Valentine Tips From a Bronx Jeweler: It’s the Thought (and a Nice Piece of Jewelry) That Counts

With Valentine’s Day just days away, we went straight to the most tenured and trusted jeweler in the area, Allan Freilich, of Freilich Jewelers, which opened in Norwood in 1939, to get some advice on buying the perfect gift for your special someone. Here are the highlights from our conversation.

Bronxites Blast State Redistricting Proposal

A plan devised by a group of state lawmakers to redraw the boundaries of New York’s legislative districts is drawing fire from a number of Bronx residents and groups that are worried the new maps could divide the political power of certain neighborhoods.

Bronx Nabe Note: Blood Drive at St. Brendan’s

listing on our Neighborhood Notes page. St. Brendan’s Parish, located at 333 E. 206th St., between Perry and Bainbridge avenues, is conducting its annual neighborhood blood drive on Sunday, Feb. 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the school’s cafeteria.

Bronx Sports Report: Old School Hoops Slideshow as Borough Playoffs Heat Up

The Bronx Sports Report appears every Thursday.

Bronx Neighborhood Note: Forum on Supporting Immigrant and Minority Entrepreneurs

The Center for an Urban Future and the Fund for Public Advocacy are facilitating a discussion about the role of immigrant and minority entrepreneurs in the Bronx, the challenges they face, and how to support their growth, Feb. 14, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Hostos Community College

Norwood Middle School Facing City Revamp Amid Gang Problems

At a town hall meeting to discuss persistent problems with gang activity in the area, school officials at Norwood’s MS 80 came out against a city plan to dramatically overhaul the school by replacing half of its staff.

Bronx Neighborhood Note: Martial Arts at The COVE

The COVE, a Knox-Gates neighborhood organization, 3418 Gates Place (basement) between Mosholu Parkway and Gun Hill Road, is offering Martial Arts classes for ages 5 to adult, Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at $5/session. For more information, call (718) 405-1312.

Be Healthy! Wednesdays: National Heart Month off to a Healthy Local Start

Montefiore Medical Center nurses and doctors kicked off “Heart Month,” with its annual mile-long walk to bring greater awareness to heart health.

Ex-Bronx Tourism Director Hired as Naomi Rivera’s Chief of Staff

Doris Quinones remembers meeting her new boss, Bronx Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, more than a decade ago. Quinones was just starting out as the director of the Bronx Tourism Council and Rivera worked for then-Borough President Fernando Ferrer as his director of special events.