SBS Awards MPC Merchant Organizing Grant for Next Three Years

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By DAVID CRUZ

Storeowners along two commercial corridors in Norwood and Bedford Park can expect to see even more help from Mosholu Preservation Corporation (MPC) over the next few years. The 37-year community development group affiliated with Montefiore Health System received a three-year, $100,000 grant from the New York City Small Business Services (SBS) for the hiring of a project manager to build a greater organization among the East 204th Street-Bainbridge Avenue Merchants Association and the Webster Avenue Merchants Association. The two respective commercial strips found in Norwood and Bedford Park comprise a mix of mom and pop and regional business. “We are

Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The latest edition of the Norwood News, covering Bronx communities, is out this week! Check out these stories put together by our dedicated interns and freelancers that can get the conversation going across the Bronx. We begin, of course, with page one! The uncommon fatal shootings of two people in the Norwood section of the Bronx prompted it to be our front page. Read the story of 37-year-old Dwayne Saunders, shot to death in broad daylight. Read what the local commander for the 52nd Precinct has to say about these rarer homicides in Norwood. Other stories include the

By DAVID CRUZ

Elections for the Tracey Towers Tenants Organization are slated for May 17, and at least one challenger has come forward. What is known is that Jean Hill, the incumbent president of the TTTO, is not concerned over who’s running. She’s taking it very seriously having taped up fliers that show a photo of her slate while also running through the list of her board’s accomplishments. “I see the need to have a strong, exceptional board; people who go in and get the job done,” said Hill, a resident of Tracey Towers for more than 40 years. “It’s not an easy

By MARTIKA ORNELLA

Low-income residents can save some green by going green. “Weatherization is not like a sexy subject. The fact of the matter is that it really helps families, and it helps the planet, and it helps neighborhoods, and it’s a great addition to housing,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat, representing Norwood’s 13th Congressional District at a news conference announcing additional funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The program increases the energy efficiency of low-income homes, which leads to lower utility bills. Some services WAP provides include repairing indoor heating systems, replacing windows and doors, sealing holes to reduce heat loss, installing

By NIALL RIDGLEY

“This is the Bronx, if you hear something you like, yell out!” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. to applause from the crowded room at the kick off of the 47th Annual Bronx Week. Bronx Week, funded by donations from local businesses, serves to celebrate the Best of the Borough, honoring local success stories, organizations while also serving as a showcase of offerings across the borough. The honorees at this year’s celebration include Tarana Burke, leader in the #MeToo movement, actress Maggie Siff, known for “Billions” and “Mad Men”; rapper Slick Rick and the New York Botanical Gardens, honored

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA, PFA

Did you know that President Donald Trump and the federal government are ready to tear down ten years of financial law. So now your financial representative does not have to work “in your best interest”? Last month, a federal court stuck down a portion of the Dodd-Frank Act that applied to “retirement” plans. While the law allows the Securities & Exchange Commission to govern, because they have been absent to respond, the government, through it’s Department of Labor and ERISA laws put the fiduciary doctrine in place to protect America’s retirement plans. Now, with the court shutting down the law

A Bronx Salad is Tossed in Battle to Reverse Health Outcomes

By JULIA RIST of WFUV

The Norwood News, WFUV, BronxNet TV complete their five-part series profiling food insecurity across the Bronx. Johlany Tejada is a first grader at an afterschool program operated by BronxWorks, a social services non-profit. Johlany has attended the program for two years and says that one of her favorite parts of the day is sitting down to eat. But her favorite snack isn’t what one would consider typical elementary school fare. It’s the Bronx Salad. “When I tried it, it tasted like it came straight from the trees and they just put water on it and it tasted very healthy,” Johlany

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The latest edition of the Norwood News, covering Bronx communities, is out this week! Check out these stories put together by our dedicated interns and freelancers that can get the conversation going. We begin, of course, with page one! The political season came early this year as a special election impacting Norwood happened on April 24, with Democrat Nathalia Fernandez becoming the interim Assembly Member for the 80th Assembly District. Learn Fernandez’ goals and whether others are gunning for the seat. It will be interesting to see who throws their hat into this seat. Other stories include the

By NIALL RIDGLEY

Luis Diaz, a Bronx resident, is overjoyed as he shakes Councilman Andrew Cohen’s hand. He asks for a picture, saying, “I want to show people that, you know, I know big people.” A photo was snapped at Unique People Services (UPS), located at 3510 Bainbridge Ave. Diaz has been getting assistance there since 2014. He’s since moved into a role as a pantry volunteer. Diaz put the need for pantries in clear terms, saying, “It’s more than just food, it’s being aware.” The Bainbridge UPS pantry was founded in 2009 and operates via discretionary funds from the New York City