Music, Fun & Politics Merged at the 20th Annual Morrison Avenue Festival in Soundview

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES, SHANIA DEGROOT & SÍLE MOLONEY

The 20th annual Morrison Avenue Festival returned with gusto to the Soundview section of The Bronx on Saturday, June 12, having been cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. District 18 City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., along with H.O.G.A.R., (Housing Options and Geriatric Association Resources, Inc.) Bronx County Expo Association, and Freddy Perez Jr. of FPJ Amusements and Entertainment Services Inc. hosted the popular event which, though well attended, saw smaller crowds than the original 5,000 expected for a joy-filled day of music, dancing, fun, as well as a bit of political rallying thrown in for good

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced the expansion of the recently launched “Saturday Night Lights” (SNL) program with 23 additional sites added in the Bronx, joining the two that opened in 2019. On July 9, the NYPD, the Department of Youth and Community Development (NYCD), the city’s five district attorneys’ offices and several city agency partners, community-based organizations (CBOs) and foundations announced the opening of 100 gyms across the city for free, high-quality sports programs for kids on Saturday nights. An earlier expansion of the SNL program, announced on July 9, was supported by a commitment

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced on Wednesday, July 14, that his office is providing more than $35 million to institutions across the borough through his Fiscal Year 2022 capital funding allocations. According to representatives from the borough president’s office, this year, the borough president will allocate $35,880,000 to 130 total projects. This includes funding for nearly 100 education projects, park upgrades, healthcare technology, improvements to cultural facilities, the creation of over 900 units of new housing, as well as the redesign and redevelopment of Orchard Beach and the design of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. “Through these funding allocations,

By SÍLE MOLONEY & MIRIAM QUIÑONES

In gratitude for the sacrifice of the African Ancestors who built what is now Van Cortlandt Park, the African Burial Ground located within the park, was consecrated during a special, live-streamed Juneteenth ceremony on June 19. Cultural consultant, Peggy King Jorde, hosted the proceedings. According to newjersey.com, King Jorde has been involved in memorializing and preserving African burial grounds for nearly 30 years, after what started as a one-time project on a Manhattan site during her time working in the design and construction office of former New York City mayor, the late David Dinkins. That work grew into

By MIRIAM QUIÑONES, MICHAEL HOROWITZ & SÍLE MOLONEY

Beloved, local character and restauranteur, Joe Torres Sr., was honored during a street co-naming ceremony in Soundview on June 26, in the presence of family, friends, neighbors, former customers and elected officials. “Joe Torres Way,” a section of street encompassing Westchester and Thierrot Avenues was renamed in memory of Torres on the recommendation of Assemblyman José Rivera and Freddy Jr Perez, president at FPJ Amusements & Entertainment Services, Inc. It was an apt tribute to Torres Sr., who owned and ran Joe’s Place, an upbeat, family-friendly, Puerto Rican themed restaurant, located at 1843 Westchester Avenue in Soundview, for more than

Children from the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and the Davidson Community Center broke out their best swimwear on Thursday, June 24, for Van Cortlandt Park’s “Cool Pool” reopening. The kids joined NYC Parks’ commissioner, Mitchell J. Silver, and Bronx Parks’ commissioner, Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, for the first splash of the summer season. Reflecting on the big jump into the pool, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center student, Anisah Gamble, said, “It was scary, and then fun!” Meanwhile, Janissa Francisco, a staff member at the center, said it felt great to be back at the pool for the summer. “It’s really nice

Vendors and small businesses from all over The Bronx gathered at the new Fordham Flea Market to display their wares during its grand opening on Sunday, July 27, as shoppers showed up to support local enterprise. As it was a hot day, sellers congregated under tents and music was heard in the background, keeping the day moving along amid a convivial and relaxed atmosphere. Local handicrafts, arts and crafts, gifts, accessories, and self-care products were among the items on sale at the market. According to the market’s organizers, the goal is primarily to support those local businesses which

COVID-19 Updates COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted, as 70% of adults have received their first dose of the vaccine. New York State’s health guidance and industry specific guidelines are now optional across commercial and social settings. Effective May 19, New York State has adopted the CDC’s Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People for most businesses and public settings. See more information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html. See New York’s guidance for implementing the new CDC recommendations on https://forward.ny.gov/. The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through December 31, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or directly

By SARAH HUFFMAN & SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Pick Come learn, play and compete in the 2021 Girls Flag Football Season. Three NYC Parks sites in the Bronx are hosting clinics, leagues, and tournaments for girls. The Weekly Instructional Series/Clinics includes instructional drills and strategies for girls ages 10-17. The Bronx instructional series of Girls Flag Football Clinics will be held July 12 to

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Music, Fun & Politics Merged at the 20th Annual Morrison Avenue Festival in Soundview

“Saturday Night Lights” Program Opens Up 23 Sports Venues for Bronx Youth on Saturday Nights

Bronx BP Confirms $35 Million in Capital Funding to Bronx Institutions for Fiscal Year 2022

Consecration of African Burial Ground at Van Cortlandt Park on Juneteenth

Streets Co-Named for Famed Bronx Chef, Joe Torres Sr.

Van Cortlandt Park Reopens “Cool Pool” for Summer Season

Fordham Flea Market Attracts Vendors from all over The Bronx

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