Torres Plugs Free Tax Service, Warns Against Predatory Tax Preparers

Torres Plugs Free Tax Service Warns Against Predatory Tax Prepararers

The warning from Councilman Ritchie Torres was dire: take advantage of his office’s free tax preparation service or risk being exploited by a predatory tax preparer. “Residents of the Bronx paid hundreds of dollars of their own pockets for tax prep services that we provide for free,” said Torres, standing outside his Hofmann Street office to plug the service by Urban Upbound, which has prepared taxes at the office for four years. “And so no longer do residents have to subject themselves to predatory tax prep.” With an April 17 tax preparation deadline looming, Torres urged locals to take advantage of his

New Organics Rules for Food Establishments Takes Effect in August

By MARTIKA ORNELLA

Changes to organic waste recycling rules this summer are set to impact some food businesses. The city Sanitation Department is now mandating businesses with a floor area of at least 15,000 square feet, chain food service stores with 100 or more locations in the city, and retail food stores with a floor area of at least 25,000 square feet must separate organic waste from garbage. The new rules take effect on Aug. 15. Organic waste usually includes vegetable and fruit debris, bones, eggshells, food-soiled paper, and garden waste. Businesses already affected by the rules as of July 19, 2016 include

The Bronx Food Fight: If It's Edible, Why Is It Still Thrown Out?

By ROWAN HORNBECK

The Norwood News, in partnership with WFUV radio and BronxNet television, continue its five-part series on food insecurity issues impacting the Bronx and its residents. Every day, more than a million New Yorkers live without enough food to eat. At the same time, millions of tons of edible food go directly from supermarket shelves to dumpsters to landfills. But some organizations are working to bridge that gap. “It doesn’t make any sense for people to be going hungry in the United States when we have all this food available,” said Kevin Mullins, co-founder of the Connecticut-based non-profit Food Rescue US.

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

Free GED Class SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center, 1666 Bathgate Ave. (between 172nd and 173rd streets), offers tuition-free class for those 18 and over interested in obtaining their GED diploma. Classes begin on April 16. For more detailed information, requirements, and to register (required), call (718) 530-7000. Producer Training Producer training workshops are available to Bronxites at BronxNet Television starting April 9. Topics include field production, audio recording, directing and more. Participants who complete the program will gain access to professional studios and equipment free of charge. To register, email training@bronxnet.org. Pre-K Registration Parents can register their children born in

Housing Matters: Chipping Away at School Segregation

In the school cafeteria of PS 73 in the Concourse section of the Bronx on March 8, a discussion on how to improve diversity across the city’s public school system had finally put the issue of school desegregation at the forefront. It was the first of five town hall discussions on the topic, a product of the city Department of Education’s (DOE) Equity & Excellence for All plan. The plan, announced last year, seeks ways to promote a healthier mix of ethnicities across the borough. The plan was also the product of Bronx Councilman Ritchie’s Torres’ bill he co-authored with

By MONTEFIORE DIAMOND CARE

Spring is a time when there are lots of fresh fruits and vegetables available. Make sure to eat a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, and take advantage of all the produce that is in season to try healthy and delicious recipes! Spring Cleaning Spring is always a good time to clear away winter clutter. In your home, make sure to keep walkways and hallways clear and try to cut down on clutter in your home to help avoid falls. It is always a good idea to wipe away any dust that has built up and to get fresh

Out & About: Spring Egg Hunt at the Oval

Editor’s Pick Spring Egg Hunt The public is invited to a free spring egg hunt at the Williamsbridge Oval on March 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ages to 11 years. Events include egg hunt, carnival games, helmet distribution, arts & crafts, relay races, and visit from Easter bunny. Bring a can of food for donation to local pantry. For more information, call (718) 543-8672. Onstage The Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd., presents Jazz Concert, presented by the Celia Cruz H.S. of Music Jazz Band, April 11 at 6 p.m. For more information, call (718) 579-4244/46/57

Free GED Class SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center, 1666 Bathgate Ave. (between 172nd and 173rd streets), offers tuition-free class for those 18 and over interested in obtaining their GED diploma. Classes begin on April 16. For more detailed information, requirements, and to register (required), call (718) 530-7000. Summer Youth Employment The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) provides New York City youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with paid summer employment for up to six weeks in July and August. Participants work in entry-level jobs in a variety of industries including arts and recreation, educational services, financial services, and

By DAVID CRUZ

It could be another 8 to 10 months until developers of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center could see shovels in the ground. Those are some of the new details outlined in a letter drafted on March 5 that recapped a closed-door meeting between Kevin Parker, founder of the project, and community stakeholders tied to the project on March 2. The Norwood News obtained a copy from a source who asked for anonymity as they are not authorized to speak on the project. “[T]he bottom line is that KNIC has basic agreements for the financing for Phase I and Phase II but