Discovering Bronx Roots in 17th Century Sweden

By JANET NORQUIST-GONZALEZ

It’s been nearly four decades since I last visited Sweden. In 1976 my college roommate, Elisabet, suggested I visit her in Stockholm. It sounded like a good way to explore my Swedish roots for a few months, so I gladly accepted the invitation. I ended up staying nearly two years, long enough to fall in love with the culture. For years after returning to the U.S.A., I subscribed to the children’s comic book, Bamse, to keep in touch with the language. Would I be able to communicate in Swedish with real people after such a long time? I was determined

New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) is picking up some responsibilities normally handled by the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS), coming amid city’s booming homeless crisis. Participating in a panel at the CUNY School of Journalism’s Center for Community & Ethnic Media, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer revealed the HRA, a homeless prevention agency that provides social services to the impoverished, is now reviewing a number of unregistered contracts from homeless shelter providers. Stringer has remained a staunch critic of DHS, having rejected several DHS-approved contracts he deemed unworthy of city monies. His remarks suggested little

COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its general board meeting on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bedford Park Senior Center, 243 E. 204th St. CB7 committee meetings are held on the following dates at the board office, 229A E. 204th St. at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted: Housing/Land Use & Zoning Oct. 21; Community Relations/Long Term Planning Oct. 27; and Economic Development Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (718) 933-5650.

Shaping a Fresh Vision for Kossuth Playground

By DAVID CRUZ

Determining Kossuth Playground’s destiny came with plenty of help from neighbors, who pitched ideas to Friends of Mosholu Parkland on how to better the playground. The interactive visioning session, held at the park Oct. 10, featured arts and crafts, charts and other visual aids to encourage an exchange of ideas. The 85-year-old playground, equipped with a jungle gym, basketball court and sprinkler system, is the only recreational space along the leafy roadway. The span connects drivers from the Bronx River Parkway to several Norwood/Bedford Park side streets and the Saw Mill River Parkway. In March, community stakeholders and cultural

By VIVIAN CARTER

Vital Stats: 7K – Number of cyclists expected at Tour de Bronx (Source: Bronx Borough President’s Office) The borough’s biggest tourism event of the year is on the way, when more than 7,000 bicyclists will hit the borough’s streets. The 21st Annual Tour de Bronx is scheduled for Oct. 25. Established in 1994 by Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer and The Bronx Tourism Council as a way to promote health, eco-friendly transportation and tourism, the event is now a highly anticipated fall tradition in the region. Cyclists from the Bronx and beyond have a chance to meander through scenic neighborhoods, and pass by the borough’s

Poetry Workshop The Mosholu Library, 285 E. 205th St., offers a free six-week poetry workshop Saturdays through Nov. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more information or to register, call (718) 882-8239. Gifted & Talented Exams Parents interested in having their kindergarten, first, second or third grade children take the Gifted and Talented exam can submit a request online at https://prod.semsnycdoe.com/parentsite/, in person at their school, or at a Family Welcome Center until Nov. 9. An information session will take place at the Theodore Roosevelt Educational Campus, 500 E. Fordham Rd., on Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Bronx held its first K2 summit last week with lawmakers and top law enforcement and health officials from all around the state in attendance. NYPD, DEA, FBI and other federal and local officials convened at Jacobi Medical Center to discuss the growing concern and ways in which the sale and usage of synthetic marijuana, more commonly known as K2, in New York can be tackled. With nearly 700 emergency room visits in recent months, usage of K2 has been described as a new health epidemic. The forum’s aim was to come up with a coalition and a plan

With sightings of feline strays and the occasional raccoon scampering around Norwood, several animal advocates are calling for a 24-hour, multi-service animal shelter to be built at a building once known as the “toxic school.” Some members of Community Board 7 (CB7) and the Bronx Animal Shelter Endeavor (B.A.S.E) have since proposed an animal shelter be built at 3200 Jerome Ave., a red-brick site at the corner of Jerome and Van Cortlandt avenues. The efforts are part of a long-term push by advocates to have a full-service, city-owned shelter in the Bronx. “The fact is that if there is any

Editor’s Pick: Tour de Bronx The Bronx Tourism Council and the Office of the Bronx Borough President invite the public to the 21st Annual Tour de Bronx, to bike ride 25 or 40 miles and explore Bronx neighborhoods, historic districts, and beautiful waterfronts, Oct. 25, ending at the New York Botanical Garden, with live music and light snacks. Check in at 9 a.m. at the Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse (161st Street). The Department of Transportation will fit and distribute free bicycle helmets from 8 a.m. to noon while supplies last. Riders must sign a waiver. Participants 17 or younger