Bronx News Network

West Farms Residents Get Free Home Makeovers

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Editor’s Note: This article was first published in the June edition of the Tremont Tribune, out now.Volunteers from Rebuilding Together NYC repair homes on Bronx Park Avenue and East 178th Street, part of the nonprofit’s “Neighborhood Rebuilding Day.” (Photo by F.G. Pinto)By FAUSTO GIOVANNY PINTOThey came in the early morning in droves brandishing tool belts, saws and a dumpster. Before most people were up they were busy hammering, painting, and repairing in an all-day extreme remodeling session.The volunteer handymen and women came to be part of Rebuilding Together NYC’s annual Neighborhood Rebuilding day, in which local homeowners received repairs at no cost. This was the first time the event was held in the Bronx.“We weren’t sure what we were getting into, but it’s exciting, it’s so much fun,” said Cristin McComell, 28, a service manager at Wells Fargo, as she painted a fresh coat of white paint on an old wall. Originally from California, McComell heard about the program through a community service leader at Wells Fargo.The event was held on East178th Street between Morris Park Avenue and Bronx Park Avenue. Rebuilding Together NYC sponsored the event in conjunction with Shawmut Design and Construction, Wells Fargo, and State Farm.

Bronx News Network

The Bronx Green Machine Goes 'Above and Beyond'

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The sweet smell of basil drifted down the hallways of Discovery High School in late May. Parents, teachers, and neighbors anxiously chased the scent down to classroom 279, where Steven Ritz and his science classes hosted a Farmers Market and Edible Plant Sale. At the event, guests were not only able to purchase a selection of fresh veggies, plants, and flowers, but also learn about the unique science curriculum Ritz has created. “This is my portable science lab,” Ritz explained. “Unlike software that gets outdated and textbooks which are expensive; this room is a constant learning resource.” Ritz says he started bringing plants into the classroom in order to give his students a hands on lesson.

Bronx News Network

Fight Over Worship at Schools Puts Bronx Church in Spotlight

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The Bronx Household of Faith has held services in PS/MS 15 for the past nine years.[Editor’s note: This story appears in the latest issue of the Norwood News, which hits local streets today. Just a quick warning: this story is long and easily could have been longer. I’m planning a follow-up post to tackle some of the angles we couldn’t fit into this original piece.]By Alex KratzWhen the leaders of Bronx Household of Faith, an evangelical Christian congregation based in University Heights, first approached the city, in 1994, about using its public schools to hold worship services, they didn’t think much of it. They certainly did not think they would find themselves, 17 years later, fighting for freedom of religion and speech as part of a back-and-forth legal case that could end up in front of the Supreme Court. “It’s taken on a life of its own,” said Bob Hall, Bronx Household of Faith’s head pastor.

Bronx News Network

Bronx News Roundup, June 14

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Morning, Bronxites! Your weather forecast for today calls for some cooler weather, with temperatures hanging around the low 60s, and a chance of rain this afternoon.Story of the Day: Getting Down to the Wire in AlbanyIt’s the last week of business for our state legislators before this year’s session ends on Monday and they adjourn until January-meaning just five more (business) days to tackle a number of high profile issues and turn some bills into law. As we wrote yesterday, a slew of Bronx representatives are pushing to pass stronger state rent laws before the week ends, including Assemblyman Jose Rivera, who was arrested during a lively protest outside Gov. Cuomo’s office.While the rent issue still lingers, the Senate and Assembly quickly passed an ethics reform bill yesterday. The Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011 will supposedly keep a closer eye on lawmakers and lobbyists for signs of corruption and conflicts of interest, establishing an independent ethics commission to keep watch over things, and requiring lawmakers to fully disclose sources of income.Other items still on the legislative agenda this week: a property tax cap and same-sex marriage. Bronx Sen. Ruben Diaz, Sr., is now the lone Democrat opposing gay marriage.

Bronx News Network

Bronx Borough Hall Greenmarket Reopens Today

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(file photo)The greenmarket at Bronx Borough Hall, at 161st Street and Grand Concourse alongside Joyce Kilmer Park, reopens today. It will return every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until December 27.The market features fruits and vegetables from Migliorelli Farm in Duchess County and Morgiewicz Produce in Orange County, as well as fresh baked goodies from Not Just Rugelach in Hudson County, NJ, and honey from Ballard’s Honey based in Delaware County, NY.Food Stamps/EBT payments are accepted.

Bronx News Network

Bronx Crime Watch

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Grand Ave. ShootingPolice are asking for help finding the gunman responsible for opening fire on a crowd last Friday night in Fordham Heights, injuring three people, including a 5-year-old boy.