Local People Reported Missing in the last Two Weeks  

A 16-year-old mother and a three-month-old baby have been reported missing in Fordham Heights. Click here for more details.

A 15-year-old boy was reported missing (for the 3rd time in three weeks) in Williamsbridge. Click here for more information.

A 23-year-old man from Olinville was reported missing in Williamsbridge. Click here for more information.

An 8-year-old girl from Norwood who had been reported missing in Norwood has since been found. More details are available here.

 

Stop the Violence Rally

A Stop the Violence rally will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 13, in Williamsbridge, organized by Bronx Youth Empowerment Program. See attached flyer for details.

 

INCLUDEnyc Online: Top 5 Rights in Special Education

Learn your rights and responsibilities under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), during a virtual workshop organized by INCLUDEnyc on Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. REGISTER NOW.

 

INCLUDEnyc Online: Turning 18: Rights, Benefits, and Planning

Learn about the benefits, application processes, and guardianship options available to young people with disabilities when they turn 18, on Thursday, Oct. 14, from 5 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. This workshop is for parents of students with disabilities. The session will be English, and Spanish interpretation will be provided. REGISTER NOW

Curbside Trash Collection on Monday, Oct 11. 

There will be no curbside composting, trash or recycling collection on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 11. 2021. See attached flyer for details.

 

 

COVID-19 Updates

• On June 24, 2021, New York State ended the State disaster emergency (PAUSE order) declared on March 7, 2020, to fight COVID-19.
• As of Aug. 17, people 12 and older are required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to obtain access to indoor dining, indoor fitness, and indoor entertainment. Learn more at: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines-keytonyc.page.
• All public school teachers, administrators, and other school employees were required to be vaccinated by Oct. 1.
• The NYS Department of Health has released official guidance for classroom instruction for the 2021-2022 school year, as follows: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/school-guidance.pdf.
• On Sept. 9, President Joe Biden mandated that all private employers with 100 or more workers require their workers to be vaccinated or tested weekly. He also mandated that all healthcare workers in hospitals, clinics and other facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid payments and all federal contractors must get vaccinated, with no opt out option.
• On Sept. 9, Mayor Bill de Blasio mandated that all NYC pre-kindergarten, childcare, and after-school program workers who have contracts with the City must show proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 27.
• Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that there will be a vaccination site at every single school building with students aged 12+ for students and staff.
• On Sept. 20, the NYC Department of Education announced that COVID-19 testing will be increased in all schools from biweekly to weekly basis. Testing will continue to take place for 10 percent of unvaccinated students in grades 1 through 12.
• On Sept. 15, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a series of universal mask requirements designed to protect New Yorkers against the highly contagious Delta variant and the recent surge in COVID-19 infections statewide.
• Face masks are required at State-regulated childcare facilities for children aged two and up, and for all staff and visitors.
• Residential congregate programs operated, licensed, certified, or approved by the Office of Children and Family Services, are required to ensure masks are worn by all staff and residents.
• Programs and facilities licensed or registered by the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, require masks to be worn, regardless of vaccination status.
• On Sept. 22, the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) authorized people over 65 who have received Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine to get a booster shot at least six months after their second injection. The FDA also authorized booster shots for adult Pfizer-BioNTech recipients who are at high risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 or who are at risk of serious complications from the disease due to frequent exposure to the coronavirus at their jobs. Certain New Yorkers are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 booster shot. See who’s eligible and where to get your booster dose.
• A virtual town hall to combat COVID-19 vaccine misinformation was held by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) on Thursday, Sept. 23, It can be watched here.
• Gov. Hochul has announced a #VaxandWin football sweepstakes in partnership with all three New York professional football teams to support vaccinations among currently unvaccinated New Yorkers.
• Gov. Hochul has signed into law a new moratorium on COVID-19 related residential and commercial evictions, which is in effect until Jan. 15, 2022. To apply, go to: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/.
• The FDA has expanded the emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines so that immunocompromised individuals will be eligible to receive a third booster vaccine shot to boost their antibodies.
• COVID-19 clinics are being held at Tracey Towers. The next sessions will be on 10/9 and 10/16, and will cover Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, COVID-19 testing, as well as the administration of booster shots. Children aged 12 to 17, who have permission from their parents may attend. Slips will be provided.
• The open enrollment period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through Dec. 31. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, at https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or directly through insurers.
• Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
• CDC mask guidance can be checked here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html.
• NYC offers free, at-home PCR COVID-19 testing for all New Yorkers who are 65+ or immunocompromised. The service is available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and appointments can be scheduled by calling 929-298-9400.
• Gov. Kathy Hochul has said in the context of certain COVID-19 vaccine mandates that exemptions on religious grounds are not legitimate because the leaders of the various organized religions have said there is no legitimate reason for an exemption.
• The CUNY Professional Staff Congress union has received a $100,000 grant, supported by the AFT’s “Back-to-School for All” initiative, to fund a campaign to promote student vaccination. Fill out this form (https://www.psc-cuny.org/…/form/help-cuny-rising-vaxupcuny) to invite a CUNY Rising Alliance organizer to make a short presentation about the campaign to your chosen group. #VaxUpCUNY.
• The City has expanded its in-home vaccination program to all New Yorkers aged 12+. You can select which of the vaccines you prefer at no cost. To request your in-home vaccination visit https://forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/home.
• NYC Mobile Vaccine Buses continue to provide J&J vaccines in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens. The full schedule of mobile vaccine locations can be found here. Walk-ups are welcome and you can also book in advance through the Vax4NYC website.
• The FDA expanded emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines. Immunocompromised people are eligible to receive a third booster vaccine shot to boost their antibodies. NYC offers free, at-home PCR COVID-19 daily testing, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for New Yorkers, 65+ or immunocompromised. Call 929-298-9400 to book.
• On around Sept. 28, YouTube started to ban ads on its platform that promote misinformation (including misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines) though one especially high-profile, dangerous vaccine misinformation channel in Germany remains up and running and is currently being investigated.
• The City of New York has launched a new COVID-19 hotline. Through this hotline, you can call and get all of your COVID-19 updates, including testing sites, advice from medical staff, quarantine information and mental health support. Call 212-COVID19 (2122684319).
• Get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines at these sites:
• https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccine-facts.page
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/about-covid-19/caring-for-children/families.html

 

 

Proof of Vaccination

According to NYC DOH, when proof of vaccination is required, New Yorkers can choose from the following options:

• a CDC vaccination card, or photo or photocopy of this card;
• an NYC vaccination record or other official immunization record from within or outside the U.S., including from a health care provider or a photo or photocopy of this card;
• the NYC COVID Safe App, on Android or iOS, where residents can upload a photo of their CDC vaccination card or other official record, along with a photo ID;
• the Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Plus Pass, where New Yorkers will need the phone number or email address associated with their NYC vaccination record. More information is available at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccines-keytonyc.page.

 

Data Shows Vaccination Works

NYC DOH said data collected to date shows how the COVID-19 vaccines are protecting New Yorkers against infection and illness. Since mid-January, the vast majority of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in NYC are occurring in unvaccinated people. Between January 17 and August 17, people who are unvaccinated in NYC accounted for:

• 96.1% of all COVID-19 cases
• 96.9% of COVID-19 hospitalizations
• 97.3% of COVID-19 deaths

 

The New York Office of Children and Family Services is administering $25 million in funds to provide child care support for children of essential workers. The Essential Worker Scholarship is only available to residents of New York State and will be awarded weekly through payments made directly to child care providers on the parents’ behalf. Parents will be responsible for paying any tuition amount that is greater than the market rate. Families currently receiving child care scholarships under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act are strongly encouraged to also apply for this new funding opportunity. For more information and to apply visit https://ocfs.ny.gov/main/contracts/funding/COVID-relief/essential-workers.php.

 

COVID-19 Business Guidelines

COVID-19 restrictions in New York State have been lifted, subject to ongoing guidance (see above), since 70 percent of adults have received their first dose of the vaccine. For the latest industry guidance, go to: https://forward.ny.gov/active-industry-guidance.

 

NYC Utility Moratorium

New York’s statewide, utility shut-off moratorium, which had expired on March 31, has been extended. The law extends the statewide moratorium on utility shut-offs, including water, heat, electric, telephone, cable, and broadband services until the conclusion of the COVID-19 state of emergency, or until December 31, 2021, whichever comes first. For New Yorkers suffering financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the law enshrines a further moratorium extension of 180 days.

Funeral Cost Reimbursement for COVID-19 Deaths

Excluded Workers Fund

The application for the Excluded Workers Fund is live. Visit ​​https://ewf.labor.ny.gov/new to apply. For more details and to learn about documentation required to apply, visit on.ny.gov/ewf. This $2.1 billion State fund will provide financial relief for New Yorkers state-wide who have suffered income loss during the pandemic and were left out of the various federal relief programs, including unemployment and pandemic benefits.

 

Protect Yourself from Eviction 

EvictionFreeNY.org is a free tool put together by JustFix and Right to Counsel to allow renters to exercise their rights under the New York State eviction moratorium. The website helps renters fill out and send a Hardship Declaration form to the Court and their landlord to pause their eviction case until January 15, 2022.

 

Landlord Rental Assistance Program 

Effective Thursday, Oct. 7, applications will be accepted for the Landlord Rental Assistance Program (LRAP) which provides rental assistance for landlords whose tenants are unwilling to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), including where the tenant has left the rental property. Assistance may be provided for households with rent up to 150 percent of the Fair Market rent (FMR) for the county where the property is located. Apply for the LRAP online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. IMPORTANT NOTE: Landlords are encouraged to gather all the information needed before starting an application including proof of ownership and rental amounts, as documentation must be uploaded at the time of application in order to complete and submit the application.

 

U.S. Small Business Administration Help with Storm Damage 

Disaster Loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration for those who experienced physical damage as a result of the Remnants of Hurricane IDA from Sept. 1 to 3, 2021, under New York Declaration 17147 & 17148 (Disaster: NY-00208) in the primary New York counties of Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, and Westchester. The application filing deadline for physical damage is Nov. 4, 2021. More information is available at https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance.

Organ Donation Month

Organ Donor Enrollment Day was Thursday, Oct. 7. Started by LiveOnNY in 2015, this initiative is committed to bringing hope to the nearly 10,000 New Yorkers currently waiting for a lifesaving, organ transplant. LiveOnNY educates communities on the importance of organ donation, by encouraging willing individuals to sign up as registered organ donors. Registration to be an organ donor is ongoing. Here is the link: https://registerme.org/campaign/enrollmentday.

 

Resources & Help following Storm Ida

Service centers to support those affected by the flash flood emergency following Storm Ida are open to all, irrespective of immigration status. The Bronx center is located at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse, E. Building C, Bronx, NY 10451. Bronxites can also call 311, or access city services online by visiting NYC.gov/ida. Beware of fraudsters posing as government officials, charities, unlicensed contractors, or rental listing scam artists. Always ask for I.D. and call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (711/VRS) if in doubt.

 

Food assistance is available by calling 311. Each box will have six meals (three lunches and three dinners) and residents can request one delivery or two weeks of meals. Meals will need to be heated and refrigerated and come either fresh or frozen. If you need refrigeration or heating appliances, the City may be able to help. Halal, Kosher, or non-specialty meals are available.

 

To apply for flood assistance from FEMA, please go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, or call 1-800-621-3362. Operators are on duty seven days a week from 8am to 7pm. Please be aware that you may receive a faster response if you register online instead of by telephone.

Fooding Relief for Undocumented New Yorkers

On Tuesday, Sept. 28, Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio allocated $27 million in financial relief for undocumented New Yorkers who experienced damaging flooding during Hurricane Ida. The funding will be provided to New Yorkers who are not eligible to receive storm recovery assistance through the FEMA Individual Assistance Program or other means.

 

State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi said that the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) is managing this program and that in order to qualify for this financial relief, applicants must a) themselves not be eligible for FEMA assistance and b) not have an individual in their household who is eligible for assistance.

 

A select group of not-for-profit organizations will provide information, assistance and help for residents who were impacted by the storm. In the Bronx, Catholic Charities Community Services, 402 East 152nd Street, Bronx, NY 10455 will provide services. This program is now open. Call the ONA Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 for help on where to apply. The application period will close on Friday, November 26, 2021.

 

Home Repair Advice (in-Person) in New York City from FEMA officials from Oct. 11-16 

FEMA has teamed with Lowe’s stores in Brooklyn to provide free information and tips on how to make homes damaged by natural disasters stronger and safer. FEMA specialists will be available at Lowe’s, 118 2nd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 to answer questions, and offer tips and techniques for building hazard-resistant homes to help prevent or reduce damage from disasters. Most information is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation advisors will be available Monday, Oct. 11, to Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Lowe’s.

Free reference booklets with information about protecting a home from flood damage will also be available to survivors. More information about protecting property can be found at https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management. For the latest on New York’s Hurricane Ida recovery efforts, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4615.

 

False Rumors of Illegal Conversion Inspections

DOB officials said rumors on social media that DOB inspectors are going door-to-door, unannounced, asking for access to homes to conduct illegal conversion inspections, ARE FALSE. The City received over 2,700 self-reported notifications of storm-damaged property across the five boroughs. These notifications have been self-reported by property owners and tenants living in these properties.

 

In the interest of protecting New Yorkers, DOB said it is conducting safety inspections of these 2,700+ properties to check for structural damage and other immediately hazardous conditions. DOB is triaging these storm damage notifications as they come in, and inspectors are checking the affected properties are safe to occupy.

 

If storm-related damage is found during these inspections, the property owners are being notified, and are being provided with guidance on repairs. Vacate Orders are only being issued as a last resort, when building occupancy poses an immediate life safety threat. To date, the inspection teams have not issued any Vacate Orders for illegal conversion conditions.

 

Track Maintenance on D Subway Line

Track maintenance will be carried out on the D subway line between Norwood and Bedford Park Boulevard stations between Oct. 29 and Nov. 1, on Fridays between 9.45 p.m. and Mondays at 5 a.m., and therefore, during these times, no D trains will run between Bedford Park and 205th Street. A shuttle bus service will replace the D subway line service between these stops during these times. More details can be found in the attached flyer.

 

Amalgamated Housing Celebratory Event

An event celebrating NYC Housing Co-Ops will be held on Oct. 27, 2021 at 7 p.m. at The Amalgamated Co-Op, 98 Van Cortlandt Park South, The Bronx, NY 10463. See attached flyer above for more information. Norwood News reported a little on the history of the Co-Op last year. See here for details.

 

Redistricting

Following the 2020 Census, a schedule of upcoming public hearing dates to discuss the proposed redistricting maps put forward by New York State Independent Redistricting Commission (IRS) can be found here: https://www.nyirc.gov/meetings. Draft plans can be found here: https://www.nyirc.gov/draft-plans.

A hearing will be held in Bronx County on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m. at BronxWorks gymnasium, located at 1130 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10456 but residents can join any virtual hearing that best suits their schedule. The deadline to sign up for the Bronx hearing is 3 p.m. on Nov. 7.

 

Job Fair

A job fair will be hosted by Bronx House on Thursday, Oct. 14, from 1 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
See attached flyer from Bronx House for more details.

 

 

Breast Cancer Screening 

As reported on our social media platforms, a breast cancer screening event is taking place Saturday, Oct. 9, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at at The Tower at Montefiore Medical Park, Einstein Campus at 1695 Eastchester Road, 2nd Floor, in the Bronx and another on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 9 a.m. on 116 City Island Avenue. See flyers below for more details.

 

New Gas Meter Liability Legislation Passed 

A new law, sponsored by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, has been passed that will strengthen State law which prohibits the illegal installation of any gas meters by expanding the law to include any installation that is not performed by a gas company or their licensed contractor. The law also expands liability for any illegally installed gas meters to include the property owner in question, in addition to the person who illegally installed the meter.

 

Bronx Winner in New York Lottery

The New York Lottery announced on Friday, Sept. 17, that one top-prize winning ticket was sold in the Sept. 16 TAKE 5 EVENING drawing. The ticket, worth $44,137.50, was purchased at Happy Face Convenience Corp., located at 921 E. 180th Street in the West Farms section of the Bronx.

 

NYC Parks After School Program 

NYC Parks’ After School program provides children with academic support and physical activity in a safe, structured environment. The program runs from Sept. 20, 2021 to June 10, 2022 from Monday to Friday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The attached flyer below has more information.

Bronx Residents Have $353,393,103 in Unclaimed Funds

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli recently announced that Bronx residents have $353,393,103.00 in unclaimed funds, waiting to be paid. For more information about this topic, and how to check if you are owed unclaimed funds, click here.

 

Affordable Housing Workshop

Gateway Community Development is hosting a virtual, affordable housing workshop on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. Email gtwycdvlpmntinc@aol.com or call (718) 734 1028 for more information.

 

See information in the attached flyer below on public charging.

 

 

NYC DOH Healthy Home Training & Workshops October 2021

See below schedule of healthy home training and workshops taking place throughout October, hosted by NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene. Unless otherwise specified, all presentations will be conducted virtually through WebEx and require registration. Register for Trainings and Presentations. For more information about a training session, email healthyhomesecp@health.nyc.gov or call 646-632-6023.

 

 

General Election Deadlines

Oct. 8 was the deadline to register to vote. Oct. 18 is the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail or online. Oct. 23-31 is the early voting period. Nov. 1 is the deadline to request an absentee ballot in person. Nov. 2 is the absentee ballot return deadline. Nov. 2 is Election Day. NYC Votes is partnering with TurboVote to make sure all New Yorkers can register and vote with confidence. It should take about 5 minutes to fill out an online form. If you don’t have a NY state ID, a pre-filled registration form can be mailed to you to sign and submit. If you do have a NY state ID, you can fully register online at https://nycvotes.turbovote.org/. If you are currently on probation or on parole, you have the right to vote in New York.

 

Five State Constitutional Amendments on November Ballot

Five State constitution amendments will appear on the Nov. 2 general election ballot, in addition to the elections for mayor, public advocate, city comptroller, Bronx borough president, and city council, and any contested judicial positions. NYS Board of Elections provides the exact text of each proposal here: https://www.elections.ny.gov/2021BallotProposals.html.

 

Free Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities 

Free transportation is available with NYC Department of the Aging for seniors and people with disabilities living in certain community districts in the Bronx. See attached flyer for more information.

 

Curbside Parking 

There will be restrictions to curbside parking and sidewalk access for certain community districts from Oct. 4, at certain times. See attached flyer below for more details.

 

 

Bedford Park Affordable Housing Lottery 

An affordable housing lottery has launched for units at The Bedford, a 13-story residential building located at 211 East 203rd Street in the Bedford Park section of The Bronx, as reported by YIMBY. Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for the apartments, and applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than Nov. 15, 2021. For more information, click here.

 

Free Vaccine Shots for Dogs & Cats 

Free vaccine shots are available for dogs and cats on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m. at Ferry Point Park, on the corner of Balcom Avenue and Dewey Avenue. See attached flyer for details.

 

 

Building Application Filed for 2895 Valentine Avenue in Jerome Park

Building applications have been filed with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) for a nine-story residential building at 2895 Valentine Avenue in the Jerome Park section of the The Bronx, as reported by YIMBY. For more information, click here

 

 

Flyer for Flu Shot event on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 at 10 a.m.
Image courtesy of the Office of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

 

Free Flu Shot Events 

A free flu shot event, hosted by the Office of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Councilman Eric Dinowitz will be held on Oct. 13 and another sponsored by Congressman Adriano Espaillat on Oct. 14. Details are included in the attached flyers. For more information on why it it is important to get the flu shot, click here.

Bronx Bus Redesign Restarting

As reported, the final Bronx bus redesign plan, initiated in 2019 by New York City Transit (an agency of the MTA), is now available for review and comment by New Yorkers. The final plan can be read here: https://new.mta.info/bronxbusredesign, and comments can be submitted here: https://mta-nyc.custhelp.com/app/comments_bronxbus.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (A.D. 81) recently summarized the main elements of the plan, and how it may impact residents of the Northwest Bronx, with the main impact being the potential removal of 18 percent of existing bus stops, in order to speed up the service, and improve efficiency. Further information about these removals can be read here.

 

New YMCA Center

A new Northeast YMCA Center recently opened at 1250 229th Street in the Bronx. Some more details are in the attached flyer.

A Northeast YMCA Center recently opened at 1250 229th Street in the Bronx.
Image courtesy of the YMCA of Greater New York

 

Heat Season Commences

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced on Friday, Oct. 1, the beginning of New York City’s eight-month-long “heat season,” during which all residential building owners are required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when outdoor temperatures fall below 55 degrees during the day. Indoor temperatures must also be maintained at a minimum of 62 degrees overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. Building owners are legally required to provide hot water at 120 degrees year-round. To file a complaint, tenants can call 311, visit 311 online or use the app 311Mobile (on Android and iOS devices). Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Non-Hearing or Hard of Hearing at (212) 504-4115.

 

Free Online Career & College Prep for Teens

 

With I’RAISE Girls & Boys International Corporation, teens can explore careers, prepare for college, and enrich their academics in one of our FREE ONLINE programs taught by experienced professionals.
Image courtesy of I’RAISE Girls & Boys International

GoFundMe for Bronx Fruit Seller, Diana Hernández Cruz

On Thursday, Sept. 23, NYPD officers in collaboration with the Department of Sanitation confiscated the materials of longtime Bronx street vendor small business owner, Diana Hernández Cruz, and those of her colleagues. Diana has been a beloved vendor in the neighborhood for several years. Community members jumped to her defense, filming the incident and berating the officers for harming her livelihood, and throwing over $1,000 worth of fresh produce into the trash, while 1 in 5 Bronx families is food insecure. Anyone wishing to donate to support the impacted street vendors can access the GoFundMe page here.

 

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Study 

 

Free Training from NYC Department of Small Business Services

The NYC Department of Small Business Services is providing no-cost, online training to help business owners and employees in NYC. Click here for more information: http:// nyc.gov/trainingemployees. 

 

NYC Health Community Advisory Board

New York City Health and Hospitals is looking for volunteers to join its community advisory board (CAB). Volunteers are sought to represent their communities in voicing their healthcare concerns. CABs raise awareness about healthcare services, and advocate for the public healthcare system. Anyone interested in getting more information or scheduling an interview can email their name and contact information to Amir Abbady at abbadya@nychhc.org.

 

Public Library Service Restoration

As of July 6, The New York Public Library has reopened all available locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island (except those undergoing improvements or being used by the City). NYPL is offering nearly full service, including general library use and seating, unlimited browsing, laptop and computer access, and more. In-person programs and classes will also resume at some locations in July and expand over the coming months. Masks are still required for all persons in NYPL locations. Van Cortlandt Library has a number of initiatives on offer for young people. Check out their teen newsletter and more at https://www.nypl.org/locations/van-cortlandt.

 

Mosholu Library After-School Library 

As reported, Mosholu Library, located at 285 E 205^th Street, Bronx 10467, has announced a new after-school program. Click here for more information. Additionally, as reported, the library has announced that late fine fees are being waived and there are a host of other fall programs on offer.

Flyer for NYPL after school program.
Flyer courtesy of NYPL

 

Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC)

Black entrepreneurs face enormous barriers and are vastly underrepresented among New York City’s business owners. While the Black community currently makes up 22% of New York City’s population (1.9 million), just 3.5% of NYC businesses are owned by Black entrepreneurs. There is tremendous potential for more Black-owned businesses to start and grow. In September 2019, in partnership with community members, organizations, advocates, and leaders, Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC), was launched to help create equity of opportunity by advancing Black entrepreneurship. More information is available here.

 

The MTA is hiring bus operators between Sept. 20 and Nov. 30, 2021. The starting hourly rate is $23.84 to $25.49 and a competitive benefits package is offered. To apply, you must have had a motor vehicle driver license for at least three years, be valid in the State of New York, and must be either a Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) or a Permit, with a passenger endorsement and no airbrake or other disqualifying restrictions. Visit new.mta.info/careers for more information.

 

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, whose main office is located at 3450 Dekalb Ave, Bronx, NY 10467 in Norwood, is hiring. Check out the open positions at www.mmcc.org/open-positions/.

 

Snow season is coming. NYC Department of Sanitation is recruiting for paid emergency snow laborers to help clear snow from step streets, crosswalks and fire hydrants after winter storms at $15/hour. Applicants must make an appointment and be at least 18 years old. Details at nyc.gov/snow.

 

Bronx CB7 is also hiring a new community coordinator and a new intern. See attached flyer below about the intern for further details.

 

Bronx Community Board 7 is hiring an intern.
Image courtesy of Bronx Community Board 7

MTA Security Camera Expansion

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced on Monday, Sept. 13, that security cameras have been installed at all 472 subway stations across New York City. Cameras were deployed on Sept. 11 at the 472nd station, Broadway station, on the G line, and officials said thousands of cameras have since been deployed systemwide. The initiative to expand security camera coverage was accelerated last year by interim president of New York City Transit, Sarah Feinberg, who identified a new class of camera that could be deployed more quickly, and at much lower cost than traditional cameras. As a result, officials said 200 of the 472 subway stations in the system gained security camera coverage within the past year.

 

 

Woodlawn Restoration Project

 

Free HVAC Training Course

Building Skills NYC is offering a free, 3-month training program in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning). Flyer attached further below with more details.

 

 

5K Run/Walk/Roll to End Domestic Violence 

The Office of the Bronx District Attorney is holding the 4th Annual 5K run/walk/roll to end domestic violence on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., rain or shine. Flyer attached further below with more information.