CUNY’s Mexican Studies Institute at Lehman College Lands $1 Million City Council Award

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The CUNY Mexican Studies Institute (MSI), housed at Lehman College, is celebrating its 10th year with a significant new investment from local lawmakers. In July, the institute received a funding allocation of $1 million from New York City Council to support its work. CUNY MSI is one of just two research centers in the Northeast of the country dedicated to Mexican and Mexican American studies. College officials say, as part of its mission, the institute also strives to boost enrollment of Mexican and Mexican-American students at CUNY and works with international and local organizations to empower the City’s Mexican immigrants,

By DAVID GREENE

Several hundred Yemeni Americans and their supporters in the Bronx celebrated the 3rd Annual Yemeni American Day Parade as they marched through the streets of “Little Yemen” on Sunday, Aug. 1. The parade was led by two NYPD police officers on horseback, followed by an NYPD color guard and marching band, as well as the New York City Police Department’s brass band. Joining the Muslim American Society of New York (MAS), the organizers of the parade, were members of the Morris Park Business Improvement District, the Morris Park Community Association, and more than two dozen other groups and organizations, as

By JEFFREY JACOMOWITZ & SÍLE MOLONEY

In well-deserved recognition of his 27 years as a stellar employee of University Center nursing home, John White was finally honored in July 2021 and declared June Employee of the Month. White, a veteran who is also known as “John W” has been working at the nursing home, located at 2505 Grand Avenue in Fordham Manor, even before Centers Health Care took over the facility in 1999. He continues to work there as one of the heads of maintenance, kitchen, and housekeeping, and he also works in recreation. According to University Center administrator, David Schorr and the center’s

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 14-year-old missing girl who lives in Norwood and was reported missing in the 52nd precinct. Britnee Gutierrez, 14, of 3511 Putnam Place, Bronx, NY was last seen Wednesday, August 4, at around 1 p.m. inside her home. She is approximately 5 feet, 4 inches tall, weighs 145 pounds, has brown eyes and salt and brown hair. She was last seen wearing black jeans and a pink t-shirt. Anyone with information regarding this missing person is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)

By DAVID GREENE

According to a pair of witnesses, a dog slipped through a partially opened window in a Norwood building and was stuck on a second-floor window ledge for at least 20 minutes. Several passersby called 911 but said no emergency personnel ever made it to the scene. The dog was eventually rescued and is now believed to be back with its owner. As reported by Norwood News, and according to Citizen App user, “paoladlc,” who posted a brief video clip of the scene on the app, on Thursday, July 22, at 7.26 p.m., residents and visitors passing by 3202 Kossuth Avenue,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The FBI warned Americans, on July 27, of fraudsters who are swindling investors while pretending to be registered financial brokers or investment advisers. They said fraudsters may falsely claim to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) or a state securities regulator in efforts to lure investors into scams. They may also impersonate real investment professionals who are actually registered with these organizations. Red flags include promises of guaranteed high investment returns, unsolicited offers, and suspicious or unusual requests relating to payment methods for investments. Report possible securities fraud to the SEC

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Bronx may have a new millionaire in its midst. The New York Lottery announced on Thursday, Aug. 5, that one second-prize ticket for the Aug. 4 Powerball drawing was sold in the borough. The ticket is worth a guaranteed $1,000,000. The ticket was purchased at Ahmon Food Inc., located at 1572 Williamsbridge Rd in Morris Park. The winning numbers for the Powerball game are drawn from a field of one to 69. The red Power Ball is drawn from a separate field of one to 26. The drawing is televised every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

An affordable housing lottery launched on July 22 for units at 2692 Creston Avenue, an eight-story residential building in Fordham Manor. Designed by Gerald J. Caliendo, the structure yields 19,111 square feet and 16 residential units. Available on NYC Housing Connect are four units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $63,429 to $167,570. as reported by YIMBY. Amenities include bike storage lockers, a recreation room, and a shared laundry room. Units include name-brand appliances and finishes, air conditioning, high-speed internet, energy-efficient appliances, and a patio or balcony.

Composting is Coming Back: Sign Up to Let the City Know You Want Free Curbside Composting

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has announced that curbside composting, put on hold during the height of the pandemic, as reported, is on the way back to many city residents! By composting, New Yorkers keep their neighborhoods clean, reduce waste being sent to landfills, create compost for City Parks, and produce clean, renewable energy to heat homes. While service was “automatic” in pre-pandemic times, residents interested in participating will now need to sign-up or express interest at nyc.gov/curbsidecomposting. The registration process will allow the DSNY to best understand who is most interested in participating in the program, and