UPDATE: International Salsa Museum Seeks Home in the Bronx’s Kingsbridge Armory

By ARACELIS BATISTA, DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY

The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition. Music industry professionals have joined forces to form the concept for the International Salsa Museum (ISM) in The Bronx and organizers recently held a press conference in Kingsbridge Heights, outside the massive Kingsbridge Armory which they hope will, someday, be the home of “El Condado de la Salsa.” The ISM is a non-profit which was created to educate and increase the public’s awareness of salsa and to “preserve salsa music’s rich cultural history.” It was founded by musician, music director, and producer, Willy

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Lottery today announced one top-prize winning ticket was sold for the June 23 TAKE 5 drawing. The ticket, worth $57,982.50, was purchased at Los Castillos Mini Market Corp, located at 1601 University Avenue in the Morris Heights section of The Bronx. The five winning numbers for the TAKE 5 game are drawn from a field of one to 39. The TAKE 5 drawing is televised every day at 10:30 p.m. A Lottery draw game prize of any amount may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing. The 5 winning numbers for the TAKE 5 game are drawn from a field

By DAWN CLANCY & MIRIAM QUIÑONES

Hip Hop enthusiasts across the five boroughs gathered on Sunday, June 5, at Gun Hill Playground in The Bronx to celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month and honor the legacy of hip-hop’s first female emcee, MC Sha-Rock. Against the backdrop of ample sunshine and live music, some of hip hop’s earliest titans, including Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Lil Rodney C of Funky 4 +1, DJ Breakout, and battle rapper Sparky D, paid tribute to MC Sha-Rock, whose musical talents and contribution to Hip Hop culture helped shape the scene for women in Hip Hop

By DAWN CLANCY

For his ongoing efforts in erasing graffiti from buildings in the Bedford Park and Norwood sections of the Bronx, the Bedford Mosholu Community Association (BMCA) has presented Sirio Guerino, co-founder of Guerinos Against Graffiti (GAG), with the Mary Vallati Memorial Award, an annual prize which honors those individuals who provide exceptional service to their community. Vallati was a longtime community activist who was active with the association until her death at 101. News of Guerino’s win was announced during BMCA’s final (virtual) meeting before the summer recess, held on June 2, and Guerino was physically presented with the

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the new Citi Bike stations that have recently popped up across the borough, and are heavily concentrated in Bedford Park. “I actually came out of the building, and it just appeared there last week. That’s when I noticed it. I’m actually looking forward to using them, and I was just saying to my friend that I think it’s a great use of the space. I do think if you’re going to use these bikes, you definitely should have all the safety gear that you should wear when you’re biking.” Monique Robinson, Bedford Park

By SARAH HUFFMAN & SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Pick Outdoor Pool Season at New Van Cortlandt “Cool Pool” NYC Parks’ outdoor pools will open beginning Saturday, June 26, through Sunday, Sept. 12. Daily hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Pool capacity will not be limited for the upcoming season. Social distancing is still recommended, and face coverings will be required to enter the facility.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Lottery has announced that one top-prize winning ticket was sold for the June 21 TAKE 5 drawing. The ticket, worth $54,872.00, was purchased at Empire State Deli, located at 804 Burke Avenue, located Northeast of the Parkside Housing Project in The Bronx. The 5 winning numbers for the TAKE 5 game are drawn from a field of one to 39. The TAKE 5 drawing is televised every day at 10:30 p.m. A lottery draw game prize of any amount may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing. The New York Lottery continues to

Mass Vaccination Sites All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first served basis. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or call (877) 829-4692. COVID-19 Testing Sites For a full list of COVID-19 testing sites, text “COVID TEST” to 855-48 or go to: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page. Home Vaccinations for 12-Year-Olds and Older On June 23,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Check out the following events taking place across the Bronx over this Juneteenth and Father’s Day holiday weekend. Saturday, June 19, 2021 Seton Falls Park Forest Restoration 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Marolla Place and Boller Avenue, Seton Falls Park, Bronx Upper River Paddle 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Shoelace Park, Bronx Park, Bronx Intermediate Canoeing 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Orchard Beach Parking Lot, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx Bronx Sole Celebrating Juneteenth 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Franz Sigel Park, Bronx The 18th Annual Hunts Point Fish Parade & Summer Festival 11 a.m. to 5