The Bronx Crime Report: A Rape Suspect Sought, Dismemberment in Melrose, Teens Charged in YouTube Kid Fight and More

The Bronx Crime Report is a new feature on the Norwood News’ Breaking Bronx blog that will be published weekly (usually on Mondays, but this week it’s a Tuesday). It will include the latest crime statistics for the 52nd Precinct — Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham-Bedford, and parts of Fordham, University Heights and Kingsbridge Heights — as well as crime updates, stories and features from this precinct and throughout the Bronx.

Three Torahs Stolen From Norwood Synagogue

Three Torah scrolls, each worth $45,000, were stolen recently from the Young Israel Synagogue of Mosholu Parkway, a temple with dwindling membership on East 208th Street in Norwood, according to police.

Bronx Notes: New After-School Program

Tender Tots, a child-care center located at 3322 Decatur Ave., has launched a new after-school program for school-age children (ages 5 to12). The center offers a quiet environment where kids can work on homework or other projects and have supervised access to computers and tutoring help. Nutritional snacks as well as crafts, games and other physical activities will be provided. For more information, email info@tendertotsny.com or call (646) 481-3067.

Mayor, Bronx Borough President Still Want ‘Responsible’ Armory Development

Before Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave his final State of the City speech at the shiny new Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, some hypothesized that he would take the opportunity to make an announcement about the Kingsbridge Armory. Specifically, that the city had chosen a developer to re-invigorate the long-vacant space.

Bronx Notes: Find Out Your Healthcare Rights at ‘ObamaCare’ Forum

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, Congressman Jose E. Serrano and Hostos Community College are hosting a forum on the Affordable Care Act a.k.a. ObamaCare. Attendees will participate in a discussion with heath care experts. The forum will take place on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m., at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse, at 149th Street, MBJ Cafeteria – C building, 3rd floor. The event is sponsored by Montefiore Medical Center and other Bronx-based health organizations. To RSVP and for more information, call Lillian Perez, (212) 416-8754.

Op-Ed: Helping the ‘Washeros’

Growing up in the Bronx, one of the most exciting portions of an otherwise unbearable day with my father running errands was our inevitable trip to the car wash. I would ask for us to stay in the car as the conveyor belt carried us through the huge wipers and brushes. I never gave much thought to the men who manually dried the car once we exited this fantastical vortex of water and soap however. But these men, in all likelihood were either undocumented immigrants, underpaid, overworked, or all of the above.

Be Healthy: Reduce Risk for Heart Disease, Manage Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer. Here are some tips to keep your heart healthier.