Balloon Inflation Day & Thanksgiving Day Parade Traffic Advisories

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD announced that the annual balloon inflation ahead of the Thanksgiving Day parade celebrations in Manhattan will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 24, from noon to 6 p.m. Spectators may enter the queue at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Large backpacks, coolers, alcoholic beverages, chairs and umbrellas are expressly prohibited and participants will be screened prior to entering the viewing route. At the organizer’s request, all attendees over aged 12 must be vaccinated and provide proof to the screeners in order to attend the balloon inflation. Children under 12 years may attend with a fully vaccinated adult.

By JASON GONZALEZ

Some of the residents of Assembly District 78 showed up asking for change, while others voiced their frustration. Despite erratic weather conditions of wind and frigid temperatures, a group of Shanequa Charles’ supporters joined the long-time community activist for a rally on Fordham Plaza in Belmont, close to the Fordham Manor border, early Sunday afternoon, Nov. 14, in hopes of hearing she would be throwing her hat in the ring to win the A.D. 78 seat, and they were not disappointed. Charles formally announced that she will, indeed, be running in the primary election set for June 28,

By SARAH HUFFMAN

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) held its annual Harvest Fest at the center, located in the Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood, on Oct. 28. The event featured raffles, vaccine and voting information, and various activities and stands. Margaret Della, chief executive director of KHCC, said the Harvest Fest used to be held indoors, but last year they moved it outside as a COVID-19 safety precaution. “This was, like, the first event that we had where we were bringing people back together again, and it was so fun,” she said. Activities on the day included temporary tattoos, a Wii station, a photo

By SARAH HUFFMAN

The inaugural Norwood Community Appreciation Block Party was held on Oct. 17 on Tryon Avenue in the Norwood section of the Bronx. Alina K. Dowe and Sedella M. Harvin, two Norwood residents, joined forces with the nonprofit, Using Positive Initiatives Effectively (UPIE), and The Dowe Twins, a brand created to bring awareness to, and empower kids who learn differently from others, to host the event. UPIE is Dowe’s nonprofit which she started in October 2020 with the mission of identifying and developing initiatives to make positive change in the community. Meanwhile, as previously reported, Princeton and Brazil

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Lottery announced on Thursday, Nov. 18, that one second-prize ticket for the Nov. 17 Powerball drawing was sold in The Bronx. The ticket is worth a guaranteed $2,000,000. The ticket was purchased at NY Famous Deli located at 1683 E 172nd Street in Soundview. 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 one to of 26. The Powerball drawing is televised every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. According to the New York Lottery officials, the lottery continues to

By SARAH HUFFMAN

Mildred Casiano MSW, LCSW-R, MPH, director of behavioral health at Union Community Health Center (UCHC), located in the Fordham Heights neighborhood, was honored as a 2021 Woman of Distinction by State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33) during a ceremony held at the center, on Oct. 22. During her acceptance speech, Casiano thanked Douglas York Ph.D., CEO of UCHC, her behavior health team, and the entire UCSC family along with friends and family who came out to support her on the day. She said she felt “overwhelmed and overjoyed” but overall, “truly blessed,” by the honor. “I would

By DAVID GREENE

Bronx elected officials teamed up in various groups to co-host a number of Halloween celebrations for youngsters across the borough last weekend, ahead of Election Day. In Pelham Bay Park in the Northeast Bronx, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio–Cortez (NY-14) and State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (S.D 34) co-hosted a Halloween celebration for families in the area, which included face painting, mask decorating, candy, and socially distanced, family-friendly games. Others contributing to the festivities included City Councilman Kevin Riley (C.D. 12) and, as reported, projected winner of the District 13 City Council race, Democratic candidate, Marjorie Velázquez, as well as community

By DAVID GREENE

Children of all ages, dressed in various costumes, turned out for the annual Pumpkin Party at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, located at 3225 Reservoir Oval East, in Norwood on Saturday, Oct. 30. Carnival games, a smaller and less scary “haunted house,” a photo booth for taking festive photos, and arts and crafts were all on offer this year at the event which was organized by Parks’ department officials. Castle Hill mom, Joanna Boala, brought along her two daughters Jasleen, 6, and Abbie, 2, to the spooky event, having learned of it from the Parks’ department website. Boala

By DAVID GREENE

With roughly 8,486 people across the State waiting on an organ transplant, as reported, some will die before they receive one. In recognition of Organ Donor Enrollment Day in New York State on Oct. 7, we asked some residents if they were organ donors, and if not, if they would consider becoming donors. “I am an organ donor. I’ve been an organ donor for over 14 years now. I think if we can give the last gift of life, that’s the greatest gift to give. I think we should follow Spain’s direction where they actually have opt-out donors. You’re automatically