Cops Need Help Tracking Missing Kingsbridge Man

Officers with the 52nd Precinct are keeping their eyes open for William Desmond, who’s reported missing since early this week. Desmond, living at an apartment building at 162 West Kingsbridge Road, was last seen in his home on Tuesday, January 7th. With frigid temps the norm this time of season, it’s unclear whether Desmond has found shelter anywhere. Police released a photo of Mr. Desmond, described as 5’ 8” tall, 183 pounds, with brown eyes, long salt and pepper hair and beard. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Out & About: Jan 10-15

Free Music at NYPL The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., presents NY Opera Forum, featuring music by Mozart, Jan. 11; and Latin Jazz Concert, featuring Papo Pepin y Su Orchestra, Jan. 18; both at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org. The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., offers Music by Hasan Bakr, Jan. 11 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 882-8239. Onstage Lehman College’s Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W., presents The O’Jays, soul music group, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. (tickets are $50 to $100); The

by DAVID CRUZ Just before midnight on Dec. 14, Donald Smith of Norwood lay on the floor with a gun pressed against his temple inside his own home. A group of thieves had just forced their way into his apartment. Smith, a retired public safety officer who retired the day of the World Trade Center attacks, prayed he would get out of this one alive. “I started to make peace with the man upstairs, and told my mom and dad I’ll be seeing you soon,” said Smith, recounting in a telephone interview the night a brazen group of thieves stormed

It’s been two weeks of inaugurations, death-defying plane landings and oh yes, new Council folks in the Bronx caucus…and the Norwood News has got it all. Check out the latest digital edition just out. You can also stop by the many stores to pick up a FREE copy. You may notice we’re doing things a bit differently with our front page and would love to read your thoughts. Send comments or questions to dcruz@norwoodnews.org. In the meantime, take a look

2nd Annual Klezfest at Sholem Aleichem Cultural Center

Plenty of songs and dance at the 2nd annual Sholem Aleichem Yiddish Klezfest celebration happening at 3301 Bainbridge Ave. at 208th Street, on Dec. 29. The Yiddish-spoken event showcased Yiddish culture through music, songs and dance. The event also celebrated the life of famed Yiddish poet Beyle Schaechter-Gottesman, who lived on Bainbridge Avenue. A second tribute is set for Jan. 12th. Photos by Adi Talwar

CB7 Transportation Committee Talking Taxis

If you’re looking to know more about this green cabs zipping up and down Norwood, then Community Board 7 is where you should be! The board’s transportation committee will hold its regular meeting at the board offices at 229 E 204th St. at 6:30p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, focusing on the new Boro Taxis. The lime green cabs debuted in August as part of the city’s plan to legalize street hails in the outer-boroughs, which is a continuing practice given the over saturation of livery cabs throughout the Bronx. CB7’s Transportation Committee, tasked to review policies enacted by city and state agencies

The New York City Council unanimously voted Bronx Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito as the next Council Speaker, with the entire Bronx Council caucus backing the South Bronx councilwoman. Her ascension was sealed the moment Viverito’s lead contender, Brooklyn Councilman Dan Garodnick, conceded before the Council. The vote is historic–she is the first Latino to be voted Speaker, succeeding term-limited Speaker and Councilwoman Christine Quinn. She is now poised to lead a body that will likely line itself with Mayor deBlasio, who’s championed a progressive agenda. As usual, behind-the-scenes dealmaking was in play in the days leading up to the vote,

By DAVID CRUZ A memorial is slated for Beyle Schaechter-Gottesman, the borough’s lifelong authority on Yiddish art, music and poetry, who passed away on Nov. 28 from natural causes. She was 93. Her son Itzik, a Yiddish studies professor, has organized a Jan. 12 tribute in her name hoping guests will learn about “her widespread influence on the younger generation of Yiddish poets, singers and songwriters.” Well over dozens are expected for the commemorative ceremony at the Sholem Aleichem Cultural Center on Bainbridge Avenue at 208th Street at 1:30 p.m., where they will be presented with Yiddish-language songs and a

Is the Grand Concourse the Borough’s New Boulevard of Death?

by David Greene Two Bronxites getting ready to celebrate the holidays were mowed down in separate incidents, just two-blocks away from each other on the Grand Concourse– during a 25-hour period leading up to Christmas Eve. The still-unidentified 26-year old male victim remains hospitalized at St. Barnabas Hospital after being struck by a 1999 BMW SUV at the corner of the Grand Concourse and E. 198 Street, at just before 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23.