Health Check: Increasing Physical Activity

By SHIRLEY SYMISTER

Even as winter approaches, there is still time to enjoy exercising outdoors. Grab a partner, a warm jacket, and comfortable shoes, and don’t let the colder weather keep you from being healthier, especially as the new year draws near. If you want to avoid indoor activity, there’s plenty to do in the north Bronx, home to several beautiful parks in Norwood. There are several perfect areas for you to boost your heart rate and enjoy the scenery along the way: The Williamsbridge Oval: The park has basketball courts, a soccer field, running track, a playground, and a recreation center with

By DAVID GREENE

Police have charged the gunman accused of robbing a pair of drug dealers, before exchanging gunfire with police, wounding two bystanders as other residents ducked for cover in University Heights. Edwin Castillo-Concepcion, 37, was charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon after police say he robbed two men of a kilo of drugs in the lobby of 98 W. 183rd St., before shooting it out with police. In a statement issued by NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan, read in part, “At approximately 6:08 p.m., plainclothes officers from the 52nd Precinct were in the

By DAVID CRUZ

Travelers driving through the northern edge of Bainbridge Avenue finally can breathe: the massive construction project is no longer blocking drivers going northbound towards the Major Deegan Expressway. But the project is not nearly over. Construction crews for the massive water pipe replacement project have entered into the second phase of the project, with EIC Associates Inc. set to install a massive trunk main that won’t disrupt service, but will likely expand the search for parking. Crews have knocked out street parking from beginning at the intersection of Jerome and Bainbridge avenues, and heading towards the Major Deegan Expressway, to

By DAVID CRUZ

The holiday season is coursing through the Bronx this year, with several Yuletide events meant to brighten you up. It first began with the Festival of Lights, with Mosholu Montefiore Community Center lighting up the Menorah for the first day of Hanukkah. Councilman Andrew Cohen and Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz helped light the traditional candles on the second day of Hanukkah. There have been several events courtesy of Bronx Community Board 7, which held its annual tree lighting ceremony. Photographer Jose Giralt was there to catch the action. Carolers from PS/MS 20 laid the soundtrack to the nighttime event that also

By DAVID GREENE

With a new commanding officer at the NYPD’s 52nd Precinct, this week we asked readers what are the specific problems and issues the command should focus on. Well, one problem is the people who are hanging out on the street at nighttime. They drink and play loud music. They come and hang out and lately there’s been some car break-ins here. They come at night and break the windows, but it starts with disorderly conduct. Before, the neighborhood was not like that, so it’s getting a little bit bad. The neighborhood is not that bad; the only issue is the

By JULIA RIST

A Lone Private Eye’s Quest to Take Down the Trinitarios The Norwood News, WFUV Radio, and BronxNet Television continue their five-part series on the impact of gangs in the Bronx. At first glance, Manuel Gomez, a private detective, comes across as a modern-day James Bond. His pen doubles as a recorder, reading glasses serve as a video recorder, and he carries a knife and DNA collector. Gomez also carries a 40-pound black briefcase with him at all times that contains handcuffs and a laptop. Gomez, who operates in the Bronx, has a keen interest in bringing the violent Trinitarios gang

Editor’s Pick Holiday Tree Lightings The public is invited to attend the following community holiday tree lightings: Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. – Hosted by Bronx Community Board 7, at Mosholu Parkway Lawn at the intersection of Mosholu Parkway and Bainbridge Avenue. Featured are caroling, hot apple cider, holiday cookies, goodie bags giveaway and local elected officials. For more information, call (718) 933-5650. Dec. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. – Hosted by Jerome Gun Hill BID, at Jerome Avenue and East Mosholu Parkway. Featured are free toys for children, holiday shopping guides, pictures with Santa, and hot cocoa. For

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition covering Bronx communities.With 24 pages of news, let’s get into the coverage. The front page focuses on a $3 million infusion of money for Bailey Houses. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo secured funding for roof repairs. Hear what tenants at the NYCHA property in Kingsbridge have to say about conditions. The paper also has an update to the fire that happened on Hull Avenue on Nov. 20. Thirty-five people making up seven families were displaced. Read how the community, including one state official, is doing its part to help the families.

By JOSEPH KONIG

Assemblyman Victor Pichardo has earmarked $3 million in capital funds for roof repairs at the Bailey Houses, a troubled NYCHA building in Kingsbridge. The news is the latest in a years-long fight by the building’s residents council to better conditions as a leaky roof continues to destroy property and harm residents. “The roof is just absolutely in complete disrepair,” Pichardo, flanked by residents, said at a news conference on Dec. 4. “This isn’t something that’s abstract. People are living with this every day. If there is a leaky roof, it creates mold issues across the entire building.” Pichardo said the