Norwood Among Nabes Targeted for Lead Awareness Campaign

By EMILY SUZANNE LEVER

City health officials are sounding the alarm about lead poisoning that comes not from peeling paint but everyday foods and cosmetics. The city Department of Health & Mental Hygiene announced a lead prevention awareness campaign—which will include flyers, trainings and outreach through community organizations—targeted specifically at South Asian immigrants, who are particularly at risk. The rollout is part of LeadFreeNYC announced at North Central Bronx Hospital on Jan. 28 by Mayor Bill de Blasio, who pegged it as a roadmap to the “literal eradication” of childhood lead exposure. The initiative includes free blood lead level testing and lead inspections for

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers their thoughts on Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.’s State of the Borough address and their thoughts on the borough’s state. The speech was good, but life in the borough could be better because in this borough there still are numerous train stations that still aren’t wheelchair-accessible. There are some railroad stations that are wheelchair-accessible. He mentioned bringing the Metro-North New Haven Line to this borough. No. That should be a subway train line, not a railroad train line, because that means we will have to pay a premium fare. He also needs to advertise

State of the Borough Pores Over Decade of Change for the Bronx

By JOSEPH KONIG

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. gave his tenth “State of the Borough” speech on Thursday taking credit for nearly a decade of crime reduction and increased economic investment, while acknowledging the borough’s housing and transit challenges. He also indirectly addressed comments made recently by his father, that caused a greater political divide between the two. “The Bronx is thriving,” Diaz Jr. said. “Almost ten years ago, I gave my first ever State of the Borough address. I spoke about the need for better paying jobs, to fight crime in our streets, encouraging new development of all types, and the

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By DAVID CRUZ

Experts in the health and housing sectors will converge this weekend to look at the link between the two fields at a forum organized by Montefiore Health System’s Moses Community Advisory Board (CAB). The two-hour session at the Sister Annunciata Bethell Senior Center takes a look at the various factors linking housing to health. This includes the health effects to living in homes with high lead levels, lack of heat and hot water, or vermin. It will look beyond the physical and to the mental impact of housing instability. This can include worries over losing a home or being unable

By JOSEPH KONIG

Seventeen candidates are on the ballot for the New York City Public Advocate special election race on Feb. 26 next week, but voting will be harder than just picking the Democrat or the Republican. Due to the circumstances of the race, each candidate is running on their own unique party line. For example, former New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito is running on the “Fix the MTA” line and Queens Assemblyman Ron Kim is running on the “No Amazon” line. The winner of the Feb. 26 election will only hold the office for a few months before the September

This week we asked readers living in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments in the Bronx about the recent decision for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to oversee NYCHA, and the city’s $2.2 billion commitment for NYCHA repairs over the next decade. I’m all for that because right now we don’t even have heat in the building, no heat at all. We have running hot water, but no heat. We’ve had no heat since yesterday. It comes on and off. They keep saying they’re repairing it. The elevator keeps breaking down. Sometimes we have to go up and down

Editor’s Pick Seniors Should Socialize JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Sedgwick Ave. presents the following February events: (call (718) 549-4700 for more information): Feb. 14 -Informal Valentine’s Day party with music and special refreshments following lunch. Feb. 15 – Trip to City Island to dine out. Meet at the center at 10:30 a.m. and return by 2:30 p.m. Pre-register with Cindy. Feb. 21 – Classical concert at 1 p.m. Feb. 28 – Belated Valentine’s Day/Birthday party, featuring music, at 1 p.m. Onstage Lehman College’s Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents Hector Acosta “El Torito,”

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s fourth edition of the Norwood News with plenty of community news you can use. We’ve packed 20 pages full of useful information. As usual, we’ll begin with page one! Our front-page story takes you to Bedford Park where locals are reeling over news the local Rite Aid has closed. This is troubling news for seniors living at Serviam Heights and Serviam Gardens, which serve senior citizens. Reporter Alondra Vasquez talks to a whole horde of residents over what this means for them and access to their prescriptions. Inside the cover you’ll find a two-page informative piece

Ahead of Possible Government Shutdown, Bronx Locals Get Free Tax Help

By DAVID GREENE

As a possible federal government shutdown looms, Bronxites converged at one local bank for some to have their taxes prepped and filed before they’re refunds are stalled. On Feb. 7 Ridgewood Savings Bank, the largest mutual savings bank in New York State, announced it had partnered with non-profit tax professionals Ariva, in offering free tax preparation at two of its Bronx branches, including one at 3445 Jerome Ave. in Norwood. Customers arrived at the Jerome Avenue branch on Feb. 9 and 10 with documents in hand and met with a tax specialist and e-filed their returns the same day. Few seats