New Elevators Finally Installed at Bedford Park Blvd Subway Station

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The grand opening of long-awaited ADA compliant elevators at Bedford Park Boulevard subway station took place on the Grand Concourse on Thursday, Oct. 15. MTA Construction & Development President, Janno Lieber, launched the opening alongside a group of MTA colleagues, and was also joined by elected officials, Congressman Adriano Espaillat and State Assemblyman José Rivera. Speaking at the launch, Espaillat said, “There are three elevators, one up here [street level], and two downstairs [at subway level], and they were built at a cost of $38.2 million,” he said, adding that it was an extraordinary project. He then

By AUGUSTINA KWAFO-BAIDOO

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a perfect time to remember to take care of our oral health. When people think about a healthy lifestyle, eating more fruits and vegetables, increasing physical activity, limiting alcohol, getting more sleep and making time for self-care often top the list. But, taking care of our oral health is also an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and the health of our mouth, teeth and gums affects the way we talk, smile, eat and present ourselves to the world. Just like the rest of our body, the mouth is full of good

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Artist in Residence at the Empire State Building Jeremy Wolff, together with Legion Paper Corp, recently gifted six pieces of artwork to Montefiore Health System. The work, created during the height of the pandemic in New York, is called “Air Frontline” and depicts frontline workers in famous poses by basketball legend, Michael Jordan. On Thursday, Oct. 15, the artwork was installed at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore and it will rotate around various Montefiore sites to remind associates that they are healthcare heroes. Jeremy Wolff is a New York City based, Contemporary Artist with a focus in pop culture and

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Monday, Oct. 19, that a federal court yesterday granted a motion for summary judgment, permanently blocking the Trump Administration’s attempts to deny food assistance to hundreds of thousands of Americans by changing the rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “At a time of national crisis, this decision is a win for common sense and basic human decency,” said James. “This Trump Administration rule was cruel to its core and ran counter to who we are and what we represent as a nation. If implemented, this rule would have not

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Staff members of the Office of New York City Public Advocate, Jumaane D. Williams, announced on Oct. 19 that they have formed a union and will be represented by the Campaign Workers Guild. They said their unionization drive has the support of Office staff, with more than two-thirds of eligible workers signing authorization cards with the Campaign Workers Guild. The union covers all non-managerial staff in the Office, and it has formally submitted a demand for voluntary recognition to the Public Advocate. “Our groundbreaking union is made up of grassroots community organizers and advocates who live in a City

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Part of the Solution (POTS), a nonprofit dedicated to feeding neighbors and nourishing the community, is helping the Bronx bounce back. On Thursday Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. EST, POTS will livestream their first virtual benefit, “Helping the Bronx Bounce Back,” a feel-good virtual benefit that will showcase the resiliency of the Bronx community. The group hopes to leave the public inspired to take action and support their work. POTS stayed open throughout the worst of the pandemic and helped over 40,000 low-income Bronx neighbors. The group said that donations are critical to their ongoing mission. Gifts made between now

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A public installation of sculpture by artist, Fran Sisco, is now on view in the Pelham Art Center courtyard. The installation, entitled Nature Culture Sculpture, consists of three found wood assemblage sculptures by Sisco that reflect a message of unity and positivity. The three sculptures, “My Kelly,” “Blessings of Trans Unicorns” and “Two in Love” are in the courtyard through March 2021. The colorful pieces are constructed from dead tree limbs and emphasize the beauty in natural simplicity. Visitors can view the installation outdoors at Pelham Art Center, located at 155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham. Public Art Installation Opening

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio joined the Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) on Oct. 14 to release thorough guidance for city restaurants planning to stay open and serve customers outdoors with heating devices this fall and winter. The announcement furthers New York City’s efforts, laid out in the Mayor’s recovery agenda, to become the world’s capital for healthy outdoor living. In September, the mayor announced that the City’s popular Open Restaurants program will be extended year-round and made permanent. The program, which has enrolled more than 10,500

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) announced on Friday, Oct. 9 the completion of bus priority lanes and related infrastructure on 149th Street in the Bronx. The 2.7 miles of bus lanes along the highly-trafficked 149th Street corridor are now equipped with transit signal priority (TSP) technology. In addition, new enforcement cameras will also help ensure that only buses and other essential vehicles utilize priority sections of the roadway. The corridor is home to four popular bus routes (Bx2, Bx4, Bx17, and Bx19) and runs through some of the busiest destinations in