Bronx Youth Heard: Youth Feel the Effects of Teen Violence

The night before Halloween in 2005, Joseph Padro was preparing for a party at his grandmother’s house in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. He knew something was wrong when his grandmother sat him down on the couch and told him the news: his father had been fatally shot. Joseph is one of the many teens who have lost a loved one in the Bronx due to gun violence.

Bronx Youth Heard: When it Comes to Religion and Youth, Room for Debate

With her head down and eyes closed during the temple prayers, Sally Dhanai looks like the model Hindu. But, really, what the 17-year-old Norwood resident is thinking during the evening service is: “This is long and boring.”

Bronx Notes: Free Health Training for Teens

The Youth Advisory Board of the Bronx District Public Health Office, 1826 Arthur Ave., is offering free public health training for teens on Fridays in July and August from noon to 4 p.m., including sexual health, physical activity, and nutrition. For more information, contact Candida A. Bido at cbido@health.nyc.gov or call (718) 299-7376.

Bronx Youth Heard: City Teens Struggle to Find Summer Jobs

Ivette Guirachocha, a 16-year-old at DeWitt Clinton High School, has been working for the past few months at a store selling uniforms for private and Catholic schools. She is the youngest in her family and along with her five siblings, she works to help her mom pay the bills. Despite being a teenager in high school, Ivette likes working because it gives her a chance to be independent.

Bronx Notes: Sarcoma Walk on Saturday

The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore and the Liddy Shriver Foundation will host their annual Sarcoma Walk, Saturday, July 14, at Van Corlandt Park, at the 240th Street entrance at Broadway near the fox statue. Registration starts at 10 a.m., the walk begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m.

Be Healthy: Bronx Pols Pass Smoking Ban

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Gustavo Rivera, both local legislators, passed legislation banning smoking within 100 feet of school entrances and exits, the latest government effort to combat secondhand smoke.

Be Healthy: In 2nd Year of Health Push, Bronx Senator Says Yes, We C.A.N.

In a loose white T-shirt and sweat pants, flanked by 10 elementary school-aged children and middle-aged, State Senator Gustavo Rivera danced across St. James Park. Rivera’s personal fitness quest will once again play a major role as his attitude-adjusting health initiative heads into year two.

Espaillat Drops Lawsuit, Board Certifies Rangel’s Primary Victory

Yesterday, Adriano Espaillat dropped his lawsuit challenging the election results in the 13th Congressional District primary, which made way for the Board of Elections to certify incumbent Charlie Rangel’s slim primary victory.

Bronx Notes: Adopt-a-Shop Workshops

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is hosting Adopt a Shop workshops at the Bronx Library Center, room C-21, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., July 13, 27, and Aug. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon., that would give New Yorkers the tools to successfully demand healthier food options at their food store. For more information or to RSVP (required), call (347) 396-4245 or e-mail shophealthy@health.nyc.gov.