Public and community meetings for our readers in the northwest Bronx.

The city began protecting one of its most vulnerable populations, school-aged children, against the H1N1 flu virus last Wednesday with no reported issues by the Health Department. About 40 students were vaccinated at PS 51, the Bronx New School in Bedford Park, according to Principal Paul Smith. "It went really well," Smith said.

The Bainbridge merchants who lost their businesses overnight last weekend were part of all of our lives, whether you picked up salmon at Bainbridge Fish Market, dined on enchiladas at Diamante Poblano, bought your favorite snacks at the European Market, or had your hair done at Betty’s. Our hearts go out to all the merchants and their employees.

It will be a difficult road to recovery, but we hope that as many of the businesses as possible can reopen or relocate soon. Elected officials, community leaders and concerned residents have their work cut out for them, and many have already risen to the occasion. The key is follow-up and we pledge to keep you posted in the paper and on our blog (www.bronxnewsnetwork.org) about the latest developments.

The disappearance of at least 10 stores could mean less foot traffic on the rest of the strip. That would compound this tragedy. Each of us can make sure that doesn’t happen by shopping in the district whenever possible.

We are heartened by all the good wishes expressed on the blog, in conversations with readers, and just generally the words of concern expressed on the street in the hours and days following the fire.

If we all keep paying attention and helping wherever we can, Norwood will rebound. Let’s get to work.

Bronx politicians have a choice. They can keep making the same mistake over and over again by letting developers walk all over them (and us).

Or they can send a message that taxpayer subsidies like the tens of millions about to be handed over to the Related Companies to build a mall at the Kingsbridge Armory comes with significant responsibilities.

I experienced several firsts today: It was my first time speaking directly to an elected official (rather than e-mailing, sending a letter, or speaking with an assistant) about an issue of concern to me; it was my first time being yelled at by an elected official; it was my first time telling an elected official to stop yelling at me.

Norwood mourns the loss of its neighborhood small businesses due to last Saturday’s fire on Bainbridge Avenue. All of the businesses that have been affected by the fire are neighborhood fixtures. The Fish Market, the Bakery and Sal’s Hillside Meat Market are among the unique businesses in Norwood.

A listing of events, programs, services and announcements for our readers.

A listing of arts, entertainment and recreational events for our readers in the Bronx and beyond.

Heavy metals have been discovered at Harris Field in Bedford Park during the park’s reconstruction, the Norwood News has learned. The Parks Department declined to answer specific questions about what heavy metals were found, the levels of contamination, or the steps taken to make the site safe.