Business Beat – A Getaway Found at the Jerome-Gun Hill BID

By DAVID CRUZ Elvis Herrera works the room at Escape, the newest Latin lounge found in the Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District, at 3489 Jerome Ave. In many ways, he owns the room. He pecks a kiss on a female guest, chuckles with another patron, or spends a few minutes sipping his drink while watching the Puerto Rican Day Parade televised. By all accounts, Herrera is the guy who regulars gravitate toward, while kicking back for a few drinks on the chance to pause on their daily grind. And though his charismatic personality is Herrera’s natural inclination, it’s also the

Out & About – Multicultural Music at the Oval

Editor’s Pick Celebrate Summer at the Oval The public is invited to Make Music New York’s free music festival celebrating the first day of summer, June 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Williamsbridge Oval. Events include West African drumming by Bronx Community Charter School’s graduating 5th graders, and rock by Fort Indy at 5 p.m., in front of the Rec Center. For more information, or to add to the show, call (646) 938-0557.

Digital Edition of the Norwood News Out!

Major projects are in focus in the latest digital edition of the Norwood News. First up, trouble at the Kingsbridge Armory, slated to become a mega-ice skating rink. Infighting has caused delays for the landmark castle. We hear from both sides. Several blocks away, legislators look to grant public access to Jerome Reservoir Park, long closed following construction of the Croton Water Filtration Plant. We find out how lawmakers intend to open the park for recreation. The latest edition also explores the nature of limited liability corporations and loopholes exploited when managing a building. And finally, meet the candidates in the closely

by Brittney Williams Michael Bolton, the soulful, multi-Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter will be performing for the first time on stage in the Bronx on Saturday, June 7 at 8 p.m.

Digital Edition of the Norwood News Out!

The latest edition of the Norwood News is out at nearly 200 locations in the northwest Bronx. You can find them at local diners, stores along Jerome Avenue and other neighborhood spots. For this edition we focus on the long-time issue that’s irked plenty of Norwoodians: barbecuing at parks. The 52nd Precinct is now on the lookout, spotting any violators with help from neighbors. Our other top story focuses on the Fordham Road B/D subway station and Community Board 7’s effort to push for retail space. Read up over the Board’s attempts to make it happen. Inside you can read up on

Out & About

Editor’s Pick MMC Hosts Health Fair Montefiore Medical Center will host a community health fair, June 1 from noon to 4 p.m. on East 210th Street from Bainbridge to Steuben avenues. The event is to increase awareness about healthy living in the Bronx with activities including exercise classes, cooking demonstrations, health screenings, music, games, giveaways and more. For more information, visit www.montefiore.org. The Bronx Puerto Rican Day kicks off at 11am at the Grand Concourse, marching from 192nd Street to Van Cortlandt Avenue East. Rain or shine.

5-2 Cracks Down on Illegal Barbecuing

By Brittney Williams and David Cruz Sunny weather, an extended weekend and no school seem to give the green light for barbecues, but it’s against the law in some areas. And the 52nd Precinct is warning everyone.

Neighborhood Notes

Penny Drive Tender Tots hosts its First Annual Penny Drive through May 17 to help benefit the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. Pennies can be dropped off at 3322 Decatur Ave., between 209th Street and Gun Hill Road weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (347) 865-4100. It’s My Park Day Volunteers are needed for “It’s My Park Day.” The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park meet on Sunday, May 18 at 10 a.m. at the compost site at VC Park (enter at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue). For more information, call (718) 601-1553. The Bedford-Mosholu Community Association meets

BronxNet Celebrates 20 Years of Bronx Strong

By SHAYLA LOVE Shirley Arrieta, now 28, was a junior at Lehman College when she realized nursing wasn’t for her. Her passion was photography, but she declared a nursing major, thinking it would provide a better salary. Now, three years in, she was giving it up. That’s when she went to a taping of daytime talk show, The View.