New Yorkers Use Estimated 23 Billion Plastic Bags Annually, Enforcement to Start Oct. 19

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New Yorkers use an estimated 23 billion (not 23 million, 23 billion) plastic bags every year, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. That’s 1,182 bags per person, with each bag being used for about 12 minutes. Approximately 85 percent of this staggering total ends up in landfills, recycling machines, waterways, and streets. Here’s something else everyone should reflect upon. The Ecology Center (ecologycenter.org) wrote, “Like many other plastics, we can’t guarantee that plastic film is getting recycled, even if it is clean, dry, and disposed of in the “right” place. We also know that all plastic ever

By SÍLE MOLONEY

After ten years of honoring powerful women, Kings of the Bronx 2020 marked an inaugural event to celebrate successful men who made an impact on their community. On Sept. 17, 2020, Mitch Rose, president, chief executive officer and trustee of The Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy, was honored at the Kings of the Bronx 2020 virtual event, in collaboration with Schneps Media, the Bronx Times and the Bronx Times Reporter. Rose was recognized along with other male honorees for their leadership, vision, community service and contributions to the Bronx. Receiving his award, Rose said, “It is a great privilege to

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. attended the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Enid A. Haupt Conservatory palm dome which was recently completed. The iconic venue reopened in accordance with “New York Forward” safety guidelines, with very limited capacity. The magnificent glasshouse, which includes galleries, features aquatic plants and vines, lush tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts, and its palm dome, an architectural gem, newly replanted with majestic soaring species from around the world. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. also helped the NYBG kick off their annual

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez has issued a statement regarding residents’ concerns in the Allerton community about the possibility of a substance abuse treatment center being opened in the neighborhood. Department of Buildings work permit signs at 2500 Williamsbridge Road had prompted concern among the community that a treatment center was going ahead. The assemblywoman said that she contacted the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports who confirmed that there was no such application pending at the site. Proud to stand with my community to demand answers on the use of 2500 Williamsbridge Road. Together we will make

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York Blood Center is calling on the community to make appointments to visit donor centers as COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the process of donating blood. Before COVID-19, mobile blood drives hosted by high schools, colleges, businesses and other organizations made up about 75 percent of the region’s incoming blood supply, but the number of blood drives has dropped by two-thirds this year due to the pandemic. The upcoming school year presents new and unprecedented challenges. Blood donations are typically lower during the summer and the return to school usually helps make up the difference and stabilize the blood

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Monday, Sept. 17, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. attended the The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) which, this year, hosted New York City’s first Latino drive-in experience in the Bronx. The film festival, which ran from Sept. 14 to 20 featured drive-in / in-person movie experiences and was held across the street from the Bronx Terminal Market. The venue was ADA compliant and screenings included the New York City premieres of Angel Manuel Soto’s “Charm City Kings” and John Leguizamo’s “Critical Thinking,” as well as other virtual programming. https://twitter.com/NYLFF/status/1309265429714665474?s=20 “I could not think

By CARLOS TEJEDA

Flu season is approaching quickly. This year, it is especially important to get the flu vaccine to help you stay healthy and reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms should you get sick. This season, it is essential to take extra steps to protect yourself and others by getting the flu shot and practicing good hygiene. To help your loved ones stay safe in the upcoming months, follow these tips: Monitor Your Health Daily Both the flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory diseases that share similar symptoms. Pay close attention to your health and see a medical professional if

By SÍLE MOLONEY

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Sept. 23, that the City will furlough all managerial and non-union represented City employees, totaling 9,000 people. This announcement expands on an announcement made last week by the City of a week of furloughs of mayoral office employees which will take place between October and March. The de Blasio administration said the expanded furloughs announced on Sept. 23 will save the City $21 million. The administration clarified to Norwood News that under the previously announced furlough arrangement, also reported by Norwood News, which affects mayoral office employees, these employees will

By DAVID GREENE

Bronxites observed the exact moment when hijackers crashed two jetliners into the World Trade Center at several events marking the 19th anniversary of 9/11, as a number of somber ceremonies took place at various venues including police stations and fire houses across the borough. On Friday, Sept. 11, an estimated two dozen officers stood to attention outside of the 49th precinct on Eastchester Road. The officers gathered with members of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council and saluted the names of the 23 police officers who were killed in the line of duty during the terrorist attacks on September 11,

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Out and About

New Yorkers Use Estimated 23 Billion Plastic Bags Annually, Enforcement to Start Oct. 19

King of the Bronx Celebrated at Woodlawn, 29th Anniversary of Passing of Miles Davis

Botanical Garden: Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Palm Dome Completed

Allerton: Fernandez Responds to Concerns over Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Location

Blood Drives Dropped by Two-Thirds Due to Pandemic

The New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) Hosts New York City’s First Latino Drive-In Movie Night

Health Check: Keeping Yourself and Others Safe from the Flu

Mayor: 9,000 Managerial & Non-Union Employees To Be Furloughed