Inquiring Photographer: Have the events of 2020 impacted your New Year’s Resolutions?

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers for their thoughts and wishes for the coming year, and whether the events of 2020 have impacted their New Year’s resolutions. “Yeah, oh God! I just want this COVID to disappear, you know what I mean? Maybe some people should stop reading these conspiracy theories and get behind the vaccine. That should be the number one thing, because if people don’t take the vaccines, this thing is not going away. For 2021, I’m wishing myself for some good health. That will be my resolution, to stop smoking and getting myself back into decent health.”

By DAVID GREENE

In the year of masks and face coverings, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan, Bronx) may have been hoping for either some good luck or perhaps he was hoping to chase away some evil spirits from America’s capital. Whatever the reason, the congressman ended up purchasing a traditional African mask during a recent browse through the Bronx, confirming that he would be taking his purchase back with him to Washington D.C. Espaillat, together with New York City Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner, Jonnel Doris, was seen browsing local businesses in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx, on Saturday, Nov. 28, in

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the driver, the vehicle or both seen in the attached video. The driver is sought in connection with a reckless endangerment incident that occurred in the 52nd precinct. On Monday, Nov. 30, at around 11.13 p.m., the unidentified driver of a black SUV shot multiple times at a group of four or five men who were standing in front of 3330 Hull Avenue in Norwood, before driving away. No injuries were reported as a result of the shooting. The vehicle is described as a

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi was celebrating, on Dec. 15, the signing into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo of a new bill S8298B, for which she was the lead sponsor, which prohibits the State of New York from selling or displaying symbols of hate. The bill states that the State shall not sell or display any symbols of hate or similar image, or tangible personal property, inscribed with such an image, unless the image appears in a book, digital medium, museum, or otherwise serves an educational or historical purpose. The term, “symbols of hate” shall include, but

By DAVID GREENE

The massive ‘Black Friday’ crowds at large stores and shopping malls, where customers often got on line the night before, were noticeably absent this year due to the pandemic, as millions of shoppers switched to online bargain hunting, a move that will potentially change the face of Black Friday forever. On Friday, Nov. 27, the GameStop on White Plains Road, packed one year ago with customers shuffling in and out of the store, or to Modell’s Sporting Goods next door was a very different sight this year. Modell’s declared bankruptcy and closed its 153 stores on August 29, as

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a Snow Alert for Wednesday, December 16, 2020 beginning at 2 p.m. As reported by Norwood News, and based on current forecasts, the department expects snowfall beginning late Wednesday afternoon. Total accumulation of eight or more inches is possible, with potential for more in some areas. All winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm can be found by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website at www.nyc.gov/severeweather or by calling 311. While the department is expecting significant snowfall, representatives said its workers and equipment are prepared.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Jazmary Thompson, 15, who was reported missing and who lives in the 43rd precinct, at 1340 Stratford Avenue in the Soundview section of the Bronx. Jazmary was last seen on Sunday, Dec. 13, at approximately 1.15 p.m. inside her home. She is described as being approximately 5 feet, 3 inches tall, weighs 115 pounds, has brown eyes and blonde hair, and was last seen wearing white sneakers, a multicolored shirt and green pants. Anyone with information in regards to this missing person is asked to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Both State Sen. Julia Salazar and former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito announced on Monday, Dec. 14, that they are endorsing Elisa Crespo for the 15th District City Council seat, currently held by newly elected congressman, Ritchie Torres. In a video shared on Twitter, Mark-Viverito said, “We need a candidate who will create pathways for unemployed workers, particularly those stigmatized by race, gender identity, or former incarceration status. We must seize upon this moment to make history, and elect bold leaders who are prepared to tackle the fights ahead. That’s why I’m proud to endorse mi hermana, a fellow Latina,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

As previously reported by the Norwood News, the Foundation for Excellence in Education (FLAG) Award for Teaching Excellence opened its nomination process for this school year’s awards program in October. The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes and celebrates extraordinary public school teachers in each borough who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment. The nomination period for 2020 has since been extended to Jan. 3, 2021. Jurists include Betty A. Rosa, interim commissioner of the New York State education department, and Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, chancellor of the City University of New York. Students, parents, school personnel, and