Bronx Toastmasters Club of Riverdale: Learning The Art of Effective Communication

By Auréole Ribes

The word of the day, announced over Zoom chat, at the most recent Bronx Toastmasters Club of Riverdale, was “polyvalent” which means “having different functions, forms or facets”. There is hardly a better word to describe the club. Toastmasters International is a non-profit, educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Bronx Toastmasters Club of Riverdale, which just last month celebrated its 21st anniversary since its foundation, is one of 16,800 such clubs, collectively comprising 358,000 members across 143 countries. Since 1924, the organization has helped people from diverse cultural and socio-economic

By Síle Moloney

The owner of the budgie shown in the photo is requesting the public’s assistance in locating her pet, called Dave. She said he is not the best flyer and apparently gets tired fast. If found, Dave needs to be caught as fast as possible. More details and contact information for the owner are attached.

Norwood: Suspect in Attempted Morning Rape Identified and Charged

By Síle Moloney

Police confirm on Jun. 28, 2020, that the man shown in the attached photos and videos who was wanted for questioning by the NYPD in connection to an attempted rape on Jun. 26, within the confines of the 52nd precinct, has been identified and charged. Pursuant to the ongoing investigation, Michael Rosa, 25, of Melrose, Bronx, NY has been arrested and charged with attempted rape, strangulation, sexual abuse, forcible touching and assault. On Friday, Jun. 26, 2020, at approximately 8:00 a.m., a 27-year-old female victim was entering a residential building located at 3345 Reservoir Oval West when a man

By Síle Moloney

The New York City Police Department confirm that an 18-year-old female was shot once in the face at 4:35 a.m. on Jun. 26, 2020 in front of 2591 Briggs Avenue in the Fordham Manor area of the Bronx. The bullet from a firearm grazed her left cheek. The woman was watching fireworks in front of the location at the time of the incident. There is currently no perpetrator description at this time. The victim was removed to Saint Barnabas Hospital by EMS. She is not likely to die, and is in a stable condition. The NYPD’s Emergency Service

By Síle Moloney

Following a historic week of legislative reform aimed at addressing racial injustice and inequality at both City and State level, a group of about 50 local residents gathered peacefully at Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood on Friday Jun. 19 for a kid-friendly Juneteenth celebration in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Norwood Neighbors for Racial Justice and allies is an unofficial, local group recently formed and spearheaded by four local, multiracial women, Miriam Neptune, Jatnna Ramirez, Carissa Smith and Pam Sporn. In addition to organizing the Juneteenth event, the first of its kind in Norwood, the group

By Síle Moloney

Following the conclusion of an internal investigation, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Jun. 26 that 17 uniformed Department of Correction staff will be charged for their conduct surrounding the death of 27-year-old trans woman, Layleen Polanco, at Rikers Island in June 2019. As reported recently by Norwood News, Polanco, according to earlier reports, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a cab driver and for possession of a controlled substance, and was being held at Rikers Island on a $500 bail. She died on Jun. 7, 2019 following an epileptic seizure, according to a medical examiner. She had been

By PS/MS 95 Staff

Like all schools in New York City, PS/MS 95, The Sheila Mencher School, was required to turn on a dime and enter the world of “remote learning” when the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in March, and the ensuing statewide PAUSE order went into effect. The school’s immediate response was to proactively reach out to students and parents to set up a viable, constructive, online learning program to connect teachers and students and continue with teacher lessons, student work, meaningful feedback and assessment. Now, over three and a half months later, having lived and worked through the experience, and as

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Before coronavirus, the number of people working from home or self employed made up 13 percent of America’s economy. We now believe that by choice of both employees and employers this number will grow to close to 20 percent by the end of the year. Is working from home a new and important topic for at least 35 percent of America’s now home-working employees therefore? Absolutely! Notwithstanding tax implications, your work-from-home savings and costs should be examined and written up as part of your household budget. For example, commuter related expenses are no more, right? That includes travel, clothing

By Síle Moloney

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced on Jun. 25, 2020 that 26 alleged Trinitario gang members, who are current or former Rikers Island inmates, have been indicted for multiple stabbings, and other acts of violence in jail, following a joint investigation by her office, Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Department of Correction’s Correction Intelligence Bureau, with assistance from the New York City Department of Investigation. Clark said, “During their time in Rikers Island, these defendants allegedly conspired and engaged in numerous slashings and stabbings that caused grievous wounds. They allegedly carried out