1) Make sure immunizations, especially to enter pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten (ages 4 and 5) and 6th grade (ages 11 and 12), are completed. 2) Be aware that the 2010-2011 flu vaccine that contains both the seasonal and H1N1 protection is available. 3) Communicate to the school important health information, including medical, psycho-social or mental health concerns that may need monitoring. Medical concerns would include any chronic illness — especially asthma or diabetes. Psycho-social concerns might  include family changes, death, new siblings, a new school, etc. Mental health concerns might include ADHD, depression or anxiety. 4) Keep in mind: even though

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Anthony Aroya, a lifelong Bronxite who grew up on Prospect Avenue and now lives in Norwood, is a man of many talents and interests. Now Aroya, who works at Montefiore Medical Center, is looking to break into the world of cartooning.

A listing of programs, services, announcements, events and more for all our readers, in the Bronx and beyond.

A listing of arts, entertainment and recreational events in the Bronx.

With Violence Rising, Precinct Targets Ex-Cons . . . 52nd Precinct Staffing, Status Quo . . . Death Termed a Homicide

It was juice that brought Roberto Camano to the Bronx and juice is the reason he’s staying. Camano has spent the last year making smoothies at Tita Mini Market Juice Bar at 137 E. Gun Hill Rd. and, with the way business has been going, he’s not stopping anytime soon.

After working at a juice bar in Manhattan, Camano came to the Bronx when Tita managers decided to open one of their own. It’s one of three shops in the area now offering smoothies.

Sitting on benches inside Whalen Park, the concrete-covered corner near the Mosholu Library in Norwood, a group of five friends, most of them homeless, slowly drank beers and speculated about the mysterious death of their compatriot, Billy “Peanut” Murphy.

Days earlier, on Sunday, Aug. 15, Murphy, 47, had succumbed to injuries suffered from what appeared to be a severe beating. It was the latest in a string of violent incidents involving the local homeless population.

When doctors told Carlos Laboy this spring that he had a rare blood cancer, he didn’t cry-he was his usual upbeat self, cracking jokes to lighten the mood and make those around him laugh. The only time his illness got to him was when he was told that, because of treatment, he would have to leave his job at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC), where he’s directed the drama program for nearly 15 years.

Laboy passed away Sunday after a months-long battle with Mantle cell lymphoma, a non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was 59.

Aside from the fact that he’s running for the 33rd District Senate seat currently held by Pedro Espada Jr., here’s something you may not know about Gustavo Rivera: the guy is a huge Trekkie.

"Dude, I was a mega nerd," said Rivera, a 34-year-old native of Puerto Rico who has picked up a slew of institutional support over the past several weeks in his bid to unseat Espada in the Democratic primary