Norwood Locals Capture Latest Snowstorm

Big thanks to some local Norwood residents in capturing the mega-snowstorm that produced close to a foot of snow in some parts of the Bronx. The white stuff began to fall at 9a.m. on January 22nd, picking up steadily as the hours went on. Subway service, flights, after school programs and just about everything was affected as

Presenting Bronx Youth Heard Winter 2013-2014 Edition

The Norwood News, through generation donations, holds an after school program called Bronx Youth Heard, designed to train young people to become journalists. These gumshoe reporters hail from high schools all over this borough, and they’ve crafted stories with young people in mind. Yes, young people have a voice that is often overlooked. This program, running for 12 weeks, teaches them about the power of journalism, how it can shape public opinion, identify key community issues happening in the area and empower them to do something about it. Below is a list of all of our students who brought their voices

As Norwood digs out from another mega snow storm, the Norwood News is out with another fine edition featuring pressing community stories. If you’ve missed it the first time out, take a look at our re-designed front cover, maintaining the familiarity of the paper, though with several add-ons. As usual, we love feedback so please don’t hesitate to email our Editor-in-Chief, David Cruz, at dcruz@norwoodnews.org. Now on to the fun stuff: This latest edition has published some great articles from our latest graduates from Bronx Youth Heard, the after school program that trains young writers to be journalists. Major props

The eyes glare, a subtle pursuit ensues, and the idea of feeling unwanted results. That’s often the experience of a Bronx teen shopping any store, as clerks and managers cast a layer of suspicion on teens who simply browse about a store. “Every time I go to 10 Spot with my friends, I am followed by store personnel and I am given rude looks,” said Kiana Carter, 15, about the women’s clothing store. “I feel pressured, nervous and feel as though they do not trust me and I am not supposed to be there.” When Kiana goes to the Soundview

Isis Zavala said she specifically chose Hostos Lincoln Academy of Science as her top high school pick for its open campus policy on lunch. Plus, she liked the freedom of being on the Hostos Community College campus, where the school had once resided. It seemed like the perfect fit. But the summer before she started, the school moved into the Lola Rodriguez De Tio building that’s nearly a mile away. Now that students are co-located with three other schools, they say they lack space, freedom and extracurricular activities. They are dissatisfied and haven’t seen any positive effects. Grisselle Romero, 16,

The Williamsbridge Oval Park Recreation Center has made a comeback and the city Parks Department has taken it to a new level by introducing a computer lab for the community. The computer lab found in the second floor of the granite building is new to the recreation center, but has already become one of the more popular spaces. The lab holds eights PCs, thanks to the Parks Department‘s partnership with New York Public Library. The Computer Resource Center manages the free lab, giving computer access to kids and teens so they can keep up with their schoolwork. But on

When Stop and Frisk Compromises Teen Expression

by Quedus Babalola On a recent Friday night dinner date with her girlfriend, Sam Rodriguez was constantly irritated by her itchy bra. The 16-year-old Mt. Eden local reminded herself that wearing this undergarment was the most painful thing she’s done. Sam, a transgender female, learned this after being stopped on her way home that night. She was with her girlfriend when a cop demanded she stand against the wall while he searched her. Sam’s girlfriend stood by and cried at what she was seeing–a stop and frisk encounter. Sam said she felt like she did something wrong – that

Bronx News Roundup: January 12-18

Lots of fun stuff happening around this great borough, and the Bronx News Roundup is here to highlight them all. Of course, for the sake of unity, all Bronx papers covered the guilty verdict for disgraced FORMER Assemblyman Eric Stevenson for accepting bribes in exchange for writing legislation that would have benefitted developers of a two senior centers in the Bronx. Stevenson’s conviction could net him nearly 55 years in prison. Another sad tale to a once promising career. It’s unclear whether a special election will take place for his 79th Assembly District seat. Bob Kappstatter at The Bronx Times

The Bronx Needs Big Brothers and Big Sisters

by David Cruz From Norwood to Westchester Square, the need for a person to look up is the strongest in the Bronx when compared to the rest of the city, according to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The national volunteer group, which has spent the last 110 years partnering well-respected adult role models with adolescents, has kick-started a lofty recruitment effort, hoping to entice Bronxites to donate time and become “Bigs.”