Art installation “Tomorrow” brightens future of Fordham BID

by Justin McCallum While painters look upon a taut white sheet for inspiration, co-executive director for the Fordham Road Business Improvement District Daniel Bernstein sees the sparse north Bronx streets as a new space for art to blossom.

Rangel, Espaillat and Walrond Square Off in First Debate

By David Cruz The two main candidates for the 13th Congressional District achieved moments of glory in the first debate against incumbent Congressman Charles Rangel, who also managed to hit the pair with several one-two punches. And though the debate may have been miles away from the northwest Bronx, a key battleground borough for each rival, it was certainly mentioned, albeit in broad strokes.

Brightening Up MS80

These students add a touch of vibrant green to the vestibule at MS 80 on March 22. The neighborhood school received a face lift courtesy of Publicolor, a nonprofit working in partnership with Benjamin Moore. Several dozen students decked in old clothes worked alongside some Benjamin Moore staffers for the weekend event. The color in question is eco-friendly Natura. Photos by Adi Talwar

Be Healthy – Get Ready for 6th Annual Run for the Wild

By PAOLO MOSSETTI Strap on your running shoes! The Four Bronx Institution Alliance wants you to take a run on the wild side. The neighborhood pillars–Montefiore Medical Center, Fordham University, the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden–will once again sponsor Run for the Wild, now in its sixth year. The run, held at the Bronx Zoo, takes place on Saturday, April 26. Participants can either take part in the 5k run or a Family Fun Run/Walk. Attendees are required to raise a minimum of $30 to participate, with a variety of prizes, ranging from a T-shirt to a

Neighborhood Notes

Editor’s Note: If you have an item you would like to submit for Neighborhood Notes please email dcruz@norwoodnews.org. Legal Workshop State Sen. Gustavo Rivera presents a “Know Your Rights Legal Workshop: Stop and Frisk” on Wednesday, April 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Youth Center, 3485 Third Ave. For more information or to RSVP (required), call (718) 933-2034 or email RSVPSenatorRivera@gmail.com. Crime Prevention Workshops The Bronx DA’s Crime Victims and Community Affairs Units will sponsor several free workshops, for adults ages 21+ only, honoring Crime Prevention Week, at Community Board 12’s Carriage House, 4101 White Plains Rd.: “Protecting

Out & About – Quintent, Flamencos and Zumba

Compiled by Judy Noy Onstage Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd. W. presents Lehman Brass Quintet, featuring classical and original music, April 10 at 11 a.m.; and Lehman Woodwind Quintet, featuring classical music, April 13 at 2 p.m. (both in the Music Building’s Recital Hall); and The Met: Live in HD, featuring Puccini’s La Boheme, April 5 at 12:55 p.m. in the Lovinger Theatre (all free); TAO: Phoenix Rising, April 6 at 4 p.m., featuring Taiko drumming from Japan (tickets: $25 to $35); and Russian National Ballet: Don Quixote, April 13 at 4 p.m. (tickets $25

By David Cruz They poured into Community Board 7’s headquarters on April 3, frustrated and searching for answers. But they’ve only arrived at one conclusion—the crime and disrepair at 2922 Grand Concourse is deliberate, and it’s okay with management.

Business Beat – First Crunch Fitness Gym Wants to Pump You Up!

By DAVID CRUZ Assaf Gal stood on a sidewalk on 205th Street near Webster Avenue one afternoon in January, promoting his newest venture—a Crunch Fitness gym in the Bronx. He spotted a mailwoman, handing her a Crunch ad that caused her to jolt.

Bronx Religious Groups Urge Mayor de Blasio to Allow Them To Worship In Schools

by David Cruz Clergy leaders are hopeful Mayor Bill de Blasio reverses a city Department of Education mandate that forbids them to practice their religion inside empty public school. The rallying cry comes a day after a federal court panel ruled it unconstitutional for so-called mobile churches to practice inside schools.