Bronx Events: "Parent Power" Film Screening at the NYBG

As part of the onoing Bronx Week festivities, the Borough President's Office and the Annenberg Institute for School Reform are hosting a special film screening of "Parent Power," on Thursday night, at the New York Botanical Garden. The documentary chronicles grassroots efforts in the Bronx and other communities of color to improve and reform local schools.

Check the flier below for more and for RSVP information. You can see a full calendar of Bronx Week events here. Other Bronx events can be found in our community calendar, here.

Diaz For Bronx Week 2011

Next month brings Bronx Week, the 10-day annual festival to celebrate all things Boogie Down-related. Here's a video promoting the event, which will run from May 12--22, from Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.



For a list of Bronx Week features and event, visit www.ilovethebronx.com.

Bronx Week (and a half) Set to Begin May 12

A little FYI for those planning anything special for the annual Boogie Down love fest this year. Bronx Week, which will actually stretch for a full 11 days until May 22, will include daily events and activities as well a "Grand Finale," culminating with the Bronx Parade, a food, music and arts festival and celebrity inductions into the Bronx Walk of Fame. More details will become available in the coming months.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities, contact Rose Pinero, Deputy Director of Special Events for the Bronx Tourism Council at 718-590-4412 or e-mail her at rpinero@boedc.org.

The above photo by Adi Talwar is from last year's parade. It first appeared in the Norwood News and is a personal favorite. Really, this post was an excuse to get it back up online.

Scenes From Bronx Weekend

Our talented colleague and contributor Adi Talwar, a Bronx transplant, took the above shots from the Bronx Parade on Sunday. The parade complemented, and led into, the food, fun and music festival on the other side of Mosholu Parkway.

Luckily, the rain didn't crash the party, as it has, frustratingly, on previous parade/festival days. The Bronx News Network, the only media organization with a booth at the festival, set up shop on the south side of Mosholu Parkway, just a couple of hundred of feet away from the main stage near Bainbridge Avenue.

We had a chance to meet lots of people, some fans of our work, some just getting to know us. Overall, there was a good-natured spirit and vibe to the entire event, which was highlighted by an energetic performance by hip-hop legends the Sugar Hill Gang (below), accompanied by the equally legendary, and buffed, Bronx MC Mele Mel. (Not sure about the spelling -- I've also seen it spelled "Melle Mel." If anyone has more insight on this, let me know in the comments section.)

It was just one highlight in a day full of good performances. Congratulations to everyone who participated. One last note, just to give you an idea of the eclectic nature of the day. Directly across from the street from us at the festival was an ROTC recruitment table, where uniformed teenagers did push-ups and toted replica machine guns, and Good News Christian Church, which had set up a prayer station.

Bronx Week(end)

Here's what's on tap for the last two days of Bronx Week.  And don't forget to stop by our booth on Sunday afternoon.

Saturday, May 22

The Bronx Ball: The Bronx Tourism Council hosts its fund-raiser gala, The Bronx Ball, under a tent at Orchard Beach from 6 to 11 p.m. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. leads a welcome-home tribute to Bronx-born celebrities on the eve of their induction to the Bronx Walk of Fame.

Environmental Day: Come to River Park on Boston Road and East 180th Street at 10 a.m. to learn the important part trees and other fauna play in our ecosystem. Bring your old clothes to be recycled and get your face painted while you’re at it. First 300 guests will get free hot dogs!

Sunday, May 23

Bronx Volunteer Recognition Day Ceremony: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. will honor the young people who participate in the New York Police Department Law Enforcement Explorer program. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse at East 161st Street.

Bronx Walk of Fame: Come see Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. induct some famous Bronxites into the Bronx Walk of Fame on the Grand Concourse at 161st Street. The event begins at 11 a.m.

Bronx Week Parade: Mosholu Parkway will host this year’s Bronx Week Parade. Thousands of marchers, including bands, students, athletes, and community groups, will celebrate the Bronx in this year’s parade, which salutes Bronx kids. The parade begins at noon at Mosholu Parkway and Bainbridge Avenue.

Bronx Week Food & Arts Festival: After the parade, this festival will feature Bronx artists, restaurant samples, vendor booths, games, and a health pavilion with free screenings. The event starts at noon on Mosholu Parkway.

Bronx Events, Through May 23 (The Bronx Week Edition)

As part of Bronx Week, the Bronx Borough President's office turned the Veterans' Memorial Hall in the Bronx County Courthouse into a fully operational spa. In addition to facials, manicures and massages, attendees received information about domestic violence prevention, awareness and services available. This year's focus was on how men can be a part of the solution to stop domestic violence.

This week, we're dedicating this events listing space to all things Bronx Week:

Tuesday, May 18

How to Market your Business with Facebook, Twitter, & More: Bring your company to the next level of online marketing. Jennifer Abernethy, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Social Media Marketing will lead a free workshop that will teach the tricks of the trade behind social media. Bring your laptop, iPad, or Blackberry. The event is at the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Family Great Hall, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Enter at the Southern Boulevard Gate. Register by calling (718) 590-6032.

Franchise Fair: Want to open a franchise? Go to the Veterans Memorial Hall at the Bronx County Building on Grand Concourse and 161st Street at 5:30 p.m. to learn all the information you need. For more information, call (718) 590-6415.

At 6:30 p.m. Monroe College Online will host a special Bronx Week event to demonstrate how adult students can earn a college degree while maintaining family and employment responsibilities. The event, which will take place in the Monroe College Annex at 2426 Jerome Avenue (one block south of Fordham Road on the east side of the street), will feature a demonstration of the course management system that provides 24/7 access to classes, faculty, and other students. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 800-55-MONROE and ask for Sharon Albert.

Bronx News Roundup, May 13

Bronx Week events continue today--tonight, there's a Bronx Homeowners Forum at 6:30 at Fordham University’s McGinley Center, 557 E. Fordham Rd. A panel of experts, organized by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Senator Jeff Klein, will provide Bronx homeowners with legal advice regarding mortgages and homeownership. More on the event, and other resources for homeowners, here. 

In other news:

Bronx resident Frank Morocho, who drove into a crowd of pedestrians following a soccer match last weekend, has pleaded not guilty to drunk driving charges in a New Jersey court.

A 75-year-old Throgs Neck man is still missing after disappearing three weeks ago.

The New York Times profiles Abdul Aziz, a martial arts instructor from the Bronx.

More on the renovation of the High Bridge--the 1,200-foot walkway between Washington Heights and the Bronx--via a Times editorial. Check out the Mount Hope Monitor's coverage in February's issue.

Hip-Hop artists Jay-Z and Eminem will be headlining a concert at Yankee Stadium in September, the two announced at last night's game.

A turf war between two street cart vendors escalated into a robbery at knifepoint near Crotona Park, according to the New York Post. 


A UK-based organization is launching a training program to help teach visually impaired children to play cricket at Lavelle School for the Blind.

State Senator Eric Schneiderman, who represents portions of the Bronx and is vying to become Attorney General, won Manhattan in county committee votes last night.

Assemblyman Peter Rivera endorsed a bill yesterday to lift the state's cap on the number of charter schools.

The Fort Independence Park neighborhood, in Community Board 8, is being considered for landmark designation. 

A photography exhibit featuring Woodlawn Cemetary, set to run this fall at the Lehmen College Art Gallery, is looking for submissions.

Bronx Week Officially Kicking

Under the cover of a tent, Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. officially kicked off Bronx Week this morning at the Centennial celebration of the Madison Avenue Bridge.

“The best week of the year in our borough is back. This time we have organized even more events, while keeping the traditional ones, to celebrate the beauty, culture, talent and development of our neighborhoods and their residents. Let’s all celebrate The Bronx!” said Diaz Jr.

Bronx Week is organized by the Bronx Tourism Council and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and sponsored primarily by Montefiore Medical Center and HealthPlus, in association with Con Edison, Affinity Health Plan, Verizon, Emblem Health, the Bronx CUNY Colleges, AmeriChoice, Citi, BronxNet, WBLS, Domino’s Pizza, and the New York Daily News.

For a listing of all the festivities, click here.

Tomorrow night, don't forget to check out the Homeowner's Fair at Fordham University, which our colleague Greg Jost wrote about earlier today.

Bronx News Roundup, May 12

Here's some BX-related news on this rainy Wednesday.

The four Bronx-bred stars who will be inducted into the Grand Concourse's Bronx Walk of Fame next weekend will be former Congressman Herman Badillo, magazine founder Edward Lewis (he started Essence), Celtic flutist Joanie Madden and balladeer Jerry Vale. They will be honored at the Bronx Ball next Saturday and inducted into the Walk of Fame on Sunday morning before the parade on Mosholu Parkway.

After three years of renovations, the High Bridge Public Library reopens.

NY1 takes a look inside the Kingsbridge Armory and the renovation challenges that await the Kingsbridge Armory's Task Force.

Thanks to the Melrose community rallying together, the restaurant Coqui Mexicano has received an additional six months to pay back the $11,000 they owe in back rent.

The City Council is introducing the New York Anti-Asthma program, which will require landlords of the most poorly maintained buildings to clean up their premises. If not, they will have to face liens filed against their properties.

This Friday, "The Real Million Dollar Baby," Bronx boxer Maureen Shea will get back in the ring at the Paradise Theater.

As public employee unions file legal action in federal court against Gov. Paterson's one-day furloughs, Paterson's office is feeling the heat for giving staffers raises and promotions.

Students at the Bronx School of Science Inquiry and Investigation showcased their exceptional knowledge of science at the first-ever sixth grade science fair yesterday. This event was part of the Connect A Million Minds initiative.

Bronx Homeowner Help

Bronx Homeowners have at least two opportunities to get some help if they are struggling with mortgage payments, need to straighten out water billing issues, or are looking for help with improvements and weatherization.

Tomorrow (Thursday) evening at Fordham University, a panel of experts will be on hand to offer legal advice to homeowners with their mortgages as part of Bronx Week. One-on-one counseling will also be available to help homeowners. It's a great resource for homeowners who are in foreclosure or are in danger of falling behind on payments and need help dealing with their lender regarding loan modifications or reductions in principal. The fair is on the 2nd floor of the McGinley Center and runs from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. For more information, call 718-590-8088.

Next week Tuesday, May 18, will be another homeowner fair, featuring DEP staff who will be on hand to help straighten out water billing issues with Bronx homeowners. This event will take place at Concourse House, 2751 Grand Concourse from 5:30 to 7:30. Homeowner counselors and weatherization staff will also be on hand, and homeowners will receive a free weatherization kit. For more information, contact UNHP at 718-933-2539.

Speaking of water bills, City Limits has an article out on what happens to delinquent homeowners who end up in the lien sale process. While the City Council is looking to exempt more seniors from the lien sale process (the 2010 lien sale just went through this week), DEP Commissioner Holloway wants to change the enforcement mechanism for delinquent single family homeowners from shutoff of service (which costs about $3,000) to adding them to the lien sale list.

Bronx Week Kick Off, Tomorrow Morning

The 12-day, nonstop thrill ride known as Bronx Week kicks off tomorrow morning at 10:30 during the Centennial celebration of the Madison Avenue Bridge at 138th Street. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will announce the official calendar of events for the borough's big week (plus). 

Diaz will be joined by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and Sam Schwartz, President and  co-founder of the New York City Bridge Centennial Commission, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Madison Avenue Bridge.

If you can't attend, you can always find information about all the upcoming events in our Bronx Week guide. 

New from the Norwood News

The latest edition of the Norwood News is hot of the presses and on the streets and online now. Here's a quick preview of our stories and features:

Here's our guide to Bronx Week 2009, which kicked off yesterday and concludes next weekend with a parade and party on Mosholu Parkway. Enjoy the festivities! This is what our readers love about the Bronx. Let us know what you love about the Bronx in our comments section below.

We recap Pedro Espada's role in the Republicans' Senate takeover. Our editorial says Espada's move can't be good for locals.

A look at what the recent endorsements for pastor and college professor Fernando Cabrera mean for 14th District Council race. Note: in the print edition, we also presented quick profiles of all the candidates. If we have time, we'll put them up on the blog later today.

The city has extended it's Grand Concourse bike lane all the way up to Mosholu Parkway on the northbound side of the street.

The MTA is experimenting with an express line for the 4 Train. The city says it will cut commuting time from Woodlawn to 149th Street by 4 minutes. [Note: already we've had some angry calls from Bronx commuters about this. One woman, a teacher who commutes from Woodlawn to Fordham Road, says she think her commute time has increased 10 minutes. Write in if you have any complaints or praise for the new express line, use the comments section below or email norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org.]

The Landmark Preservation Commission wants to designate a stretch of Perry Ave. in Bedford Park as a Historic District.

Plus, check out our extended Neighborhood Notes guide to local programs and services and our Out & About arts, recreation and entertainment guide.

Norwood News On-Line

In the latest issue of the Norwood News, now on-line:
-Incumbent chair wins, but Community Board 7 undergoes tremendous change nonetheless.
-Armory proposals reviewed
-Our editorial take on congestion pricing
-Dion, Rita Moreno, Danny Aiello: Stars Come Out for Bronx Week.

News Roundup for June 28

We learned from a Journal News blog that former Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams is returning to the Bronx August 18, this time wielding a guitar. Williams and Jose Feliciano will perform at "A Night of Unity and Hope," a benefit event at Utopia's Pardise Theater. Jim Layritz and Darryl Strawberry will also take the stage for a performance of "The Boy of Steel," a children's book by Ray Negron.

The police are questioning a suspect in the string of assaults on Kingsbridge Road. Channel 7 News online says the investigators think there may be as many as 10 attackers involved in the attacks.

The Black Star News recaps Bronx Week and interviews Adolfo Carrion about housing gains and development in the Bronx.

And there's lots of coverage of yesterday's blackout in the Bronx and Upper East Side, which disrupted subway service and traffic during the evening rush.

Arm Wrestling?

Yes, indeed. The Bronx Arm-Wrestling Championship on Mosholu Parkway at last Sunday's Bronx Week Parade and Festival. That and more improbable, yet delightful scenes from the Parkway in the next print edition of the Norwood News, which hits the streets tomorrow.
(Photo by Jordan Moss)

Chianese and Moreno Get Down on Mosholu

Rita Moreno, 76, but acting and looking more like 46, grooved with Soprano big Dominic Chianese to blaring salsa on a float at the Bronx Week Parade along Mosholu Parkway Sunday. The two are former Bronx Walk of Fame inductees who returned for the 10th anniversary of Bronx Week. More on the parade and the preceding Bronx Ball at the Loew's Paradise in the next edition of the Norwood News, which hits the streets Thursday.
(Photo by Jordan Moss)

Bronx Week Events for June 21

Hey folks, it's Bronx Week. Check back here for updates over the next few days.

Thursday, June 21: Arts and Culture Day

Tour the Bronx aboard the trolley with borough historian Lloyd Ultan as a guide from the Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse at East 161st Street from either 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Info: (718) 590-3047.

A street fair where sand artists share their work with the community takes place at the Institute of Applied Human Dynamics, 3625 Bainbridge Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (718) 920-0813.

Live Latin music and festivities accompany the screening of a documentary on the history and culture of Bronx Puerto Ricans at the Centro Cultural Rincon Criollo, 157th Street and Brook Avenue from 12 to 7 p.m. Info: (718) 960-1181 or www.bronxnet.org.

A curator’s tour of the ceremonial objects and art from Passover to Shavuot is at the Judaica Museum of the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, 5961 Palisade Ave. from 2 to 3 p.m. Info: (718) 581-1787.

The opening reception of Beyond the Uniforms: Documentation of FDNY Bronx Firehouse 1998-2002, a photography exhibit by Marisol Diaz, 2007 BRIO award-winner, is at the Borough President’s Gallery, Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse, Third Floor from 6 to 8 p.m. Info: (718) 590-2502.

Kick off your shoes for Barefoot Dancing in the Park with Retumba, the Bronx’s own all-female ensemble, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Van Courtlandt Park at Broadway and West 246th Street. Info: (718) 830-1890.

Today’s News

The 10th Annual Bronx Week celebrations officially begin this Saturday, kicking off a week of historic tours, athletic competitions and other festivities highlighting the borough’s culture.

As part of its Bronx Week Coverage, NY1 has a feature on the old Bronx courthouse on Third Avenue. Construction on the courthouse, also known as the Gray Lady, has been halted many times since renovation efforts began in the 1990s. The article discusses community support for plans to convert the courthouse into a charter school.

Mamadou Soumare, who lost his wife and four children in the Bronx fire last March, filed notice of a claim reserving his right to sue in the future. The precursor to a $100 million negligence lawsuit against the city, the claim cites the FDNY, Department of Buildings, the Department of Housing and Moussa Magassa -owner of the Woodycrest Avenue home who also lost five children in the fire – as possible defendants.

The Daily News reports a decrease in Bronx crimes despite a smaller police force.

Eighteen after-school programs in the Bronx are on the chopping block due to dwindling federal funds. Five schools, including M.S. 206 in Morris Heights, are already shutting down programs that cannot continue in the absence of state-distributed funds previously dedicated to after-school programming.

The New York Public Library plans to close the Highbridge branch on W.168th St. betweenWoodycrest and Shakespeare Aves for renovations. Only the well-intentioned renovations willtake two years to complete and parents in the area are furious. In a stories published by the Daily News and the Highbridge Horizon, parents protest the closing plans which do not provide for an alternate library site, let alone include a bookmobile or library trailer.

As we mentioned on this blog last week, in the 1990s Norwood residents were successful in securing a temporary location when their branch underwent a rehab.

Con Edison unveiled plans for a new substation in Mott Haven. This is of particular concern to Bronx residents because of last summer’s blackout in Queens.

Daryl Strawberry, Cathy Moriarty-Gentile Launch Bronx Week

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion kicked off Bronx Week 2007 today with Mets and Yankees legend Darryl Strawberry and actress Cathy Moriarty-Gentile at his side.

The event took place at the newly-named Utopia's Paradise Theater, the former Loew's Paradise Theater now operated by Utopia Studios, the company of Joseph Gentile, Moriarty's husband.

This year's Bronx Week activities include Bronx Trolley tours, a health fair, a salute to Community Emergency Rescue Team (CERT) volunteers, and the Bronx Ball, a black-tie affair scheduled for Saturday, June 23 at the Paradise Theater.

Daryl Strawberry was in the Bronx with Ray Negron, Yankees consultant and author of "The Boy of Steel," a children's book about a child with brain cancer who fulfills a lifelong dream by becoming a Yankees batboy for a day. Negron announced that he was turning the book into a play, and that Strawberry will act in the production. The two were headed to PS 150 in Hunts Point to sign books in the afternoon.

Pictured:

-Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, Joe Gentile, Cathy Moriarty-Gentile, and Bronx Week Executive Director Doris Quinones

-Darryl Strawberry with Gene Santiago, Bronx Chamber of Commerce and Gary Axelbank, Bronxnet