Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The latest edition of the Norwood News is out, though this time it’s our traditional one-month edition. That’s right, one month. But it’s packed with plenty of news that will get you talking for the month so let’s start with page one. Our epic page one story focuses on several political rumblings and races heading into the September primary. For the Bronx, that’s usually a time where Democrats will decide who will want to be their general election nominee. You’ll hear from the candidates in the closely watched 34th Senate District and the lone nominee for the

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By DAVID CRUZ

I didn’t expect to have one foot in as a private citizen and the other as a reporter during my sole day as a juror at Manhattan Criminal Court. I figured I’d brace myself for two days of killing my hours in a giant room nervously awaiting my name to be called as though it were some kind of death sentence. But, the day before as I was wrapping up a long production day, in came the email showing the next day’s public schedule for Mayor Bill de Blasio: jury duty. I immediately told this to my wife via text,

After One Bike Share Company Backs Out of the Bronx, Two Step it Up

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

Five days after the bike-sharing company ofo backpedaled on a pilot program providing dockless bikes in the Bronx, Citi Bike and JUMP Bikes have stepped up to double the number of pedal-assist bicycles in the borough. These e-bikes will officially become available by July 28 and mid-August, according to the city Transportation Department (DOT). City Bike and JUMP Bikes will now provide 200 pedal-assist bikes respectively. Ofo was originally chosen to make 200 regular pedal bikes available in the Bronx by the end of July, mostly around the Fordham University area. However, on July 19 DOT announced that ofo was

By MELINDA MARQUEZ, MPH, CHES

Summertime fun includes activities such as swimming, biking and just being in the great outdoors. But it’s important to remember to remain safe. Swimming is a great way to get exercise and stay healthy. Children especially enjoy spending time in swimming pools and playing on sandy beaches. Even if children know how to swim, it is safest to keep them in a life jacket, particularly when at the beach or in large bodies of water like lakes and ponds. Children should also be kept out of the water if they are not feeling well or become sick. It’s important to

Free Air ConditionerFree air conditioners are available to low income NYC residents who have a medical condition made worse by heat, and either receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Temporary Assistance (TA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and did not receive an air conditioner by the Home Energy Assistance Program within the past 10 years. Income-eligibility requirements also apply. For more detailed information and requirements, call (212) 331-3126, or visit the Department of Human Resources Administration at 1932 Arthur Ave. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Secure Valuable Electronics The NYPD’s Operation I.D. helps residents register their

Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The latest edition of the Norwood News, covering the Bronx, is out and loaded with 20 pages of original news content covering the Bronx. In keeping with tradition we begin with page one! This one focuses on the re-opening of Whalen Park, which unlike other park projects has opened in record time (see headline). Find out how what prompted this park to open so quickly. Also, you can hear from what parents think of the revamped park. On page 3 you’ll find a great feel-good story of Bobby Gonzalez, a Norwood man who will be honored for his

By SOPHIA EBANKS

The city Department of Transportation has picked five companies for the pilot bike share program in boroughs outside Manhattan. Two of those companies, the Hong Kong-based Ofo and Brooklyn-based JUMP, will supply bikes to the Bronx. The program will bring at least 200 bikes to the central Bronx and Fordham area. “Our goal is to make cycling accessible to anyone anywhere,” said Jordan Levine, head of northeast communications at Ofo. “We want to make it both as affordable and approachable as possible by taking away traditional barriers like having bikes being stolen or dishing out a few hundred dollars to

Excelsior Scholarship Applications for the Excelsior Scholarship are now open for new applicants pursuing a college degree at city- or state-funded colleges/universities for the 2018-19 academic year. Eligible candidates must be New York State residents, take 30 credits per year (including summer and winter sessions), a family whose annual household income is below $110,000, and be on track to graduate on time with an associate’s degree in two years or a bachelor’s degree in four years. Applications will be accepted through July 23. For more information, and to apply, go to https://www.hesc.ny.gov/excelsior/. Bird Walks Free bird walk tours with guides

By MELINDA MARQUEZ, MPH, CHES

Stress is a physical response to an adverse or very difficult circumstance; it is the body’s natural defense against danger, real or perceived. Work related stress is a person’s perception to the work environment involving feelings of inability to cope. There are several factors involved in work related stress for example pressure from a boss, unsteady schedules, deadlines and work assignments. Work related stress is a real problem across many industries and organizations. According to the Center of Disease and Prevention Control (CDPC), one-fourth to one-third of U.S. workers report high levels of stress at work. Americans spend 8% more