“Coquerel’s Sifaka” Baby Born at Bronx Zoo Makes Public Debut

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A “coquerel’s sifaka” baby (propithecus coquereli), born at the Bronx Zoo, has made its public debut. According to Bronx Zoo officials, the birth is the result of the hard work and husbandry expertise of the zoo’s keepers and will be featured on this week’s episode of Animal Planet’s THE ZOO. The story follows the adult sifakas as they are introduced for the first time in hopes that they will eventually mate. The baby is a male and was born over the summer. The Bronx Zoo breeds sifakas as part of its Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, a cooperative breeding

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The NYPD announced that the annual balloon inflation ahead of the Thanksgiving Day parade celebrations in Manhattan will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 24, from noon to 6 p.m. Spectators may enter the queue at West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Large backpacks, coolers, alcoholic beverages, chairs and umbrellas are expressly prohibited and participants will be screened prior to entering the viewing route. At the organizer’s request, all attendees over aged 12 must be vaccinated and provide proof to the screeners in order to attend the balloon inflation. Children under 12 years may attend with a fully vaccinated adult.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced on Monday, Nov. 22, that Bronx resident, Latonia Stewart, was sentenced for burglarizing six homes of families she targeted who were attending funeral services of loved ones between 2017 and 2018. Stewart, 30, was sentenced on Nov. 22, to a determinate term of 10 years in State prison on each of the burglary counts, each to run concurrently, and an indeterminate term of one to three years in State prison to run consecutive to the 10-year sentence. On Oct. 14, 2021, a jury found Stewart guilty of six counts of

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) formally announced the restart of the Bronx Bus Network Redesign process on Thursday, Oct. 28, with a final virtual public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. MTA officials said the virtual public meeting is aimed at further promoting public consciousness around the project and will allow riders one more opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed final plan. The meeting follows additional efforts by the MTA over the last two months, as reported, to reengage the community on the details of the proposed Final Plan, with implementation currently targeted for the

By JASON GONZALEZ

Some of the residents of Assembly District 78 showed up asking for change, while others voiced their frustration. Despite erratic weather conditions of wind and frigid temperatures, a group of Shanequa Charles’ supporters joined the long-time community activist for a rally on Fordham Plaza in Belmont, close to the Fordham Manor border, early Sunday afternoon, Nov. 14, in hopes of hearing she would be throwing her hat in the ring to win the A.D. 78 seat, and they were not disappointed. Charles formally announced that she will, indeed, be running in the primary election set for June 28,

By DAVID GREENE

Police continue to search for two, armed home invaders who posed as police officers, tied up the occupants of a Bronx home, and made off with $130K in cash and jewels. According to NYPD spokesman, Sergeant Edward Riley, officers from the 45th precinct were called to an exclusive home near Country Club Road and Polo Place in the Country Club section of the Bronx at 8:05 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9. Riley told the Norwood News, “The preliminary investigation determined that two light-skinned males posed as police officers, displayed a handgun, and restrained the two victims with zip

By SARAH HUFFMAN

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC) held its annual Harvest Fest at the center, located in the Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood, on Oct. 28. The event featured raffles, vaccine and voting information, and various activities and stands. Margaret Della, chief executive director of KHCC, said the Harvest Fest used to be held indoors, but last year they moved it outside as a COVID-19 safety precaution. “This was, like, the first event that we had where we were bringing people back together again, and it was so fun,” she said. Activities on the day included temporary tattoos, a Wii station, a photo

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Pick Bronx Film 48, founded in 2019, the group behind the annual, 48-hour film challenge has announced a fundraising drive to raise $20,000 for the 2022 fiscal year, to expand its offerings. The team is looking to offer an outdoor summer film series, more networking events and the return of its annual, “48-hour film challenge: The Bronx.” The summer film series is aimed at hosting roof-top, drive-in, and outdoor film screenings of curated, independent films across the Bronx, from Orchard Beach to the Andrew Freedman Home. The fundraising campaign will allow the group to connect Bronx filmmakers with

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Local People Reported Missing in the last Two Weeks A 72-year-old woman was reported missing in the Mt Hope section of the Bronx. Click here for more details. A 44-year-old Brooklyn man was reported missing in the 52nd precinct. Click here for more details. A 15-year-old girl was reported missing in Jerome Park. Click here for more details. A missing South Carolina Man Last Seen in Fordham Heights. Click here for more details. COVID-19 Updates As of Aug. 17, people 12 and older are required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

Norwood News

Serving Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights

“Coquerel’s Sifaka” Baby Born at Bronx Zoo Makes Public Debut

Balloon Inflation Day & Thanksgiving Day Parade Traffic Advisories

Bronx Woman Sentenced to State Prison for Burglarizing Homes of Funeral Attendees

Bronx Bus Redesign Hearing Takes Place on Nov. 9, 2021

Community Organizer, Shanequa Charles, Announces Run for Assembly District 78

UPDATE Police Impersonators Get Away with $130K in Cash and Jewels after Home Invasion

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center Hosts Annual Harvest Fest

UPDATE Out & About: Thanksgiving Giveaways, Public Art Unveiling, NYBG Holiday Train Show & More!

Neighborhood Notes: Booster Shots, Public Hearing on Ethics Oversight, Mommy to Be Expo & More!