Bedford Park Artist Channels Touch of Picasso at Gallery

By DAVID CRUZ Call him the Pablo Picasso of Bedford Park. Persio Minier, a pony-tailed, award-winning artist hailing from the Dominican Republic, has made a career emulating the Spanish genius for decades. Since the beginning of 2014, he’s showcased his work at a tiny Bedford Park art gallery that doubles as a speech therapy center.

Bronx Youth Heard Fall/Winter 2014 Edition Is Here

The Norwood News is once again proud to present Bronx Youth Heard, a special newspaper that teaches basic journalism skills to Bronx high school students. We had a great turnout of burgeoning reporters who gave it their all in crafting their pieces that are presented below. We want to publicly thank New York City Councilman Fernando Cabrera and The Simon Bolivar Foundation for making this possible. A special thanks to our instructor, Katina Paron, who engaged students to always think like a journalist. With that, here are the Bronx Youth Heard stories for the Fall-Winter 2014/2015 session.

by David Cruz If you’re in the northwest Bronx, take a walk to one of 300 locations to pick up your free copy of the Norwood News. Or you could just read it from the comfort of your computer or smart phone. We’re excited to publish the first edition of 2015, loaded with local news, a New Years editorial and our ever-popular Out & About and Neighborhood Notes section. We’re also proud to host Bob Kappstatter, a guest contributor for the newspaper, who drafted our lead story–year-end crime stats for the 52nd Precinct. Stats show the precinct is headed in a

Two Suspects, One with Norwood Ties, Arrested in NYPD Officers’ Shooting

By David Greene Two police officers are recovering and two suspects are now in custody after the plain clothes officers from the 46th Precinct approached a pair of suspects wanted for an armed robbery.

Does Class Size Matter? Students Think ‘Meh

By SAD ADIB A 2014 survey by the New York City Department of Education (DOE) found that reducing class size is a “top priority” for parents. But for some middle school students, concerns for class size vary dramatically. DOE statistics show that the number of students per class have decreased slightly, to 26.8 students from 26.7. And though reducing class size is still key to the DOE’s long-term agenda, some students and teachers didn’t see the difference. At West Farms’ PS 214 middle school, Trinity Haynes, 13, has an eighth grade class comprised of 34 students. “In a smaller class,

By DAISY TORRES Tyrone Tyler Thomas often rushes to complete his homework that requires a computer. It’s not to make time for his PS3 game console or hang out with his friends. It

By Mamasa Dukuray After years of cell phones prohibited in New York City public schools, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced plans on lifting the city Department of Education (DOE) policy. The change is in effect this March. Prior to the official announcement, several students would welcome the news. Isetou Jawara, a student at Validus Preparatory Academy in Claremont, said she will enjoy lunch more since she would feel she was truly “on break.” “If students are given a bit more freedom with phones, things would be better,” she said. Mayor Bill de Blasio, as part of a campaign promise, made

By Brittney Herrera Even though roughly half of Bronx families are supported by welfare, the stigma on relying on public assistance persists, with many recipients bearing the brunt of presumption. “Some people’s perceptions of me being on EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is that I am abusing my EBT,” said Jennifer Barona, 24, a single mother in the Bronx. “It feels very overwhelming.” Welfare helps her take care of her two toddlers, but she doesn’t feel good about her situation. “The first time when I was in the waiting office, I was pregnant with my first toddler. There was a lot

By NICHOLAS ROBINSON Daniel Martinez, 17, a senior from the Academy for Scholarship and Entrepreneurship in Edenwald, wouldn’t mind dropping out of high school to pursue his sports career as a boxer. He wants to be the greatest of all time. And so far, on weekdays, he’s invested the time, beginning his training regimen at 4 p.m. until he goes to sleep, and on weekends he trains longer. As for an alternative plan should things go south, Daniel would rather not think about that. “If I had a backup plan, that means there would be a thought in my mind