Education

Documentary Film “1.5 Million” Deals with Illiteracy in The Bronx

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT
There was outrage in The Bronx when the last general-interest bookstore, Barnes & Noble, shut down permanently in 2017. Many Bronxites saw it as evidence that the borough is not viewed in a positive light and is forgotten when it comes to its intellectual curiosity. For filmmaker Gregory Hernandez, the turmoil gave him an idea to tell a story about illiteracy in the borough. The result is the film “1.5 Million: A Bronx Documentary” which, as preadvised, screened at the Pelham Parkway-Van Nest branch of the New York Public Library (NYPL) on Aug. 28.

Norwood: Charter Middle School Opens at former St. Ann Site

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The International Leadership Charter Middle School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3515 Bainbridge Avenue in Norwood on Monday, Sept. 11, and officially opened its doors on Wednesday, Sept. 13, for the 2023/24 school session.

Health Check: Top Tips for Healthy Back-to-School Snacking

By CLAIRE GARON
“But I’m hungry!” If you’ve ever cared for a young person, you’ve heard this before! Being hungry between meals is no fun and can be easily fixed with a quick, healthy snack. With back-to-school season in full swing, learn how to keep your student nourished and ready to learn with healthy snack options.

UPDATE Friends of Devoe Park Launch Art Workshop Series Starting Sept. 16

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Friends of Devoe Park (FoDP), a volunteer group organized in 2017 by CATALYST, a City Parks Foundation subsidiary, is kicking off an art workshop series, coinciding with the back-to-school season. The series comprises two events, the first of which takes place on Saturday, Sept. 16. According to the organizers, around ten local children will receive “a paint and arts bundle” to learn how to paint and later to take home their finished visions of Devoe Park.

MMCC Restorative Justice Program Participants Paint Community Mural to Highlight Mental Health Awareness

By DAVID GREENE
Participants in Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC)’s Restorative Justice Program were joined by community members as well as participants in other programs offered by the Norwood-based community center for the 2023 Bronx Paint Fest Party on Saturday, May 13. During the free event, organized by NYC Mural Arts Project and other groups, the group spent the afternoon painting the mural, which had as its theme positive mental health, on one of the outdoor walls of the Center which is located at 3450 Dekalb Avenue between East Gun Hill Road and Kossuth Avenue in Norwood. In addition to the mural painting, there was also music, food, games, and a general focus on wellness.

Search for Missing 15-Year-Old Girl from Maine

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The search for Hannah Thomas, who has been missing for over one month, continues according to The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) which is working alongside the family as well as the Oxford Country Sheriff’s Office to locate the 15-year-old.