NYPL Libraries Revert to Phase 1 Operations Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Nov. 9, the New York Public Library (NYPL) had introduced a Phase 2 opening service, providing desktop computer usage to library users, limited browsing at 14 branch libraries, as well as in-person appointments and grab-and-go pick up at research libraries. However, on Monday, Nov. 16, representatives said that after careful examination of the recent unfavorable trends in COVID-19 cases across New York City, NYPL made the difficult decision to roll back to a Phase 1 opening service, system-wide. On Nov. 25, NYPL closed three libraries on Staten Island, following the State’s designation of the impacted areas as orange

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYC Civic Engagement Commission recently announced the launch of a new youth-led, civic engagement initiative called “It’s our Money!” in partnership with the CORO Youth Participatory Budget Fellowship program, which is an existing program run by the Coro New York Leadership Center. The center works with youth leaders and people in business and communities, schools and unions, government and nonprofits, in an effort to move the city forward. The new “It’s our Money” collaboration empowers New Yorkers, aged 9 to 24 years old, to determine how $100,000 should be spent on projects based on their needs and ideas.

By RICHARD A. CARRANZA

As we approach the end of an unprecedented year, I reflect on the past eight months with a deep sense of gratitude and awe for the unwavering commitment parents have shown to their children and New York City. I always say parents are our partners in everything we do, and at no point has that ever been more true than throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Each of you has gone above and beyond during this crisis, and your continued investment and engagement in our school communities has been vital as we move forward together. As a parent myself, I know how

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Members and volunteers from Bronx Committee for Transportation Alternatives have been holding their monthly “Complete the Concourse,” protest bike rides that aim to raise awareness of the risks to both pedestrians and cyclists of traveling on the Grand Concourse. Transportation Alternative’s mission is to reclaim New York City’s streets from the automobile, and advocate for better cycling, walking, and public transit for all New Yorkers. During an Oct. 24 ride, Streetmemorials.org representatives and members of Five Boro Bike Club, joined Bronx Transportation Alternatives for the installation of a “Ghost Bike” memorial on the corner of Grand Concourse and

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress Campaign formally launched a virtual Homework Helpers Program on Tuesday, Nov. 24, after a four-week pilot program helped approximately 100 Throggs Neck students. The program is made possible by a community of educators and volunteers from around the country who provide NY-14 students with one hour of free virtual homework help per week. “COVID-19 has meant parents are struggling to juggle work, childcare, and remote schooling. Last week, NYC shut down our public schools, and as we brace for yet another wave of rising COVID-19 cases, folks need our support more than ever”,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Councilman Andy Cohen has reiterated recent messages by the mayor and the governor that tighter restrictions may be imposed in December to curb the spread of the coronavirus. “This is a difficult and challenging time for our educators, students, and families as the City is dealing with the unfortunate reality of having to close our public school’s to in-person learning once again,” Cohen said via a newsletter on Friday, Nov. 20. “As families transition into full-time remote learning, please know there are resources available. Please reach out to my office if you need help accessing meals, learning devices, or connecting

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

Throughout the northwest Bronx, various statues, plaques and memorials honor and remember those veterans who served the country, some of whom died in combat. From the Bronx Victory Memorial at the southern end of Mosholu Parkway, which honors local residents who died in World War I, to Memorial Grove in Van Cortlandt Park, which honors those who served up to, and through the Vietnam War, local neighborhoods recognize the service of men and women in the military. Of course, Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place for over 6,500 men and women who served in the military. Those

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Details of a new charter school that is to be located at 2720 Jerome Avenue in Fordham Manor were presented during Bronx Community Board 7 Education, Youth and Libraries Committee meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Jhennelle Robinson, committee chairperson, said, “One of our priorities was to have amenities for our growing community.” She added, “They’re building all these buildings, but with that comes families, and children, and we’re already strapped for [school] seats, so we need to continue to support any new schools or education programs coming in.” KIPP NYC public charter schools was founded in the South

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City kids aged ten to seventeen years of age are invited to join in some outdoor sports as part of a new “Street Games” program organized by the Police Athletic League (PAL), which will be visiting each borough throughout the fall. PAL is the first civilian-run police athletic league in the country. Founded in 1914, it has served the city’s young people for over 100 years. It provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to 20,000 boys and girls annually. The league’s representatives hope that by participating in basketball skills and drills, old-fashioned dodgeball, double-dutch jump