Youth-Led Community Coalition Forge Ahead with Underage Drinking Awareness Campaign

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

A coalition of local community groups made up of many young volunteers joined forces on Dec. 9 during a “Sticker Shock Campaign,” to alert local alcohol retailers of the dangers underage drinking presents to young people. The groups made in-person visits to various stores in Community Boards 5, 7, and 8 with oral presentations, stickers, and posters reminding both store owners and customers that it is illegal and dangerous to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. The campaign was spearheaded by “We Engage in Prevention Awareness,” (WEPA), a community coalition seeking to eliminate substance abuse,

By DAVID GREENE

This week, we asked readers for their thoughts and wishes for the coming year, and whether the events of 2020 have impacted their New Year’s resolutions. “Yeah, oh God! I just want this COVID to disappear, you know what I mean? Maybe some people should stop reading these conspiracy theories and get behind the vaccine. That should be the number one thing, because if people don’t take the vaccines, this thing is not going away. For 2021, I’m wishing myself for some good health. That will be my resolution, to stop smoking and getting myself back into decent health.”

By DAVID GREENE

The massive ‘Black Friday’ crowds at large stores and shopping malls, where customers often got on line the night before, were noticeably absent this year due to the pandemic, as millions of shoppers switched to online bargain hunting, a move that will potentially change the face of Black Friday forever. On Friday, Nov. 27, the GameStop on White Plains Road, packed one year ago with customers shuffling in and out of the store, or to Modell’s Sporting Goods next door was a very different sight this year. Modell’s declared bankruptcy and closed its 153 stores on August 29, as

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a Snow Alert for Wednesday, December 16, 2020 beginning at 2 p.m. As reported by Norwood News, and based on current forecasts, the department expects snowfall beginning late Wednesday afternoon. Total accumulation of eight or more inches is possible, with potential for more in some areas. All winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm can be found by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website at www.nyc.gov/severeweather or by calling 311. While the department is expecting significant snowfall, representatives said its workers and equipment are prepared.

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The New York Lottery announced on Monday, Dec. 14, there were multiple top-prize winning tickets sold in the Dec. 13, Take-5 drawing. The tickets were sold in the Bronx, Shirley and in Rego Park, at the following locations: E&M Wine & Liquors located at 1242 Ogden Avenue in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, which sold one prize winning ticket worth $17,558.00 Nirvana Vape & Smoke located at 800 Montauk Highway in Shirley, which sold one prize winning ticket worth $17,558.00 Lucky Corner located at 93-23 63rd Drive in Rego Park, which sold one prize winning ticket worth $17,598.00

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Dec. 1, Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, issued an open letter to all New Yorkers, citing the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases and calling on all New Yorkers to remain vigilant about adhering to public health guidance. In the letter, he said to further protect people who are most at risk for severe COVID-19, the City’s health department was advising adults over 65 and people with certain underlying health conditions, as well as household members and caregivers of these people, to limit activities outside their

By SÍLE MOLONEY

On Nov. 9, the New York Public Library (NYPL) had introduced a Phase 2 opening service, providing desktop computer usage to library users, limited browsing at 14 branch libraries, as well as in-person appointments and grab-and-go pick up at research libraries. However, on Monday, Nov. 16, representatives said that after careful examination of the recent unfavorable trends in COVID-19 cases across New York City, NYPL made the difficult decision to roll back to a Phase 1 opening service, system-wide. On Nov. 25, NYPL closed three libraries on Staten Island, following the State’s designation of the impacted areas as orange

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Due to the chance of colder winter weather in the forecast, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a Winter Operations Advisory for Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. The department said that its snow clearing equipment is ready to tackle any winter weather coming our way, and added that the advisory does not constitute a snow alert, since an alert would require that Open Restaurants cease roadway dining. To better facilitate continued operations for Open Restaurant participants this year, DSNY said it will issue both “Snow Alerts” and “Winter Operations Advisories,” with the department planning to use

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Bronx Night Market is pausing its usual winter, off-season break to support the local micro-business community, predominantly immigrant-owned businesses reeling from the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated shutdowns. Though usually closed during the winter months, the beloved open-air festival is taking a stand and curating a Holiday Market on Fordham Plaza where all proceeds will be donated to support market and street vendors critically affected by the pandemic. The event, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 19, and Sunday, Dec. 20, will kick-off for a winter series specifically aimed at allowing these businesses to engage

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Out and About

Inquiring Photographer: Have the events of 2020 impacted your New Year’s Resolutions?

Black Friday 2020: Crowds of Shoppers Move to Mosques, COVID Testing Sites and Food Lines

City Issues Snow Alert for Wednesday, Dec. 16, Alternate Side Parking, Outdoor Dining to be Suspended

Take-5 Top Lottery Prize Tickets Sold in Highbridge

Health Commissioner Appeals to All New Yorkers to Slow the Spread of COVID-19, Issuing Letter

NYPL Libraries Revert to Phase 1 Operations Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases

City Issues ‘Winter Operations Advisory’ for Monday, Dec. 14, Precautions Required for Outdoor Dining

Bronx Night Market Extends Seasonal Run to Assist Local, Largely Immigrant-Owned Businesses