughs will be how well the Bronx’s Council delegation sticks together. Sources close to the negotiations have said that outgoing Council Member Maria Baez who did not show up at the Tolentine rally despite it and the Armory being in her district (see p. 2) will vote for the project even without a CBA.

Members of the Kingsbridge Armory Development Alliance met last week with Council Member Oliver Koppell, who has long taken an interest in this facility which lies just outside his district. 

“[His] basic position is that they [the Council members] are going to negotiate with Related, that they’re going to get the best deal possible,” said Doug Cunningham, a KARA member and Bedford Park resident who is pastor of New Day Church. “But I got the impression that [Koppell] was going for the project one way or the other.”

Koppell said on Tuesday that he agreed that there must be an enforceable CBA but that he wouldn’t draw a line in the sand on living wage. “I said I couldn’t commit to a particular formulation on the wage issue,” Koppell said he told Cunningham.

Related did finally meet with Diaz and the Bronx Council delegation last Friday and both Diaz’s office and Jesse Masyr, a Related spokesman, said it went well and progress was made.
Even so, time is short.

Related’s proposal will first come before the Zoning and Franchises Subcommittee of the Land Use Committee on Nov. 12. It will then go to the full Land Use Committee for a hearing and vote on Nov. 16. If it passes there, it will go to the full City Council the next day.

Tony Avella, the Queens councilman who chairs Zoning and Franchises, is siding with the borough president and KARA. And while Melinda Katz, chair of the Land Use Committee, is not yet willing to show her cards, she did show up to support the Coalition at their Oct. 25 rally.

Joel Rivera and Larry Seabrook are the Bronx members of the Zoning Subcommittee. At the rally, Rivera said he wouldn’t vote for the project unless Related negotiates an agreement with KARA.
Rivera, Seabrook and Baez are members of Land Use along with Bronxites Annabel Palma and Maria del Carmen Arroyo. Palma told the Norwood News her support was contingent upon a guarantee of living wage jobs.  

Diaz: Armory Fight ‘A New Civil Rights Movement’

By Rachel Waldholz

Speaking before a crowd of at least 1,000 people at St. Nicholas of Tolentine School on Oct. 25, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. said the battle for living wages jobs at the Kingsbridge Armory was the beginning of a movement for economic justice in the borough, calling it “our new revolution here, our new civil rights movement.”

The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition organized the forum, called “A Blueprint for the Bronx,” to lay out its agenda on a broad range of issues. But most of the crowd said they were there to support community efforts to ensure living wage jobs and school space at the Kingsbridge Armory.

People came from all over the Bronx, many straight from church. They arrived singing hymns in English and Spanish and carrying signs and banners with the name of their congregations.

A group from University Heights Presbyterian Church stood outside singing “Hallelujah” and clapping as they waited to enter the gym. Rev. Brenda Berry said they had come “in support of the Armory project, to fight for full-time jobs for the Bronx and a whole new focus on what the Bronx needs.”

Inside, people packed the gym in the basement of the Tolentine Church, filling folding chairs, bleachers, and standing along the walls, waving small flags that read “Blueprint for the Bronx.” Signs on the walls said, “Say no way to poverty pay!” and “Save our jobs! Vote No!”

Up on stage, elected officials and clergy members sat facing the audience, and for two hours, Coalition organizers, clergy, and local elected officials spoke, interspersed with music, dance, and a poetry recital. Coalition leaders pulled elected officials up to the microphone and asked them to answer straight on the coalition’s agenda, ranging from banking reform to, of course, the Armory.

Switching back and forth between Spanish and English for the benefit of the crowd, Diaz focused on the Armory, and what he called, “our new revolution here, our new civil rights movement.”
“I want to do business in the Bronx, [but] it is not radical to simply say, a) we should protect surrounding businesses and b) we should have jobs and living wages,” Diaz said. “You want to do business, we can do business. But business has to be good for everybody. “

Diaz added that the political pressure on him to support the development deal with Related Companies before a community benefits agreement has been signed has been intense. “But I know the Bronx has my back!” he shouted, bringing the cheering crowd to its feet.

Later, Diaz told the Norwood News he didn’t yet have the support of the full Bronx delegation in the City Council, which will vote on the project next month. “If Related does not want to negotiate, I will ask the City Council to vote no,” he said.

Diaz said the vote earlier this month at the City Planning Commission, in which two other borough presidents directed their representatives to vote with him against the plan, was encouraging: “I think the tone is changing,” he said. “I think they [Related] realize we have a lot of support outside the borough.”
After the forum, some of the crowd marched to the Kingsbridge Armory, breaking into intermittent shouts of “Si, se puede!” and “Yes, we can!”

Queens Councilman Tony Avella, chair of the City Council’s Zoning and  Franchises committee, which will get to vote first on the proposal before it heads to the full Land Use Committee, turned up to tell the crowd, “Until you get what you want, I’m voting no.”
As the crowd dispersed, NWBCC organizers passed out small “prayer cards” with residents’ wishes for the Armory written on them, for protesters to tie to the Armory fence.

As she fastened a string of the prayer cards to the fence, Anne Gibbons, a Kingsbridge resident who came with members of her congregation at New Day Church, said she was hopeful that momentum was building around the issue. “This could be the start of a new direction across the city,” she said, when elected officials “take a political risk in favor of the people for a change.”

Baez Sick?

By James Fergusson

Since her primary defeat in mid-September, Council member Maria Baez has been conspicuously absent from events and Council meetings.

Baez went on vacation directly following the Sept. 15 primary, but recently, Baez fell ill and was even hospitalized for a short time, according to one of her top staffers.

For the last two years, Baez has maintained the worst attendance record in the entire City Council, a distinction that may have cost her the primary. Baez attributed her poor record in 2008 to health problems, but announced herself fit as she ran for re-election this fall.

Espada Flips on Vacancy Decontrol

By Alex Kratz

Since elected last fall, housing advocates have been hounding Bronx State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr., who is head of the Senate Housing Committee, to push through a bill that would end vacancy decontrol, which gives landlords wide latitude to raise rents on apartments going for more than $2,000.

Espada has gone back and forth on vacancy decontrol since taking office in January. In the spring, Espada met with and received campaign contributions from pro-landlord groups. In June, he said he would not support the repeal of rent decontrol. As recently as September, he had maintained this position.

But last week, when pressed on the issue at a rally held by the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (the biggest tenant advocates in the area), Espada changed his tune.

When asked at the rally whether he would work to end vacancy decontrol, Espada said “yes,” but added that the effort “will affect very few units in our district.”

In an op-ed in the last issue of the Norwood News, Gregory Lobo-Jost of University Neighborhood Housing Program, explained that vacancy decontrol does affect Espada’s district because it drives the working poor from elsewhere in the city to the Bronx.

Coalition leaders said they would be following up with Espada in the coming months and warned, “We will know how to pull the lever and use the power of our vote.”

Diaz calls Bronx Leader In Green Energy

By Katie Riordan

A group of New York lawmakers, including Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., came together for a second time recently to continue developing the Empire State as an “advanced energy center.”

Diaz, who helped found the group, hosted the meeting of the New York State Intergovernmental Energy Partnership (NYSIEP), which also includes Congressman Steve Israel (Long Island), Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll, and Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito (Rome).   

The meeting focused on providing Bronx-based businesses with information on how to access federal resources, including funds still available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. They also announced some recent progress in their efforts. 

Diaz also announced the borough’s plan to install 15 BigBelly Solar Compactor/Recycling Kiosks. The receptacles are solar powered and designed to reduce greenhouse gas admissions by eliminating a standard garbage truck’s journey by up to 80 percent, according to a press release from Diaz’s office. 

Congressman Israel also played a pivotal role in the gathering by collecting support to expand the federal Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Bond program. PACE bonds finance energy efficiency upgrades for both commercial and residential property owners who then repay the loans over time through property taxes. 

“PACE bonds are an innovative way to help property owners in New York ‘go green,’” Israel said.  

The program includes funding for energy upgrades like double insulated windows, solar panels, and geothermal heat pumps. 

Candidates Spent on Staff, Mailings

By Molly Ryan

Local City Council candidates Fernando Cabrera (14th District) and Oliver Koppell (11th District), both Democrats who were expected to coast to easy general election victories on Tuesday, raised significant amounts of money during their campaigns.

But where did it all go?

According to the most recent financial disclosure reports filed with the New York City Campaign Finance Board on Oct. 23, Cabrera, who narrowly defeated incumbent Maria Baez in the Democratic primary, has spent $139,833. Most of this money can be attributed to campaign mailings, repaying campaign loans and paying campaign workers and consultants.

The Campaign Finance Board estimates that Cabrera has a remaining balance of $19,401 to spend on his campaign.

Councilmember Koppell, who fended off feisty challenger Anthony Cassino in his primary battle, has raised $206,574, over multiple years, campaigning for this year’s Council election. Some of Koppell’s expenditures date back to 2006. Most of this money went to campaign literature and mailings and paying campaign workers and consultants.

Koppell has also used some of his campaign money for fund-raising events and holiday parties for his staff.

Koppell has a remaining estimated balance of $9,713.

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