Neighborhood Notes: Free Safe Oven Covers, and Crime Victims Support

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

Free Oven Safe Knob Covers The Office of Councilman Ritchie Torres is giving away free safe oven knob covers to prevent accidental fires in apartments. Free knob covers can be picked up at 2546 Hoffman St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. while supplies last. For more information, call the office at (718) 842-8100. Nonprofit Grants Now Available Resident-led groups in low-income communities and Title I public schools can apply for a Neighborhood Grant of up to $3,000. A workshop in how to fill out the application correctly takes place on Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. at

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to expand the Discovery program as a way of increasing enrollment of black and Latino students in the city’s elite specialized high schools has drawn the ire of Pacific Legal Foundation. The group is now suing the city in federal court, relying on an argument similar to an affirmative action case it has against Harvard University: Discovery essentially discriminates against Asian students who overwhelmingly represent the specialized high school student population. Expanding the Discovery program—essentially offering rigorous summer classes for students who missed the cutoff in passing the specialized high school test—takes effect in 2020,

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition covering the Bronx. In our last edition of the year, we bring you the latest! The front page story looks at Community Board 7 demanding concessions on a major project coming to Bedford Park. Ischia Bravo, CB7’s District Manager, is offering an interesting take on the building boom happening in the neighborhood. She has a fix she hopes the Bronx Council Delegation would consider. David Greene reports on the tragic death of a 17-year-old who died after allegedly being pushed onto oncoming traffic. Police now say the suspects are

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

You’ll hear this a lot this upcoming tax season: “The standard deduction has doubled. No reason to itemize.” You might even hear, “Just use the standard deduction, and you’ll get more tax money back.” You will start to hear this from our President, the media, your friends, brochures, but not from a true financial professional Yes, the standard deduction is an “automatic deduction based on filing status” that one can take unless they can itemize, and if that amount is more, then of course you would itemize and take the higher amount. So yes, there is some truth that, for

By DAVID GREENE

With a new commanding officer at the NYPD’s 52nd Precinct, this week we asked readers what are the specific problems and issues the command should focus on. Well, one problem is the people who are hanging out on the street at nighttime. They drink and play loud music. They come and hang out and lately there’s been some car break-ins here. They come at night and break the windows, but it starts with disorderly conduct. Before, the neighborhood was not like that, so it’s getting a little bit bad. The neighborhood is not that bad; the only issue is the

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition covering Bronx communities.With 24 pages of news, let’s get into the coverage. The front page focuses on a $3 million infusion of money for Bailey Houses. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo secured funding for roof repairs. Hear what tenants at the NYCHA property in Kingsbridge have to say about conditions. The paper also has an update to the fire that happened on Hull Avenue on Nov. 20. Thirty-five people making up seven families were displaced. Read how the community, including one state official, is doing its part to help the families.

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

Do you own a home, condo, or coop? Do you pay job expenses or alimony? Do you have dependents? Guess what? You’re in income tax trouble! Welcome to income taxes 2018! Starting in January of 2019, taxpayers will learn the true effect of the 2017 tax reform bill. In my opinion it’s the good, the bad, the ugly, and the ugliest. The Good: Well, since January of 2018, you have received more money in your check. Yes I know it’s not that much (on average two percent) but still, if you make $50,000, you are going to receive by the

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers! The Norwood News is out with its latest edition covering Bronx communities. With 20 pages of news, let’s get into the coverage! The front page focuses on the ensuring madness that was the Nov. 15 snowstorm. The roads became veritable traps as the city couldn’t quite clean up the streets. The Norwood News spoke with some frustrated residents while getting an explanation from city officials. The paper also has community reaction to sex allegations made against Bishop John Jenik. Supporters held a rally for Jenik, speaking up for the embattled bishop who was removed after a decades old sexual

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

When I teach clients the “Introduction to Financial Planning” I share with them that it is like eating a Mickey D’s Big Mac. Now, many say, “What makes the Big Mac unique is the special sauce.” The sauce that solves financial problems is called “The Six Steps to Financial Planning”. How can I retire? Can I get cheaper health insurance? Can I save enough to go on vacation next year? How can I lower my taxes and still get a huge tax refund? Questions, concerns, financial problems. And yes, you can get a financial hamburger anywhere. In a bank? In