Skate Night at the Williamsbridge Oval is a Hit with Residents!

By SÍLE MOLONEY

A 1970s vibe was in order on the tennis courts of the Williamsbridge Oval in Norwood on Friday evening, Sept. 24. District 11 City Councilman Eric Dinowitz, District 16 City Councilmember Vanessa Gibson, and NYC Department of Parks & Recreation partnered to host a highly successful “Skate Night,” which drew a crowd of about 120 excited skaters, young and old, beginners and seasoned, some staying on until after the sun went down. Sponsored by NYC Health+Hospitals, BronxNet, Fidelis Care, Emblem Health and Essen Healthcare, the event was marked by an upbeat, backdrop of funk music, courtesy of an on-site

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Lottery announced on Saturday, Oct. 16, that one second-prize ticket for the Oct. 15 Mega Millions drawing was sold in The Bronx. The ticket is worth a guaranteed $1,000,000. The ticket was purchased at 1086 Luna Deli Grocery Corp, located at 1086 Boston Road in the Morrisania section of the borough. The winning numbers for the Mega Millions game are drawn from a field of one to 70. The Mega Ball is drawn from a separate field one to 25. The Mega Millions drawing is televised every Tuesday and Friday at 11 p.m. According to The

By DAVID GREENE

Having been forced to shutter initially when the statewide shutdown took effect in March 2020, prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, the once popular Van Nest Lanes bowling alley has since closed its doors for good, It had served the community for over 50 years. Workers began dismantling the Van Nest Lanes, located at 1756 Bronxdale Avenue in the Morris Park section of the borough, once it became clear the business wouldn’t survive following the shutdown of 2020. On Saturday, Sept. 25, workers were observed carting out tables and lockers, and more recently, were seen tearing up concrete in

By DAVID GREENE

Proclaiming that New York City was back open, after an almost 18-month long shutdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday, Sept. 13, that recreation centers across the city were once again open. However, at least one center in the Bronx has remained closed to the public as of Friday, Oct. 1. Speaking at the Sept. 13 press conference, De Blasio told New Yorkers, “We’re coming back, and we’re coming back in so many ways, and it’s not just about work.” He added, “It’s about the ways we have fun, and the ways that

By DAVID GREENE

Having been canceled last year due to prevailing restrictions on large gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Bronx Columbus Day Parade returned for the 44th time, taking place along Morris Park Avenue in the Morris Park section of the Bronx on Sunday, Oct. 10. Participating in his last parade as Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio joined Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (A.D. 82), Councilman Mark Gjonaj (C.D. 13), and Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson (C.D. 16), Democratic nominee for Bronx borough president and Democratic Female District Leader Irene Estrada (A.D. 80) as they made their

By SÍLE MOLONEY

After 16 months of postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Preston High School, an all girls school located in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx, finally got to host an alumnae reunion for the class years ending in zeros, fives, ones, and sixes on Saturday, Sept. 18. According to the alumnae association, the celebration began with mass, followed by what was described as a delicious luncheon, catered by Posto 22, in the school’s cafeteria and back porch, with alumnae from various years in attendance. Amid reported great joy and excitement, members of the classes of 1955 and

By SARAH HUFFMAN

Friends of Devoe Park (FODP) hosted a “Dancing in Unity Fair,” on Saturday, Sept. 18, in Devoe Park, located in the Fordham Manor section of the Bronx. The event featured a face painter, balloon animal artists, a DJ, food provided by Ms. Geneva’s 50/50, an ice cream truck sponsored by Fordham Toyota, and a variety of lawn activities, games, and crafts for children which were organized by the City Parks’ department. Earl Evans, one of the balloon artists hired for the event, said the kids really enjoyed playing with the balloons and kept coming back to his tent

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Pick Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, located at 3225 Reservoir Oval East in Norwood, is hosting its Annual Pumpkin Party on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Families and children are invited to the event where there will be trick-or-treating and family fun. Activities will include carnival games, arts & crafts, photo booth, and much more. The event is free and open to the public. Prevailing COVID-19 regulations apply. Call Sarah at (212) 360-1430 or email sarah.bishow@parks.nyc.gov for more information. Events The Jerome Gun Hill BID 20th Annual Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct.

By DAVID GREENE

Having been closed for more than a year, due to the citywide shutdown brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the Mosholu branch of New York Public Library (NYPL), like many others, reopened to the public in July, as reported. In August, it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its refurbished, outdoor patio to the general public, and it’s proving a big hit. Library officials and residents celebrated the opening on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Mosholu branch, located at 285 East 205th Street in Norwood, where they handed out free book bags, computer and e-book tutorial