The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition.

The Annual Mosholu Fall Festival organized by Future of Mosholu Parkland (FOMP) was held on Saturday, Oct. 7, at P.S. 8’s Mosholu Playground in Bedford Park, and despite the rain, the vibe was positive and there were lots of happy faces seen underneath many hooded rain macs.

 

Assemblyman George Alvarez (A.D. 78), who represents some or all of Bedford Park, Belmont, Fordham Manor, University Heights and Kingsbridge Heights, and City Council Member Eric Dinowitz (C.D. 11), who represents much of the northwest Bronx, were among those in attendance on the day, along with the councilman’s two sons, 52nd Precinct Community Affairs Officer Stephen Echevarria, and Jerry Landron of the 52nd Precinct Community Council.

As reported, on the same day as the festival, the councilman, who is Jewish, would denounce the Hamas terrorist attack on the southern region of Israel near the Gaza Strip, where thousands of Jews were killed, kidnapped and assaulted, prompting an immediate military response by Israel. “Hamas terrorists have infiltrated Israeli towns and launched thousands of missiles, including into Jerusalem,” he wrote on Saturday. “I proudly stand with Israel as they face this unprecedented attack.”

 

Dinowitz later also condemned the holding of a pro-Palestinian rally on Sunday, Oct. 8, in Times Square, organized by the Democratic Socialists of America. Alvarez, among other elected officials, had similarly denounced the attack, writing, “I wholeheartedly condemn today’s horrific attacks against Israel and stand in solidarity and prayer with the people of Israel.” Al Jazeera reported as of Wednesday, Oct. 11, that 2,300 people had been killed on both sides of the conflict since Saturday.

Alvarez announced on Sept. 25 that the BX18 bus route, which serves the mid-west Bronx is now free. “I helped pass a state budget that included one free bus route in each borough,” the assemblyman said. “This program will ease commuter costs, help lower NYC’s vehicle congestion, speed up bus boarding times, and increase commuter safety as more people ride.” 

 

Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7) district manager Karla Cabrera Carrera, Andrew Laoisa, CB7 member, Albanian American Open Hand Association Inc. (AAOHA) founder Aleksander Nilaj and Paulin Preldakaj, Brandon Montes and Mia Cvetovich of Norwood Community Library were also present at the festival, AAOHA donating boxes of fresh food, including plums, lettuce, plantain, apples, oranges, pineapple, and bags of onions. Indeed, everyone who came out went away with bags filled with free fresh food.

 

Though the playground was flooded with puddles, Cabrera Carrera’s daughter was seen having fun jumping over and into them. There was music and songs, including, “You Are My Sunshine” by guitarist, Jackie Keveson, fun and games with mime artist, Catherine Gasta, community resources and information distributed, face-painting, storytelling, crafts, photo opportunities, and even a mummy contest.

 

In addition to Dinowitz and Alvarez, the event was sponsored or supported by State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33), who represents much of the northwest Bronx, Urban Vegan Kitchen, Bent on Wellness, NYC Compost Project hosted by NYBG, also in attendance, Bronx Community Board 7, NYC Parks, New York Public Library, Norwood Community Library, and P.S. 8.

 

FOMP executive director, Elizabeth Quaranta, described the event as sweet and impressive, “This is how you build community resiliency,” she said. “Yes, we could have had a rain date but keeping optimistic, we persevered ahead,” she added, before drawing attention to the need for funding for the refurbishment of Mosholu Playground.

 

“This is a tough community, and we are out there fighting for a new playground that is well way overdue,” she said. “Awesome day yesterday and we had the best time dancing in the rain.”

Quaranta thanked everyone who attended, the associations that donated to the event, and all who had smiles on their faces, giving particular thanks to Nilaj. “In times when things are difficult, like it was that day, you see the value of people shine! Thank you, Aleksander Nilaj! It was such a humble experience to meet you. You make a difference in this world.”

 

*Síle Moloney contributed to this story.

 

Editor’s Note: In an earlier version of this story, we reported that Paulin Preldakaj was a member of the Albanian American Open Hand Association. In fact, he is a volunteer with the group.