Assemblyman Rivera Dodges Second Debate In The Bronx

by David Cruz For the second time this political season, Assemblyman Jose Rivera has turned down another debate, this one pegged as a political forum, dodging his opponent in the 78th Assembly District race, Fernando Tirado. The news came amid word of threatening phone calls to the center warning it could lose its non-charitable status should the debate proceed.

Cohen Honors Mother Teresa With Food Drive

By David Cruz Mother Teresa has long been regarded as a humanitarian, ailing the sick, traveling to Third World countries and instilling a sense of dignity to the less fortunate.

Klein and Koppell Spar In Bronx Televised Debate

By David Cruz It was an intriguing picture–State Senator Jeff Klein sitting alongside former Councilman Oliver Koppell. A year back, the sighting was relatively common. Now, with Koppell mounting a hard charging race against the incumbent Klein, the appearance was somewhat priceless.

Neighborhood Notes

HIV Medical Clinical Test The Adolescent AIDS Program at Montefiore Medical Center is conducting a research study of a vaginal ring containing dapivirine (an anti-retroviral medication) for sexually active girls between the ages of 15-17, with parental permission needed. They will have the opportunity to use the ring for three months and will be paid for their time. This HIV prevention device already has proven safe in adult women. Call or text Gloria at 347-346-1535 to learn more about this study.

Accepting Applications For Bronx Youth Heard Fall 2014 Semester

Bronx Youth Heard (Fall application deadline September 18.) The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Heard (formerly known as the Bronx Youth Journalism Initiative), a free after-school journalism program for Bronx high school students. There are two sessions each school year: one in the fall and another in the spring. We are currently accepting applications for our fall 2014 semester, which is scheduled to start on Thursday, September 25. Classes are held at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse, on Thursday afternoons from 4 to 6:00p.m., and run for 12 weeks. [ATTENTION: Fall applications are DUE THURSDAY, September 18. Download your application now!] Students learn the

by David Cruz The Norwood News has been anticipating this moment for quite some time, waiting for the perfect moment to re-introduce the newspaper to the readers, and it’s finally here…the new Norwood News. Same news spirit. Fresh new look. In it you’ll find an entire color page full of news stories impacting the community, and familiar features the Norwood News has ran for years, including Inquiring Photographer with David Greene, Business Beat, Be Healthy (fascinating piece on the 10-year separation procedure of conjoined twins), and Judy Noy’s Out & About. They’re complemented with a new feature dubbed Norwood News Online,

by Imani Hall Homeless families at a cluster site homeless shelter in Norwood will have been slapped with relocation notices, terminating a controversial approach to housing the homeless.

NYS Clears 16-year-olds to Join Community Boards

By David Cruz In a move intended to infuse young blood into community boards, Albany has approved a measure that allows Bronx residents as young as 16 years old to serve on a local community board. The bill, dubbed Resolution 115, came from the city level, with Councilman Ritchie Torres drafting the law that needed approval from the State Assembly and Senate. “With civic engagement rates among young people at critically low levels, we need to put forward every effort to replace apathy with enfranchisement, disengagement with opportunity,” said Councilman Torres, himself one of the younger members of the Council, representing the 15th

By David Cruz Last week, a crowd assembled at Gates Place wishing a neighborhood staple a happy 25th birthday. And the celebratory venue for Community Organized with a Visual of Excellence, also served as a tribute to a community center that’s sparked a teen’s interest in the arts.