Be Healthy: Bronx Pols Pass Smoking Ban

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Gustavo Rivera, both local legislators, passed legislation banning smoking within 100 feet of school entrances and exits, the latest government effort to combat secondhand smoke.

Be Healthy: In 2nd Year of Health Push, Bronx Senator Says Yes, We C.A.N.

In a loose white T-shirt and sweat pants, flanked by 10 elementary school-aged children and middle-aged, State Senator Gustavo Rivera danced across St. James Park. Rivera’s personal fitness quest will once again play a major role as his attitude-adjusting health initiative heads into year two.

Espaillat Drops Lawsuit, Board Certifies Rangel’s Primary Victory

Yesterday, Adriano Espaillat dropped his lawsuit challenging the election results in the 13th Congressional District primary, which made way for the Board of Elections to certify incumbent Charlie Rangel’s slim primary victory.

Bronx Notes: Adopt-a-Shop Workshops

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is hosting Adopt a Shop workshops at the Bronx Library Center, room C-21, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., July 13, 27, and Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon., that would give New Yorkers the tools to successfully demand healthier food options at their food store. For more information or to RSVP (required), call (347) 396-4245 or e-mail shophealthy@health.nyc.gov.

Centenarians Celebrate at St. Patrick’s Home

Family, friends and residents packed St. Joseph Hall at the St. Patrick’s Home for the Aged and Infirm for its 9th annual centenarian celebration. The event honored 10 centenarians, including Rose Paladino, who at 105 years young is St. Patrick’s oldest resident.

Bloomberg Addresses HS of American Studies Graduates

The High School of American Studies at Lehman College’s Class of 2012 graduated on Tuesday, June 26, with Mayor Michael Bloomberg giving the keynote speech.

Bronx Notes: Open Fire Hydrants Safety Alert

The Department of Environmental Protection reminds New Yorkers that opening fire hydrants without spray caps is illegal, wasteful and dangerous. Illegally opened hydrants can lower water pressure and put lives at risk if there is a fire.

Mayor Celebrates HS Grad Rates; Bronx Rates Drop

These are the four-year graduation for schools in the northwest Bronx over the past seven years. The rate of students who graduated by August 2011 (four years, plus a summer) are also included. (Source: NYC Department of Education)

This June, the Department of Education and the mayor proudly announced that New York City’s high school graduation rates have broken records and increased for the tenth year in a row to 65.5 percent. The Bronx separately trails behind each of the other four boroughs with a rate of 57.5 percent.