Bronx News Roundup, Feb. 6

Welcome to the latest edition of the Bronx News Roundup. These are the Bronx stories we’re following today.

Sen. Hassell-Thompson’s New Norwood Office Space

Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson is setting up new bi-weekly office hours inside Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 Dekalb Avenue (at Gun Hill Road) in the Bronx. She joins Councilman Oliver Koppell and Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz who also have office hours at MMCC. On Wednesday, Feb. 6, and every other Wednesday after that, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Hassell-Thompson will have a staff member on site ready to assist anyone in need.

Remembering Magnolia Helene Sibley-Wilson (March 20, 2011–January 27, 2013)

Magnolia Helene Sibley-Wilson, beloved daughter of Kendra Sibley and Sasha Wilson and sister of Delphinium Sibley-Wilson, died in her sleep on Jan. 27 at the family’s home in Kingsbridge Heights. According to her parents, Magnolia loved stairs, swinging at the park, turning on lights, wearing other people’s shoes, climbing her neighbor’s stoops, and reading. She provided so much joy and light in the lives of her family and many others during the 22 months of her life, and is desperately missed. Magnolia’s parents lived in Norwood before moving to Kingsbridge Heights and have taught in the northwest Bronx for most of their professional lives. Last Thursday evening, the family held an emotional memorial service for Magnolia at the Amalgamated Houses. To honor Magnolia and her love of books, her family has set up a fund at the New York Public Library that will be used to buy children’s books for libraries in the Bronx.

The Bronx Crime Report

The Bronx Crime Report is a new feature on the Norwood News’ Breaking Bronx blog that will be published Mondays. It will include the latest crime statistics for the 52nd Precinct — Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham-Bedford, and parts of Fordham, University Heights and Kingsbridge Heights — as well as crime updates, stories and features from this precinct and throughout the Bronx.

Bronx Notes: Help Applying for SNAP Benefits

You may be eligible for SNAP benefits. SNAP, the new name for the Food Stamps program, helps to put food on the table for over 2.4 million New Yorkers each month. SNAP is a federally funded entitlement program, similar to social security. There is no state or local contribution towards the costs of benefits. Every dollar spent in SNAP at your local grocery store generates a $1.84 in economics revenue for your community. Recent changes in the program make it even easier for working families to apply, including the possibility of applying online. For more information or for a free confidential pre-screening to find out if you are eligible, please contact Mosholu Montefiore Community Center’s Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) at vsantos@mmcc.org or call (718) 882-4000 ext. 304.

DOT Balks at Community-Proposed Safety Solutions at Oval Park

In what was billed as a pedestrian safety “workshop,” Representatives from the Department of Transportation met with members of the local community last week to discuss safety concerns regarding the entrances to Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood. While many ideas were discussed, the DOT did not agree to implement any of the simple solutions offered up by community members.

Bronx Notes: Free Technology Training

Per Scholas, 804 E. 138th St., offers free 15-week technology training, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (high school diploma or GED is required), and includes free tuition, books and exam materials, and free career counseling and job placement assistance. Earn up to 10 college credits. For more information or to register, stop by the office Monday through Thursday, at 9 a.m. or call (718) 991-8400.

Bronx Teens and Bronx Hall of Famer Melissa Manchester Prepare for Grand Central Celebration

Tomorrow morning, Bronx Hall of Famer and singing legend Melissa Manchester will be performing at Grand Central Terminal for the 100-year birthday party for the iconic New York City train station. Singing the back-up chorus for Manchester will be the Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Show Choir. Today, the collaborators got together at Lehman College to rehearse. Above is a video of the song they will be performing together, “Traveling Far,” from the musical “Orphan Train.” Lisa Gwasda, the choir director, called Manchester “a brilliant teacher” who worked extremely well with her talented group of teenagers.