At Lehman College, a Military Veteran Encourages Creativity

J.R. Martinez (center) shared his back story to 100 Bronx men looking for a dose of inspiration. Martinez, a 2011 Dancing with the Stars winner, military veteran and author of Full of Heart took part in the city Department of Youth and Community Development’s Transition to High School Program, encouraging students to draft a book chapter that delves into a key moment in their personal life. Students from High School 433 in Kingsbridge and Pelham Prepatory Academy in Pelham Gardens will take part in the 11-week program. Held at Lehman College, the program looks to spur creativity while encouraging the fundamentals of

Neighborhood Notes

Metrocard Van A Metrocard van will be visiting two locations in Norwood and Bedford Park on Tuesday, Dec. 23. The first will be at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave. from 12 to 1 p.m. and at the Bedford Park Senior Center, 243 E. 204th St., from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information contact Councilman Andrew Cohen’s office at (718) 549-7300. Williamsbridge Oval Classes The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center holds a variety of exercise classes, game room time, and computer classes for children, teens and adults this fall. For more information, call (718) 543-8672. Open House Councilman

Bronx News Roundup: Lawsuits, protests and pop-up cafe

By David Cruz Thursday brings you another installment of Bronx News Roundup, where we take you around the Bronx to see what our fellow roving reporters are gathering for you. From what we’ve see there’s plenty to write about: Several outlets are reporting that the Archdiocese of New York is considering the closure of more parishes next year. Preliminary lists show St. Simon Stock Church at 2195 Valentine Avenue may merge with St. Joseph’s Church at 1949 Bathgate Avenue. The New York Times explores the current state of New York State-operated nursing homes following the aftermath death of Frank Mercado

By DAVID CRUZ and JANAKI CHADHA If you walk along East Gun Hill Road, you’ll see the white holiday lights sparking cheery feelings of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years. Turn the corner onto Jerome Avenue and you’ll notice the holiday rush at several stores throughout the Jerome Gun Hill Business Improvement District.

Legal Drama in Kingsbridge Armory Saga Continues

by David Cruz They’re at it again.

Out & About

Editor’s Pick Carolers in Concert The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., invites the public to join the Definitely Dickens Carolers in Concert, Dec. 20 at 2:30 p.m. The singers, dressed in Victorian-style costumes, will perform traditional and contemporary holiday classics. The performance will be followed by a screening of “A Christmas Carol.” For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57 or visit www.nypl.org.

Preparing For Months, Michael Blake Ascends to 79th Assembly Seat on Dec. 15

By David Cruz The waitress at Symphony Diner quickly recognized Michael Blake. He ordered his usual—a western omelet with a side of orange juice. For the past few months, the man who’s gone from White House aide for President Barack Obama to the newest Assemblyman of the 79th District has been on fact-finding excursion, becoming a familiar face within the district he’s poised to represent.

Petitioners Renew Fight to Convert Decatur Avenue Land to Playground

by David Cruz In some instances, a vacant lot serves as a makeshift refuge for the homeless. Other times it’s stash site for drug dealers. Makeshift basketball tournaments have been organized there. But residents have mostly viewed it as a dumping ground, and whether good or bad the only play area. Now some Bedford Park residents are renewing their push to convert the ad hoc landfill on Decatur Avenue and Oliver Place into a playground. Though no parkland is in the works, the lot is now set for a desperately needed cleanup job thanks to its local councilman. Shanequa Charles,

By DAVID GREENE This week we asked readers if they have heat and hot water problems as temperatures drop and how fast their landlords make needed repairs.