Norwood Bank Branches Face Pending Closures

By DAVID CRUZ

Norwood’s East 204th Street commercial strip is currently home to four banks. By October, that will whittle down to two, making it a little tougher for residents to cash checks, deposit monies, or get a certified bank money order. It also adds to the ongoing trend of a borough that’s unbanked. Two of the banks–the Chase Bank at 311 E. 204th St. and Bank of America at 299 E. 204th St., occupying an baroque-influenced storefront just near Bainbridge Avenue–will close its doors, a move where low foot traffic and relatively closer banks are to blame. Bank of America customers will

By DAVID CRUZ

Williamsbridge Oval Park was converted into a salsa venue on June 7, with salsero Edwin Perez holding a free evening salsa concert co-sponsored by Councilman Andrew Cohen and the Bronx Arts Ensemble. Check out these photos by Miriam Quinones.

Financial Focus: Summer School Income Tax Planning

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

By the time you read this, summer school for colleges will begin. Yes, it’s time for college seniors to either make up those last classes, or adults, to continue their education. Myself, I will be spending the summer in the Business Department teaching what I believe will be the most important class that one could take this year: how to lower their tax burden in perpetuity. As I am sure you learned from your 2018 tax preparation, yes, your tax refund was probably lower! Remember, the 2017 tax reform changes effected many new things: lower individual and business tax rates,

By DAVID CRUZ

Williamsbridge Oval Park was the scene once again for the annual Bronx Family Day Olympiad on June 8, with families spending the day involved in several athletic events geared for family bonding. All sorts of games were on hand, and there was a visit by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Check out these pictures by Miriam Quinones.

Nighttime Shooting Near Devoe Park, Suspect Sought

By DAVID CRUZ

The NYPD is investigating the shooting of a 38-year-man right in front of Devoe Park, sending the victim to the hospital. Police say this happened at around June 9 near the University Heights park around 10 p.m. The victim was shot in the left arm. The shooter quickly fled on foot. Paramedics rushed the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital, and was later released. Police say the shooting suspect was last seen wearing a red hood sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes. They estimate he’s around 20 to 30 years old, medium complexion, medium build, with brown eyes and black hair.

Mosholu Library Launches Summer Reading Program

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The sound of tambourine jingles and soft bongo drum-beats rang out from the small, colorful play area of Mosholu Library as an energetic and inquisitive bunch of happy kids sat cross-legged in a circle and gazed intently at Norbert Goldberg, their percussion instructor for the afternoon. Goldberg, part of the Urban Stages group that promotes different artists in the schools and libraries, was there to demonstrate different percussion instruments as part of a special educational musical workshop to mark the launch on June 6, of the library’s annual summer reading program. The program aims to encourage kids to continue reading

Free Diabetes Workshop Montefiore Health System hosts a free diabetes workshop at the Montefiore Medical Group, 2532 Grand Concourse, third floor conference room, on June 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, (866) 996-6683. NYBG Farmers Market The New York Botanical Garden is available for the season every Wednesday, beginning June 12 and into the fall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mosholu Entrace across the street from the Botanical Garden Metro-North station. Locally grown and produced vegetables, fruits, baked goods, and specialty goods will be available. Housing Resource Fair State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi hosts

Editor’s Pick Family Fitness Festival The public is invited to a Family Fitness Festival at the Williamsbridge Oval Park on June 22 from noon to 2:30 p.m. Events include games, yoga, Zumba, fun activities, health workshops, arts & crafts, gifts and prizes (while supplies last), and healthy foods and snacks. For more information, call (718) 881-8999. Onstage The NY Botanical Garden hosts a free musical event, June 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. featuring host Samba Timba and various artists performing Brazilian and Caribbean sounds. For more information, call (212) 843-9342. JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center, 3880 Sedgwick Ave. hosts

$7M Drug Takedown Linked to University Heights and Kingsbridge Heights Dealer

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office indicted 16 men and two women–with at least two suspects connected to Kingsbridge Heights and University Heights–on charges of dealing heroin and enough fentanyl to “kill the population of New York” in the South Bronx following a drug seizure on May 28 worth $7 million. The arrests come as portions of the Bronx continue to grapple with a deadly heroin epidemic. Those charged have ties to the world’s most powerful drug organization, the Sinaloa Cartel, formerly headed by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán until his arrest. Fifty pounds (23 kilos) of fentanyl, a semi-automatic rifle, and