The stretch of Valentine Avenue, between East 194th and 196th streets, has proven ideal for a thriving illegal drug trade. It’s a one-way, southbound. It’s not intersected on 195th Street. And there’s a slight bend in the canyon-like corridor of six-story apartment buildings, making it easy for lookouts to spot oncoming police cars.

Today, more than two months after police arrested 31 suspects, seized $1.5 million in cash and four kilograms of heroin, the block is essentially drug free, residents say.

Tenants from 10 crumbling Bronx buildings gathered in the courtyard of 2770 Kingsbridge Terrace on Sept. 29 for an emotional candlelit prayer vigil, fed up with conditions in apartments that many describe as unlivable.

Their homes, which include 2505 Aqueduct Ave., 2500 University Ave., and 75 W. 190th St., have been in foreclosure proceedings since private equity firm Milbank Real Estate defaulted on its $35 million mortgage last year. Now, the buildings are in the process of being sold to a mystery buyer who refuses to be identified, and residents and advocates worry the sale will mean more neglect.

Joe McLaughlin, a former high school football star turned Republican candidate in the 81st Assembly District, is trying to script a Rudy-like underdog story as the general election approaches on Nov. 2.

What will Bill Samuels and his New Roosevelt Initiative political action group do now that they’ve reached their goal of defeating Pedro Espada in the 33rd Senate District?

According to a press release, they’re taking their show on the road-and bringing Gustavo Rivera with them-to throw support behind Mary Wilmot, a Democratic candidate running for State Senate in Rochester against a Republican incumbent.

•    The Bedford Mosholu Community Association will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. at 400 E. Mosholu Pkwy. So., apt. B1 (lobby floor). All are welcome. •    Community Board 7 will hold its general meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 DeKalb Ave. For all community board meetings or more information, call (718) 933-5650. •    The Community District 10 Education Council will meet on Thursday Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. For location and/or more information, call (718) 741-5836. •    The 52nd Precinct Community Council will meet on Thursday, Oct. 28,

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Dr. Peter Selwyn became head of the recently formed Office of Community Health at Montefiore Medical Center two years ago. He talks about how Montefiore is attempting to tackle the serious health problems in the Bronx and how you can make healthier choices.

Montefiore Medical Center is sponsoring a two-mile Run/Walk on Thursday, Oct. 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at Williamsbridge Oval Park. The event aims to raise awareness and encourage the local community to make the commitment to be physically active since this is one of the best ways to prevent and combat obesity. A suggested $10 donation will benefit B’N Fit, a Montefiore program that teaches teens how to adopt healthy, physically active lifestyles. Registration is available online at giving.montefiore.org/ptwalk or participants can register at the day of the event. For more information, call Thea Katrina Rigor at (718) 920-2287.

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Track Crime in Parks Thank you for your article, “Vigil for Shooting Victim in St. James Park,” which appeared on the Bronx News Network Web site and in the Norwood News (Sept. 9 – 22, 2010). This article illustrates the importance of tracking crime in parks, both for efficient use of NYPD resources and for public safety. Following several high profile crimes in parks and subsequent advocacy efforts, in December 2005, Mayor Bloomberg signed Local Law 114 mandating the tracking of the Seven Major Felony Crime Complaints in city parks. This marked significant progress towards transparency, accountability, public awareness, and

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In the past six months, a Vitamin Shoppe, Subway and Planet Fitness gym have joined the already bustling Fordham Road shopping district, forming a revitalized commercial corner where Kingsbridge Road meets Fordham.