Neighborhood Notes: Heating Assistance, IDNYC Pop-up, and More

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

Heating Assistance Applications for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for older adults and low- and middle-income New Yorkers will be accepted by local departments of social services. Eligibility is based on income, household size and how the home is heated. Residents can apply online at https://on.ny.gov/2Fn062M and mail it to NYC DSS/HRA/HEAP, P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008. For more information, call (212) 331-3126. IDNYC Pop-Up Sign up for a free IDNYC card at the Community Board 7 office, 229A E. 204th St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 1 to 2 p.m.) through

New Additions, and Some Greatest Hits, at NYBG Train Show (Picture)

By JOSEPH KONIG

An elevated train runs adjacent to Yankee Stadium. No, it is not the 4 train, but Thomas the Tank Engine chugging around a circular loop, situated above a wood-and-fungus recreation of the old Yankee Stadium. This surreal model of the west Bronx can be found at the New York Botanical Garden’s 27th Annual Holiday Train Show inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. The show runs through Jan. 21, but the Norwood News was invited to a media preview on Nov. 13. Ranging from well-known landmarks and historic structures across the city to row houses in Washington Heights, over 150 buildings, bridges and

Report: Quarter of the Bronx Still Food Insecure

By JOSEPH KONIG

Ahead of Thanksgiving, a new report shows more than a quarter of the Bronx’s population live in food insecure households, down from 29 percent in a period from 2012-14, but still higher than pre-recession era levels. Bronx elected officials, activist and community leaders gathered the day before Thanksgiving at Part of the Solution Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry (POTS) on Webster Avenue to discuss the report by Hunger Free America and measures that can be taken to reduce food insecurity. “When you invest in families and you provide them with access to food, you can change their lives,” Councilwoman Vanessa

Editor’s Pick Holiday Tree Lighting Bronx Community Board 7 presents its annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. on the Mosholu Parkway Lawn at the intersection of Mosholu Parkway and Bainbridge Avenue. Featured will be caroling, hot apple cider, holiday cookies, goodie bags giveaway and local elected officials. For more information, call (718) 933-5650. Onstage Lehman College for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents José Feliciano in Feliz Navided, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. (tickets: $50 to $65; $100/VIP which includes pre-concert reception at 6:30 p.m.; $10/to age 12); and Soweto Gospel Choir,

By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers to describe their Thanksgiving, and what the holiday will likely look like. My perfect Thanksgiving would be spending it with my ex-wife, who left 30 years ago. She’s out in California. She’s a doctor out there and she left. That would be my perfect Thanksgiving. I will spend it this year with a few friends. I’m a picky eater, so only plain turkey, no trimmings. I just like the plain white meat and a jar of Gulden’s Mustard and I’m in business. Victor DeRosa Norwood What I’d really want, which is never going to happen,

As Flock Vows to Reinstate Bishop Jenik, Clergyman Offers Thanks in Exile

By DAVID GREENE

Forced to leave his church after 40 years of service to the Bedford Park and Kingsbridge communities after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor decades ago, Bishop John Jenik offered thanks to some 300 supporters who held a rally in his honor–during a video call on a cellphone. Jenik, 74, was removed from Our Lady of Refuge after leading the church for more than 30 years. Jenik was named parochial vicar of Our Lady of Refuge on Briggs Avenue by Cardinal Terrence Cooke in 1978, and later named vicar of the Northwest Bronx by Cardinal Edward Egan in

Bedford Park Photos Wanted The Bedford Mosholu Community Association is accepting photos of the Bedford Park neighborhood to go with its application to the Historic Districts Council. The application seeks to begin an effort to preserve Bedford Park from further development. Photos can be sent to bedfordmosholu@verizon.net. Canned Food Drive The office of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, 3107 Kingsbridge Ave., is accepting canned goods for its annual food drive. Thanksgiving donations will be accepted before Nov. 14; donations for the Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa seasons will be accepted through Dec. 12. All proceeds will be delivered to Kingsbridge Heights Community Center

By MARINA KOPF of WFUV

The Norwood News, WFUV Radio and BronxNet Television continue their five-part series on the impact of gangs in New York City. Kareem Nelson used to live what he calls the “street life.” He was involved in gang-like groups, sold marijuana and participated in gun violence. A gunshot wound paralyzed Nelson, but he still continued to work the streets. It wasn’t until after he did a stint in prison and was in a situation where he was forced to beg for his life, that he made the decision to change. In 2014, he created Wheelchairs Against Guns, using his experiences to

COMMUNITY BOARD 7 will hold its general board meeting on Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at North Central Bronx Hospital, 3424 Kossuth Ave. The following CB7 committee meetings will take place at the board office, 229A E. 204th St., unless otherwise noted: joint meeting of Public Safety & Quality of Life and Sanitation Committees on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.; Housing, Land Use & Zoning Committee on Nov. 13; Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Committee on Nov. 14; Budget, Personnel & Ethics Committee on Nov. 19; Executive Committee on Nov. 20; and Health & Human Services Committee on Nov. 20.