Education

Update: Bronx Has Lowest Citywide Vaccination Rate; Survey Aims to Ascertain Attitudes to Vaccine

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Editor’s Note: The Montefiore survey which aims to better understand vaccine hesitancy is still open for Bronxites to participate in, and a link to the survey is provided further below. On the other hand, please note that the vaccination statistics and some other COVID-19 related information about vaccine services reported in the story may now be outdated. Check our most recent stories for the latest updates in this regard.     As the Bronx ranks lowest, at 35 percent, in terms of COVID-19 vaccination rates out of all five boroughs, Bronxites are being invited to take part in a research study


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Update: Police Search for Missing 10-Year-Old Girl in 52nd Precinct

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The NYPD has confirmed that they are searching for Michelle Martin, 10, of 2767 Morris Avenue in the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx, who was reported missing on April 12 in the 52nd precinct. Michelle is described as 4 feet, 10 inches tall, weighs 80 pounds, and was last seen wearing a black coat, light blue jeans, black boots, and purple eyeglasses. She was carrying a bright pink backpack and was wearing her hair in two braids.   The incident was initially reported on the Citizen’s App on Monday, April 12, at 1.56 p.m. Police confirm that Michelle was


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As People Begin to Hit the Parks, FOMP Encourages Bronxites to Maintain Clean, Healthy Air

By SÍLE MOLONEY
As the warmer weather starts to kick in, as Bronxites venture outdoors, and barbecuing season approaches, Friends of Mosholu Parkland (FOMP) has launched a Clean Air initiative to remind community members to be mindful of those with asthma, and to take pro-active measures to maintain clean, healthy air in their respective communities.   “The community of Mosholu deserves clean, fresh, and unpolluted air,” said Elizabeth Quaranta, executive director of FOMP, adding that with the high rates of asthma in The Bronx, the message was even more important.   As reported previously by Norwood News, according to the New York City


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Update: Fernández on NYS Budget: No Cuts to Health, Additional Funds for Schools, Gun Violence Prevention & Parks

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York State Assemblywoman for the 80th Assembly District, Nathalia Fernández, said the latest New York State Budget of $212 billion, the largest in the State’s history, invests in the future of The Bronx. Fernández released a statement on Thursday, April 8, describing the new budget as “bold and progressive,” one that will bring much-needed aid to Bronxites and galvanize the state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. “These critical investments in our infrastructure, small businesses, schools, and health care services will strengthen our borough’s response, and most importantly, help people get back to work,” she said, acknowledging that the COVID-19


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Espaillat Calls on District 13 High School Students to Enter Congressional Art Competition

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who represents New York’s 13th congressional district (NY-13), released a statement on Thursday, March 4, to encourage high school students throughout New York’s 13th congressional district to submit entries to this year’s Congressional Art Competition.   The national contest is open to high school students from around the district to showcase their artistic talents and provides an opportunity for students to display their winning art in the United States Capitol for up to one year.   Espaillat serves as a national co-host of this year’s art competition, which is open to high school students from around the nation. The


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Neighborhood Notes: Help Scheduling Vaccine Appointments, Business Recovery Workshops & More

COVID-19 Vaccinations Appointments are required to receive a vaccination. To determine your eligibility, access a list of nearby providers, and schedule your vaccination appointment, use New York State’s Am I Eligible app. Prior to receiving your scheduled vaccination, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. Please be patient and continue to monitor these links frequently for available vaccine appointments: New York City: https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/ or 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) New York State: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829) VaccineTogetherNY: https://vaccinetogetherny.org/Pages/default.aspx or call 646-697-VACC To schedule an appointment, go to: https://vax4nyc.nyc.gov/patient/s/. To find a vaccination site, go to: https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov/locations.   Your physician or local


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Home Care Workers Demand Fair Pay

By DAVID GREENE
  A few dozen home care workers held a rally in the Bronx on Friday, March 12, to push for the passage of the “Fair Pay for Home Care Act,” which aims to guarantee workers better conditions. Low wages and poor conditions have been causing a mass exodus from the profession, affecting both elderly and disabled people, who are usually cared for in their homes by such workers. However, due to the shortage, seniors and people with disabilities are increasingly being forced to enter already overburdened nursing homes.   The Fair Pay for Home Care Act (S-5374) was introduced on


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Op-Ed by NYC Schools Chancellor: Why I Dare to Dream Big

By MEISHER PORTER
  This week, I began leading the nation’s largest public school system, a school system that serves more than one million students, including, many years ago – me!   I am both excited and honored to take on this role. Not only because I am a New Yorker, born and bred, but because education is in my blood. Both my mom and auntie were teachers, and between them have 40 years of changing young people’s lives. I became a New York City public school educator because of them, and the amazing teachers I had as a student, myself – like Ms. Pearlman, my


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Students Join Faculty Members & Continue to Rally over CUNY Lay-offs & Cuts

By DAVID GREENE
Employees and students at the City University of New York (CUNY) held a noisy, caravan-style protest on Jan. 30, in opposition to ongoing cuts and lay-offs which have affected both students and faculty alike. The group taped signs to their cars, hung out their windows, honked their horns and generally shattered the usual, peaceful tranquility known to some residents of the Northwest Bronx.   The estimated 20-vehicle, caravan rally formed outside Herbert H. Lehman College on West Bedford Park Boulevard, between Paul Avenue and Goulden Avenue in Bedford Park, and later deliberately drove past the homes of Bronx Community College


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