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

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


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

  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


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

                                                                                           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.  


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Neighborhood Notes on Free College Offer for Vaccinated Students, Summer Friday Events & More

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


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Upcoming NYC Parks Events in Various Bronx Parks

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,


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Soundview: Search for Missing 16-Year-Old Girl

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


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

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,


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UPDATE Parents Arrested following Death of 8-Year-Old Boy

The parents of an 8-year-old boy from Williamsbridge who died last June have been arrested on murder charges.   Police responded to a call from Montefiore North Hospital emergency room regarding the child, who had been brought to the facility by his mother from his Williamsbridge home, on Tuesday, June 1, at around 2.10 p.m.   The child was unconscious and unresponsive, with no obvious signs of trauma observed. Joseph Barney, 8, of East 214th Street was pronounced deceased at the hospital.   The medical examiner was due to determine the cause of death. There were no initial arrests, and


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Norwood News Website Available in Spanish, Bengali, French, Arabic, Chinese & English!

  Dear Readers, In 2020, in acknowledgement of the diverse composition of the local communities the Norwood News serves, we updated our website, www.norwoodnews.org, to allow users to read our site in Spanish, Bengali, Arabic, Chinese and French, using a Google Translate function.   Readers can translate the site from English into each of these languages by selecting the relevant language from the drop-down menu located in the top, right-hand corner of the home page.   As a nonprofit news organization, with limited resources, we decided to include this translation function on our site to help you, our community of readers, access local


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