Bratton Visits Monroe College

Neighborhood Notes

Homebuyer Counseling & Free Tax Prep The University Neighborhood Housing Program holds a homebuyer counseling session on March 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northwest Bronx Resource Center, 2715 Bainbridge Ave., offering free one-on-one professional assistance (appointments are available on the first and third Friday of every month); and free tax preparation sessions most Wednesdays (1 to 5 p.m.) and Saturdays (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) until April 9. For more information or an appointment, call (718) 933-2539. SYEP NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program is accepting applications for residents ages 14 to 24 through April 25. Those

Espaillat Notches Another Endorsement In Run For Congress

In his run against Congressman Charles Rangel, state Sen. Adriano Espaillat is intent on siphoning loyal black votes away from Rangel on the hopes of securing a stronger black voting bloc. He could very well have secured more votes with help from Brooklyn Assemblyman Karim Camara, chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. Camara, an ordained minister, officially endorsed Espaillat at a ceremony in City Hall. Camara’s endorsement is largely symbolic, a way to attract more black voters to Espaillat. At a ceremony, Camara labeled Espaillat a unifier, citing Espaillat’s success in forging stronger bonds within the

By the NORWOOD NEWS Vital Stats: 4 million – Number of Americans enrolled in healthcare under the Affordable Care Act. (Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is slated to take effect April 1, offering folks cheaper healthcare for everyone, including those with pre-existing conditions. In the Bronx, an estimated 250,000 are uninsured for various reasons, inspiring healthcare firms to launch efforts in enrolling them in insurance. The end result, according to President Obama, will save families from going bankrupt and further a healthier America.

Looking Back 45 Years: A Regular Joe’s Reflection of the Jolly Tinker

by Shayla Love As the 45th anniversary of the Jolly Tinker passes by, the Norwood News met the man for whom the birthday is just another notch in the wood. Kenny Franklin leaned against the weathered bar of the Jolly Tinker and looked at the photos and relics that line the walls. “We must of done something good,” he said. “We’re still here 45 years later.”

The Creation of Clark

By SHAYLA LOVE Outside of Clark’s window on Lowell Avenue in Longwood, the 6 train rumbled from its underground tunnel and into the sunlight of the above-ground tracks. Clark was eight years old when he looked out of his apartment and noticed something he considered beautiful. The subway car was spray-painted from top to bottom in bright colors. The names “Duster” and “Lizzie” shone from the surface of the car. He ran out of his building into an empty lot and searched for something to paint with. He found a broken statuette and scratched an

Out & About: Get Your Wears at the Annual Flea Market!

Editor’s Pick Annual Flea Market The public is invited to attend the Bedford-Mosholu Community Association’s free annual flea market on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 360 Bedford Pk. Blvd. at Decatur Avenue. For more information, call (718) 367-2230 or (718) 584-1900. Onstage The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., presents Retumba in celebration of Women’s History Month, performed by an all-female percussion and dance troupe, March 8; as well as a concert, performed by Celia Cruz Bronx H.S. of Music’s Chamber Orchestra and Women’s Choir, March 15; both at 2:30

By JUSTIN MCCALLUM For Bronxites and beyond, traveling to the Bronx’s Little Italy is often compared to a trek to the old country. It’s a destination. The smell of seasoned Italian sausage, blended with sights of Italian-named eateries and singers greeting its customers make the area a must-see. And behind a push to attract visitors to the destination is the Belmont Business Improvement District, the agency tasked to promote the epicenter for Italian fare. Unlike most BIDs, which usually promote merchandise stores, Belmont’s marquee draw is its neighborhood, intertwined with tradition and Italian fare. After all, its woven into their sales