UPDATE New York State Primary Elections: The Saga Continues

By José A. Giralt & Síle Moloney

On Apr. 27, citing concerns over the probable spread of the coronavirus, the New York State Board of Elections announced the cancellation of the State’s presidential primary. The Sanders campaign released a statement the same day, describing the decision as an “outrage”. “What the [NYS] Board of Elections is ignoring, is that the primary process not only leads to a nominee, but also the selection of delegates, which helps to determine the platform and rules of the Democratic Party,” the statement read. Bizarrely, the Board chose not to cancel the congressional, state and other special primary elections

By Síle Moloney

A week after Woodrow Wilson was sworn in as the 28th President of the United States, Julia Bizzarri was born in the Bronx on Mar. 13, 1913. In a curious twist of fate, in the same year that now, 107-year-old Bizzarri has astonishingly shown COVID-19 who’s boss, Wilson’s name is to be removed from Princeton University buildings, one of a number of moves by age-old institutions to address the legacy of racism in the country. At 107, Bizzarri has lived through not only one civil rights movement, but what many are calling a second. Like others of her generation,

By Síle Moloney

Dear Readers, I hope you’re all well! I don’t say that lightly. Thank you for your patience, and for sticking with us during what we know, you know, has been a pretty crazy, and unprecedented time for everyone. After two and half months on hiatus due to circumstances related to the pandemic, this year’s seventh edition of the Norwood News is out now. Indeed, that is a story in itself (but for another day). We’re happy to be back, and to share plenty of interesting community news with you, so let’s get to it! After months of lockdown

By Síle Moloney

The COVID-19 surge has passed through New York City, and as local communities now enter a new normal, Montefiore Health System is encouraging people to prioritize health and resume regular check-ups. Studies on heart, cancer diagnoses and vaccines show that avoiding hospitals and doctor’s offices can have detrimental long-term effects. Montefiore Health System has launched the following services to help the local community, to make sure people are comfortable and seeking the healthcare services they need: A hotline (833-311-SAFE (833-311-7233)) and website (https://covidsafecare.montefiore.org/covid-safe) so people can ask questions and receive the most appropriate care going forward, whether it’s in-person or via a telemedicine visit. A follow-up clinic,

By Gary J. Kennedy MD

There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has changed many things in our world over the past few months. I’ve heard concerns from families and communities about how older adults will cope with physical distancing, but we see that with age comes some advantages. Positivity bias – Older adults exhibit what has been described as a “positivity bias”. They tend toward optimism more so than their younger counterparts. They have rebounded from adversity before, likely many times over their lives, and expect to do so again. Even in the face of uncertainty older adults often have a positive outlook and

By Síle Moloney

Phase III of the City’s reopening plan is set to go into effect on Monday, Jul. 6, incorporating personal care services like manicuring and tattooing. Indoor dining has been postponed because of the recent rise in coronavirus cases in cities which reopened indoor dining too soon. In June, Mayor Bill de Blasio, in conjunction with the City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that nine major bus lane projects were underway in preparation for reopening, including one major bus project along the 149th Street corridor in the Bronx. The corridor incorporates four bus routes, Bx2, Bx4, Bx17 and Bx19, and

By Síle Moloney

An extensive, industrial-style, subway clean-up is underway at Norwood’s 205th Street subway station, and will continue throughout the coming days. A professional team of about ten cleaners, suited in protective equipment and masks, began a major clean-up at the station on Jun. 29. The workers were seen getting into all the nooks and crannies in the ceiling and along the walls and stairs using a power spray, and various chemical agents. Initially, because of hoses seen on the subway floor, some people thought that the station had been flooded by the heavy rain which fell late on the

By Síle Moloney

Police confirm on Jun. 28, 2020, that the man shown in the attached photos and videos who was wanted for questioning by the NYPD in connection to an attempted rape on Jun. 26, within the confines of the 52nd precinct, has been identified and charged. Pursuant to the ongoing investigation, Michael Rosa, 25, of Melrose, Bronx, NY has been arrested and charged with attempted rape, strangulation, sexual abuse, forcible touching and assault. On Friday, Jun. 26, 2020, at approximately 8:00 a.m., a 27-year-old female victim was entering a residential building located at 3345 Reservoir Oval West when a man

By Síle Moloney

The New York City Police Department confirm that an 18-year-old female was shot once in the face at 4:35 a.m. on Jun. 26, 2020 in front of 2591 Briggs Avenue in the Fordham Manor area of the Bronx. The bullet from a firearm grazed her left cheek. The woman was watching fireworks in front of the location at the time of the incident. There is currently no perpetrator description at this time. The victim was removed to Saint Barnabas Hospital by EMS. She is not likely to die, and is in a stable condition. The NYPD’s Emergency Service