Community

Mosholu Library’s Outdoor Patio Proves a Hit with Patrons

By DAVID GREENE
Having been closed for more than a year, due to the citywide shutdown brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the Mosholu branch of New York Public Library (NYPL), like many others, reopened to the public in July, as reported. In August, it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its refurbished, outdoor patio to the general public, and it’s proving a big hit.   Library officials and residents celebrated the opening on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Mosholu branch, located at 285 East 205th Street in Norwood, where they handed out free book bags, computer and e-book tutorial


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Inquiring Photographer: Thoughts on the different COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates

By DAVID GREENE
  This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the different COVID-19 vaccine mandates that are now in effect, and whether they agree with them.   “Honestly, it’s really a mixed bag because vaccines do work to an extent, but then we have heard about those who have been vaccinated getting “break out” cases, but generally, those cases that have COVID, they don’t show symptoms. Yet, they’re still a health liability because they can still transmit [the virus]. Maybe they don’t. I just think, right now, with the misinformation going on, and the weaponization of information to make the vaccine


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UPDATE New “Green” Tremont Playground to Absorb Stormwater & Help Reduce Flooding

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The groundbreaking for a new, green playground at P.S. 306/M.S. 331 in the Tremont section of the Bronx took place on Tuesday, Oct. 5. New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), The Trust for Public Land, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, and Fordham University president, Joseph M. McShane, S.J., joined a diverse student body, teachers, and families for the occasion.   The state-of-the-art schoolyard, which will be open to the community during non-school hours, will serve more than 42,000 residents within a 10-minute walk of home. Newly designed green infrastructure will capture two


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All Three New York City Public Library Systems Eliminate Late Fines

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York Public Library (NYPL) system, which covers 92 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, will no longer charge late fines on books and other circulating materials, eliminating barriers to reading and ensuring all New Yorkers, especially those in low-income neighborhoods, have free and open access to knowledge and opportunity, an NYPL representative  announced on Tuesday, Oct. 5.   Bobby Sherwood, publicist for NYPL, told the Norwood News, in response to our recent inquiry, “All prior late fees from patron accounts have been cleared, allowing New Yorkers a clean slate.” He added, “Combined [with Brooklyn Public Library (BPL)


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FEMA Urges Americans to Spend Their Grants Wisely

By SÍLE MOLONEY
As eligible, disaster survivors start to receive funds for rental assistance, home repairs, or other categories of assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is assuring Americans that federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free. FEMA officials said that the FEMA notification letter will inform residents of the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds and urges them to use the funds as stated in the award letter, and only for disaster-related expenses.   The agency has provided the following tips: FEMA will send you a notification letter informing you of the types of assistance you are eligible to receive and the


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Report on Nursing Home Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Released

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  The Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) released a report on Jan. 28, entitled, “Nursing Home Response to COVID-19 Pandemic.” On its release, Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition (LTCCC) said, “This shocking yet unsurprising report must serve as a wake-up call that vulnerable residents and their families deserve better.” He added that many of the failures documented in this report had been going on for years and had only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.   The report included the following preliminary findings.   A larger number of nursing home


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New York Public Library Launches Host of Programs for the Fall, Reviews “Fine” Policy

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York Public Library (NYPL) has launched a suite of new, in-person, educational programs which became effective Monday, Sept. 20, and which are designed to support New York City students and their families this fall. They are available at several library branches in the Bronx.    NYPL officials said the diverse set of programs are designed to help students excel in school, spark a lifelong love of reading, encourage curiosity and independent learning, and remind the most vulnerable families that their local libraries provide access to critical educational resources and free, quality programming. Check out @NYPL's events for adults, teens,


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Neighborhood Notes on Redistricting, Bronx Bus Redesign, Booster Vaccinations & More!

Missing Local People  A 10-year-old boy has been reported missing from Jerome Park. For more information, click here A 23-year-old man has been reported missing from Olinville. For more information, click here. A 13-year-old girl has been reported missing form Laconia. For more information, click here. An 85-year-old man has been reported missing from Williamsbridge. For more information, click here.     COVID-19 Updates On June 24, 2021, New York State ended the State disaster emergency (PAUSE order) declared on March 7, 2020, to fight COVID-19. On Sept. 15, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a series of universal mask requirements designed


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Espaillat & Meng Secure Funding for Federal Disaster Relief in Wake of Hurricane Ida

By SÍLE MOLONEY
  Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), who represents parts of the Northwest Bronx and Northern Manhattan, and Grace Meng (NY-6) who represents parts of Queens, announced on Wednesday, Sept. 22, that they have secured over $11 billion in federal relief to help New Yorkers recover from the devastation caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.   “Hurricane Ida marked the second time in two months our communities were flooded as a result of the climate crisis, and New Yorkers need for our support,” said Espaillat. “While we continue to survey the economic toll this storm took on our communities, it’s clear that our people needed immediate


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