Consecration of African Burial Ground at Van Cortlandt Park on Juneteenth

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

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers their thoughts on reports that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) may extend the elimination of cash transactions at subway booths, a policy first brought in March 2020 to halt the spread of the coronavirus. “I don’t think it’s a good idea because a lot of people don’t have the means to acquire a bank card or debit card or credit cards to pay for the subway. How would ending cash transactions make the subway safer? Everyone that has to go somewhere will use the subway, so what would make it safer? I don’t understand how that would

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The City’s emergency management (EMS) and health departments issued a warning to New Yorkers on Monday, July 5, to take precautions to beat the heat as temperatures are expected to rise dramatically from Tuesday, July 6, until Wednesday, July 7. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory which will be in effect in the City from 11 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. High heat and humidity are in the forecast for Tuesday, with heat index values ranging from 95 to 102 across the City. Heat indices in the middle to upper 90s are also anticipated

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Police Department announced on Friday that street closures will take place during the Macy’s Annual Fireworks Display over the East River. The event takes place on Sunday, July 4, 2021, beginning at about 9.20 p.m. and ends at around 9.50 p.m. The department reminds spectators that no large backpacks, large coolers, lawn chairs, lawn blankets, umbrellas or alcoholic beverages will be allowed in the viewing areas. All restricted items are subject to search and seizure. Drivers are advised to use public transportation and avoid the following locations between 2 p.m. and 2 a.m. MACY’S