Report Finds Children’s Hospital at Montefiore One of Best in Nation

By SÍLE MOLONEY

For the 14th year in a row, the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best pediatric hospitals, hospital representatives announced on Tuesday, June 15. In the 2021-2022 Best Children’s Hospitals list, the hospital’s neonatology, pediatric cancer and gastroenterology & GI surgery units ranked among the top 20 programs in the country, and the nephrology, and neurology & neurosurgery units were in the top 50. CHAM is also highlighted as the number three children’s hospital in New York State. In compiling the list, U.S. News gathered data from

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the Bronx harder than any other borough by several measures, according to an economic analysis released on June 8 by the New York State comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, with one finding showing that only 61.3 percent of households had reliable internet, compared to a range of 69.5 to 78 percent across the city, as previously reported by Norwood News. To address this, the comptroller’s office reported that as part of a recent deal, the City expects fiber-optic infrastructure to reach 500,000 new households citywide (no deadline was specified), including households in Norwood, Fordham, University Heights, Bedford

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A landmark bill (A2375B) which creates new standards for those working in a profession that often holds significant influence in the outcomes of custody and visitation hearings has been passed in New York State Assembly, as confirmed by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) on Friday, June 11. The legislation adds new requirements for child custody forensic evaluators. Under the bill, such evaluators must be New York State-licensed psychologists, social workers, or psychiatrists who have undergone biennial domestic violence-related training. The legislation also tasks the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to work with the New York State Coalition

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

A jam-packed agenda extended the May Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7) general board meeting to just under two hours. Much of the meeting, held on May 25, was spent going over the nominations for incoming officer positions for the upcoming year, including chairperson, first vice chair, second vice chair, third vice chair, treasurer, and secretary. Several motions were also passed, including those relating to requested letters of support from the board to different city agencies and elected officials. Each year, during the general board’s May meeting, nominations are made for new officer positions, and the final vote is

Out & About: PRIDE Month, Van Cortlandt Lawn Party, ¡Jazz Puertorriqueño! & More!

By RACHEL DALOO & SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Pick Norwood Community Library will be discussing, “Before the Fires, An Oral History of African American Life in the Bronx from the 1930s to the 1960s,” by Mark Naison and Bob Gumbs, during its book club sessions over the next four to six weeks. For further information, follow Norwood Community Library on www.instragram.com.

Mass Vaccination Sites All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first served basis. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling (877) 829-4692. COVID-19 Testing Sites For a full list of COVID-19 testing sites, text “COVID TEST” to 855-48 or go to: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page. Reopening New York City There have been numerous

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Below is a list of upcoming events in various Bronx parks, courtesy of NYC Parks. Sunday, June 6, 2021 Estuary Paddle on the Bronx River 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Concrete Plant Park, Bronx Historic New York: The General Slocum Disaster 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2021 Monday Morning Pitch-In at Williamsbridge Oval Park 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Monday Morning Pitch-In at Walter Gladwin Park 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Monday Morning Pitch-In at Starlight Park 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 9, 2021 Arts, Culture & Fun: Jazz Concert with Joaquin Pozo y la Clave Suena 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Arts, Culture & Fun: Watercolor Painting Workshop 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Thursday,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Jazmary Thompson, 16, of Apt 10B, 1340 Stratford Avenue in the Soundview section of The Bronx, located in the 43rd precinct. It was reported to the police that Jazmary was last seen Monday, May 31, at 3.30 p.m. inside of her home. She is described as being about 5 feet, 3 inches tall, weighs 115 pounds, has a thin build, brown eyes with short, kinky brown and blonde hair. She was last seen wearing a gray sweatsuit. A photo of Jazmary is attached. Anyone

By SÍLE MOLONEY

State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi joined legislators and advocates on Wednesday, June 2, in calling for the passage of the New York State Abortion Access Fund in the final days of the legislative session. Bill S758/A1926 creates a fund which allows taxpayers to voluntarily contribute financial support for organizations that provide financial and logistical assistance to people with limited access to abortion care, on their personal income tax returns. According to a press release issued by the senator’s office, while abortion access is deemed a right under New York State law, many people face financial barriers such as travel expenses,

Norwood News

Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights

Health

Report Finds Children’s Hospital at Montefiore One of Best in Nation

State Comptroller Releases Economic Report on The Bronx

Assembly Passes Bill Mandating Ongoing Training of Forensic Evaluators of Child Abuse Cases

Bronx CB7 May General Meeting Sees New Officer Nominations & Veterans Fare Discounts

Out & About: PRIDE Month, Van Cortlandt Lawn Party, ¡Jazz Puertorriqueño! & More!

Upcoming NYC Parks Events in Various Bronx Parks

Soundview: Search for Missing 16-Year-Old Girl

Sen. Biaggi, Planned Parenthood, Brigid Alliance & Legislators Call for NYS Abortion Access Fund