UPDATE Poe Park Visitor Center Remains Closed, as Others Reopen

By DAVID GREENE

Proclaiming that New York City was back open, after an almost 18-month long shutdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday, Sept. 13, that recreation centers across the city were once again open. However, at least one center in the Bronx has remained closed to the public as of Friday, Oct. 1. Speaking at the Sept. 13 press conference, De Blasio told New Yorkers, “We’re coming back, and we’re coming back in so many ways, and it’s not just about work.” He added, “It’s about the ways we have fun, and the ways that

By DAWN CLANCY

For Community Board 7 (CB7), reaching vaccine-hesitant veterans in the Bronx has been one of the Veterans’ Affairs committee’s top concerns. Their conversation continued at their most recent committee meeting held on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021. Helene Redd is the committee’s newly appointed co-chair and said vaccination is a big issue because a lot of veterans are objecting to it. “How do we reach these people?” she asked. (For details of the other Bronx CB7 committee members, click here.) While the COVID-19 landscape has shifted substantially from the early days of pandemic when refrigerated trucks were lined

By SARAH HUFFMAN

Friends of Devoe Park (FODP) hosted a “Dancing in Unity Fair,” on Saturday, Sept. 18, in Devoe Park, located in the Fordham Manor section of the Bronx. The event featured a face painter, balloon animal artists, a DJ, food provided by Ms. Geneva’s 50/50, an ice cream truck sponsored by Fordham Toyota, and a variety of lawn activities, games, and crafts for children which were organized by the City Parks’ department. Earl Evans, one of the balloon artists hired for the event, said the kids really enjoyed playing with the balloons and kept coming back to his tent

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Pick Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, located at 3225 Reservoir Oval East in Norwood, is hosting its Annual Pumpkin Party on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Families and children are invited to the event where there will be trick-or-treating and family fun. Activities will include carnival games, arts & crafts, photo booth, and much more. The event is free and open to the public. Prevailing COVID-19 regulations apply. Call Sarah at (212) 360-1430 or email sarah.bishow@parks.nyc.gov for more information. Events The Jerome Gun Hill BID 20th Annual Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct.

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the different COVID-19 vaccine mandates that are now in effect, and whether they agree with them. “Honestly, it’s really a mixed bag because vaccines do work to an extent, but then we have heard about those who have been vaccinated getting “break out” cases, but generally, those cases that have COVID, they don’t show symptoms. Yet, they’re still a health liability because they can still transmit [the virus]. Maybe they don’t. I just think, right now, with the misinformation going on, and the weaponization of information to make the vaccine

By SÍLE MOLONEY

When 17-year-old Miranda Blanco, a 12th grade student at the Academy of Mount St. Ursula, in Bedford Park, decided to join a statewide movement which aims to create the first tobacco-free generation, little did she know she would later be honored with the MARO Reality Check Youth Ambassador of the Year Award (YAYA) for 2021. Applications for the statewide award were open to students aged 13 to 18 who were part of the Reality Check program, with the awards ceremony taking place annually. According to its website, “Reality Check is a youth-led movement in New York State that

By SÍLE MOLONEY

As eligible, disaster survivors start to receive funds for rental assistance, home repairs, or other categories of assistance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is assuring Americans that federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free. FEMA officials said that the FEMA notification letter will inform residents of the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds and urges them to use the funds as stated in the award letter, and only for disaster-related expenses. The agency has provided the following tips: FEMA will send you a notification letter informing you of the types of assistance you are eligible to receive and the

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced on Friday, Oct. 1, that it is entering a new phase of the COVID-19 vaccination / testing program whereby unvaccinated employees will be required to test weekly for COVID-19, beginning Monday, Oct. 4. The MTA currently has 138 on-site locations where employees can get tested. The agency also announced that any new hires, beginning on or after Sunday, Nov. 14, must be fully vaccinated. MTA officials said these were the latest steps being taken by the MTA to protect transit workers and customers of the largest transportation network in North America. They said

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) released a report on Jan. 28, entitled, “Nursing Home Response to COVID-19 Pandemic.” On its release, Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Care Community Coalition (LTCCC) said, “This shocking yet unsurprising report must serve as a wake-up call that vulnerable residents and their families deserve better.” He added that many of the failures documented in this report had been going on for years and had only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report included the following preliminary findings. A larger number of nursing home