Former District Leader Representing Norwood Looks to Reclaim Seat

By DAVID CRUZ

When Marcos Sierra stepped down as male district leader for Norwood’s 80th Assembly District, which stretches from Norwood to Morris Park, he was on the verge of being a dad again. His mother, meantime, was facing critical surgery. It was too much for Sierra, once a member of Community Board 7 who now serves as assistant program director for R.A.I.N., who decided to step down. John Zaccaro Jr., also a former CB7 member and current chief of staff to Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr., soon stepped up, appointed by the Bronx Democratic Party to fill the post. Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez currently

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By PROFESSOR ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Many people own a home or property that they rent out. People do it for many reasons, most notably for additional income, but is this non wage gross income taxable? Yes. Notice I said gross? Because, like a simple math problem, now that you’ve added up your income, now it’s time to subtract your income from your expenses, because your net income is what you are finally taxed on. Not your gross income. Figuring out gross income is pretty simple, right? If you own a home or property that you now decide to rent out then you have rental income.

Oval Park Sees 42 Fresh Trees on Landscape

By DAVID CRUZ

The city Parks Department is planting seeds for a leafier Oval Park after construction-hatted crews decked in neon vests were spotted planting close to four-dozen trees around the perimeter of the Norwood greenscape. A Caterpillar crawler also joined the crews the week of Jan. 20, digging out soil as crews shimmied an unprecedented 43 saplings ranging from oaks, Japanese katsura trees, and London planes, into their new home. The new trees are scattered about the park though many can be found on the upper promenade. It can take decades to see these trees grow to maturity, with the katsura tree

Multi-Service Group at the JGHBID Offers Tax Prep and Insurance to Fit Your Needs

By JEROME GUN HILL BID

Klajd Gazulli opened Main Street Group Holdings LLC at 254 E. Gun Hill Rd. in January 2015. Originally from Albania, Gazulli came to New York in 1993 and settled in Queens. He has been in business in the Bronx for the past few years and just recently expanded to East Hanover, NJ. With a background in retail banking, Gazulli transitioned into the insurance business in 2006 and started tax preparation services in 2015. Main Street Group Holdings LLC offers a variety of services to local residents and business owners at affordable prices. “We offer the whole tax suite and the

For February, Montefiore Demonstrates the Literal Steps to a Healthy Heart (Picture)

By DAVID CRUZ

Dr. Azeem Latib stands between the living and the dead. He’s the last person patients at Montefiore Health System suffering from heart or coronary disease see should their conditions worsen. “Ideally, I would prefer to have less patients,” said Dr. Latib. “It means that they’re getting prevention.” And at Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, where he serves as director of interventional cardiology, Dr. Latib is also part of a contingent looking to stymie such a visit. As patients and visitors passed the Moses Campus’ vestibule on East 210th Street during mid-morning on Feb. 3, he and clinicians,

Crime File: Fake Undercover Cop Allegedly Robs Teen in the Bronx

By DAVID CRUZ

Fake Cop Robs Boy A month has passed since police were made aware of a 13-year-old robbed by a man pretending to be an undercover cop inside the PC Richard in Fordham. The incident happened on Jan. 3 around 6:42 p.m., according to police, who say the teen was inside the store when he was approached by the fake cop. The victim was told that he was investigating credit card fraud and demanded money from the boy, who complied, giving the man $200. The man is described as being around 45 to 50 years old, standing at six feet, and

Social Security Expanded Office Hrs. Social Security offices in the Bronx will be remain open to the public until 4 p.m. on Wednesdays. The nearest Social Security offices from Norwood is located at 2501 Grand Concourse. For more information, call (800) 772-1213. Recreational Volleyball Join members of the NYPD, FDNY/EMS, and Community Board 6 every Saturday through April 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Aquinas High School, 685 E. 182nd St. (corner of Cambreleng Avenue and Grote Street). For more information or to register, call Rosie at (917) 569-7034, Victor at (917) 603-5600, or email mattersofsports@gmail. com. Comment

Editor’s Pick Juggling at Jerome Park Library Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Pl. (near Kingsbridge Road), offers for teens/young adults: Juggling 101: Watch jugglers followed by participant juggling and a juggling ball making workshop, Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. Info: (718) 549-5200. Onstage Bronx River Art Center (BRAC), 1087 E. Tremont Ave., presents Edsel Gomez’s Triumvirate, performing Latin jazz, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. Suggested donation: $10/adults; $5/seniors/students. Info: (718) 589-5819. Events Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family Art Projects: Sleepy Seeds, and Winter Dormancy, to create a variety of masks, Feb.

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

Members of the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club—which has heavy influence in local races—kept club matters status quo this week after its incumbent president Michael Heller overcame a challenge by newcomer Morgan Evers by a count of 243 to 153 for club president. The election drew hundreds to the American Legion Hall in Kingsbridge, where candidates were given five minutes to lay out their platforms. Heller pointed to his decades of public service and politics dating back to his teenage years when Mayor John Lindsay spoke at his junior high school. “Through my entire life I’ve chosen to work in